 Discover the magic of small ship luxury cruises, delivering immersive experiences in unique destinations, intuitive service – with expert planning assistance from your luxury travel advisor and group travel specialists INTRODUCTION Imagine sailing into the colorful port of Portofino at sunrise, sailing into a charming harbor inaccessible to large cruise ships. Small ship luxury cruises are able to access less-traveled ports allowing for more authentic and immersive experiences throughout your journey. These luxury cruises offer unique itineraries, intimate onboard ambiance and customizable experiences, perfect for couples, for groups, and for international exploration. Unfortunately, planning your luxury cruise experience can be both time consuming and confusing. International travel planning is challenging for most, and this is especially true if you are planning a group travel event. Fortunately, help is at hand … an experienced luxury travel advisor and group travel specialist can make planning any luxury cruise or group travel event easy and painless. SMALL SHIP LUXURY CRUISES – WHAT TO EXPECTThe experience of sailing on small ship luxury cruises is unfailingly intimate. Regardless of the provider selected, you can anticipate impeccable, personalized service … exceptional cuisine … and an intimate onboard atmosphere designed to enable discriminating guests to explore the world in comfort and in style. Itinerary is another important consideration for guests when booking small ship luxury sailings. This small vessel cruise niche delivers mightily on this front, with most itineraries offering charming ports of call totally inaccessible to larger vessels. Depending on the itinerary selected, you may visit unspoiled Mediterranean islands, charming Adriatic coastlines, or stunning Arctic fjords. In addition, many of these small cruise providers offer extended time in ports, frequently featuring overnight stays on many itineraries. To be sure, there are significant variations between the luxury cruise lines. The definition of “small” can be open to interpretations, but typically applies to vessels accommodating between 100 and 1200 guests. As you can imagine, the cruise experience on ships at the smaller end of this spectrum will differ rather significantly from the experience on the larger vessels. UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES One of the major reasons guests are drawn to small ship luxury cruises is the elevated shoreside experience available on these intimate vessels. Unlike the “cattle call” excursion experience offered when sailing on many of the major cruise lines, excursions are typically small and carefully curated to provide immersive experiences and authentic connections. You may find chef-led excursions to local markets, visits to off-the-beaten-track villages, and even the opportunity to dine in the home of a local resident. Depending on the itinerary, your luxury travel advisor may be able to add options for exclusive experiences as well. These professional travel planners have insider knowledge of providers and may be able to offer perks and experiences not otherwise available should you book directly or with online agencies. At Dancing Moon Travel, we may be able to offer significant onboard credit … or possibly even a private car and driver excursion in one of your ports. International travel planning is second nature for these luxury travel specialists, and they will be able to provide insights and advice to ensure your experience is specifically planned to suit your unique travel preferences. WHY GROUP TRAVEL SPECIALISTS MATTERIf international travel planning is time consuming, the prospect of organizing a group trip to foreign destinations is daunting for even the most experienced travelers. This is definitely the time to call for help, and group travel specialists will ensure a seamless, stress-free planning experience. Small ship luxury cruises can be a perfect venue for group travel experiences, whether a small group of friends and family or a larger corporate entity ready to take over the entire vessel. Whatever your group’s size and requirements, you will want to enlist the services of one of these experienced travel professionals. They will match you to the vessels best suited for the group’s requirements and travel preferences, negotiate attractive group rates and special amenities, and keep all the logistics organized and on time. Many luxury travel advisors have a sub-specialty in group travel events and their services are invaluable in orchestrating a successful, memorable sailing for your guests. CONCLUSIONIf you are considering options for small ship luxury cruises, we would love to help! At Dancing Moon Travel, we pride ourselves in customizing every proposal to suit each traveler’s unique travel preferences and interests. With the dozens of luxury cruise lines and hundreds of destinations, it is easy to become confused and overwhelmed. Let us help you sort it out!
Dancing Moon Travel has been assisting luxury travelers since 2008. We would welcome the opportunity for a brief call to learn about your next dream vacation … let’s work together to turn that dream into a plan! Reach out to owner Pat Hand today at 404.735.5774, or email [email protected].
