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Japan’s ‘Seven Stars In Kyushu’ Named A World’s Top 25 Train®

25 Mar

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The Seven Stars’ Deluxe Suite A, at rear of train, offers unbeatable views. Photo courtesy of JR Kyushu

The Society of International Railway Travelers® is proud to announce that the Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu, as it’s officially known, is the first Japanese train to be awarded status as a World’s Top 25 Train.®

We are also proud to announce that The Society of IRT is the first agency/tour operator in the Western Hemisphere to charter the Seven Stars. (Download the tour program here.) And IRT is the first to sign a contract to obtain other dates in October and November of 2016 for our honored travelers.

Operated by JR Kyushu, the Seven Stars began service in  October, 2013. The luxury train was an immediate hit. Space on the train — which accommodates a maximum of 30 guests — routinely sells out many months in advance.

High demand has caused JR Kyushu to hold periodic lotteries to determine who gets to ride the Seven Stars.

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The Seven Stars’ Deluxe Suite A, the train’s largest accommodation, includes a picture window in the back wall. Note the woodwork in the ceiling, windows and floor. Photo courtesy of JR Kyushu

“That’s not a big problem for most Japanese, who are just a bullet train ride or two away” from Fukuoka, Kyushu, where guests board the Seven Stars, said Society of IRT CEO & founder Owen Hardy.

“But basing your travel plans on winning a lottery is unworkable for most travelers from the Western Hemisphere, who need to book flights, hotels, and itineraries months in advance.”

The Society of IRT’s package, conducted in English and accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide, solves this issue beautifully – and takes care of every other conceivable detail along the way.

Although our group trip is wait list only, we are delighted to announce we are adding other departures for individuals — seeing the wonders of Japan and enjoying the new Seven Stars and Sweet Train offerings.

Participants will spend 10 days touring some of Japan’s most famous cities – among them

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Seven Stars staff are friendly and efficient. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Miyajima. They’ll ride several of Japan’s famed bullet trains. And they’ll ride special trains such as the Odakyu Romance Car and the Yurikamome Train.  They will also enjoy the fabulous Sweet Train.

The tour’s “grand finale” will be the four-day trip on the Seven Stars, which is the pride of Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island.

“During my two-day trip last year, we were greeted at every station by throngs of smiling locals, waving flags and greeting us like royalty,” Hardy said. “They ranged in age from young children to aged grandparents. Unbelievable!”

Why the hysteria over a train — even a luxury train?

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JR Kyushu bullet train. Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization

“The Seven Stars is truly a work of art on wheels,“ said Hardy, who had a test ride last November.

“Everywhere I turned I saw stunning fabrics, gorgeous glasswork, richly hued posters, shimmering porcelain. Most spectacular of all was the intricate floor-to-ceiling woodwork from a variety of trees of varying colors.

“The cuisine is “as beautiful as it is tasty,” Hardy continued. “And the expert staff exude a combination of Asian elegance and hospitality with genuine warmth.”

The Seven Stars more than deserves its “World’s Top 25 Train®” status, he added, placing it among such luxury rail stars as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Belmond Royal Scotsman, and the Golden Eagle.

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JR Kyushu’s beloved “Sweet Train” Photo courtesy JR Kyushu

IRT is also holding space on Kyushu’s equally popular Sweet Train, which runs between Sasebo and Nagasaki. Much like its “big sister,” the Seven Stars, the Sweet Train is a delightful amalgam of design, delicious food and impeccable service, Hardy says.

Space on the “Deluxe Rail Journey of Japan” group tour is now wait list only. But to receive the Society’s 24-page booklet on our package, click here.  We will send you all the new dates and pricing for our other travel dates for this package.

Or contact The Society of International Railway Travelers® as follows:

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IRT Grabs Space on Sea Cloud, World’s Last True Sailing Yacht

10 Mar

We’ve secured prime space on the Sea Cloud, Marjorie Merriweather Post’s 1931-vintage sailing yacht, for a Sept. 10-20, 2017 voyage exploring the Dalmatian and Greek coasts.

If you’d like a lo-res PDF outlining the trip, please click here.

IRT Society President Eleanor Hardy and I made this trip six months ago, and we both agreed: It was one of our all-time peak experiences.

