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The 5 Best Things to Do in Prague Before Your River Cruise

1/28/2019

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Prague rooftops and skyline
By John Roberts

Prague is easily one of the most beautiful and historically interesting cities in Europe.


The capital of the Czech Republic was the primary seat of the oldest ruling dynasty in the state of Bohemia when the city took shape after the building of Prague Castle in the late 9th century.

Today, Prague maintains a cool Bohemian vibe owing to its historical roots and the importance of music, art and culture that still endures in the city and surrounding region.

I fell under this awesome city's spell when I spent two days there ahead of my Danube River cruise. Many Danube River cruise itineraries include days in Prague at the start or end of the voyage. Make sure to look for sailings that include Prague. Because, if you're going to travel all the way to Europe for a Danube cruise, you don't want to miss this spectacular destination.

Prague is located just over three hours away from the nearest port town on the Danube (like Vilshofen or Passau in Germany) and is situated on a marvelous river itself, the Vltava, which is an essential part of its character and charm.

The Vltava is the Czech Republic's longest river, stretching 260-plus miles. In Prague, it features 18 bridges, some of which are highlights of the city. In fact, I've discovered a handful of great things you can do when you visit Prague before your river cruise.
Sunset over the Vltava River in Prague
Sunset over the Vltava River.
Old Town Square
The historic city center of Prague is called Stare Mesto in the Czech language. This is the oldest parts of the city and was a central marketplace as far back as the 10th century. It still bustles today with activity amid the cobbled streets and numerous historic and well-preserved buildings surrounding Old Town Square.

Come here to find open-air restaurants, musicians and performers and culturally important churches, monuments and attractions.


Look for City Hall and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, a magnificent gothic cathedral with four distinctive spires. This church helps lend to Prague's moniker "City of 100 Spires" for the number of tall churches that pierce the sky (the true count is above 500 spires, actually).


In Old Town, you can also visit St. Nicolas Church and the Prague Astronomical Clock, which was installed in 1410 and reigns as the oldest astronomical clock that still works. 
Just wander the Old Town district and be amazed at the architecture, with museums, hotels, palaces and bridge towers displaying gothic, Art Nouveau and Baroque designs among others.
Charles Bridge in Prague
The Charles Bridge spans the pretty Vltava River.
Prague building
The architecture on display throughout the city is a highlight.
The Charles Bridge
While the city features 18 bridges, none are as famous and significant as Charles Bridge. With a sunrise or sunset backdrop, this is the top photo spot in Prague, with massive towers bracketing the span over the Vltava River. Charles Bridge connects the Old Town to the Little Quarter district.

The large stone bridge was built in the 14th century at the behest of Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. The span is a pedestrian zone, popular for sunset strolls and featuring dozens of unique Baroque statues on each side of the wide walkway.


You cross the nearly 1,700-foot span to get from Old Town to St. Vitus Cathedral and the Prague Castle complex, which loom on the hill. Charles Bridge is filled artists and buskers, as well as thousands of tourists who use it throughout the day.
Busy Charles Bridge in Prague
The Charles Bridge is one of the most popular destinations in the city.
Prague Food Tours
I always say that one of the best ways to properly immerse yourself in a destination and its culture is to eat and drink like a local. And Prague offers so many flavors to savor in its traditional cuisine. I always make it a top task to seek out the best beers at any place I visit, and the Czech Republic owns a beer culture unlike any other in the world.

The Czech Republic has ranked as the No. 1 nation for beer consumption per capita for the past 20-plus years.


Pilsner was created in this country, and you can see brands like Pilsner Urquell, Budvar (the original Budweiser) and Staropramen plastered in advertising all over Prague. Like in many other places, Prague also has a growing craft beer culture.


A 
Prague food tour is the best way to get the full mix of all the tastes available when you visit.

Tours led by passionate expert guides can give you the best chance to try all the traditional Czech cuisine, like breads, soups, goulash, sausages, dumplings and sweet pastries -- as well as the country's world-renowned beers and wines.
Prague nightclub on a barge in Vltava River
To get a true flavor of Prague, you need to dive into city's vibrant beer scene.
Castles and Chateaus
Prague is a city filled with amazing structures. You'll want to hunt down the top sites. 
Prague Castle is a massive complex that dates to the 9th century and serves as the official office of the nation's president. The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes Prague Castle as the largest ancient castle.

