Up Close Travel Show: Recent Episodes

Jerzy Poznar

The Up Close Travel Show is a podcast about getting you up close and in depth with the worlds greatest destinations!

I mostly talk about getting you there in comfort and luxury by small ship or small group.

I would love to answer your questions on the podcast so please feel free to head over to my website to submit a question! www.upclosetravel.com

646-276-2727

Episode NotesThe Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection starts sailing on August 31, 2022! Finally!

If you have any questions or if you’d like more detail on itinerary, feel free to call or text 646-276-2727. Toll free 888-365-1515 Or send email to jerzy@upclosetravel.com.

BLOG POST WITH PHOTOS CLICK HERE

VIDEO UPDATE CLICK HERE

The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection is the ultimate in small ship luxury cruising! The ship, Evrima, has 149 suites that accommodate 298 guests. With a crew-to-guest ration of 1-1.21, you can expect the incredible service from the Ritz crew. After all, the Ritz is known for legendary personalized service.

All-Inclusive Value:* Luxury all-suite accommodations * Multiple dining experiences * Beverages in-suite and throughout the yacht included (alcohol included) * Onboard activities and entertainment * Onboard gratuities * Wi-Fi

Evrima Dining Options:* Mistral * Talaat Nam * The Pool House * The Evrima Room * The Bar * The Living Room * The Marina Terrace * 24-Hour In-Suite Dining * S.E.A. (specialty restaurant by 3 Michelin Star Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg) * Private Dining

The multi-functional platform at the back of the ship looks STUNNING! Lounges all around if you’d like to relax and take in the surroundings. Direct water access offering complimentary water-sports during port days while anchored. Here are some of the activities:

Paddle-boards
Windsurf Boards
Kayaks
Sailboats
Snorkeling

Public Spaces:Intimate, relaxed, and casually elegant atmosphere in all corners of the Evrima.

The Living Room
The Observation Terrace
The Observation Lounge
The Humidor
The Wine Bar

You can also pamper yourself at the Spa and Wellness area. Spa Services include:

Massages
Facials
Skin Treatments
Salon Services
Barber Services

There’s also a sleek looking gym on the Evrima so that you can get your workout in along with a yoga studio.If you’re bringing the kids, there’s a Ritz Kids program as well. The Ritz Kids program is geared towards children from ages 4-12.

Episode Notes If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (888) 365-1515. I'd love to answer any questions you have and help you reserve your adventure!

Jerzy Poznar www.upclosetravel.com jerzy@upclosetravel.com (888) 365-1515 (646) 276-2727

YouTube teaser video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v2ZqxCK77Q

Link to sign up for updates: https://upclosetravel.com/amawaterways-seven-river-journey-signup/

To inquire about a wait-list call 646-276-2727.

AmaWaterways has announced that they’ll be releasing information on a remarkable Seven River Journey through Europe!

There is limited information at this time. We know that it’s going to be a phenomenal 46-night exploration of Europe that sails through fourteen fascinating countries and includes brand new excursions as well as some exclusive experiences. (14 countries, 7 rivers, 4 ships = 46 nights)!

Up Close Travel.com www.upclosetravel.com jerzy@upclosetravel.com 646-276-2727

If you fly domestic including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, you won't have to pay change fees for Economy and Premium seats.

Starting on January 1, 2021, all United guests will have the ability to standby for free. This eliminates the $75 fee. You'll be able to add your name to the standby list up to 30 minutes before departure for domestic and up to 1 hour for international flights on the United app, their website, or at the airport. If an empty seat opens it'll be available for free. This is only available on day of travel.

Jerzy Poznar Up Close Travel Travel Specialist 646-276-2727

There is life in the Alaska cruise season. Uncruise announced that it will set sail in Alaska starting this August 2020.

Uncruise is Small Ships, BIG Adventures! They've been sailing for nearly 25 years and they're a great small ship adventure cruise company.

