Thursday, September 21, 2023

Pandaw Cruises

Brahmaputra River (India). Photo Credit: deba_dmj/Pixabay




  • 3 -21 Day Sailings
  • Fleet of 17 Ships
  • River Cruise Expeditions
  • Specializes in Brahmaputra River (India), Ganges River (Asia),  Halong Bay (Vietnam) & The Red River, Mekong River (Asia) & Tonle River (Cambodia)
  • Small Ships


Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo Credit: bampilo/Pixabay




Pandaw Cruises Clientele
  • Average Age Onboard 50+
  • Couples
  • Families (Under 18 Goes Free)
  • Informal Atmosphere
  • Not Recommended for Children 12/-
  • Private Motor Yacht Vibe
  • Solo Traveler


Taj Mahal, Delhi, India, Delhi. Photo Credit: юлия/Pixabay




Good to Know
  • Air conditioning is only turned on in the evening.
  • All meals are prepared onboard.
  • Annually by mid April (until June), the fleet are taken out of service for maintenance due to the local low tides and hot weather.
  • Breakfast and lunch are buffet service.
  • Classic interior decor in brass and teak finishes.
  • Complimentary use of mountain bikes are available on all ships.
  • Depending on the length of sailing, local talent (dance or sing) is welcome onboard to entertain guests.
  • Excursions are usually accompanied by a crew member with cold towels, first aid and water.
  • Has no formal dining room.
  • K Class ships carry between 10 - 32 passengers and P Class for 48 - 60 passengers.
  • Limited spa service is only available onboard Mekong sailings.
  • Majority of travelers tend to be from Australia, North America, United Kingdom and Western Europe.
  • No elevators between decks.
  • Not recommended for travelers with limited walking abilities due to narrow gangways.
  • Onboard activities: cooking demonstrations, fruit cravings, napkin folding, ship tour and themed movies.
  • Public Announcements are limited.
  • Staterooms do not offer internet access, mini bars, telephones or TV.
  • Stops daily, in some cases may include 2 - 3. 
  • Unlimited mineral water is offered.
  • With the exception to lower port windows, windows can be opened.



Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo Credit: 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 Pandaw Cruises 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. 





Halong Bay (Vietnam). Photo Credit: Suyeon Kim/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


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"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, September 20, 2023

Oceania Cruises

Dublin, Ireland. Photo Credit: Mike Schönhoff/Pixabay




  • Based in Miami, Florida
  • Founded in 2002
  • Long Sailing up to 195 Days
  • Offers Worldwide Itineraries
  • Premium Cruise Line
  • Sailings Average from 10 - 14 Days
  • Small Ships
  • Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings


Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit: Wilfried Strang/Pixabay



Oceania Cruises Clientele
  • Affluent Traveler(s)
  • Attentive Service
  • Casual & Elegant Atmosphere
  • Couples
  • Enjoy Off the Beaten Path Destinations
  • Refined & No Frill Experience
  • Retiree(s)
  • Solo Traveler
  • Sophisticated Traveler(s)
  • Specialty Sailings: Alaska Explorer Youth Program, Bridge & Culinary


Jerusalem, Israel. Photo Credit: Christine Schmidt/Pixabay




Good to Know
  • Alcoholic Beverage Package ranges from $39.95/PP - $59.95/PP daily.
  • Appointed (2003) French celebrity chef, Jacques Pépin as their Executive Culinary Director.
  • Bottled water, coffees, juices, soft drinks and teas are all included in the cruise fare.
  • Compared to other cruise lines is known to lack entertainment onboard.
  • Concierge level (or higher) have priority boarding.
  • Dress code not enforced. Country Club casual.
  • Ideal for passengers who enjoy art, design, fine food, service and wine.
  • Infants must be at least 12+ months old to sail.
  • Not all onboard services are included in the cruise fare.
  • Offers no facilities, programs or supervision for children onboard.
  • Pre or post cruise land tours includes most dining, lodging and transportation costs.
  • Select ships offers classes, market tours and visiting chefs.
  • Shore excursions can be booked up to 365 days prior to embarkation day.
  • Suitcases exceeding 70 pounds are prohibited.



Cape Town, South Africa. Photo Credit: Ulrike Mai/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 Oceania Cruises 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. 


By the way, our Oceania Cruises 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 lines, dates may vary.


Montreal, Canada. Photo Credit: Ichigo121212/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


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"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.     

