Ensemble Lifestyles - Winter 2014

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Winter 2014

Lifestyles

TM

A Private Journey to

Africa

EUROPE´S CHRISTMAS MARKETS

History and Tradition

CARIBBEAN

Eco-Adventures

Gardens of SINGAPORE

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Go ahead and dive in. Devour guide books. Delve into the history. Consult your well-traveled friends. In the end, that element of mystery – those delightful little unknowns that make your trip unique to you – will always be out there waiting. And that, in a nutshell, is why we adore travel.

In this issue of Ensemble LifestylesTM, even the most familiar places are revealed in an exotic new light as travelers experience them through their own eyes. Tim Johnson explores old and new haunts in post-Katrina New Orleans. Gary & Anne Wilder rekindle the holiday spirit as they cruise Christmas Markets along the Rhine.

On safari together in Africa, friends Pat & Phyllis come face to face with the natural world. And the original frequent traveler, Abercrombie & Kent’s Geoffrey Kent, shares the wisdom of a lifetime spent honing rugged and luxurious adventures.

Michael Defreitas goes all-natural in the Caribbean and comes back with steamy insights for eco-travelers. If you think Singapore is all urban architecture and financial markets, read about the region’s fertile gardens.

Whether you’re dreaming of the half-timbered houses of Europe, happily hiking through equatorial rainforests, communing with the big five in Africa, or visiting a legendary city all over again we’re ready with inside connections and exclusive offers that will make your journey distinctively yours.

Enjoy!

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Ensemble Travel® Group membership enables us to bring you added amenities, custom touches, unexpected experiences, and a genuinely warm welcome wherever your travels take you. When your next opportunity for travel arises, be sure to inquire about the Ensemble® Exclusives that can make your trip an absolute dream come true.

WE BELIEVE THE ROAD LESS

T R AV E L E D I S N ’ T A RO A D A T A L L.

Visiting Monte Carlo

inspired me of Ephesus The history pictures ndreds of to take hu

We invite you to discover some of the most fabled destinations on Earth with some of the best fares in history. Experience the luxury and beauty of a Mediterranean, Northern Europe or Trans-Atlantic voyage. Book by February 28, 2014 to enjoy limited-time Book Now Fares in every category and receive exclusive Ensemble amenities available on every sailing. Begin a new story aboard the World’s Best.

2014 Voyage

Date

Days

Destination

Itinerary

Ship

4309 4212 4314 4316 4216 4320

May 7 Jun 1 Jun 22 Jul 13 Jul 14 Aug 17

11 12 12 7 14 7

Mediterranean Trans-Atlantic Mediterranean Mediterranean N. Cape & Arctic Cir. Mediterranean

Istanbul to Venice New York to Reykjavík Istanbul to Rome Barcelona to Monte Carlo Round-trip Copenhagen Barcelona to Rome

Crystal Serenity Crystal Symphony Crystal Serenity Crystal Serenity Crystal Symphony Crystal Serenity

For more information, please call your Ensemble Travel Group consultant at the phone number on the back cover to learn more about Ensemble amenities on every sailing. ®

Brochure Per Person Fares From

Book Now Per Person Fares From

$9,520 $9,820 $11,360 $7,060 $16,020 $7,390

$3,760 $2,910 $4,680 $2,830 $6,510 $2,995

B E G I N A N E W S T O RY ™

Book Now Cruise-Only Fares are per person in U.S. dollars, double occupancy, for category E2 on Crystal Symphony and category C3 on Crystal Serenity, include all promotional savings, apply to new bookings only made between 1/4/2014 and 2/28/2014 and do not include port, security and handling charges of $265-$620. All offers may not be combinable with other promotions, apply to first two full-fare guests in stateroom or suite, are capacity-controlled, subject to availability and may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Optional air add-ons are available from designated Crystal Cruises' gateway cities in the U.S. and Canada and include all government taxes and fees.

Contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant for more details. Guests must be booked in Ensemble Group 303 or 304 to be eligible for special amenities. All fares, itineraries, programs, policies and shore excursions are subject to change. Restrictions apply. See crystalcruises.com for complete terms and conditions of all offers. ©2013 Crystal Cruises, Inc., Ships’ registry: The Bahamas

C ONT E N TS

Winter 2014

Features 13 African Adventures

13

by MICHAEL SHAPIRO

Cousins Phyllis Shapiro and Pat

Miller strengthen their bonds on a luxury safari.

20 Nairobi’s Elephant Orphanage 28 The Lure of European Christmas Markets

28

b y NANCY HELLMRICH

Delight in the festive wonders of

Europe’s historic Christmas markets.

44

36 Cultural Close-Up: New Orleans

explores the fascinating sights, tastes & sounds of NOLA.

TIM JOHNSON

36

44 Caribbean Eco-Adventures

b y MICHAEL DEFREITAS

Discover the Caribbean’s more adventurous side.

47 T ranquility in the Blue

shares his favorite scuba diving experiences.

JAMES STURZ

61 Singapore: Asia’s City in a Garden

b y ROBIN CHERRY

The hidden gems of Asia’s

glittering city.

Departments 4 Letter from the Editor 7 Contributors 8 R SVP

Readers share their travel stories.

18 Frequent Traveler –

Adventure with Style

Abercrombie & Kent CEO Geoffrey Kent shares his insight on luxury safaris and travel worldwide.

21 W orth the Journey

See Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

62 Traveler’s Notebook

2 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

Ensemble® Exclusive deals & offers

D E ST I NAT I O N I N D E X

Antarctica 12 Aruba 57 Australia 43, 50 Austria 31 Belgium 31 Bodrum 41 Botswana 12, 14, 23 China 23 Corsica 6 Denmark 31 Dominica 45 Dominican Republic 45 Dubai 50 Dubrovnik 41 England 56 Fiji 27 France 31 French Polynesia 26 Germany 31 Hungary 31 Ireland 8, 56 Kenya 12, 14, 22 Korcula 41 Kusadasi 41 Laos 9 London 9 Los Cabos 54

Malaysia 9, 43 Maldives 50 Manitoba 12 Melanesia 43 Micronesia 43 Monte Carlo 41 Nairobi 17, 20 New Orleans 36 New Zealand 43 Polynesia 43 Puerto Rico 57 Puerto Vallarta 60 Punta Cana 60 Riviera Maya 54 Russia 43 Rwanda 21 Sardinia 6 Scotland 56 Singapore 61 South Africa 12, 17 Switzerland 31 Tanzania 12, 14, 22 Thailand 9 Venice 9 Wales 56 Zambia 12 Zimbabwe 23

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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EXPLORE THE WORLD

actively

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Breathe in the scent of rosemary as you hike to a quintessential Tuscan hill town. Listen to the chatter of monkeys overhead as you enjoy a thrilling white-water rafting excursion down a river in Costa Rica.

For three and a half decades, Backroads has set the standard for active travel, operating all of their own trips, and each departure is fully

supported by three Backroads professional Trip Leaders and two support vans.* With multiple mileage options available each day and unrivaled support, Backroads offers maximum flexibility for all guests. Very few travelers share exactly the same expectations, interests and ability level. Backroads welcomes a whole mix of abilities and ensures that every guest enjoys a uniquely personal travel experience. Looking for a longer ride, while your companion prefers a leisurely morning spin, followed by a stroll in the village or some spa time? Backroads caters to everyone’s priorities, so you can enjoy a trip that easily matches your style.

With more than 90 unique destinations around the world to choose from, Backroads invites you to experience the world with all of your senses. Get ready for a total unforgettable experience.

Please see page 64 for special offers from Backroads. For more information please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

*95% of Backroads guests travel with two or more support vehicles and three Backroads Leaders or Support Staff.

The other 5% are on trips with very few guests where just one van and two leaders can maintain their high service standards.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 3

E D ITOR’S L ET T ER

Lifestyles

TM

E DI T O R I A L

Editor In Chief

Creative Director

Georganne Shirk Laura Torrisi

Art Director at Large

Yin Wong

Advertorial

Coordinator

Allyn Bacher

Feature Art Director

Ann Suh

Kimberly Buerkle

Associate Editors

Alice Stroh

Copy Editors

Staff Writers

Kimberly Buerkle Alice Stroh Daniel Stein

As a child, I wanted to grow up to be a pirate.

Not a bad pirate, but a good pirate. I wanted to travel the world, explore exciting lands and wear long flowing dresses in the company of a cleaned-up version of Johnny Depp.

Although I am still waiting for my version of Johnny Depp, I set out on my own adventures.

One of my most exotic journeys was to Kenya and Tanzania on an African safari. Everyone should have a “bucket list,” and for me, this was high on my list. I took a private tour with four girlfriends, booked through an agency which specialized in African travel. Although I was a devout DIY-er (now reformed), we all knew that Africa was too big of a trip to plan on our own. So a good agency was worth its weight in gold (and allowed us platinum travel at bronze prices).

Judith Vitale

DE S IG N

Torrisi Design Associates, Inc. P ROD U C T ION Production Manager

Wendy Russo

Assistant Coordinator

Daniel Stein

The experiences and excitement were endless. We spent 2½ weeks hiking and touring, following the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, snapping photos of cheetahs who loved sitting on the hood of our jeep, laughing at the elephants at play, mesmerized by the zen-master giraffes, and humbled by the cycle of life as we saw lions eat their prey.

We had amazing Maasai warrior guides, including my favorite who spoke perfect English, fixed my watch and discussed his search for a second wife. (I said I might consider it if his mud hut had plumbing: There is nothing like a bathroom run in the dark with a chorus of hyenas). And we had multiple nights of luxury camping in tents or lodges in the wilderness. Each lodge was unique with sunrise breakfasts, picnics in the wild, and gourmet dinners with guards to protect us from cantankerous hippos. I will never forget the amazing (and unexpected) sounds of the hippo.

An Ensemble Travel® Group Publication Ensemble® Lifestyles is a publication of Ensemble Travel® ­Group. © January 2014 Ensemble Travel, Inc. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without written permission of the publisher.

Ensemble Travel Group, 256 West 38th Street, New York, NY 10018.

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Ensemble® Ensemble Travel® Ensemble® Hosted Cruises Ensemble® Hotel & Resort Collection Ensemble® On Location Ensemble® Villas & Vacation Homes Ensemble® Exclusives Ensemble® Experience Ensemble® Luxe Life and the floret design are registered and unregistered trademarks of Ensemble Travel, Inc.

4 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

So what is on YOUR bucket list? Channel your inner adventurer and book that vacation of a lifetime. But be warned, matey, the excitement could be addicting!

Wishing you all the joys (and excitement) of travel!

Georganne Shirk Editor In Chief (and wannabe storybook pirate)

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See the Cannes Film Festival promenade, Dying Achilles in Corfu, and the white-washed windmills of Mykonos. Visit the theater of Ephesus, Athens’ Temple of Zeus, and Corsica’s Musee des Beaux Art. Bargain your way through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and gape at the magnificent Blue Mosque. Taste sweet almond cakes, lamb kabobs, Mykonian meatballs, and Santorini’s volcanic vin santo.

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Onboard, the iconic Lawn Club is the perfect spot to relax and socialize in the fresh air. And there’s no better place than the interactive Lawn Club Grill to savor the joys of outdoor grilling. Your own cabanastyled haven awaits in The Alcoves. An iPad® menu makes Qsine® a dining dream. And excitement brews with up to 50 international craft beers in Michael’s Club.

Onboard, enjoy the very essence of premium cruising. Relax in chic and spacious accommodations. Sample worldly vintages in Cellar Masters wine bar. Attend theme parties in the Sky Observation Lounge. Indulge in The AquaSpa® by Elemis®. Share dinner for two at Blu. Play bocce ball at the Lawn Club.

And toast the day’s adventures as you sail into the sunset.

For special offers on Celebrity’s 7-night European sailings, see page 71 or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 5

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Central Holidays brings you to The Jewels of Sardinia’s Emerald Coast & Corsica

▲ We have arrived on Sardinia’s Emerald Coast! This 35 mile stretch of Mediterranean coastline looks like paradise. Aquamarine waters contrast beautifully with soft, sandy beaches that are embraced by rocky outcroppings and bordered by wild strawberry bushes. It’s simply stunning.

▲

Today we enjoyed a private tour of Surrau Winery and tasted their distinctive vintages. While we admired their 40 cultivate acres of farmland through the glass-walled main building, winemakers taught us about the entire winemaking process – from caring for the vineyards and learning how grapes are harvested, to seeing how fine wines are crafted and stored.

▲

DAY 1

Our dedicated driver escorted us to the port, and we set sail for Corsica. This island has picturesque hillside villages and beaches straight out of a movie.

We strolled through the neighborhood around our hotel, met some of the locals, and sampled Corsica’s gourmet cuisine.

DAY 3

▲ After a delicious buffet breakfast, our private car brought us to the port for a cruise to La Maddalena National Park, a protected group of islands in the channel of crystal-clear water between Sardinia and Corsica. We shared lunch onboard while exploring this delicate archipelago and touring the scattered, small settlements.

DAY 2

6 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

DAY 4

C ONT RIB UTORS

ROBIN CHERRY is a Manhattan-based freelance writer who specializes in luxury travel, bridal trends and popular culture for Travel+Leisure, Modern Bride, and Diversion. For Lexus Magazine, she covered such topics as the resurrection of the Armenian rug trade and learning Greek and Greek Dancing in Athens.

Singapore: Asia’s City in a Garden, page 61.

Canadian travel writer and photographer MICHAEL DEFREITAS has specialized in Latin American and

▲ The medieval village of Bonifcaio is surreal.

This town is built on rugged cliffs that hang high above the water. Our guided tour brought us to the most serene photos locations where the view is endless, gorgeous Mediterranean Sea.

DAY 5

Caribbean adventures for more than 25 years. His award-winning stories and photos appear in many publications including Caribbean Travel & Life, Diver, Islands, National Geographic Traveler, New York Post, Outside, Sport Diver and Travel + Escape.

Caribbean Eco-Adventures, page 44.

NANCY HELLMRICH is a Colorado-based

freelance writer and book editor who specializes in luxury travel, healthcare, and business services. A former advertising creative director, Nancy has worked, lectured, and traveled throughout North America, sailed the Mediterranean, and explored many regions of Europe, the South Pacific and Australia.

The Lure of European Christmas Markets, page 28.

Toronto-based writer and editor TIM JOHNSON contributes regularly to a number of national and international publications, including American Way, Reader’s Digest, the BBC, MSN and the Globe and Mail. His suitcase is almost constantly in use – he travels an average of 300 days a year and has visited 89 countries on six continents.

Cultural Close-Up: New Orleans, page 36.

▲ Leaving serene Corsica behind, we took a ferry back over the beautiful turquoise sea to Sardinia. The air was heady with the fragrance of oleanders and myrtle trees as we walked through the open-air museums, exclusive boutiques, and ancient Roman streets. This was a trip to remember – the gracious people, the private amenities, the luxurious tranquility, the superb dining. We can’t wait to return

DAY 6

to these exclusive Mediterranean islands …

See page 65 for special offers from Central Holidays or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

MICHAEL SHAPIRO is author of A Sense of Place: Great Travel Writers Talk About Their Craft, Lives, and Inspiration. His article on Jan Morris’s Wales was a cover story for National Geographic Traveler and won the prestigious Bedford Pace Award. Shapiro also writes about travel for Islands magazine and the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle. Visit: www.michaelshapiro.net African Adventures: Cousins Deepen Relationship by Traveling Together, page 13.

PADI Divemaster and writer JAMES STURZ has covered the underwater world for The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Outside, Men’s Journal, National Geographic Adventure, Scuba Diving, Sport Diver, New York Magazine, Caribbean Travel & Life, and Robb Report. He’s also author of the novel Sasso, set in an Italian hill town, far away from the water. Tranquility in the Blue, page 47.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 7

RSVP

Ireland & Hawaii

Inspired by Ensemble LifestylesTM, our readers have been traveling the globe and sharing their experiences with us …

Inspired by the “Retracing our Roots: A Family’s Emotional Journey to Hamburg” story in our Fall 2013 issue, Allie and her mother traveled to Ireland to learn more about their family history.

After reading “Repeat Performances: A Hawaiian Paradise Worth Returning To” in our Fall 2013 issue, Kevin decided to hit the fairways of Maui ... for old time’s sake.

Allie and the Blarney Stone

I’ve wanted to go to Ireland ever since I was a little girl. I’ve always felt so proud of being Irish; even if I knew next to nothing about where I came from, it made me feel secure to be able to identify and place myself. On the flight over when the plane broke through the clouds, my eyes filled with tears. I imagined

I saw your article about Hawaii and it brought

the people who came before me, people who are my family, living here. You never

back this incredible memory from early in my

think about where you come from until you decide to. And when you do, it’s like

career when a bunch of us won a trip to Maui for

opening the floodgates on your little heart. You think about the man and woman

exceeding our sales goals. We felt like we were the

who chose a different life for themselves and said goodbye to their families knowing

kings of the world. I wanted that feeling back. So

full well they would never see them again. Sure, I don’t know all the details of

I called a couple friends. Then I called my agent.

their journey, but I know now that their names were Patrick and Mary, and that’s

She got us into an amazing hotel on Maui and

enough. Enough to imagine that I might have her nose. His legs. Her laugh or his

some of the best golf I’ve played in my life. We’re

stubbornness. Or none of that. And still I feel stronger just being able to imagine it.

already planning our next trip.

~ Allie O.

~ Kevin S.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! We invite you to share your travel stories with us. RSVP to:

editor@ensembletravel.com Whether it be a destination featured in Ensemble Lifestyles or another fabulous locale, we’d love to hear where your travels have taken you.

8 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

Please see pages 62 - 80 for our pick of great cruises and vacations, or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant to create your own journey.

THE

Golden Age

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

OF RAIL TRAVEL

Harken back to the golden age of rail travel aboard two iconic trains: The Eastern & Oriental Express and Venice SimplonOrient-Express. While one takes you through the enchanting East, and the other from London to mainland Europe, both trains feel like an upscale hotel that moves from station to station, city to city, landscape to landscape.

The Eastern & Oriental Express journeys are about adventure, discovery and excitement. 66 private en-suite air-conditioned cabins accommodate only 132 passengers, making the Eastern & Oriental Express a unique and intimate way to explore South East Asia. Lounge in the teakwood flooring and paneled walls of the Observation Bar, as panoramic views of tropical forests pass by. Dine on sumptuous gourmet cuisine, take advantage of the attentive personal service and relax in luxurious cabins.