If you have questions, feel free to call or text 646-276-2727. Or email jerzy@upclosetravel.com

Thanks, Jerzy Poznar upclosetravel.com 646-276-2727

Questions? Feel free to call or text 646-276-2727 anytime 24/7.
www.upclosetravel.com
jerzy@upclosetravel.com

Thanks for listening!

Call or text anytime at 305-814-8184 or send an email to jerzy@upclosetravel.com

Join the Solar Eclipse Newsletter/updated here:
https://upclosetravel.com/total-solar-eclipse-antarctica/

Thanks for listening!
Jerzy Poznar
Up Close Travel
www.upclosetravel.com

Jeremiah Davis - Instagram @thatoneblondkid
Jacob Riglin - Instagram @jacob

For more details on this itinerary, please feel free to reach out to me anytime!

I love to answer your questions on this show so please feel free to put any requests here - https://upclosetravel.com/podcast-questions/

I'm available to answer your questions 7 days a week at 305-814-8184

Please submit any questions or requests here - https://upclosetravel.com/podcast-questions/

Visit out website at https://upclosetravel.com/

Call us anytime 7 days a week at 305-814-8184

Please submit any questions or requests here - https://upclosetravel.com/podcast-questions/

Visit out website at https://upclosetravel.com/

Call us anytime 7 days a week at 305-814-8184

There are 24 ken Burns Journeys available between now and 2021. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us anytime. You can call 305-814-8184 or email here - https://upclosetravel.com/podcast-questions/

Visit our website at https://upclosetravel.com/

Thanks for listening!

Check out some photos here - https://upclosetravel.com/new-river-cruise-ships-2020/

I love questions! I'd love to answer any questions you have. Please submit them here - https://upclosetravel.com/podcast-questions/

Or call 7 days a week at 305-814-8184.

Here's a link to see some of the photos - https://upclosetravel.com/new-ocean-ships-2020/

I LOVE questions! Please feel free to call 7 days a week at 305-814-8184.

Thanks for listening!

Website for Passport Requirements for U.S. citizens - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements.html

Website for Visa Requirements for U.S. citizens (it is country specific)- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/americans-traveling-abroad.html

The six month passport rule states that your passport needs to be valid for six months beyond your intended return date. So make sure your passport is valid 6 months past the date you are scheduled to return from your trip. I always add some extra months of cushion just in case.

If you have questions, please feel free to call us anytime at 305-814-8184. And visit our website at https://upclosetravel.com/

Thank you so much for listening! Please subscribe and leave a comment if you'd like.

All the main river cruise lines offer Christmas Markets river cruises.

If you have questions about Christmas river cruises, or anything else, please visit our website at https://upclosetravel.com/ and feel free to call us anytime at 305-814-8184.

Glide by storybook villages and snow-capped castles on the riverside.
Each year, timeless traditions spring to life at European Christmas Markets, where rows of colorful lights illuminate cobblestone streets and charming booths brimming with traditional handcrafted souvenirs in historic town squares.

A river cruise visits some of the most delightful Christmas markets.

Indulge in gingerbread, Christmas cookies and sugary chimney cakesFeast on mulled wine or sip hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.Shop for Hand-carved toys and ornaments from Christmases past.Listen to Angelic songs of strolling carolers. And romantic ice-skating in front of the beautifully illuminated Vienna City Hall.

Some of the time honored Christmas Markets include:- The Budapest Christmas Market - it's Hungary's largest. It's strict "handcrafted-only" policy makes it the ideal shopping spot for the one of a kind gift.- Vienna - situated in front their impressive 19th century town hall with awe inspiring decorations that illuminate the city.- Strasbourg, France - the self proclaimed "Capital of Christmas". The oldest, largest, and most famous Christmas Markets in France. - Nuremberg, Germany - One of the largest and most popular in all of Europe. Nuremberg's 400 year old Christmas Market offers live music, hand crafted souvenirs, a nostalgic carousel, and a children's steam train.- Regensburg, Germany - which an independent jury has described as one of the loveliest in Germany- Cologne, Germany - featuring their specialty - potato pancakes with applesauce
You'll be transported from one christmas wonderland to another by river ship.
Onboard festivities include music performances, tree trimming, exquisite feasts, and engaging in customs that have long since passed.