Also look for the Karlstejn Castle, Old Royal Palace, Okor Castle, Waldstein Palace and Schwarzenberg Palace.

Lovely historic residences can be found in and around Prague. Melnik Chateau is the highlight of a lovely nearby town at the confluence of the Vltava and Labe Rivers. Troja Chateau, Karlova Koruna Chateau and Chateau Mcely are all within a one-hour drive from Prague. Go farther afield, and you can see more stunning castles and chateaus than you can imagine, including some that are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Prague Castle complex
The Prague Castle complex dates to the 9th century.
St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague
St. Vitus Cathedral
Other Cool Curiosities
Just wandering through the Stare Mesto in Prague, you are sure to stumble upon many interesting sites or attractions things that catch your eye or are of particular interest.

I took notice of a few spots that you also might want to put on your sightseeing list. 

The KGB Museum houses an interesting collection photos and artifacts from the Soviet-era state system. The museum features Lenin's death mask, the Trotsky murder weapon and spy tools.

The Lennon Wall is a living work of art in the form of a mural located on Grand Priory Square near the busy entry way at the Charles Bridge in Old Town. The mural was started as a way for some to express grief over the killing of John Lennon in 1981, and it features images of peace, lyrics to Beatles songs and other ways to commemorate the great musician.
Lennon Wall in Prague
The Lennon Wall
A dangling sculpture of Sigmund Freud hangs above a cobbled neighborhood street at Husova and Skorepka Streets. The sculpture depicts the famous psychoanalyst hanging on to a beam with his right arm high above the street. It's a quirky piece and makes for a fun photo opportunity.

Indeed, there are many, many more artistic displays and cool things to stumble upon.


(Have you been to Prague? Please share some of your discoveries in the comments below.) 

With so much to see, trying to cram it all into a two- or three-day stay is impossible. My thought has always been that a river cruise is a great way to get a nice sampling of a destination along Europe's great river routes.

Prague proved to be a step above most other destinations I have had the fortune to explore. This is definitely a place you will want to return to again and again to enjoy all it has to offer.


Thanks for reading,

JR
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Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Adds Active Shore Excursions

1/26/2019

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Picture
The cruise line is offering new excursions for adventurous travelers. You can try scuba diving in the beautiful waters off Grand Bahama Island.
By John Roberts

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is adding a broad menu of shore excursions perfect for travelers who crave adventure on their trips to Grand Bahama Island.

Cruisers can choose activities like deep-sea fishing, scuba diving or biking to explore the amazing physical attributes and beauty of the Bahamas.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offers two-night cruises daily from the Port of Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida, to Grand Bahama Island. The line now boasts a collection of active excursions to meet the rising trend of travelers seeking a little more out of their experiences at these exotic destinations.

According to the TrekkSoft 2019 Travel Trends Report, adventure travel is on the rise -- with 43 percent of travelers wanting to "get off the beaten track," 27 percent wishing to "see or do something new" and 26 percent looking for "high-adrenaline activities."

"Home to thriving coral reef ecosystems teeming with sea life, picturesque weather and miles of rolling countryside, Grand Bahama Island is a mecca for the best in fishing, scuba diving and biking," Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa said. "We are so excited to present cruisers with new adventure excursions to explore the beauty and fun of the island from new perspectives."

We like Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line because it offers an inexpensive and convenient option for a quick getaway to the Bahamas from a smaller cruise port. The line offers deals that start around $100 per person, and they offer cabins for solo cruisers with no single-supplement fees.

The company has two ships that run the itineraries to Grand Bahama Island: Grand Classica (1,680 passengers maximum) and Grand Celebration (1,900 passengers).

Which of these new adventurous activities would you choose? Click here for the full list of all Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line excursions and pricing.

Deep-Sea Fishing
Grand Bahama Island is popular for deep-sea fishing, laying claim to dozens of world-record catches. Anglers can partake in an offshore fishing excursion led by an expert captain. You'll set out to sea to cast for sailfish, swordfish, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and tuna, among other species. Those wishing to opt out of fishing can still join the fun at a "spectator" rate and cheer on friends and family.

