John is currently in Mexico enjoying our host agency's Top Producer Trip, hosted by Four Seasons. Next week will feature a full report on that adventure, but this week is our now monthly cruise focused ezine.
So, let's talk Grand Voyages. These are specialty cruises that are longer than your typical 1-2 week cruise. Their durations range from 30 days to 3 months and they typically focus on a region or theme. Grand Voyages are great for further exploration and deep immersion in a destination. If you love cruising (and have an abundance of time), then a Grand Voyage may well be right for you.
Today J5Travel's Luxury Cruise Director, Kanise, is sharing the top 5 Grand Voyages for you to book for 2024.
Top 5 - Grand Voyages 2024
1. Oceania - Visions of Oceania
One of the best ways to see Australia is on a cruise. It is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and if you are a lover of nature and adventure, it is a destination you have to see. Australia truly has it all. More than just kangaroos and koalas, this vast continent is home to over 200,000 species of plants and animals. You can view the majesty of the Great Barrier reefs, explore the outback and be amazed at the horizontal waterfalls in the Kimberly. Australia is also a major destination for the foodies. You will find unique fare such as lamington, kangaroo burgers and vegemite. If you're feeling especially adventurous, you can try some wichetty grubs.
December 22, 2024 - February 10, 2025
Roundtrip Sydney
50 Days
2. Hurtigruten - In the Wake of Great Explorers
You may have been to Canada, but you haven't done Canada like this. On Hurtigruten's 26-day Northwest Passage voyage you get to see the amazing scenery of the arctic circle and walk the same footsteps of the original explorers. While navigating the icy terrain from the Atlantic to the Pacific your views will be nothing short of breathtaking. Since it is an expedition voyage, your daily itinerary is flexible and stops can be made based on the captain's sightings. Whales, sea lions and polar bears are just some of the animals you may cross paths with. You will also stop in the remote villages along the way and learn about daily life directly from the natives who live there. This grand voyage has even more added value with the included flight from Vancouver to Nome and a one night hotel stay in Vancouver.
August 20 - September 15, 2024
Vancouver to Halifax
26 Days
3. Seabourn - Grand Africa
Next up Seabourn brings us this rare opportunity to circumnavigate Africa. If you want to have the ultimate bragging rights at the next get together then you'll want to take this cruise. On this itinerary you get to visit some of the most iconic countries and ports in Africa as well as many others you may never have heard of. Much like Australia, the African continent is home to countless species of nature. Not only will you have the chance to search for the Big Five on a traditional safari, but you can also spot lemurs in their habitat in Madagascar. In addition to the unique wildlife, Africa is also home to many bustling cities. Cities like Capetown, Cairo and Abidjan will delight your senses with amazing food and the rhythm of the people.
November 30, 2024 - February 28, 2025
Roundtrip Barcelona
90 Days
4. Uniworld - Grand Central Europe and Zurich
Grand voyages don't only apply to ocean cruising, they also apply to river cruising. Most river cruises are seven nights and the boat remains on one river. With Uniworld's grand central Europe itinerary you will sail on three of Europe's most famous rivers, the Danube, the Main and the Rhine. Seventeen days may not seem like a long time, but when you're sailing on the rivers it will feel like an action-packed adventure. River cruising allows you to get up close and personal to the heart of the towns and cities along the river. Many times, the next stop is just up the river so you can visit two towns in a day. On this itinerary you will visit Switzerland, France, Germany and Austria. Two nights in Zurich at the five-star Dolder Grand Hotel are included allowing you to spend more time exploring the beauty of Europe. And if you want to extend your journey, you have the best team (J5Travel of course) at your service to enhance your trip with exciting and luxurious pre/post itineraries.
Zurich to Vienna
Multiple Dates July 2024 - October 2024
17 Days
5. Silversea - Grand South America
Grand is the perfect adjective to describe this voyage. Not only do you get to experience the most vibrant culture of South America, but you also get to experience one of the most gorgeous new ships, Silver Nova. You will visit 38 ports in 18 countries over 71 days. History, culture and food await you as you visit enriching cities like Lima and Buenos Aires and participate in exclusive shoreside events. Silversea has also included business class air, $1,000 per person onboard credit, one pre-cruise hotel stay and transfers between your home and airport. But wait, there's more. You get the opportunity to experience the Biggest Show on Earth, Brazil's Carnival in Rio De Janeiro. All guests on the full voyage will have access to a VIP section closest to the parade paired with a full bar and buffet. This is definitely the voyage of lifetime.
January 4 - March 15, 2024
Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale
71 Days
Ready to embark on a Grand Voyage of your own? Let's chat and get started planning this incredible cruise adventure. Click the button below to fill us in on what you're looking for in your next luxury travel experience.
I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