Embark on Classic Journeys from Bangkok to Singapore (and vice versa) or venture further on into Thailand, Malaysia and Laos on The Chronicles of South-East Asia. Each journey is accompanied by local experts who intimately guide you through each exciting culture.

Boarding the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is like stepping back into a more gracious, elegant age of travel. The train, revered as an Art Deco icon, exudes romance, adventure and style as it ventures through Europe’s most alluring cities.

The ornate vintage cabins, attentive service and outstanding cuisine make this train ideal for a luxurious romantic getaway or honeymoon that is sure to be full of unforgettable moments.

Classic journeys depart regularly from London to Venice via Paris (and vice versa), while the annual voyage to Istanbul stops overnight in Bucharest and Budapest.

For special offers from Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Eastern & Oriental Express, see page 68 or contact your Ensemble TravelÂŽ Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 9

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

“Begin A New Story” with Crystal Cruises in Europe Next Summer From the Baltic Sea to the British Isles, around the Iberian Peninsula and throughout the entire Mediterranean, Crystal Cruises’ 2014 Europe Collection offers an exceptional roster of 28 destination-rich itineraries and unmatched all-inclusive value. Travel in elegant luxury aboard the two highest rated ships in the world – Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity – and experience first-hand the service, space, quality and choices that have earned Crystal more World’s Best awards than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history. Add to that Ensemble’s exclusive range of valueadded benefits offered on every voyage – either an Ensemble® Host, cocktail party and Ensemble® Exclusive shore event, or a shipboard credit – and prepare to Begin A New Story™ on a vacation that sails far beyond the ordinary.

From April through September, the ships of Crystal cover the Continent, with Crystal Symphony exploring the Baltic & Russia, the North Cape & Arctic Circle, British Isles and Western Europe, while Crystal Serenity travels throughout the Mediterranean, from Spain, France and Italy to Greece, Turkey and the Dalmatian Coast. A series of portintensive Trans-Atlantic cruises bookend the season with voyages across both the north and south latitudes of the ocean.

10 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

Renowned for its destination immersion, nearly every itinerary features one – and in most cases two – overnight stays in fabulous places such as Bordeaux, Sorrento, Istanbul, St-Tropez, Amsterdam, Hamburg and Reykjavik. Just imagine, for example, the shoreside discovery you’ll enjoy on a Mediterranean voyage that begins with two full days in Venice, followed by an overnight in Monte Carlo, and concludes with another two days in Barcelona. Similarly, most Baltic itineraries showcase overnights in

Copenhagen and Stockholm with three full days (two nights!) to explore St. Petersburg.

A L L- I N C L U S I V E L U X U R I E S

entertainment offerings, from health and fitness options to personal instruction in language, music, computers, dance and more.

The All-Inclusive Crystal Experience® continues to appeal to the world’s most discerning travelers, people accustomed to the very best who appreciate value. The atmosphere on board is one of casually carefree elegance, with complimentary fine wines, premium spirits, champagne and specialty coffees served throughout the ships, pre-paid gratuities, gourmet dining on the cuisine of Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs, and an unparalleled menu of enrichment and

Equally intriguing are the variety of maiden calls including Ibiza, Ferrol and Santander, Spain; Alta, Norway; Skagen, Denmark; Oban, Scotland; Londonderry, Northern Ireland; Galway, Ireland; and, Jersey/SaintHélier, Channel Islands. Each unique in their own way, these lesser-known ports add a touch of revealing mystery to itineraries boasting more popular destinations.

So committed is Crystal to maintaining its stellar reputation, the line has recently invested over $100 million on the Extreme Makeover of its fleet. Not merely new fabrics and soft goods, either – but the total reinvention of spaces – removing pools, tearing down walls – to create new chic, contemporary and exceptionally welcoming

E X PE R I E N C E S O F D I SCOV E RY®

Further inspiring the curiosities of its well-traveled guests, Crystal’s expanded collection of 2014 Experiences of Discovery® theme cruises explores new topics including an “Explorations in Elegance” theme on a London to Rome voyage with experts from esteemed auction houses sharing insight into the finer things in life, from rare jewels and renowned wines to extraordinary homes. A Venice to Barcelona itinerary debuts a “Gladiators & Empires” theme celebrating the Roman Empire and its phenomenal influences on art, literature, law, social structure and more. Other popular themes include two “Emerging Artist” cruises – one in the Mediterranean and the other to the North Cape, and the line’s annual “President’s Cruise” from Stockholm to Copenhagen hosted by Crystal President Edie Bornstein.

and comfortable public areas, suites and staterooms. In addition to numerous design awards, the result is a level of refined luxury enhanced by superlative service. Let your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant craft a Crystal vacation just for you, and Begin A New Story of your own.

For special offers from Crystal Cruises please see page 72, or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 11

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

See life from a whole new

> PE RSPECTIVE <

From frozen lands to tropical jungles … shallow seas to African plains … our planet offers unforgettable adventures in the most magical natural realms.

Tauck & BBC Earth invite you to enjoy a backstage pass to the places, people, wildlife, and stories behind the landmark natural history series, BBC Earth.

With Tauck Earth Journeys, you’ll see for yourself what inspires the world’s greatest nature filmmakers. View exclusive BBC Earth films that deepen your travel experience. And gain access to the high-tech field equipment BBC’s filmmakers use to do their work.

Underwater pole cameras give you a privileged look at life beneath the waves.

Thermal imaging cameras and night vision goggles allow you to see what is normally hidden in darkness. Infrared camera traps capture images of even the most stealthy wildlife. And specialized microphones bring the “voices” of nature to your ears.

12 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

Experience Tauck Earth Journeys with BBC Earth For over half a century, the BBC has captured some of the most iconic images of our planet. BBC Earth works with the world’s best filmmakers, creators, and innovators to develop a range of unforgettable film experiences that connect with audiences around the globe.

Tauck has been a leader in global guided travel since 1925. Family owned and operated, Tauck offers over 100 inspiring land journeys, river cruises, small ship cruises, family travel adventures, and exclusive events across all seven continents – and has won over 50 awards for quality, innovation, and leadership, including being named to many "World's Best Tour Operator" lists.

Tauck Earth Journeys debuting in 2014 Botswana, South Africa & Zambia Kenya & Tanzania: A Classic Safari Antarctica: The Great White Continent Manitoba: Polar Bear Adventure Walking With Dinosaurs: A Journey Through Time

For special offers on Earth Journeys by Tauck & BBC Earth, see page 68 or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

REAL PEOPLE REAL JOURNEYS

African Adventures M AKI N G M E M O RI E S & E N RI C H I N G RE L ATI O N S H I PS

by MICHAEL SHAPIRO

When remembering my father and the 44 years of marriage they shared, my mother, Phyllis Shapiro, cannot help but recount some of the highlights of their time together. Among their best times were their travels, especially the safaris in Africa.

“Remember when we saw the mother giraffe about to give birth?” my mother said. “We stayed and watched as the newborn dropped and landed on his hooves. He was a boy, about six feet tall. And the trek to see the gorillas in Zaire, when the male silverback pounded on his chest as a warning not to come any closer.”

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 13

R E A L P E O P LE R EA L J O URNEYS

Pat Miller

Phyllis Shapiro

In 2005, my mother told my brother and I that she’d like to take us to Africa, to show us her favorite destination. During that trip, we stayed in Botswana’s Okavango Delta at Mombo, a luxe tent camp, where we saw elephants sloshing through the marsh and leopards mating.

About a year before my father died, my mother’s cousin Pat Miller lost her husband. My mother and Pat, both insatiably curious and adventurous, began traveling together. An African safari was a must. Here’s their story.

Shortly after Phyllis and Pat lost their husbands, just over a decade ago, the cousins met for dinner in New York and decided that nothing would stop them from continuing to explore the world. Phyllis had traveled frequently with her husband, Larry, especially to Asia and Africa. Pat hadn’t traveled as much but was beguiled by the prospect of seeing exotic places.

Phyllis and Pat started with a trip to Washington, D.C. in 2005, and soon thereafter they went to Russia. “We just had such a great time,” Pat said. But most of all, Pat appreciated my mother’s companionship. “She was like a guide for me, her memory, her history,” Pat said.

And Phyllis appreciated Pat’s curiosity.

“When my husband and I were in St. Petersburg, two hours was enough for him at the Hermitage. But Pat and I spent seven hours there. She was interested in everything, and I thought neither of us would ever want to leave.”

After that trip Phyllis said to Pat, “You’ve got to go somewhere exotic.” So they went to India. But they still hadn’t been to the destination Phyllis loves most.

14 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

According to Pat, Phyllis said, “Africa is my favorite place in the world.” I’d ask her why, and she would say, “There’s nothing like getting up in the morning, going out on the game runs, being out in nature and seeing the animals. Then you stay in luxurious places. The food is delicious, and they really take care of you. It’s nothing like you’ve ever experienced.” If Phyllis liked it, I knew I was going to like it. I just knew.

Phyllis explained: “I love Africa, I love the sense of disconnection from the world.

I love that I can enjoy nature in a way that is so exciting, I love the unpredictability of what I will see. I love the quality of the air, the sunrises. I love watching the animals wake up. And I love that after you’ve traveled for a little while, they take a table out of the Land Rover, spread a tablecloth and put out coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and Amarula (a South African cream liqueur). I love the quietude and tranquility of sitting there drinking my coffee and enjoying the stillness.”

Phyllis, who has been to Africa more than 15 times, had a clear idea of where she wanted to go and what she wanted to do for a 2012 trip with Pat. They decided on Kenya and Tanzania, but as always she called her travel

agent in San Francisco, who recommended an Abercrombie & Kent custom itinerary.

“Independent custom travel is wonderful because it’s so flexible,” Phyllis said. Years ago, “when my husband and I were watching a giraffe being born, we could say to the driver we would like to stay and watch this.

We found that by traveling independently we could do twice as much in half the time,” she added.

“My philosophy of travel, especially in Africa, is that I like to spend three nights in each game lodge. The reason is if you only spend two nights then you are unpacking the day you arrive and you are packing back up the following night. It really cuts into the enjoyment of feeling that you are one with nature.” Phyllis plans her trips so that the most exciting experience is at the end.

Traveling with anyone – whether spouse, cousin or friend – is always a dance, and Phyllis and Pat have found a steady rhythm.

The “cardinal rule,” Phyllis said, is “whatever either of us wants to do, we both want to do.

If Pat wants to shop, we shop. And if I want to go to a museum, we go to a museum.”

Traveling with anyone – whether spouse, cousin or friend – is always a dance, and Phyllis and Pat have found a steady rhythm.

Having breakfast at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro

Maasai women and children

“And I love that after you’ve traveled for a little while, they take a table out of the Land Rover, spread a tablecloth and put out coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and Amarula. I love the quietude and tranquility of sitting there drinking my coffee and enjoying the stillness.” ~ Phyllis Shapiro Leopard, Maasai Mara, Kenya

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania

Giraffe Manor, Nairobi

Sheldrick elephant orphanage

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 15

R E A L P E O P LE R EA L J O URNEYS

Their highlights included a hot-air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara.

More than a million wildebeest and over 300,000 zebras storm across the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara as part of their annual migration. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like the jaw-dropping spectacle of seeing these vast herds, as well as gazelles and elephants, thundering across the savanna at dawn, while silently gliding above them in the basket of a hot-air balloon.

16 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

So in September 2012, Phyllis and Pat traveled together to east Africa. They began their A&K Luxury Tailor Made Journey at Nairobi’s storied Norfolk Hotel, which dates to the dawn of the 20th century. On their first full day in Africa, their Nairobi itinerary included a visit to the Sheldrick elephant orphanage (see page 20), and to Giraffe Manor.

“Giraffes are the gentle giants of Africa.

As they lope across the plains, they are so beautiful to watch,” Phyllis said. “To see them at Giraffe Manor where they freely poke their heads through the window of somebody eating breakfast is really very special.” Visitors can feed the giraffes by holding food pellets – provided by the manor. “I fed them with my hand,” Phyllis said. “Their tongues are like sandpaper.”

Phyllis and Pat’s first full day in Nairobi was supposed to start with a visit to Out of Africa author Karen Blixen’s home and coffee farm, but they chose to end the day there. “It was lovely.” Phyllis said. “We sat there for about an hour and a half. Had we gone earlier in the day we would not have felt free enough to spend all that time there because we wouldn’t have wanted to miss the elephant orphanage or Giraffe Manor.”

Out on safari, Pat and Phyllis visited Kenya’s wide open Maasai Mara and saw the annual migration when more than a million wildebeest travel hundreds of miles from Tanzania’s Serengeti to feeding areas in Kenya. The sounds of the vast herds vibrate across the plains as lions chase down the weakest animals and crocodiles snatch victims at river crossings.

Their highlights included a hot-air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara. “We woke up at 4:30 am to get to the launching pad and watched the balloons as they were blown up,” Phyllis said. “Each was more beautiful than the one before.” Parades of elephants and vast herds of zebras trundled over the savanna after sunrise, their long shadows creating Escher-line patterns on the tawny land.

“I like the contrast of coming back to the luxury camps and being pampered, along with great cuisine.” ~ Pat Miller

Sasakwa Lodge

Pat and Phyllis stayed at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania and Tawi Lodge in Kenya. The piece de resistance was Singita Sasakwa Lodge alongside Tanzania’s Grumeti Reserve. Located atop Sasakwa Hill, with sweeping views of the Serengeti plains, Singita Sasakwa has just 10 air-conditioned cottage suites, each with its own fireplace, private deck, en suite bathroom and heated infinity pool. After the game-viewing adventures, the women were thrilled to return to the comforts and warm hospitality of these oases of luxury under the stars, where the staff anticipated their every need. A scented bubble bath with flowers around the tub? No problem. The best South African wines with dinner? Of course.

And they loved the occasional outdoor meal.

“It was awesome to sit at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro and have an omelet chef prepare your breakfast,” Phyllis said.

Part of the appeal of

the A&K trips they’ve taken is that Pat and Phyllis felt safe during the up-close encounters with wildlife.

Phyllis recalled the first time she was in Kenya, in 1990: “We were surrounded by hundreds of elephants, babies and matriarchs and big bull elephants, having our sundowner (sunset drink). Suddenly something happened; the matriarch got skittish. She picked up her trunk and emitted a warning sound that the tracker knew meant ‘get out of here and fast’ and so we did.”

But “it was never frightening,” she said. “I have never been frightened at all because I feel I’m under the protection of people who

understand the animals and who understand how to protect their clients.” She added with a laugh: “And when A&K plans a trip to Africa, you don’t even see an insect.”

But Phyllis and Pat didn’t go to Africa just to see animals – they also sought connections with local people. “The Maasai people are a beautiful people, a gentle people, and yet they are the warriors of East Africa,” Phyllis said. “They are very tall, very narrow, and slender. They wear clothing mostly in shades of red with a little bit of blue. If you give them something that has red in it they immediately add it to their wardrobe.”

Despite having visited Africa so many times, Phyllis can’t wait to go back. “I get deeper into the culture, traditions and history of Africa.

I’m fascinated by South Africa in particular.”

Phyllis was in South Africa with her husband during President Nelson Mandela’s election in spring 1994 and his inauguration a couple of weeks later.

Pat now lives with her life partner Moshe, and they travel together, but she still enjoys traveling with her cousin. Phyllis and Pat are returning to Africa – this time southern Africa – on another A&K itinerary this September (2014).

“Now that I have experienced the safaris,” Pat said, “I am so looking forward to the game runs with their peace and tranquility, just being out there with the animals and no other interferences. You totally forget everything else. I like the contrast of coming back to the luxury camps and being pampered, along with great cuisine.”

Perhaps the greatest reward of their journeys together is that the trips have brought cousins Pat and Phyllis even closer.

“When you share experiences with someone you love,” Phyllis said, “it immediately enriches your relationship because you’re spending quality time together – learning and doing and discussing – and you’re making memories that last a lifetime.” b

To book an A&K safari trip to Africa, please see page 63 or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 17

PROFILE: FREQUENT TRAVELER

Adventure with Style: GEOFFREY KENT PIONEERED SAFARIS WITH ELEGANCE

Geoffrey Kent O C C U PATI O N

Founder, Chairman and CEO Abercrombie & Kent I D E A L G E TAWAY

Diving in the Galapagos LI F E - C H A N G I N G J O U R N E Y

Motorcycle trip from Nairobi to Cape Town

When Geoffrey Kent and his parents started Abercrombie & Kent in Kenya in 1962, luxury travel was almost unheard of in Africa.

Kent’s goal was to make the African safari not just exciting but to tailor safe and comfortable trips for upscale travelers. A&K pioneered luxury tent cabins, Kent says, and has expanded to offer trips in more than 100 countries on all seven continents.

Kent seemed destined for a life of adventure. Born in 1942 while his parents were on safari in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), Kent grew up amid the splendor of Kenya’s wildlife. When he was 16, he embarked on a two-month, 5,000-mile solo motorcycle journey from Nairobi to Cape Town, which gave him the confidence to take on any challenge.

He joined the British military as a member of the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, a cavalry regiment whose charisma and style showed him it was possible to

18 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

dine lavishly even in spartan settings. And he says the logistics he learned with the Dragoon Guards gave A&K a template for offering safe and flawless trips.

Where are you now?

Among A&K’s guests: Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates, but Kent says his company treats every client like a celebrity.

A&K celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012, but the effusive and energetic Kent still scours the world to find new destinations and to ensure that all his guests have the trip of their dreams.

What is Abercrombie & Kent’s mission? I always wanted to provide one-

I just came in from Rio de Janeiro yesterday, and I’m off to Monaco tomorrow. I happen to be in my London office today.

of-a-kind experiences. Although the trips are exciting they have to be safe. We achieve all of that by unparalleled logistics, what I call the Abercrombie & Kent cocoon, so that from start to finish guests will be taken care of in a very elegant, seamless manner.

During the day they will have these amazing adventures, and by night they will be very comfortable: very good food, caviar and chilled champagne, ice for the gin & tonic.

Who is Abercrombie? I made up the name Abercrombie because we wanted to be at the top of the Yellow Pages, and I wanted people to think we had a really important partner.

Tell me about your first safari.

We had one Land Rover and used big Chevrolets. That’s when I developed the luxury tent safari, which had never been done before. And I had this concept: shoot with the camera, not with a gun. And we needed refrigeration. I was the first to bring refrigeration and deep freezes that would work in the back of diesel trucks while you travel around East Africa.

Irrawaddy and the Chindwin rivers — the boat holds about 42 people.

Can you give me an example of A&K’s philanthropic work?

One of our most successful projects is in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where we contribute about $1 million per year. The gorillas there represent 50 percent of the world’s population. The tribe will definitely protect the animals if they get rewarded.