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 Three Reasons to Sail MSC
My sister and I set sail this week on a four-night Bahamas itinerary aboard MSC Seashore. It’s actually my third time onboard this particular vessel, but the first time experiencing a shorter itinerary. Previous sailings have been 7 nights, one in a deluxe balcony, and one being spoiled by their luxury Yacht Club experience. That Yacht Club sailing turned out to be the last cruise that Marvin experienced prior to his passing in July 2024. I thought I would share a bit about shorter cruise itineraries in general, and also some specifics about our 4-night cruise experience on the Seashore. A quick word of advice … we discourage most clients from booking 3-night sailings. For most, it is simply not an efficient use of time, with too little time onboard to actually enjoy the sailing. With much of the first day spent getting onboard, completing the safety drill, and settling in…and the last evening preparing to disembark, there is precious little time to actually enjoy your vacation. We highly recommend booking at least a four-night cruise if possible, as that one extra day really impacts your ability to enjoy your cruise and the fare difference not significant. More details about our onboard experience follows – but one thing of note has been the unusually quiet seas we’ve experienced on this sailing. Passengers are frequently concerned about booking a cruise during hurricane season and it’s true that by mid-August we’re headed into “prime time” for major storms to develop. That said, over the years, we have sailed frequently during the month of August ourselves, and we have noted these flat, glassy seas on several of those sailings, particularly in the Western Caribbean. This is the only time of year that we’ve experienced this phenomenon and it makes for a lovely and quite memorable sailing experience. Shorter Cruise Itineraries – Setting Expectations The experience on three and four-night itineraries differ in many respects when compared to the experience on traditional sailings of 7 nights or longer. In fact, these shorter 3- and 4-night itineraries may even differ significantly compared with 5- and 6-night itineraries. If you are accustomed to sailing longer itineraries and are planning to schedule a short cruise getaway, you might anticipate:
Ships: Many times, cruise lines designate their smaller and more “seasoned’ vessels to sailing these short cruise itineraries. Rarely will you find the newest ships sailing itineraries less than 7 nights. Since the cruise lines scrupulously maintain all their vessels, the fact that the ship has been around a few years should not be cause for elimination. Even the smaller, older ships have more than enough entertainment and activity options to keep guests engaged and entertained … just don’t arrive onboard expecting the WOW factor and latest bells & whistles that the newest vessels offer. Entertainment: Entertainment on most of the shorter sailings tends to be a bit scaled back … you typically won’t find huge production shows with the latest special effects onboard these shorter sailings. Also, as a general rule you will find that the larger the vessel, the more expansive the entertainment. Regardless of vessel size, you will find entertainment on most short sailings to be engaging and more than adequate for a short cruise getaway. Passenger Demographics: Shorter cruises tend to have broad appeal for families and younger guests looking for an affordable getaway. When booking cruises with 3- or 4-night itineraries, you will likely find a larger number of children onboard, as well as a certain percentage of passengers ready to “party hearty.” Aboard MSC Seashore So, what did we actually experience on our own short sailing on MSC Seashore this week? First, MSC offers one of the very best values available in the Caribbean cruise market, whether you are looking for a short get-away or a longer cruise experience. Clients love their optional drink & wifi package which is very reasonably priced. Seashore is a big, bold beautiful ship. There is an air of glitz, glamour and sophistication onboard the vessel. Without exception, the staff was friendly and service oriented throughout. Dining service, our room steward, bar and specialty dining, everyone we encountered went above and beyond to contribute to our enjoyment of the cruise. Entertainment was solid, if not inspired. We enjoyed the offerings in the main theatre and the music combos around the ship. During our sailing, there was a magician, a comic, and a production show in the main theatre … we were engaged and entertained. Our deluxe balcony 10263 seemed somewhat cramped and the bathroom especially tight with very little storage. The bathroom did feature a tub which was not the case with our rooms on prior sailings…nice for families, I’m sure, but for our purposes, the space could have been much better utilized with a standard shower and more functional vanity & storage space. The food…well, it was fine, we had plenty to eat…but again, we found menus and preparation rather unremarkable. Food onboard MSC vessels consistently seems to be the weakest link, which really needs to be addressed. We always found something to eat, but truly nothing at all on the main dining menu to get excited about. This has been our consistent experience after sailing on several of their vessels and even in the Yacht Club … if MSC could up their game in the dining department, they would truly be a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary Caribbean market. In contrast to the main dining room and buffet fare, we find the premium “extra cost” restaurants to be exceptionally good on the Seashore…steak, seafood, and alternative restaurants are outstanding. MSC also offers some great dining packages at very reasonable cost…if you are a foodie, it would be worthwhile to splurge on these packages – you won’t be disappointed. Conclusion A short cruise itinerary can be a great way to relax and refresh – these getaways can be just what you need when you are bogged down or stressed by the daily routine. In addition to the fun and relaxation, a cruise offers tremendous value for the vacation dollar. Are you overdue for some time away and can’t manage the time for a full-blown vacation? Then a short cruise getaway like this may fill the bill. Dancing Moon Travel actively books MSC and all major and niche cruise lines. Reach out and we’ll have options for you today!
