The Avid Cruiser
By Ralph Grizzle
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Podcast Description
Helping you make informed cruise vacation decisions.
| Name | Description | Released | Price | ||
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| 1 | VideoAvid Cruiser Feature Video, Venice, Italy | No matter where you look in Venice, there's a photo waiting to transformed into a lasting memory. And no matter where you end up in Venice, there's always something to delight the senses. Welcome to a city built on the water, a city where you get around on foot or by boat. You simply cannot come to Venice for the first time without getting out on a gondola.To be paddled along the Grand Canal is something you will never, ever forget. I enjoy the small side canals also, having to duck my head under the low bridges. Gondolas and boats rule in Venice, but it's also fun to explore by foot. And remember it's okay to lose yourself inVenice.You never know what you could discover. Travel by boat to the charming island of Murano, home to some of the world's most famous glass artists.You can tour a factory and even see how the masters craft hot glass into works of art. On the nearby island of Burano, lace-making is an old tradition, and here too you will see works of arts of a different sort being crafted. Venice seems to bring out the inner artist in everyone.To create your own art, you'll definitely want to have your camera handy, especially at sprawling St. Mark's Square. St. Mark's is almost as well known for its pigeons as it is its beautiful cathedral, and certainly pigeons have made for many fun photographs. My advice is to get out an explore on foot and on the canals. Stop in a bar for a Venetian spritz, just as the locals do.Then head out for one last look as the sun begins to set to release your inner artist and capture one final lasting memory. For more about Venice, visit avidcruiser.com | 2/23/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 2 | VideoLa Havre, France | When my ship calls in Le Havre, France, I head out to explore a city center that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Le Havre is a city of monumental proportion, with lots to see here and nearby. It was here in Normandy that some of World War II's fiercest battles took place and Le Havre serves as the gateway to historical sites and the beauty of the region. I could see why the nearby Alabaster Coast inspired such great Impressionist painters as Claude Monet. I later learned that Le Havre is the "birthplace of Impressionism." I traveled to the picturesque port of Honfleur, which also inspired well-known artists. In many ways, Le Havre and the region surrounding it are works of art in their own right, and today, cruise passengers, like me, are still trying to capture those indelible portraits of a region so rich in imagery. At the American Cemetery, I walked away with an appreciation of the sacrifices that young American soldiers and their Allied companions made to succeed against such incredible odds. I couldn't help but think that these fallen heroes altered the history of Europe during the D-Day invasions of 1945. Le Havre itself lost more than 10,000 homes during the war — along with much of its city center. In rebuilding Le Havre, architect Auguste Perret showed the city's resilience, which UNESCO recognized as as the "innovative utilization of concrete's potential." The city literally picked itself up from the ashes. Though Le Havre bills itself as the “Gateway to Paris,” I didn't have to venture two hours away to experience something very much like the Parisian lifestyle. I walked into the beautiful Benedictine Palace at Fécamp to learn about the liqueur known as Benedictine. I also learned about the lives of the monks who lived here. Their liqueur was made from 17 herbs and spices, a health elixir no doubt. At the Malraux Museum, I gazed upon the second largest Impressionistic art collection in France. I could see how those painters were inspired by the sea and the sky and the texture of Le Havre's light. This is Ralph Grizzle reporting from a place that leaves a lasting impression, Le Havre, France. | 2/23/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 3 | VideoAvid Cruiser Feature Video, Var Provence | In this Avid Cruiser feature video, we explore the French ports of call, Toulon, Sanary-Sur-Mer, Saint Tropez, La Seyne-sur-Mer. | 2/23/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 4 | VideoSilver Shadow: The Avid Cruiser's Video Ship Review | So you're thinking about moving up to cruise on a small luxury ship? Well, if you've done any research, you know that cruising on small luxury ships is more costly than cruising on large ships, but what you may not know is that small ships can provide better overall value. Yes, you pay more up front for a small luxury ship cruise, but you get more in return. To illustrate my point, let's take a look at what's offered on the 382-passenger Silver Shadow. Small doesn't mean that you have to compromise. Just as on the big ships, you'll enjoy multiple dining venues. Silver Shadow features the open-seating Main Restaurant, La Terrazza for Italian Slow Food cuisine, Le Champagne, the only Relais & Chateaux restaurant at sea, and Black Rock Dining, a fun experience where you cook your own meat or seafood on hot lava stones. With the exception of Le Champagne, dining in all restaurants on Silver Shadow is free of charge. Of course, you can always enjoy meals in your suite, elegantly served, course by course if you wish. Just as on big ships, Silver Shadow features Broadway-style entertainment. Plus, many voyages feature enrichment lectures with world-renown speakers. You'll find pool & jacuzzis with lots of room for sunbathing, a fully equipped gym and spa, multiple lounges and bars, library and internet cafe, shops, casino and more. On Silver Shadow you'll enjoy the benefits of an all-inclusive cruise. You won't need to sign - or pay for - champagnes, wines, spirits, speciality coffees, sodas or bottled waters. All beverages are served free of charge. Silver Shadow features spacious staterooms and suites, and most of these have expansive private balconies. All staterooms have butler service and in Silver Suites and above, you'll