grand circle tour cruises

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Grand Circle Cruise Line

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Grand Circle Cruise Line fleet

• MV Arethusa
• MV Corinthian
• MS River Adagio
• MS River Chanson
• MS River Aria
• MS River Harmony
• MS River Rhapsody
• MS River Allegro

Review of Grand Circle Cruise Line

One of the industry's  small cruise companies , GCCL-Grand Circle Cruise Line (gct.com) was established in 1958 as a travel company serving the American Association of Retired People (AARP). Since then, Grand Circle has expanded as an independent cruise company offering meaningful experiences for the "over-50's". Today GCCL offers a full range of cruise tours and land tour programs. The company's main business is discounted, extended-stay travel vacation programs in Europe, most occurring during winter in the south of Spain. Grand Circle also provides escorted tours all around the world, with a strong emphasis on enrichment.

In 1985 the company was acquired by Alan and Harriet Lewis. They took operations to higher levels by building on the company's original base and expanding the destinations and offerings available. A continuing feature has been the right decision to avoid public advertising, focusing on referrals, past guests and direct requests for information. The Program Directors of the company started out as resident hosts, lecturers, and guides and developed over the years into hallmark service for the Grand Circle company. With each new program and destination, regional offices were opened across the globe, providing support and monitoring operations in an area. The new options often came at request or suggestion of past passengers, who form sort of an "alumni" association. 

Starting in 1997, the company began promoting European river sailings on partially or fully chartered ships to its clientele. Due to the enthusiastic response, Grand Circle tried to ensure both excellent qualities of the product and control of the operations by deciding to have its own ships built - River Symphony was the first one in 1998, followed by a series of constantly improved ships over the years in various regions of the Mediterranean, Europe, Russia, and Egypt. Grand Circle also runs chartered operations in Antarctica, Europe, Panama, China, and Burma, under both the Overseas Adventure and Grand Circle brands.

Along with the current operations, mention should be made of company's sense of commitment to responsible tourism in the regions where it operates. During the last 20 years, the Grand Circle Foundation has committed more than US$92 million to advance education and preserving cultural traditions. In Egypt's Valley of the Kings, Grand Circle has funded the construction of shade/information pavilions to make the travel experience more worthwhile. The Foundation also supports around 100 schools in 30 different countries. 

Grand Circle Cruise Experience

Grand Circle Cruise Line offers a full range of small-ship cruises for the over-50 set. 

As with all Grand Circle Cruise Line's programs, company's passengers are over 50, in some cases even much more so. The line doesn't market to families and doesn't accept kids as passengers. Its guests are generally well traveled, with large percentage repeat passengers and members of their Inner Circle loyalty program, an organization for those who have made 3 or more trips with the line. The majority of passengers are married couples, though clusters of friends sailing together and singles are not unusual. Given Grand Circle's focus on learning experiences, most of the company's guests are open-minded and curious, eager to try new things.

Since Grand Circle is an American cruise line and generally does whole-ship trips, the language of the day at all times is the English. The crews, and most especially the company's Program Directors, are at the very least conversationally fluent. Most of Grand Circle passengers are Americans or American-connected.

While the ships of the line are designed for the regions in which they operate, they are as much about comfort as a destination. All cabins are well-appointed and quite spacious. On the ships operating in Western Europe, the upper-deck staterooms have true balconies, while the lower decks feature large windows. Generally, Grand Circle's Europe-based ships have twin beds only. Shipboard bathrooms are excellently fitted out, and rooms are kept spotless. CNN, movies, alternative music, and language channels are available, along with line's onboard info channel.

Dining is also professionally handled. Depending on the ship, there is a mix of a buffet (breakfast and lunch) and served (dinner). Though menu options vary, regional and local specialties are always included. Specialty evenings are also offered - for example, an Egyptian buffet - depending on the itinerary.

General entertainment is casual and low-key. Nobody goes on a cruise by Grand Circle for bingo or karaoke, though both may be offered. Sometimes there may be a costume night, black-and-white dress evening, or passenger talent show. 

The real focus of any voyage by Grand Circle Cruise Line is the chance to experience other histories, traditions, cultures, and people. Through excursions ashore and onboard lectures, meals and talks with local people, demonstrations by or visits with local artisans, passengers truly have the chance to expand their understanding and knowledge of other places. 

Itinerary of Grand Circle Cruise Line

Currently, Grand Circle Cruise Line's fleet includes the following vessels:

• MV Clio (Tere Moana)
• MV Athena (currently CMV Astoria - CMV charter)
• MV Artania (Phoenix Reisen charter)
• MS Provence barge
• MS River Anuket

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All river passenger shipping line companies and their fleets are listed there.

Grand Circle cruises to Cuba

Grand Circle Cruise Line offers Cuba cruises on the MV Clio ship (former Tere Moana). The itineraries are 11-nights in length, leaving one-way from Miami Florida to Havana , or the reverse from Havana to Miami. The sailing part is 7 days, visiting the Cuban ports of call Caibarien, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Remedios, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad. Passengers will disembark in port Cienfuegos and will be transported overland to the capital Havana (with included 3-night hotel stay there). Then cruise passengers fly back to the USA. The reverse 11-night itinerary starts in Havana and ends in Miami.

• Grand Circle Cruise Line's Cuba cruise prices start at USD 6,800 pp. fares are inclusive of visas, accommodations, meals, guided land tours, gratuities, port fees, airfare (Miami-Havana, or Havana-Miami), also of airport transfers in Miami.
• The 89-passenger MV Clio (formerly known as Tere Moana) was acquired in 2015 from Paul Gauguin Cruises. Grand Circle invested over USD 5 million in the following refurbishment. The vessel entered into service in May 2016.

The list of passenger shipping lines offering cruises to Cuba included:

• Carnival Paradise leaving from Tampa Florida - cheapest prices (from USD 480 pp)
• Royal Caribbean (ship Empress of the Seas , leaving from Miami Florida)
• Holland America (ship Veendam ) leaving from Fort Lauderdale since December 2017
• MSC Cruises (ship MSC Opera , leaving from Havana)
• Oceania Cruises (ships Marina and Regatta ) starting in 2017, Cuba circumnavigation, stops in Cienfuegos and Havana, also part of some Panama Canal transition itineraries.
• NCL (ship Norwegian Sky , 4-day itineraries with Havana overnights - starting May 2017
• Azamara Cruises (ship on Azamara Quest from Miami)
• Thomson UK / Marella Cruises (ship Marella Dream ) 7-day, leaving roundtrip from Jamaica (Montego Bay) to Havana
• Ponant Cruises (superyacht Le Ponant , leaving from Miami Florida)
• Pearl Seas Cruises (ship Pearl Mist , leaving from Fort Lauderdale Florida)
• Lindblad Expeditions (chartered sailing ship MS Panorama II, leaving from Havana)
• Celestyal Cruises (ship Celestyal Crystal , leaving from Havana and Montego Bay Jamaica)
• International Expeditions (leaving from Havana, charter flights out of Miami)
• Victory Cruise Lines - MS Victory I - fly-cruises from Miami to Havana (home-port Cienfuegos /departures)

Note: According to the current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country (including on cruise ships). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuban-born Americans were denied booking on cruise itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, the situation changed in April 2016, after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government for allowing ships with Cuban-born passengers, as such US citizens are allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line started Miami to Cuba cruises in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA). An 80-min ling JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only.

