Our virtual tour of the natural beauty and ancient history of Rome, experienced during our December 2019 unforgettable sail onboard the Viking Ocean Cruise ship, the Viking Sky, is now featured on the USATODAY 10Best website. The "Cities of Antiquity & The Holy Land" itinerary brought us to ancient and stunningly beautiful destinations around the Mediterranean. For a look at the photos we collected during this visit to Rome, please log into our ROME GALLERY. Enjoy this photo journey of the unforgettable sites of antiquity, and the breathtaking scenery, you can experience onboard this incomparable VIKING CRUISE.
USATODAY 10BEST HIGHLIGHTS A VIRTUAL TOUR OF ISRAEL, PART OF THE VIKING CRUISE "CITIES OF ANTIQUITY & THE HOLY LAND" SAIL
Our virtual tour of the natural beauty and ancient history of Israel, experienced during last winter's unforgettable sail onboard the Viking Ocean Cruise ship, the Viking Sky, is now featured on the USATODAY 10Best website. The "Cities of Antiquity & The Holy Land" itinerary brought us to ancient and stunningly beautiful destinations around the Mediterranean. Enjoy this photo journey of the unforgettable sites of antiquity, and the breathtaking scenery, you can experience onboard this incomparable Viking Cruise.
OUR PHOTO GALLERY OF MYKONOS, GREECE NAMED ONE OF USATODAY 10BEST'S MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES VISITED (VIRTUALLY) IN 2020
We’re honored to report that our photo gallery on the mystical island of Mykonos Greece was featured in USATODAY 10BEST’S article, 10 of the most beautiful places we visited (virtually) in 2020.
Mykonos was our first stop after leaving Athens onboard the Viking Sky on the “Cities of Antiquity & The Holy Land” itinerary. Featured at the top of the 10Best list, this MYKONOS GALLERY portrayed our experiences during our day’s shore visit to this ancient and picture-perfect postcard isle.
We’re looking forward to the day we can step onboard a cruise ship again and discover the wonders of our world, its history and natural beauty, and capture these moments through our camera lens to share with our readers.
@vikingcruises #vikingcruises
AMAWATERWAYS' VIDEO GIVES A TOUR OF NEW SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS ONBOARD ITS SMALL RIVER CRUISE SHIPS
As photojournalists specializing in small ship cruises, we are counting the days until we can again experience the pleasure of seeing the world from the luxury of a small ship. One of our favorite river cruise lines is AmaWaterways, on which we have explored some of the most beautiful rivers of Europe (check out our galleries and articles of these experiences on this site).
Many of us are asking what the small cruise experience will look like when we are free to travel again. This recently-released AmaWaterways VIDEO will give you an excellent example of what you can expect onboard in terms of newly enhanced health and safety protocols.
We find it gives a positive outlook on the future of river cruising, and invite you to see what has been done to ensure passenger safety.
We’re counting the days when we can explore the world again in this special way.
DREAMING OF AN AMAWATERWAYS CRUISE DOWN THE NILE
We just learned that AmaWaterways, one of our favorite small ship cruise lines, will launch its newest cruise offering, SECRETS OF EGYPT & THE NILE, beginning in September 2021. If you’ve always dreamed of visiting the wonders of the Nile, as we have for some time now, this is definitely the way to experience its magic—without stress and in total luxury on board the newly-designed ship, AmaDahlia.
This 11-night cruise and land experience will take you to the Nile’s ancient wonders. These include the beguiling Temple of Luxor and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens. Plus, come face-to-face with the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Sphinx and the three Pyramids of Giza. This unforgettable itinerary includes exclusive experiences, such as a private tour of the tomb of Queen Nefertari (often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt) and a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace. Uncover the many mysteries and secrets that have shaped Egypt’s past and continue to influence the future of this ancient land.
For those of you who have never experienced an AmaWaterways Cruise (or even those of you who have) I’d love to invite you on a virtual tour of two of our recent cruise experiences. Since a photo is worth 1,000 words, I hope you will click on the links below to bring you to our personal photo gallery of each of these memorable cruises.
DISCOVER ANDREA BOCELLI'S TUSCAN BACKYARD-ALL PART OF AN AMAZING ADVENTURE ON OCEANIA CRUISE LINES
If your future travels find you in Italy's beautiful region of Tuscany, and if you a fan of the music of Andrea Bocelli, you definitely won't want to miss taking a tour of Bocelli's home town in the heart of Tuscany. Not only can you dine in his restaurant, but you can even record your own CD in his producer's studio. This experience was part of an intimate shore excursion with Oceania Cruise's Regal Riviera during a cruise through Italy.
