12 Books To Inspire Wanderlust

One of the best ways you can prepare for vacation is to read. Read travel guides, read blogs (like this one!), read online forums, etc. But what you should read while on vacation is just as important! After all, is anything better than relaxing in a lounge chair, sipping a cocktail and getting lost in a book? Days at sea are absolutely perfect for book lovers.

These twelve books are set in some of the most interesting and most beautiful destinations around the world and are sure to inspire a few of your next vacations.

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

 

You may have heard of All The Light We Cannot See, a novel by Anthony Doerr that was published in May of 2014. Last year, it won both the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. The novel is set in occupied France during World War II and tells the story of a blind French girl and an orphaned German boy whose paths eventually cross. Much of the story takes place in Saint-Malo, a walled city on the rugged coast of northwestern France. 



Saint-Malo, France

World War II buffs will appreciate this 9-Night voyage to Normandy, Holland and Germany. However, this area of France does have more to offer than history – expect incredible food, stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, sailing and more.

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

 

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan is a light read, perfect for lounging by the pool. It was published in 2013, and the sequel China Rich Girlfriend was released in 2015. If your guilty pleasure is soap operas or romantic comedies, this book is for you. The novel is set in Singapore and gives readers a satirical inside look at the melodramatic lives of Singapore’s wealthiest families. Kwan has said the novel is loosely based on his childhood, and plans for a film adaptation are in the works.



Singapore
The book perfectly depicts Singapore as flashy, worldly and high energy. It’s the busiest port in the world, a foodie’s paradise, and a shopping mecca. You’ll enjoy Crazy Rich Asians even more once you’ve experienced the glitz and glamor of Singapore for yourself. Azamara has many voyages planned to Singapore, and almost all itineraries feature a late-night departure or overnight stay.  

My Life in France by Julia Child and The Sweet Life In Paris by David Lebovitz

Ah, Paris. The City of Light makes a wonderful setting for a book, and there’s no shortage of options. When we think of Paris, we think of food – and two wonderful books written by American chefs living in France.


Paris, France

Julia Child’s autobiography, My Life in France, was published in 2006. It’s a collection of stories about Child’s life and loves – her husband, France, and food. Child’s stories mostly take place from 1948 to 1954, when she and her husband lived in Paris and Marseilles. In the book, Child writes "The sweetness and generosity and politeness and gentleness and humanity of the French had shown me how lovely life can be if one takes time to be friendly."


Marseilles, France

If My Life in France doesn’t make you want to move to France, it will certainly make you want to visit. Watching local fisherman auction off the catch of the day at the Marseilles port, exploring the surrounding area of Provence and tasting bouillabaisse (fish stew native to Marseilles) will instantly transport you to Child’s vivid world. This summer 2016 voyage includes a late-night stay in Marseilles.


Marseilles, France

The Sweet Life in Paris is similar to Child’s autobiography and gives readers an inside look at what it's like to live in Paris today. Written by San Francisco native and Chez Panisse pastry chef David Lebovitz, this memoir chronicles the author’s move to Paris in 1999. Lebovitz’s stories of acclimating to Paris will make you laugh, and his recipes (he shares one at the end of each anecdote) will make your mouth water.


Paris, France

In his book, Lebovitz writes "If you've ever walked through Paris at night, you can't help noticing that its beauty is magnified in the darkness; lights glow softly everywhere and frame the centuries-old buildings and monuments in spectacular ways."
Spend a few days in Paris before or after this voyage, sailing round-trip from Nice.

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

 

This novel by Indian writer and activist Arundhati Roy was her first and, so far, only novel. It won the Booker Prize in 1997, sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into 40 languages.
The novel is set in Kerala, India and shifts between 1969 and 1993. This book is a must-read for anyone visiting Kochi, India as it provides fascinating insights into life under Kerala’s communist government, the Caste system, and Kerala’s Christian community. It will inspire readers to learn more about this unique part of India, and perhaps plan a visit.



Kerala, India
Kerala is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, known for ecotourism. In Kerala, you can enjoy a backwater river cruise, visit elephants, explore lush rainforests, relax on pristine beaches, and more. Azamara cruises to Kochi, the area’s major port. 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

 

This novel, published in 2008, is set during World War II when the Channel Islands were the only British territories occupied by German soldiers. Written as a series of letters, it paints a beautiful picture of the windswept cliffs, fields of wildflowers and panoramic coastal views. "There are rolling pasture-lands, but they end suddenly at cliffs, and all around is the moist salt smell of the sea. As we drove, the sun set and the mist rose."



St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands
Today on the island of Guernsey, you’ll find plenty of reminders of the German occupation in museums, memorials, and fortifications. And if you think “potato peel pie” is part of the local cuisine, think again. St. Peter Port is brimming with restaurants and bistros serving fresh seafood and local produce.  