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Towers of the Virgin, Zion Canyon

Zion narrows, double arch, arches national park.

• Bryce Canyon National Park

Horseshoe Bend

Grand canyon viewpoint, grand circle experience.

Spend 12 magical days exploring cascading petrified sand dunes, vibrant pine forests, and sunset-red deserts in 7 national parks of the Southwest. Join a small group of no more than 14 guests and a private guide on this 12-day luxury adventure. The Grand Circle of the Southwest National Parks with its hiking, scenic viewpoints, local eateries, hidden gems, and other fantastic experiences await you!

Tour Highlights:

• Zion National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim
• Vermillion Cliffs National Monument
• Lake Powell & Glen Canyon Dam
• Float trip down the Colorado River
• Antelope Canyon (slot canyon tour)
• Tour of Monument Valley
• Four Corners Monument
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Train trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Million Dollar Highway over Red Mountain Pass
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Goblin Valley State Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument
• Scenic Highway 12, All-American Road

Inclusions:

• Services of a Southwest Adventure Tours tour director – a professional tour guide
• Comfortable transportation in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van
• 11 nights hotel accommodations at 3-star hotels
• 11 breakfasts
• Navajo Canyon Cruise
• Durango Silverton Railroad Experience
• Monument Valley Tour
• Antelope Canyon tour
• Park Entrance Fees
• Applicable Taxes and Fees

Daily Breakdown:

• Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas
• Day 2: Zion National Park
• Day 3: Grand Canyon North Rim, Vermillion Cliffs, Lake Powell
• Day 4: Colorado River float trip, Antelope Canyon
• Day 5: Monument Valley, Four Corners
• Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park, Durango
• Day 7: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad trip, Million Dollar Hwy, Ouray
• Day 8: Arches National Park, Moab
• Day 9: Canyonlands National Park, Goblin Valley State Park
• Day 10: Capital Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, Hwy 12
• Day 11: Bryce Canyon National Park, return to Las Vegas

Visual Itinerary Video:

Coming soon

Guest Video

Interested in learning more about the Grand Circle Experience? Watch this video that was created by one of our guests that led a tour.

Arrive anytime today at McCarran (now Harry Reid) International Airport and transfer to your lodging for the night. The hotel does offer a hotel shuttle, you can call for pick-up once you land in Las Vegas. Enjoy your evening in Las Vegas, NV.

You will receive a call from your guide today, if you haven’t heard from them by 4 pm, please call.

2024 Tours: Courtyard Marriott Las Vegas/Henderson​

2025 Tours: DoubleTree Las Vegas

Your journey begins this morning as you meet your guide to depart for Zion National Park . Here, you will explore sites like the Great White Throne, Emerald Pools, Scouts Lookout , the Court of the Patriarchs , and the Narrows . Enjoy a welcome dinner with your group this evening.  (B,L, D)

2024 Tours: Hotel DeNovo, Springdale, UT

2025 Tours: The Lodge at Zion Country, Springdale, UT

Your morning starts with breakfast and a drive up the Zion switchbacks to see a wild world of swirling sandstone, then out through the east entrance. You pass through Kanab, Utah , marveling at yet more fantastic rock formations along the way. Up you go up to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and visit viewpoints around the North Rim Lodge including Bright Angel Point and other areas. After lunch you will continue your journey to Page, Arizona by crossing the Navajo Bridge spanning the Colorado River , passing by the enormous Vermilion Cliffs , so named for their brilliantly crimson striations of sedimentary rock. There will also be a stop at the Navajo Bridge and Colorado River. Our lodging for the next two nights is on the shores of Lake Powell .

Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell​, Page, AZ (B, L)

There's no better way to see the best of what the Colorado River and Lake Powell has to offer, while learning about its history and geology than stepping aboard a guided boat tour of Navajo Canyon . Avoid the land-tour crowds, bask in the Navajo Sandstone’s orange glow, and experience wonders only the water provides as you glide deeper and deeper into the world’s most famous and beautiful slot canyons.  The highlight is the beautiful Navajo Tapestry-laden walls of Navajo Canyon and learning about the Navajo People who have inhabited this land for centuries.    Once finished on water, experience the undulating sandstone-sculpted walls of Antelope Canyon . The lighting and beautiful flow of the walls make this an experience to remember. This will be the highlight of the afternoon! Enjoy the evening at the Red Heritage Experience in Page, Arizona. Red Heritage is a Native American Dinner Theater in Page, Arizona showcasing local dancers talented in colorful powwow dancing, flute playing, and live drum music. You will have an evening of culturally inspired food and an unforgettable show!

Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell​, Page, AZ (B,D)

Today you will head to Kayenta, Arizona , for a brief stop before entering Monument Valley in an open-air truck. Admire the gigantic formations up close or towering along the horizon. You'll also visit filming spots for classic Western movies and lesser-frequented outcroppings in the backcountry. After lunch, you will have some time to explore the historic Gouldings Lodge before continuing to Bluff, UT. Stops will be made at Sand Island Petroglyph Panel and Historic Fort Bluff to learn about the early settlers of the region before enjoying your evening in this quaint town.

Desert Rose Inn , Bluff, UT (B, L)

Start your day with breakfast before traveling to Four-Corners Monument where you will stop to shop and snap a shot at the famous spot where the borders of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah all meet.

Travel into Colorado to Mesa Verde National Park . Here, you'll explore and experience the dramatic ruins of ancient Pueblo cliff houses, built into shallow caves and under rock overhangs. You will also stop at viewpoints and a museum along the mesa top before heading to the San Juan Mountains for Durango. This frontier town offers plenty of restaurants and shopping — just the place to enjoy your free evening.

Holiday Inn & Suites , Durango, CO (B, L)

Score a true frontier experience with a steam engine train ride on the Durango and Silverton Railroad , an impressive track built in 1881 that snakes along the canyons of the Animas River Valley . It'll be lunchtime when you arrive in Silverton, and the Shady Lady, Bent Elbow, and Natalie's--all former bordello and current restaurants--will be happy to accommodate you. Then, trek the twisting turns of the Million Dollar Highway , stopping in Ouray for some shopping before the final leg to Moab. (If traveling from March 1 to May 1, the train ride will be only up to Cascade Canyon.)

