The Eiffel Tower, Monet’s garden, and the D-Day landing beaches are some iconic touchstones of our cruise down the Seine River from Aug. 23-30, 2022.

After settling into the Avalon Tapestry II, our luxurious floating hotel, will float through the middle of Paris on its way north.

The following morning features a guided tour through the serene gardens of Giverny, master impressionist Claude Monet’s home and inspiration. Later, we’ll hike to Chateau Gaillard, the historic home of Richard the Lionhearted.

The Normandy Abbeys Route of 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and seaside town of Honfleur provide for a picturesque and historical day.

Next, it’s on to the D-Day landing beaches, site of one of the most heroic, sacrificial, and consequential acts in history.

In Rouen, we will visit the site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom, the medieval quarter, 16th Century Astronomical Clock, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

We will walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparter and Louis XIV in Conflans or take a guided tour of the Palace of Versailes.

On our return to Paris, we take a guided walk through Plais-Royal, Louvre, Left Bank, Latin Quarter and other icons. Then experience the City of Light fully illuminated.

Our special Expedia price for this 8-day adventure is $4,354 per person. This price includes a Panoramic Suite; fresh gourmet meals; daily excursions; wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; and prepaid gratuities. Flights and pre/post extensions are additional.

Dear Fellow Traveler,

As rays of light pierce the cloudy sky, it’s looking like life will begin to normalize in 2021. And I begin sharing a regular message to keep you informed about changes affecting your future travels.

As you have been grounded, the travel industry has been through a Category 4 hurricane, so expect gradual and uneven recovery. First, as innovations enable safe travel with Covid-19. And later, the post -Covid world.

Hotels operate with touch-less check in and limited services. Airlines will continue to experiment with virus-fighting tactics like empty middle seats. Cruise ships will return with lower capacity and no self-serve buffets. Distancing, masks, upgraded air filtration, and increased sanitization will all be part of a mix that will evolve with the trajectory of the virus.

A negative Covid-19 test will likely be required to board ships, cross borders, and take flights. The idea of requiring vaccination also is being discussed but appears less likely for a variety of reasons.

As this evolves, our Expedia Cruises team will continue to monitor how the ever-changing landscape affects your desires and plans. After spending months in the eye of the storm, we are thrilled to navigate the recovery. The pandemic has been brutal for family-owned small businesses like ours while it has been extremely frustrating for travelers who saw trips canceled and policies disorienting as travel suppliers improvised.

Our intense focus on the ever-changing travel landscape will provide information to help you get back out there. You must understand the changing details in a way that can only be provided by a personal travel advisor. We will keep you up to date on changing protocols as well as the best deals. Our small business can recover only with the support of avid travelers like you. For all of us, we plan to put the joy back in travel

Each of my monthly emails will contain a variety of ideas for future travel, whether you are ready to go soon or want to wait a while.

Staying in the Bubble

There has been a lot of talk about bubbles. MSC created one on cruises they managed for much of 2020. Only people with negative tests were allowed on board. Those who left the ship at ports of call were required to stay with a vetted, MSC-managed shore excursion. It worked – dozens of cruise without a case of Covid-19. In the short-term, we expect many cruise lines to adopt similar strategies, which will likely be relaxed as the virus subsides.

But you also have ways to create a much smaller bubble.

Vacation rentals: The brightest spot for our parent company, Expedia, in 2020 was Vrbo, our vacation rentals business. Many travelers saw private rentals as a comfortable way to socially distance. Please know that Vrbo offers a high degree of vetting for properties listed. In addition to Vrbo, we also work with a vacation rentals operator that deals in higher-end professionally managed properties. So be sure to talk to us when you are interested in a vacation rental.

Yacht rentals: Did you know that you can rent a yacht, captained and crewed or not, at a price similar to a luxury cruise? Get a group of friends together to privately explore such iconic destinations as the British Virgin Islands, French Polynesia and the Greek Isles. Experienced boaters can qualify to pilot their vessel. But the real magic happens when you add a captain who is a local expert in finding those hidden coves and a chef who provides gourmet meals and washes the dishes.

Private tours: The major tour companies always have offered private tours if your group is big enough, like the 33 people who traveled with Susan and me to Israel. But now, they are offering affordable private tours for much smaller groups. So you you have just a few friends who want to travel together, we can put together a private tour just about anywhere, from the national parks to the hill towns of Tuscany.

Custom Hosted Discoveries

Our hosted trips always provide immersive travel, excellent guidance and the joy of exploring with like-minded travelers. “Amazing locations, incredible experiences, new friendships – all of the ingredients of a truly memorable trip!” is how John summed up our 2019 Israel/Jordan tour. Here are some things our team has cooking going forward:

France River Cruise For Wine Lovers

Cruise along two scenic French rivers on a palate-pleasing adventure with distinctive wine tastings, impressive architecture and traces of Van Gogh. Uncover the Roman History of Chalon-sur-Saone and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey. Visit French Chateaux, taste your way through the culinary capital of Lyon and discover the essence of these idyllic destinations. Special wine cruise features include special tours and tastings at local wineries, onboard wine pairings with award-winning cuisine, and expert commentary by Jason McClain of McClain Vineyards. Daily shore excursions, gourmet meals and wine and beer with lunch and dinner are included in thsi Ama Waterways cruise.

