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Six Good Reasons to Set Sail in Indonesia with Star Clippers

2/27/2018

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Star Clippers ship Star Clipper
Star Clipper carries up to 170 passengers and visits multiple islands during its cruises in Indonesia.
By John Roberts 

Did you know that Indonesia is a wonderland for nature lovers and water sports thrill-seekers? I have always wanted to get to this country to try diving, snorkeling and to bask on the beaches and immerse myself in the culture, foods and history.  

Star Clippers just might offer the most-intriguing cruise voyages to Indonesia. 

With about 17,000 islands, Indonesia is by far the largest and most diverse archipelago on earth. It also spans two continents, covering almost 773,000 square miles between Asia and Australia. From the bustling capital city of Jakarta to the exotic Komodo Island and its famed dragons to the dramatic beaches of Bali, this nation offers cool experiences for almost everyone, especially adventurous travelers. 

And Star Clippers starts and ends its Indonesia sailing season with 14-night sailings in a majestic tall ship between Singapore and Bali, and in the months of May through October they have seven-, 10- and 11-night roundtrip cruises from Bali that hit Indonesia's west and east coasts.  

Check out six reasons a Star Clippers cruise around Indonesia is the ideal way to discover the color, culture and diversity of this unique country. 

Island Hopping 
On all of its Indonesian sailings, the ship Star Clipper (pictured at top) visits multiple islands, giving you a well-rounded view of this unique country. You'll explore Java, the world's most populous island and home to the capital city of Jakarta, as well as the sacred and uninhabited Satonda, an island surrounded by coral reefs that is ideal for snorkeling and diving. Star Clippers Indonesian sailings also visit Bali, Lombok, Komodo, Bangka, Giligenteng, Sumba, Sumbawa and Thousand Islands. 

Walk with Dragons 
Star Clippers' seven-night Eastbound Bali itinerary and 10- and 11-night sailings visit Komodo Island, home to the fierce Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizard, which can grow up to 10 feet long. The national park here, which was founded in 1980, aims to preserve this one-of-a-kind creature and its habitat. You'll be pumped to spot one of these fearsome creatures in its natural environment. 

Beach It 
The beaches of Indonesia are as varied as the cultures. On Bali's north shore, Lovina Beach is known for dramatic black sands and calm seas. On Komodo Island, Pink Beach (also known as Pantai Merah) is one of only seven pink-sand beaches on the planet. The amazing color comes from microscopic animals called foraminifera, which leave a red pigment on the coral reefs. Pink Beach is bounded by turquoise blue seas and is known to be one of the best spots for snorkeling on the island. 

Get a Fresh Perspective 
Indonesia's topography, which ranges from densely forested volcanic mountains to shallow seas covering brightly colored coral reefs, is one of the many natural assets that draw visitors to its shores. Some of the best views can be had from the deck of a tall ship as it sails through the island chains. For the ultimate view, you can climb the ship's rigging to the crow's nest -- located almost 100 feet in the air. This sounds amazing! Would you give it a try? 

Explore More 
Star Clippers has designed land packages that allow you to extend your stay to further explore Bali. If you travel halfway across the world, you might as well see as much as possible. You can add a pre- or post-cruise land tour package with Star Clippers. A four-day, three-night package at the Nusa Dua Beach Resort includes hotel, breakfast and lunches, a full day Spirit of Belimbing Tour and a full day "Balinese Culinary Experience." A similar but shorter, three-day, two-night package is also available. Both are available pre- or post-sailing. 

For more than 25 years, Star Clippers has been sending its modern tall ships on voyages to remote ports in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indonesia and Far East. The company operates three of the world's largest and tallest sailing vessels: Star Clipper and Star Flyer are traditional clipper ships with modern amenities carrying 170 passengers, and the 227-passenger Royal Clipper holds the record for being the largest and only five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship in service today. All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, gourmet casual dining, lively tropical bars on deck and piano lounges. The line's new ship, Flying Clipper, debuts in late 2018. 

Thanks for reading, and always travel happy! 
Cheers! 
JR
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The Ten Cocktails You Only Order on Your Cruise Vacation

2/19/2018

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Drinking a Labadoozie on Labadee, Haiti, on a Royal Caribbean cruise
That rare time I'm not seen with a beer. Loving my Labadoozie on Labadee. More on this drink below.
By John Roberts 

Cruise vacations are the ideal time to cut loose and try new things. This is where we can all throw our hands I the air like we just don't care.

It's a time to unabashedly belt out karaoke tunes, or stretch your culinary boundaries with your first escargot.
 

Cruises are a way to visit unique destinations and pick up a few words and phrases in some new languages. 

