I've loved cruising for as long as I can remember. In fact, I've been cruising since I was three years old. While I still enjoy simply being on a ship, I've found that as I've gotten older, cruising has become much more than a vacation—it's become a way to experience the world.
Ironically, the more I travel, the longer my bucket list becomes.
One destination that had been at the top of that list for years was Scandinavia. I recently had the opportunity to cross it off with a wonderful 12-night cruise aboard the Celebrity Eclipse, sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam.
Our itinerary included Oslo (Norway), Skagen (Denmark), Stockholm (Sweden), Tallinn (Estonia), Helsinki (Finland), and Copenhagen (Denmark). Each destination offered its own unique history, culture, and charm, making this one of the most memorable cruises I've taken.
One of our first stops was Skagen, located at the northern tip of Denmark. It's famous for being the point where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea meet—a fascinating natural phenomenon and a beautiful place to visit.
While I truly enjoyed every port, my two favorites were Stockholm and Tallinn. Both cities feature beautifully preserved Old Towns filled with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, historic churches, charming cafés, and centuries of history. Walking through these towns felt like stepping back in time and was easily one of the highlights of the cruise.
Another unforgettable experience was in Copenhagen. We took a late afternoon canal cruise that offered a completely different perspective of the city before spending the evening at the world-famous Tivoli Gardens. Enjoying dinner outdoors in this beautiful setting was the perfect way to end the day.
One recommendation I would make to anyone considering a Scandinavian cruise is to book a balcony cabin if your budget allows. Scandinavia offers spectacular sail-ins and sail-aways, and having your own private balcony to enjoy the scenery as the ship arrives in or departs from each port is an experience that's well worth the extra cost. Watching the coastline, islands, and picturesque waterfronts from the comfort of your cabin quickly became one of my favorite parts of the cruise.
Celebrity Cruises continues to impress me with its onboard experience. We selected Celebrity Select Dining, which allowed us the flexibility to dine when it fit our schedule, usually around 7:30 each evening.
During the cruise we enjoyed two specialty restaurants. Murano offered an elegant French-inspired dining experience with exceptional cuisine and service, while Sushi on Five was perfect for fresh sushi and Japanese specialties in a more relaxed atmosphere.
For lunch, we typically enjoyed the Main Dining Room on sea days and the Oceanview Café buffet on port days when our schedule was a little tighter. Breakfast was a nice mix between the Main Dining Room and the buffet, depending on how much time we had before heading ashore.
Looking back, this cruise exceeded my expectations. Scandinavia combines stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, welcoming cities, and rich cultural experiences into one incredible itinerary. If you've been thinking about visiting Northern Europe, a cruise is one of the best ways to see multiple countries without constantly packing and unpacking.
As someone who has spent more than three decades helping clients plan cruise vacations, I can honestly say that Scandinavia deserves a place on every traveler's bucket list. If you're considering a cruise to Scandinavia or anywhere else in the world, I'd be happy to help you choose the right itinerary, cruise line, and accommodations to make your vacation truly unforgettable.

By Danny Pinchot
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Antarctica with Ponant Explorations: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise Experience

As a cruise specialist, I’m always looking for experiences that go beyond the ordinary—and few journeys on Earth compare to an expedition to Antarctica. After attending an exclusive event at the Explorers Club in New York City, I gained deeper insight into what makes Antarctica—and especially sailing with Ponant—so extraordinary.

Even though I haven’t personally been yet, this is exactly the kind of bucket-list journey I help my clients plan with confidence.

The wait is finally over. After three decades, Windstar Cruises has introduced its first new-build vessel—and Star Seeker is making waves in the small luxury cruise space. Christened in Miami on January 15, 2026, this intimate 224-guest yacht represents an exciting evolution for the award-winning cruise line.
An Intimate All-Suite ExperienceStar Seeker accommodates just 224 guests in 112 suites, making it one of the most intimate vessels at sea. What sets this ship apart? All but ten suites feature either a full private veranda or floor-to-ceiling infinity window —meaning nearly every guest enjoys expansive ocean views and natural light throughout their journey.
The ship introduces two stunning Horizon Owner’s Suites, luxurious 548-square-foot accommodations featuring wrap-around balconies that add 248 square feet of outdoor space. These aft-facing suites can connect to adjacent rooms, making them perfect for multigenerational families or groups celebrating special occasions.
For those seeking something unique, 30 infinity suites feature large floor-to-ceiling windows that slide down halfway from the top , allowing guests to enjoy fresh sea breezes without leaving their room.
Windstar DNA with Modern SophisticationWhile Star Seeker was originally designed as an expedition vessel and acquired from Mystic Invest, Windstar has thoroughly reimagined the ship to reflect the line’s signature casual elegance. The design emphasizes big, comfortable outdoor spaces and indoor venues filled with natural light.
Guests will find familiar Windstar touches throughout:

• The iconic Watersports Platform, turning the ocean into a personal playground for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling right from the yacht
• An open bridge policy, allowing guests to visit the captain and watch the world unfold
• Ocean-inspired interiors with soft blues and natural tones that create a serene, tranquil atmosphere

Culinary ExcellenceStar Seeker offers three restaurants onboard, all included in the cruise fare. Amphora serves as the main dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while Star Bar and Grill provides casual poolside dining.
The new highlight? Basil + Bamboo, Windstar’s complimentary Mediterranean-Asian fusion restaurant that replaces Cuadro 44 on the fleet. This fresh dining concept delivers globally inspired flavors that become part of the travel story guests will share long after disembarking.
Going Where Big Ships Can’tStar Seeker features an ice-strengthened hull designed for operations in polar regions, opening up extraordinary itinerary possibilities. The ship’s small size allows access to ports that larger vessels simply cannot reach—including the ability to dock in Venice, something big ships are no longer allowed to do.
Where Star Seeker Is SailingThe yacht’s inaugural season focuses on the Caribbean, calling on both marquee ports and small islands that larger ships can’t reach, including Îles des Saintes, Bequia, Mayreau, and Pigeon Island.
But the real excitement comes with what’s ahead:

