Elite Traveler July-August 2018

DISCOVER

elite traveler JULY/AUG 2018 42 Cruises

Bulgaria. The ship’s decor blends a classic nautical backdrop of pale wood, blue and white with gleaming marble floors, a Murano glass chandelier and a grand staircase made of nickel and black iron. Featured artworks include pieces by Pablo Picasso and Alexander Calder. Dine at four restaurants inspired by Austrian composers, take cooking classes with one of the ship’s chefs and retreat to the Royal Suite, where the butler is trained to the same standards required by Buckingham Palace. Royal Suite from$9,923 per person for the 10-day Highlights of Eastern Europe cruise. Book online at uniworld.com 3. SANCTUARY RETREATS MYANMAR Navigate Myanmar’s culturally rich Irrawaddy River aboard the enchanting temples, resplendent palaces and serene monasteries along the way. Contemporary design is fused with Burmese style throughout the ship’s interiors, which include a spa, library, gallery, lounge, cocktail bar and plunge pool, in addition to the largest suites of any riverboat in this part of the world. Stay in the Owner’s Suite to lounge on its king-size bed and retreat to your own living area and veranda. You’ll also have your own private guide, butler service and romantic dining experiences for two. Owner’s Suite from $1,884 per person for a two-night Bagan to Mandalay cruise. Book online at sanctuaryretreats.com 21-suite Sanctuary Ananda , stopping at the country’s

TAKE THREE/// RIVER CRUISES

1. AQUA EXPEDITIONS PERU Interiors likened to those of a five-star hotel, but with an unmistakable explorer feel, and a one-to-one staff-to-passenger ratio make cruising along the Peruvian Amazon feel even more special. Aboard Aria Amazon , famed chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino presents refined cuisine to savor as you slip past the region’s most incredible wildlife. Take in lectures fromworld- renowned experts, including conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau, who will teach you about the marvels of the Amazon. While staying in one of the ship’s 16 light-filled suites, embrace each moment of your journey, from encountering pink dolphins playing in their natural habitat to meeting the local community as they offer insight into one of the world’s most magical expanses of rain forest. Suites from $8,925 per person for the seven-night Expedition Cruise from Iquitos. Book online at aquaexpeditions.com 2. UNIWORLD EASTERN EUROPE Uniworld’s newest super-ship, the S.S. Beatrice , sails Europe’s second-longest river, the Danube, while taking in the sights and cultural highlights of Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Romania and

The first Ritz-Carlton yacht will embark on its maiden voyage in 2020

New horizons

enjoy activities such as paddleboarding. Our yachts will also be among the smallest ultra-luxury vessels in the market, allowing greater exploration by docking at smaller ports such as Portofino, Mykonos, St Barths and Cartagena.” The first set of itineraries has just been announced, along with each voyage’s culturally immersive shore excursions. You’ll be spoiled for choice with routes including a Mediterranean round-trip from Rome via Monte Carlo, Portofino and Livorno, with a VIP Monaco Grand Prix race experience along the way, and a voyage around Iceland and the Arctic Circle. Bookings for the 2020 itineraries are now

The highly anticipated new venture from Ritz-Carlton is not, as you might expect, a new hotel, but a Yacht Collection — making the hotel chain the first to host guests both on land and at sea. The first of three chic cruising vessels will embark on its maiden voyage in February 2020. Each boat accommodates just 298 passengers in its terraced luxury suites, which include two 1,700-sq-ft penthouse suites with private whirlpool, and loft suites perfect for entertaining. Designed in a style that wouldn’t look out of place in Port de Saint-Tropez, the ships embody a yachting ethos as opposed to a cruise liner atmosphere, explains managing director Douglas Prothero: “Marina-style platforms will provide direct access to the water, enabling you to easily

open. Contact +1 833 999 7292, ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

The outdoor space in the terrace suite is ideal for a morning coffee, watching the world go by

Words Lauren Jade Hill. Photos © tm studios visuelle medien GmbH, Sanctuary Retreats