So what’s a luxury-loving traveler to do?
Like a turtle, you can carry your accommodations with you: cruise to intriguing places and let the ship be your hotel.
On shore excursions by day, explore exotic ports to your heart’s content; then climb back aboard for all the comforts of home.
These days, even the least luxurious ships treat passengers royally, at a minimum offering comfortable cabins, monstrous meals and super service.
Here’s what’s around:
– The 750-passenger Royal Odyssey, one of the most easily negotiable ships afloat, offers comfortable luxury staterooms, single-seating dining and an expert Greek staff.
For several years, the ship has been visiting Black Sea ports (like Yalta and Odessa). Last November it added a new itinerary that included Israel, Egypt, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia. The 28-day Route of Marco Polo voyage, departing from Athens, will be made twice again in ’94 (March and November). Fares start at $8,398, air fare additional. (Call: 415-956-7200.)
– Sagafjord, one of the world’s most luxurious ships and a three-time winner of the Ship of the Year award from the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society, features 26 terraced suites, single-seating dining, and its famed Golden Door Spa at Sea.
On segments of its world voyage, passengers can take a morning tour of Ho Chi Minh City ($32); a full-day visit to Macao ($143); and day trips from Pusan ($112) or Yokohama ($197). (Call 800-221-4770.)
– Classical Cruises’ Aurora I has all the amenities of a private yacht (52 crew members pamper 80 passengers). The vessel has spacious staterooms (250 square feet) with double picture windows, even electronically controlled contour beds.
Aurora I will be the only cruise ship sailing the Mekong River in 1994 (on its Sacred Cities of Southeast Asia voyage). The 32-day journey from Phnom Penh includes Angkor, Borobudur and Bali. Fares from $6,345 include all shore excursions. (Call 800-252-7745.)
– The Wind Spirit, Windstar Cruises’ luxury cruise/sail ship treats passengers to an uncommon cruise experience-intimate yacht-like surroundings under billowy white sails. Ninety-one crew cater to 148 passengers 24 hours a day.
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For the first time, the Wind Spirit has recently started sailing in Southeast Asia. From now through April 10, it offers 11-day all-inclusive sea/land packages to destinations in Thailand and the Malay Peninsula, calling at Penang, Langkawi and Malacca. The rate of $3,595 includes roundtrip economy class air from Los Angeles and 4-night pre- and post-cruise stays. (Call 800-967-8103.)
– Recently the elegant 200-passenger Seabourn Spirit begins a series of 14-day Asia cruises. Seabourn is rated five stars plus by Fielding’s Guide to Worldwide Cruising and was recently named the world’s best cruise line by Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s 6th annual readers’ choice poll. Seabourn’s ultra-luxury experience includes all-suite staterooms, marble bathrooms, stellar service and a strict no-tipping policy.
The Spirit will sail the Indonesian Archipelago (calling at seldom visited areas in Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Sulawesi) and makes two cruises between Bali and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, with stops in Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda group of islands. (Call 800-929-9595.)
– Orient Lines, a brand new cruise line, sails the Marco Polo, an 800-passenger ship-with a strengthened hull for Antarctic voyages-that offers all the amenities of a luxury ship, including a casino, outdoor jacuzzis, pool and health club. Per diems on this ship run about $178.
On May 11 and Oct. 2, the Marco Polo sails for 18 days to Asian cities, including Kuala Lumpur, Da Nang and Canton. It will make cruises to China, Japan, Korea and the Russian Far East. Auckland will be a base for seven of the ship’s sailings, including four around New Zealand. (Call 800-333-7300.)