This is also the ideal time to try drinks that you probably wouldn't ever think of ordering at your favorite neighborhood bar.
 
I typically only drink beers to try the flavors and brewing styles of the places that I visit. But sometimes, I get a hankering for something sweet, refreshing or just adventurous to expand my boozing horizons.  

Here are some of our favorite cocktails to savor when we cruise.
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Princess Cruises' "The Isaac" is a love potion designed in honor of the most famous of all cruise ship bartenders, Isaac from the "Love Boat."

The Recipe: In a highball glass, mix two ounces white rum, two ounces pomegranate syrup, half ounce fresh lime juice, splash of club soda, lime slice, and two pineapple leaf spears (garnish).

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Carnival Cruise Line's Cucumber Sunrise can be ordered at the Alchemy Bar onboard your Carnival cruise.

The Recipe: Two cucumber wheels, muddled with one ounce of fresh-squeezed lime juice, two ounces Absolut vodka, two ounces Monin watermelon syrup and three-quarter ounce fresh orange juice.

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Royal Caribbean's Labadoozie is featured at the line's Labadee, Haiti, private destination. It's a refreshing and super-sweet drink with a definite island flair.

The Recipe: Half ounce orange juice, half ounce pineapple juice, half ounce papaya juice, half ounce coconut cream, three-quarter ounce dark rum, three-quarter ounce coconut rum, one-quarter ounce grenadine and crushed ice.

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Disney Cruise Line's High Tide makes regular appearances as the drink of the day on Disney Cruise ships, and the refreshing cocktail is a favorite of loyal Disney cruisers.

The Recipe: Two ounces cranberry juice, two ounces pineapple juice, 1.5 ounces amaretto, 1.5 ounces Malibu rum and slice of lime and cherry garnish.

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Celebrity Cruises Martini Bar offers a martini flight. It's a drink. It's a show. It's best shared with your friends onboard a Celebrity voyage. Bartenders dazzle passengers as they shake and fill their shiny tumblers while dancing, juggling and whirling around behind the bar before dramatically climbing atop the bar to pour out up to 16 shots (or more!) of flavorful and colorful martinis. (Check out our video at the end of this post!)

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Carnival Cruise Line's Red's Rum Treasure at RedFrog Rum Bar, always a hopping spot on the lido deck on Carnival ships.

The Recipe: Mix 1.5 ounces of Zaya Gran Reserva rum, 3.75 ounces, pineapple guava juice, quarter-ounce lemonade and one ounce Sprite. Pour then top off with grated nutmeg and three-quarter ounce coconut rum.

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Princess Cruises' Nutty Irishman hazelnut coffee drink is a nice booze-infused choice if you want a hot drink in the morning or after dinner.

The Recipe: A rich, aromatic coffee spiked with Irish whiskey and sweet Frangelico hazelnut liqueur.

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Carnival's Kiss on the Lips is among the most sweet and refreshing cocktails, and it's just what you want when sitting by the pool on your Caribbean cruise.

The Recipe: Pour one tablespoon grenadine syrup into glass and add mix of five ounces frozen mango mix, 1.5 ounces of peach schnapps and crushed ice. Garnish with pineapple slice and cherry.

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Princess Cruises' Fresh Basil Mojito is a tasty twist on the popular rum drink. The subtle peppery taste of basil is a nice change of pace.

The Recipe: Two ounces Bacardi rum, one half lime and five basil leaves, muddled with two tablespoons of sugar and topped with splash of club soda.

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 MSC Cruises' Disarita is a scrumptious concoction created through the line's partnership with Disaronno, the Italian liqueur brand. Amaretto-flavored twist on the traditional margarita is best enjoyed glorious surroundings at the Garden Bar, where you find the aft pool. (Pro tip: This is the best spot to enjoy sailaway.)

The Recipe: Two ounces Disaronno Originale, one ounce tequila and two ounces of margarita mix. Pour the ingredients into a shaker and double strain into a margarita glass. Garnish with lime wedge.

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None of these cruise drinks grab you?

Then, you can always try some classic cocktails you can find on most any cruise ship but might only be bold enough to order up while sitting on your lounger on the lido deck and soaking up the warm Caribbean sunshine. Just flag down a bar server and ask for Sex on the Beach, Dirty Banana, pina colada, frozen strawberry margarita, banana daquiri, Blue Hawaii, Painkiller, Mai Tai or Bay Breeze.

Or try these classy favorites at your dinner table while decked out in your fancy formal duds: Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan or Aperol Spritz.

We even have what you're craving at breakfast or brunch after a late night (or just because you're on vacation!): Bellini, Screwdriver or Bloody Mary.

