Elite Traveler November-December 2018

elite traveler NOV/DEC 2018 34 Cruises by Thea Halstead

Havana Nights If your humidor needs restocking and the vibrant, historic charm of Cuba has always appealed to you, but just seemed out of reach, you’re in luck! Seabourn has received approval to begin sailing to Cuba and created four itineraries to explore the islands. Seabourn Sojourn embarks on the maiden voyage departing fromMiami on November 4, 2019. Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of this fascinating country through excursions focusing on Cuba’s culinary, musical and artistic traditions. seabourn.com

SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS

These days it is becoming increasingly difficult to remain in the moment. When you’re next on vacation, look around and see who is soaking up the atmosphere and who is bent over their phones, oblivious to their surroundings — you’ll likely see more of the latter. Ponant’s latest vessel, Le Lapérouse , tackles this issue by submerging guests in a unique, immersive experience. The Blue Eye is a multi-sensorial lounge situated below the waterline. Designed by architect Jacques Rougerie to mimic the tactually smooth shapes of whales, dolphins and jellyfish, the focal point is two large portholes that allow you to see the marine environment beyond. To ensure your view isn’t limited to what happens to be swimming past at any moment in time, there are three underwater cameras under the vessel that take images of the seabed and surrounding creatures, and project them onto the screens within the lounge. Composer Michel Redolfi created the soundtrack for the lounge. Underwater microphones transmit the natural sounds of the ocean into the Blue Eye, creating a symphony of the seas. The sofas scattered throughout discreetly vibrate in harmony with the sounds, ensuring you are completely encased and absorbed in the experience. Owner’s Suite from $9,930 per person based on double occupancy for a seven-night itinerary, ponant.com

Relax in the multi-sensory lounge on board Le Lapérouse

TAKE THREE/// WORLD CRUISES

If you’ve got a few hundred days at your disposal and want to see as much of the world as possible without the hassle of multiple itineraries and agents, embark on a world cruise

1. AMSTERDAM The 128-day Grand World Voyage on board the midsize Amsterdam is a round trip leaving from Fort Lauderdale that takes you to far-flung destinations including the Antarctic, Easter Island and Tonga. The views of the Chilean fjords or mist-draped mountains of Sri Lanka are breathtaking. January 4 – May 12, 2020, hollandamerica.com

2. VIKING SUN Starting in London, Viking Sun ’s 245-day Ultimate World Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure covering six continents, 59 countries and 112 cities and ports. History buffs will enjoy the Neolithic sites of Kirkwall, Scotland, and the fortress of El Morro in Puerto Rico. August 31, 2019 – May 2, 2020, vikingcruises.com

3. QUEENMARY 2 Spend 113 nights on board the QueenMary 2 , embarking in New York. If you can’t bear to leave your pet pooch at home for such a protracted period, the QueenMary 2 is one of the few ships with a kennel, complete with a Kennel Master. Adventures in exotic locales such as Namibia, Jordan and Réunion await. January 3 – April 25, 2020, cunard.com

Photos Ponant, 2011 Seabourn, HK Aerial Photography Co, Ltd