• Summer 2026: Alaska—a destination Windstar hasn’t offered since 2023
• Fall/Winter 2026-2027: Japan and Southeast Asia
• Multiple repositioning options for clients seeking longer voyages

Sustainability Meets LuxuryStar Seeker incorporates tier III NOx-rated Rolls Royce engines, pump jet thrusters, shore power connectivity, and advanced wastewater treatment systems meeting the most stringent global standards. Windstar proves that environmental responsibility and luxury can coexist beautifully.
Why Your Clients Will Love Star SeekerThis yacht is perfect for clients who:

• Want to avoid crowds and experience intimate, personalized service
• Seek culturally immersive experiences in ports inaccessible to larger ships
• Appreciate exceptional cuisine as part of their travel experience
• Value spacious accommodations with outdoor living space
• Prefer an active, experiential style of cruising

As Windstar’s Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava notes, Star Seeker is ideal for “an active traveler that wants experiential, culturally immersive, really good cuisine”.
Looking AheadStar Seeker’s identical sister ship, Star Explorer, debuts in December 2026 and will operate year-round in Europe and the Mediterranean. Together, these vessels expand Windstar’s ability to offer unique itineraries across the globe while maintaining the intimate atmosphere the line is known for.

If you’re looking for the next generation of cruising, the brand-new Norwegian Luna is making waves—and for good reason. Just christened last week, this incredible ship is now the largest in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, and it’s redefining what a cruise vacation can be.
As a Luxury Cruise Specialist, I’m always looking for ships that offer something truly different—and Norwegian Luna delivers in a big way.

A Boutique, Destination-Focused Way to Experience AlaskaScenery, Wildlife & Upscale Dining — All in One Journey
Alaska is one of the most breathtaking cruise destinations in the world—but how you experience it makes all the difference.
If you’re looking for a more immersive, less crowded, and culturally rich way to explore Alaska, a voyage with Azamara Cruises offers a truly elevated alternative to the mainstream cruise experience.
As a travel advisor specializing in cruise vacations—and a proud Azamara World Academy Graduate—I’ve completed the Azamara Certification course, giving me insider knowledge to help you get the most out of your Alaska journey.

Check Availability & Get Expert HelpPlanning the right Alaska cruise can make all the difference.
Call Danny’s Luxury Cruise Vacations at 201-664-0142
Or request a personalized quote today
 Small ship expertise
 Best cabins & itinerary matching
 Exclusive offers when available

1. Small Ship Alaska Cruising = Better AccessUnlike mega ships carrying thousands of passengers, Azamara’s smaller vessels—like the Azamara Pursuit—offer a more intimate Alaska experience.
Benefits of a small ship Alaska cruise:

• Navigate narrow fjords and hidden waterways
• Get closer to glaciers and wildlife
• Visit less crowded ports

This is one of the biggest advantages of choosing an Azamara Alaska cruise.

2. More Time in Port = Deeper Alaska ExperiencesAzamara is known for destination immersion, meaning more time where it matters most.
You’ll enjoy:

• Late-night stays in ports
• Overnight experiences
• Time to explore beyond the crowds

This allows you to truly connect with Alaska—not just pass through it.

3. Cultural Immersion with AzAmazing Evenings®Azamara’s exclusive AzAmazing Evenings® bring destinations to life.
In Alaska, this may include:

• Indigenous cultural performances
• Local traditions and storytelling
• Authentic experiences beyond typical excursions

4. Upscale, Inclusive Cruise ExperienceAzamara offers a refined, inclusive experience without being overly formal.
Included amenities:

• Gratuities
• Select beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
• Specialty coffees & bottled water
• Shuttle service in port

Plus, enjoy exceptional dining—including Azamara’s specialty steakhouse experience.

5. Fewer Crowds, More Personalized ServiceWith fewer guests onboard, Azamara delivers:

• Personalized service
• Relaxed atmosphere
• More space to enjoy Alaska’s scenery

This is especially important in Alaska, where the scenery—not the crowds—should take center stage.

6. Who Should Choose an Azamara Alaska Cruise?Azamara is perfect for:

• Experienced cruisers seeking something more refined
• Travelers who value destination over onboard gimmicks
• Couples and luxury travelers
• Clients looking for a quieter, upscale Alaska experience

Why Book with Danny’s Luxury Cruise Vacations?As a certified Azamara World Academy Graduate, I provide expert-level guidance tailored to your travel style.
What you get:

• Personalized cruise recommendations
• Access to the best cabins and itineraries
• Exclusive perks when available
• A seamless planning experience

Start Planning Your Azamara Alaska CruiseAlaska is not just a destination—it’s an experience.
Make sure you experience it the right way.
Call Danny’s Luxury Cruise Vacations at 201-664-0142
Or request your custom quote today

 FAQ: Azamara Alaska CruisesWhen is the best time to cruise Alaska with Azamara?
May through September offers the best weather, wildlife viewing, and glacier access.
Are Azamara ships good for Alaska?
Yes—Azamara’s small ships provide better access, fewer crowds, and a more immersive experience.
Is Azamara considered luxury?
Azamara is a premium boutique cruise line offering a luxury-style experience with inclusive amenities.
Do Azamara Alaska cruises include Glacier Bay?
Some itineraries may vary—working with a cruise specialist ensures you choose the right itinerary.

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