Christmas river cruises sail on the Rhine, Danube, and on the Seine in Paris.

Danube river cruises sail from Budapest to Germany (Vilshofen, Passau, Nuremberg). Extend in Prague which is less than 2 hours from where the cruise ends in Germany. Transfer and hotels included so no need to worry about how you're getting there.
Rhine river cruises sail from Amsterdam to Basel. Extend in Paris or Switzerland.

Or do a Parisian holiday on the Seine.
Christmas river cruises start when the Christmas Markets open (Towards the end of November - could start as early as the 22nd or as late as the 29th).
Best time to go, I'd say anytime. My opinion, that early part of December.
There's also cruises that are out on Christmas day so you can celebrate on the ship. And you can even celebrate the new year on a river cruise. Keep in mind that most Christmas Markets do end just after Christmas day so if you're most interested in the Christmas Markets, go a bit earlier in the month.
Christmas on a European river cruise is magical. It's a great option for couples and families. If you're looking for a holiday getaway, I would highly recommend a river cruise. No better way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Thanks for listening! See you tomorrow!

Ready to book your river cruise? When's the best time to book?

To keep updated on Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection - sign up here https://upclosetravel.com/ritz-carlton-updates/

If you have any questions, please call us at 305-814-8184 or visit out site at https://upclosetravel.com/

The first of 3 ships will set sail this coming February 2020 from Ft. Lauderdale. Coincidentally, Super Bowl 54, is being played in Miami on the day of the inaugural cruise. No better way to launch a new yachting experience.
So there’s going to be 1 ship for the 2020 season. A second ship joins in 2021 and a third the following year. Where is it going in 2020?

Sailings start in the Caribbean for 4 sailings. The ship then sails in the Mediterranean for 11 sailings before it moves north for 8 sailings in Northern Europe. In the fall the ship sailings in Canada & New England before it heads back to the Caribbean to finish off the season.
Sailings have been popular and about 70% booked. But there is still availability.
Calling on unique and distinguished destinations alike, most voyages range from seven to ten nights, offering uniquely curated experiences ashore. Each itinerary will be different so you can reserve a back to back cruise and still experience different destinations.
The intimate size of the ships gives a unique opportunity to not only visit a wider variety of destinations but also the ability to sail directly into city harbors. Most cruise ships arrive in the morning and leave by the end of the day or afternoon, whereas the Ritz will dock at ports overnight.
Each yacht will feature 149 suites, each with its own private terrace, and accommodate up to 298 guests. Rooms range from 312 sq feet for Terrace Suites up to 1,098 sq ft for the Owner’s Suite. There’s also a Loft Suite with a 2 story design.
As with The Ritz-Carlton on land, each yacht will feature personalized service, elevated dining (dining venues includes specialty restaurant by Michelin’s-starred Chef Sven Elverfeld) and luxury amenities. The yachts are also available for private charter.

Got kids? Bring them along is you wish. You’ll appreciate The Ritz-Carlton’s signature Ritz Kids program. Featuring dedicated space on board the yacht just for young cruisers aged 4 to 12 with enhanced family programs during holidays and summer months.
The 2021 schedule comes out in the next month so stay tuned here on this podcast for updates. You can also keep an eye on updates on our website and sign up for Ritz updates, link in the show notes. Thanks for listening. Have a great day! See you tomorrow...

Seabourn introduced 4 new Seabourn Journeys in 2020 to exceptional destinations in Europe. These are extensions that you can add to your cruise before or after your voyage. These are not your ordinary single day excursions from the ship. They can last from 6 to 13 days.
These journeys enable you to combine exceptional land and sea experiences seamlessly. They're kept small, between 2 and 10 guests. This offers a more intimate and personalized adventure. There are 14 options and most visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

