Poland
Florence Wan
A Trek Through Poland

What did I expect from Poland? I’m not sure; I was just excited to go somewhere new and unexpected. What I brought home from Poland were stories of her extended history, images of her glories and pain, glimpses of her future. We easily could have spent several additional days in each city. With even more time we could have made side trips to Poland’s smaller cities, to the countryside, or to the Tatra Mountains. There was so much to see and learn that I had trouble deciding what to write about for this blog. Picturesque. Modern. Medieval. Poignant. Political. Pragmatic. This old, yet new, country left a deep impression. This newbie to Poland is now hoping to return to discover more about this resilient country.

A Trek Through Poland
UnCruise Adventures
Chris Barber
How to “UnCruise” In Hawaii

We recently had the opportunity to experience what it’s like to travel with UnCruise Adventures, the small-ship expedition cruise line based out of Seattle, Washington. It was truly an all-encompassing way to see Hawaii and unlike any other cruise line we’ve traveled on before.

How to “UnCruise” In Hawaii
Jack & Sherri Barber
A Wild Bucket List Journey

It’s always been a dream of ours to experience Machu Picchu and combine it with a visit to the Galapagos.  Recently, this dream came to fruition. Sherri and I just returned from a two-week journey to Peru and Ecuador to visit these magical destinations.  Some say it is the “journey” that counts, in our case, it is all about the destination!

A Wild Bucket List Journey
Chris Barber
The Norwegian Bliss: Indulgence at Sea

Last month, Cruises & Beyond had the priviledge to attend an inaugural preview of the Norwegian Bliss. NCL gave travel agents and consultants alike an opportunity to experience their newest ship shortly before her first sailing to Alaska amidst a two night foray into international waters from Los Angeles. With such little time, it was nearly impossible to check out every corner of the ship, but we saw enough to give you our initial impressions of this unique vessel. 

The Norwegian Bliss: Indulgence at Sea
Crystal Cruises
Chris Barber
The Excellence That Is Crystal

There’s a reason why we like to sell Crystal Cruises to our clients. That’s because we strongly believe Crystal is the top luxury cruise line of them all. You’ll pay a premium to sail on one of their ships, but that’s what helps make Crystal’s all-inclusive splendor happen. From 5-star culinary experiences to the unmatched personal service provided by all staff members aboard their ships, Crystal offers the best there can possibly be. It goes without saying that we love Crystal and our clients do too.   

The Excellence That Is Crystal

Travel Agent

A Trek Through Poland

A Trek Through Poland

What did I expect from Poland? I’m not sure; I was just excited to go somewhere new and unexpected. What I brought home from Poland were stories of her extended history, images of her glories and pain, glimpses of her future. We easily could have spent several additional days in each city. With even more time we could have made side trips to Poland’s smaller cities, to the countryside, or to the Tatra Mountains. There was so much to see and learn that I had trouble deciding what to write about for this blog. Picturesque. Modern. Medieval. Poignant. Political. Pragmatic. This old, yet new, country left a deep impression. This newbie to Poland is now hoping to return to discover more about this resilient country.

Video: Celebrity Eclipse Cruise Ship Tour | 2019

Video: Celebrity Eclipse Cruise Ship Tour | 2019

Chris Barber from Cruises & Beyond had the chance to tour the Celebrity Eclipse of Celebrity Cruises when she was docked in San Francisco. Celebrity is known for modern luxury and a heightened premium cruising experience. Join us as we take a quick peek inside! #CelebrityCruises

Airbnb vs. The Travel Agency

Airbnb vs. The Travel Agency

An OG of the travel industry with over 30 years invested in the business, Sherri Barber shares her thoughts on Airbnb's recent launch of "Airbnb Adventures" and what it means for the conventional travel agency. We're not throwing shade at Airbnb; we're just asking the logical questions that any of our clients might ask and we're comparing/contrasting the differences between what Airbnb offers vs. what we as a travel agency offer.

A Three Step Hop from Hoi An to Hanoi, Part Two

A Three Step Hop from Hoi An to Hanoi, Part Two

My initial plans for Vietnam only included Hoi An and Hue, to focus on central Vietnam during my short trip.  When booking my flights, I found out I could fly direct from Guangzhou to Da Nang, but no direct flights were offered in the reverse direction.  In order to return to Guangzhou to catch my flight home to SFO, I had to travel either south to Hoi Chi Minh or north to Hanoi from Hue. So that’s how I reluctantly wound up in Hanoi, the large, bustling, crowded capital city.

Crystal Cruises Names Captain Of Expedition Yacht Crystal Endeavor

Crystal Cruises Names Captain Of Expedition Yacht Crystal Endeavor

Crystal Cruises has named a Captain for its groundbreaking expedition yacht, the Crystal Endeavor. Captain Thomas Larsen will lead the Endeavor on her maiden voyage from Tokyo in August of 2020.

Hawaii: O'ahu Snapshot

Hawaii: O'ahu Snapshot

As many of you travelers out there know, Southwest Airlines recently made waves in the domestic market by launching it’s multi-island service from the west coast to Hawaii. Their much-anticipated entry caused other carriers to slash prices, so much so that finding fares under $300 round-trip was commonplace for a solid two week period. Since we haven’t been to Hawaii in quite a while, and since our only attention to the islands came with our round-trip SF and LA cruise promotions, we decided to take advantage of the improbable airfare and booked ourselves a week-long stay. We would familiarize ourselves with the lay of the land and get to know Oahu in ways that you, our clients, would enjoy.

A Three Step Hop from Hoi An to Hanoi, Part One

A Three Step Hop from Hoi An to Hanoi, Part One

My plan of six whirlwind nights in Vietnam worked out to 36 hours to explore in each city: Hoi An, an UNESCO World Heritage Site; Hue, the former royal capital and another UNESCO Site; and finally Hanoi, the current capital of Vietnam.  I always look for a walking tour at new destinations and for this journey, I lined up a street food tour in each city. History, culture and food in one go!

Regent's Seven Seas Splendor Floated Out

Regent's Seven Seas Splendor Floated Out

The Seven Seas Splendor of Regent Seven Seas has officially entered its final construction phase after being floated out from drydock at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy. For the final stage of her development, workers will focus on her interior spaces, which includes 375 luxury suites, lounges and gourmet restaurants. When the Seven Seas Splendor sets sail in February 2020, she will bring about an impressive take on the modern definition of luxury cruising.

Diamond Princess Gets Major Upgrades During Singapore Drydock

Diamond Princess Gets Major Upgrades During Singapore Drydock

The popular Diamond Princess of Princess Cruises, known for its summer season Japan itineraries, has undergone a considerable upgrade in its most recent drydock in Singapore.

What To Know About The New Virgin Voyages

What To Know About The New Virgin Voyages

There’s a new cruise line in town, and you may have heard of the name before. It’s making waves in the cruising new cycles and it comes from a very well known brand. Virgin Voyages, of the famous Virgin Group most known for its fiery founder Sir Richard Branson, will be debuting the first of her planned four cruises ships, the Scarlet Lady, some time in 2020. She will be sailing from her home port of Miami and will set out on four and five-night sailings to various Caribbean destinations.

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