Lodging – Hyatt Place, Moab, UT (B)

Spend the day exploring Arches National Park and its 2,000 natural sandstone arches, up to 50 of which you'll experience firsthand as you hike to the Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Devil's Garden, and Courthouse Towers . Returning to the hotel, you'll have the afternoon free before an early dinner at a local restaurant, giving you plenty of time to head over to Dead Horse Point for a beautiful sunset overlooking the Colorado River.

Lodging – Hyatt Place, Moab, UT (B, L, D)

Today, you're treated to another scenic drive into Canyonlands National Park to see and experience the majestic Mesa Arch in the morning. This is the best time to photograph this formation. You will then enjoy the San Rafael Swell on the way to Capitol Reef National Park , where you'll hike up to Hickman Bridge , enjoy the Grand Wash , and look for Geodes and other activities within this fantastic park. Dinner and an enjoyable evening will be experienced at one of the local hotels in this area.

Lodging – Broken Spur Inn, Torrey, UT (B, L)

After a morning exploring Capitol Reef National Park, you will journey down Highway 12 , known as the All-American Road for its iconic vistas, and also the deep canyons that have been carved through the landscape before arriving at Bryce Canyon National Park , a Utah treasure filled with unearthly archways and rose-colored hoodoos. You'll spend the evening hiking the stunning canyon, relaxing, and dining on your own in Bryce Canyon.

Lodging – Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Bryce Canyon, UT (B, L)

Your last day in the Southwest's fantastic landscape starts with a stellar sendoff of early morning sun lighting up pink cliffs during an unforgettable sunrise in Bryce Canyon . After hiking and exploring more of the canyon, you'll head back to Las Vegas, stopping for a few final views of Zion National Park from the Kolob Canyons and lunch at a local joint in Cedar City, Utah . After lunch begin your return drive to Las Vegas through the historic town of St George, UT .  Hotel drop off by 6:00 pm PST.  Thank you for traveling with us!

Lodging – DoubleTree Las Vegas , Las Vegas, NV (B, L)

Transfer to the Las Vegas Airport by hotel shuttle on your own for your departure flight home.

Tour Details:

Not included.

• Items of a personal nature, such as alcohol, room service, etc.)
• Any meals not listed
• Optional activities
• Gratuities for the tour director driver, local guides, and outfitters

Arrival / Departure Information

• Arrival Location: McCarran (now Harry Reid) International Airport (LAS)
• Arrival Time: Any time on Day 1
• Departure Location: McCarran (now Harry Reid) International Airport (LAS)
• Departure Time: Any time on Day 12

Physical Requirements

Clients should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for an average of 1 to 3 miles at a time. Elevation gain and loss averages between 50 to 300 ft throughout the areas visited during this tour. Touring and overnight locations are above 6000 to 8000 ft above sea level

Southwest Adventure Tours is an authorized permittee of the following parks:

• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

2024 Pricing:

• $4,899.00 Per Person Double Occupancy
• $5,499.00 Per person Single Occupancy
• $4,599.00 Per person Triple Occupancy
• $4,399.00 Per person Quad Occupancy

2025 Pricing:

• $5,399.00 Per Person Double Occupancy
• $5,899.00 Per person Single Occupancy
• $4,899.00 Per person Triple Occupancy
• $4,599.00 Per person Quad Occupancy

2024 Departure Dates:

• September 15, 2024    AVAILABLE
• September 29, 2024    SOLD OUT
• October 13, 2024    AVAILABLE

2025 Departure Dates:

• May 13, 2025
• June 1, 2025
• June 15, 2025
• July 13, 2025
• August 10, 2025
• August 31, 2025
• September 14, 2025
• September 28, 2025
• October 12, 2025

Similar Tours:

Mighty 5 utah from las vegas, mighty 5 utah from salt lake city, arizona adventure, from the blog, your guide to fall colors in the southwest, canyons of the escalante: a geological and hiking odyssey, zion entrance project, meet our guide haydee schabelski.

Scenic Tours of Utah

10 day grand circle national parks tour.

rated #2 on

Experience Overview

10 grand circle national park tour.

Our most popular tour since 1998,  the tour provides an excellent opportunity to experience up close and personal seven National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, and the Grand Canyon), plus Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon. The tour involves driving through 1,900 miles of beautiful mountains, deserts, and mountain valleys, and includes two of America’s most scenic highways.

This ten-night, ten-day tour includes 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. The tour is loaded with activities that complement the beautiful national parks we visit. Key activities include Four-hour Narrow-Gauge Railroad ride from Durango to Silverton, Colorado;  Navajo-led Monument Valley back-country tour; Navajo-led Antelope Canyon tour; and a sunset Hummer tour.  Our tour includes many more activities than most tours visiting Southern Utah.

We look forward to touring with you,

Areas Visited

We begin and end the tour in Las Vegas and visit the states of Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. We pass through three Native American reservations as well. Our guides are the best in the area. They usually are natives of Southern Utah and have a lifetime of stories and insights to draw upon. There is no substitute for experience. They provide a comprehensive overview of the history, geology, plant life, and culture of the West.

Our guides are the best in the area. They usually are natives of Southern Utah and have a lifetime of stories and insights to draw upon. There is no substitute for experience. They provide a comprehensive overview of the history, geology, plant life, and culture of the West.

The Itinerary

We limit our group size to 10 passengers to ensure a personalized and uncrowded experience. Our comfortable, modified raised roof vans, designed to accommodate 15 passengers, are not filled to capacity.

Our tours include activities or points of interest that are not included in many other tours. We strive to provide variety and fresh experiences.

Why choose us:.

First class feel

Customized tours

Local guides

Las Vegas, and St George

(This is the day before the tour start date.) After you arrive in Las Vegas and collect your luggage, you will connect with a shuttle which will then transport you to St George, UT for your overnight stay. Get settled in, enjoy the beauty of the city of St George. There are several restaurants in the nearby area including an excellent one located at the hotel.

Get Settled In

Enjoy the beauty of St. George city

Zion National Park

After breakfast, we depart St George for Zion National Park. Zion is one of nature’s greatest wonders. Gigantic red and white rock monoliths tower around you like a skyscraper city of stone, concealing pockets of abundant flora and fauna. See the Great White Throne, Angel’s Landing, the Court of the Patriarchs, and the Narrows where the Virgin River has carved out a narrow canyon with 2,000-foot cliffs on each side.

After checking into our hotel in nearby Springdale, there is a welcome and get-acquainted dinner for all to attend.