Bottoms up, and thanks for reading.

Cheers!

JR

What are some of your favorite drinks to enjoy when you travel?
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Regent Seven Seas Mariner Gets New Look Before Alaska Cruises

2/14/2018

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Regent Seven Seas Mariner cruise ship in Alaska
The refurbished Regent Seven Seas Mariner will sail 15 seven-, 10- and 11-night itineraries in Alaska. We're excited to check out the new look and the adventurous excursions when we hop onboard in early May.
By John Roberts 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has released details of the planned bow-to-stern refurbishment of Seven Seas Mariner, the world's first all-suite, all-balcony cruise ship. After a 20-day drydock in April at a shipyard in Marseille, France, Seven Seas Mariner will emerge with a slate of new features including culinary experiences, elegant suite designs, and completely refreshed passenger spaces.  

The ship will reposition to the Pacific Northwest and offer fully immersive Alaska itineraries. I am excited to see the enhancements when we cruise in early May to find out what it's like to explore Alaska's adventures while also enjoying an all-inclusive luxury cruise experience. 

"We are delighted to relaunch the refurbished Seven Seas Mariner for what will be an unforgettable 2018 Alaska season," said Jason Montague, president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. "Seven Seas Mariner will have been elevated to the highest standards of elegance, and guests will enjoy the highly personalized service delivered by every member of Seven Seas Mariner's exceptional staff and crew."  

The spiffed-up Regent Seven Seas Mariner will sail 15 seven-, 10- and 11-night itineraries in Alaska. These voyages will alternate departures from Vancouver and Seward. The line says it will have an average of 44 free and unlimited shore excursions included as part of the cruise fare for the Alaska sailings, making these the most-inclusive, luxury Alaska experiences you'll find anywhere. 

Here is a summary of what the ship is getting during its extensive drydock in Marseille. 

Renewed Modern Spaces 
Seven Seas Mariner's pool deck will receive a new open layout and teak flooring throughout. The centerpiece is a mosaic-tiled pool, featuring a wide surrounding lounging area of shallow water. The Pool Grill will feature expanded lunch selections, including steaks, chops, salmon, chicken and sausage, offered a la minute from new infrared barbecue grills and new buffet bars. 

The ship's atrium, corridors and public spaces get new carpeting, art, furniture and decor. The reception area, Coffee Connection, Card Room, boutiques and Casino will have new modern styling after being revamped from the steel up. A handsome, remodeled Library is getting dark-wood bookshelves contrasted against cream furnishings, crowned by a copper-adorned chandelier. A vibrant cobalt-and-silver color scheme will complete the country club ambiance in the Connoisseur Club cigar lounge. Additionally, the flooring on the Deck 6 Promenade will be replaced with new teak. 

The ship's Canyon Ranch SpaClub will receive a soothing new design, featuring pebble-stone tiles and light-wood accents in the spa treatment rooms. The adjoining fitness and aerobics center also will be equipped with new state-of-the-art machines.
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Rendering of new pool design for Regent Seven Seas Mariner
Elegant Accommodations 
Regent Seven Seas Mariner passengers will make their homes in redesigned suites, featuring a slumber bed with plush, padded leather headboards and views of the sea and passing landscape from their private balconies or sitting areas. The cabins will have a stylish sofa, accent table and new artwork. All suites feature walk-in closets and oversized, marble-accented bathrooms with L’Occitane amenities. 

New Regent Dining Experiences 
New gourmet culinary experiences also will delight Regent Seven Seas Mariner cruisers. The flagship restaurant Compass Rose will offer a new sophisticated ambiance, with added dramatic flair created by grand crystal chandeliers, recessed ceiling lights, sleek, leather chairs ringing intimate tables, and plush blue drapes accenting the restaurant's oversized windows. Compass Rose diners will be offered a recently introduced menu, which provides customizable cuisine combinations, making it the largest specialty restaurant at sea. 

Regent's new Chartreuse specialty restaurant also will be installed on Seven Seas Mariner and debut a delectable modern French menu. Chartreuse's menu of innovative French fare will be complemented with new furnishings, china, flooring and decor elements designed to evoke the atmosphere of a Parisian restaurant. Additionally, longtime favorite Prime 7 classic steakhouse will be reimagined with a new ultra-stylish design, featuring a vibrant blue and tan color scheme. 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a mostly inclusive, top-notch luxury experience with a four-ship fleet that visits more than 450 destinations. Seven Seas Mariner's 2018 drydock refurbishment will conclude Regent Seven Seas Cruises' $125 million refurbishment program for the whole fleet. The line's fifth ship, Regent Seven Seas Splendor, is scheduled to launch in 2020.
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