even get free laundry service. On Silver Shadow, the staff to guest ratio is nearly one to one. You get exceptionally attentive service, and you leave the ship having made friends who welcome you back time and again. Another plus to cruising on Silver Shadow, gratuities are neither required nor expected. So let's recap the benefits of small ship luxury cruising: You won't sacrifice big ship amenities. You won't sign a check or pay for beverages. You'll enjoy spacious staterooms and butler service in all staterooms. You'll get highly personalized service thanks to high staff-to-guest ratios. You can read our full review of Silver Shadow on Avidcruiser.com. I'm Ralph Grizzle. Thanks for watching. | 2/22/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 5 | VideoLuxury Cruises: What Silversea Does Differently | What Silversea Cruises does differently | 2/18/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 6 | VideoSilver Shadow The World | -- | 2/17/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 7 | VideoTouring New Zealand's 'Geothermal Wonderland' | When Silver Shadow called in Tauranga, New Zealand, we boarded a bus for Rotorua, hotbed of geothermal activity, and one of the most important places for the indigenous Maoris. | 2/3/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 8 | VideoSilver Shadow Shorex: Mission Estate Winery | Founded in 1851, the Mission Estate Winery in Napier is New Zealand's oldest and the birthplace of New Zealand wines. Our half-day excursion included a tour, wine tasting and gourmet lunch. | 2/2/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 9 | VideoSilver Shadow Shorex: Taieri Train Gorge Railway | This half-day excursion began pierside in Dunedin, New Zealand, past some of the country's best scenery. | 2/2/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 10 | VideoSilver Shadow Cruises New Zealand's Milford Sound | It was raining when Silver Shadow cruised New Zealand's stunning Milford Sound, but the rain created an extraordinary spectacle, waterfalls. | 2/1/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 11 | VideoTasmanian Devils, Convicts, Koalas & Kangaroos | From Hobart, Tasmania, a full-day Silversea Cruises shore excursion allows us to feed koalas and kangaroos at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and visit the Port Arthur Historic Site. For more, see avidcruiser.com/blog. | 1/25/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 12 | VideoCute, Cuddly, Koala Bears: Silversea Cruises Tour | This morning, Silver Shadow docked in Melbourne, Australia. I opted for a full-day tour called “Puffing Billy, Wildlife & Dandendnongs.” See the full story at http://j.mp/AlTHms | 1/23/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 13 | VideoSilversea's Sydney | In Sydney, Silver Shadow was docked in the best possible position, at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay. There's not a better place in Sydney to board a ship — and definitely no better place to overnight. | 1/22/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 14 | VideoEast Coast Canada Avid Cruiser Overview | The Avid Cruiser takes on the East Coast of Canada! Credits: The Avid Cruiser: Ralph Grizzle (http://www.avidcruiser.com) Camera: Chris Stanley (http://www.amberpacificstudios.com) Editor: Jake Dunbar | 1/19/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 15 | VideoHalifax, NS, Canada Avid Cruiser Overview | The Avid Cruiser takes on Halifax, NS, Canada. Credits: The Avid Cruiser: Ralph Grizzle (http://www.avidcruiser.com) Camera: Chris Stanley (http://www.amberpacificstudios.com) Editor: Jake Dunbar | 1/19/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 16 | VideoSaint John, New Brunswick, Canada Avid Cruiser Overview | The Avid Cruiser takes on Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Credits: The Avid Cruiser: Ralph Grizzle (http://www.avidcruiser.com) Camera: Chris Stanley (http://www.amberpacificstudios.com) Editor: Jake Dunbar | 1/19/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 17 | VideoCharlottetown, PEI, Canada Avid Cruiser Overview | The Avid Cruiser takes on Charlottetown, PEI, Canada. Credits: The Avid Cruiser: Ralph Grizzle (http://www.avidcruiser.com) Camera: Chris Stanley (http://www.amberpacificstudios.com) Editor: Jake Dunbar | 1/19/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 18 | VideoSydney, NS, Canada Avid Cruiser Overview | The Avid Cruiser takes on Sydney, NS, Canada. Credits: The Avid Cruiser: Ralph Grizzle (http://www.avidcruiser.com) Camera: Chris Stanley (http://www.amberpacificstudios.com) Editor: Jake Dunbar | 1/19/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 19 | VideoCorner Brook, NL, Canada Avid Cruiser Overview | The Avid Cruiser takes on Corner Brook, NL, Canada. Credits: The Avid Cruiser: Ralph Grizzle (http://www.avidcruiser.com) Camera: Chris Stanley (http://www.amberpacificstudios.com) Editor: Jake Dunbar | 1/19/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 20 | VideoTwo Perfect Days Stockholm: An Avid Cruiser Feature Video | How do you spend two perfect days in Stockholm before or after your cruise? Avid Cruiser Ralph Grizzle shows you in this 10-minute show. | 11/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 21 | VideoSilver Explorer Ship Tour | For the full review, visit http://www.avidcruiser.com/cruise-line-profiles/luxury-cruises/silversea-cruises/prince-albert-ii/ | 10/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 22 | VideoSønderborg, Denmark: A New Cruise Destination | This past summer, I had the opportunity to spend a few days in a destination that eagerly wants to welcome your cruise ships. Sønderborg, Denmark, is a small city with a natural harbor and a variety of attractions to offer your guests. I was fortunate enough to experience some of the activities during my visit. Large ships will need to drop anchor, but small ships, up to 135 meters, can tie up along the harborfront, which has amazing access to all that Sønderborg has to offer. As an avid cruiser, I know it is exceptionally rare for ships to dock in a location that puts guests within easy walking distance of an ancient castle, a charming city center and an extended network of hiking and biking trails, but when your