Scuba Diving 
The Bahamas is a destination surrounded by crystal-clear waters, diverse coral gardens, playful dolphins and inviting blue spaces. Try a PADI-certified diving experience at one of Grand Bahama Island's dazzling reefs, as well as an all-inclusive resort beach pass featuring food and beverages. Upon arrival in Grand Bahama Island, you are transported to Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort. This is where you will spend the day enjoying a full day of diving and beach time.

You reach the dive sites on a catamaran, and set out to explore at depths of up to 15 feet in underwater gardens teeming with vibrant reefs and colorful fish. The day concludes with a return to the resort where guests can enjoy cuisine and drinks by the beach or pool.

Bike and Beach Tour 
Cruisers can discover the island and its natural wonders under pedal power from the seat of a bike on a guided tour. This five-hour outing includes lunch at the Garden of the Groves, a lush tropical park, home to vibrant wildlife, waterfalls and fountains, followed by time to shop and relax on the beach. Riders will learn all about Grand Bahama Island's intriguing history and follow trails that were once used by early settlers, marked with exotic palm trees and stunning homes.

Independent Cycling 
One interesting option allows cruisers to explore Grand Bahama Island at their leisure by bringing their personal bicycles aboard the ship at no extra charge. Most cruise lines charge passengers or prohibit them from bringing bikes on a cruise.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, however, invites cruisers to keep their bikes with them in their stateroom for free. Once onshore, you can set your own pace and course for the day, touring the Heritage Trail, unspoiled Barbary Beach or endless miles of powdery beaches and charming paths lined with palm fronds and tropical flowers.

This collection of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line's active new excursions and offerings is a great way for travelers to ramp up the fun on their short cruise getaway.

Thanks for reading, and always travel happy,
JR
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MSC Cruises Makes Splash with Eco-Friendly Reserve in Bahamas

1/18/2019

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Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Reinvents Old Industrial Site as Private Island
MSC Cruises Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas
Images courtesy of MSC Cruises
By John Roberts

MSC Cruises has undertaken an 
ambitious and large-scale revitalization of a formerly threatened island space in the Bimini chain in the Bahamas.

The result is a recaptured slice of paradise with a mission of ecological preservation that allows cruise visitors to share in the story of responsible tourism.


With Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises is transforming a former industrial sand extraction site into a flourishing marine reserve and private island destination that will exist in harmony with the ecosystem.


Imagine a tranquil morning spent relaxing in a cabana on the beach followed by a snorkel tour to discover the coral and taking in the colorful fish and abundant marine life. The afternoon is spent taking part in beach activities, perhaps a game of beach volleyball or shopping for souvenirs. As the sun starts to set, move to one of the beach bars to sip on a cocktail, taking in the stunning sea views and an atmosphere of peace and serenity. Finally, finish the evening with a movie under the stars before returning to the comfort of your ship.


Ocean Cay has been designed to allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the island, beaches and lagoons. The vision is to create a sustainable destination with activities giving cruisers the opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the protection of the oceans and the importance of preserving coral reefs through dedicated edu-tainment programs.

The island is surrounded by 64 square miles of protected waters, and a coral nursery is being established to encourage and sustain the growth of new coral. Plans are underway for a marine laboratory to be situated on Ocean Cay for researching climate change-resistant coral in hopes of providing insights to similar island habitats.


MSC Cruises has been working hand-in-hand with the Bahamian government and ecologists to develop the cay.


"Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will bring something new and unique to our Caribbean itineraries from Miami and is set to become a truly memorable highlight for our guests,"
 MSC Cruises' CEO Gianni Onorato said. "We have created a guest experience that complements the breath-taking natural beauty of this remarkable part of the Caribbean.

"There was no need for us to build extensively on an island that already had the ingredients of a natural paradise. However, we have undertaken extensive work to clean-up the island, removing tons of historic industrial waste and helping to return the beaches, and the entire 64 square miles of protected waters surrounding the island, to their pristine state.
"

Onorato continued, "For the guest services on the island we have kept it authentic and designed an experience that will allow guests to simply enjoy nature at its best. The ship is an integral part of the experience as we have built a pier so that guests can go easily back and forth between the ship throughout the day making full use of both the ashore and onboard facilities."