Our Sea Cloud voyage is an

Our Sea Cloud voyages are “expeditions” operated by Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic, known for their attention to detail, well-trained staff and comprehensive land touring program. Lindblad

Like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Sea Cloud is a one-of-a-kind antique Grand Dame.

She’s in beautiful shape, but she can’t last forever. And her dance card fills quickly.

So email us for info on our special Sea Cloud 2017 voyage; we can help you with other dates and itineraries as well.

Or call us at (800) 478-4881 or (502) 897-1725.

To read about our adventure last year on the Sea Cloud, click here.

Golden Eagle Danube Express Introduces Snazzy New Bar Car

19 Feb
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Bartender hard at work in the Golden Eagle Danube Express’ new bar car. Golden Eagle photo

The Golden Eagle Danube Express now boasts a stylish, new bar car — making travel on the train even more enjoyable. It began service late last season.

Unlike the luxury train’s former lounge car, the new car has an actual bar area, says Golden Eagle’s Ian Lomas.

“There is a piano central to the car and various types of seating arrangements — tables and chairs for two and four, plus sofas and bar stools.”

The car seats 30, Mr. Lomas says.

“That ties in with the size of the overall group on board the Danube Express, so it’s not much problem for guests to get seating. And not everyone is in the bar car at the same time.”

Enjoying music in the bar car.

IRT Society guest Jack Swanberg enjoys music in the Danube Express’ previous lounge car on last year’s Venice-Budapest “Balkan Odyssey” tour. IRT Photo by Angela Walker

 

Operating from its home base in Budapest, the GE Danube Express is a “supremely comfortable train,” says IRT Society President Eleanor Hardy, “And the lounge car always has been a big reason for its congenial ambiance.”

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The new GE Danube Express lounge car features tables for two and four, as well as sofas and bar stools. Golden Eagle photo

“But more seating and an actual bar will make a good thing even better.”

Ms. Hardy has ridden the Danube Express twice: from Istanbul to Budapest, and from Warsaw to Budapest.

“But what I’d really like to do is the Budapest-Venice trip, the Balkan Odyssey,” she says. “The itinerary fascinates me.”

The tour offers “so much in a relatively short amount of time — on some days visiting two countries,” said  IRT’s Angela Walker, who made the trip with a Society of International Railway Travelers group last year.

And the history of the region is fascinating, she says. Example: guests see the place where Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated — the event that ignited World War I.

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Danube Express bar car menu. Most drinks are covered in the fare. Golden Eagle

The 12-day, 8-country Balkan Odyssey tour operates June 1-12 and July 4-15 this year. To download a complete itinerary in PDF format, please click here. To see the itinerary on the IRT society website, please click here.

Other Golden Eagle Danube Express tours include Central Europe & Transylvania and the Venice-Istanbul Balkan Explorer.

For more information, call our office at (800)478-4881, or (502) 897-1725. Email: tourdesk@irtssociety.com.

 

 

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JR Kyushu’s Little ‘Sweet Train’ Big on Beauty, Fun, Good Taste

8 Jan
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The Sweet Train glides through Oita Prefecture. Photo courtesy of JR Kyushu

One of JR Kyushu’s newest railway confections is the Aru Ressha,  or Sweet Train. It’s one of a dozen special trains dreamed up by the creative minds of railway officials on Japan’s southernmost island.

While on my quest to experience JR Kyushu’s luxurious and wildly popular Seven Stars, I was hoping also to ride the Sweet Train — also a star in its own right. It’s a post-tour option on our very popular “Seven Stars Over Japan” luxury tour.

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IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

Like its “big sister,” the Sweet Train sells out months in advance.

Several weeks before my departure on Japan Air Line’s Chicago-Tokyo flight, I received the email I’d been hoping for:

“Good news!” wrote Simon Metcalfe, director of international sales for JR Kyushu’s Seven Stars train. “There’s been a cancellation on the Sweet Train. You and I will be going from Sasebo to Nagasaki.”

Several weeks later, Simon and I were standing on the Sasebo Station platform. The Sweet Train had arrived, and the place was bustling.

