Thursday, August 31, 2023

Lindblad Expeditions

Machu Picchu, Peru. Photo Credit: Олег Дьяченко/Pixabay



  • Founded in 1958 (Connecticut)
  • Has 15 Ships
  • Headquartered in New York, NY
  • Led the 1st Tourist Expedition to Antarctica (1966)
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund is for Conservation, Research & Students (Galápagos)
  • Partnered with National Geographic (Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic)
  • Purchased Ecotourism Company, Natural Habitat Inc (2016)
  • Purchased the former Crystal Esprit & Refurbished (2021) & Rechristen as National Geographic Islander II (2022)
  • Ship Capacity Ranges from 28 - 150 Guests


Antarctica. Photo Credit: Erika/Pixabay



  • Adventurer Traveler(s)
  • Aged 50+
  • Enjoy Less Traveled Paths
  • Outdoor Enthusiast
  • Small Ship Experiences
  • Unique Land Excursions


Sicily, Italy. Photo Credit: user32212/Pixabay



Good to Know
  • National Geographic sailing itineraries pairs with filmmakers, photo instructors,  oceanographers, scientists and writers.
  • In conjunction with National Geographic’s "Planet or Plastic" campaign, has banned all single-use plastics aboard their ships.
  • Select ships offer complimentary WiFi access for one hour per person.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not included on select sailings.
  • Gratuity is not included in the cruise fare.
  • Deposit amount varies by destination.
  • Offers airline reservations for $50/PP.
  • Solo and triple accommodations are limited.  


St Johns, Newfoundland. Photo Credit: Felix Dilly/Pixabay



We're always happy to work with you to extend your experience on a pre and/or post cruise stay, as well.


Now, for the Do-It-Yourself Travelers, you may book your Lindblad Expeditions next sailing directly on our website, Louvet Travel. Receiving all the personalized care that our valued Clients experience! Truly your one source for all your questions. 


Suez Canal, Egypt. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay


Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals


Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.     

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Hurtigruten

Photo Credit: Websi/Pixabay



  • Brands: Hurtigruten Expeditions, Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express & Hurtigruten Svalbard
  • Hurtigruten Foundation Commits to Fight Climate Change & Stop Unsustainable Mass Tourism
  • Premium Expedition Cruises
  • Services Since 1893


Photo Credit: DCouncil/Pixabay



Hurtigruten Clientele
  • Active Traveler(s)
  • Adventure Traveler(s)
  • Authentic Cultural Experiences
  • Casual Atmosphere
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Seekers
  • Sustainable Explorer in Polar Regions
  • Unique Experience Seeker(s)


Photo Credit: Katja Fuhlert/Pixabay



Good to Know
  • You will be accompanied by an expert Expedition Team.
  • Offer a 100% guarantee of the Northern Lights. If not seen during your voyage, you will receive another 6 or 7 Day Classic Voyage free of charge.
  • No casino onboard.
  • No dress code requirement.
  • Breakfast and lunch is buffet service.
  • Dinner tends to be a la carte with set times.
  • Use local farmers and seafood suppliers for meal preparation onboard.
  • Has no unlimited drink package offer. Beer and wine prepaid package is available for dinner.


Photo Credit: Bernhard Post/Pixabay



We're always happy to work with you to extend your experience on a pre and/or post cruise stay, as well.


Now, for the Do-It-Yourself Travelers, you may book your Hurtigruten next sailing directly on our website, Louvet Travel. Receiving all the personalized care that our valued Clients experience! Truly your one source for all your questions. 


Photo Credit: Michael/Pixabay


Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel
Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals


Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.     

Monday, August 28, 2023

Holland America Line (HAL)

Sitka, Alaska. Photo Credit: Dawn Shuler/Pixabay



About Holland America Line (HAL)
  • Began Passenger & Shipping Line as Netherlands-American Steamship Company (1873)
  • In 1895, Offered 1st Cruise Vacation Sailing
  • Established Schools in Indonesia & Philippines to Train Future Employees
  • Headquartered in Seattle, WA
  • Owns Little San Salvador Island (aka: Half Moon Cay) in The Bahamas
  • Owns Westmark Hotel Chain Operating in Alaska & Yukon
  • Sails: Africa, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Central America, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Mexico, Oceania & South Pacific, Panama Canal, Scandinavia & Northern Europe, South America, The Orient, Transatlantic, and USA
  • Subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (1989)
  • Supported Allied Troops in 2 World Wars
  • Visits over 400 Ports Worldwide


Halong Bay, Vietnam. Photo Credit: Suyeon Kim/Pixabay



Holland America Line (HAL) Clientele
  • 1- 128 Day Sailing
  • 3:1 Ratio (Crew:Guest)
  • Affluent Adults
  • Around the World Voyages
  • Art & Artifacts
  • Average Age 50+
  • Enjoys Complimentary Room Service
  • Enjoy Enrichment Programs
  • Musical Performances
  • Refined Atmosphere
  • Minimal Children Onboard
  • Prefers Small (1,432 Guests) - Mid Size (2,668) Ships
  • Seeks Unique Itinerary