I always want to put aside some time to look for new places …

I haven’t been to Mongolia yet so that’s on my list.

What’s most distinctive about A&K today? What makes it special is nothing goes wrong. We treat everybody as an absolute individual but above all listen to every single thing they want. The bespoke nature of our business is what sets us apart.

What are your Tailor Made Journeys?

We literally design everything. Some people like to have lunch in a restaurant each day – others want to sightsee all day. We like to get it exactly bespoke, even to the guide they would like.

Where do you like to travel when you have time off? I always want to put aside some time to look for new places. That’s what built Abercrombie & Kent. I haven’t been to Mongolia yet so that’s on my list. I love to dive. I just went diving in Galapagos.

What are the most unusual experiences A&K offers? You can get great diving off Indonesia or Galapagos, the Red Sea, places like that. You can go to the base camp at Mount Everest. We have a new ship in Myanmar that launches in November 2014 and will be on the

What is in your essential travel kit?

I always travel with my Louis Vuitton President Classeur briefcase – I’ve had it since 1972. I use it for my exercises. …

And I take some Planters peanuts, the plain dry roasted ones. They have been banned everywhere by airlines, so I have to take my own peanuts.

What do you foresee as the travel trends for the next year or two?

You’re going to get more multi-generational groups, so you have to start planning things for children, teenagers, parents and grandparents, which appeal to them all.

There will be far more private jet trips at the very, very high end. Our around-theworld private jet trips sold out in 15 days.

The other thing that is going to grow are

these very specialized boat trips to the Antarctic and Arctic. People are going to Uganda to see gorillas and chimpanzees.

Do you ever lead A&K trips – can people travel with you? I do one a year.

It’s an around-the-world trip by private jet.

I choose all the places I would like to go see. On the next one we’re going to Easter Island and Madagascar and Indonesia.

For unusual trips, you’ll see some fantastic offerings in A&K’s Marco Polo Club.

You are at an age (71) when some people consider retirement – does that occur to you? Not even a thought, it hasn’t even got anywhere on my radar screen yet, not even a chance.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 19

up-close & personal: N AIROBI’S ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE

meet baby Murka

by MICHAEL SHAPIRO

Most safari-goers in East Africa don’t expect that one of the most memorable wildlife encounters of their journey will happen in the bustling city of Nairobi.

B

ut those who visit the orphaned elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust will long remember the young pachyderms parading into a muddy enclosure where they lap up their lunch from plastic milk bottles with a big nipple at the end.

Escorted by their handlers, the elephants trot out in a line, satiate themselves with the special milk formula, then roll around in the mud, a common elephant behavior that protects their skin.

It’s an adorable spectacle, but these elephants have a tragic story – they’re here only because their mothers have been murdered, usually by ivory-seeking poachers. Most orphans are starving when rescued because other elephants won’t endanger their own babies by sharing their milk.

20 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

Founded in 1977 by Dr. Daphne Sheldrick and named for her late husband, the orphanage has rescued more than 150 elephants. After several years nurturing at the orphanage, most of them have been reintroduced into wild herds. The facility also aids rhino orphans and battles to stop the ever-more-sophisticated poachers.

Visiting the orphanage “was the most exciting thing we did in Nairobi,” said Phyllis Shapiro, who traveled to Kenya in 2012 (see her story on page 13). “These little babies trot out in their red and blue blankets. The orphanage has given them life. It’s uplifting and life-affirming.”

Clad in green uniforms, the elephants’ “keepers” stay with the orphans around the clock. Yes, they even sleep with them, Sheldrick told me when I visited three years ago. The elephants bond with their human keepers for

life, sometimes returning to visit them even after being reintroduced into the wild.

I visited the orphanage on my first full day in Africa. After the spectacle of the milk-lapping and mud-wrestling quieted down, I found myself drawn to a waist-high toddler who didn’t flinch when I approached. A handler told me her name was Murka. I ran my hand across her bristly skin, noticing an odd indentation in her head.

“That’s where the spear was,” said the handler. When they found Murka, a spear was embedded into her head, 8 inches deep.

Stunned, I looked deep into Murka’s eyes and she held my gaze. I’ll always remember that moment of communion with this young elephant who’d suffered so terribly but who, thanks to Sheldrick and her team, had a second chance at life.

meet baby Barsilinga

while you’re in Africa ...

Adopting an elephant Feeling moved by encounters with the young elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, some visitors elect to foster an elephant. You can choose the elephant you’d like to sponsor or simply make a general donation. The minimum fostering donation is $50.

worth the

Journey

SEE RWANDA’S MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

“I wanted to do my little part to help,” said Phyllis Shapiro. “The orphanage is thriving because of people who pay $50, a small price for saving baby elephants.” Supporters receive a photo and profile of the adopted elephant and a map showing where he or she was found.

Phyllis adopted a baby elephant called Barsilinga. “I fell in love with Barsilinga because he was the smallest baby elephant and looked so adorable and vulnerable. He also had such a jaunty gait. He is now a healthy 600 pounds!”

Dr. Daphne Sheldrick credits visitors and those who donate from afar with making the orphanage a success. “None of this would have been possible without the help of many people worldwide, for rearing an infant elephant is an expensive and long-term commitment,” she said.

But seeing a rehabilitated elephant march back into the bush and join a wild herd makes it all worthwhile.

To donate, go to: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org and click “Fostering.”

4-DAY TREKKING/ECO-LODGE ADVENTURE G O Channel your inner primatologist on a rare trekking adventure through Rwanda’s misty mountain rainforest to quietly observe a family of wild mountain gorillas.

W H Y Limited permits, steep climbs, thick foliage, and often muddy conditions make this a highly exclusive and personally rewarding journey. The gorillas’ human-like mannerisms and caring family bonds make the experience absolutely priceless.

STAY Stay in the Virunga Safari Lodge, situated high above it all with heavenly views of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo.

D O After your trekking adventure, visit a nearby orphanage and take a day-hike to Karisoke Research Center – nestled in the saddle of two volcanoes (Mt. Karisimbi and Mt. Visoke) –­ to visit Dian Fossey’s gravesite and learn about her controversial work.

T I P S Temperatures sit at around 80°F (27°C) throughout the year.

Avoid the rainy season, when tracking the gorillas becomes more difficult, and travel June through September.

Prepare for your trip by reading the Bradt Guide to Rwanda and, of course, Gorillas in the Mist.

Limited permits to visit the gorilla habitat in the Parc National des Volcans make these bookings a real treasure – contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant for details.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 21

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Travel to East Africa is thrilling at any time of the year. However, for an extraordinary wildlife experience make sure to visit during one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena — the Great Migration of millions of animals, including wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. The plains predators follow the migration and game viewing is often spectacular!

Following the

GREAT MIGRATION

The annual migration starkly demonstrates the rhythms of life in Africa. First, the rains turn the grass succulent and green, attracting grazing wildebeest, zebra, and other plains wildlife. Lions, hyenas, crocodiles, and other predators follow the wildebeest as they cross the savannah and rivers in search of the ripening grass. The largest land migration in the world has earned its place as one of the ten natural travel wonders of the world.

Pinpointing the exact time and place to best witness the migration can be challenging. This miracle of nature is totally dependent upon the rains and how the animals begin to move toward the western Serengeti, Tanzania. Most years, the best time to see

22 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

the migration in Tanzania is between June and August as the wildebeest gather to cross the Grumeti River into Kenya.

African Travel Inc.’s expert guides in Kenya and Tanzania closely monitor the migration each season, allowing travelers to have the best possible wildlife viewing opportunities. Check with your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant to find out where and when to travel for the safari experience of a lifetime!

See page 62 for special offers on these itineraries or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

D o n’t J ust S ee th e World .

UNDERSTAND IT. General Tours World Traveler’s pioneering vision has created some of the most innovative itineraries to the world’s most exotic locales. And with no more than 16 guests per vacation, a fulfilling expedition is guaranteed.

Personalized service and authentic travel experiences deepen your appreciation of other peoples, cultures and nations. Premium hotels, resorts and safari camps, attentive service, flexibility and authentic sightseeing will create memories that last a lifetime.

Enchanting and Enriching China: Yangtze Sojourn Take in the grandeur of Tianamen Square and enjoy a Peking duck banquet at one of Beijing’s finest restaurants. Explore the Great Wall from the more authentic Mutianyu section, handle ancient artifacts, marvel at the Terra Cotta Army, and stay overnight at Xian’s luxurious Shangri-La Hotel.

Set sail for the “Ghost City” of Fengu aboard a five-star all-balcony ship.

Try your hand at traditional brush painting or Mah Jong as you sail past scenic tributaries and unforgettable landscapes. Visit the Three Gorges Dam then fly to Shanghai, where a day of sightseeing with a friendly city resident awaits.

A Safari Purist’s Dream: Botswana, Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe Arrive in Botswana and spend three days uncovering the Delta’s diverse ecology of forest, floodplains, wetlands & grasslands with superb guides.

Go on safari – open 4x4 vehicles, mokoro canoe rides, bush walks and exciting night game drives – and witness wildlife like the elusive roan, sable antelope, lion, wild dog, spotted hyena, and more.

Bask in the Edwardian-era elegance of the Victoria Falls Hotel. A thrilling guided tour reveals the best vantage points, including a dramatic view of the famed Devil’s Cataract. Drive into Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe – home to the Continent’s most dense population of wildlife – for three days of game drives, viewing, and total privacy inside the beautifully isolated Davidson’s Camp.

See page 67 for special offers on these itineraries or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 23

LEARNING JOURNEYS FAMILY ADVENTURE Affordable • Guaranteed Daily Departures • Exclusive Private Touring For Your Family

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and Cambodia and even during an Arabian

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For more information please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Art

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The

of LUXURY In 1998, the m/s Paul Gauguin launched her maiden voyage in the turquoise seas of Polynesia and established the world-renowned standard of excellence synonymous with Paul Gauguin Cruises. Today, our list of idyllic destinations is expanding across the globe, with new exotic itineraries in 2014.

In addition to The Gauguin’s popular 7- to 14-night voyages showcasing the beauty and wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific, new itineraries include 11- and 12-night Fiji & Australia sailings and two 14-night Australia & Southeast Asia sailings. The Moana offers 7- to 14-night sailings featuring enchanting destinations in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe.

The desire to discover unspoiled coves and navigate smaller havens that simply cannot be reached by larger craft is what inspired our sleek, intimate fleet. Both The Gauguin and The Moana are steeped in luxury and always leave port with a fresh cache of fine linens, chilled champagne, and bearings set for the warmest, most exotic places on earth.

▲

THE GAUGUIN is renowned for its award-winning service and luxury

appointments. Nearly 70% of the ship’s suites and staterooms offer balconies. Dining experiences include L’Etoile, which showcases an array of tempting specialties. La Veranda features delicious breakfast and lunch dishes and is transformed into a chic French bistro in the evenings, highlighting culinary creations of celebrity chef Jean-Pierre Vigato. Naturalists, lecturers, and the Gauguines — a troupe of Tahitian entertainers—provide enriching experiences throughout each voyage. A luxury spa, fitness center, watersports marina, and expansive outdoor decks with a pool are also available onboard. ▲

THE MOANA offers 45 luxurious, oceanview staterooms including eight with balconies. Two elegant dining venues aboard incorporate regionally infused cuisine of destinations visited. After a day of adventure in port, guests can enjoy live piano music and cocktails in evening at Le Salon. Spacious outdoor decks provide stunning views, chaise lounges, a pool, hot tub, and Balinese beds. A spa and fitness center is also available aboard The Moana.

Please see page 74 for special offers from Paul Gauguin Cruises. For more information please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 25

Love

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FALL I N

W ITH FR E N C H PO LY N ES IA

Exceptionally beautiful from the moment they were born, the 118 islands of French Polynesia have always been ready for their close up. Bora Bora has never taken a bad photo. Other islands wish they had Moorea’s lofty spires and shimmering lagoons.

The untamed Marquesas couldn’t be any more adventurous.

The Tuamotu Atolls beckon with pristine beaches and dazzling dive sites. Huahine & Raiatea embrace you with their old-school Polynesian customs. Taha’a delights with vanilla beans and black pearls. And the happy bustle of Papeete leaves you hungry for more. If there was ever a place for romance, Tahiti is it.

Imagine slipping into the warm, turquoise water from your private overwater bungalow and snorkeling peacefully above the colorful marine life swimming happily below. Taking off on a diving expedition, mingling with manta rays, dallying with dolphins, and exploring the pristine coral reefs with 150foot visibility. Getting an adrenaline fix wind surfing, jet skiing, sea kayaking, sailing, surfing, deep sea fishing, and more.

26 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

On shore, you can take a jeep excursion inland to secret waterfalls and steamy grottos.

Succumb to the healing power of a hot stone massage. Loll on a wide, white sand beach.

Or laze in a hammock strung between two palms. And as the sun sizzles on the horizon, savor fresh Tahitian and French cuisine as you gaze dreamily into one another’s eyes.

After dark, give in to the rhythm of hipshaking tamure dances and hypnotic fire performances. Then drift off to sleep in your sumptuous overwater bungalow as the aquamarine water laps a Polynesian lullaby.

Islands in the Sun has a Tahiti vacation package that will fulfill your desire for luxury, privacy, natural beauty, and unbridled romance. To learn more, see page 69 or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Run away to the island nation of Fiji where full-service resorts on Nadi, Denarau, and the Coral Coast offer endless pampering, impossibly stunning fairways, and sundrenched play.

Scuba diving outposts in the Mamanuca and Northern Islands boast limitless underwater adventures. And privacy and passion reign supreme on the intimate Outer Islands, where exclusive properties offer unparalleled, all-inclusive luxury.

FI J I :

Romance

R E I G N S S U PR E M E Share incandescent days

Immerse yourselves in a brilliant array of activities including horseback riding, hiking, biking, island safaris, kayaking, jet skiing, yachting, whitewater rafting, and world class surfing. Snorkel above lively coral gardens.

Commune with manta rays, turtles, and tropical fish. And explore spectacular dive spots including the Great Astrolable Reef, the fourth largest reef in the world.

Revel in tender moments

To experience the gentle, joyful Fijian way of life on a romantic Islands in the Sun vacation, see page 69 or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

In Fiji, the perfect romantic existence is yours for the taking. Stroll along the beach or snuggle in a hammock beside the sea. Share the warmth of fiery sunsets. Toast your love with champagne and exotic cocktails. Tempt each other with delicate Fijian cuisine. Frolic in the gentle surf, sneak away for secluded picnics, go for daring moonlight swims, and fill your hearts with joy.

Succumb to the warmth

Wherever you go, the light-hearted Fijian people will welcome you with their signature warmth and attentiveness. From the first effusive shout of “Bula!” (welcome) until your last “Moce” (goodbye) you will be captivated by their hospitality and invited to share in their laughter, singing, and local customs. Experience kava and fire walking ceremonies. Visit a small rural village and participate in a traditional sevusevu event.

When your new friends gather to serenade you with “Isa Lei,” Fiji’s traditional song of farewell, you’ll find yourself promising to come back some day.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 27

The lure of

EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS

by NANCY HELLMRICH

For those of us who have been accused of being hopelessly romantic or stubbornly nostalgic, there are few more thrilling places to visit in November and December than the Christmas Markets of Europe. Here spicysweet aromas, fresh baked delicacies, mulled wines, and angelic choirs conspire to warm even the coldest of hearts. An abundance of twinkling fairy lights cast a warm glow. And childlike anticipation floats in the air.

28 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Each year during Advent (the four weeks prior to December 25th) hundreds of villages, street markets, and town squares throughout Europe are magically transformed into dazzling wonderlands that draw local residents and visitors alike. Historic references to Christmas Markets date back to the Middle Ages in the Teutonic regions of Europe. The earliest appear to have started in Dresden, Munich, Frankfurt, and Vienna. Many of them continue to this day and some boast over three million visitors a year.

Each market offers its own unique version of cheerfully lit shops, stalls or mini-chalets, and open-air carts displaying a magnificent array of lovingly prepared treats, hand-made ornaments, and one-of-a-kind gifts that bear no resemblance whatsoever to the mass-marketed productions of the “modern” world.

Mouth-watering decadence abounds in the form of freshly baked breads, rich cheeses, delicate chocolates, mulled wines, gingerbread cookies and Christmas cakes, apple brandy and Christmas beers, caramel apples, European coffees, and more. Unforgettable gifts can be found among the soft woolen sweaters, whimsical ornaments, delicate jewelry, elegant nativity sets, stylish hats, porcelain figurines, and distinctly European antiques.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 29

explore on their own or sit with a glass of wine and soak up the local scene.

Christmas on the Wilder Side Gary & Anne Wilder could have spent the busy holiday season at home with family and friends. But when they saw the chance to combine gift shopping with a cruise along the Rhine, they simply couldn’t resist.

Christmastime in Europe sounded like a dream.

Bundled in warm scarves and woolen hats, the Wilders touched down in Basel, Switzerland a day prior to their river cruise, giving them time to peruse the town’s Christmas Market and ease into the European frame of mind.

Just as they had imagined, streets lined with fairy-lights greeted them with a warm glow and set their vacation off to a very merry start.

The next day, still humming holiday tunes from the night before, the Wilders boarded the ms Swiss Sapphire and set off on their Rhine River cruise. In keeping with the seasonal theme, the ship was festively decorated from stem to stern. With a sliding glass door that opened to a private balcony, their stateroom provided all the comforts of home and amazing views to boot.

Tauck’s cruise director and walking tour guides were fonts of historical and cultural insight, which helped the Wilders make the most of their time in each port. And, in contrast to the Christmas rush back home, they found they had ample free time to

The range of local customs and fascinating variety in the markets they visited made finding gifts for friends and family loads of fun. The one constant everywhere was the availability of warm glühwien (mulled wine), hot chocolate, and good food – from tender, juicy sauerbraten to Christmas cookies fresh from the oven.

After heady days on shore, they gathered back on board to trade stories of their adventures with new friends over locally inspired cuisine and regional wines. Evening entertainment included a Christmas tree decorating party and, on the final night, a lively white elephant gift exchange.

Back home, the rewards of Gary & Anne’s Christmastime cruise grew tenfold when they saw the surprised faces of their gift recipients. Each gift told its own special story of Christmas in the lands along the Rhine.

Germany and Austria will delight you with their half-timbered buildings, spiced wines from local vineyards, stunning cathedrals, and historic authenticity.

TAUC K R I V E R C RU I S E S

Christmas Cruises on the Rhine & Danube

30 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

Tauck’s Christmas Market tours and river cruises are the perfect way to capture all the magic of Christmastime in Europe.