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Service is friendly, and the design is sumptuous, on the Sweet Train. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

“We recommend doing the Sweet Train before the Seven Stars,” Simon told me, as the Seven Stars’ level of service and amenities are superior.

But as a visiting foreigner (and American, where rail service is sparse), I found every aspect of the Sweet Train beguiling.

For what it is — a little more than two-hour ride with light lunch and four courses of desserts as beautiful as they are tasty — the Sweet Train is a must-do option if you get anywhere near Kyushu. The train’s design, food, service and scenery are superb.

And its history — which surprisingly involves the USA at the turn of the last century — is fascinating.

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The Sweet Train abounds with intricate, locally crafted woodwork. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

Anyone who’s seen pictures of or been on the Seven Stars will immediately recognize the work of Sweet Train designer, Mr. Eiji Mitooka, who also designed the Seven Stars.

The Sweet Train reflects many Seven Stars elements: lighting and decor employing similar patterns (fabrics and wallpapers in rich hues, often with a nature theme); sumptuous woods and intricate details for those who take time to seek them out.
Rail enthusiasts, for example, must be sure to excuse themselves to wander back towards the lavatory. On the way, they’ll discover a cabinet with several scale-model steam engines and tenders.

And even the bathroom itself is richly decorated and not to be missed.

The self-propelled Sweet Train comprises just two cars. Car No. 1 has a more traditional, open seating plan. Car No. 2, where Simon and I sat, consists of private “booths,” accessible through sliding wooden doors.

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The Sweet Train serves a seasonal menu of delicacies from Kyushu. The center section of my bento box included vegetables in the shapes of autumn maple and gingko leaves. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

Following a starter of orange juice and champagne, the fanciful parade of delicate food starts with a colorful box of meat, fish and vegetables, all sourced from Kyushu’s finest providers.

Then come three sweets courses, made from a variety of seasonal fruits, followed by a delicacy called mignardises (tea cakes).

The menu is the brainchild of Mr. Yoshihiro Narisawa, who has a famous restaurant named Narisawa in Tokyo.

The service on the Sweet Train, meanwhile, is top-notch: friendly, knowledgeable and indefatigable. The Sweet Train staff knows how to put on a show.

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A view out my window as the Sweet Train skirted Omura Bay. Note the delicately constructed wooden window shade. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

Also — remember to drag your senses away from the plush interiors, scrumptious food and smiling wait staff — and be sure to admire the view: It’s as if it’s custom-designed for this train. The train skirts the broad, blue Omura Bay — gorgeous.

(Note: My Sasebo-Nagasaki trip was in November — autumn in Kyushu. The Sweet Train summer route is between Oita and Hida.)

And what’s the America / Sweet Train connection?

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A woman in traditional dress greets passengers in Nagasaki. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

In 1907, Kyushu Railways ordered a set of “luxury rail cars” from the Philadelphia manufacturer, J.G. Brill Co.  However, nationalization of the railway sidelined the cars.

Now enter Japanese model railway enthusiast Nobutaro Hara, who remembered the cars from his youth and made a model of the Brill train. Eventually the little train wound up in his model railroad museum in Yokohama.

Sweet Train designer Mr. Mitooka based his modern design on Mr. Hara’s model. And hence — this was probably the first time a full-sized train took inspiration from a model!

Want to ride the Sweet Train? We’ve reserved a few coveted places for participants to add the Sweet Train to our luxury Japan by Rail tour running Nov. 3-18 (which includes a four-day trip on the Seven Stars).

On last year’s tour, everybody booked on our journey could not resist the sweets — on the Sweet Train.  And we could only grab 12 spots on the little train for this year’s tour. (Yes, it’s that popular.)

For a beautiful, full-color, 24-page brochure, please email your name and address to tourdesk@irtsociety.com. Or call (502) 897-1725 or (800) 478-4881.

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A Shining Asian Constellation: Japan’s Seven Stars in Kyushu

4 Dec

Seven Stars mascot in “Blue Moon” car. IRT Photo by O. Hardy

“Who’s this?” I asked, spying a little dog lying patiently in a dark corner of the bar car.

“Oh, it’s a kind of joke by the designer,” smiled Mr. Hironobu Yanagawa, Kyushu Railway’s Assistant Manager, Cruise Train Headquarters.