Gigantic red and white rock monoliths

Great White Throne

Grand Canyon

After breakfast, we drive from the depths of the canyon up the switchbacks and climb 3,000 feet in just three miles to the Zion Tunnel. Once through this mile-long tunnel, we emerge into a fascinating world of rock and sand formations that extend on each side of us. We like to stop at Checkerboard Mesa for pictures. From there, we depart for the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

This drive is truly amazing. The North Rim is a thousand feet higher than the more popular South Rim, is less crowded and, for many of us, more beautiful.

Words cannot describe, and pictures cannot capture the impressive spectacle of this majestic site. The Grand Canyon has always been known as one of the seven wonders of the world, and we can’t agree more. We visit the most spectacular sites, pausing to get out, walk along the rim and enjoy the beauty of the place. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at one of the sites overlooking the Canyon.

Afterward, we visit the North Rim Lodge. One of our favorite things to do is to sit back on one of the rocking chairs in the Lodge’s indoor and outdoor sun porches and take in the grandeur of all that surrounds us. A gift shop is located nearby for those who want to purchase souvenirs. From there, we continue to Page, Arizona, for dinner and lodging.

Checkerboard Mesa

North Rim of Grand Canyon

Picnic at rim of Gran Canyon

Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Page, Arizona

In the morning we will make a visit to Horseshoe Bend One of the most iconic views of the Colorado River. Here we will take a short hike out to the viewpoint and enjoy the sites.

We will then make a visit to the Grand Staircase Escalante Paleontology Visitor Center where we will see some of the amazing research and finds in the surrounding area, before returning to town for Lunch. That afternoon, we are taken to nearby Antelope Canyon for a guided tour by local Navajos. Indeed, this is one of the most beautiful slot canyons in all of America and a morning experience that our guests will be discussing for a very long time.

If time permits, we also take a tour of the Glen Canyon Dam, the dam on the Colorado River that created Lake Powell, the second- largest reservoir in the United States.

Dinner and lodging are in Page, Arizona.

Horseshoe Bend

Witness other-worldly Antelope Canyon

Majestic Lake Powell

Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley

After breakfast, we like to walk out to Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado.

After we return to our vehicle, we drive to Kayenta, Arizona, and then enter Monument Valley, made famous in movies and commercials. Once we arrive, Navajo guides will escort us into this beautiful and historic valley in modified pickups. (The road is bumpy, and there is some jostling around, so those with bad backs or other physical restrictions, please let us know before participating in this activity.)

The guides will show us many of the more famous landmarks, as well as where John Ford and John Wayne made many of their well-known movies like “Stagecoach” and “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.” They also take us into the seldom-visited backcountry for a look at some fantastic rock formations.

We continue to Bluff, Utah, for dinner and lodging.

Photograph beautiful Horseshoe Bend

Be amazed at Monument Valley

Navajo guided tour of Monument Valley

Four Corners and Mesa Verde National Park

After breakfast, we continue our drive through the Navajo Indian Reservation, stopping briefly at the famous “Four Corners” Visit Mesa Verde landmark. Here, four states (Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico) come together in one place (no similar situation exists anywhere else in the USA). At this site, one can literally put our hands and feet in four different states at once. Local vendors selling many kinds of native handicrafts and jewelry are located nearby.

As we head into Colorado, we pass through the Ute Indian Reservation and soon find ourselves in Mesa Verde National Park the world famous Anasazi “Cliff Dwellings”. For those who are physically able, we tour Cliff Palace. This is one of the largest and best ruins in the park. We take a driving tour and see several of the best-preserved ruins.

We also stop at the museum, which has a wonderful array of ancient crafts, pottery, etc. of the Anasazi. Later that afternoon, we make our way to Durango, Colorado. After checking into our hotel, you are free to enjoy the many restaurants and shops located nearby.

Anasazi Cliff Dwellings

Tour Cliff Palace

Famous "Four Corner"

Colorado Rockies and the Durango and Silverton Railroad

After breakfast, we take the morning Durango and Silverton Railroad to Silverton, Colorado. Built-in 1895 to carry gold and passengers, this old-time steam engine and railroad experience offers a fun and scenic view of the San Juan Mountains, the Animas River, and is a tremendously enjoyable experience.

Once the train arrives in Silverton, we will have lunch in one of the local restaurants.

After lunch, we continue our adventure by driving over one of the most beautiful mountain highways in America, the “Million Dollar Highway”. You will love the stunning views that are offered and become very aware of the scary drop-offs located near the road. This highway is always in the top ten roads to see in the USA. Some call this part of Colorado “little Switzerland” as there are a number of 14,000-foot mountains in the area that offer some of the best mountain scenery in all of Colorado.

We stop in Ouray, a quaint old mining town, for ice cream. We then begin our drive to Moab, Utah, and check into our hotel in the late afternoon. The hotel is next to restaurants. Dinner is on your own.

Silverton railroad ride

See Million Dollar Highway

Visit Ouray mining town for ice cream

Moab, Arches National Park, and Dead Horse Point

We begin the day in nearby Arches National Park where we walk to see some of the best large and small arches in one of Utah’s most famous national parks.

Later, we drive to Dead Horse Point State Park for a spectacular overlook of the Colorado River, one of our favorite places to visit in the whole Southwest. From there, we tour the “Island in the Sky” section of Canyonlands National Park. Then, return to Moab in the late afternoon for a sunset Hummer tour!

Visit Arches National Park

Island in the Sky

Dead Horse State Park

Capital Reef National Park

In the morning, we will leave Moab and make our way to Capital Reef National Park. The drive will take us through several unusual formations including ancient sea bottoms and petrified deserts. We will be stopping briefly to see the Fremont Indian petroglyph site inside the park and then on to the Visitors’ Center. Afterward we will take the scenic drive to view the park. A stop at the Gifford House for pie or a cinnamon roll and then rest under the giant cottonwood trees. There are a few hiking options here and your guide will select an appropriate hike for the group.

After we have finished in Capitol Reef we will make our way to the town of Torrey UT, 5 miles away for Dinner and lodging.

Sea Bottoms and Petrified Desserts

Fremont Indian Petroglyph site

Highway 12, Grand Staricase-Escalante National Monument and Bryce

After breakfast we will make our way over the Famous Highway 12 viewing some of the most beautiful and expansive vistas we have seen to this point. As we travel, we will pass by red rock cliffs, climb our way into the high mountain pine and aspen forests, descend again into petrified sand dunes and finally make our way to the towering hoodoos of Bryce Canyon.We will arrive in Bryce in the early afternoon. This will allow time to visit several of the beautiful lookouts and possibly a two-hour walk down into the beautiful hoodoos from Sunrise to Sunset Point. Anyone else who doesn’t take the hike can take the scenic walk along the rim. Some say this is the most beautiful walk they have ever taken.