Onboard the ms Swiss Sapphire, special holiday touches include a tree-trimming party, glühwein in the Lido Bar, a full European Christmas dinner, and holidaythemed entertainment. On shore, you’ll visit large and small village markets, tour the Kurhaus casino in Baden-Baden, enjoy Alsatian storytelling in Strasbourg, a visit to the Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett in Rüdesheim, lunch at Hotel Ritter in Heidelberg, and much more! Holiday season sailings include: Christmas Markets Along the Rhine Christmas Markets Along the Danube

Glorious, Glittering Christkindelmarkts There are hundreds of Christmas Markets to choose from, each with its own special flair. Germany and Austria, in particular, will delight you with their half-timbered buildings, spiced wines from local vineyards, stunning cathedrals, and historic authenticity. But the markets in France, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Scandinavia, and even the United Kingdom can be equally enchanting.

FR ANCE

In the Alsace region of France, you’ll find fairytale villages with nativity scenes, antique carousels, and alluring Christmas wine cellars.

In contrast, Strasbourg’s German-style Christkindelsmärik is said to draw over two million visitors.

BELGIUM

Brussels’ Winter Wonders features two beautiful kilometers of festively decorated streets, a merry-go-round, ice skating rink, parades, and an interactive iceberg experience.

GER MANY

At the Stuttgart market (c. 1692) nearly 300 vendors compete for the most beautifully decorated stall and the Town Hall is transformed into a giant Advent calendar. Munich’s main “Nicholas Market” at Marienplatz has roots in the 14th century and boasts delicate figurines, marionettes, gingerbread, and glassware from the Bavarian Forest.

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt (c. 1434) is famous for its giant Stollen Cake unveiling, handcarved wooden ornaments, and paper Advent stars. In Nuremburg, temptations include delicious sausages, warm roasted almonds, and a special “kinderweihnacht” for children.

Cologne boasts seven unique markets including the Home of the Elves, the Fairytale Market, and a Maritime Market on the bank of the Rhine. Heidelberg shows off with six markets. Rüdesheim celebrates with brandyfilled chocolates, German storytelling, and a life-size nativity scene. In Baden-Baden, St. Nicholas arrives via hot-air balloon, a living nativity draws crowds, and an open-air stage keeps your spirits bright.

AU ST R I A

Vienna’s “December Market” dates back to 1294 and is thought to be the forerunner of the modern Christmas Markets. In Salzburg,

U N I WO R L D B OU T I QU E R I V E R C RU I S E C O L L E C T I O N

Shop for one-of-a-kind treasures and discover the legends behind some of our most popular holiday traditions on a truly all-inclusive Uniworld Boutique River Cruise. Warm apple cider, sweet gingerbread, cold holiday beer, and warm spiced wine will delight your senses as you revel in the enchantment of the season. Onboard, Uniworld’s partnership with Red Carnation Hotels guarantees an unparalleled luxury experience, where five-star expectations are always met, and often exceeded. Holiday season sailings include: Classic Christmas Markets Danube Holiday Markets Enchanting Christmas & New Year’s Cruise Grand Christmas & New Year’s Cruise Rhine Holiday Markets

the City of Mozart, stalls are arranged around the stunning cathedral.

H U N GA RY

Budapest’s market features sweet Hungarian pastries, roasted chestnuts, stringed orchestras, and puppet shows.

DENMARK

Copenhagen’s famous amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, lights up with nearly four miles of mesmerizing lights, traditional crafts, Danish antiques, and even chic designer creations.

SWITZERLAND

Basel’s Christmas market extends over two city squares. The streets are lined with twinkling pines. The cathedral basks in a warm, golden glow. And the enchanting Johann Wanner Christmas House radiates with vintage glass ornaments, cuckoo clocks, and irresistible cherubs. b

V I K I N G R I V E R C RU I S E S

When you cruise with Viking River Cruises you enjoy the rewards of more than 175 years of heritage and a level of expertise that’s second to none. Sail between November 30 and December 24 and you’ll also enjoy visits to Europe’s legendary Christmas Markets. On every Viking holiday cruise, the spirit and romance of Christmas come alive with warm, spicy scents and beloved carols wafting through the air. In each port, you’ll be greeted with a wonderful feast of tasty treats and dozens of stalls brimming with unique and inspiring handcrafted gifts. Holiday season sailings include: Rhine Getaway Romantic Danube Danube Waltz Heart of Germany Paris & the Heart of Normandy

To plan your Christmas Market river cruise, contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 31

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Discover What’s New with

Uniworld in 2014

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has taken thousands of guests along the world’s great waterways in impeccable style, luxury, and comfort. Travelers can unpack once and simply unwind as their authentic boutique river cruise ship docks in the heart of great capitals and fairytale villages. There’s no waiting in long lines to get on or off the ship; no need to tender into ports. And Uniworld’s perfectlyplanned, fully hosted itineraries allow guests to delve deeply into the art, architecture, music, history, and cuisine of each locale.

In 2014, Uniworld is proud to offer a “Six-Star Experience” and true all-inclusive boutique river cruises in Europe, along with a brand new Super Ship and an exciting new destination.

32 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

Six-Star Luxury in Europe with Uniworld Uniworld’s “Six-Star Experience” represents their core value: delivering the highest standards of excellence in the six most important aspects of luxury river cruising.

NEW FOR 2014 TRUE ALL-INCLUSIVE BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES IN EUROPE

M E XPERTISE As a luxury cruise line, Uniworld handles all aspects of their onboard operations – nautical, hospitality, and culinary. And with the synergy they share with their award-winning sister company Red Carnation Hotels, which has over 50 years of experience owning and operating luxury boutique hotels, Uniworld has created the world’s ONLY floating luxury boutique hotels.

• The finest and most elegantly appointed riverview staterooms

M S ERVICE “No request too large, no detail too small” is the credo of the Uniworld staff, who go above and beyond to create an extraordinary experience for their guests.

• All gratuities onboard and onshore

M L UXURIOUS SHIPS, UNIQUELY DESIGNED Uniworld’s one-of-a-kind, exquisitely appointed ships are each a work of art, designed to be as unique as their guests, and as inspiring as the destinations they visit.

M C ULINARY Uniworld has crafted a culinary experience for the most discerning of palettes to ensure every guest’s dining experience exceeds their expectations. With every meal onboard, guests are treated to a rich selection of complimentary craft and local beers, spirits, and distinctive wines chosen by Uniworld’s acclaimed sommeliers.

M C HOICE Uniworld offers more European itineraries than any other river cruise line, and more options for guests to personalize their Uniworld boutique river cruise with innovative onshore programs, including “Choice Is Yours,” “Go Active,” and “Gentle Walking” options.

M T RULY ALL-INCLUSIVE Uniworld’s true all-inclusive Europe 2014 boutique river cruises are perfectly planned to create the ultimate, stress-free, luxury river cruise experience in Europe.

• All scheduled airport transfers • Unlimited beverages onboard, including a selection of distinctive wines; craft and regional beers; spirits; cocktails; juices; cappuccinos, lattes, espresso, and French press coffee; fine teas; and mineral water • All meals onboard • Shore excursions hosted by English-speaking local experts • Internet and Wi-Fi access onboard • All entertainment and cultural enrichment programs onboard • And much more

Sail Uniworld’s Newest Super Ship, S.S. Catherine Uniworld is excited to welcome their newest Super Ship, S.S. Catherine, which will sail the popular “Burgundy & Provence” itinerary along the Rhône and Saône rivers. The S.S. Catherine will be one of Uniworld’s largest ships, with a capacity for 159 guests. Guests can enjoy deluxe signature touches throughout the three full decks of elegantly appointed suites, staterooms, and public areas.

Experience the “Sweetness of Life” in Bordeaux – Uniworld’s Newest Destination The Bordeaux region of France is renowned for its fascinating history and world-famous wines – and Uniworld takes travelers there

in impeccable style onboard the striking River Royale. For those wishing to experience France’s most charming sites, the new 15-day “A Portrait of Majestic France” itinerary sails along the rivers of Northern and Southern France. If travelers would prefer to spend their entire trip in the Bordeaux region, they can choose the new 8-day “Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux” itinerary.

With visits to the charming towns of Bergerac, Saint-Émilion, and Bordeaux – and ample time to take in the scenery – travelers will surely discover the many pleasures of French life.

Please see page 79 for special offers from Uniworld. For more information please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 33

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

embark

on a

journey of discovery

34 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

Viking River Cruises, a Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler award winner, offers the best itineraries on the rivers of Europe, Russia and China. Enjoy exciting cities, rich cultural experiences, fine dining and deluxe accommodations onboard the most modern ships – with everything from meals to shore excursions included in your fare. And our award-winning Viking Longships® have raised the bar yet again with full-size veranda staterooms, the largest suites in Europe, al fresco dining and more.

Come discover for yourself why Viking is truly the world’s leading river cruise line.

Receive 2-for-1 Cruise Fares plus International Air Discounts, and Ensemble® Exclusive Shipboard Credits on these upcoming cruises!

Best Fleet The world’s best river cruise fleet, including NEW Viking Longships in Europe and the best ships in Russia and China.

Viking Value Viking’s inclusive fares cover accommodations, onboard meals, daily shore excursions, cultural enrichment, wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner service and more.

2014 Grand European Tour

2014 Romantic Danube

15 days aboard the new Viking Longships Amsterdam to Budapest Ensemble® Exclusive: $50 shipboard credit per stateroom

8 days aboard the new Viking Longships Budapest to Nuremberg Ensemble® Exclusive: $50 shipboard credit per stateroom

2014 Waterways of the Tsars

2014 Imperial Jewels of China

Superb Service, Guaranteed Because we operate our own ships, we manage every aspect of your travels and are the only river cruise company to guarantee our award-winning service.

Most-Award Winning River Cruise Line Recognized by our guests and travel industry organizations for service and product excellence.

Cultural Enrichment Carefully crafted itineraries and daily shore excursions bring you closer to the art, architecture, history and people.

13 days aboard fully refurbished Viking Helgi, Viking Ingvar, Viking Truvor Moscow to St. Petersburg Ensemble® Exclusive: $50 shipboard credit per stateroom

13 days aboard all-veranda Viking Emerald Beijing to Shanghai Ensemble® Exclusive: $50 shipboard credit per stateroom

For more information on these special offers please see page 80, or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Celebrating Fine Food Featuring fresh ingredients, regional specialty options and served in a variety of settings including al fresco dining.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 35

cultural close-up: NEW ORLEANS

M U S I C . C U LTU RE . FOO D.

by TIM JOHNSON

Tim Johnson delves into the beating heart of New Orleans and Cajun country, a place where Creole, Cajun and French cultures intersect ... with fascinating results.

Louisiana’s travails in the past few years are well known – after just recovering from Katrina’s punch a few years ago; the Pelican State was soon socked with another devastating blow in the form of the Gulf oil spill. But great places don’t stay down for long. New Orleans and the colorful towns and villages that dot the swamps of Cajun country eagerly welcome visitors to come south this winter to experience some of the best food, festivals and overall joie de vivre on the entire continent. As they say down here: Laissez les bons temps rouler.

Let the good times roll.

ALL THAT JAZZ

New Orleans is a city that simply radiates music. It seems to flow from everywhere – from the bouncing calliopes ringing forth from the steamboats out on the Mississippi River, to the lively buskers in Jackson Square, to the exciting brass bands that 36 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

play on Bourbon Street. Start your French Quarter night at the famed Preservation Hall on St. Peter Street. While the jazz here is some of the best you’ll find anywhere, the Hall doesn’t have a bar, so keep the music going and get the drinks flowing at the nearby Maison Bourbon, long a local favorite for Dixieland and traditional jazz.

BEYOND THE QUARTER

Some visitors to New Orleans never make it past the confines of

the French Quarter, and that’s a shame, as the city has much more to offer. For example, take the classic St. Charles Avenue streetcar out to the Garden District, a lovely neighborhood filled with fountains, parks and leafy streets lined with stunning 19th-century Italianate and Greek revival

homes. And make sure to spend some time on the district’s main thoroughfare, Magazine Street.

Whether you’re seeking fine art, handcrafted antiques or just a great cup of coffee, this six-mile bohemian stretch is bound to have exactly what you’re looking for.

CAJUN CULTURE

The areas to the west of New Orleans – dominated by vast wetlands and sprinkled with fishing villages, sugarcane plantations and towering oak trees

We reached out to the experts at Tour de Forks for their suggestions of not-to-be-missed culinary experiences in NoLa: 1. A market visit and cooking class with Poppy Tooker. Poppy is a culinary icon

and she has promoted southern cooking in media outlets ranging from the History Channel to the Food Network. Classically trained, Poppy holds both a chef’s and cooking teacher’s diploma. Her cooking classes, filled with history and tradition, are also great fun.

2. Coffee and beignets at the

legendary Café du Monde.

3. Dinner at Cochon Restaurant. The chefs behind

Cochon, Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski were going whole-hog before anyone else had even heard of “nose-to-tail”. Here are roasted oysters and gumbo, fried boudin, stuffed pig’s foot, and unforgettable rabbit and dumplings. Cochon’s mission is to stay true to locally sourced ingredients and authentically prepared Southern and Cajun cuisine. The drink menu includes interesting bourbons, local beers, traditional southern cocktails – and moonshine.

4. A visit to Kitchen Witch, a unique little bookstore

specializing in rare, hard to find, out of print and pre-owned books on food and cooking, and Lucullus, a fascinating culinary antique store, that is more a museum than a store.

5. Lunch at Napoleon House Bar & Café, established

in 1787, for a muffuletta and the best Pimm’s No. 1 Cup this side of the Atlantic.

dripping with Spanish moss – are the homeland of the Cajun people.

Visit the Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Eunice, head to Avery Island and its famous Tabasco factory, or take a swamp tour including the excellent Atchafalaya Experience.

FESTIVAL HEAVEN

If anyone knows how to party it’s the people of Louisiana, and the state hosts more than 400 festivals each year. The Festival

W H E R E TO S TAY HOTEL MONTELEONE

New Orleans, Louisiana Four generations of Monteleones have dedicated themselves to making their hotel what it was in 1886 – a sparkling jewel at the heart of the French Quarter.

A $70,000,000 restoration has returned this AAA Four-Diamond legend to its nom de plume as the city’s Grand Dame.

Hotel Monteleone’s 600 luxurious guest rooms feature marble and granite baths as well as all the modern amenities.

Savor traditional New Orleans fare in two award-winning restaurants. Sip cocktails in the famous Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge.

Ensemble® Exclusives: A cocktail in the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge; upgraded room at time of check-in when available; early check-in and late check-out when available.

them all: Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday will be on March 4). Celebrations take place across the state, but the most over-the-top festivities are always on Bourbon Street.

International de Louisiane (April 23 - 27), celebrates the cultures of south Louisiana through the musical, visual and culinary arts.

The French Quarter Festival (April 10 - 13) will feature more than 150 musical performances, and of course there’s the granddaddy of

NOLA FOR FOODIES

New Orleans is one of the top food destinations in the world and possesses a culinary legacy like no other city. They create, and celebrate food and drink here with their own brand of Southern joie de vivre. The French Quarter’s

landmark restaurants, with their long storied pasts and the other legendary eateries have contributed to the legacy and the building of a contemporary Creole movement.

New restaurants offer exciting riffs on traditional dishes. Combine all that fabulous food, its history with the city’s art and architecture – and all that jazz – and you have the ingredients of a very special epicurean adventure.

To book your trip to the Big Easy, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 37

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ART of

Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises’ founders Frank Del Rio and Bob Binder give new meaning to the term “hands-on.” When building the line’s two new ships, Marina and Riviera, they were directly involved in every step of the process, from the initial design to the selection of furnishings to perhaps the grandest undertaking of them all: amassing the entire art collection for both ships.

Marina and her sister ship, Riviera, were designed to eschew the common look of a cruise ship. Instead, Del Rio and Binder wanted to create the feel of a luxurious private home. When it came to the artwork, they hoped to assemble a collection such as that which a private collector might acquire over a period of decades.

“We weren’t just looking for background music,” Del Rio says. “We wanted pieces that were bold and interesting, pieces that made a statement, provoked conversation and inspired emotion.”

Del Rio and Binder visited galleries, art shows and auctions across the globe. Some pieces were purchased directly from the artists, and several pieces were commissioned from artists as well. The resulting collection is a diverse assortment of masterpieces from renowned names like Picasso and Miró as well as gems 38 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

from emerging artists such as Li Dominguez Fong and Carlos Luna. Spanning eras and genres, the works represent an international array of artistic talent, from the 19th century nautical art of Thomas Buttersworth to the modern pop art of Robert Mars. The scale of the collection has never before been seen at sea.

At any given moment onboard the ships, guests can be found gazing at a sculpture or discussing the merits of a painting. Binder and Del Rio clearly achieved their goal of creating a collection that would evoke strong reactions and generate conversation.

They also succeeded in creating an utterly unique experience: cruises that allow guests to visit a world-class museum without ever disembarking the ship.

Because Oceania Cruises’ itineraries often feature overnight stays and later evening departures, you can fully immerse yourself in the cultural arts of each new destination. In St. Petersburg, spend the afternoon exploring the renowned Hermitage Museum and the evening watching Russian ballet. Wander through the open-air seaside market in Nice, known for elegant flowers, photo-perfect fruit and quaint cafes, then drive to a medieval village on the sea for an exquisite meal complemented by the fine wines of a historic

➊

➋

➌

➍

OCEANIA CRUISES POINTS OF DISTINCTION

• Mid-size, elegant ships catering to just 684 or 1,250 guests • Finest cuisine at sea, served in a variety of distinctive open-seating restaurants, at no additional charge • Country club casual ambiance; tuxedos and gowns are never required • Youngest fleet in premium-class cruising with 85% of accommodations featuring private balconies

➎ Ernesto Lopez, Fallen Ideas, 2011, oil on canvas, onboard Riviera

➏ Jorge Varona,

A Moment in Paint, 2011, oil on canvas, onboard Riviera

➏ ➊ Willard Andre Allen’s Red River Vortex, 2011, acrylic paint on glass, onboard Riviera

➋ Bob Binder (left) with artist Andre Allen ➌ Frank Del Rio (left) with artist Carlos Luna onboard Riviera ➍ Carlos Quintana’s Monk Reading, 2011, oil on canvas, onboard Riviera

vineyard. Experiences such as these create cherished memories which may be preserved through acquiring both timeless souvenirs and new skills, such as regional cooking techniques learned on a Bon Appétit Culinary Discovery Tour.