UNESCO Banff National Park & The Rocky Mountaineer
UNESCO SOUTH AMERICA: RIO, IGUAZU FALLS & BUENOS AIRES
UNESCO Splendors Of Peru: Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu
UNESCO Sydney, The Red Centre & Great Barrier Reef
UNESCO Lakeside Gems Of The Swiss Alps
UNESCO Treasures Of Tuscany
UNESCO Cambodia: Phnom Penh & The Temples Of Angkor
UNESCO Treasure Of China: Beijing, Xi’an & Hong Kong
UNESCO India’s Golden Triangle: The Taj Mahal & Jaipur
UNESCO Imperial Heritage Of Europe
South Africa: Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari Lodge
South Pole Quest
The Denali Experience 2020
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

For more information, visit our website at https://upclosetravel.com/ or call 305-814-8184. Thank you for listening!

Uncruise is a small ship adventure company started in 1996. They sail in Alaska, Galapagos, Hawaii, Latin America, Mexico, the Pacific Northwest. And if you're feeling a river cruise, they've got one right here in the US - Columbia & Snake Rivers.
The Columbia & Snake rivers is the recreational mecca of the rivers. For the adventurer, you can explore by kayak, raft, skiff, swim or a hike.
This cruise is not a sit on the sideline cruise. You're in the middle of it all. Each day the great outdoors calls: Coulees (pronounced coolees) and canyons, evergreen forests, and dramatic basalt (busalts) cliffs. You can explore the rivers' trails by foot or by bike, and along the shore by kayak and raft. Or you can opt to focus on wine, craft beer, and culinary touring and tasting at vineyards, wineries, breweries, and cideries. The areas along the Columbia and Snake rivers are like California’s Sonoma Valley winemaking region. It is a blossoming wine region and the quality of wine is astounding! There are new award-winning wineries opening all the time.
Plus, get a dose of history and geology. Follow the path of Lewis and Clark from desert to rainforest.

There are 2 itineraries:
Rivers of Adventure - 7 night cruise from Portland, Oregon to Clarkston, Washington (or you can do the reverse).
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:* River rafting trip * Hike, kayak, swim, and skiff at: Palouse Falls State Park, Columbia Hills State Park, and Ft. Clatsop, a Lewis and Clark National Historical Park * Multnomah Falls walk and visit * Jet boat ride into Hells Canyon National Recreation Area * Bike (or shuttle) and wine outing in Hood River Valley * Rowena Overlook hikes at Tom McCall Nature Preserve * Transit eight locks and tour the Bonneville Dam Visitor Center * Presentation by a Nez Perce tribal member * Narration by natural and cultural history guides

Rivers of Wine & Culinary - 7 night cruise from Portland round trip.
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:* Onboard sommelier (sumulyay) and farm to table culinary demos * Winery tours in Washington and Oregon AVAs: Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Willamette Valley * Cruise through the heart of the Columbia River Gorge * Wine, craft brews, kombucha, and cider tastings * Wine-pairing lunch and cooking demo at Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center * Food and beverage demo with a local chef in Astoria * Local culinary delights at historic Gesa Power House Theater * Rodin sculptures, European paintings, Native artifacts, and Northwest art at the Maryhill Museum

How will you be getting from point A to point B? On the S.S. Legacy which is a 90 passenger replica of an early 20th century coastal steam ship with a Victorian look and feel. If is a wonderful ship. I'll post some photos on the website if you'd like to check it out.

Uncruise also has some fantastic theme cruises set for 2020.

There's an Insiders theme cruise, here you'll be taken behind the scenes with people who live and breathe in the places you explore.

If you love birds, there are Birding cruises, with birding experts on board.

And if you have a love of photography as I do, there are some great photography cruises with the pros .

Uncruise is all about small ships, BIG adventures. Their small ships are intimate with no more than 90 guests on any itinerary. Guides have vast and deep experience, plus an impressive collection of advanced degrees in curiosity peaking subjects from whales to fungi to geology.

If you have any questions on Uncruise, or anything else, head over to our website at upclosetravel.com. Or call 7 days a week. Have a great week!