ship ties up in Sønderborg, your guests will have access to all of this — and much more. Sønderborg Castle is only a few steps away. The castle has not only a fascinating history, which is interpreted in the castle museum, but also a rousing event called the Tilting of the Rings. I know your guests will enjoy the event as much as I did. If your guests want to stretch their legs, they can step off the ship and onto a nature trail that runs for more than 70 kilometers. There are also many opportunities for extended shore excursions. Just 10 minutes away, there's a historic battlefield where living history exhibits tell a story similar to the American Civil War. Your American guests will recognize the date, 1864, when their country was embroiled in a deadly war. A similar battle was taking place in Denmark, and the story is well-told Not far from the battlefield is the summer residence of Denmark's Royal family. When Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik occupy Gråsten Palace, there is a changing of the guard just like in Copenhagen (although this one is smaller). If your ship carries families, you'll be pleased to know that there is a theme park called Danfoss Universe less than 45 minutes drive. Although particularly suitable for kids, visitors of all ages will enjoy this fun immersion into physics and natural science. So where is Sønderborg? It's near Denmark's border with Germany so your guests can actually enjoy a visit to two countries on one stop. You may want to be a well-established player in the region should Sønderborg succeed in being nominated European Capital of Culture in 2017 So I encourage you to consider putting Sonderborg on your cruise itineraries. The city warmly welcomes you. This is Ralph Grizzle. Thanks for tuning in. | 9/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 23 | VideoCruise Executives Discuss The Appeal Of Cruising From New York | Among those interviewed: Peter Shanks, President & Managing Director, Cunard Line; Kevin Sheehan, CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line; Charles Robertson, President, American Cruise Lines; Gregg Michel, President & CEO, Crystal Cruises; Rick Sasso, President & CEO, MSC Cruises | 8/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 24 | VideoAn Avid Cruiser Walk-Through OfThe New York City CruiseTerminals | Visiting behind-the-scenes at both the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. | 8/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 25 | VideoMy First Timbit - Yum! | Canadians, of course, will know Tim Hortons. For Americans, the brand may be less familiar. One thing that all Canadians seem to love at Tim Hortons are the Timbits, which are essentially the holes of the donut. Have you tried your Timbits today? | 7/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 26 | VideoCelebrity Solstice Video Review | In 2008, I wrote that Celebrity Solstice breaks the mold in every conceivable way. From such innovative features as grass lawns to thoughtfully designed staterooms, Celebrity Solstice-class vessels are strong contenders for your vacation dollars. But how do you know that Celebrity Solstice is right for you? Watch the video for a tour of Celebrity Solstice. Meantime, Celebrity Solstice and all three of its sisters – including Celebrity Silhouette, which will set sail next year – will operate in Europe during the summer of 2011. When Celebrity Silhouette sets sail for the first time in July 2011, she will offer a unique maiden voyage from Hamburg to Rome and a special nine-night Mediterranean voyage. Then, she will offer a series of 12- and 13-night Holy Land sailings roundtrip out of Rome. Celebrity Equinox also will sail from Rome, offering 10- and 11-night roundtrip Mediterranean cruises. http://www.avidcruiser.com/2010/10/02/feature-video-avid-cruiser-celebrity-solstice-review/ Celebrity Solstice will offer a series of 12 night round-trip itineraries out of Barcelona, and Celebrity Eclipse will offer a similar line-up from that same port. | 7/1/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 27 | VideoTwo Perfect Days Copenhagen | Throw back the sheets, slide into your bathrobe and slippers, and pull back the curtains. From your suite, you see that the sun is shining on Kongens Nytorv and colorful Nyhavn. You can’t wait to get outside. Now go back to bed: It’s 4 a.m. What were you thinking? How could you have known? During the summer, it gets bright early here in Copenhagen, which is situated at the same latitude as Anchorage, Alaska. For more, click on http://www.avidcruiser.com/port-profiles/europe/northern-europe/denmark/cruisingfromcopenhagen/two-perfect-days-2/ | 6/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 28 | VideoSilversea's Splendors Of Luxor | “Tourists have been coming back to Egypt since early March,” our tour guide told Silver Spirit guests as we began the “Splendors of Luxor” tour from Safaga. “We appreciate you and those of you who are coming back. We really need visitors to return.”Our fist stop: The Temple of Dandara, a well-preserved temple complex, about two hours from Safaga, Egypt, where Silver Spirit is docked. Building began by Ptolemy XII and was dedicated to the goddess Hathor, commonly depicted as a cow goddess with headdress of horns and a sun disk. The 13.5-hour shore excursion was provided free of charge for Silversea passengers. | 5/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 29 | VideoA Silversea Fine Dining Experience In St. Paul de Vence | On a Silversea shore excursion, many of went to St. Paul de Vence, where we stepped inside the Relais & Châteaux property ;Hotel Le Saint Paul | 5/26/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 30 | VideoCome Casual To Silversea's Outdoor Dining Venue: The Grill | For an evening of fun, Silversea's outdoor dining venue uses the Black Rock concept to allow guests to cook at their tables. | 5/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 31 | VideoSilversea Enrichment Lecturer Nigel West | An expert on intelligence and espionage, Nigel West packs the room when he lectures on Silversea Cruises. What's he saying that intrigues us so much? Watch our interview with West. | 5/19/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 32 | VideoDavid Bilsland - Computer | -- | 5/18/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 33 | VideoLyn Farmer Coral Reef Cocktail - Computer | -- | 5/18/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 34 | VideoSilversea's Sintra, Portuguese Charm On A Shore Excursion | Saturday, May 14, 2011 - This morning in Lisbon, I joined a Silversea shore excursion called Romantic Sintra & Portuguese Riviera. The 4.5-hour tour on a modern and uncrowded motorcoach took us to the enchanting fairy-tale town of Sintra, a mountainous and multi-castled town that was once a favorite destination of 19th-century aristocrats. We had about 90 minutes to tour the town with a guide or on our own. We then went to Cascais, a fishing village turned resort on the Portuguese Riviera, where we spent about an hour before heading back to Lisbon. The tour also gave us time to explore Lisbon (our guide gave us an overview and pointed out some of the key attractions on the way out of - and into - the city), and fortunately, Silver Spirit was docked within walking distance of the city center. And as in most destinations where Silver Spirit calls, complimentary shuttles also operated between the ship and city center for those who preferred not to walk. For more information, visit avidcruiser.com | 5/17/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 35 | VideoPetra & the 'Stupid Tour Guide' | Guides can make or break a shore excursion. Our guide, Abdullah Amra, stepped onto our motorcoach in Aqaba, Jordan to welcome us in broken English. After a few minutes of listening to him stumble through words and point out the obvious ("Jordan very modern, we have traffic lights, red mean stop, green mean go.") many of us resolved that we could be in for a challenging day on the full day excursion to and from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra. For five to 10 minutes, Amra rambled on. He was certainly funny and his phrasing was even funnier. He told us, for example, that he loved his job and that it paid very well and that he needed the pay to support his seven children. He pleaded with us not to tell his boss that his English was so underdeveloped. Then, the young man exposed the joke, speaking in perfect English to much applause and heartfelt laughter . . . read more at avidcruiser.com | 5/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 36 | VideoQuintessential Capri | On a beautiful morning in the ;Mediterranean, Silver Spirit is making her way toward Sorrento and the enchanted island of Capri. Exceptionally beautiful and peaceful from a distance, Capri can be extremely crowded and chaotic up close. To beat the crowds and make the most of your day in Capri, choose an exclusive tour. "If we have a line of 1,000 people, the passengers of Silversea will not wait a minute," says Monica Greico, a guide for Silversea Cruises. | 5/9/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 37 | VideoSilversea's Sicily: Market Visit & Cooking Class In Catania | In Sicily, our Silversea Silver Shore Collection tour took us to one of Sicily's oldest markets in Catania, then to an 18th-century home for a lesson in Sicilian cooking. ; | 5/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 38 | VideoA Teen's View Of The Boardwalk On Allure of the Seas | Britton Frost, daughter of Avid Cruiser Ralph Grizzle, provides a quick overview of some of the fun on Allure of the Seas' Boardwalk . | 4/15/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 39 | VideoOn Oceania Marina: Hands-On Cruise Executives | On Oceania Cruises' new Marina an unusual scene plays out. Bob Binder, the company's president, and Frank del Rio, the founder of Oceania Cruises, are performing a job normally reserved for the ship's carpenters. Dressed in custom-tailored suits, del Rio and Binder heft heavy pieces of framed art, arranging and rearranging, moving one frame of art from a wall in the hallway into a space they've chosen in the main restaurant. Read more . | 3/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 40 | VideoDisko Bay, Greenland | The Arctic town is the staging ground for one of the world’s most beautiful natural attractions, the iceberg-choked Disko Bay . | 3/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 41 | VideoIgaliku, Greenland | The Avid Cruiser visits ;Igaliku, Greenland. | 3/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 42 | VideoQaqortoq, Greenland | The Avid Cruiser 's visit to Qaqortoq, the fourth-largest town in Greenland, with a population of just over 3,000. ; | 3/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 43 | VideoIpiutaq Guest Farm In South Greenland | Video of Ipiutaq Guest Farm in South Greenland. | 3/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 44 | VideoNarsarsuaq, Greenland | Edda | 3/22/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 45 | VideoExploring Narsaq,Greenland | I enjoyed my day in Narsaq, a Greenlandic town poised at the edge of Greenland's ice cap. Narsaq is situated in the heart of an ice-choked fjord, with icebergs and mountains setting the backdrop from this town of 1,700. For more information: http://www.nto.gl/ | 3/22/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 46 | VideoA Cruise Passenger's Guide To Exploring Venice | Hi, I'm Ralph Grizzle, and I'm in Venice, Italy. In this video, we're going to look at some of the arts and crafts that have kept this city alive and that give Venice its life. I hope that on your next cruise to or from Venice, you'll take time to visit some of these hidden gems. If you really experience Venice, you could not do better than meeting the people who make up this great city's cultural heritage. They are the merchants of Venice, the artists and craftsmen. Their shops are all within easy reach of the Venice Passenger Cruise Terminal, and you'll enjoy getting to their workplaces as much as you enjoy meeting the people who create Venice's greatest treasures. You can visit textile shops that boast the world's finest fabrics; glass artists who carry on one of Venice's finest traditions; lace makers who artfully needlework intricate designs to create world-renown Venetian lace; ;the master craftsmen who build gondolas and the accessories that steer the gondolas; you'll meet mask