Amacello Aug. 15-22, 2021. From $3,599 per person

Experience Breathtaking New Zealand

Join Chris and Susan Meyer and the Joyful Travelers on the beautiful Celebrity Eclipse as we float through the breathtaking fjords and charming cities of New Zealand before landing for a four-day exploration of Sydney, Australia, and its environs. Today native Maori culture and British customs offer a fascinating blend in the shadow of the majestic Southern Alps. In Sydney, there will be exploration of Harbour Bridge, the iconic Opera House, The Rocks, and Bondi Beach as well as visits with Australia’s native marsupials: kangaroos and koalas. The Eclipse is a beautiful floating destination itself with its variety of gourmet restaurants, ice-topped martini bar, fully-equipped ocean-view gym, and Lawn Club up top featuring real grass for bocce, croquet or lounging in the sun. Price includes open bar, free prepaid gratuities, internet and $100 onboard credit. And what can we say about the Joyful Travelers? We dare you to find someone who has more fun than this crowd.

March 15-26, 2022. From $1,899 per person plus $210 tax.

Paris, Monet, Normandy and Wine

Join Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards on France’s Seine River. Visit the City of Light, Monet’s Garden, and the D Day landing beaches while indulging in great Kelsey wine and cider as well as vintages created on the way. Special tours and tastings at local wineries. Onboard wine pairings with award-winning cuisine led by experts from Kelsey See Canyon of Avila Beach, California.

AmaDante April 4-11, 2022. From $2,849 per person.

Transatlantic Cruise with an Irish twist

Talk about the best of both worlds! This cruise from New York to London has just the right blend of relaxing sea days and intensive land explorations. And it’s on Norwegian Getaway, a beautiful floating destination itself with 26 restaurants, nonstop entertainment plus a full gym and spa. Yes, we’re planning ahead for this April 28-May 8, 2022 itinerary. But, hey, we’re vacation starved and the Expedia deal is stellar: $2,400 per person for a balcony cabin including open bar, specialty dining, internet, taxes and $300 onboard credit. For 14 days! You can reserve your spot for a $250 refundable deposit. Call (949) 201-4246. If you’re a carnivore, be sure to book a night at Cagney’s for one of the best steaks anywhere.

April 24 – May 8, 2022. Balconies from $1,755 per person.

Captivating Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Experience the deep-rooted Christmas traditions of Europe at its most festive time of the year. Join Pam and Dave Warfe for this wonderful cruise through the Christmas markets of Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. From Switzerland’s glitzy cities, Lucerne and Zurich,, to the iconic canals of Amsterdam, get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to timeless Christmas markets. Warm up with a steamy gluhwein in front of Colonge’s cathedral. Let the Capital of Noel, France’s oldest Christmas market in Strassbourg captivate you. Meander the historic squares of Old Town Heidelberg.

December 13-20, 2022. XXX

Spain, Portugal., Bermuda and Atlantic crossing

This unique itinerary visits multiple Spanish ports before stopping in Lisbon and Portugal’s remote Azores. Then it is on to Bermuda and New York. The vessel is the striking Norwegian Bliss, a floating destination in its own right with 27 restaurants and bars – including a replica of Liverpool’s Cavern Club occupied by excellent Beatles tribute bands.

Talk about the best of both worlds! This cruise from New York to London has just the right blend of relaxing sea days and intensive land explorations. And it’s on Norwegian Getaway, a beautiful floating destination itself with 26 restaurants, nonstop entertainment plus a full gym and spa. Yes, we’re planning ahead for this April 28-May 2, 2022 itinerary. But, hey, we’re vacation starved and the Expedia deal is stellar: $2,600 per person for a balcony cabin including open bar, specialty dining, internet, taxes and $300 onboard credit. For 14 days! You can reserve your spot for a $250 refundable deposit. Call (949) 201-4246. If you’re a carnivore, be sure to book a night at Cagney’s for one of the best steaks anywhere.

New York: We love this itinerary for a Transatlantic. It gets of to a stunning start as the ship embarks from Midtown Manhattan and cruises down the Hudson River past the Freedom Tower and Statue of Liberty. Since we’ll be flying east the day before, it will be great to book a hotel near Times Square and take a walk around Central Park or visit the 9/11 Memorial before heading to the ship.

Halifax, Nova Scotia: Our first dose of Celtic heritage will be on this side of the pond in the Canadian Maritime Province of Nova Scotia (New Scotland). Admire the rugged coastline that surrounds Halifax, the world’s second-largest natural harbor. This beautifully preserved city is Nova Scotia’s capital and was founded in 1749. Take steps through history and climb to The Citadel to witness the Old Town Clock. Close at hand is the Halifax Waterfront and the renowned Atlantic Maritime Museum. Further afield is charming Peggy’s Cove and breathtaking countryside.

Belfast, Northern Ireland: After crossing the Atlantic, the first stop is Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland and gateway to the Giant’s Causeway natural wonder. Exploring Belfast is a treat for urban fans. The city is rife with trendy cafés, restaurants, and nightlife yet it also boasts a lovely historical district. While the city is packed with things to do, rural landscapes are within a short reach.

