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Celestyal Cruises' New Ship Highlights Greek Voyages, Wellness

9/30/2020

Celestyal Experience carries up to 1,800 passengers and offers a range of new amenities and cabin categories for travelers who will voyage to Greece and other top destinations in the Mediterranean.

By John Roberts
Celestyal Cruises, a top line for carefully curated and enriching voyages to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, has announced a new flagship, the Celestyal Experience.
Celestyal Experience is the former Costa neoRomantica. Celestyal purchased the 1,800-passenger, newly refurbished ship from Costa Cruises in summer 2020.
The ship's first sailing will be March 6, 20201, with a seven-night "Three Continents" itinerary that visits Greece (Athens and Rhodes), Turkey (Kusadasi),  Israel (Ashdod), Egypt (Port Said) and Cyprus (Limassol). On a journey starts April 3, Celestyal Experience's seven-night "Idyllic Aegean" itinerary explores Athens, Rhodes, Crete (Agios Nikolaos), Santorini, Milos, Mykonos and Kusadasi (Ephesus).
We really love the ports of call that you get on a Celestyal voyage. These are exotic, lesser-visit destinations that you get to experience in a highly inclusive manner with this line.
Later in the season, the Celestyal Experience will operate its "Eclectic Aegean" itinerary, a seven-night voyage that introduces the city of Thessaloniki, the gateway to the land of Alexander the Great, as a new embarkation port. You'll have an overnight stay in Istanbul, see the "hanging monasteries" of Meteora in central Greece and take a visit to the site of Ancient Troy.
Celestyal Experience features 789 staterooms, 166 of which come with balconies, sea terraces and bridge-view verandas. The ship's size allows it to visit smaller ports, a key differentiator for Celestyal, which specializes in destinations generally unavailable to larger cruise ships.
"This has been a challenging year for everyone. However, we are extremely optimistic about the future of travel and, especially of cruising," Celestyal Cruises' CEO Chris Theophilides said. "We are delighted with the addition of the Celestyal Experience to our fleet.  This ship will be a game-changer for us, and we can't wait to introduce her to our guests."
Onboard experiences include four restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools, two hot tubs, a beach club, sundeck and jogging track.
Other amenities and activities: nightly entertainment, casino, library, meeting rooms, boutiques. The ship also offers a specialty wine and cheese bar that will serve as a tribute to Mediterranean varieties.

The Wellness Spa on Celestyal Experience offers a thalassotherapy pool and numerous delightful amenities.

Check out these other programs, activities and special spaces you can enjoy while sailing on Celestyal Experience.
Panoramic Thalassotherapy Spa
One of the highlights is the 47,300 square-foot panoramic spa spread across two decks, complete with a fully equipped gym offering ocean views, thalassotherapy baths, massage rooms, saunas and a range of thermal suites. The spa also includes a Japanese-style tea parlor, which offers a wide variety of rare teas including remedial herb and mountain teas.
A Suite Experience
Celestyal Experience provides even the most discerning travelers a range of premium accommodation options. The ship has 166 suite category staterooms, 132 of which are junior suites with balconies. The 34 Suites include 22 with balconies, six with bridge-view verandas and six Grand Suites boasting large sea terraces. If you book one of the 34 full suites, you also get access to the Celestyal Cruises Suite Concierge service, which features a dedicated priority check-in counter, expedited embarkation, an exclusive dining area onboard and express luggage delivery service including assistance with unpacking. A dedicated Celestyal Cruises Suite Concierge is also available to assist with specific service requests.
Wellness Staterooms
Celestyal Cruises has created new "Wellness Spa" stateroom category on Celestyal Experience, and these cabins feature a variety of spacious balcony, sea terrace and veranda suite accommodations. Passengers in the Wellness Spa rooms get exclusive use of Deck 14 -- a serene and tranquil area of the ship. Complimentary and unlimited access to the wellness and spa areas is included, featuring relaxation options, most notably the thalassotherapy baths and thermal suites. The Wellness Spa staterooms also come with priority access to specialty dining experiences and a new, exclusive Beach Club concept.

The ship features areas designed to enjoy serenity and connect with the ocean.

Island-Inspired Beach Club
This adults-only outdoor area, dedicated to Suite and Wellness class cruisers offers a tranquil atmosphere that is reminiscent of the best Greek island "chill-out" beach clubs. The Beach Club boasts attentive service and premium sunbeds and cabanas. It features a Jacuzzi perched on the stern with endless views across the ocean.
Mediterranean Cuisine
Celestyal is known for its regionally inspired and sourced cuisine created according to the healthful Mediterranean Diet, acclaimed by global chefs, leading nutritionists and scientists. This will be a special highlight onboard the Celestyal Experience. Among the new dining venues will be a Greek grill and deli, featuring regional favorites. You can also get casual food featuring traditional recipes and locally inspired wood-fired pizzas. Premium tasting experiences feature Mediterranean wines, olive oils, cheeses and other featured specialties.
We absolutely love the concepts on this new ship from Celestyal Cruises, as well as the fact that is specializes in intimate sailings in Greece, easily one of our favorite destinations in the world.
See you onboard!

