Elite Traveler Fall 2021

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Three continents Greek-based Celestyal Cruises kicks off its new flagship vessel, Celestyal Experience, with seven- and 14-night jaunts that embrace three continents. With stops in Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Cyprus, the intimate, opulent ship excels with immersive experiences. Indulge in the vessel’s bi-level, grand 47,300-sq-ft spa, dedicated Wellness Suites for spa-loving cruisers, and menus that pay homage to cuisine from the salubrious (and utterly delicious) Mediterranean diet. celestyal.com

Trains, mysteries and Egypt Uniworld Boutique River Cruises offers a bounty of innovative options for sail-savvy travelers. This year, it will launch the most luxurious ship on Egypt’s Nile River — the S.S. Sphinx , a sustainable floating boutique hotel, will offer 12-day, adventure-packed programs to top sites. In addition, Uniworld introduces its first cruise and rail trips in partnership with Golden Eagle Rail. Set in Europe, these ship-meets-train vacations chug and sail through desirable locations that include Austria, Romania and Switzerland. uniworld.com

Regal rivers Sail on AmaWaterway’s new AmaLucia from Luxembourg to Nuremberg in November, a prime cruise for castle spotting. The highly anticipated Europe’s Rivers & Castles excursion (also a bonafide wine cruise) combines a backdrop of fall foliage and fortresses with off-the-beaten-path wine forays. To extend their journey, guests can add pre-days in Paris or post-days in Prague. Or, choose other oenophile favorites, such as the Colors of Provence itinerary, which tempts wine tasters on the Rhone River from Lyon to Avignon. amawaterways.com

Bespoke yachts It’s a match made in heaven: TCS World Travel, a leading private jet expedition operator, and The Moorings, one of the world’s most exclusive yacht charter companies, have joined forces to proffer their Smooth Sailing charters — all-inclusive, crewed, custom catamaran trips to bucket-list destinations. Consider the Undiscovered Greek Isles itinerary, which anchors at four islands, or enjoy a bespoke trip to Croatia to discover postcard-perfect port towns and charming local fishing villages. tcsworldtravel.com

Fiery ice French-intoned Ponant has declared its alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, in its intent to offer curiosity- satisfying, themed journeys in 2022. Eighteen jaw-dropping departures will delve into locales as diverse as Antarctica, Iceland, the Great Lakes, Norwegian fjords and the Mediterranean. Ponder the Iceland Voyage: Land of Fire and Ice, on Le Bellot , which sails round-trip from Reykjavík with five nature-showcasing ports of call. From geysers to glaciers, amazement is

guaranteed. ponant.com

Clockwise from right AmaWaterways’ new itinerary visits Europe’s castles and vineyards; Ponant’s departures for 2022 include Antarctica; explore lesser-known Greek islands with TCS World Travel; Abercrombie & Kent’s small-ship outings focus on learning and culture