Dublin, Ireland: The itinerary leaves plenty of time to see Dublin’s sights and visit the pubs as the ship does not depart until 11:59 pm. Explore the Dubliana exhibit to see Dublin life from 1170 to 1540. Ireland’s thriving yet elegant capital sits at the mouth of the River Liffey. Visit a castle. Take a walking tour. Shop O’Connell Street. Have a pint at the Guinness Brewery.

Liverpool, England: Located in northwest England, Liverpool is a bustling maritime city. Dating back to the 13th century, Liverpool boasts some of the country’s best museums and galleries and a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to a well-known symphony orchestra and two world-class professional football (soccer) teams. And of course, every Beatles fan knows Liverpool as the hometown of the world-famous band.

Cork, Ireland: Ireland’s third largest city is a wonderful walking city built on the River Lee. Visit St. Finn Barre’s Cathedral, a wonderful, triple-spired example of French-gothic architecture, and spend some time in The Old Gaol, where original 19th century cells tell some fascinating tales.

Portland, England: Located along the English Channel, Portland is divided into two areas: north and south. The south end is where extensive stone quarries lie, a resource important to the region. Unique to the city is the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, which hosts world sailing championships.

Le Harve, France: Hop on a tour bus to the City of Light to experience the magic of Paris. Stroll down the Champs-Elysées as you nibble on a croissant. Take photos of beautiful Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Montmartre and all the other iconic places of Paris lie 120 miles up the Seine from the port of Le Havre. Or explore the charms of Le Havre, spend the day at Monet’s Giverny or explore Rouen’s Old Market Place, where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431.

Southampton, England: Protected from the frequent storms of the English Channel by the Isle of Wight, Southampton has survived a turbulent history to serve as a principal port of the United Kingdom today. Pay homage to one of the most famous ships to sail these shores at the Mayflower Memorial. Visit the stoic walls of Bargate and the Tudor House Museum. Beyond Southampton, myriad options exist. You can head directly to London or take in Bath, Stonehenge or other southern England sights. Or head up north to Wales and Scotland.

Walking through history on Boston’s Freedom Trail. Tracing the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Circumnavigating the idyllic island of Bora Bora on Sea-Doos. Kayaking in the Baltic Sea. Bicycling through Berlin. So many wonderful experiences in places beginning with B. How blessed we are to have experienced them. So here is my second installment in alphabetical travel.

Bora Bora

Decades before arriving in this paradise, I had pictured its idyllic lagoon and mountains from James Michener’s description in the novel “Hawaii.” The real thing lived up to my high expectations. Bora Bora stood out, even in the company of seven stunning South Pacific islands we visited on our Paul Gauguin cruise.  Circumnavigating the island via Wave Runner was the most epic experience of an adventure of epic experiences. Our snorkeling guide was a true Polynesian character and the waters were oh-so clear and warm. Our time on a private motu (islet) rising on the reef that protects the lagoon was a privileged private paradise. Even our night out at Bloody Mary’s was great fun despite some pricey commercialization. If you’re like me, this is the image of a South Seas paradise in your head.

Bethlehem

The birthplace of Christ is utterly fascinating. An Arab town revered for Christian history in a Jewish nation. But it’s even more complicated as our Jewish tour guide was not allowed to accompany us as this area is governed by the Palestinian Authority. The City of David does not appear as prosperous as communities on the Israeli side of the border. The area around the Church of the Nativity is clearly where the tourism funds flow. A huge parking structure complete with fast food joints looks out of place. The Stars and Bucks coffee shop makes its target market clear. All this means that whatever the ebb and flow of local tensions, Bethlehem remains peaceful and welcoming. These days, there is room at the inn.

Boston

This city is not only a wonderful destination in its own right but serves as a great hub for the exploration of New England. First, our hotel was a standout. Marriott’s Custom House was once the city’s actual customs processing center and tallest building. Its colonial feel sets a perfect theme, and the location can’t be beaten – at the second subway stop from the airport, on the Freedom Trail of historical sites, across the street from historic Faniel Hall and a couple blocks from the harbor. So we were able to walk the Freedom Trail, to The Old North Church for Easter Service, Little Italy, and the USS Constitution ship museum. We took the subway to Harvard and the JFK Library at the University of Massachusetts. We rented a car for just the end of the week, driving to the Plymouth Plantation; Newport, Rhode Island; Lexington and Concord; New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and Portland, Maine. You can pack a ton of Americana into a week with Beantown as your hub.

British Columbia

A vast and varied Canadian Province with so much to explore. I have visited multiple times, but still only scratched the surface. It takes an entire day for a cruise ship from Vancouver, BC’s big city in the south, to Alaska. It is a lovely day of striking scenery and wildlife, providing a beautiful overview of the province’s vast wilderness. What treats must await for those who go ashore in the wilds of this province.