Most river ships are about the same size - viking river cruises, Avalon, Uniworld, Tauck, Scenic and many more. This is due to the locks on the rivers. Ships can only be so big to get through these locks. So all river ships, same size. Viking calls their ships Long Ships. Scenic calls theirs space-ships. But they're all the same size.
Until now.
The AmaMagna is different, it's twice the width of a normal river ship. The AmaMagna is built to cruise on the Danube where locks are twice as wide as any other rivers in Europe (up to Passau, Germany).
So, twice the size, you think twice the amount of people. That's not the case. The AmaManga only adds about 20% more guests (196 total guests). The extra space is used for larger staterooms and suites, more public space, more unique dining venues, and more leisure opportunities.
Most staterooms measure 355 to 710 square feet with full balconies.
There's 4 restaurants on board.
And you can stay in shape at the Zen Wellness Studio with a fitness center, two massage rooms, and a refreshing juice bar. There’s a fleet of bikes for on board. And a watersports platform at the back of the ship.
This year the AmaMagna is sailing on 2 main itineraries. The Romantic Danube which sails from Vilshofen to Budapest and Melodies of the Danube which sails Budapest to Vilshofen. They will be doing a few Christmas Markets cruises this coming holiday season. This is quite magical and if you are still planning your holiday travel, I would highly recommend a Christmas Markets cruise.
For 2020, AmaWaterways itineraries include:* Magna on the Danube - 7 night cruises from Vilshofen to Budapest with land extension options in Prague, Munich, and Budapest. * Gems of Southeast Europe - 7 night cruises from Budapest to Giurgiu with land extensions in available in Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Brasov and Istanbul. * And you can do the combination of both, the Grand Danube.

Some other updates on AmsWaterways for 2020:
New land extensions being offered, in addition to Istanbul, Turkey, there’s an option in the French Riviera in Nice (as part of Colors of Provence on the Rhône River). And Bangkok, Thailand (as part of Mekong River sailings)
More Wine! Wined themed cruises are a hit and so Ama will have more opportunities for guests to experience a wine cruise. These are included in the price so they do not cost anything extra. So sniff, swirl, and sip world class wine while you’re sailing down the winding rivers.
Ama will be introducing a new ship, their 24th. The AmaSiena sets sail in July 2020 on the Rhine, Moselle, and Main rivers. AmaWaterways builds and owns their own ships. Almost all other river cruise lines lease them. Ama builders theirs to their own specifications. And they’re beautiful and some of the best on the rivers.
If you’re not familiar with AmaWaterways, they’re a family owned and operated river cruise line founded in 2002. They sail on rivers all over the world including in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They also partner with Disney to offer some great family adventures.
Ama consistently win awards for best ship, best river cruise line, best service, and best land tours. They’re one of the best in the business. This is not an AmaWaterways sponsored podcast. I just really highly recommend them!
At this time, Ama is running a promotion offering up to $2,000 off per stateroom or free air for booking early.
As always, i’m Here to help so if you have any questions, please feel free to visit our website at upclosetravel.com or call us 7 days a week.
Thanks again for listening. I had a great first week on this podcast. And I look forward to creating many more shows to help you all get up close and in depth, with the worlds greatest destinations! Don’t forget to hit subscribe and leave a review. Have a great weekend!

On the Mississippi, there are mainly 2 types of cruises you can do - the Upper Mississippi and the Lower Mississippi. There are probably many more but the main 2 are the upper and the lower.
Upper Mississippi cruises sail between St. Louis, Missouri and St. Paul Minnesota. Lower Mississippi cruises sail between Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Some highlights you can expect to experience on a lower Mississippi cruise are the Civil War sites and monuments, majestic mansions and antebellum architecture, New Orleans jazz and the historic French Quarter, sprawling cotton and sugarcane plantations, and let's not forget the southern Cajun and Creole cuisine, and some good ole Southern barbecue. And there are plenty of Themed cruises like Plantation Thanksgiving, Mardi Gras on the River, Antebellum South, American River BBQ challenge,
Highlights from the Upper Mississippi river cruises are Mark Twain's hometown and literary inspirations, scenic river views, American bald eagles, extensive lock-and-dam systems, and charming small-town America. Themed cruises like Mark Twain's Mississippi,
The 2 main river cruise lines that sail the Mississippi are American Cruise Lines & American Queen Steamboat Company. Again, there are several other lines sailing but we’re going to stick to these 2 for now.
American Queen Steamboat Company operate real paddlewheelers. They have 3 sailing on the Mississippi including the largest steamboat ever built, the American Queen. Their 3rd river ship, American Countess, starts sailing in 2020.
American Cruise Line has more modern ships and currently have 3 sailing on the Mississippi and a 4th coming in 2020, that's the American Jazz.