Enjoy this article on 10BEST.COM and while you are at it, check out our complete photo library of this memorable OCEANIA CRUISE onboard the luxurious Riviera cruise ship.
IT'S OFFICIAL--VIKING CRUISE OPENS RESERVATIONS FOR NEW MISSISSIPPI CRUISES BEGINNING IN 2022
If you are a lover of Viking Cruise Lines, as we certainly are, you’ll be happy to know that a new experience will be available beginning in April 2022—romantic cruises down the mighty Mississippi River.
The company’s first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, will debut in August 2022 and will sail voyages on the Lower and Upper Mississippi, between New Orleans and St. Paul. This ship will accommodate 386 guests in 193 outside staterooms. Highlights of the new ship include:
Enrichment On Board and On Shore: Connecting guests to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking creating “the thinking person’s cruise.” Take a moment to view this VIDEO PRESENTATION to see what extensive adventures and experiences are offered to passengers as part of this cruise.
All Outside Staterooms: Guests can choose from an unparalleled seven spacious stateroom categories that range from 268 sq. ft to 1,024 sq. ft: , all featuring a private veranda or French balcony.
Viking Suites: Viking Mississippi will have some of the largest true suites on the river, with every suite featuring two rooms and a full-size veranda off the spacious sitting room.
Explorers’ Lounge & The Bow: The sun-filled, two-story Explorers’ Lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows that open to The Bow, a unique outdoor seating area at the front of the ship where guests can relax and enjoy ever-changing riverside views.
River Café: From American classics to Mamsen’s® Norwegian specialties, this indoor/outdoor dining venue on the top deck will offer alternative restaurant dining in a casual al fresco setting.
Aquavit Terrace: A public space beloved by many of Viking’s ocean and river guests, Viking Mississippi will also feature a revolutionary Aquavit Terrace on the top deck.
Sun Terrace with Infinity Plunge Pool: Similar to Viking’s ocean ships, Viking Mississippi will have a glass-backed pool experience at the aft, allowing guests to take a dip while fully surrounded by their destination.
The Living Room: Clean Scandinavian design paired with American influences, the Living Room on Deck 1 is designed for socializing, relaxing and entertainment. Nearby, the quiet corner of The Library, is a perfect place to discover a new book.
The Restaurant: This main dining venue on Deck 1 will serve daily-changing menus featuring delicious regional cuisine and always available classics prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Full 360-Degree Promenade Deck: Guests can stroll the entire ship outside on Deck 1, stretching their legs while viewing scenic landscape and regional wildlife.
Viking Inclusive Value:. Cruise fares include one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner service, lectures, alternative dining at no extra charge, self-service launderettes, 24-hour room service,free Wi-Fi and all port charges and government taxes.
START PLANNING NOW
2022-2023 Viking Mississippi Inaugural Voyages
America’s Heartland (8 days; St. Louis to St. Paul)—From pristine farms nestled in rolling terrain to steep bluff rising from tributaries dotted with wooded islands, the Upper Mississippi offers a rich tapestry of beauty upon every turn of the river. This journey introduces you to the unforgettable experience of the locks and dams that control the flow of the heartland rivers. Hear stories of settlers migrating west; learn about Lewis & Clark, Mark Twain, John Deere and the Amish and Norwegian migrations; experience the regional music like polka and Norwegian folk; and taste reginal cuisine showcasing local beer, produce and Wisconsin cheese.
Heart of the Delta (8 days; New Orleans to Memphis)—This journey on the Lower Mississippi is infused with American history, culture and heritage. Tour the area where the migrating French and Acadians settled; immerse yourself in the culture and lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement; discover the music of the South—jazz, blues and gospel; and experience the life and food culture of the south, from Cajun and Creole to the famed “dry” Memphis BBQ.
Southern Celebration (8 days; New Orleans–Vicksburg–New Orleans)—On this exploration of the Lower Mississippi, visit the historic homes of Louisiana and Mississippi; learn about Civil War history, touring sites like Vicksburg National Military Park; and discover the excitement and unique flavors of New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
America’s Great River (15 days; New Orleans to St. Paul)—Experience nearly the entire length of the Mississippi River on this incredible journey from the Gulf of Mexico to the northernmost reaches of the U.S. Relax and enjoy the variety of scenery, foliage and wildlife on this leisurely voyage. Enjoy southern charm and beautifully preserved homes in Natchez; retrace the steps of Civil Rights leaders in Memphis; ascend the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; and visit “The Norwegian Valley” in La Crosse.