Vancouver is a magnificent city. I especially love the waterfront facing north. And, of course, Stanley Park, a truly great urban park.  Victoria was my first foreign experience (other than Baja California). A friend had married in Seattle and the wedding party took the ferry to Victoria. That was in the early 1980s, when US citizens could travel to Mexico and Canda without passports. Let’s face it, Canada does not really feel very foreign to an American, but Victoria does have a definite British vibe.

A future trip swirling in my brain combines the San Juan Islands on the U.S. side of the border and a road trip north of Victoria on Vancouver Island. The natural beauty should be exceptional.

Berlin

One of the most fascinating places ever, and absolutely a must-see. So free and easy on our bike tour. So much dark history along the way. For much of my life, I accepted the Wall as a permanent fixture. Then I watched on TV as it came down. By the time I got there the wall had been down longer than it had been up. But remnants remain,  including guard towers once staffed by soldiers with machine guns trained to shoot escapees. Today, amid the bustle of the modern city, they seem almost quaint. Berlin’s Holocaust memorial is a sobering and contemplative must while Checkpoint Charlie, once a key gateway between East and West, is kitschy with it’s faux American and Soviet soldiers at the ready to take a picture with you – for a price – while KFC and McDonald’s signs loom as if to emphasize who won. Despite its past, modern Berlin has an air of freedom. And plenty of places to grab your favorite beer or wurst, In Tiergarten, the city’s sprawling leafy park, our guide pointed out some white-skinned locals sunbathing in the nude. “There is a different kind of German sausage.”

Budapest

The twin cities of Buda and Pest made a fascinating finale of our wonderful Danube river cruise. After a busy day to triumphant Heroes Square, the iconic castle, Grand Market, and the sobering shoe monument (bronzed shoes of Jews forced to jump into the river to their deaths), our captain took the riverboat for a nighttime lap around the river, a jaw-dropping illumination tour. River cruises are an awesome way to experience Europe and Budapest is an apt exclamation point.

Beijing

There is no doubt you’re in a foreign land. We visited in 2007, in the midst of a building frenzy leading up to the 2008 Olympics. Cranes were ubiquitous, unusually designed high rises plentiful, and the in-process Bird’s Nest Stadium rose over the landscape. It was quite striking even if heavy smog diminished the view.

We were part of a university program and fortunate to have special guidance from a Taiwanese cohort. And so our visits to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square (where Col Sanders’ giant portrait is arguably more prominent than Chairman Mao’s) had special inside touches. Delving into Chinese history definitely helps one understand why a revolution came.

We did have to split up to go to the famous bun restaurant. After our delicious dinner, we were instructed to show our cab driver stationary from our Crown Plaza Hotel. He nodded at the logo and we thought all was well. But the landscape began to look unfamiliar and we started to get nervous. When we pulled into the parking lot of a Crown Plaza that was not our Crown Plaza, we began shaking our heads and said, ” No, no.” The driver pointed to the logo on the paper we gave him and on the hotel. We said, “Wrong one.” He did not fully understand, except that he became agitated. He began yelling angrily into his phone while driving to what we perceived as a sketchy industrial area.  He pulled to the side of the road next to another taxi and shooed us out of his. The new taxi driver spoke English and explained that the other driver was new, didn’t yet know Beijing, and didn’t speak English. he said his anger was directed at himself, at his frustration in not successfully handling the fare.

Belize

From tubing through pitch-black jungle tunnels to snorkeling off the world’s second-largest barrier reef, this tiny country really is UNBELIZEABLE.  Goff Caye, a tiny island at reef’s edge, is a tiny spit of paradise near our snorkeling spot. It is one of those places to which I would like to return for days rather than hours.

Baltic Sea

Our cruise around the Baltic Sea enabled us to explore several great cities: Copenhagen, Warnemunde, Tallin, St. Petersburg, and Stockholm. In Helsinki, we skimped on the cultural exploration to kayak in the Baltic Sea. Finland’s archipelago of islands did not disappoint.

Barcelona

You might think this magnificent city is in Spain. It also is in Catalonia, a semi-autonomous region of simmering separatist impulses. Signs tend to be in three languages – Catalon, Spanish, and English.  You will notice that Catalon and Spanish are quite close. Barcelona is known for its ancient Gothic Quarter and modernist Gaudi’s icecream architecture. So the Gothic Cathedral sits staid while cranes frame Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Cathedral, forever under construction long after its designer’s passing. Barcelona’s Las Ramblas pedestrian thoroughfare is a people-watchers’  delight. But hold onto your wallet. Pickpockets and marijuana street sellers tend to be active as visitors watch the mimes. It’s great fun to wander the markets and taste tapas. But if you show up at a restaurant before 10, you will give up your American identity before uttering a syllable. As the locals get started late by our standards

Big Sur

This stretch of rugged central California coastline is one of the most scenic on earth, with soaring cliffs rising from the surf, redwoods, and pines beautifully shading the scene. The twists and turns of the drive along Coast Highway are not for the faint of heart. There are interesting places to stay from rustic campgrounds to treehouses and zen-style resorts.

 

 

The revolutionary new ship Ama Magna combines the immersive river cruise experience with attributes otherwise found only on ocean cruises. As Europe’s largest riverboat, Magna also offers the full expression of its parent company’s wellness focus. 