Overnight in Bryce.

Famous Highway 12

Bryce Canyon hoodooes and lookout

Sunrise at Sunset Point

Bryce Canyon and Return To Las Vegas

For those who want to get up early and see the sunrise at Bryce, you are in for a real treat. The early morning sun lights up the pink cliffs and hoodoos and offers a stunning visual experience.

We will then return to our hotel to have breakfast and pack our things for the final leg of our trip to Las Vegas.

We will take the scenic Cedar Mountain route, which offers a great view of Zion National Park from a distance, as well as several high alpine meadows. We will take a brief lunch stop in St. George, Utah. From there we travel the last few miles to Las Vegas, generally arriving around 5:00 pm.

Scenic drive back through Cedar Mountain

Views of Zion National Park

Stunning Mountain Meadows

Popular Sights/Events

Double arch - arches.

The River Walk - Zion

Sunrise in Bryce Canyon

10 day grand circle tour national park tour.

The Grand Circle Tour is one of our best and most expansive tours of the south national parks.

• Double Occupancy
• Single Occupancy
• Triple Occupancy
• Quadruple Occupancy
• Professional and Expert Guides
• Guided Hiking Throughout Your Tour
• Maximum of 10 Guests Per Guide and Vehicle
• All National and State Park Entry Fees
• Two Dinners, 1 Lunch, 10 Breakfasts and Associated Tips*
• 10 Nights of Lodging (3-Star or Better Lodging)
• All activities including; Train in Colorado, Tour of Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley, and the sunset Hummer tour
• Ground Transportation Starting and Ending in Las Vegas
• Guided Hiking throughout the Tour
• Snacks and Water Provided on the Vehicle

*Does not include gratuity for your tour guide.

• Alcohol, room service or items of a personal nature
• Any meals not listed
• Activities not included above
• Gratuity for your tour guide or the activity guides.
• Guests need to be able to walk on uneven terrain for a minimum of 2 miles at a time with a daily average of 3-5 miles of walking/hiking.    Elevation gains range between 50 ft (15 m) and 300 ft (90 m) over the course of the hikes.
• Must be able to board and deboard van at each viewpoint.    A step or step stool will be available at each location.
• Elevations on the tour will range between 1,500 ft (460 m) and 10,000 ft (3,050 m) with sleeping accommodations as high as 7,000 ft (2130 m).
• Please let us know if you have any physical/health limitations or other requirements.  Private tours can be customized to guests’ abilities.

Arrival Day

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Sunset Hummer Tour

Schedule Availability

Sept 10 - 21

Set 24 - Oct 5

Oct 15 - 26

May 13-24 - 2025

May 27-June 7

Sept 23-Oct 4

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Deposit: A deposit of 25% of the total tour cost is due upon booking. The remaining balance of 75% is due 60 days prior to departure. Tours booked 60 days or less prior to departure require full payment at the time of booking. Any bookings made 45 days or less prior to departure are subject to confirmation of hotel availability and require full payment by credit card or debit card at the time of booking.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made more than 61 days prior to the tour departure will receive a refund, less 10% of the total tour cost. Cancellations made between 60 and 46 days prior to the tour departure are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations made by the client 45 days or less prior to the tour departure are not eligible for a refund. Cancellations due to COVID-19 concerns will be subject to the same policy as any other cancellation.

Travel insurance: We do not offer travel insurance, which typically covers situations such as missing part or all of the tour due to health reasons, family emergencies, flight delays, or lost luggage. However, we strongly recommend that you obtain such insurance independently. Please note that in the event of a cancellation, we will strictly enforce the cancellation policy as detailed above.

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Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour – South Shore, Waimea Valley & Dole Plantation

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Embark on our highly acclaimed Grand Circle Island Tour of Oahu for an immersive and enlightening exploration of the entire island in just one day. Spanning 120 miles, this captivating excursion covers the must-see attractions of Hawai’i’s most frequented island. Your experienced driver guide will fetch you from Waikiki in a deluxe tour vehicle, providing insightful commentary on Oahu’s natural and cultural landmarks. Traverse the South Shore with panoramic Pacific Ocean vistas, cruise along the windward coastline framed by the majestic Ko’olau Mountain Range, and venture to the renowned North Shore, where powerful waves crash onto pristine white sandy beaches. Concluding back in Honolulu, this unique tour ensures you absorb the island’s diverse beauty and highlights. Discover Oahu like never before with our exceptional Grand Circle Island Tour.

• Fascinating live narration by professional driver guide
• Exclusive Kahala Avenue drive through “Hawai’i’s Beverly Hills”
• Halona Blowhole (pending available parking)
• Nu’uanu Pali Lookout scenic vista towering 1,200 feet over Windward Oahu
• Byodo-In Temple in Valley of the Temples, gorgeous grounds and remarkable architecture
• Mokoli’i island offshore near Kualoa
• Waimea Valley and waterfall swim (weather permitting)
• Lunch on own
• North Shore world famous surfing beaches of Sunset, Waimea Bay, and others
• Stop at rustic, historic Haleiwa Town
• Coffee and pineapple farms of Central Oahu
• Brief stop at Dole Plantation where you’ll learn of Hawai’i’s pineapple history

Tour Highlights:

• Exclusive Kahala Avenue is known as “Hawai’i’s Beverly Hills”, and you’ll view the stunning multi-million-dollar properties in this affluent community while we travel toward the South Shore sea cliffs area.
• Halona Blowhole acts like an ocean-driver geyser as the ocean breezes push waves into the cave below and a hole in the rock formation shoots sea spray jets high into the air. Accessibility to the overlook is dependent upon parking congestion situation at this popular stop. 
• Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is the location of the 1795 battle in which King Kamehameha I victoriously united Oahu under his rule. The epic battle claimed the lives of hundreds of warriors forced over the Pali’s sheer cliffs. At 1,200 feet above the green and blue views of Windward Oahu, the Pali Lookout is one of Oahu’s most breathtaking scenic points.
• Byodo-In Temple  is a stunning replica of a temple in Uji, Japan, Byodo-In. It is nestled in the Valley of the Temples on the slopes of the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Byodo-In commemorates the first Japanese immigrants in Hawai’i and was constructed entirely without nails. Its beautiful peacocks and hundreds of Japanese Koi contribute to one of the most peaceful and picturesque locations on the island. 
• Waimea Valley , is an area steeped in historic, cultural and spiritual significance.  Located on the North Shore of Oahu it is a place you won’t soon forget.  Soak in the magic of the valley and be in the quiet of nature surrounded by beautiful flowers, rare plants, cultural sites, and a delightful waterfall for swimming (weather-permitting). 
• Mokoli’i or “little lizard” in Hawaiian, an islet sits offshore in Kaneohe Bay. Mokoli’i will be viewed near Kualoa as your tour vehicle winds its way along the scenic coastline.
• North Shore  Surfing Breaks , including world famous Sunset, Waimea Bay, and others, are viewed from your tour vehicle as it crosses the island’s big wave territory. The region is known for its fabulously large wintertime waves and international surfing competitions.
• Historic Haleiwa Town , with its preserved old plantation character and surf town image, makes its shops and restaurants popular among visitors and Oahu residents. It’s the gateway to the North Shore for those arriving from Honolulu and is the area’s largest commercial center.
• Dole Plantation  is “Hawai’i’s Complete Pineapple Experience.” Learn, see, and taste the fruit that is part of the island’s heritage and enjoyed throughout the world. Walk through Dole’s country store where delicious ice-cold Dole Whip treats are available. The quintessential brief and final stop before heading back to Waikiki.