makers and costume makers; and artists who work with paper as well as silver and glass. These are just a few of the people who make Venice so special. And by visiting their shops and purchasing their goods, you support local artisans and craftsman, so you can feel good about how you spend your time and money in Venice. If you're staying in Venice before or after your cruise, I recommend the newly opened Molino Stucky Hilton. A long-neglected 19-century flour mill, the much-loved landmark was transformed into a luxury hotel. The Molino Stucky is a good base to begin your adventures in Venice, and it's right next door to the first of our featured artists. | 3/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 47 | VideoFact Or Fiction? Crystal Cruises, World's Best? | It's our last day here on Crystal Symphony. Over the last 11 days we put Crystal to the test to see if it lived up to its world's best status? We've experienced a variety of choices, including enrichment programs and Broadway-style shows, that only a large luxury ship can deliver. And the quality and level of service is what we would have expected of a world's best resort. No other large ship can match Crystal Cruises. So Kudos to Crystal. | 3/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 48 | VideoPassengers Discuss The Value Of Cruising Crystal: Up To $1000 Per Person Credits | Interviews with passengers aboard our Crystal Symphony sailing about the value of cruising Crystal Cruises. | 3/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 49 | VideoTime Lapse Panama Canal: A Full-Day Transit In Less Than Two Minutes | The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel, with three series of locks lifting ships 85 feet above sea level, to cross the Continental Divide and one of the world's largest manmade lakes. ; In1880, the French attempted to to cut a sea-level canal across the Isthmus of Panama, but their efforts were continually flooded out. | 3/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 50 | VideoInterview With Guests About Crystal Symphony's Deluxe Staterooms | Crystal Symphony's Deluxe Staterooms measure just 202 square feet with a large picture window or 246 square feet with verandah. Too cozy for comfort? Rather than answer myself, I put the question to passengers staying in those staterooms (as well as a few staying in Penthouses) on my sailing. ; | 3/3/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 51 | VideoEntertainment Aplenty On Crystal Symphony: And The Options Are . . . | [Transcript] ;When I'm cruising, I enjoy a little nightlife, and Crystal Symphony delivers. There are no other ships in the luxury category that offer as many entertainment options as Crystal, but as world's best, does Crystal offer anything more? There's dancing at the Starlight Club, gambling at the Crystal Casino, live music at Avenue Saloon, quiet conversation over cognac and cigars at the Connoisseur Club, and late-night dancing at Lux. | 3/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 52 | VideoDining On Crystal Symphony, Perfect Choice, Prego & Other Options | [Transcript] You can't say you have the world's best resort unless your dining has incredible quality, variety and flexibility. Crystal says its Perfect Choice Dining gives you a taste of true freedom. Let's see if they live up to to the claim. "Remi, what are our dining options here in the main dining room?" Remi: "You can enjoy traditional dining, either main seating or late seating. Or take advantage of our open dining by reservation." If you choose the traditional dining, early or late, you enjoy the benefits of having the same waiter every night, who gets to know your preferences and dietary needs. And you have the opportunity to build a friendship with the staff. If you prefer more freedom when you dine, you can choose open dining by reservation and reserve a table in the Crystal dining room at a different time and at a different table every night, giving you the opportunity to dine with new-found friends. Whichever you choose, you'll still get the gracious service from Crystal's European-trained waiters serving you the award-winning cuisine. Of course, variety is the spice of life, and Crystal offers a multitude of dining options outside the main dining room, including Prego, serving the flavors of Italy and featuring the menu of legendary restaurateur Piero Selvaggio. There's also Nobu Matushisa's Japanese cuisine in Silk Road and the sushi bar. Crystal also offers in-room privacy dining as well as casual dining on deck on some nights of the cruise. All are complimentary, except for the intimate and beautiful Vintage Room, which pairs gourmet courses with extraordinary wines. ; So did Crystal live up to its claim of offering quality, variety and flexibility? With seven venues for lunch or dinner including Perfect Choice dining, | 3/1/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 53 | VideoCrystal Symphony, Engage With Us: What Do You Want To Know? | If you've been watching our daily videos from Crystal Symphony, thank you. We've gotten a tremendous response, and many of you have been participating in the dialogue, so much so that we've decided to dedicate a segment to answering your questions and queries. Ask your question by leaving a comment on the website where you're viewing this video, whether that's on Facebook, Twitter or avidcruiser.com. ; We're going straight to the source with your questions, interviewing the officers and staff who know Crystal best. | 2/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 54 | VideoCrystal Symphony, But Is It A Real Nobu Experience? | I'm here at Silk Road and the Sushi Bar featuring the world-renowned cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa. You can easily spend a few hundred dollars for a night of dining at Nobu restaurants around the world. Crystal charges nothing for dinner, but is this a true Nobu experience? Let's find out. Nobu himself created the menu, and it includes many of his innovative dishes, which we've come to love. I learned the chefs are Japanese and trained by Nobu himself. They're responsible for maintaining Nobu's high standards and for ensuring the quality of the seafood is what Nobu would expect. The presentation of the food