TAKE A PHOTO TOUR OF A MAGICAL CRUISE ALONG THE DALMATIAN COAST
One of the countless memories of our @Windstar cruise from Venice to Athens was a stop at the stunning island of Hvar, off Croatia's Dalmatian coast. We climbed up to the medieval Fortica fortress for panoramic views of the the medieval Old Town, islands and the blue Adriatic sea.
Since a photo is worth 1,000 words, I wanted to share some of the truly spectacular images we captured along the way.
The entire gallery of images from this oh-so-memorable voyage can be viewed on our JOANNE & TONY DIBONA PHOTOGRAPHY SITE. I hope you enjoy viewing these images as much as we did taking them.
VIKING CRUISES ENTERS A NEW FRONTIER
Last week, my husband Tony and I had the honor of attending the Beverly Hills gala announcing the naming of Viking’s newest ocean ship, the Viking Jupiter. But that wasn’t all that was celebrated that night.
Torstein Hagen, Founder and Chairman of Viking, announced the unveiling of Viking Expeditions, which will begin sailing in January 2022 with its first vessel, Viking Octantis, embarking on voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes (Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes will bring the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America). A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic.
The new Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms; both ships are currently under construction. The ships are optimally sized and built for expeditions – small enough to navigate remote polar regions and the St. Lawrence River, while large enough to provide superior handling and stability in the roughest seas.
Excitement was high during the presentation, and no wonder. As seasoned cruise ship travel journalists, Tony and I can personally attest to the exceptional quality of every cruise we’ve experienced on board a Viking ship.
For a first hand look on board our experiences on Viking cruises, please click on the two images at the right and below to be directed to the USA TODAY 10Best galleries of these cruises.
There’s no question Viking is a major force in the cruise ship industry. In the last eight years alone, the company has introduced more than 60 new river cruise ships and six ocean cruise ships to become the largest small ship cruise line with a current fleet of 79 river and ocean vessels around the world. In 2020, Viking will launch seven new river ships. Six more ocean sister ships are on order, with options for four additional ships. These options could bring Viking’s total ocean fleet to 16 ships by 2027.
Beginning January 15, 2020 through February 29, 2020, U.S. residents can take advantage of an inaugural offer on 2022 & 2023 Viking Expedition itineraries. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com.
Viva Viking!
TRAVELING TO HAWAII THIS SUMMER? HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR THINGS TO SEE AND DO ON EACH ISLAND
If you are planning a vacation to the Hawaiian Islands this summer, you may want to take a peek at our AAA article for suggestions of things to see and do on each island, especially if you are a first-time traveler to this tropical paradise.
We guarantee you will get some inspiration from our HAWAII PHOTO GALLERY for original photos of the islands taken by Joanne and Tony DiBona.
For the ultimate in island exploration, consider a cruise experience around the islands. Check our our USATODAY 10BEST photo gallery of our memorable voyage aboard UNCRUISE ADVENTURES
Happy trip planning!
CRUISE DOWN THE ROMANTIC DANUBE ON AMAWATERWAYS FOR THE ULTIMATE IN VACATION EXPERIENCES
It’s February and it is definitely time to plan your 2019 vacation.
If you haven’t thought about taking a river cruise to some beautiful destination in the world, think again. You can do as little or as much as you would like once you step into your luxurious home for the week (or longer). Sip a glass of wine as you watch incredible landscapes roll by before you, enjoy gourmet meals, hike up 1,000 stairs to a castle wall, bike on river paths through quaint towns and vineyards, and tour ancient city centers.
Unpack once and let the cruise itinerary lead you to destinations and experiences you would be hard pressed to organize and tour on your own within a given time period.
Enjoy a PHOTO TOUR of our experiences aboard AmaWaterway’s luxurious AmaCerto during an unforgettable cruise down the romantic Danube that brought us from Germany to Hungary, with scenic stops at places of outstanding beauty and rich history along the way.
YOU'LL FIND MORE THAN CUTE PONIES ON THE STUNNING SHETLAND ISLANDS
You probably never thought of the Shetland Islands as a travel destination, and if you did, it may only be because of the famous miniature ponies of the same name. Or perhaps you’ve seen some episodes of the popular BBC “Shetland” detective series. What you may not realize is that these islands have some of the most spectacular scenery in the British Isles, historical sites that go back 5,000+ years, a hospitable and friendly population and diverse visitor amenities.
Check out our USATODAY 10Best Shetland Islands feature and discover the beauty of this lovely part of Scotland. View our SHETLAND ISLAND PHOTO GALLERY on our photography website for more photo images.