Thanks for reading,
JR

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Lithuania's Charm Includes Amazing Eco-Tourism Opportunities

9/10/2020

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The Cepkeliai Marsh is Lithuania's most famous swamp. // Courtesy of Lithuania Travel

By John Roberts
A number of travelers these days are on the lookout for new ways to see the world. After months and months of lockdown and travel restrictions, we are re-evaluating our place in the world and gaining a deep appreciation for how fortunate many of us are to be able to travel to see the many wonders of the world.
Personally, I realize that life is short so we should make the most of our time while spreading positivity and making connections with the people and places we encounter on our journeys.
Many people are craving travel that is more environmentally conscious, education-focused and connects us with the outdoors in an invigorating way.
Ecotourism involves responsible traveling to pristine natural environments with the goal of learning more about the natural world, helping residents and contributing to ecological conservation. To encourage this kind of mindset, Lithuania -- one of the lushest countries in Europe -- is inviting people to visit its very special and serene forest green landscapes.
"Our country is small, but it has so much to offer in terms of natural environments and biodiversity," said Olga Goncarova, head of the Domestic and Inbound Tourism Department at Lithuania Travel. "Over the recent years, we have noticed a growing interest in our unique natural resources -- lakes, forests, marshes, rivers.
"Instead of spending all of the vacation in cities, tourists are choosing to spend more time in nature -- exploring, meditating, being. This has been very helpful in the effort of spreading ecological awareness."
Indeed, Lithuania has some of the most interesting natural wonders, four of which are designed as national reserves. Check out these amazing places you can explore on an ecotourism adventure in Lithuania.

Cepkeliai Marsh
You are immersed in fresh air and ancient landscapes and surrounded by taiga-type woods -- home to wolves and lynxes. The Cepkeliai Marsh is Lithuania's most famous swamp. It earns its reputation through the tranquility and pristine natural setting. A 1.5-kilometer educational trail allows visitors to explore wetlands, small lakes, continental dunes and diverse forest fauna. You can enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower. The reserve is a highly protected ecosystem, so to limit disturbance during the bird breeding season, from April to July, visitors can only enter the park with an authorized guide.
However, from July to April, the educational trail can be visited independently, with written permission issued by the local directorate.

Kamanai Reserve
This is another marsh and another wonderful opportunity to experience Lithuanian nature. The Kamanai Reserve offers a breathtaking educational trail through a well-preserved ecosystem -- in fact, it's so protected, you can only visit with a registered guide. The biodiversity found in Kamanai Reserve is astonishing. The area is home to wolves, lynxes, the hazel dormouse, black grouse and a variety of other species, including the near-extinct spoon-leaf sundew, a fascinating insectivorous plant.
While Kamanai is open year-round, it is especially stunning during spring and fall when the trees change color. You can view the trees and preserve from the 30-meter-tall observation tower built next to the trail.

Viesvile Reserve
Located in the Western Lithuania, the Viesvile Reserve features a guided 1.8-kilometer tour through multiple marshes, lakes, rivers and forests. Wolves, otters, cranes and a variety of other animals are permanent residents. Black alders, spruces, pines fill the forest. After concluding the hike, visitors are invited to learn more about the flora and fauna by participating in interactive activities at the visitor center. On top of that, the reserve is known for its exceptional nursery of wood grouses; it's the only place in Lithuania where you can see the birds up close.
Guided tours are available daily until 5 p.m. On weekends, reservations are required. The educational trail is available free of charge at any time.

Zuvintas Biosphere Reserve
It was officially established in 1937, but the Zuvintas Biosphere Reserve has been attracting scientists and curious travelers since the 19th century. And for a good reason.
Lithuania's oldest and largest reserve is home to more than 2,000 species of animals, including more than 240 different types of birds -- many of these classified as endangered. While the reserve is mostly composed of marshes, it also features the shallowest lake in the country.
Lake Zuvintas, with the average depth of only 0.6 meters, is often regarded as a paradise for water birds. The lake is one of the hottest spots in the country to watch the autumn bird migration, which reaches a peak in mid-September. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Zuvintas offers educational tours and engages in highly respected scientific research.
Though only open during the day time, the educational trail is free of charge for small groups. Paid guided tours can be booked at visitor center. The rest of the reserve's territory can be visited with written permission.

Thanks for reading,
JR

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U.S. System Adds Cross-State Bike Routes in Wisconsin, California

9/8/2020

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Wisconsin's USBR 30 includes several miles in the state's scenic Driftless Region.