and selection of the ingredients reflects Nobu's vision. And the quality and grade of the fish meet his uncompromising standards. Crystal does an impeccable job executing the Nobu experience, and Nobu himself often comes on board to ensure his standards are maintained. Well, that was an extraordinary meal, as great as I would expect at any Nobu restaurant worldwide. Nobu at sea, it's the real deal. | 2/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 55 | VideoCrystal Spa, A Day Of Pampering - For Men | We're at one of the most popular places on Crystal Symphony, the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa. I'm looking forward to splurging on a few treatments. Let's see how Crystal handles the art of pampering for men. ; My shave treatment began in a real barber's chair. Crystal has mastered the art of shaving and my barber Kayoko has perfected it. She began by applying a hot towel wrap, giving me a light facial massage and a cleansing. She practically lulled me to sleep. Kayoko worked her magic to whip up a specially formulated shaving cream. It reminded me of when I was a boy going to the barber shop with my dad. | 2/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 56 | VideoCrystal Cruises, Meet The Tech Concierge & CU@Sea | A lot of cruise lines have a concierge, but Crystal Cruises has taken it one step further, with a technology concierge, where you can get one-on-one personalized instruction to help you the master the latest gadgetry. ;Learn more about the tech concierge and Crystal University At Sea in this video. | 2/26/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 57 | VideoCrystal Cruises, Staterooms & Suites | I'm on the veranda of a deluxe category stateroom on Crystal Symphony. As you can see, this category stateroom offers gives you an open window on the sea. What a gorgeous day. The deluxe veranda stateroom is certainly comfortable, but if you want to take full advantage of staying at the world's best resort, you'll need to take it up a deck. This is the Penthouse Suite, it's hard to imagine more luxurious living at sea. ;Just take a look at this gorgeous room. But if you really want the ultimate indulgence, take a look at the Crystal Penthouse. It's like having your own apartment on the ocean. | 2/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 58 | VideoCrystal Cruises, Activities That Are Traditional, Tried & True Or Something New & Fresh? | It's a beautiful morning at sea here on Crystal Symphony. Today, I am putting Crystal to a test. Are Crystal's activities and enrichment programs the same old, same old or does Crystal have something truly fresh to offer? My day started with a watercolor class. It was fun to express my creativity and to get in touch with my inner artist. Next, I ventured outside, where I got some good tips from a PGA golf instructor. Then I spent some time playing paddle tennis, and afterward went for an acupuncture treatment, to give some relief to my paddle tennis elbow. While these were interesting activities, none were truly breakthrough, and if you're going to be the world's best cruise line, you need to have something that goes beyond the tried and true. Then I stumbled upon a Berlitz language glass. I've never had the opportunity to take a French class on a ship. Now I can say with confidence, Oui, Je parle Francais . And I wasn't expecting to learn about the latest social media trends on a cruise ship, but I discovered an afternoon lecture that was both informative and insightful. I'm not a musician, but I quickly learned to play a few notes by ear in Crystal's Yamaha music classes. ; All of these activities left me feeling more educated and enriched. | 2/24/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 59 | VideoCrystal Cruises, World's Best? Fact Or Fiction | For more than 15 years, Crystal Cruises has been voted world's best resort - on land or at sea. During the next 11 days, on a cruise from Miami to Costa Rica, I'll put Crystal to the test: World's Best? Fact or Fiction? | 2/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 60 | VideoCruising Greenland | Cruising stunningly beautiful Greenland with Avid Cruiser host Ralph Grizzle. | 2/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 61 | VideoThe Spa At Silversea | As if you weren't already pampered enough on Silver Spirit, welcome to The Spa at Silversea. The largest spa in Silversea's fleet, the spa on Silver Spirit is an extremely attractive addition to Silversea's newest vessel. ; The Spa at Silversea is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. You'll find a wide range of relaxing spa treatments, including the Elemis Aroma Stone Therapy and the popular Bamboo Massage. Afterward, you may want to relax in the ceramic-tiled Thermal Suite, an exclusive spa area furnished with heated lounge chairs. You'll also find a sauna and steamroom and an attractive outdoor relaxation area that offers bar service, so go ahead and order up that complimentary bottle of champagne before or after taking a soak in the expansive whirlpool. For those who want to keep up their fitness routines while at sea, the spa also features an exercise facility with state-of-the-art training equipment. Your spa experience doesn't have to end at the spa, by the way. Silver Spirit serves up a spa menu, not only delicious but healthy, and a great way to start the day with breakfast at the Pool Grill. | 2/23/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 62 | VideoVoyages of Discovery | Ralph Grizzle aboard Discovery. | 2/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 63 | VideoCruising To La Rochelle | Cruise passengers calling on ;La Rochelle | 2/10/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 64 | VideoFive Questions For Frank (del Rio), Oceania Cruises’ Chief | An interview with one of the cruise industry’s most passionate cruise executives, Frank del Rio, chairman and ceo of Prestige Cruise Holdings, parent to Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The interview took place at the end of a three-day inaugural cruise on ;Oceania Marina .An American success story, made in Cuba, realized in the USA: Frank del Rio | 2/8/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 65 | VideoOceania Marina’s Running