On Magna, you can vacation without vacating your fitness regimen. In fact, you can conveniently start a fitness program with a respectable gym, river-view treadmills and spin cycles, daily yoga, health-conscious menus, and group fitness programs, bicycles available to check out, and high-intensity shore excursions enabling you to elevate your heart rate while exploring.  

Magna was custom built for a stretch of the Danube River with wider locks than elsewhere in Europe. The vessel is twice the size of the typical river cruise ship with only 20% more passengers. Capacity is 196. That means larger staterooms, multiple restaurants, a water sports dock off the back, and a fully developed wellness program that is the passion of co-owner and vice president Kristin Karst. 

“We are passionate advocates of living a healthy lifestyle, and we are always looking for new ways to enhance our wellness offerings that guests can enjoy while discovering the scenic landscapes and picturesque towns along Europe’s most iconic rivers,” said Karst. “Since introducing complimentary bicycles onboard in 2006, we have been leading the way in active river cruising.” 

Magna guests are delivered to the doorsteps of Budapest, Hungary; Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovenia; and Passau, Germany, needing to unpack only once, as with other river cruises. But they can enjoy a wider menu of activities along with extra elbow room on the ship. 

A significant portion of that extra space is devoted to a legitimate fitness center with river-view treadmills and outside spin cycles. Yoga and fitness activities are regular parts of the itineraries. 

Dining is a highlight of all cruises. Ama means to make it tasty and healthy…on Magna and throughout its fleet. 

Healthy food options are part of all menus. There always are gluten-free, low-sodium and vegetarian choices. There are also selections like vitamin shots and freshly baked whole grain breads at breakfast and hydration stations with infused citrus and gemstone water.

While it’s easy to over-indulge on a vacation, Ama intentionally offers guests opportunities to practice their fitness regimens or launch new positive habits while vacationing. 

To be fair, a greater fitness focus is not unique. Every cruise line is offering more healthy menu choices, fitness classes have become a regular part of many itineraries, and some ocean cruise gyms resemble 24-hour fitness –  but with a view. Ama has given it particular focus. 

REVOLUTIONARY SHIP

Ralph Grizzle, author of The Avid Cruiser blog, says the Ama Magna experience is “very much akin to small ship ocean cruising… easily one of the best river cruises in Europe, if not the world.”

Other professional reviewers and those on TripAdvisor also are giving Ama Magna kudos.

“It’s all about the amazing use of space,” said Expedia Franchise Partner Elliot Finkleman of Ottawa, Canada.  “Our room had more storage than most ocean ships. The decor is what you might expect from a hip, modern condo. It’s hard to find a flaw. The bathroom is practical and stunning. My wife Louise loved the lighting and mirrors.” 

The roomier public areas allow guests to break from the pack and also make the ship accommodating for groups and families. The extra space and additional choice take the travel industry’s fastest growing niche up a notch…or two. 

After-dinner activities on the typical riverboat can be enjoyable but quite limited. Often the choice is listening to the piano player in the lounge or going on top, weather permitting, and gazing at a beautiful sunset as you float along. 

There are no Broadway shows or wee hours parties as they are not part of the river cruise experience, which rests on full days of exploring, which in itself accumulates thousands of steps on guests’ apps. But Magna’s extra space facilitates more choice. 

Lock constraints prevent Magna or a ship like it from navigating most of Europe’s rivers. But if you want to experience the fairytale stretch between Passua and Budapest, this is your best bet. 

 

To learn more about Ama Magna and the ports it visits, join us at 6 p.m. Jan. 9 at 23866 Aliso Creek Road, Laguna Niguel. As space is limited, please RSVP by calling (949) 273-5444. 

The Joyful Travelers is a group of adventurous, curious and fun-loving travelers that has coalesced since Chris and Susan Meyer opened their Expedia travel agency in 2012. A brief history:

2012 – The seeds were planted when Chris and Susan joined Mike and Cathy Reed on a 4-day trek through Yosemite National Park’s High Sierra Camps and experienced the joy of group travel.

2015 – The group grew to nine when the Meyers and Reeds decided to explore French Polynesia and the Cook Islands on the Paul Gauguin, a small ship that anchors in the lagoons of Bora Bora and Moorea. We told some friends what we were planning and a few joined us. Among the many highlights were fantastic food and wine, circumnavigating Bora Bora on Waverunners, the crew’s extraordinary hospitality, the Gauguin’s private island, and the infectious comradery of the group.

2017 – The group grew to 22 when Chris and Susan told friends they were taking a Viking River Cruise. This struck a chord as  Viking’s marketing had created awareness and interest, but friends going led people to pull the trigger. We explored Berlin and Prague before embarking on a 7-day Danube River cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest. Highlights included a bike tour of Berlin, the sumptuous Taste of Prague walking tour, picturesque Passau, and enjoying sunsets together on the top of the ship while floating down the river. We even went to a classical concert in Vienna because, if you’re going to listen to classical music, Vienna seems like the  place to do it. We acquired our name from Cruise Director Anthony, who wrote Chris this note: “Thank you for bringing aboard a group of such joyful travelers.” Yes, it is apparent that we are having fun as we do laugh a lot!