By John Roberts
One of the most-exciting ways to see the country is to get a good look around while sitting high in your saddle- or bike seat. We love biking adventures that allow you to set the pace for your daily exploration and also give you a great sense of accomplishment when you sit down for that well-earned meal and cold drinks with friends each night.
The Adventure Cycling Association is the largest cycling membership organization in North America with more than 50,000 members, and the group supports the development of the U.S. Bicycle Route System, a network of more than 14,000 miles across 29 states.
The organization has announced the designation of the first U.S. Bicycle Routes in Wisconsin and California. In Wisconsin, USBR 30 and USBR 230 utilize several off-road trails to connect Milwaukee to the Mississippi River at Bluff Siding. In California, USBR 50 connects Lake Tahoe and the existing USBR 50 in Nevada to the San Francisco Bay Area. Together, they add more than 500 miles of new routes to the USBRS.
To check for awesome routes in your state, have a look at the interactive maps of the USBR System as well as the Adventure Cycling Route network. Digital maps for all designated U.S. Bicycle Routes are available to the public for free.
"The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging everyone to find new and creative ways to spend their recreation and vacation time," said Jim Tymon, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials executive director. "Many people have turned to the bicycle for daily commuting, recreation and tourism.
"State departments of transportation are committed to providing more travel options to get people where they want to go. And with the addition of U.S. Bicycle Routes in California and Wisconsin, there are now 29 states that are part of the USBRS, which is connecting communities both large and small and urban and rural."
The USBRS is developing a national network of officially recognized, numbered and signed bicycle routes. All U.S. Bicycle Routes are designated by AASHTO. With the new designations, the USBRS boasts 14,598 miles of routes in 29 states and Washington, D.C. At least 40 states are currently developing U.S. Bicycle Routes.
Adventure Cycling Association, a nonprofit organization that provides national coordination for the U.S. Bicycle Route System, partners with AASHTO to ensure states have the resources and expertise needed for successful route designation.

Let's have a look at the two new rides:

In Wisconsin
USBR 30 begins in Milwaukee, at Lake Michigan, and ends in Bluff Siding, on the Mississippi River. The 269-mile route uses multiple types of existing bicycling infrastructure, including state and county bike trails, roads and bike paths, and state and county highways. Wisconsin also designated USBR 230, a 40-mile alternate route that provides routing directions for use when the Merrimac Ferry (Colsac III) is not in operation.
"Establishing this route has been years in the making and it's a great accomplishment for the state," said Craig Thompson, Wisconsin Department of Transportation secretary-designee. "More than 70 communities in 11 counties worked together to create this great transportation corridor that will be enjoyed by local, regional and national bicyclists."
USBR 30 and USBR 230 showcase many natural and cultural resources across the state, including forests, vibrant urban areas and the meandering Driftless Region. Together the two routes guide cyclists through more than 160 miles of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources state and county trails, including the Glacial Drumlin State Trail and the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.
"More than half of USBR 30 is made up of our state bike trails," said Preston Cole, Department of Natural Resources secretary. "This new route gives bicyclists detailed directions to navigate across the state, providing yet another way to experience our great outdoors."
More information about USBR 30 and USBR 230 can be found on the Wisconsin DOT website.

In California
USBR 50 begins in South Lake Tahoe, at the Nevada border, and ends in San Francisco. The 233-mile route traverses the Sierra Nevada, winds through the Sacramento Delta and crosses the Bay Area. It incorporates a ferry across the San Francisco Bay and connects to USBR 50 in Nevada.
Leaving South Lake Tahoe, the route climbs over several mountain passes and follows the Mormon Emigrant Trail Road, featured in the 2018 and 2019 Tour of California races. In El Dorado County, USBR 50 utilizes the popular El Dorado Trail. This paved rail trail segment treats cyclists to a restored railroad trestle 200 feet above Weber Creek.
From Folsom to the state capital city of Sacramento, USBR 50 utilizes the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, providing more than 30 miles of car-free cycling.
Continuing to the west, USBR 50 passes the Pena Adobe, located within the 470-acre Lagoon Valley Park. Built in 1842, Pena Adobe is the oldest structure in Solano County. Cyclists on USBR 50 can take in the scenic vistas of the Suisun Marsh, one of the largest freshwater ecosystems in California, before dropping into the greater San Francisco Bay and enjoying the waterfront views.
From the "California Alps" to the agriculture of the Central Valley, from the Sacramento River Delta to the San Francisco Bay, this route illustrates the diversity of natural beauty within California.
"USBR 50 in El Dorado County not only provides a scenic bicycle route over the Sierra Nevada but also connects the largest communities in our county," said Mike Bean, Friends of El Dorado Trail board member. "Long term, I hope we can improve USBR 50 to serve not only visitors to the county, but local residents cycling for recreation, biking to work, and running errands by bike."
With the designation of USBR 50 in California, the U.S. Bicycle Route System is now only one state away from a complete coast-to-coast connection. A future connection across Colorado will one day make this seamless routing possible.

Happy riding, and thanks for reading,
JR

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Celestyal Cruises' New Ship Highlights Greek Voyages, Wellness

Lithuania's Charm Includes Amazing Eco-Tourism Opportunities

U.S. System Adds Cross-State Bike Routes in Wisconsin, California

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