Normally, I’d have overlooked the little canine sculpture.

But in the short time I’d been aboard the Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu, I’d already learned an important lesson: look for details.

Seven Stars at Amagase, Oita Prefecture. Photo © Terunobu Utsunomiya

In other parts of the train, I found more subtle “jokes”: tree frogs climbing a wall, wasps tending their nest, a simple white button nestled in a rich, gold picture frame.

And almost everywhere I turned, I saw stunning fabrics, gorgeous glasswork, richly hued posters, shimmering porcelain. Most spectacular of all was the intricate floor-to-ceiling woodwork from a variety of trees of varying colors.

Intricate kumiko lattice woodwork — and its delicate shadow — in the lounge. IRT Photo by O. Hardy

In sum, even my short, two-day ride on the Seven Stars yielded a plethora of extraordinary experiences — visual, culinary, musical — even spiritual, if you believe the train’s tagline: “a journey to discover a new way of life.”

Seven Stars, a special sightseeing train of Japan’s JR Kyushu, began life two years ago, and it’s never looked back. Despite its steep price, not even all the Japanese who want to ride can get tickets, much less the hapless foreigners clamoring for a ride.

That’s why The Society of International Railway Travelers® chartered the entire train for a four-day, three-night itinerary as part of our luxury Seven Stars Over Japan tour, which runs Nov. 5-19, 2016.

IRT Photo

I recently returned from a quick visit to Kyushu – Japan’s southernmost island – to enjoy a rare, non-revenue ride offered by JR Kyushu to a small group of journalists.

Granted, two days and a night were not nearly enough time to take in all this train has to offer. But it was long enough for me to declare without hesitation: the Seven Stars elevates the standards of world luxury train travel to an even higher level.

Seven Stars stands for Kyushu’s seven prefectures (similar to U.S. counties). The train has seven cars: the “Blue Moon” bar / lounge car whose entire rear wall is a giant picture window, dining car “Jupiter,” and four sleeping cars, each with three spacious suites measuring 108 square feet.

One regular suite is handicapped-accessible. The train also carries a wheelchair.

Deluxe suite with picture window. JR Kyushu Photo

At the other end of the train, the seventh car contains two “deluxe suites”  which can accommodate two or three guests each.

Deluxe Suite A is 226 square feet and boasts a private glass picture window at the end of the car. It is by far the most popular accommodation on the train, JR Kyushu says.

The other deluxe suite is beautifully appointed but, at 183 square feet, is slightly smaller.

Everything on the train was specifically designed for the Seven Stars, save one element (I won’t spoil your experience by naming it; see if you can guess.).

In the Blue Moon bar/Lounge car. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

This surfeit of over-the-top design elements is matched by an expert staff, who know how to combine Asian elegance and hospitality with genuine warmth.

When I misplaced my iPhone charger, for example, Mr. Yoshiharu Aritou,
the train manager, insisted on giving me one of his (For the record, I’m sending it back to him, along with a heartfelt note and bottle of Woodford Reserve bourbon.).

Moreover, the Seven Stars staff is bilingual and couldn’t be friendlier. Menus and signs are in English and Japanese. (Our November tour, of course, will be conducted in English.)

Also near perfect is the Seven Stars kitchen, which turns out delicacies as beautiful as they are tasty. I enjoyed three meals on the train: two lunches and a dinner, all of them set menus.

One course of my Bento lunch. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

Kyushu is known for its variety of seafood, vegetables and fruits, and I was happy to let the Seven Stars chefs choose for me.

Here are just a few of the offerings from our “Heartfelt bento lunch from Bungo, Oita Prefecture:

“Red sea bream cured with Ryuhi Kombu…Egg tofu with wakame seaweed, Assortment of separately prepared vegetables, Food of the season [in my case, autumn] cooked in paper made with kozo tree fiber…”

The spirits from the Blue Moon bar were equally inspired. I made a point of ordering a Blue Moon cocktail, whose contents included Japanese shochu, a liquor made from sweet potatoes.

It was mixed with some of the tastiest juice – was it grapefruit or tomato? – I’ve ever had.

One of my favorite menu items was actually French-inspired: a chocolate sphere served at tea time. The thin, edible outer shell revealed a rich, creamy center: decadent and delicious.

