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Cruise


Navigating the New EU Entry-Exit System, What to Know Before You Travel
With the introduction of the EU Entry-Exit System, many travellers are beginning to ask the same question before their journey even begins, how much time should I really allow when connecting through major European airports For those arriving into European hubs such as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, particularly on routes connecting onward to destinations like Zurich, Vienna, or Prague, the uncertainty can feel significant, especially when connection times are tight. The reality
Robert Poortinga
Jul 233 min read


Why a Pre-Cruise is Essential before boarding a cruise
Bergamo Before Embarkation Bergamo was never meant to be the destination but a layover as a direct flight was impossible between Lisbon and Malta. I decided to stay for several days before the cruise, and create a pre-cruise for ourselves, because I had studied there for a year at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia many years ago and wanted to show Marisa a city that remains surprisingly overlooked by many travellers. The Accademia Carrara and its Tarot exhibition linked to the S
Robert Poortinga
Jun 233 min read


Why You Should Always Add Pre and Post Cruise Extensions on a European Journey
Make the Most of Your Time in Europe. There is a certain moment in travel when distance itself becomes meaningful, when crossing an ocean is no longer just a transition, but an investment of time, energy, and anticipation. When you arrive in Europe, the experience has already begun, and to limit it only to the days spent on a ship is to leave something unfinished. Adding time before and after your cruise allows the journey to unfold more naturally, with space to arrive, to se
Robert Poortinga
Jun 183 min read


Why First Time River Cruisers Should Always Book Through an Expert Travel Advisor
There is something undeniably appealing about a first river cruise, the promise of moving effortlessly through Europe, waking each day in a new setting, and experiencing culture, landscape, and history without interruption. And yet, for those approaching their first time river cruise, the choices can feel unexpectedly complex, different cruise lines, routes, cabin categories, inclusions, and timing, all of which shape the experience in ways that are not always immediately cle
Robert Poortinga
Jun 114 min read


Why Travel Insurance for Cruises Matters
Travel Carefree, Not Careless! There is a certain calm that comes from knowing everything has been considered in advance, a quiet assurance that allows you to move freely, without distraction, without that persistent question of what might go wrong. When you travel, especially across water, the experience should feel uninterrupted, yet even the most carefully designed journey carries elements beyond control, a delayed flight, misplaced luggage, an unexpected illness, small mo
Robert Poortinga
May 213 min read


Should I Use a Travel Advisor to Book a European River Cruise
With more than 19 million Americans taking cruises each year, and around 41 percent of U.S. outbound travel heading to Europe, river cruising has become one of the most popular ways to explore the continent. Planning a European river cruise has become more complex: Different cruise lines, different ships, and hundreds of possible routes. That is why many travelers choose to work with a cruise advisor who can guide them through the process and coordinate the details from start
Robert Poortinga
Mar 163 min read


River Cruises with Sarasota Cruise Agency
Introduction to River Cruises Europe has a long tradition built around its rivers. Many of the continent’s most important cities were built along these waterways because transport by water was historically easier and more efficient than travelling over land. Today these rivers allow travelers to experience Europe in a unique way. Cities such as Vienna and Budapest grew along the banks of the Danube, while the Rhine connects historic towns, vineyards, and castles across German
Robert Poortinga
Mar 164 min read
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