Whatever corner of the globe beckons you to explore, Oceania Cruises takes you there in comfort and style. Relax onboard their luxurious mid-size ships and savor exquisite cuisine that is not only renowned to be the finest at sea but also rivals the best restaurants ashore. Inspired by Master Chef Jacques Pépin, these culinary delights have always been a hallmark that distinguishes the Oceania Cruises experience from any other.

Considering the uncompromising quality, perhaps the most remarkable aspect of an Oceania Cruises voyage is its incredible value. Lavish complimentary amenities abound, and there is never a fee to dine in any of their restaurants, and water and soft drinks are always complimentary. Value packages ensure that sipping a glass of wine, surfing the Internet or enjoying a shore excursion is both convenient and affordable. Every moment spent on an Oceania Cruises voyage confirms that this is Your World.

Your Way.® Please see page 75 for special offers from Oceania Cruises. For more information please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

➎

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 39

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

E XC LUSI V E E X PE R I E NCE S ON

Ensemble Hosted Cruises ®

Ensemble Hosted Cruises offer travelers the opportunity to see the world with Ensemble’s gracious, well-traveled Hosts. ®

Your Host will hold a private cocktail party onboard where you will meet like-minded travelers, and lead an exclusive, complimentary shore event known as the Ensemble® Experience. In 2014, there will be eight Ensemble® Hosted Cruises on board the luxurious ocean liners of Cunard. They will be available on Mediterranean adventures aboard Cunard’s newest liner, Queen Elizabeth®, and unforgettable explorations of the gems of Northern Europe on Queen Victoria®.

Queen Elizabeth was named by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2010. With her glittering

40 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

crystal chandeliers, polished marble and wood accents, and Art Deco-style staterooms, she evokes the regal grandeur of her predecessor, the first Cunarder to bear her name. The sunny ports of the Mediterranean are home to vibrant capitals like Athens and Istanbul, spectacular ancient ruins, outstanding museums, vibrant markets, and some of the world’s best food courtesy of the region’s fresh fish, and sun-ripened fruits and vegetables.

Ensemble® Experiences on the Queen Elizabeth will feature excursions to Bodrum and Kusadasi in Turkey; Korcula and Dubrovnik in Croatia; and the ravishing French Riviera.

BODRUM has long been a favored getaway of Turkey’s upper classes and with its sparkling twin bays and hillsides dotted with whitewashed, bougainvillea-draped houses, it’s easy to see why. The city’s centerpiece is the medieval, volcanic rock Castle of St. Peter, which incorporates reliefs from King Mausol’s mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

KUSADASI is the gateway to the archaeological ruins of Ephesus and the Ensemble® Experience includes lunch at an olive farm and tours of several historic sites including the 24,000-seat amphitheater that’s still in use today, as well as the remains of the 6th century Temple of Artemis, also one of the seven ancient wonders. Before returning to the ship, explore the Kusadasi market and enjoy a Turkish rug weaving demonstration.

Picturesque KORCULA is dotted with lush vineyards and olive groves. Its walled medieval center with stone buildings topped with terra-cotta roofs will transport you back to the time of Marco Polo who some claim was born here. You’ll sample the island’s locally made olive oil, hams, and cheeses and its famous white wines (which are frequently served at diplomatic banquets).

Your Ensemble® Experience in DUBROVNIK begins with a drive along the coastline that passes through charming villages. You’ll stop by an old flour mill for a demonstration and visit a local art gallery before stopping at a country home where you’ll savor a lunch of local specialties including cheeses, grilled meats, smoked ham, and homemade bread while local musicians perform. Return to Dubrovnik for a stroll through the cobblestoned streets of one of the world’s most lovely medieval cities.

With its plush velvets, wrought iron banisters, burnished veneers, and stained glass windows, Cunard’s quintessentially British Queen Victoria visits Northern Europe in a style befitting its venerable namesake. Queen Victoria will call on the majestic capitals of Stockholm and Copenhagen, the medieval pearls of Kristiansand, Norway and Tallinn, Estonia and Russia’s Imperial masterpiece, St. Petersburg.

The Ensemble® Experience in MONTE CARLO starts with a winding, scenic drive along the famed Corniche roads to Ile de France, a villa once owned by Baroness de Rothschild.

The villa is now a museum housing the Baroness’s priceless collection of Old Masters paintings and rare porcelains.

Continue along the Riviera to Eze, a hillside village where you’ll enjoy refreshments on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.

Your Ensemble® Experience will introduce you to the stunning highlights of St. Petersburg, the city built by Peter the Great to rival the great capitals of Europe. With the ornate interiors and impeccable collections of the Hermitage museum, the sumptuous czar’s palaces and its spectacular churches, St. Petersburg is one of the world’s most alluring cities and your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant will ensure that your experience is an affair to remember.

For more information on these Ensemble® Hosted Cruises please see page 73, or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 41

© Sergey Frolov

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Orangutan, Borneo

Chukotka, Russian Far East

GREAT EXPLORATIONS

Vanuatu, Micronesia Milford Sound, New Zealand

© Tourism Western Australia

© Vanuatu Tourism Office

© MIVA

Go to the Ends of the Earth on Silversea’s new Silver Discoverer

42 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

King George Falls, Kimberley Coast, Western Australia

Bali, Indonesia SILVERSEA is renowned for its elegant, spacious design so all of Silver Discoverer’s sixty-three accommodations are ocean-view suites where you can stare out the window as you sail past pristine forests, abundant wildlife, sparkling waters, and deserted beaches. Bathrooms are stocked with European bath amenities and plush towels; beds are covered with fine Italian linens and soft down duvets. Every suite comes with a private butler who will ensure that your en-suite bar is stocked with complimentary beverages including your favorite wines and spirits. After a day of eye-opening expeditions, it’s a pleasure to join friends in The Restaurant for an exquisite gourmet dinner. All dining venues feature open seating so there are no assigned times or tables. If you’d prefer a romantic night in, your butler can serve a formal dinner in your room. After dinner, enjoy a nightcap in the Discoverer Lounge before retiring to your suite to rest up for the next day’s adventures.

The Pacific islands of Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia take in some of the world’s most stunning, clear, palm-fringed waters. The region is known for unrivaled snorkeling and scuba diving; guests enjoy warm, crystalline waters surrounded by vibrantly colored fish and friendly stingrays. Enjoy cookouts on private white beaches and learn about the Islanders’ ancient customs and ceremonies.

Long-closed to Westerners, the Russian Far East is one of the world’s last untouched destinations and home to an extraordinary wealth of wildlife including salmon-hunting brown bears, frolicking seals, sea otters, and sea lions, and the majestic Steller’s sea eagle with its six-foot wingspan. In Petropavlovsk, the only major city on the Kamchatka peninsula, one can visit the lively market and gold, onion-domed cathedral while admiring the snowcapped mountains and volcanoes that surround the city.

The islands between Malaysia and Australia are renowned for their biodiversity and travelers are promised unforgettable encounters and experiences. Sailing among the 17,000 islands of Indonesia one can visit the Komodo Dragon, the world’s largest lizard, and the megaliths of Bori, known as “The Stonehenge of Indonesia.” The rain forests of Borneo are home to endangered

© Lex Santoso

With the debut of the ultra-luxurious Silver Discoverer in 2014, Silversea will once again introduce its guests to some of the world’s most remote and fascinating destinations. Silver Discoverer is the newest member of the Silversea Expeditions fleet which plies far-flung waters outfitted with a fleet of Zodiac boats and a team of expert guides. The small boats make it possible to explore areas that are inaccessible to larger ships.

There’s even a clear-bottomed boat on board so guests can observe the underwater flora and fauna. Silver Discoverer will navigate the exotic Oceanic archipelagos of of Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia; the mysterious lands of the Russian Far East; the enchanting ports of Southeast Asia; and the hidden treasures of Australia and New Zealand.

species like the adorable pygmy elephant and the gentle, intelligent orangutan.

Travelers to Australia and New Zealand can tour The Kimberly, a little-visited region in northwestern Australia that’s studded with cascading waterfalls, towering limestone gorges, sandy beaches, untamed wilderness, and a rich variety of birds. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a twenty-two foot saltwater crocodile (the largest living reptile in the world that the nickname-loving Aussies call “Saltie”).

The launch of Silver Discoverer coincides with Silversea’s 20th anniversary and CEO Enzo Visone is pleased to announce that “Silver Discoverer will bring our guests even closer to dramatic landscapes, historic locations, and ecologically important destinations – all in the comfort of one of the finest expedition ships operating today with all the trappings that our guests have come to expect of Silversea.” If you’ve sailed with Silversea, you know it doesn’t get better than that. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?

For special offers, please see page 78, or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 43

caribbean

ECO-ADVENTURES Copy & Photography

by MICHAEL DEFREITAS

For most of us, the mere mention of the word ‘Caribbean’ conjures up images of sparkling cobalt waters, lingering sunsets on palm-fringed beaches, fabulous resorts, vibrant rhythms, fine rum and great food. But the tide of Caribbean tourism is slowly changing. To the growing ranks of the active traveler, the Caribbean is much more than an impressive collection of tourist clichés. It is an eco-rich region of unexplored old-growth rainforests, active volcanoes, unique flora and fauna, and one of the world’s top marine ecosystems – ideal for exploring on foot, by 4x4, bike or kayak, or in snorkel or scuba gear.

A few places, including Dominica and the Dominican Republic, are totally committed to eco-tourism with a full range of eco-attractions, while many others now offer a variety of land- and marine-based eco-adventures.

HIKING Although you can hike on most islands, some, like Puerto Rico and the Windward Islands, offer outstanding trekking. But Dominica – called the Nature Isle – takes the region’s top hiking honors. Its Valley of Desolation Trail to Boiling Lake (with volcanic steam emerging from the world’s second-largest fumarole) is lengthy but rewarding. On St. Vincent’s Vermont Nature Trail and the La Soufrière Volcano Trail you’ll have plenty of opportunity to see one of the Caribbean’s most rare and endangered Amazon parrots. St. Lucia’s Edmund Forest Reserve Trail offers rare orchids, parrot sightings and magnificent views of Mount Gimie, the island’s tallest peak.

The well-groomed trails of Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest offer excellent bird watching, spectacular scenery and secluded waterfalls. If you’re an experienced, fit hiker, you can try the arduous climb to the summit of the Dominican Republic’s Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s highest peak. Its summit is the only place in the Caribbean where you can find a dusting of snow

(during December and January).

BIKING Mountain biking continues to grow in popularity, with new trails opening every year. St. Lucia’s Anse Mamin Plantation offers 600 acres of wilderness bike trails suitable for riders of all skill levels. Trinidad and Tobago also has exciting off-road trails suitable for more advanced cyclists. For less strenuous workouts, Bonaire, St. Martin and Barbados offer wonderful road biking tours to remote corners of their islands. Hardcore cyclists can indulge in rigorous multi-day, off-road mountain bike trips through the Dominican Republic’s Cordillera Central.

OTHER Dominica’s aerial tram ride through the forest canopy and over the spectacular Breakfast River Gorge lets you get up close with nature without the physical exertion.

Many islands, including Grenada, St. Kitts, Dominica, Puerto Rico and St. Lucia, offer ATV nature tours but if you’re not into motorized exploration, most islands offer

guided horseback tours of their interiors.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 45

SNOR KELING By far the Caribbean’s most popular ecoactivity, snorkeling is an easy and exciting way to explore an ecosystem that many islanders take for granted and most visitors seldom get the chance to experience. Besides exploring the colorful coral reefs that ring most islands, snorkelers can now discover the wonders of the region’s great marine nurseries – the coastal mangrove forests.

Many islands, including Aruba, Antigua, St. Kitts, Barbados and Dominica, now offer fascinating mangrove snorkelling tours. St. Croix, St. Thomas and Puerto Rico have extensive guided mangrove tours.

DIVING The Caribbean’s second-most popular eco-activity would easily be number one if not for the requirement for certification.

To safely participate in scuba you need certification by an international diving

organization like PADI or NAUI. However, many resorts offer fast-tracked certification so you can start enjoying the marine world on your next vacation.

The region offers some of the world’s best diving, but most people are not aware of its many diving options. Tobago is famous for high-speed drift dives (where the current propels you along), while Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Virgin Islands have awesome shallow reef and wreck dives.

Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent offer fabulous wall dives with excellent opportunities to see deep-sea marine life like sharks, whales and turtles, while bigger places like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic offer a full range of diving experiences (including diving with humpback whales).

Probably the most exciting dives in the Caribbean are the shark feeding dives in the Bahamas and St. Martin. During feedings, divers come nose-to-nose with eight-foot Caribbean reef sharks in a controlled setting.

KAYAKING This ancient method of transportion has evolved into an essential low-impact way to explore the natural world. Kayaking trips range from multi-day adventures through

46 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

the Virgin Islands to half-day paddles along protected coasts. Many kayak trips often include snorkelling stops. Kayaks are ideal for exploring the extensive mangrove forests on many islands, especially Dominica, St. Lucia, the Virgin Islands and Barbados.

In some of the larger places like Trinidad, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, you can take guided paddling trips through coastal marshes, swamps and rivers. In Guyana, a network of rivers allows you to easily penetrate otherwise inaccessible jungles by kayak or canoe. The silence of their approach also affords paddlers some unforgettable encounters with wildlife.

OTHER Whitewater or flat water rafting in the Dominican Republic is a thrilling way to see the interior. In fact, it’s the only way to see certain parts of the beautiful, remote regions of the Cordillera Central.

Or explore St. Vincent’s spectacular Falls of Baleine, Trinidad’s Caroni Swamp or Dominica’s Indian River.

Boats are also the only way (unless you are prepared to swim for miles) to visit the beautiful, tiny deserted islets and cays that lie offshore of some of the region’s islands.

Visits to natural gems like Anguilla’s Prickly Pear Island, St. Martin’s Ilet Pinel and the wonderful mangrove forests of Antigua’s Guiana Island require short boat rides. b

Tranquility in the

by JAMES STURZ

T

he second-largest coral reef in the world sits off Belize’s coast, extending 600 miles from Mexico to Honduras. The first time I explored it I was just starting as a scuba diver 20 years ago, and I’d stopped in Miami on the way to my Caribbean vacation just long enough to buy my first set of equipment. By the time I reached the translucent seas and white sands, I was a kid in a candy store, a cruiser in a brand-new convertible, ready to vroom my way past groupers, angelfish, parrotfish and elkhorn coral. I was amazed by the creatures and all the colors.

I’ve dived a lot since then, in some wonderful places (Indonesia, Maldives, and the Philippines), and some that will more likely raise an eyebrow (Utah, Holland, Yellowstone National Park). But the one

place I keep returning to is the Caribbean. From Belize’s Barrier Reef in the west, Barbados in the east, Tobago in the south, and the Bahamas in the north – and everywhere in between –there are inexhaustible opportunities underwater. And just like the ocean currents, nothing stays fixed. Those possibilities keep changing and increasing.

Last summer, I dived for the first time in Anguilla. The island calls itself the “unofficial wreck diving capital of the Caribbean,” and has been systematically sinking freighters to make artificial reefs as additional habitats for marine life – as well as to keep hurricane-scuttled vessels off its powdery white beaches, and provide new sites for divers to explore.

I dived the wreck of the 75-foot Oosterdiep twice. Nearly 80 feet

deep, it sits upright, swarmed with schooling snappers. By day, a few stingrays and garden eels lurked in the sand off its coralencrusted bow. But I found it transformed when I returned the following night, with an underwater flashlight. The ship had become a womb for sleeping green and hawksbill turtles.

There were at least a dozen of them. And as long as I was careful to keep my beam out of their eyes, they weren’t going to be disturbed.

What I’ve always found fascinating about diving is the way sites change from one hour to the next. It’s an expedition into the realm of wildlife, after all. We humans are the ones with the rigorous schedules, although it’s nice when we can forget that too. Three other wrecks were on my agenda – the

Meppel, Commerce and Sarah, which ranged from 127 to 232 feet in length, big enough to be ecosystems of their own. The Meppel even had a glorious past, serving as an evacuation ship at Dunkirk during World War II. Today, instead of people, it’s packed with lobsters. But there are some divers, too.

We spend our lives on land, and some of that in cities and offices.

But underwater the Caribbean’s flow reminds us of an alternate way of being.

See pages 66 and 70 for our pick of great Caribbean vacations, or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 47

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48 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

To Shore As if simply traveling aboard one of these ships isn’t enough, Regent Seven Seas Cruises specializes in developing exciting itineraries that carry guests in luxury to ports in Africa, Alaska, the Asia Pacific, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America and Tahiti/ South Pacific.

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Please see page 76 for special offers from Regent Seven Seas Cruises. For more information please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 49

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An UNFORGETTABLE Vacation Worldwide Traveler has mastered the craft of the perfect vacation. Together with your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant, their global connections provide access to exclusive offers at the best hotels, airlines and tour companies, while personalized, unbiased, professional service leaves you with little to desire.

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Azamara Club Cruises Award-winning Azamara Club Cruises® is known for authentic destination experiences and a friendly, club-like atmosphere onboard its two 694-passenger ships. With late or overnight stays on more than half of all port visits, Azamara guests enjoy richer local experiences, including the chance to explore restaurants, theater, and live entertainment after sunset.

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Best of the United Kingdom & Ireland Azamara Journey > August 8, 2014 > 12 Nights > Copenhagen to Southampton > Ensemble® Host, Private Cocktail Party & Ensemble ® Experience shore event in Liverpool.

Please see page 71 for itinerary details. For more information, contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 51

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Stepping aboard a Seabourn ship, you are welcomed by an attentive staff famous for their heartfelt hospitality, and for the gracious way they have of putting their guests at ease, deftly relieving them of any cares or concerns they brought from ashore. Your ship feels almost

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52 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

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It is easy to think of reasons to travel. But truly, you don’t travel for reasons. You travel because doing so adds color, richness, fun and meaning to your life. It is a part of your life – a favored part that rewards you even as it fulfills you.

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Expanded and enhanced, yet scaled to encourage a relaxed sociability, they extend for your pleasure a wealth of thoughtful features and amenities that keep them in a class by themselves. Repeatedly rated as the top small cruising ships, they are also consistently ranked among the very finest travel experiences in the world.

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irresistible – drawing you outward. Toward adventures long imagined and dreams cherished but unrealized. To answer an impulse, satisfy wanderlust, slip beyond your boundaries to somewhere else – or simply to fill a tantalizing blank on your personal map of the world.

Please see page 77 for special offers from Seabourn. For more information please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 53

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Resorts with Classic Vacations® and save hundreds of dollars on a deeply luxurious, perfectly tailored, unforgettable vacation.