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Jade. Photo Credit: wasi1370/Pixabay



  • Approximately 1 Staff member per Every 2 or Three Passengers
  • 18 Ship Fleet
  • Owns Private Island, Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas)
  • Sails 2 - 21 Days
  • Sails: Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Greek Isles, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Mexico, Northern Europe, Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, South Pacific & Transatlantic 
  • Ships Carry 1,936 - 4,266 Passengers


Photo Credit: freebie/Pixabay




  • Broadway & Entertainment Seekers
  • Family Friendly
  • Kids Club (Ages 5 - 17)
  • Minimum Age of 6+ Months to Board
  • Minimum Age of 12+ Months Required for 3+ Consecutive Days at Sea
  • Primarily Americans
  • Seek Fun & Laid Back Ambiance
  • Thrill Seeker Ships


Medusa Lounge, Norwegian Jade. Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/Pixabay



Good to Know
  • Arrive no earlier than 1 hour before your scheduled embarkation time.
  • Board the ship at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
  • Cancellation policies vary by cruise length, room type and timing.
  • Deposit requirement varies by cabin category and cruise length.
  • Drones are not permitted onboard.
  • E-Docs are available up to 21 days prior to sailing departure.
  • Excursions maybe canceled up to one day before sailing for a full refund to your credit card on file.
  • Excursions canceled less than 48 hours before arrival is nonrefundable. 
  • "Free At Sea" offers a choice of complimentary drinks, excursions, specialty dining and/or WiFi.
  • Formula 1 Grand Prix Racing is $20 per play/per person.
  • Ground transfers between the airport and the pier and vice versa.
  • Guide dogs require must the cruise lines notification at least 2 weeks in advance. 
  • If the Port of Call requires a VISA, it is your responsibility to secure it beforehand.
  • Irons or steamers are not permitted onboard.
  • Known for its "freestyle" cruising.
  • Laser Tag is $9.95 per session/per person.
  • Meals at specialty restaurants cost extra.
  • More families are onboard during the winter holidays and summer months.
  • Ninety days before the sailing you may book your Speciality Dining reservations online.
  • No enforced dress codes.
  • No fixed dining times.
  • Offers complimentary room service on menu items, a convenience fee may be applied.
  • Online check-in at 3 days prior to sailing. 
  • Passengers with medical issues or special needs should be  between 90 days (for those who need an interpreter) and 45 days prior to departure.
  • Passengers entering their 24th week (6+ months) of pregnancy at the time of sailing are not permitted.
  • Children younger than 13 are eligible for special prices and younger than 2 can go on excursions for free. 
  • Passports require a 6 month validity upon return.
  • Samsung Galaxy Note7 is not permitted onboard.
  • Select onboard activities are not included in cruise fare.
  • Stateroom options are designed for solo travelers on select ships.
  • Suitcases not exceed 50 pounds each.
  • The Haven is an exclusive enclave with luxurious staterooms, 24/7 butler service and personal concierge service.
  • Ultimate Speedway Package is $199 on 7 day sailings.
  • You may bring sealed bottles of wine on board for personal consumption. Cork fee applies. 



Norwegian Dawn. Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/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 Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) 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. 



Norwegian Jewel. Photo Credit: afmax/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, September 18, 2023

MSC Cruises

MSC Magnifica (Musica Class). Photo Credit: wasi1370/Pixabay



About MSC Cruises
  • Founded in 1970 (Naples, Italy)
  • Has a Private Island (Bahamas), the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve for 100 Year Lease (2015)
  • Large & Small Ships
  • LEGO Partnership
  • Swiss Global Cruise Line (Geneva)
  • Third Largest Cruise Company in the World
  • Operations Offices in Naples & Venice


Photo Credit: Mausi/Pixabay




MSC Cruises
 Clientele
  • Affordable Fares & Budget Conscious
  • Ages 3 - 11 Usually Sail for Free
  • Ages 12 - 17 Usually Sail at Discounted Rate
  • Broadway Style Theater Goers
  • Concentration Itineraries in Northern & Western Europe
  • Couples & Families
  • European Flair
  • Low Key & Relaxed Atmosphere
  • Seasonal Itineraries in Africa, Caribbean, Asia & Middle East 


MSC Preziosa (Fantasia Class). Photo Credit: Viola/Pixabay



Good to Know
  • MSC Yacht Club offers complimentary drinks, concierge services, dining options, personal butler, priority embarkation, private pool and seating. 
  • Babysitting services available.
  • Food options tends to vary by ship.
  • Requires check-in ticket to be printed for embarkation day.
  • Embarkation day occurs daily, so guests onboard tends to vary often.
  • The 1920's speakeasy only accessible by invitation.
  • Internet package is restricted to 1 device. 
  • Offers elevator deck smart destinations. 
  • Does not require in person muster drills.
  • Ice water is not complimentary on all sailings.
  • Onboard perks vary by chosen levels: Aurea (highest), Bella (basic) or Fantastica.
  • Caribbean sailings tends to attract North American guests.
  • Weekly formal nights, men tend to wear tuxedos or suits and women either cocktail dress or evening gown.
  • Shorts are not permitted in the dining room for dinner service.
  • Onboard announcements are generally in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
  • Breakfast room service charges may apply.
  • Offers no formal programs for children under 3.
  • Solo cabins (Interior Studios) are on newer ships.
  • Requires 6 month passport validity upon return.
  • A 15% gratuity is added for nonbeverage package guests.
  • MSC for Me App allows chatting onboard without the internet package.
  • Bringing your own alcohol onboard is not permitted.
  • Dry cleaning and laundry service is at cost.
  • Caribbean and USA sailings drinking age is 21.



Photo Credit: Toni Paul/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 MSC Cruises 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. 


MSC Opera. Photo Credit: pisanodanie/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.      

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