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

 

This worldwide bestseller was published as La Sombra del Viento in 2001 and was translated into English in 2004. Today, it has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. A prequel, The Angel’s Game, was released in 2008.
The novel is set in 1950s Barcelona when the young son of a widowed bookshop owner discovers a rare novel and becomes pulled into a thrilling mystery. This is the perfect novel to read during a day at sea, as you will not be able to put it down.



Barcelona, Spain
You can visit many of the book’s scenes in modern-day Barcelona, and some companies even offer walking tours themed around the book. As you stroll through the Gothic Quarter and meander down Las Ramblas, you’ll be able to experience the mystical atmosphere of Barcelona that Ruiz so eloquently captures in his writing.  

No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach by Anthony Bourdain

 

No Reservations is a companion to Anthony Bourdain’s popular television show, and should have a place on the bookshelf or coffee table of every travel lover. It features incredible photography from Bourdain’s many travels, highlighting the cuisines and cultures of some of our favorite destinations like New Zealand, Sweden, India, Malaysia and more.


Christchurch, New Zealand

Stockholm, Sweden

Hanoi, Vietnam
 
Penang, Malaysia

This book touches on every corner of the world, and will inspire some serious wanderlust – and will probably make your stomach growl as well.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

 

This 2008 mystery novel, by Australian author Kate Morton, tells the story of an abandoned child discovered on a wharf in 1913. It pays homage to Gothic novels and will appeal to fans of Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and another source of inspiration, The Secret Garden.


Brisbane, Australia

Cooktown, Australia

Newcastle, Australia

Morton paints a captivating picture of Australia, which will no doubt inspire readers to plan a visit. The presence of ships and ports in the novel will make it of particular interest to cruisers! The Forgotten Garden is a lengthy read, perfect for a long voyage like these 18-Night voyages in 2017 and 2018.

Crowfall by Shanta Gokhale

 

Crowfall paints a colorful portrait of Mumbai by following the lives of a group of artistic friends for a year: a journalist, a teacher, a musician and three painters. The novel, published in 2013, depicts the clash of old and new in modern-day Mumbai and tells a unique story of Mumbai's middle-class. 



Mumbai, India

Gokhale herself is an Indian writer, columnist and theater critic. Now in her seventies, she writes with an authority on India’s history and culture. Not only is her novel captivating, it will also help travelers view Mumbai in a new light.

 

Although Finnish author Tove Jansson wrote The Summer Book in 1972, it was not released in English until 2003. The novel, set on a small island in Finland, tells the story of the summer an elderly artist spends with her six-year-old granddaughter. The book opens with a beautiful description of the setting: "It was an early, very warm morning in July, and it had rained during the night. The bare granite steamed, the moss and crevices were drenched with moisture, and all the colors everywhere had deepened. Below the veranda, the vegetation in the morning shade was like a rain forest of lush, evil leaves and flowers."


Helsinki, Finland

Jansson was famous for her children’s literature, and The Summer Book is one of just ten fiction works she wrote for adults. The novel depicts the sweet simplicity of summer in Scandinavia. The Summer Book is ideal summer reading, and Scandinavia is a beautiful summer cruise destination. The two go hand-in-hand.
  
The Vacationers by Emma Straub

 

This book is aptly named to inspire wanderlust! To read The Vacationers, you should either be on vacation or book one right away.
The Vacationers was published last summer but has more wit and insight than your typical beach read. The novel tells the story of a less-than-perfect family on vacation in a picture-perfect setting: the sunny Spanish island of Mallorca.





In the book, Straub describes Mallorca as “summer done right”, home to “gnarled olive trees and spiky palms” as well as mountains, beaches, and cloudless blue skies. Her descriptions of afternoon naps, long dinners, and spectacular sunsets will inspire you to move Mallorca to the top of your travel bucket list.

Did we miss a great wanderlust-inspiring book? Tell us your favorite!

Trend Alert: European Salt Therapy On Board Cruise Ships

When you open the door to the dimly lit grotto inside the spa on Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway, you are immediately greeted with the faint scent of ocean air. As you make your way across the room, your eyes scan the glimmering crystals that climb the walls. With each step, your feet sink into the cool loose sand on the floor. You lick your lips and taste the distinct tang of ...salt? What is this place? Your surroundings are actually part of a European salt therapy that made its way from top spas to new, luxury cruise ships.
Salt therapy, also called halotherapy, has grown in popularity all over the world. This popular global trend that can be found in Europe, Canada, the United States -- and, of course, on board Norwegian Cruise Line. This therapeuticprocess is used to alleviate respiratory problems, skin ailments, and to strengthen the immune system.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Salt therapy chambers on Norwegian's Cruise Line's spas are designed to mimic the naturally occurring salt mines and caves of Eastern Europe, which have been used for hundreds of years for their healing properties. The on board spa replicates the micro climate found in these caves through the use of salt aerosol machines. These machines grind salt into minute, breathable particles and circulates them into the air. The negatively ionized salt particles can then enter the respiratory system and thin out toxins inside the lungs, allowing the breath's cilia to expel them with ease. Salt contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which help open up the lungs and eradicate bacteria on contact. Salt therapy can alleviate symptoms caused by over-exposure to smog and city dirt, bronchitis, sinusitis, cystic fibrosis, and allergies. In higher concentrations, salt therapy can also alleviate skin conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT?
Although the process is inspired by tradition, you'll find all the luxuries of a world-class spa on your next cruise vacation. Temperature and humidity inside therapy rooms self-regulate to a optimized levels, while soft lights shimmer in the stylish room, invoking a sense of calm and warmth. Cozy up on a lounge chair, read, meditate, or just exhale the world around you and breath in the renewing salt air.