Departure & Return Location

• Round-trip hotel transportation is included from convenient Waikiki locations. 
• If your hotel or the place you are staying is not listed, we will pick you up at the closest location.
• 24 hours prior to your tour, please re-confirm your pick up time and location by calling 808-833-3000 .

Depart: 7:00 AM    Return: 6:00 PM

Price Includes

• Round-Trip Transportation
• Waimea Valley Admission
• Admission to Byodo-In Temple
• Expert, Live Narration

Additional Info

Pick-up information:.

Complimentary hotel pick up and return provided from designated Waikiki hotels. Enter the name of your hotel at time of reservation. Please call our Reservations Department at 808-833-3000, 24 hours prior to tour to re-confirm your pick up time and place.

Cancellation Policy:

If this tour is canceled with more than 48 hours notice, the total amount is refunded. If the tour is canceled without 48 hours notice, full charges apply. No shows incur full charges. Claims for refunds must be made within thirty days of the date of service. Refunds or partial refunds for tours, activities, flights, or venues that are cancelled due to reasons outside of our control (weather, force majeure, etc.) as well as refunds for extenuating circumstances will not be honored.

Additional Information

Water levels permitting you can swim at Waimea Falls. Lifejackets are available for rental.

11 Around-The-World Cruises For An Epic Getaway

"Sailing around the world" sounds so romantic, doesn't it? You're sailing to remote islands with like-minded people while chasing sunsets on a distant horizon. Sure, you can just board a plane to, say, New Zealand, but there's something so pure and patient about maritime journeys. Cruises are like floating resorts, which ease their way over the waves. It's the definition of "slow travel." 

Amazingly, in the modern world of jet-setting travel, round-the-world cruises do exist. Voyagers visit dozens of ports over the course of their odyssey, each with its own landscape, climate, and personality. There are lots of ways travelers can experience "the trip of a lifetime," but this kind of circumnavigation outmatches just about all of them -- and in style. However, there are a few things to consider before investigating such cruises. First, what does it actually mean to sail "around the world?"

Many companies use this phrase — and sail thousands of nautical miles — but only around a single ocean or hemisphere. Even when ships do sail a distance equivalent to the equator (or more), they rarely return to their precise port of origin. Also, these epic  cruise vacations can be pricey ; the kind of dream that merits cashing in a 401K, and the time commitment is also substantial, meaning months on the water. But for diehard cruisers, crisscrossing the planet could easily be worth the time and money, and if this sounds like you, these 11 cruise lines are scheduled to sail around the world.

Read more: The Prettiest Waters Around The World

Viking: World Cruise

For 138 days, passengers frog-hop through the Caribbean, pass through the Panama Canal, make their way to the islands of Polynesia, and skirt Australia, Asia, and Europe before finally dropping their anchor in London. On Viking's World Cruise, you can step ashore in 28 different nations and pick from 57 guided tours. Viking has been a prolific, respected cruise line since its founding in 1997, and this three-quarter circumnavigation sets sail in December 2024, so there's still time to book.

Ships are equipped with spas, luxury dining options, and cabin beds that can be separated or combined, among many other touches. Long before stepping aboard, the Viking website has a virtual 360-degree tour, acquainting future travelers with the ship's staterooms. Viking has thoughtfully put together a reading list to help travelers get a deeper understanding of the countries they will visit, which is especially helpful in little-understood destinations like Moorea and Indonesia. The ship also has a sizable library onboard for further research. This, plus its sophisticated tours and dining options that reflect the culture of each port, may explain Viking's moniker, "the thinking person's cruise." Quality does come at a price, with full passage starting at $59,995.

Ambassador: Grand Round The World Cruise

The Ambiance sets off from London, crosses the Atlantic, passes through Panama, and hits Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America before pinging back to the United Kingdom. Not only do you cross all the major oceans, but you actually cross the Atlantic three times. Most of these destinations are warm-weather ports, including Sydney at the height of summer. Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are recommended on this largely equatorial route.

Ambassador is new to the cruise scene, having been established in the United Kingdom in 2021, and Ambiance is its flagship vessel. Passengers will spend their 120-night voyage in extreme comfort, traveling to 24 countries and 34 ports of call, with top-notch dining, live entertainment, and about 35,000 nautical miles in between. If you can live without a porthole, opting for an  inside cabin on the cruise , then passage starts at the budget-friendly price of $8,500 per person, making this Ambassador cruise one of the most economical on this list. You can also add on drink packages and arrange tours in advance or onboard through an agent or the Ambassador app. You can also explore the ship before you travel, thanks to a 360-degree virtual tour. The 2024 voyage sets sail on June 6.

Regent: World Cruise

The 2026 Regent World Cruise starts in Miami and ends in Miami, which makes it convenient to coordinate, especially if you're already based in the United States. Regent Seven Seas Cruises was founded in 1992 and is a respected brand in the industry.

The ship, the Seven Seas Mariner, also lives up to its name with a formidable 154-night itinerary: the Panama Canal, points along Central America, a dozen Pacific islands, Australia, South Asia, East Africa, and two Atlantic islands before returning to Florida. The Mariner arrives in many well-trod ports like Cape Town and Acapulco, but the route also includes locations that most travelers would have trouble pinpointing on a map: Lautoka, Abidjan, and Male are all names cruisers will become familiar with. To really explore these places, Regent organizes a whopping 431 free shore excursions across six continents, 77 ports, and 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sailing nearly 40,000 nautical miles with world-class spas, dining, and entertainment aboard doesn't come cheap. While you'll need to contact Regent to request specific prices, passengers can expect to pay nearly $100,000 for passage. Regent's World Cruise is considered a luxury-level experience with first-class airfare, gratuities, and 24-hour room service included. If this is your tax bracket, just wait until you see the suites.