DISCOVER THE AMAZING BEAUTY OF A CRUISE "INTO THE MIDNIGHT SUN" ON THE VIKING SKY
Looking for a cruise experience you will never forget? If so, you should consider a sail on Viking Ocean Cruises. The summer cruise itinerary “Into the Midnight Sun” explores the Norwegian coast, crosses the Arctic Circle, and follows the path of the Vikings to destinations in Great Britain, including London. Daily shore excursions which explore the landscape, culture and history of each port-of-call are complimentary, with a wide array of optional adventure packages available for purchase.
Since a photo is worth 1,000 words, take a look at our USATODAY PHOTO GALLERY of this amazing experience.
For an indepth look at each port of call on this voyage, check out our VIKING CRUISE PHOTO GALLERY
Go on the ultimate voyage of discovery in Costa Rica and Panama
Let's put it this way. You can explore Costa Rica and Panama on your own (if you are the adventurous sort). Or, you could hook up with a group and explore these countries via a tour bus.
However, you will NEVER see Costa Rica and Panama the way we did, on an Uncruise Adventures small ship cruise that brought us to remote areas pretty much inaccessible to tourists, or humanity, to be honest.
For one week, we were removed from civilization, docking at remote and exquisitely beautiful islands and national parks whose flora and fauna took our breaths away.
See more of our experiences on this magical voyage at our USA TODAY article.
For more photos of this adventure, check out our PHOTO GALLERY to explore all the magical moments we experienced on this once-in-a-lifetime cruise.
Watch a 90-second YOUTube VIDEO of what you can experience on this sublime adventure cruise!
Pura Vida!
Discover the Hawaiian Islands on an Unforgettable Boutique Adventure Cruise
Can you imagine a more adventurous way to explore the Hawaiian Islands than on a small ship cruise?
Enjoy my photo gallery on USA TODAY 10Best highlighting our unforgettable UnCruise Adventures Hawaiian Seacapes Cruise aboard the Safari Explorer . Our unforgettable sail began on the island of Molokai and ended on The Big Island, with visits to Lanai and Maui.
Explore the Magic of Discovering Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park from the Deck of UnCruise Adventure's "Safari Explorer"
Sail along with me and discover what it's like to be a passenger aboard UnCruise Adventure's majestic sail through Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park.
Sail Along with Us on an Unforgettable UnCruise Hawaiian Adventure
There are several good reasons why UnCruise Adventures has consistently been the winner of countless accolades and awards in the small boutique adventure cruise category—warm and caring staff, superb cuisine, wine and spirits (all inclusive), a wide range of daily adventure activities of your choice, well-planned cultural excursions at the various ports of call, and the list goes on!
Check out our PHOTO GALLERY for an armchair tour of a recent winter cruise through the Hawaiian Islands.
From Paris to Prague on an Award-Winning Viking River Cruise
Viking River Cruises was recently named Best River Cruise Line in the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards – and for a very good reason. The "Cities of Light" tour from Paris to Prague, down the Moselle and Rhine rivers and past some of Germany's most famous and historic cities and towns, is the consummate travel experience. The numerous city and cultural tour excursions, led by informative local guides, as well as the on-board amenities are top-notch.
USATODAY 10Best.com Slide Gallery
Log onto our VIKING RIVER CRUISE photo show to see a daily gallery of photos highlighting each glorious day of our adventure.
Discover Alaska's Mystical Beauty from an Un-Cruise Boutique Adventure Cruise
Thinking about taking an Alaskan cruise? You might want to consider a boutique small ship expedition cruise: the perfect combination of comfort and adventure.
It's an unforgettable experience, as I hope my travel article Alaskan Mystique, featured recently in the San Diego Union Tribune Travel section, conveys.
Since a picture is known to be worth 1,000 words, please check out our JUNEAU TRAVEL GALLERY (©Joanne and Tony DiBona) as well as our UNCRUISE ADVENTURE GALLERY highlighting our sail through Alaska's Inside Passage to Glacier Bay National Park.
Discover Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park on a Boutique Adventure Ship....the "Un-Cruise" Way
The stunningly beautiful and pristine Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska is one of a handful of our national parks that is only accessible by boat or small plane. Several major cruise lines depart from Juneau for this adventure during the late spring/summer season. However, for an unforgettable experience that will provide a truly unique and personal encounter with the beauty of this national park, consider a small, boutique adventure cruise, such as Un-Cruise Adventures.
The relatively small size of the ship allows entry into fjords and inlets not accessible by larger cruise ships. An added bonus is the ability to enjoy off-ship excursions daily, which include kayaking, skiff boat tours, and bushwhacking experiences: not to speak of gourmet dining and spectacular scenery right outside your cabin door.
Please view my photo gallery of this unforgettable adventure currently running on the homepage of USA TODAY's 10Best.com. For more photos of this cruise, please log on to my Alaska Photography link at www.joannedibonaphotography.com