Cook Island. Photo Credit: Julius Silver/Pixabay



Good to Know
  • ​Headquartered in Rotterdam​, operating between Holland​, Dutch East Indies​ and to the Americas later became known as Holland America Line​ (1898).
  • Only cruise line to offer land tours in the Yukon Territory (Canada).
  • Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) offers aqua park, beach, birdwatching, luxury cabanas and villas.
  • Offers a daily Catholic mass service.
  • First night of sailing offers menu for sailing duration across venues.
  • Abundance of fresh flowers onboard.
  • The signature blue and white is Delft china.
  • Rug carpets not only note the day but direction.
  • Partnered with BBC Earth.
  • Extension cords permitted but without surge protector.
  • Best to take both American and European plug adaptors.
  • Orange Club Package ($) offers complimentary dedicated concierge desk, skip the line priority and stateroom upgrade.
  • Main dining room serves afternoon tea and finger foods daily.
  • Offers specialty events: mixology classes, tequila and wine tastings.
  • Excursions fill quickly so book as soon as possible.
  • WiFi costs extra.
  • Club HAL is for youths ranging from 3 - 17.
  • Payment in full is required within 90 days of sailing.
  • Gratuities is roughly $15 - $17 daily and per person.
  • Dietary restrictions or food allergies are required 3 weeks prior to embarkation.
  • Specialty restaurant reservations are on a first come bases.
  • Blue bands tend to preform nightly.
  • Guests may choose either assigned dinner or open seating times.
  • Evening dress code is resort casual or dressy.
  • Excursions must be canceled within 3 days of embarkation for a refund.
  • Their "New York" terminal is in Hoboken, NJ along the opposite side of the Hudson River from New York City, NY.
  • World Voyage sailings around the world, usually ranging from January - May.


Glasgow, Scotland. Photo Credit: Michał/Pixabay



We're always happy to work with you to extend your experience on a pre and/or post cruise stay, as well.


By the way, our signature collection of Hosted Sailing provides our Clients:

  • Welcome Reception - A great sip and mingle event
  • Private Car & Driver - Enjoy a in depth sightseeing with your own personal guide
  • Shore Excursions - Enjoy our speciality planned excursion
  • Shipboard Credit


Our Hosted Sailings are available with select cruise linesdates may vary.


Now, for the Do-It-Yourself Travelers, you may book your Holland America Line (HAL) next sailing directly on our website, Louvet Travel. Receiving all the personalized care that our valued Clients experience! Truly your one source for all your questions.  


Mazatlan, Mexico. Photo Credit: dtamez/Pixabay



Ready to embark on custom and 
personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel
Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals


Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.    

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Fred Olsen

Southampton Port, Hampshire, England. Photo Credit: Roman Grac/Pixabay



About Fred Olsen
  • British Operated Cruise Line
  • Fleet of 5 Small Ships
  • Headquartered in Ipswich, Suffolk (United Kingdom)
  • Norwegian Family Owned (since 1848)
  • Purchased Norwegian Crown from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) (2006)
  • Purchased Amsterdam & Rotterdam from Holland America (HAL) (2020)
  • Sails Adriatic, Africa, Baltic, Canada, Canary Islands, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America & United States


Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Photo Credit: Siggy Nowak/Pixabay



Fred Olsen Clientele
  • Affordability
  • Art & Lecturer Interest
  • Average Age Onboard 60+
  • "British Cottage House/Manor" Atmosphere
  • Caters to Middle Class
  • Cozy not Flashy Ships
  • Enjoys Bingo & Trivia Games
  • Europe Waterways
  • Intimate Onboard Experience
  • Multigenerational Groups
  • Retired
  • Seek British Flair Onboard
  • Seek 4 - 78 Night Sailings
  • Small Ports
  • Small - Mid Size Ship Sailings
  • Themed Itinerary


Ring of BrodgarOrkney, Scotland. Photo Credit: Doris Pecka/Pixabay



Good to Know
  • Onboard currency is the British pound (GBP).
  • Serves at least one traditional British dish per meal.
  • "Mystery Cruise" is popular amongst select guests. Only embarkation, number of nights and packing suggestions is known to the traveler, everything else remains unknown.
  • Offers formal nights.
  • Strict dress code onboard.
  • Fixed dining times.
  • Coffee and tea is complimentary in the buffet restaurant.
  • Daily drink package tends to be restrictive with cocktails.
  • Offers a dedicated table in the buffet restaurant area for the solo traveler.
  • Games, craft classes ($) and watercolor classes ($) offered.
  • Childcare programs during peak season available for ages 5 - 11.
  • Smoking is banned in staterooms. 
  • Complimentary room service with limited menu available.
  • Cabaret style entertainment opposed to broadway productions.
  • Additional fee cruise line offers shuttle service in port usually to the beach or town.
  • Buffet service is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Any purchased duty free alcohol is collected upon boarding and returned at disembarkation.
  • Tends to lack in entertainment, service and value for cost.
  • Premium afternoon tea ($) is white glove service with finger foods.
  • WiFi is costly.
  • Never sails with more than 1,000 guests onboard.
  • "Enjoyment Promise" if not completely satisfied within 48 hours of sailing, Guest Services will coordinate your return home and issue a refund.


River Mersey, Liverpool, North West England. Photo Credit: Tim/Pixabay



We're always happy to work with you to extend your experience on a pre and/or post cruise stay, as well.


Now, for the Do-It-Yourself Travelers, you may book your Fred Olsen next sailing directly on our website, Louvet Travel. Receiving all the personalized care that our valued Clients experience! Truly your one source for all your questions. 



Madeira, Portugal. Photo Credit: Jacqueline Macou/Pixabay





Ready to embark on custom and 
personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel
Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals


Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.     

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