Royal Caribbean: Ultimate World Cruise

Royal Caribbean has been taking tourists to far-flung destinations since the late 1960s, and it's now one of the most recognizable cruise companies in the world, so naturally Royal Caribbean would host a round-the-world voyage. But even for seasoned travelers, the Ultimate World Cruise is pretty, well, ultimate. Royal Caribbean's world cruise lasts 274 nights and arrives in no fewer than 60 countries. In other words, you'll spend nine months at sea and personally visit more than a quarter of the sovereign nations on Earth. The saga starts and ends in Miami, where the Royal Caribbean is headquartered, which should make arrangements easy.

The biggest bragging right of all: This cruise touches on every single continent, including Elephant Island and Paradise Bay in Antarctica. You'll find yourself in both Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, plus ports you've never even heard of. That said, unless your soul is fueled by pure wanderlust, this itinerary may sound like a lot of cruising, which may explain why Royal Caribbean has divided the journey into four segments. Cruisers don't have to commit to the entire itinerary; they can easily pick from the quarter that most interests them. 

By the time you read this, a segment may be the only option left, as the next Ultimate World Cruise departs in December of 2023. The segments are significantly more affordable as well. An interior stateroom for the full cruise costs at least $60,000 per person, while a segment starts at $12,500.

Cunard: Full World Voyage

When the Queen Mary 2 departs from New York City on January 3, 2024, it won't return to this same harbor for 123 nights. The itinerary isn't exactly "around the world," but rather a crossing of the Eastern Hemisphere — twice. Passengers traverse the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, then ease their way down the eastern coast of Africa before beelining for Australia. The ship boomerangs back, with many stops in Asia, a shortcut through the Suez Canal, and a tour of the Mediterranean before heading back to the U.S.

The voyage comes at the heels of Cunard's 100th anniversary, making it the second-oldest company on the list. The Queen Mary 2 has been Cunard's flagship vessel since 2004, and the company has mastered hospitality over the past century, with exceptional dining, luxury suites, and Broadway-quality performances by the Royal Court Theatre. Cunard also takes pride in its children's facilities, encouraging families to travel together, as well as the great English tradition of afternoon tea. Most of the budget cabins on the Queen Mary 2 were already booked at the time of this writing, but cabins with balconies are still available, starting at the not-ludicrous price of $16,899 per person. 

Oceania: Around The World In 180 Days

When Junes Verne wrote his novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," his Victorian goal was to travel as quickly as possible. Oceania is now advertising the opposite: This journey takes passengers the long way from Los Angeles to New York City, across the Pacific, around Australia, along the coasts of East Asia, and then up through the Middle East, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and even Greenland. The itinerary doesn't spend much time in the "global south," so you'll have to visit Africa and South America another time.

The Miami-based Oceania was founded in 2002 and specializes in long-haul cruises, so they know their system well. This cruise may be especially appealing to foodies. The company takes particular pride in its onboard meals as well as in-country Culinary Discovery Tours. Passengers can also take advantage of The Aquamar Spa & Vitality Center, which can orchestrate a special dietary regimen.

Oceania exudes "small-ship luxury" and caps its total number of passengers at 1,250. Everything about the ship is more intimate than found on its larger cousins, from the live entertainment to the duty-free boutiques. If you like a small-town feel, 180 days should be just enough time to meet all your shipmates. If you can't summon the time or (at least) $47,599 by January 2024, the next ship departs in January 2025.

Princess: 111-Day World Cruise

This Princess cruise is another true circumnavigation, starting in Los Angeles and bearing west until the ship arrives back at its original dock. The 111-day cruise starts on January 18, 2024, and includes all three major oceans, both the Suez and Panama Canals, plus 47 ports along the way. The itinerary is light on Asian and African ports and skips South America altogether, but you can still enjoy visits to Australia, the Middle East, and numerous destinations around Europe.

Princess is a hallowed name in the cruise industry. Not only have its ships been sailing the world since the 1960s, but Princess is still one of the most profitable cruise companies in the world. Passengers can expect onboard enrichment programs, award-winning live performances, and rejuvenating treatments at the Lotus Spa. Each port will also bring its own offerings of special excursions, from river rafting to art tours. 

With its dependable quality of service and nearly four-month itinerary, it's remarkable that base bookings start at only $15,498. Better yet, if you want to circle the globe with the whole family, this Princess itinerary is a family-friendly cruise and offers youth programming, which is not always the case. If you miss this one, no worries. Three more, of varying lengths, are slated for January 2025.

Holland America Line: Grand World Voyage

Fort Lauderdale is the beginning and end point for the Zuiderdam, which spends 128 days making a complete circle around the globe. Holland America's Grand World Voyage is true to its name. Passengers travel across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, making port on five continents. Most of its destinations are clustered around Asia and the Mediterranean, and it skips over Australia. But the Voyage is a rare opportunity to sail up the Amazon River, with visits to inland Brazilian cities most travelers would never think to visit.

Holland America began as a shipping and passenger line in the mid-19th Century, and its history of cruising is nearly as old as the concept. The flagship Zuiderdam is a luxury vessel with a swimming pool and sizable theater. It also boasts several diverse dining areas, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, the Italian-themed Canaletto, and the à la carte Lido Market. There's Billboard Onboard, a special room for trivia nights and karaoke, as well as World Stage, a presentation space with a wraparound LED screen. Bookings start at the more expensive rate of $22,499 for an inside cabin, and the 2024 voyage will set sail on January 3, 2024, but you can expect additional Grand World Voyages to be slated in the coming years.

Azamara: World Voyage

Formerly part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, Azamara is now an independent company taking its own journeys. The 2025 World Voyage begins in San Diego and sails westward, across the Pacific, to Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, before passengers disembark in Barcelona. The World Voyage doesn't quite girdle the globe, stopping just short of the Atlantic Ocean, and the only stop in Africa is Giza. But this 155-night expedition should satisfy almost any traveler, especially with its 40 countries and 22 overnights.

Unlike many world cruises, Azamara has divided its full itinerary into segments with clear geographic themes, such as "South Pacific Jewels" and "Mediterranean Icons." These titles can help turn experiences into coherent narratives. For example, "Ancient Pathways" draws a historic and economic line between Mumbai and Athens, along with all ports in between. These themes are coupled with thoughtful excursions, which are often scheduled around local holidays and festivals. The World Voyage for 2024 appears to be sold out, but the 2025 edition sets sail on January 5. Passage starts at a princely $39,999.

Freighter Cruises

Some of us want to keep it simple. No need for late-night show-stoppers, cocktail parties with hundreds of strangers, or daring bets at the roulette wheel. "Freighter cruises" have gone by many names over the years, such as "banana boats" and "cargo cruises," but passengers have hitched rides on commercial ships since the dawn of seafaring. These accommodations come in many forms, and you do have to share your vessel with stacks of massive shipping containers; still, you can expect a comfortable cabin and regular meals, along with friendly and respectful crewmembers from around the world. For travelers with a Jack London streak, the freighter cruise feels raw and adventurous.