Track | 10 times around makes a mile. | 2/8/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 66 | VideoOceania Marina Owner’s Suite Decked Out In Ralph Lauren: Interview With The Designer | Oceania Cruises’ new ;Marina | 2/8/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 67 | VideoMary Hart Christens Oceania Marina in Miami | Oceania Cruises' newest ship, Oceania Marina christened in Miami | 2/8/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 68 | VideoMy BEST AquaDuck Video, Disney Dream | My BEST AquaDuck Video, Disney Dream | 2/8/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 69 | VideoDisney Dream Christening | Christening ceremony for Disney Cruise line's newest ship | 1/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 70 | VideoDisney Dream Christening | -- | 1/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 71 | VideoDisney Dream Christening | -- | 1/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 72 | VideoDisney Dream Christening | -- | 1/19/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 73 | VideoLaura Shulz | Silversea Guest Interview | 1/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 74 | VideoDon Cox | Silversea Guest Interview | 1/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 75 | VideoAnn Lee Gibson | Silversea Guest Interview | 1/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 76 | VideoSilversea Staff Video | Silversea staff interviews | 1/15/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 77 | VideoSeabourn Brand Essence | The brand essence of The Yachts of Seabourn | 12/5/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 78 | VideoSeabourn Sojourn Yacht Overview | Avid Cruiser hosts Ralph Grizzle and Monica Bengtsson take you on a tour of the Seabourn Sojourn. | 12/4/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 79 | VideoTouring Iceland On The Golden Circle Tour | Starting at 8 in the morning, we would spend the next eight hours on what is probably the most popular of Iceland?s shore excursions: The Golden Circle Tour. Cruise lines may call the tour something different, but no matter what it?s called, the tour makes a wide sweep to visit three significant attractions near Reykjavik. Geysir, which gave the world the word ?geyser?; Gullfoss, a thundering double-decker waterfall; and Thingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, the only place in the world where you can see this phenomenon above water. | 11/18/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 80 | VideoSeabourn's Destination Services | A look at Seabourn 'In Motion" excursions and a bike ride in Flam, Norway. | 11/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 81 | VideoSeabourn Sojourn Stateroom Review | A look at the Seabourn Sojourn's staterooms and amenities. | 11/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 82 | VideoVideo: The Faroe Islands | Decades ago, I was leafing through the pages of ;National Geographic | 11/9/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 83 | VideoDisney Dream Float Out | Today in Papenburg, Germany, Disney Cruise Line floated out its newest vessel, Disney Dream | 10/30/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 84 | VideoAzamara Club Cruises, Offering 'Extraordinary' Value Now & Going Forward | "[Azamara] is clearly being redefined as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s boutique brand," Larry Pimentel, president and CEO tells the Avid Cruiser. "It will absolutely be in the up-market space, but because we have very few people who are dedicated to it, we'll offer extraordinary value. I think we'll be in a very interesting value position going forward, which I believe will make us grow a great deal." | 10/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 85 | Video'Seabournizing' Azamara Club Cruises | Larry Pimentel’s strategy for Azamara Club Cruises benefits from his more than 25 years of travel industry experience catering to high-end consumers. | 10/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 86 | VideoThe Evolution of Azamara Club Cruises, Crew Enthused, Wine Uncorked | Larry Pimentel is president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. The changes that Larry Pimentel and his team brought to Azamara Club Cruises have infused the on-board staff with enthusiasm. "What's really occurred here is magic with the crew," said Pimentel, interviewed this week on a sailing on Azamara Quest. "And that's the secret ingredient. This crew is fantastic." Pimentel also discusses the inclusion of boutique wines with wine and dinner, complimentary shuttle service into towns and other services now provided free of charge to guests. | 10/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 87 | VideoAzamara Club Cruises, Nearly All-Inclusive | Azamara Club Cruises now includes complimentary speciality coffees, bottled water, soft drinks, wine with lunch & dinner and gratuities. The addition of these included extras creates lively social environment, says Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. | 10/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 88 | VideoLonger Stays In Port, Azamara Club Cruises | At 60 percent of the ports they visit, Azamara’s two vessels now stay late into the evening, and overnight in 38 destinations, more than triple of what was offered in the past. Also, in some destinations two-night stays are becoming more common, giving passengers three days of touring. | 10/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 89 | VideoHow Azamara Is Evolving | -- | 10/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 90 | VideoAzamara Cruises Brand Awareness | Larry Pimentel discusses Azamara's brand awareness | 10/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 91 | VideoCork, Ireland | Video featuring Cork, Island. | 9/29/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 92 | VideoSampling Silver Spirit's Dining Venues | Silversea Cruises' new Silver Spirit features six restaurants, including Seishin, an Asian fusion restaurant, where the signature item will be Kobe beef, served with sushi, sashimi, exotic sakes (the rice wine), and more. | 2/18/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 93 | VideoFirst Look: On Board Silversea Cruises' New