54 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

For special offers on Zoëtry Endless Privileges® Getaways, see page 66 or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Explore the world with Holland America Line ALASKA (May – September 2014) 7-Day Roundtrip Vancouver Roundtrip Vancouver

ms Volendam

Interior from (cat L)

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CANADA/ NEW ENGLAND (May – October 2014) 7-Day Canada & NE Discovery Montreal to Boston

ms Maasdam

Interior from (cat L)

5/31, *6/21, 7/12, *8/2/2014 (*reverse itinerary)

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ms Nieuw Amsterdam

Interior from (cat L)

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NORTHERN EUROPE (April – September 2014) 14-Day Jewels Of The Baltic Roundtrip Rotterdam

ms Rotterdam

Interior from (cat L)

$

*5/24, 7/5/2014

2,299USD

Amenity –$75 onboard credit per stateroom.

12-Day Baltic Adventure Roundtrip Copenhagen

ms Eurodam

5/11, 6/14/2014

Interior from (cat L)

$

1,799USD

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For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

*Fares and amenities shown are based on bolded dates. Fuel supplement has been suspended. Holland America Line reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per day should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $70 per barrel. Please consult our website for current information.

Fares are based on Promo RH. Featured fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise only. Fares are in U.S. dollars and include non-commissionable fares. Taxes are additional and vary according to itinerary. Subject to availability. Offers are capacity controlled, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Restrictions may apply. Please refer to the appropriate Holland America brochure for full terms and conditions. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.

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The Most Civilized

WAY TO GO SEE IRELAND, SCOTLAND, ENGLAND & WALES

With a wide range of itineraries, state-of-the-art coaches, and delightfully professional tour directors, CIE Tours makes visiting faraway dream destinations an absolute breeze. Kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland.

Visit St. Andrews in Scotland. Ogle the Crown Jewels in London. Or combine tours and do all three!

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From the moment you land at the airport, your tour director will be there to welcome you, take care of your luggage, and provide informative, historical, and humorous insights as you drive to each new destination.

Luxury coaches feature panoramic windows, reclining seats, and individual climate controls. Perfectly balanced days include guided visits to local attractions and plenty of free time to roam and shop.

Each evening, you’ll check into a beautifully chosen, well-appointed first class, superior, or deluxe hotel. Some tours also include positively royal accommodations such Ashford or Dromoland Castle.

Mornings begin with a full cooked breakfast. Casual local venues make lunchtime part of the fun. Evening meals include tables d’hôte, free evenings when you can dine where you like, and special evening events. Enjoy an opulent banquet in Bunratty, Knappogue, or Cardiff 56 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

Castle. A musical dinner show in Dublin or Edinburgh. A pub evening in Killarney. Or a Highland Ceilidh with Scottish music in Nairn.

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With CIE Tours, all those “extras” – airport transfers, baggage handling, full breakfasts, banquets, dinner shows, walking tours, attraction admission fees, and more – are included in the price of your vacation. Plus, built-in guarantees and an optional travel protection plan safeguard your travel dollars. So you can sit back, relax, and enjoy.

For special offers on CIE Tours, see page 64 or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

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See page 66 for offers on these properties or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 57

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SEE THE WORLD LIKE IT WAS MEANT TO BE SEEN

With a Globus tour, you get the ideal combination of free time and planned activities.

As one of the most recognized Tour Operators in the industry, Globus creates perfectly planned vacations that immerse you in each culture yet let you see the world the way you want.

Only with Globus can you experience Local Favorites: an introduction to your destination’s hidden gems with behind-the-scenes activities that explore what makes a location unique. From central hotels, expert Tour Directors and guides, inside visits and skipping the lines to must-see attractions with VIP access – it’s no wonder that Globus escorted travel receives 97% satisfaction ratings on post-vacation surveys.

This season, Globus is highlighting their many tours of Britain. Let Globus take you beyond the royalty and history of England, and the rocky shorelines and vibrant cities of Ireland.

Globus Local Favorites will take you to the romantic ruins of the 12th century Tintern Abbey (made famous by William Wordsworth) and enjoy tea and scones at Anchor Pub (The Best of Southern England); see Wordsworth’s beloved village and experience original Grasmere gingerbread (Britain Sampler); enjoy traditional Irish cuisine at the famous Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast (Highlights of Britain & Ireland); visit a real Irish farm, try your hand at scone making, and learn about sheep sheering and dog whistling (The Best of British Isles); or visit Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill (Essential Britain & Ireland).

Your tour is carried out with a dynamic blend of transportation, including deluxe monorail, air, cruise and rail. (There’s free Wi-Fi on all of the coaches to stay connected – so traveling is never boring and always exciting).

For special offers, please see page 67 or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Never settle for a cookie-cutter tour. Become a local today with Globus!

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 59

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SUN, SAND and PARADISE AS SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD, VALLARTA-NAYARIT AND PUNTA CANA OFFER A CERTAIN SENSE OF PARADISE FOR EACH TRAVELER.

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Puerto Vallarta lies on Mexico’s Pacific coastline – the perfect setting for a tropical getaway.

The glistening waters of Banderas Bay and the seemingly infinite stretches of warm beaches beautifully set off a town with the beguiling charm of Old Mexico. White-washed adobe houses, red-tiled roofs, cobblestone streets and an explosion of colorful bougainvillea make Puerto Vallarta a feast for all the senses. The city provides endless possibilities with world-renowned surfing, rare native wildlife including sea turtles and tropical birds, mountain and island adventures, shopping for local artwork and traditional Huichol handicrafts, charming fishing towns and miles of serene beaches. Nayarit offers a laid back atmosphere where people can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the waterfront.

WHERE TO STAY GRAND VELAS RIVIERA NAYARIT

Ensemble® Exclusive: Welcome bottle of wine upon arrival, complimentary manicure with the purchase of an 80-minute Spa treatment, early check-in / late check-out and room upgrade (subject to availability).

Please see page 70 or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant for more details.

60 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

Miles of pristine white sand meet tranquil cobalt blue waters in Punta Cana. Life here revolves around the beach. The shore is teeming with coconut trees that offer shade from the warm tropical sun. Plunge into the refreshing water and discover the vibrant colors of tropical fish. The area is full of world-class golf courses where even the most experienced golfer can have their skills challenged. See the unspoiled natural wonders the Dominican Republic has to offer at a nearby ecological park; home to rare species of plants and animals and where you can dive into a beautiful lagoon which some people believe holds medicinal properties.

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ingapore: S T

he Spice Garden atop Fort Canning Hill is a replica of the citystate’s first botanical garden established by Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. If you’re used to spices in bottles, your first glimpse of plants and trees growing pepper, ginger, lemongrass, and nutmeg will be a revelation.

ASIA’S CITY IN A GARDEN

by ROBIN CHERRY

Singapore often conjures up visions of soaring skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls, but it’s actually Asia’s greenest city and a welcoming destination for garden lovers. Your horticultural holiday begins as soon as you disembark at Changi Airport, home to five gardens including an orchid garden with a koi pond, a sunflower garden, and a butterfly garden that’s popular with kids.

Above: Night view of Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay Right top: The Bandstand in Singapore Botanic Gardens Right bottom: Swan Lake, Singapore Botanic Gardens Bottom inset: Lady Slipper Orchid

Dating back to 1822, the historic Singapore Botanical Garden is a lush 180-acre oasis filled with lakes and tropical plants including a small rainforest and a ginger garden.

It’s open every day of the year from 5 am to midnight and admission is free except for the National Orchid Garden. With over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, the fragrant, colorful Orchid Garden has the world’s largest display of tropical orchids, including hybrids created to honor past visitors Princess Diana and Nelson Mandela.

The newest entry to Singapore’s garden pantheon is Gardens by the Bay, a whimsical park featuring eighteen steel Supertrees and two armadillo-shaped conservatories.

The Supertrees (some as tall as sixteen stories high) are vertical gardens lined with over 226,000 exotic plants. The Supertree tops harness solar energy that powers the garden’s nightly light and music show.

Both of the conservatories, the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome, are the size of four footballs fields. The mist-shrouded Cloud Forest features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall that flows from a 100-foot-tall mountain covered in vegetation indigenous to tropical highlands and mile-high mountains. With its eternal spring climate, the comfortable Flower Dome showcases a colorful array of flowers from the Mediterranean, South Africa, South West Australia, central Chile, and California. continued on next page Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 61

In Search of the Great Migration • 9 days touring Tanzania • Roundtrip Arusha • Flexible departures throughout 2014 • From $6,895 per person, land and internal air only • Web ID: EL1000

This safari captures the very best of Tanzania and the most likely route for observing the Great Migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra across the great plains of East Africa. You will absolutely revel in all the wildlife viewing opportunities on the fabled plains of the Serengeti, around Lake Manyara, through Tarangire and on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Above: Cloud Forest Dome at Gardens by the Bay Inset: Dragonfly sculpture Right: Display in the Flower Dome, one of two conservatories within the Gardens by the Bay

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$100 per person shopping spree for the Magellan Online Travel Store.

Book by February 28, 2014.

W H E R E TO STAY

Southern Explorer • 10 days touring South Africa and Zimbabwe • Cape Town to Johannesburg • Flexible departures throughout 2014

For a relaxing retreat, check into one of Ensemble Travel Group’s two preferred hotels, The Fairmont (left) or Swissotel The Stamford (right) and check out their shared Willow Stream Spa. The sensuous Rose Retreat Treatment features a chamomile and rose oil bath followed by a geranium rose-infused wrap. Then, head up to the 70th floor of the Swissotel for dinner at Jaan, where French-born chef Julien Royer is crafting garden-themed culinary masterpieces like Jaan’s Garden: fifty different vegetables dotted with herbs, purees, and cumin-infused yogurt. As you enjoy the panoramic views of the city (with Malaysia and Indonesia in the distance), you’ll see evidence of the government’s commitment to make Singapore a verdant and vibrant “City in a Garden.” ®

See pages 68, 72, 74 & 78 for our trips to Singapore, or contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

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• From $5,695 per person, Deluxe Category, land only • Web ID: EL1001 Spectacular Cape Town and the country’s premiere wildlife haven, Kruger National Park, are artfully combined with the majesty of Victoria Falls on this excellent introduction to the vibrant cultural and natural wonders of the region. Experience the ‘real’ South Africa as dinner guests of a local Capetonian family, and search for the “Big Five” in the famous Kruger National Park.

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Receive a complimentary 4th night at Vineyard Hotel and Spa in Cape Town and excursion to Robben Island. Book by February 28, 2014.

For reservations, call us today.

T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Botswana Safari in Style

The Great Migration Safari in Style

• 10 days touring Botswana

• 14 days touring Kenya & Tanzania

• Roundtrip Johannesburg

• Roundtrip Nairobi

• Select departures throughout 2014

• Select departures throughout 2014

• From $7,795 per person, land only

• From $12,995 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1002

• Web ID: EL1003

Stay at boutique-style camps and lodges on this luxury small group safari journey into three phenomenal game areas – the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park – and Victoria Falls. Interact with semi-habituated elephants, coast along the Zambezi River on a sunset cruise, and gain tips on capturing wildlife images from a professional photographer.

Witness East Africa’s abundant wildlife on game drives through the region’s most stunning parks and reserves, all while staying in luxury lodges. Visit a Maasai village, enjoy a private visit to Amboseli Elephant Research Project, and explore Amboseli National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

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Save $250 per person off the price shown. Book by March 31, 2014.

Save $250 per person off the price shown. Book by March 31, 2014.

Kenya & Tanzania Wildlife Safari

South Africa & Victoria Falls

• 12 days touring Kenya & Tanzania

• 9 days touring South Africa & Victoria Falls

• Roundtrip Nairobi

• Cape Town to Johannesburg

• Select departures throughout 2014

• Select departures June 5 through October 9, 2014

• From $5,995 per person, land only

• From $6,195 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1004

• Web ID: EL1005

Embark on a luxury small group journey to witness wildlife-rich Kenya and Tanzania on game drives through East Africa’s revered, wildlife-populated parks and reserves, pausing to visit a Maasai village and glean man’s origins at Olduvai Gorge. Discover Amboseli National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

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Journey across South Africa’s many different landscapes, experiencing Cape Town and stunning Cape Point, and game drives in Sabi Sands and Lion Sands Game Reserves. Combine contrasting – but consistently luxurious – stays in the city center, wild bush and picturesque Victoria Falls; discover the Boulders African penguin colony; and enjoy a sunset cruise under the fiery African sky.

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T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

California Wine Country

Loire Valley Biking

• 6 days biking through Northern California

• 6 days biking through France’s Loire Valley

• Napa Valley to Bodega Bay

• St. Pierre des Corps to Chinon

• Select departures March through December, 2014

• Select departures April through October, 2014 • From $4,298 per person, land only

• From $2,898 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1007

• Web ID: EL1006

Discover Northern California: valleys of world-famous vineyards, forests of soaring redwoods, quiet pastoral landscapes and the dramatic Pacific Coast. This quintessential bike trip includes offroute tastings that enlighten your palate, gourmet meals that live up to the wines, and above all else, breathtaking sights in a remarkable place simply known as wine country.

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Pedal through a lush forest and emerge as if you’re in a fairy tale.

Bike the most scenic routes in this region beloved for its elegance and natural beauty, delve into French history, and savor exquisite cuisine and critically acclaimed Vouvray wines. Gracious castlehotels provide the perfect setting each evening. If you’ve dreamed of living like royalty, there’s no place more ideal.

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Receive a welcome gift of champagne and chocolates. Book by March 1, 2014.

Receive a welcome gift of champagne and chocolates. Book by March 1, 2014.

Irish Heritage & Dromoland Castle

Icons of Britain

• 7 nights touring Ireland

• 15 nights touring Scotland, England & Wales

• Roundtrip Shannon • Select departures March 3 through December 1, 2014

• Glasgow to Windsor • Select departures April 11 through October 17, 2014

• From $1,668 per person, land only

• From $3,248 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1008

• Web ID: EL1009

Visit the highlights of southern Ireland, traveling through Limerick, Killarney, Waterford, Dublin & a 5-star castle hotel stay in Newmarket-on-Fergus. Highlights include the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet, Gourmet Killeen House Restaurant, Cliffs of Moher, Irish National Stud and Gardens, House of Waterford Crystal, and much more!

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Visit the highlights of Britain including Scotland, England & Wales.

Tour Glasgow, Edinburgh, York, London, Cardiff and Stratford-uponAvon. Enjoy a Scottish Evening dinner in Edinburgh, a dinner at a historic pub in York, Loch Ness scenic cruise, a Beatles-themed tour of Liverpool, train rides through Snowdonia, and a Welsh banquet in Cardiff Castle.

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Save $300 per couple off the price shown. Book by March 31, 2014.

For reservations, call us today.

La Bella Vita

The Jewels of Sardinia’s Emerald Coast & Corsica

• 6 nights cruising northwestern Italy

• 6 nights touring Sardinia and Corsica

• Venice to Mantua

• Roundtrip Sardinia

• Select departures throughout 2014

• Select departures throughout 2014

• From $3,590 per person, cruise/land only

• From $3,534 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1010

• Web ID: EL1011

Be swept into the Italian Renaissance on a cruise from Venice to Mantua. Tour historical Venice before the picturesque lagoon yields to the Po River Valley; here, dine at the 17th century Villa Ca’Zen and enjoy a private visit to the wine cellars of Villa WidmannBorletti. Conclude your trip in elegant Mantua, a grand city with a stunning Renaissance heritage of power and prestige.

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Escape into a world of wine tastings, sailing adventures, and leisure recreation in stunning Sardinia and Corsica. Tour the serene paradise of Sardinia’s Emerald Coast by private car and explore the pristine beaches and crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea. Discover Surrau Winery on a private tour of their 40-acre estate and sail the aquamarine sea to Corsica.

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Glide down the Grand Canal in Venice on a 30-minute gondola ride, departing from the luxurious Hotel Danieli. Book now.

Savor a complimentary welcome dinner at an authentic Sardinian restaurant. Book now.

The Wines of Portugal

Italian Family Journey

• 7 nights touring Portugal

• 13 days touring Italy

• Lisbon to Porto

• Venice to Rome

• Select departures throughout 2014

• Now through December 31, 2014

• From $3,880 per person, land only

• From $3,850 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1012

• Web ID: EL1013

Send your palette on a scintillating journey into a world of amazing wines in enchanting Portugal. This gastro-tourism adventure visits some of the most captivating regions by private car. Taste red and white wines from award-winning vineyards and regions including Evora, Obidos, Coimbra, Dão, Bairrada, Porto, the Duoro Valley, and the Minho Province.

Don’t just travel with your family: participate in a learning experience that will last a lifetime. On a private tour (exclusive to your family), learn about mask making in Venice and cheese in Parma; take a Tuscan cooking class, attend Gladiator school in Rome, and much more as your family travels from Venice to Bologna, Tuscany, and Rome; with visits to Maranello, Parma, Florence, San Gimignano, and Volterra.

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Savor a complimentary welcome dinner at an authentic Portuguese restaurant in Lisbon. Book now.

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Receive a complimentary gelato-making workshop. Book now.

Powered by Perillo Tours

Powered by Perillo Tours

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 65

T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya

Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos

• 3 nights at Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya

• 3 nights at Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos

• Riviera Maya, Mexico

• Now through December 24, 2014

• Los Cabos, Mexico

• Now through December 24, 2014

• From $899 per person, Junior Suite Ocean View

• From $829 per person, Endless Privileges® Junior Suite

• Web ID: EL1015

• Web ID: EL1014

Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita, one of Mexico’s most exceptional boutique resorts, is set on 14 acres perfectly situated along Cancun’s famed Riviera Maya, near the well-preserved Puerto Morelos National Marine Park - the largest barrier reef in the Americas. The resort offers a completely new kind of vacation experience focused on wellness, serenity and romance.

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This hacienda-style boutique resort is truly one of Los Cabos’ finest locales, where guests will feel they’re on a private getaway far away from the rest of the world. Set in a stunning landscape where the desert meets the white sand and turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortes, Zoëtry Casa del Mar creates a romantic atmosphere for an unforgettable getaway.

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Receive a 20-minute spa treatment per guest and $200 in resort coupons. Book by April 26, 2014.

Receive a 20-minute spa treatment per guest and $200 in resort coupons. Book by April 26, 2014.