2018 – Ten of us ventured into the Baltic Sea after a couple of days in Copenhagen. Highlights included two days touring St. Petersburg, kayaking outside of Helsinki, exploring fascinating Copenhagen and our floating destination, Norwegian Breakaway with it’s 27 restaurants, super-fun martini bar and talented dueling pianists

 

2019 – We ballooned to 33 with Israel and Jordan as bucket-list destinations for so many. Highlights included a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and dancing Heve Negila, several members baptized in the Jordan River, singing “Amazing Grace” in  a Jerusalem church with spectacular acoustics, celebrating communion at the Garden Tomb, floating in the Dead Sea, and taking the obligatory tourist photos aboard camels in front of Petra’s amazing Treasury.

The group has grown to include friends from childhood, college, and past careers. Also friends of friends who have become friends.

The Pandemic significantly disrupted our travel plans, but factions of the group continued to gather for socially-distanced backyard happy hours and parties celebrating Christmas and St. Parick’s Day. 

Future

 

August 2022 – Paris and Normandy river cruise. We’ll experience the City of Light, Monet’s Garden, the Normandy landing beaches, and other fascinating French places.

September 2022 – Immersive Greek Isles cruise. We’ll visit the hot spots as well as islands you may not have heard of.

January 2023 – New Zealand (Auckland to Sydney) – We have planned a wonderful cruise from Auckland, New Zealand to Sydney, Australia to on the beautiful Celebrity Eclipse. After landing in Sydney, we have an optional four day land extension there. 

May 2023 – Lake Como and the Rhine River – Originally planned for 2020, we have decided that Covid-19 can delay this epic adventure, but not kill it. This 13-day killer  itinerary starts by Milan, Italy. We spend three days on Lake Como before traveling across the Alps to Basel, Switzerand for a seven-day cruise down the Rhine River before finishing with two days in Amesterdam, Netherlands. 

Fall 2023 and beyond.

Here are some trips we are contemplating for the years ahead. These will crystalize around preferences of group members. 

• Canada/New England cruise between Boston and Montreal.
• Intensive journey through South Africa, including Cape Town, safaris, and Victoria Falls.
• Great Lakes cruise between Chicago and Toronto including Niagra Falls and Makinac Island
• Cruise around Spain and Portugal including Casablanca, Morocco and the Canary Islands.
• Puget Sound cruise out of Seattle incluing San Juan Islands and Olympic Penninsula.
• British Isles cruise. 
• Mekong River cruise through Cambodia and Vietnam with an extension in Bangkok, Thailand.
• Cruise around Japan.

In the words for the Joyful Travelers and other Expedia Cruises customers:

“It’s the people that make a difference, and these folks are exceptional, enriched our lives a bunch!” – Don.

“It was an unforgettable trip of a lifetime!!! Such a great group of people!!!” – Colleen

“Great memories and even greater people! I’ll never forget raising the American flag on the Sea of Galilee!” – Lori

“That trip was one of our most memorable vacations. Thanks again for shepherding us through this rich experience.” -Craig

“It was amazing! Even better than I thought it would be! Great times! Spiritual growth, new relationships and strengthening long-time ones as well!” -Kim

“It was such a great experience on so many levels.” -Jane

“Such a wonderful trip with great memories and even better people!” -John

“Best trip and best group ever.” – Mike

“Many groups just listen to my comentary with little interaction. You guys ask a lot of questions. You all are very curious.” – Israeli tour guide Ori

“The cruising industry is exploding with a wide variety of pricing information!! So many emails, brochures, and websites to research that it is impossible to understand the best choice. Chris identifies your criteria,  listens to your wish list, and finds the best cruise at the best price. Simple. Efficient. Effective.” -Cheryl

“Expedia Cruises service is personal and thorough.  They are know the cruise business and pay attention to detail. They’ll search the ship for just the right cabin. They have also do an excellent job securing on-board credits .  My wife and I booked a cruise through the Panama Canal and the crew at Expedia Cruises got us $700 in credits.” -Tom 

“My ‘Irish twin’ sister (11 months older), her husband, my wife and I just returned from a two plus week trip to Scotland and Ireland.  Chris and his team put together the perfect package that included the basics – plane fare, rental car, ferries, hotels, and B&B vouchers.  The secret sauce was the way he helped us map out the trip so that each of us could fit in our individual different must see/do places. He gave us the confidence to build our own trip and know that we were getting the best possible prices.  I enjoyed the most our two-day stay on Isle of Islay and the tour of Laphroaig distillery. I added a third week for me to travel alone to Northern Ireland to investigate my family roots dating back to my fourth great grandfather’s wedding in 1817.” – Dan

“I’m a computer scientist, but I got confused searching the Internet for my honeymoon in Hawaii. My fiance and I wanted a low-key, authentic spot, but it was impossible to determine which resorts would deliver the qualities we sought. When I visited this Expedia office, they listened and recommended resorts on Maui and Kauai that staff members had personal experience with. Not only were these exactly what we were looking for, they also gave us great recommendations for farmers markets, restaurants and activities – plus a gift card to a popular Hawaiian restaurant group.” -Andrew

Want to explore with the Joyful Travelers? Be prepared to enjoy the destination as well as the people you travel with. We are fun-loving, curious and optimistic. We like to put a unique twist on popular itineraries.  If something unexpected happens (such as a 24-hour flight delay), we grin and bear it and power through.