The Freighter Travel Club was founded in 1958, and companies like Maris Freighter Cruises and Voyage en Cargo have booked passengers on commercial vessels for years. Maris has arranged round-the-world itineraries in the past, and multi-week journeys are common, as enormous loads are floated from one nation to the next. The pandemic took its toll on this niche industry, and most of these journeys do not precisely travel around the world. But when they're in operation, freighter cruises usually cost a little over $100 per day, and savvy travelers have flexibility in their bookings.

Miray Cruises: Life At Sea

Sure, cruising is fun, but what if you want to turn your ship into a semi-permanent address? Life at Sea Cruises promises three years of luxury seafaring, with stops in 140 countries across all seven continents. By the time you're done with these 382 ports, you'll have more photos to sort through and stories to share than most people will amass in a lifetime.

That sounds life-changing, but we'll have to see whether it's too good to be true. Life at Sea is a brand-new enterprise from Miray Cruises, and the maiden voyage has been fraught with delays. However, at the time of this writing, Life at Sea should get underway by the end of 2023, and most full-voyage passengers should already be sailing by 2024. If all goes well, there are four scheduled embarkation options for travelers who want to hop aboard later on, and more will likely be scheduled.

One of the problems has been the ship itself. For a while, the purchase of the ship was in limbo, pushing back the original sail date. However, the MV Lara now seems ready to sail. The medium-sized vessel has space for 1,266 passengers, with a range of cozy cabins, a wellness center, and a pool deck, among many other amenities. Travelers committed to living at sea for three years should get a lot out of their floating home. Life at Sea is a dreamy concept, so let's hope for calm waters once it finally sets sail. 

Read the original article on Explore .

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises: Voyaging NYC With Grand Views

Learn everything about Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises , their incredible boat tour itineraries, NYC landmarks covered, ticketing, discounts, and onboard facilities.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is a highly acclaimed boat-based tour company in NYC. It provides holistic cruise line tours with guided sightseeing, onboard entertainment, events, and sumptuous food/beverages. Since 1945 , they have ferried over 80 million locals and tourists across New York waters , with mesmerizing views of the Statue of Liberty , the Empire State Building , the Brooklyn Bridge, and so on. Their boats are also available for private parties, field trips, and group activities. 

Background on Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

New York Cruise Lines owns Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. The 79-year-old company also owns the New York Water Taxi, La Barca Cantina, a floating Mexican restaurant, and the Beast Speedboat Ride. Circle Line’s current fleet includes state-of-the-art vessels named after NYC’s five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island) and one named after Lady Liberty.

The New York Historical Society has developed tour guide narrations for all Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises . Furthermore, all their guides are certified professionals with extensive experience. The company has developed a tour translation app in Spanish, Italian, French, German, Portuguese, and Mandarin for tourists to enjoy audio tours in their native language. 

Where is Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and how do you get there?

Except for the two cruises mentioned below, all Circle Line Sightseeing boat tours depart from Pier 83 , West 42 nd Street, and 12 th Avenue in Midtown West, Manhattan.

• The nearest subway stations are Times Square 42 nd Street, 5 th Avenue 42 nd Street, and 42 nd Street Grand Central .
• Pier 83 is 1 mile away from 42 nd Street. You can walk or take the M42 bus directly to the pier.

The departure points for the ‘Liberty Super Express ’ and ‘ Statue at Sunset’ tours are from Pier 16 , South Street Seaport. The nearest train station and bus stops are at Fulton Street, both within 10 minutes walking of Pier 16. 

What can you expect when you visit Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises?

Always double-check since two cruises depart from Pier 16 and all others from Pier 83. Reach the correct departure point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. E-tickets on your mobile are accepted. Purchasing tickets online will allow you to skip the box office line and head to security directly.

Smoking is prohibited on all regular Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. On seasonal/festive cruises, there can be designated smoking zones that you can enquire about at the box office. Pets are strictly not allowed on these tours. Also, food and beverages from outside are not allowed. You can purchase beer , cocktails , wine , non-alcoholic drinks , ice cream , snacks , and light meals onboard.

Apart from the temperature-controlled indoor seats , there are comfortable outdoor seats and plenty of deck space for photo ops. With free Wi-Fi , you can stay connected and live-stream your experience. The 2.5 hours-long ‘ Best of NYC Cruise ’  is the only guided boat tour in NYC that completely circles Manhattan. Cruising under 20 bridges and viewing over 130 iconic NYC landmarks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are short on time, take the ‘ Landmarks- Half Island ’ boat tour for 1.5 hours. 

Don’t miss the splendid sunset cruises like ‘The Beast Speedboat Ride ’ and , ‘New York City Landmarks Circle Line Cruise,’ and more!

What else can you do when you visit Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises?

• Watch out for their DJ Events Calendar to attend fabulous boat parties.
• Book a private boat for a party or event. The package is for groups of 75+ and includes in-house catering and drinks.
• Before boarding from Pier 84 , visit the Dive Bar and Cantina’s Rooftop  in Hell’s Kitchen . If you have time, explore fascinating venues across Midtown Manhattan .
• If you are boarding from Pier 16 , don’t forget to explore the historic South Street Seaport neighborhood and museum. 

Does Circle Line provide discounts?

Yes, there are discounts for college students, military veterans, and group bookings. Tourists can get the NYC City Pass to club sightseeing venues with Circle Line boat tours. NYC residents can avail of discounts on Tuesdays.

Do I need to buy children’s tickets for Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises?

Children under three don’t require a ticket. For ages 3 to 12, discounted tickets are available.

What is Circle Line’s ticket cancellation policy?

Once purchased, tickets cannot be canceled or refunded. However, you can change your ticket for a different cruise and pay the difference if applicable. 

What happens if I miss the boat?

For daily cruises, the company allows you a one-time opportunity to reschedule within 90 days of the missed journey. This is not applicable for seasonal or holiday tours.

This award-winning boat tour company has been an intrinsic part of NYC tourism, culture, and maritime entertainment for over 79 years. In 1985 and 2008, NYC mayors proclaimed ‘ Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Day ’ to commemorate occasions. 

From the unparalleled ‘ Best of NYC ’ full island tour around Manhattan to the picturesque ‘Statue at Sunset’ cruise and adventurous high-speed boat rides, their offerings are diverse and exceptional.

Bask in the sun, soak up the misty air, and gaze at the wondrous views as you assimilate the informative commentary. With ample comfort , convenience , and top-notch photography opportunities, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is one of the best ways to explore and experience NYC.

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