Seven Stars chocolate dessert unopened (top) and opened. IRT Photos by Owen Hardy

(For the true dessert-lover, try JR Kyushu’s new Sweet Train, which I also sampled on my visit. More about that in another Track 25 post.)

Click here for Seven Stars’ off-train excursions and what to expect in your Seven Stars cabin

For more information on our luxury Japan by Rail tour running Nov. 5-19, 2016 (which includes a four-day trip on the Seven Stars), please click here. Or email us at tourdesk@irtsociety.com. Call (502) 897-1725 or (800) 478-4881.

Nature, Hot Springs, Cuisine Star in 7 Stars Kyushu Itinerary

4 Dec

Dinner aboard the Seven Stars calls for semi-formal attire. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

Click here to see previous post:  Seven Stars’ introduction, staff and culinary delights

A main raison d’etre of the new Cruise Train Seven Stars is to showcase the natural and artistic beauty of Kyushu. The train’s off-train excursions do not disappoint. (The Society of International Railway Tours’ “Seven Stars Over Japan” luxury rail tour includes the new luxury train as a post-tour option.)

The island of Kyushu is known for its volcanic hot springs (or onsen), and guests on our four-day trip next year will spend their second night off the train at a fabulous resort with their own private onsen. (So there’s no need for sheepish tourists to worry about bathing au naturel with strangers, albeit of the same sex.)

Clouds drift below Mt. Aso, an occasionally active volcano, whose elevation is almost a mile high. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

Our group enjoyed onsens on two successive nights near Yufuin, which is on the four-day itinerary. I made the most of my onsen experience, enjoying the steaming waters three times.

Once I learned the proper etiquette, I found the experience delightfully soothing. (And don’t worry; we’ll have complete instructions for guests on our luxury Japan by Rail tour, which runs Nov. 5-19, 2016.)

The Seven Stars logos, works of art in themselves, were carefully hand-crafted. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

I also visited Mt. Aso, an opportunity our guests will have on their final Seven Stars day. Arising at 6 a.m., I boarded the special Seven Stars motor coach for the multi-switchback ride to the top of this ancient, occasionally active volcano.

It was well worth my early rising. The skies were clear, with low clouds filling the spaces between the mountain range’s five peaks. To complete the experience, Kyushu’s famous “red cattle” were grazing in a nearby field, mooing contentedly.

Once back at the Aso railway station, I found a bounteous feast of fresh, locally sourced vegetables, fruits, eggs and meat awaiting us at the trackside, specially built “Kasei” (Mars) restaurant.

Our guide walks in the tranquil garden of Kakiemon Kiln. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

We also visited Kyushu’s famed Kakiemon Kiln in Arita, whose exquisite ceramics the Dutch East India Company began shipping to Europe in the late 17th century. The ceramics works is still family owned.

The fifteenth-generation boss proudly showed us his business, with his little son, the sixteenth generation heir, skipping along with us. Afterwards, Kakiemon XV, as he’s known, invited us to his tea house, set among the subtle green hues of his carefully manicured garden.

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Seven-sided Seven Stars basin, produced by Kakiemon Kiln. JR Kyushu Photo

Proudly, he told us of his late father, Kakiemon XIV, whose final creation before his death were the intricate, seven-sided wash basins which grace each of the standard Seven Stars cabins.

Meanwhile, back on the Seven Stars, I took careful inventory of my compartment.  In keeping with the train’s striving for perfection, even the windows are special.

My compartment’s two windows each had five separate sections: an outer layer of glass, followed by a second layer of thin, wooden slats; then two sliding traditional Japanese windows with paper panes; then, two heavier sliding wooden windows. The final layer was a light gauzy curtain of gathered material.

Standard suites include a writing desk, with pull-out section for additional room (not shown here) IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

My room contained a minibar stocked with wonderful Japanese juices, green tea, “Swan Cider Tomosu” in its tiny bottle, Asahi “Dry” and Santory “The Premium Malts” Pilsner Beer, and other bottles whose names were written only in Japanese, but whose contents were delicious. (Drinks from the minibar are on the house, by the way.)