The Westin Resort & Casino, Aruba

The InterContinental San Juan

• 5 nights at The Westin Resort & Casino

• 5 nights at The InterContinental San Juan

• Palm Beach, Aruba

• San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Travel Feb 1 - Apr 30, 2014

• Travel March 17 - 22, 2014

• From $2,250 per person*, Ocean View room (for the price of a guestroom)

• From $923 per person*, Superior Laguna View Room

• Web ID: EL1016

• Web ID: EL1017

The Westin Resort & Casino, Aruba is the perfect island destination, boasting the charm of the Dutch Caribbean, a magnificent beach, glittering casino and a host of outdoor pleasures. Located on the luxurious strip of Palm Beach, Aruba, amidst sparkling waters and soft beaches, the resort offers an ideal blend of Caribbean warmth and Las Vegas-style excitement.

Set on two miles of the best beach in San Juan, this resort hotel is a tropical escape featuring elegant landscaping, waterfalls overlooking the ocean and a lagoon-style pool that provide a stunning backdrop for any holiday. Indulge in one of five restaurants, unwind in the seclusion of stunning oceanfront suites or feel transported at the beachfront spa.

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Receive $100 food & beverage credit per stay and a 2-category room upgrade*. Book by February 28, 2014.

Receive complimentary buffet breakfast for two daily and a guaranteed room upgrade*. Book by February 28, 2014.

Offer subject to change without notice; other restrictions may apply. *Minimum night stays, select travel dates and other restrictions may apply.

Offer subject to change without notice; other restrictions may apply. *Minimum night stays, select travel dates and other restrictions may apply.

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For reservations, call us today.

Yangtze Sojourn

On Safari in Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe

• 11 days touring China

• 9 days on safari in Africa

• Beijing to Shanghai • Select departures April 13 through October 12, 2014

• Botswana to Zimbabwe • Select departures now through April, 2015

• From $4,999 per person, land/cruise only

• From $5,499 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1018

• Web ID: EL1019

Delight in China’s finest and most intimate ship, luxury hotels, fine dining and special excursions with an attentive Trip Leader on a small group journey with never more than 16 guests. Travel from Beijing (3-nights) to Xian (overnight), Chongqing, Yichang, Suzhou and Shanghai (3-nights), including 3-nights cruising along the Yangtze River.

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This diverse Botswana safari features Southern Africa’s best luxury camps and Africa’s most incredible wildlife. Explore the legendary Okavango Delta, experience Victoria Falls, track herds of elephant and buffalo in the Linyanti Reserve, and partake in game drives in deluxe open vehicles, nature walks, canoe expeditions, and night safaris with superb safari guides.

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Receive a cabin upgrade aboard the ms Yangzi Explorer. Book now.

Receive a complimentary helicopter sightseeing flight at Victoria Falls.

Book now.

Essential Britain & Ireland

Britain Sampler

• 10 days touring Britain & Ireland

• 9 days touring Britain

• Roundtrip London

• Select departures now through December 6, 2014

• Roundtrip London

• Select departures March 18 through October 28, 2014

• From $1,349 per person, land only

• From $1,889 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1021

• Web ID: EL1020

Start with an overnight in London, then head to prehistoric Stonehenge and Bath. Next, spend a night in Newport, Wales, and travel via Cardiff to Pembroke for a ferry crossing to Ireland, where you’ll visit Waterford, Avoca, Glendalough, Dublin and Belfast.

Then head to Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, before returning to England to visit Jedburgh, York and Stratford-Upon-Avon.

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Receive one FREE night pre- or post-tour stay.

Book by February 28, 2014.

This comprehensive tour takes you to all of the famous landmarks in Great Britain, with guided sightseeing in London, Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace, Stonehenge, Salisbury, the Roman excavations of Bath, Stow-On-The-Wold, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Llangollen, Chester, Grasmere, Edinburgh, Abbotsford, Jedburgh, York, and Cambridge.

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Receive one FREE night pre- or post-tour stay.

Book by February 28, 2014.

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T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Eastern & Oriental Express

• 5 nights (3 nights Venice Simplon-OrientExpress & 2 nights Hotel Cipriani)

• 4 or 5 nights Eastern & Oriental Express and Hotel Mandarin Oriental • Singapore to/from Bangkok

• Venice to London or Paris

• Select departures April 3 through September 28, 2014

• Select departures March 19 through November 5, 2014

• From $2,530 per person, land only

• From $3,140 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1023

• Web ID: EL1022 Ornate vintage cabins, sumptuous cuisines prepared by a skilled team of chefs and attentive personal service make the Venice SimplonOrient-Express train one of the finest travel experiences in the world.

Romance, adventure and style are all intimately bound up in luxury train journeys that criss-cross through the sublime scenery of Europe.

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This luxury train recaptures the golden age of rail travel through one of the world’s most beautiful and exotic regions. Accommodating 132 passengers in 66 private en-suite air-conditioned cabins, the Eastern & Oriental Express is a truly unique way to explore South East Asia and a remarkable celebration for any special occasion.

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Receive two complimentary nights at the Hotel Cipriani in Venice.

Book by March 31, 2014.

Receive one complimentary night at the Hotel Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok and one complimentary night at the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. Book by March 31, 2014.

Danube Reflections

A Week in London & Paris

• 10 days: 8 days cruising the Danube River, 2 nights Vienna

• 8 days touring London & Paris

• Munich to Vienna

• Select departures May 4 through October 5, 2014

• London to Paris

• Select departures July 12 through October 9, 2014

• From $4,190 per person, land only

• From $4,590 per person, cruise only

• Web ID: EL1025

• Web ID: EL1024

When your road is the Blue Danube, the view is from the inside, and the journey unfolds like a dream … dramatic river landscapes, fairy-tale castles, Roman ruins, and romantic Bavarian villages … the epicurean delights of wine country … a weeklong river odyssey that winds its way to a sumptuous evening of dining and music at a Vienna palace.

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Receive a Longitude Books gift set (valued at $100) per booking.

Book now.

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Feel like royalty during four nights in London with insider introductions to storied places like Windsor Castle, the British Museum and Fortnum & Mason. Experience the joie de vivre of Paris at neighborhood brasseries and be whisked inside must-see sites like the Louvre and Versailles by local experts who avoid lines.

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Receive a Longitude Books gift set (valued at $100) per booking.

Book now.

For reservations, call us today.

Polynesian Paradise

Tahitian Magic

• 9 nights: 1 night InterContinental Tahiti Resort, 3 nights InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa, 5 nights InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort

• 5 nights: 1 night Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti, 4 nights Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa • Select departures April 1 through May 31, 2014 • From $2,699 per person, including Roundtrip Airfare Los Angeles/ Tahiti

• Select departures April 1 through May 31, 2014 • From $3,995 per person, including Roundtrip Airfare LA/Tahiti

• Web ID: EL1027

• Web ID: EL1026 Tahiti has long been referred to as a tropical paradise – these extraordinary islands are for people seeking a unique, luxurious or adventurous romantic experience. Discover the ultimate Polynesian paradise in Moorea and Bora Bora! Highlights include a 4x4 safari in Moorea and a jet ski tour in Bora Bora.

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Receive 3 FREE nights, breakfast daily, a special Polynesian gift, a 20% discount at Helene Spa, 1 hour business Center usage and 1 beach bag.

Book by April 1, 2014.

Discover the magic of Tahiti, staying in a deluxe oceanview room at the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti and a garden pool bungalow at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa. Enjoy a Moana lagoon excursion with picnic, a complimentary black pearl pendant, a body scrub featuring Tahitian vanilla and almond oils, and included roundtrip transfers.

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Receive a 7000XPF resort credit per booking, a room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out and breakfast daily. Book by March 31, 2014.

Luxury Fijian Island Escape

Fijian Tropical Retreat

• 7 nights at the Namale Resort & Spa

• 7 nights at the Koro Sun Resort

• Savusavu, Fiji

• Savusavu, Fiji

• Select departures April 1 through May 31, 2014

• Select departures April 1, 2014 through January 9, 2015

• From $3,699 per person, All-Inclusive Garden Tropical Bure

• From $3,449 per person, All-Inclusive Edgewater Bure including 1 free night

• Web ID: EL1028

• Web ID: EL1029 The Fiji islands personify genuine warmth, embodied in their tropical climate, idyllic waters and compassionate people. Namale, Fiji’s #1 all-inclusive resort & spa, offers both relaxation and adventure – whatever your heart desires.

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Receive two 30-minute back, neck and scalp massages per room, names engraved on native wood, and complimentary early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability). Book by May 22, 2014.

This unspoiled location offers you the genuine warmth and friendliness of the Fijian people, beautiful lush tropical surroundings, and warm, impossibly clear waters. Enjoy a couples massage at the Rainforest Spa, a half day salt river kayak adventure, a waterfall expedition with a visit to a local village, and scenic flight between Nadi and Savusavu.

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Receive a bottle of sparkling wine & fresh fruit basket upon arrival, and early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability).

Book by January 1, 2015.

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T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

• 5 nights at Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana

• 5 nights at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

• Riviera Nayarit, Mexico • Select departures April 27 through December 19, 2014

• Select departures August 23 through December 23, 2014

• From $1,336 per person, All-Inclusive Master/ Parlor Suite Pool View, two children 12 years & under stay FREE

• From $1,161 per person, All-Inclusive Junior Suite King • Web ID: EL1030

• Web ID: EL1031 Here on the striking northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, you are welcomed to an all-suite oasis of cane-thatched sanctuaries.

Limited to just 51 exclusive suites, their hardwood floors and natural stone accents harmonize with the lush, secluded oceanfront setting. The spirit here is far, far removed from the hectic tempo of everyday living.

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Experience world-class service combined with the warmth of true Mexican hospitality. From the Hibiscus tea infusion, cool scented towel and relaxing shoulder massage upon arrival to the extraordinary Kids Club staff and attentive pool concierge, Grand Velas offers a wide range of services that will both surprise and delight you.

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Receive a champagne breakfast in bed for two. Book by June 26, 2014.

Receive a welcome bottle of wine, room upgrade (subject to availability) and complimentary manicure with the purchase of an 80-minute spa treatment. Book now.

Dubai & Maldives

Sydney, Ayers Rock & Cairns

• 7 nights: 3 nights Jumeriah Beach Resort & Towers, 4 nights Anatara Veli

• 8 nights: 3 nights PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, 2 nights Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel, 3 nights Pacific International Hotel Cairns

• Select departures January 14 through December 17, 2014

• Select departures April 1 through June 30, 2014

• From $4,625 per person, including Roundtrip Airfare

• From $4,365 per person, including Roundtrip Airfare

• Web ID: EL1032

• Web ID: EL1033 With its striking wave-like design, the Jumeriah Beach five-star resort is one of Dubai’s most instantly recognizable structures.

Happily for guests, it’s equally famed for its amazing value and sheer wealth of options. The Maldives island resort of Anantara Veli is perfectly suited to couples looking for peace and quiet, with intimate rooms with direct lagoon access.

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Receive the 4th night FREE in the Maldives, buffet breakfast daily, and a Sundowner Dune safari. Book by December 1, 2014.

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Australia’s many first-class cities make for world-beating sophisticated adventures, from gourmet safaris, to thrilling sports action, to cultural and historical journeys, and beyond! See Sydney’s iconic white-sailed Opera House, the fascinating sandstone of Ayers Rock, and enjoy a Bondi Kings Cross Tour, Sounds of Silence Dinner and Silversonic Reef Tour.

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Receive 2 FREE nights and one Australian bottle of wine. Book by June 15, 2014.

For reservations, call us today.

Vatican to the Bosporus

Copenhagen to Southampton

• 10 nights cruising the Mediterranean aboard Azamara Quest

• 12 nights cruising the United Kingdom & Ireland aboard Azamara Journey

• Rome to Istanbul

• Copenhagen to Southampton

• June 2 - 12, 2014 •F rom $4,199 per person, Club Oceanview Stateroom

• August 8 - 20, 2014 •F rom $4,599 per person, Club Oceanview Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1034

• Web ID: EL1035 This far-reaching voyage sails to great sites of the ancient Mediterranean in Italy, Greece and Turkey - a real adventure for cultural travelers. Begin your journey in Rome, then sail to Sorrento, Siracusa, Chania, Santorini, Patmos, Kusadasi, and Dikili. Conclude your voyage exploring Istanbul’s great mosques, palaces and fabulous cuisine with an overnight stay. The Azamazing EveningsSM event is Ephesus – Back to Roman Times.

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Explore the British Isles and Ireland in proper style, with long days for scenic touring and long nights for pub crawls and local entertainment.

Visit castles, sip sublime scotches, and enjoy an evening of traditional Irish music as you sail from Copenhagen to Edinburgh (overnight), Kirkwall, Liverpool, Holyhead, Dublin, Isles of Scilly, Dartmouth, St. Peter Port, and Southampton. The Azamazing EveningsSM event is a Musical Evening in the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Kusadasi. Book now.

Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Liverpool. Book now.

Alaska Sawyer Glacier

Bermuda

• 7 nights cruising Alaska aboard Celebrity Solstice®

• 7 nights cruising Bermuda aboard Celebrity Summit®

• Roundtrip Seattle

• Roundtrip Cape Liberty

• June 27; August 22 & September 5, 2014

• June 29; August 17 & 24, 2014

•F rom $2,087 per person, AquaClass® Stateroom

• From $1,819 per person, AquaClass® Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1035

• Web ID: EL1037

Drink in the splendor of the Alaskan wilderness as you sip cappuccino from your private veranda. Celebrity Alaska is an expedition in rekindling your hidden, untamed soul. Explore your wild side in Mother Nature’s favorite zoo, as you sail from Seattle to Ketchikan, scenic cruising Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Skagway, scenic cruising the Inside Passage, and Victoria.

Enjoy alfresco dining aboard your ship and off, because Bermuda’s ocean breezes amplify every outdoor activity. Take in a cricket match or sip afternoon tea in true British style. Stroll cobblestone streets among a backdrop of colorfully-painted cottages and spectacular island vistas. You’ll delight in the natural wonder, culture and history of this remarkable island paradise.

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AquaClass® staterooms and suites receive $150 onboard credit. Other staterooms receive a 2-category upgrade (within category booked and based on availability) and up to $100 onboard credit. Book now.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 71

T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Southeast Asia Exploration

Beyond the Great Barrier Reef

• 14 days cruising Southeast Asia aboard Crystal Symphony • Bali to Bangkok

• 13 days cruising Australia & Indonesia aboard Crystal Symphony

• December 7 - 21, 2014

• Sydney to Bali

• From $3,165 per person, Deluxe Stateroom

• November 24 December 7, 2014 • From $4,190 per person, Deluxe Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1038

• Web ID: EL1039 A journey of contrasts in Indonesia, from Bali’s idyllic landscapes and Jakarta’s bustling metropolis, to Thailand’s gorgeous beaches in Koh Samui and stunning temples in Bangkok. Sail from Bali/Benoa (overnight) to Semarang, Jakarta, Singapore (overnight), Koh Samui, Sihanoukville, and Bangkok/Laem Chabang (overnight).

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In Sydney, a welcoming hospitality as bright as the broad blue sky ... in Cairns, a launch to the Great Barrier Reef ... in Bali, the idyllic landscape, surf and magnificent temples. Sail from Sydney (overnight) to Brisbane, Hamilton Island/Whitsunday Island, Cairns, cruising the Great Barrier Reef, Darwin, Komodo Island, and Bali/Benoa (overnight).

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Singapore. Book now.

Book by February 28, 2014 and save $2,100 per person plus receive a $800 Air Credit per person.

Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble Experience shore event in Cairns. Book now.

Book by February 28, 2014 and save $1,000 per person plus receive a $700 Air Credit per person.

Western Europe Wayfarer

Autumn’s Palette

• 9 days cruising western Europe aboard Crystal Symphony

• 10 days cruising Canada & New England aboard Crystal Serenity

®

• London to Hamburg

• Boston to Quebec City

• August 31 September 9, 2014

• September 19 - 29, 2014

• From $2,640 per person, Deluxe Stateroom

• From $3,540 per person, Deluxe Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1040

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• Web ID: EL1041

Visit the vineyards of Bordeaux, explore the canals of Amsterdam— often called the “Venice of the North,” and spend two days in Hamburg, one of Germany’s most progressive cities. Sail from London/Dover to Guernsey/St. Peter Port, Bordeaux (overnight), Amsterdam (overnight), and Hamburg (overnight).

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Bordeaux. Book now.

Book by February 28, 2014 and save $1,500 per person. ®

72 Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014

From legendary Faneuil Hall to Quebec’s iconic Chateau Frontenac, Mother Nature works her magic, showcasing Fall’s vibrant colors against dramatic coastlines adorned with gilded mansions and historic lighthouses. Sail from Boston (overnight) to Bar Harbor, Saint John, Lunenburg, Magdalen Islands, Havre-Saint-Pierre, BaieComeau, and Quebec City (overnight).

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Lunenburg. Book now.

Book by February 28, 2014 and save $1,400 per person. ®

For reservations, call us today.

Greek Isles & Turkish Splendours

Greek Isles & Italian Idyll

• 14 days cruising Greece & Turkey aboard Queen Elizabeth® • Athens to Rome

• 14 days cruising the Greek isles & Italy aboard Queen Elizabeth®

• July 4 - 18, 2014

• Venice to Rome

•F rom $3,704 per person, Balcony Stateroom

• October 10 – 24, 2014 •F rom $3,418 per person, Balcony Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1042

• Web ID: EL1043

This cruise embraces great cities and gorgeous Greek isles. You can explore Istanbul over consecutive days, so there’s plenty of time for Turkish baths, mint tea, shopping in the Grand Bazaar and admiring the palaces of great sultans. Sail from Athens to Dardanelles, Istanbul (overnight), Volos, Mykonos, Athens, Bodrum, Santorini, Katakolon, Naples and Rome.

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Recalling the rich heritage of the first Cunarder to bear her name, Queen Elizabeth’s elegance and modern features have won her many accolades and made her a firm favorite with her passengers.

Experience this luxury liner for yourself, sailing from Venice to Korcula, Heraklion, Rhodes, Kusadasi, Athens, Bodrum, Katakolon, Messinia, Naples and Rome.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Bodrum. Book now.

Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble®Experience shore event in Bodrum. Book now.

Western Mediterranean Wonders

Mediterranean Revelations

• 14 days cruising the western Mediterranean aboard Queen Elizabeth®

• 14 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Queen Elizabeth®

• Athens to Rome

• Roundtrip Rome

• November 7 – 21, 2014

• November 21 – December 5, 2014

•F rom $3,039 per person, Balcony Stateroom

• From $2,754 per person, Balcony Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1044

• Web ID: EL1045

Transport yourself back in time to ancient civilizations and wonders that still leave us awestruck today. See the most captivating destinations of this storied region from the decks of regal Queen Elizabeth. You’ll find sparkling islands and dazzling cities from Athens to Valletta, La Goulette, Palermo, Naples, Livorno, Monte Carlo, Toulon, Barcelona, and Rome.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Monte Carlo. Book now.