 

March 2021 became impossible, so the Joyful Travelers pivoted to March 2022 for their New Zealand/Australia adventure to fjords, rainforests and striking scenery Downunder. The 11-day Auckland to Sydney cruise aboard beautiful Celebrity Eclipse will be all New Zealand until a stop in Eden, Australia before terminating in Sydney, where we will be organizing an optional extension exploring the city and nearby Blue Mountains.

March is the Southern Hemisphere’s September, an exceptional time to explore the area.

Current Expedia group pricing for a lead-in balcony stateroom is $2,679 per person including taxes and port charges. We also can price suites, premium balconies, inside and ocean-view staterooms.

All staterooms come with the classic beverage package, prepaid gratuities, and wifi.  Suites have additional benefits including unlimited access to the suites-only restaurant and other specialty restaurants; the premium beverage package; and the suites-only area on the ship.

The Solstice is a beautiful ship with great food, excellent specialty restaurants, a super-fun ice-topped Martini Bar, full-service spa, well-equipped oceanview gym, unique real lawn on top (croquet or bocce anyone?), lots of entertainment, and plenty of nooks and crannies to hang out.

Flights and shore excursions, which are not included in the price, will be worked out closer to embarkation. For now, we are locking in pricing with  $450 per person deposits, refundable until December 2021. At each port of call, we will organize group excursions. You will be able to join those, purchase separate excursions, or explore on your own.

ITINERARY

Tuesday, March 15: Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand’s largest city offers breathtaking views and more than 1,000 bays and beaches. There are two fine harbors separated by a high steep ridge – the city actually spreads over a number of extinct volcanic cones, affording fantastic views from their slopes. Shop the colorful Victorian Park Market, or the charming boutiques of Parnell Village. Explore museums brimming with Maori artifacts, or enjoy the natural beauty of the city, from English-style rose gardens to extinct volcanic sites.

Wednesday, March 16: Tauranga, New Zealand

Explore this chic North Island coastal town and discover the land of the Māori. Tauranga’s white sand beaches offer something for everyone. Relax and sunbathe on one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and popular coasts. Take a dip in the ocean or immerse yourself in a lush waterfall swimming hole. Watch dolphins frolic in the waves or swim with these lovable creatures. Learn to sail, try surfing, take a diving lesson, refine your fishing technique, tee up at a golf course, or stroll The Strand where you can enjoy cafés and a vibrant nightlife. Journey to charming waterfalls or board one of the many eco-cruises available in the Bay of Plenty. Sometimes called the New Zealand Riviera, downtown Tauranga offers galleries, shops, history, and a vibrant café and restaurant scene. The culinary culture brings together innovative chefs working in diverse traditions.  

Thursday, March 17: At Sea

Sea days on the Eclipse can be as relaxed or active as you desire. Whatever you choose to do, ocean views and breezes will always be present. Gaze at the sea while working out in the gym or chill by one of the swimming pools. Play a game of bocce at the Lawn Club or a game of chance in the casino. Book a treatment in the spa or just kick back on your private balcony with a good book.

Friday, March 18: Napier, New Zealand

Street after street of stunning and beautifully-restored Art Deco buildings have made Napier famous as one of the most complete collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. In 1931 a massive earthquake rocked Hawke’s Bay for more than three minutes, killing nearly 260 and destroying the commercial centre of Napier. Rebuilding began almost immediately, and new buildings reflected the architectural styles of the times – Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco. Napier is often referred to as a 1930s film set.

Saturday, March 19: Picton, New Zealand

A charming seaside town at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton was settled by early 19th century whalers. Today, it is a bustling seaport surrounded by award-winning restaurants, delightful local art galleries, water sports’ activities plus beautiful, challenging nature trails. Take an adventurous hike along the famous Queen Charlotte track and experience the photogenic flora and unique fauna of New Zealand. Since the climate of Picton is always temperate, at any season, you can take in stunning coastal views, mystical waterfalls and diverse wildlife.

Sunday, March 20: Christchurch, New Zealand

With its miles of parks and tranquil gardens, striking Gothic architecture, and meandering River Avon, Christchurch is resplendent with English style and charm. Bustling Cathedral Square is the heart of the city, dominated by the spired Christchurch Cathedral. Throughout the ‘Garden City’, carefully tended streets and parks are ablaze with the color of classic English landscaping and botanical gardens.

Monday, March 21: Dundein, New Zealand

Panoramic views of twisting Otago Harbour await you in Dunedin, a Victorian enclave in the South Pacific. Steeped in history, the city has maintained the Scottish character of its founders, and has a rugged shoreline to match. The tranquility of the past is everywhere, from the oft mist-draped tower of Larnach Castle to the ancient English oaks of Glenfalloch Gardens.

Tuesday, March 22: Cruising New Zealand’s Dusky Sound, Doubtful Fjord, Milford Sound

Keep your eyes peeled as the Eclipse carries you to some of the more remote and striking landscapes on Earth.

