By Judy Newell
Mexico News
New Villas in Los Cabos
Miles of beautiful beaches and great weather make Los Cabos one of Mexico’s most popular vacation spots. The destination’s world-class fishing, great golfing options, wondrous whale watching, and many water sports attract visitors from all over.
Situated within the gates of the Puerto Los Cabos resort community, the West Enclave revealed its stunning rental residences at the close of 2021. Just 35-minutes from SJD airport and 15-minutes from downtown San José del Cabo, this elegant collection of 27 properties sits adjacent to Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, on natural sand dunes facing the Sea of Cortez.
The peaceful properties enjoy a sleek, contemporary design and feature five or six elegant bedrooms, beautiful swimming pools, central open-air courtyards, and cozy fire pits in the garden. Relax into sunny afternoons and balmy evenings in spaces that provide privacy and luxury just steps from a 2-mile beach.
Cruise News
Exciting New Cruise Ship Itinerary
Much of the cruise industry has been abuzz with anticipation over Hurtigruten’s new West Africa itineraries, which were first announced last summer. The expedition voyages will begin departing Dakar, Senegal, in November and will visit the volcanic islands of Cape Verde, as well as the Bissagos Islands.
The latter archipelago of 88 islands is said to be one of the most untouched destinations in the world, and teeming with wildlife. During the four days exploring the islands, travelers can expect to spot the likes of hippos, dolphins, sea turtles, crocodiles, manatees, and 500 different bird species. Additionally, the itinerary includes a few city stops: one to Banjul, the capital city of the Gambia, and a day spent touring Dakar.
The new voyages will be aboard the MS Spitsbergen, which Hurtigruten says is one of its most popular ships. It’s fitted with Scandinavian touches, like sleek design elements and an onboard sauna, as well as a fully staffed expedition team that offers daily lectures.
World’s Largest Electric Cruise Ship Sets Sail
The world’s largest fully electric cruise ship has debuted on China’s Yangtze River. The ship, which is 100 meters long, can carry up to 1,300 passengers.
The Yangtze River Three Gorges 1, powered purely by electricity, made its maiden voyage in Yichang City, offering sightseeing trips along the scenic Yangtze River Three Gorges.
It is powered by a massive 7,500-kilowatt-hour marine battery, the equivalent to the total battery capacity of more than 100 electric vehicles.
The Yangtze River Three Gorges 1 has claimed several records in the global electric passenger ship technical field, including the largest battery capacity, and the largest number of battery packs. The ship is equipped with advanced technologies such as facial recognition, and AI intelligent analysis.
The State Grid has built a full-coverage charging network for the ship. It can replenish electricity in several ports by means of high voltage charging and low voltage replenishment. The electric cruise ship can travel 100 kilometers on a single charge, which is the equivalent of 530 metric tons of fuel.
It can generate a reduction of over 1,600 tons of emissions each year.
Crystal Cruises: Back on the Water by Next Year
Crystal Cruises was thrown a lifeline by A&K Travel Group Ltd, who purchased two of its ships and the rights to its name.
While the finer details are still being worked out, it was revealed Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity could both be sailing in 2023, with bookings said to be on their way soon.
Guests will be able to make ‘open bookings’, then when suite categories, itineraries, and pricing are sorted, those with bookings will have the first priority on booking a chosen voyages and staterooms.
Crystal Cruises crew members are also being given a chance to return, with A&K contacting the crew and inviting them to get back on board for new sailings.
While Symphony and Serenity have been snapped up by A&K, the rest of Crystal’s fleet is scattered around the cruising world.
Crystal Endeavor has been purchased by Silversea Cruises, Crystal Esprit was snapped up by Lindblad Expeditions, and five other Crystal ships are still having their fates decided, including Crystal Mozart and the fleet’s four river ships.
Deal of the Week
Marquesas Islands by Sea
Explore the magical islands of the Marquesas Islands aboard the Aranui 5, a half-passenger, half-freighter ship offering an immersive Polynesian experience to remote and beautiful islands. Join the expedition!
Discover the mere Polynesian tradition aboard the Aranui. This mixed cargo ship, which arrived in Polynesia in 2016, welcomes you for a cruise rich in discoveries and magical encounters. The Marquesas, territory of mysteries and natural splendors, shelters the most beautiful stopovers of this route. In the footsteps of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, you will admire some incredible landscapes from the comfort of your cabin.
This vacation package includes:
- Round-trip international airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui
- Inter-island flights and round-trip airport/hotel transfers
- 1 night with breakfast at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts in an Ocean View Deluxe Room
- 12 nights with full board and excursions with Aranui in a stateroom
- Meet and greet upon arrival in Papeete with flower lei
From US$6,033 per person.
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for over 50 years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s interests, physical abilities, and budgets. Please contact Judy for further information on Ttrave News topics, Mexico, and international travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765; Vonage 949 300 3682; email at judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.
Sources: Villas by Journey Mexico, Hurtigruten, Travel Mole, Cruise Passage, and Moana Voyages.