If you need help planning a trip, feel free to reach out to us anytime at 305-814-8184. And visit our website at https://upclosetravel.com/

On today's show - Abercrombie & Kent release itineraries for their 2020 Marco Polo Journeys, Uniworld single supplement discount, and best hotels awards!

New Marco Polo Journeys for 2020:

Rwanda: Land of a Thousand Hills
South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies of the East
India Wildlife Safari
Turkey: A Journey Through History
England's Stately Homes
Bilbao to Bordeaux: Celebrating Cuisine & Culture

Returning Itineraries for 2020:* Uganda: Gorillas & Beyond * Brazil: The Amazon, Pantanal & Iguazu Falls * Easter Island & the Tapati Festival * Legends of the East by Rail: Bangkok to Singapore & Bali * Nepal & Tibet: From the Jungle to the Roof of the World * Mongolia: Naadam Festival & the Khan Legacy * China's Imperial Cities * Wild Canada: Belugas & Bears * Oman & the Emirates: The Sands of Time * Papau New Guinea & the Goroka Festival * Ethiopia: Historic Route & Simien Mountains * Papau New Guinea & the Mount Hagen Sing Sing Festival * English Gardens & The Chelsea Flower Show * Scotish Highlands & the Edinburgh Military Tattoo

River Cruise News:
Plus, Uniworld offers 50% single supplement waiver off on select 2020 itineraries.

Please visit our website at https://upclosetravel.com/ or call us at 305-814-8184 with any questions!

Are you planning a trip to Rome, Italy? If you are, make sure that you purchase your tickets to see the Roman Colosseum ahead of time. New for 2019, visitors to the Colosseum need to schedule, in advance, their entry time. Head over to their website at https://www.coopculture.it/en/colosseo-e-shop.cfm

My advice is to book your time slot for when they open in the morning, 8:30 AM. This way, you'll beat the crowds and the mid-day heat!

Travel and Leisure has a new article titled "Europe's Most Underrated City Has an Amazing Christmas Market, Over 30 Parks, and Some of the World's Best Hot Chocolate". The article explains how Warsaw, Poland has a FANTASTIC Christmas Markets. If you love visiting the Christmas Markets in Budapest, Vienna, Prague, or Germany, but hate the crowds, Warsaw may be the PERFECT option for you.

Here's a link to the Travel and Leisure article - https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/city-vacations/visit-warsaw-poland-europe

As always, if you have any questions, please visit out site at https://upclosetravel.com/ or call us at 305-814-8184.

Thanks for listening! Please subscribe and write a review...

Top 10 most popular destination for fall 2019 are as follows:
1. United States 2. Italy 3. United Kingdom 4. France 5. South Africa 6. Israel 7. Australia 8. Germany 9. Japan 10. SpainInterested in something a bit more adventurous or something different? Here's a list of theHot 10 ranking of emerging places with the largest year-over-year percentage increase in fall travel bookings:
1. Uruguay 2. The Maldives 3. Malta 4. Romania 5. Egypt 6. Puerto Rico 7. Rwanda 8. Qatar 9. South Korea 10. Norway

Please feel free to call us at 305-814-8184 with questions. Or you can visit our website at https://upclosetravel.com/

This is just a quick intro! I'd love to get to answer your question on a future podcast. River Cruising, Ocean Cruising, Tours. Anything TRAVEL!

Head over to our website at https://upclosetravel.com/podcast-questions/

Or Twitter at https://twitter.com/Jerzy_Poznar

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