My compartment also contained two plugs, one in the bathroom and one in the bedroom, plus a 3-socket multi-plug unit, so you can plug in your iPhone, iPad and iMac all at once (as I did).

Standard suite bathroom, above. All bathrooms have showers with cypress wood paneling and typical Japanese toilets with multiple controls. The train also has one handicapped accessible suite and bathroom. Photo courtesy of JR Kyushu

Also, attention, U.S. and Canadian travelers: Japan’s electrical outlets are identical (almost) to ours, so leave your adapters at home. And WiFi is available throughout the train and works quite well (except in tunnels and other such places).

Also provided in my compartment: toothbrush, razors, cotton balls and two different types of Japanese toiletries. When I couldn’t decide which set I wanted, my cabin attendant happily gave me both.

All the compartments, including the deluxe suites, contain twin beds separated by a night stand. My bed was quite comfortable and easily accommodated my six-foot frame.

One final aspect of the Seven Stars experience also deserves mention, and maybe sums up this over-the-top-train: the music provided each evening in the bar car by a violin/piano duo.

When you book a Seven Stars trip, you’ll receive a confirmation accompanied by a request from the musicians: “please tell us one piece of music you’d especially like to hear.”

In a fit of enthusiasm, I fired off a return email: “The third movement from César Franck’s Violin Sonata.”

“What?” my friend Sam, a retired music professor, exclaimed. “That’s pretty difficult music.”

Violinist and pianist hold forth in the Blue Moon bar/lounge car. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

Several weeks later, aboard the Seven Stars, I met the musicians and mentioned, a bit hesitantly, that I was the one who’d requested the Franck.

Without skipping a beat, the pianist began the introduction, and the violinist – without music – began the virtuosic opening. He was on solid ground, and I sat listening, entranced, for the next several minutes.

They ended the piece with a drawn-out pianissimo.

“Bravo!” we yelled, nursing our drinks, as the Kyushu twilight lingered outside the bar car’s picture window. (See video below.)

Bravo, indeed, I thought: to the staff, designers, planners, artisans, chefs, JR Kyushu and even to the citizens of this small but beautiful island, who are so proud of “their” train.

The Seven Stars is a true work of art.

The Society of International Railway Travelers®’ “Seven Stars Over Japan” luxury tour, for which we’ve chartered an entire Seven Stars 4-day, 3 night itinerary, runs Nov. 5-19, 2016. For more information or to book, email us at tourdesk@irtsociety.com. Call (502) 897-1725 or (800) 478-4881.

 

 

Paul Gauguin Cruise Offers Ocean Adventure, Island Fun

6 Nov
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A couple relaxes on Motu Mahana, the private island of Paul Gauguin Cruises. IRT photo by Angela Walker

French Polynesia is heavenly.

It lulls you into an almost dream-induced state of relaxation. (Though, just in case you need more relaxation, there’s a spa on the m/s Paul Gauguin, from which I recently — if reluctantly — returned. My assignment: experience the 8-day cruise: Tahiti and the Society Islands.)

The blues of the water are impossible to describe, other than to say the ocean always beckons.

You can answer that call with an array of off-ship activities: snorkeling, diving, kayaking, paddle-boarding, exploring by boat or jet ski. Island hiking trips also are available.

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Angela poses with local guide, Max, and his assistant after the Lagoonarium excursion in Bora Bora. IRT photo

One of my favorite activities was our trip to the “Lagoonarium” in Bora Bora. Our guide, Max, was a young, high-energy local, proud of his heritage and eager to share his homeland.

The Lagoonarium in a family-run, natural aquarium where guests can swim with sharks, stingrays and tropical fish. Our visit also included a circumnavigation of Bora Bora by boat (with Max alternately commentating, then playing the ukulele and singing).

We made an additional stop in the ocean for snorkeling in an amazing coral garden to see even more fish: jackfish, black-and-yellow butterflyfish, multi-colored parrotfish, to name a few. It was fabulous.

The Paul Gauguin anchored in Moorea. IRT photo by Angela Walker

The Paul Gauguin anchored in Moorea. IRT photo by Angela Walker

My partner Shawn and I also loved our Moorea excursion with Dr. Michael Poole, a dolphin and whale expert. Fortunately, our trip was in October, just before the end of whale season. So in addition to dolphins, we were lucky enough to see four mother/calf pairs of hump-back whales.