Silver Spirit | On Silver Spirit's three-day preview cruise from Monte Carlo to Barcelona, Trudy Redfern, Silversea's Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, UK, gives her initial impressions of Silversea's newest addition to the fleet. | 1/1/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 94 | VideoReaching The Port Of Perfection: Saint-Malo | This past fall, I had the good fortune to visit Saint-Malo, France. Knowing little about the destination before I arrived on Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, I found myself astounded by the region’s rich diversity.One of France’s most attractive coastal towns, Saint-Malo has something to offer all cruise ship passengers: sublime scenery, bustling bars, trendy restaurants and cafes, cultural attractions, outdoor activities and Brittany’s best beaches.In a single day, I walked the ancient city wall above and around the town of Saint-Malo; visited Dinard, with its lovely sea promenade and Victorian-era homes; dined exquisitely (for lunch, no less) on shellfish in Cancale, known throughout France for its mussels; and stood in awe at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont Saint Michel.Saint-Malo is situated on the English Channel, in Brittany, on France’s west coast. The port is ideally situated between northern and southern Europe.Oceania Cruises' Regatta anchored in Saint-Malo, France.Getting AshoreMeasuring more than 150 meters in length, Regatta was required to tender passengers ashore from its anchorage between Dinard and Saint-Malo. The city can accommodate four ships at once. Vessels measuring less than 150 meters can dock at the terminal (a new terminal will open in the spring of 2010). Ships from 150 meters to 240 meters can anchor only a few minutes away by tender. Both the terminal and the tender landing are within less than a five-minute walk to gates of the walled city.Exploring Saint-MaloI recommend that cruise passengers begin their exploration of Saint-Malo by walking the town wall. Allow at least 30 minutes to walk the entire wall (an hour allows a more leisurely pace), taking in the views of the city and sea on either side.Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, where Saint-Malo is situated, boasts Europe’s most dramatic tides, so you can count on a view that is ever-changing. The tidal range can be as much as 15 meters between high and low water, and the sea can recede as much as 15 kilometers. During low tide, you can walk to nearby islands that you’d have to swim to during high tide. The force of nature here is remarkable.Saint-Malo also boasts something else that few, if any, other destinations in France can claim: Shops that are open on Sundays.Few things are more disappointing to sea-faring passengers than to arrive in port and find the shop doors shut. Saint-Malo is open for business, however, with lots of good shopping, cafes and a must-see “gourmet” street, otherwise known as rue de l’Orme.There’s lots more to see, including the home and tomb of the writer Chateaubriand; and the Privateer’s House known as La Demeure de Corsaire, a ship-owners house built in 1725. But the real pleasure of Saint-Malo is to permit yourself to wander and to enjoy and to sit down and relax in a cozy cafe.Into The CountrysideOnly a few minutes from Saint-Malo, cruise passengers can visit beautiful 18th-century country homes, known as malouinières. Built by wealthy corsairs (French privateers and pirates), the homes are grand estates with a trove of treasures inside. One of the corsairs was Jacques Cartier, who sailed into the Saint Lawrence River and is credited as the discover of Canada.Saint-Malo’s architectural heritage claims more than 800 chateaux manor houses and malouiniéres. Some of the malouinières are open to the public for tours.One option for lunch in Cancale: Fresh oysters overlooking Mont Saint Michel Bay.The World Is Your OysterOften, cruise passengers rush back to the ship for lunch. After all, lunch is free on board.Don’t make that mistake when you’re ship calls in Saint-Malo. The region boasts one of Europe’s highest concentrations of seafood restaurants, and in nearby Cancale you can dine in a village known throughout France for its oysters. You can buy freshly harvested oysters and dine on a bench overlooking Mont Saint Michel Bay, or you can dine at one of the restaurants, taking a table on t | 12/18/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 95 | VideoThe Avid Cruiser: Baltic Cruises | This 25-minute travel show highlights cruising the Baltic on Regent Seven Seas Voyager, from Stockholm to Copenhagen. | 12/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 96 | VideoFun FlowRider Falls On Oasis of the Seas | Surfing the FlowRider is easier than it looks, but at least you get a helping hand to get you up and going. After that, you're on your own, free to make a big splash in the end. | 11/23/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 97 | VideoFun FlowRider Falls On Oasis of the Seas | Surfing the FlowRider is easier than it looks, but at least you get a helping hand to get you up and going. After that, you're on your own, free to make a big splash in the end. | 11/23/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 98 | VideoWorld's Largest Ships, World's Largest iPhone? | More innovation: Oasis introduces digital signage, which looks like a giant iPhone (actually it's a Samsung flat-panel monitor turned on its side). The system makes it easy for guests to find their way around the ship or browse what's going on as well as restaurant occupancies. | 11/23/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 99 | VideoAvidCruiser.com in Luleå, Sweden: The Untamed Rapids of Storforsen | The Avid Cruiser visits Storforsen, one of Europe's largest rapids and only an hour's drive from Luleå, Sweden. | 11/1/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 100 | VideoAvidCruiser.com From Luleå, Sweden To Swedish Lappland | The Avid Cruiser visits Swedish Lappland, where reindeer and elk (called "moose" in North America) are still herded by the local Sami people (also known as Lapps). | 11/1/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 100 Episodes |
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