Ocean Cay is scheduled to
 welcome its first cruise visitors on November 9, 2019.
Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.
UNINTERRUPTED SUN, SAND, SEA AND SKY
With more than two miles of beautiful white sandy beach shore formed from the world's best aragonite sand, you will be spoiled for choices -- with seven distinct beach areas, beach games and water sports.

Sun beds will be available on all beaches, and some beaches will offer cabanas that can be rented for the day. The Great Lagoon's shallow crystal-clear water is perfect for protected swimming and water sports, while the smaller family lagoon is designed for young
sters to enjoy, offering calm water and plenty of games. At over a half-mile long, the Great Bimini Beach is the largest stretch of beach on the island, as well as the place to go to enjoy a variety of water sports.

DISCOVER AND EXPLORE

Ocean Cay excursions allow visitors to experience the waters around the island through snorkel safaris, kayak tours and paddle boarding. The Family Explorer club will also offer fun activities for the entire family.

You also will be able to rent a smaller island close to the main body of land for the day. This experience will include the following: a boat that will take your group to the island and remain for your private use; sun beds and loungers; and food and drinks. Near the island is an old shipwreck
, making it a wonderful spot for snorkeling.

In addition to the excursions, passengers can participate in a wide range of entertainment activities including sports games and tournaments, dance lessons as well activities for the entire family.


One of the key highlights of Ocean Cay is that the ship will remain in port into the evening. The island is conveniently located just 65 miles south of Miami, allowing for a range of incredible evening experiences. Once the sun goes down, you can enjoy night-time activities such as stargazing on the beach or romantic sunset catamaran tours. Entertainment on the island will focus around the iconic lighthouse with breathtaking sunsets and with live music
 or DJs and a special visual show.

FOOD AND DRINK

As part of the commitment to ensure that the island is sustainable and to minimize waste, there is a select number of dining options on Ocean Cay. The ship will also be fully operational while docked at the island, and the furthest point from the ship is only a 20-minute walk. Electric carts also will transport visitors around the island.

The choice of options for food and drink ashore will include:


Buffet -- Located near the family lagoon, 
freshly prepared meals from a variety of international culinary traditions, including American classics and authentic Bahamian flavors.

Food cart -- 
If you don't prefer a sit-down meal, food carts with casual street food will be available, including a taco truck, conch fitter truck and other options. The trucks will be stationary during the day around the beaches and will move to the marina area at night, creating a food festival-style feel.

Food and beverage services will be offered at an additional cost with upgrades available to the beverage package. As the ship is easily accessible, passengers are able to walk on and off at their leisure, allowing them to also be able to dine onboard as they choose.


A range of different bars with varying atmospheres and ambiences are spread across the island. These include:


A Bahamian Bar: Located in the 
marina, this venue offers cocktails and drinks in an authentic Bahamian style.

Lighthouse Bar: This Hemingway
-style cocktail bar offers an ample selection of rums, spirits and delicious cocktails, all with incredible sea views.

Beach Bars: 
Seven beach bars are spread across the island, each with its own personality and special look and feel.

Ice C
ream Parlour and Coffee Bar: At the marina, this sweet spot offers all varieties of ice cream, from classic flavors to more innovative concoctions. The coffee bar serves freshly brewed whole bean and ground coffee, espressos and cappuccinos.

SHOPPING

A specially designed retail concept reflects the overall vision of the island. Across four distinct shopping areas, you have the opportunity to take home unique souvenirs or find vacation essentials.

The Bahamian Shop & Market hosts
 authentic arts and crafts created by artisans and Bahamian companies to perfectly complement the spirit of the Bahamas. Meanwhile, the Ocean Cay Trading Post offers a wide selection of exclusive Ocean Cay branded souvenirs and logo wear.

SPA AND SAND

Looking to relax and rejuvenate on the island? Spa services are provided by the award-winning MSC Aurea Spa, with a selection of relaxing body and facial treatments. All the beauty products used on the island are bio-degradable and eco-friendly.

Sounds like an amazing new private island experience. Plus, it'
s a wonderful thing to be able to rejuvenate and restore such a special place in the world to a more pristine and sustainable state.

What do you think about this bold new cruise destination created by MSC Cruises?

JR
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