A few brave souls in our small boat jumped at the chance to snorkel with the whales, although the water was so choppy that it was impossible to see anything.

Our absolute favorite shore excursion was on the third day of our cruise, when the Paul Gauguin spent a full day in Taha’a, the company’s private motu (Polynesian for small island). Regularly scheduled shuttles to and from the ship were offered throughout the day.  But they were wasted on us.

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A humpback whale sighted during an excursion off Moorea. IRT photo by Angela Walker

What a day we had! Tanning in the provided beach chairs, snorkeling in clear waters, activities in the sand, a full bar serving endless tropical drinks in coconuts, and an absolutely delicious barbecue lunch.

Shawn and I left the ship as early as possible and stayed on the motu until the last return tender. I could easily have spent a week on that private motu – although I would want the Paul Gauguin staff in tow.

To top it off, the entire day was included in the cruise fare — the only shore excursion that doesn’t cost extra.

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A local guide demonstrates how to pollinate a vanilla plant in Huahine. IRT photo by Angela Walker

But now back to reality: the other excursions can get pricey for some. The prices ranged from $49 for a 2 ½-3 hour drive around the islands to $1,135 for a private boat escapade around Bora Bora.

But there was always the option to explore the islands on our own, or to take in the constant activities offered on board ship.

The options available was almost endless: shows, demonstrations, language classes, trivia games, bridge, shuffleboard, afternoon tea, bingo, ping pong, board games.

There was something for everyone, young and old, as the ship and destination attract all ages.

And that was part of the magic. Some guests came to celebrate special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons. Others were groups of old friends reuniting. Some came just to experience this amazing destination.

But we all had one thing in common: we wanted to come back to the islands, and to the Paul Gauguin.

For more information on this or any of the Paul Gauguin cruises, or to book, please contact The Society of International Railway Travelers®: (502) 897-1725 or (800) 478-4881; or email tourdesk@irtsociety.com.

To read about life aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, please click here.

Rocky Mountaineer Travel Tips

10 Oct

 

For Rachel Hardy’s story on her Rocky Mountaineer dream trip, please click here.

  • The author, bundled in her winter coat, scarf and hat, at Lake Louise. IRT photo by Belinda

    The author, bundled in her winter coat, scarf and hat, at Lake Louise. IRT photo courtesy of Rachel Hardy.

    Canadian weather can be unpredictable and dramatically different from place to place – pack accordingly. Over the span of my week-long trip in early October, I wore shorts on a hot day in Calgary and an extreme cold-weather down parka on the train’s open-air platform. Some who hadn’t packed with an eye to cold weather actually tried to buy my coat from me as they couldn’t spend any time outside. (I declined all offers!)

  • Exclusive IRT offer: book your Rocky Mountaineer journey with The Society of International Railway Travelers and receive a free one-way limo transfer to/from Seattle or Vancouver airports. Some trips eligible for free two-way limo transfers. Up to $200 US dollar value.
  • IMG_798_Conductor_Platform SmallReceive up to $600 per couple in added value when you book your 2017 Rocky Mountaineer journey by Dec. 16. This offer can be used for extra hotel nights in Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, or Calgary, city sightseeing tours and other activities, additional hotel meals, and airport transfers.

Book an itinerary of 8 or more days, and receive $600 of added value per couple (or $300 per person).

Book an itinerary of 5 to 7 days and receive $350 of added value per couple (or $175 per person).

  • Strong U.S. Dollar, Euro: There’s never been a better time for both Americans and Europeans to travel to Canada. The strength of the U.S. dollar and the Euro versus the Canadian dollar make Canada an especially affordable destination.
  • Customize your tour: In addition to the more than 65 packaged itineraries the Rocky Mountaineer offers, there are virtually limitless options for travelers to tailor their vacation: extra hotel nights, hotel upgrades, and trip extensions are just a few of the possibilities.
  • Gold Leaf Service is the most popular level of service aboard the train, but Silver Leaf Service is also a good choice for those on a budget. The main differences between the levels of service: windows are slightly smaller in the single-level Silver Leaf car, meals are served at your seat, and hotel accommodations are booked in three-star hotels as opposed to the four-star historic hotels that are included with Gold Leaf Service.
  • You can also mix and match: you can choose to book Gold Leaf Service on the train and Silver Leaf Service hotels (or the reverse). Gold Leaf Deluxe Service offers all the benefits of Gold Leaf Service but also includes significant hotel upgrades.