Wednesday, March Sun, Mar 23: Cruising the Tasman Sea

Thursday, March 24 : Cruising the Tasman Sea

Friday, March 25, Eden, Australia

Saturday, March 26:  Sydney, Australia

After disembarking Eclipse and checking into a hotel in the central Rocks district, we begin a four-day exploration of Sydney and its environs. The Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach will be among the Sydney icons to visit. In the nearby Blue Mountains, we will encounter Australia’s unique marsupial kangaroos and koalas.

By Chris Meyer

Several ingredients make up a successful adventure:

• Fascinating destinations.
• Efficient logistics.
• Congenial fellow travelers.
• Insightful interpretation.

We struck gold on all counts on our Cosmos tour of Israel and Jordan.

INSIGHTFUL CONTEXT

Ori Katzir delivered insightful context for familiar Biblical accounts with expert storytelling and pacing.

Why was Pilate in Jerusalem at Passover and not it luxurious Ceasarea, which we had visited earlier? To make sure he got is cut of the money changing hands at this busy time, the same money changing that incensed Jesus because it was occurring in a holy place.

Why did certain Jewish leaders want to get rid of Jesus? He threatened their comfortable, corrupt lifestyle.

Throughout our tour, as we marveled at walking in the footsteps of Jesus, Ori provided perspective that helped historical scenes come alive:

• Jesus delivering his Sermon on the Mount and offering hope to throngs of people trying to live good lives in an unfair and corrupt world.
• Jesus and his disciples gathered in Capernaum, where they could view potentially threatening activity in Tiberius across the Sea of Galilee.
• Boating on a peaceful Sea of Galilee and learning about how storms sometimes rise out of nowhere.
• A tortured and exhausted Jesus struggling to carry his cross.
• Fearless disciples proclaiming the Resurrection and facing persecution.

CONNECTING THE DOTS

Ori also fluently connected dots. Jesus and the Messiah prophecies. John’s baptism and the many archeological mitzvah baths Jews used for symbolic spiritual cleansing. The 27 destructions of strategically located Tel Megiddo and the description of Armageddon the Book of Revelation. After exploring Jerusalem’s Old City, Ori pointed out key sites on the wonerful scale model of First Century Jerusalem at the Israel Museum.

Ori – a historian, journalist and former government official – also provided expert commentary on the emergence of modern Israel and complexities of today’s political situation.

A poignant example is the fact that Ori, an Israeli citizen, could not join us in Bethlehem, which is in the Palestinian Authority, so we had a local guide for that part of the tour.  Then, when we transitioned from Israel to Jordan, we were handed off to a Jordanian guide. This makes sense as a Jordanian would be the best interpreter of his country.

However, Ori has never been to Jordan and Osama “Sam” Zyoud, our excellent Jordanian guide, has never been to Israel. This despite the fact that they must be immensely curious about their neighbor.

While tension and complexity remain (they go back thousands of years), it’s good that the two countries have long ago stopped fighting each other and are reaping mutual benefit of peace and  tourism. We felt perfectly safe and welcomed wherever we ventured, including Palestinian towns of Bethlehem and Jericho.

In Jordan, Sam, provided excellent commentary. An archaeologist as well as a tour guide, he offered a wealth of knowledge about the ancient city of Petra and the impressive Roman ruins of Jerash.

Both guides effectively used humor, which is always welcome.  Sam, for example, explained with a wink why he does not go by Osama. While this generated laughter, along the way he also described authentic Islam, in contrast to the perverted terrorist version that makes headlines.

It is one thing for guides to narrate a tour and another to engage in dialog, and our group was full of questions. Both guides demonstrated skill in dealing with curious travelers and appreciation for our deep interest.

EXPERT GUIDANCE LEADS TO FULFILLING TRAVEL

The magic was that they delivered what we expected and more. This was travel at its best -expanding perspectives, puncturing pre-conceived notions (nothing is exactly as I had pictured in my mind), providing newfound appreciation for others, and offering much to ponder.  

We have been blessed with excellent guides before. On a Tauck tour through South Dakota and Wyoming, where tension between Native Americans and those of European descent endures, our guide was able to offer unique insight as the daughter of an American Indian mother and caucasian father.

You really know what great guidance is when you get a stinker. All of the local guides on our Viking Danube River cruise were excellent, except the one in Regensburg, Germany, who seemed to be dully reciting a memorized script. I did not say anything until after the next day in Passau, where our guide was outstanding. When I mentioned our one disappointment to the cruise director, he told me that Regensberg was a last-minute replacement when the regular guide was suddenly unavailable. Things happen.

I often talk to people who say they can do it on their own with a Lonely Planet book or some notes from a friend. Or that they are a savant about finding that random taxi driver who will provide awesome commentary on the cheap. But, for my money, I will take an expert guide vetted by a travel company of good reputation any day. My unguided days have never been as fulfilling as the guided ones. And I simply don’t want to waste precious vacation time. From Mauna Kea, Hawaii to Waterford, Ireland, I have benefitted from insightful guidance. Have you noticed that even Rick Steves, promoter of independent travel, always has a local guide on his television shows?