Many of mankind’s greatest civilizations were born on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This cruise offers the perfect opportunity to experience some of its most iconic destinations: the ancient Greek ruins of Athens and Rome in all its imperial glory. Sail from Rome to Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Venice (overnight), Korcula, Valletta, Messina, Naples and back to Rome.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Korcula. Book now.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 73

T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Alaska Roundtrip Seattle

Mediterranean Romance

• 7 days cruising Alaska aboard ms Westerdam

• 12 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard ms Nieuw Amsterdam

• Roundtrip Seattle • May 17; June 21; July 19 & August 16, 2014

• Venice to Barcelona

• From $1,499 per person, Verandah Stateroom

• From $2,799 per person, Verandah Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1046

• Web ID: EL1047

Travel through Alaska’s sublime beauty un unsurpassed luxury as you sail from Seattle to Juneau, scenic cruising Glacier Bay, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria. Take in the Great Land from your private verandah, and watch as whales breach and massive glaciers come into view.

From the Sistine Chapel to Pisa’s Leaning Tower, the glamour of Monaco, and Gaudi architecture, immerse yourself in beauty and history as you sail from Venice to Dubrovnik, Kotor, Kerkira, Naples, Rome, Florence/Pisa, Monte Carlo, Provence, and Barcelona (overnight).

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• June 5 & July 23, 2014

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Receive $50 onboard credit per stateroom and a complimentary canaletto dinner. Book now.

Receive $75 onboard credit per stateroom. Book now.

Tahiti & Society Islands

Australia & Southeast Asia

• 7 nights sailing French Polynesia aboard m/s Paul Gauguin

• 14 nights sailing Australia & Southeast Asia aboard m/s Paul Gauguin

• Roundtrip Papeete

• Cairns to Singapore

• Select departures February 15 through December 27, 2014

• June 25 & August 4, 2014

• From $3,995 per person, Porthole Stateroom including Roundtrip Airfare LA/Tahiti

• From $7,095 per person, Porthole Stateroom including Roundtrip Airfare from LA

• Web ID: EL1048

• Web ID: EL1049

There’s a reason the islands of French Polynesia are world-renowned – their beauty is unmatched. This voyage is perfect for those who want a core Polynesian experience. Call on Huahine, known as “The Garden Island” for its lush rainforests and dramatic terrain, and Taha’a, where you’ll enjoy a full day of exploration. Then sail to beautiful Bora Bora and Moorea.

A two-week idyll punctuated with leisurely days at sea. From Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll cruise to lesstraveled Thursday Island and Darwin. Continue on to Indonesia, where you’ll visit the home of the Komodo dragon … beautiful Bali, a coveted destination … Semarang, with its fascinating history, and cosmopolitan Singapore.

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Apr 26; Oct 18 & Dec 27 sailings feature an Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Bora Bora. Other sailings feature $100 shipboard credit per person. Book now.

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Aug 4 sailing features an Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Benoa. Jun 25 sailing features $100 shipboard credit per person. Book now.

For reservations, call us today.

Mystical Mediterranean

Greek & Turkish Classics

• 12 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Nautica

• 10 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Insignia

• Provence to Venice

• Athens to Istanbul

• May 26 – June 7, 2014

• June 20 – 30, 2014

• From $5,499 per person, Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom including FREE Airfare

• From $4,999 per person, Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom including FREE Airfare

• Web ID: EL1050

• Web ID: EL1051

Surrender to beauty and adventure on a voyage through some of the most fascinating destinations in the Mediterranean; revealing wondrous art, cuisine, culture and natural splendor. Sail from Provence to SaintTropez, Florence/Pisa/Tuscany, Rome, Sorrento/Capri, Taormina, Corfu, Tirana, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Koper, and Venice (overnight).

Once united under the reign of great empires, Turkey and Greece share an extraordinary link to the history of civilization. Discover thousands of years of history as you sail from the ancient wonders of Athens to Nauplion, Chania, Kos, Marmaris, Rhodes, Santorini, Ephesus, Mitilini, and Istanbul (overnight).

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Receive FREE airfare, 2-for-1 cruise fares, early booking savings of $3,000 per stateroom, free unlimited internet package, pre-paid gratuities and 50% off deposits. Book by March 31, 2014.

Receive FREE airfare, 2-for-1 cruise fares, early booking savings of $2,000 per stateroom, $400 shipboard credit per stateroom, free unlimited internet package, pre-paid gratuities and 50% off deposits.

Book by March 31, 2014.

Glamorous Coastlines

Mediterranean Pathways

• 7 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Insignia

• 10 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Riviera

• Monte Carlo to Barcelona

• Roundtrip Rome

• July 29 – August 5, 2014

• August 22 – September 1, 2014

• From $3,499 per person, Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom including FREE Airfare

• From $4,899 per person, Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom including FREE Airfare

• Web ID: EL1052

• Web ID: EL1053

Glamour is in the eye of the beholder, and on this cruise each new day offers a wealth of opportunities to behold the glittering shores of the rivieras of Italy, France and Spain. Sail from Monte Carlo to Portofino, Cannes, Sanary-sur-Mer, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Valencia, and Barcelona. During high season on the rivieras, glamour is yours to behold.

Once a major trade route, the Mediterranean brought together the people and the cultures of three major continents. Experience the art, food and natural beauty of this diverse region. Sail from Rome to Florence/Pisa/Tuscany, Portofino, Monte Carlo, Saint-Tropez, Provence, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Amalfi/Positano.

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Receive FREE airfare, 2-for-1 cruise fares, early booking savings of $1,000 per stateroom, pre-paid gratuities and 50% off deposits.

Book by March 31, 2014.

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Receive FREE airfare, 2-for-1 cruise fares, early booking savings of $2,600 per stateroom, $300 shipboard credit per stateroom, free unlimited internet package, pre-paid gratuities and 50% off deposits.

Book by March 31, 2014.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2014 75

T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Western European Highlights

Mediterranean Crossroads

• 15 nights cruising western Europe aboard Seven Seas Voyager®

• 10 nights cruising the Mediterranean aboard Seven Seas Mariner®

• Rome to London

• Athens to Barcelona

• May 18 – June 2, 2014

• May 19 – 29, 2014

• From $10,999 per person, Deluxe Suite

• From $7,499 per person, Deluxe Suite

• Web ID: EL1054

• Web ID: EL1055

Days of wonder stretch into star-filled nights of grandeur as you sail aboard the luxurious Seven Seas Voyager from Rome to Florence/ Pisa, Monte Carlo, Provence, Barcelona, cruising the Strait of Gibralter, Seville, Lisbon, Oporto, La Coruna, Bilbao, Bordeaux (overnight), cruising the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel, Paris and London.

Seven Seas Mariner’s staff-to-guest ratio ensures the absolutely highest level of personal service as you explore the Mediterranean.

Surrender to the Riviera’s magical siren-song and discover life’s simple pleasures as you sail from Athens to Santorini, Ephesus, Taormina, Amalfi/Positano, Rome, Florence/Pisa, Monte Carlo, Provence and Barcelona.

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Receive $100 shipboard credit per suite. Book now.

Receive $100 shipboard credit per suite. Book now.

Adriatic Allure

Northern Delights

• 7 nights cruising the Mediterranean aboard Seven Seas Mariner®

• 7 nights cruising northern Europe aboard Seven Seas Voyager®

• Venice to Rome

• Copenhagen to Stockholm

• June 8 – 15, 2014

• June 21 – 28, 2014

• From $6,499 per person, Deluxe Suite

• From $6,999 per person, Deluxe Suite

• Web ID: EL1056

• Web ID: EL1057

Personal service soars into the sublime aboard Seven Seas Mariner, liberating you to follow your heart, fulfill your desires, and explore exciting new places in complete and absolute comfort as you sail from Venice to Koper, Split, Kotor, Argostoli, Messina, Amalfi/ Positano and Rome.

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Receive $100 shipboard credit per suite. Book now.

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Experience all of the amazing history and culture of Northern Europe. Begin your journey in “wonderful, wonderful” Copenhagen, then head to fascinating Berlin, medieval Tallin, imperial St. Petersburg (overnight), cultural Helsinki and Stockholm, the “Venice of the North” – all while indulging in Seven Seas Voyager’s luxurious amenities.

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in St. Petersburg. Book now. ®

For reservations, call us today.

Venice & Adriatic Treasures

Greece & Dalmatian Delights

• 10 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Seabourn Spirit

• 7 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Seabourn Odyssey

• Roundtrip Venice

• Athens to Venice

• June 14; July 28; August 18 & September 8, 2014

• July 12; August 16 & September 20, 2014 • From $4,199 per person, Oceanview Suite

• From $4,799 per person, Oceanview Suite

• Web ID: EL1059

• Web ID: EL1058 With Seabourn as your guide, cruise to marquee ports as well as unsung gems where larger ships cannot follow. Sail from Venice to Gallipoli, Fiskardo, Katakolon, Kerkira, Dubrovnik, Split, and Opatija.

Discover the true joys of an intimate yacht experience as you luxuriate in award-winning service aboard Seabourn Spirit.

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Sail from the antiquities of Athens to Monemvasia; Katakolon, the gateway to Olympia; the ancient olive groves of charming Parga; the UNESCO designated World Heritage site of Dubrovnik; Hvar, with its winding limestone lanes that converge onto the largest piazza in Dalmatia; the brightly-colored mosaics adorning San Marino, and the romance of Venice.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Kerkira. Book now.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Dubrovnik. Book now.

Mediterranean Isles

The Baltic & St. Petersburg

• 10 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Seabourn Sojourn

• 7 days cruising northern Europe aboard Seabourn Quest

• Athens to Monte Carlo

• Stockholm to Copenhagen

• June 22 & August 21, 2014

• June 22 & July 6, 2014

• From $5,999 per person, Oceanview Suite

• From $4,299 per person, Oceanview Suite

• Web ID: EL1060

• Web ID: EL1061

Seabourn Sojourn enchants her guests with an array of public areas scaled to encourage a relaxed sociability as you sail from ancient Athens to glimmering Greek and Italian ports of call: Ephesus, Symi, Santorini, Syracuse, Lipari, Ponza, Florence/Pisa, Portovenere, and the ever-glamorous Monte Carlo.

In summer, Northern Europe takes on a festive air as its people celebrate the return of long, warm days and lingering daylight. Sail from Stockholm to Tallinn, St. Petersburg (2-nights), Helsinki, and Copenhagen; and enjoy an intimate yacht experience featuring gracious service and award-winning dining aboard Seabourn Quest.

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble Experience shore event in Catania. Book now. ®

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in St. Petersburg. Book now. ®

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T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Far East Asia

Northern Europe

• 9 days cruising Asia aboard Silver Shadow

• 12 days cruising Northern Europe aboard Silver Cloud

• Hong Kong to Singapore

• Dover (London) to Stockholm

• March 30 – April 8, 2014 • From $3,950 per person, Vista Suite

• June 9 – 21, 2014 • From $5,950 per person, Vista Suite

• Web ID: EL1062

• Web ID: EL1063

Let the fabled ports of Asia embrace you with their exotic beauty.

Journey between ancient glories and modern-day miracles as you sail from Hong Kong to Ha Long Bay (overnight), Chan May, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City (overnight), and Singapore. Onboard Silver Shadow, luxuriate with a spa, fine dining, and your very own butler.

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Silver Cloud epitomizes everything that is Silversea; providing the most intimate of sailing experiences with the luxury of space and the ability to slip into ports off the beaten path. This cruise sails from Dover to Antwerp, Amsterdam, Rostock, Ronne, Helsinki, St. Petersburg (2-nights), Tallinn, and Stockholm, plus transit the Kiel Canal.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Chan May. Book now.

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble Experience shore event in St. Petersburg. Book now. ®

Mediterranean

Italy & Spain

• 11 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Silver Wind

• 7 days cruising Italy & Spain aboard Silver Spirit

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• Monte Carlo to Istanbul

• Rome to Barcelona

• April 14 – 25, 2014

• May 12 – 19, 2014

• From $4,750 per person, Vista Suite

• From $3,150 per person, Vista Suite

• Web ID: EL1064

• Web ID: EL1065

Take a voyage of the world’s most legendary sea. Explore the fabled cities and coastal towns of Italy and Greece, as you sail from Monte Carlo to Livorno, Olbia, Sorrento (overnight), Messina, Valletta, Santorini, Kusadasi, and Istanbul (overnight), where you can marvel at the stained glass windows and 20,000 shimmering blue-green tiles in the Blue Mosque.

Silver Spirit provides an intimate sailing experience and the ability to slip into ports off the beaten path. Sail to the heart of romantic cities, picturesque harbors and noble monuments of antiquity, as you travel from Rome to Portofino, Livorno (overnight), Alghero, Porto Mahon, Ibiza, and Barcelona.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Valletta. Book now.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Porto Mahon. Book now.

For reservations, call us today.

Burgundy & Provence

Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux

• 8 days cruising the Rhône & Saône Rivers aboard the NEW S.S. Catherine

• 8 days cruising through France aboard River Royale

• Avignon to Lyon • June 1 – 8, 2014

• August 31 – September 7, 2014

• From $4,399 per person, Riverview Stateroom

• From $3,899 per person, Riverview Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1066

• Web ID: EL1067

Discover fine wine, legendary history, and joie de vivre in Avignon, Arles or Tarascon, Viviers, Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage, Beaune, and Lyon. Enjoy this true all-inclusive boutique river cruise where everything is included, from prepaid gratuities, to all meals with unlimited beverages onboard, fully hosted shore excursions, and more.

Bordeaux, on France’s Southwestern coast, is a unique region unto itself, yet still profoundly French. You’ll cruise three rivers as you explore the stunning countryside, alive with stately châteaux and abundant vineyards and wine estates, on this culinary-rich journey.

Sail from Bordeaux to Pauillac, Blaye, Bergerac, Saint-Émilion, and Cadillac.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore excursion to an olive farm, plus save $100 per person off the price shown and receive a $50 per person shipboard credit. Book now.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience Arcachon oyster tasting shore event, plus save $100 per person off the price shown and receive a $50 per person shipboard credit. Book now.

Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy

Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley

• 8 days cruising Italy aboard River Countess

• 11 days cruising Portugal & Spain aboard Queen Isabel

• Roundtrip Venice • September 14 – 21, 2014

• Lisbon to Porto

• From $4,299 per person, Riverview Stateroom

• From $4,199 per person, Riverview Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1068

• Web ID: EL1069

See Renaissance palazzo floating above the lagoon in Venice, and explore the gems of Northern Italy—Padua, Bologna, Ferrara, and Verona—which amply reward the curious traveler. Enjoy this true all-inclusive boutique river cruise where everything is included, from prepaid gratuities, to all meals with unlimited beverages onboard, fully hosted shore excursions, and more.

Discover a hidden gem in the unspoiled Douro River Valley, and revel in the intriguing cities and beautiful architecture of the Iberian Peninsula. Spend 3-nights exploring Lisbon, then sail through the dramatic Douro Valley and enjoy visits to Porto, Bitetos, Régua, Pinhão, Salamanca, and Castelo Rodrigo.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience Venetian Painters in the Accademia excursion, plus save $100 per person off the price shown and receive a $50 per person shipboard credit. Book now.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event to UNESCO-designated Sintra & seaside Cascais, plus save $100 per person off the price shown and receive a $50 per person shipboard credit. Book now.

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T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Grand European Tour

Romantic Danube

• 15 days cruising Europe aboard the NEW Viking Longships

• 8 days cruising the Danube River aboard the NEW Viking Longships

• Amsterdam to Budapest

• Budapest to Nuremberg

• Select departures throughout 2014

• S elect departures throughout 2014

• From $3,762 per person, Riverview Stateroom including 2-FOR-1 cruise fares plus international air discounts

• From $1,856 per person, Riverview Stateroom including 2-FOR-1 cruise fares plus international air discounts

• Web ID: EL1070

• Web ID: EL1071

Experience 15 magical days on Europe’s rivers as you visit treasured ports and sail these legendary rivers; from Amsterdam to Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz, Miltenberg, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Krems, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest.

Encounter the grand cities and quaint villages along the celebrated Danube River. Explore both sides of Hungary’s capital (traditional “Buda” and more cosmopolitan “Pest”) before sailing on to the “City of Waltzes,” Vienna, and Melk, Passau, Regensburg, and through the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg.

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Receive $50 shipboard credit per stateroom. Book by February 28, 2014.

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Receive $50 shipboard credit per stateroom. Book by February 28, 2014.

Waterways of the Tsars

Imperial Jewels of China

• 13 days cruising Russia aboard Viking Akun, Viking Helgi, Viking Ingvar or Viking Truvor

• 13 days cruising China aboard all-veranda Viking Emerald

• Moscow to St. Petersburg

• Select departures throughout 2014

• Beijing to Shanghai

• Select departures throughout 2014

• From $3,092 per person, Riverview Stateroom including 2-FOR-1 cruise fares plus international air discounts

• From $5,096 per person, Riverview Stateroom including 2-FOR-1 cruise fares plus international air discounts

• Web ID: EL1073

• Web ID: EL1072 This monumental journey includes two great cities. Visit Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square, and St. Petersburg’s Catherine’s Palace, Peter & Paul Fortress and the Hermitage – and also discover the history and culture of Russia’s quaint towns like Yaroslavl and Uglich.

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Receive $50 shipboard credit per stateroom. Book by February 28, 2014.

Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai, and in Beijing, imperial treasures like the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Cruise the wildly beautiful Three Gorges region of the legendary Yangtze, and admire the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam. You also visit Xian, home of the famous Terra Cotta Army.

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Receive $50 shipboard credit per stateroom. Book by February 28, 2014.

FOR ALL ENSEMBLE LifestylesTM OFFERINGS: Prices are per person, double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Prices and terms are displayed throughout this catalog as received from individual suppliers. Certain offers carry restrictions and penalties to be advised at time of booking. Validity differs with each offer. Offers are subject to change without notice, subject to availability, and may be withdrawn at any time. Offers apply to new bookings only.

Some blackout dates apply. Ensemble Travel® Group does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of prices and terms. Ensemble Travel Group and its sub-agents act solely as agents for the companies providing services and facilities to travelers and have no responsibility or liability for loss of or damage to property, injury, or death due to errors, omissions, or intentional acts of the companies providing services.

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