For more information or to book, contact The Society of International Railway Travelers®. Email tourdesk@irtsociety.com or call (800)  478-4881; (502) 897-1725.

The Society of International Railway Travelers®’ curated list of Rocky Mountaineer itineraries is here.

Sea Cloud – & IRT – Set Sail for Dalmatian Coast, Greek Isles

26 Aug

Six months ago, IRT Society President Eleanor Hardy and I traveled to Croatia for a 10-day Lindblad  sailing adventure aboard the Sea Cloud, Marjorie Merriweather Post’s 1931-vintage sailing yacht.

It was no exaggeration when we proclaimed her to be the “Orient-Express of the Ocean.”

In our 32 years operating our luxury travel agency, the Sea Cloud ranks as one of our top five experiences.

The Sea Cloud is the last of its kind: a true, working square-rigged bark. Her complement of 60 crew scamper into the rigging, climbing gingerly out over the spars to furl and unfurl sails.

There’s only one problem.

Our Sea Cloud voyage is an

Our Sea Cloud voyage is an “expedition” operated by Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic, known for their attention to detail, well-trained staff and comprehensive land touring program. Lindblad

Like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Sea Cloud is a one-of-a-kind antique Grand Dame. And her dance card is almost full.

Next year’s Dalmatian Coast / Greek Isle voyages are sold out. Just a few spots remain for journeys in the Caribbean and in the Greek islands.

So contact us to get on the wait list for the Sea Cloud’s 2017 voyages.

The Grand Dame is getting older. And she can’t last forever.

Call us at (800) 478-4881 or (502) 897-1725; or email, tourdesk@irtsociety.com.

Tales of the Orient-Express: Berlin, Iconic Italy, Ms. Agatha

26 Jun
Kurfürstendamm

Berlin boasts a vibrant outdoor café scene. Pictured here is the famous Kurfürstendamm. Photo: Visit Berlin

The famed Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has much to celebrate:

Berlin
The historic overnight trip to the German capital begins June 2, 2016 when the VSOE’s sister train, the Belmond British Pullman, departs London’s Victoria Station for the three-hour journey to the coast. The excursion continues on the VSOE to Paris and from there to Berlin, where it arrives June 3.

The reverse itinerary begins June 4, with arrival in London June 5.

Whichever direction passengers choose, the new trip offers myriad possibilities for extended stays in London and Berlin. For detailed information, click here.

A VSOE staff member prepares for boarding at Venice' Santa Lucia station.

A VSOE staff member prepares for boarding at Venice’ Santa Lucia station. IRT Photo by Owen Hardy

Romantic Italian Holiday
The Romantic Italian Holiday connects passengers on the VSOE’s classic overnight run between London, Paris and Venice with extended stays at the Belmond Cipriani in Venice and the Belmond Villa San Michele in Florence.

Now, extended stays are possible at four additional Belmond sites in Italy, all of them palatial:

  • Portofino: Belmond Hotel Splendido and Belmond Splendido Mare,
  • Amalfi Coast: Belmond Hotel Caruso,
  • Taormina Mare: Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea,
  • Taormina: Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

For more information, email tourdesk@irtsociety.com or call (800) 478-4881 within the U.S. or Canada,  or, elsewhere, (502) 897-1725.

Dame Agatha
Honoring the 125th birthday of the novelist famous for writing “Murder on the Orient-Express,” head chefs from the VSOE, Istanbul’s Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah and Venice’ Belmond Cipriani plan a July 1 celebration at the Cipriani.

According to the New York Times, they’ll prepare a buffet of “several dozen” Turkish, Italian and French dishes. (Dame Agatha wrote the novel at the Pera Palace following an Orient-Express trip from Venice).

The price is 130 euros (about $140, the Times says), and includes alcoholic drinks and entertainment, as well as an orchestra performance and a water show.

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