 When you are planning a major vacation, you are well served to partner with an experienced professional travel advisor experienced in custom travel planning. Unforgettable vacations are most memorable when they are planned around your unique interests and travel preferences. Custom Travel Planning requires attention to detail, a thorough understanding of your likes and dislikes…as well as a solid handle on your budget. Your travel advisor will want to get to know you and ask lots of questions, such as:
Dream Travel DestinationsCustom travel planning is essential when planning a trip to any of your dream travel destinations. At Dancing Moon Travel, our 14 experienced professional travel advisors are experts at matching you to the perfect destinations, accommodations and experiences to make these lifetime trips unforgettable. We are also a valuable resource when you need practical advice, recommendations and guidance regarding such things as entrance and document requirements, cultural considerations, tipping guidelines and more. Visiting your dream travel destinations can be approached in many ways. Some people planning their lifetime trip will prefer a customized plan for independent travel. These packages may include your international air, ground transfers, rail transportation, accommodations in line with your preferences and budget, and excursions selected specifically with your interests in mind. Other travelers may prefer the convenience and predictability of a fully-escorted vacation…and some find a cruise or river cruise provides the perfect blend of convenience and independence for their needs. If you are shopping for the cheapest package vacations, we can help. We understand that travelers who request to book the cheapest package vacations are not looking for a cheap vacation experience. When people ask about the cheapest vacation, we understand you are looking for the best value vacations. At Dancing Moon Travel we can steer you to destinations that offer great vacation experiences at a great price. We can bundle your vacation package to ensure you are saving significantly on your vacation package. And we can guide you to booking at times of the year when fares and rates tend to be lower than booking at high season pricing. If you are looking for cheapest vacation packages, be sure to contact us at Dancing Moon Travel and our agents will ensure you get the best possible value for your vacation dollar. Cruise Ship Vacations Cruise ship vacations can provide an excellent approach to explore your dream travel destinations. It is hard to beat the convenience and value cruise ship vacations offer. Your cruise includes transportation to several fascinating ports of call, all your dining, and frequently special packages can be included with beverages, specialty dining and more. A cruise ship vacation can provide the most seamless and affordable approach to turning your dream travel destinations into a plan. Custom travel planning is definitely applicable to cruise ship vacations. Your cruise experience can differ dramatically from one cruise line to another, and even between vessels on the same cruise line. Guidance from your expert cruise travel agency for cruise ship vacations is essential to matching you with the right cruise line and ship for your travel preferences and budget. The experienced agents at Dancing Moon Travel are masters at the process of custom travel planning for cruises, identifying the best vacation cruise lines and itineraries to suit your unique preferences and budget. With agents located strategically around the country, chances are we are the best travel agency for cruises conveniently near your location. River Cruise VacationsRiver cruise vacations have burgeoned in popularity over recent years as travelers have discovered the convenience of travel aboard these luxurious floating resorts. River cruise vessels carry their guests throughout the most intriguing and historical cities and villages of Europe…or Asia…or the Nile. Wherever there are navigable rivers these days, there are almost always multiple choices for world-class river cruise experiences available for booking. Guidance and custom travel planning is essential for identifying the best itineraries and providers for your river cruise needs. As with ocean-going cruises, there are numerous providers and a wide array of itinerary choices. Choosing the best provider for your river cruise vacations is always best when guided by professionals, and Dancing Moon Travel ranks as the best travel agency for cruises, including river cruise vacations. Group Travel PlanningIf you are considering a group travel event, you can greatly simplify group travel planning with our specialists at Dancing Mqoon Travel. We are experts at group travel events and can help you explore group vacation packages and all-inclusive group travel options designedyou’re your guests to experience unforgettable shared adventures. At Dancing Moon Travel, we are Group Travel Specialists, and crafting custom group travel experiences is second nature to us. Contact us … Dancing Moon Travel will plan your next remarkable group vacation with expert care. Visit our website or call now. Conclusion When you are in vacation planning mode, be sure to reach out to Dancing Moon Travel where our experienced, friendly agents have the knowledge and resources to produce an amazing vacation experience. Our custom travel planning is second to none – reach out whenever you are ready to book those dream travel destinations. Book with the best travel agency for cruises…for all-inclusive vacation packages…for all your leisure travel needs – we’ll look forward to your call.
 Are you tasked with planning a group travel event? Whether it’s a fun friends & family getaway or a corporate retreat with complex requirements for meeting space, breakout sessions and private functions, the best first step in your planning process is to enlist the assistance of experienced group travel specialists. These professionals can save you hours of time, secure favorable rates and amenities, and help you avoid costly mistakes in planning a seamless group travel event. Group travel specialists are travel advisors who devote a significant amount of their professional time to planning and orchestrating group travel events. These agents are not only experienced in international travel planning, but also have a broad knowledge of the specialized requirements involved with planning group travel. Groups can have very different goals and needs. The requirements of a corporate group differ greatly from a multi-gen group of friends & family. Group travel specialists understand which providers in the industry are good matches for your group’s requirements. These agents can also provide advice and guidance on which destinations offer easy access with good flight schedules and manageable entrance requirements for your guests. Special Events at SeaToday’s fun & fabulous cruise ships can provide a seamless and surprisingly affordable experience for group travelers. With so much included with the cruise fare – transportation to various ports of call, meals, and a host of onboard entertainment – a special event at sea is a very attractive option for many group travel events. Many cruise lines are exceptionally friendly to groups. There is generally no additional charge for group meeting space and things like AV equipment are frequently provided free or at nominal charge. Group travel specialists are often experts at cruise travel planning. International travel planning is also second nature for agents who specialize in planning group travel. Many cruise lines actually have a group event coordinator onboard their vessels. These employees are tasked with working with group leaders to ensure each event runs smoothly to ensure a flawless guest experience. In addition, most travel advisors who are group travel specialists will be onboard to facilitate group events with larger groups with complex requirements. Corporate retreats and large groups may have many requirements. Examples of some of the services that can be arranged for these groups onboard include:
Luxury Cruises Luxury cruises can be an outstanding venue for group events directed toward more discerning travelers. If you are planning a group travel event for a corporate leadership team, golf or country club members or any other group of discriminating travelers, it is hard to duplicate the level of luxury and service found on these intimate luxury vessels. Your guests can expect world-class cuisine, butler service, and intriguing ports of call on group travel events that will exceed every expectation aboard luxury cruises. Luxury cruise experiences can differ significantly between cruise lines. Some cruise lines feature small, intimate vessels, while others offer expanded entertainment and amenities aboard larger ships. Onboard ambiance can range from relaxed country club casual to a more traditional cruise experience featuring two or more “elegant nights” with formal attire recommended. Cruise travel planning specialists can help you identify the best match for your group’s expectations and preferences. Luxury cruises also put high emphasis on itineraries. A typical luxury cruise itinerary will visit intriguing ports of call that larger vessels are unable to access. They may also offer extended time in port, with many cruise lines featuring overnight calls in more popular destinations. International Travel Planning … and More!Group travel specialists are not only skilled in international travel planning and group event logistics, but can also frequently provide organizations or group leaders with inspiration for unique destinations or unusual group experiences. Consider:
Conclusion If you are called upon to plan any sort of group travel event, you will be well served to reach out to group travel specialists experienced in the intricacies of planning group events. This is particularly critical if your event requires cruise travel planning or international travel planning. Our agents at Dancing Moon Travel are highly experienced group travel specialists. We produce unforgettable group travel experiences for groups of every size and needs. Contact us today to discuss the vision for your group travel event!
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