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Paul Gauguin Cruises

More to Explore: Stunning Canadian West

Renowned for their scenic grandeur, the Canadian Rockies possess exceptional natural beauty with rugged mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and more.
This summer, guests have an exclusive opportunity to experience the best of the Canadian West during the Canadian Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer pre-cruise or post-cruise land program. See much of it from the comfort of the Gold Leaf Service Car on the Rocky Mountaineer, an award-winning train that presents an ever-changing landscape of beautiful mountains, rivers and forests.
Below is an overview of the Canadian Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer pre-cruise program:

Day 1

After arriving in Calgary, enjoy a comfortable transfer to the beautiful Rimrock Resort Hotel (or similar) in Banff, Alberta.  You’ll be staying in a premium room with stunning views across the valley.  Spend an evening in or take a complimentary shuttle into the town of Banff where you will find an array of restaurants and unique shopping opportunities.

Day 2

Following a delicious breakfast at the hotel, embark on a half-day tour of Banff with a dedicated guide.  Highlights include Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos.

Day 3

Following an early morning transfer to Banff Station, board the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train. Enjoy gourmet breakfast onboard shortly after departure. The Rocky Mountaineer will head west through the majestic Canadian Rockies to your overnight destination of Kamloops.   Highlights include passing by Craigellachie – where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven in 1885, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels – a true engineering feat, and the glaciers and snowcapped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Day 4

 Board the Rocky Mountaineer once again and continue west along the banks of the Fraser River as it winds to the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver.   On today’s journey, see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the BC Interior, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains  and into the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley.  Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. At Vancouver’s Rocky Mountaineer Station, board a shared motor coach and transfer to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for the evening.

  

Day 5 

Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a tour across Lions Gate Bridge and into North Vancouver. Highlights include the Grouse Mountain Cable Car, stunning views of downtown Vancouver, Mount Baker and the Coast Mountains. A number of activities take place here, including a Grizzly Bear enclosure, a lumberjack show and a birds of prey demonstration.

Day 6

 Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will be transferred to the port for embarkation aboard Seven Seas Mariner^®.
 by Regent Seven Seas Cruises Travel Blog

Chartreuse: A Parisian Experience at Sea

 A team of world-renowned executive culinary chefs, 14 meticulously crafted gourmet dishes and an appetite for tantalizing Parisian fare – all ingredients for a perfect afternoon tasting.

With just under six months until Seven Seas Explorer^® embarks on her inaugural voyage, Regent Seven Seas Cruises executives gathered for a preview tasting of Chartreuse, an exquisite new gourmet French specialty restaurant making its debut this summer on the world’s most luxurious ship.
Frank Del Rio, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Jason Montague, president and chief operating officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Randall Soy, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Regent Seven Seas Cruises were among the guests indulging in an afternoon of great company and sumptuous cuisine.

From duck pâté with green peppercorn, Armagnac and foie gras to the smoked and cured Atlantic salmon, a total of fourteen incredible appetizers, soups and entrees were served one by one.

Each dish was presented impeccably on exclusive Bernardaud china, a family-owned company steeped in the great French porcelain tradition. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Senior Director of Culinary Bernard Klotz revered Bernardaud’s passion for innovation and timeless elegance, a seamless choice for Seven Seas Explorer’s Parisian fine dining establishment.

Just outside of the tasting area, Aurelien Dumeylet, principal executive chef and Jérôme Toumelin, executive chef, watched in anticipation as their culinary art was consumed.
“I was elated to work on the Chartreuse menu because I believe fantastic French food can turn strangers into family,” Dumeylet said. “The art of cuisine has always been my passion and I take pride in every creation.”

Adding to the excitement of fine dining, each presentation was an immaculate culinary chef d’oeuvre, and each dish savored in its texture, vivacity and zest. Perhaps bold to say when previewing alluring French cuisine, it was not impossible to narrow down a few highlights.
“The burgundy red wine marinated and braised beef, roots vegetables ragout and pommes dauphine was incredible,” Montague said. “The salad of braised baby beetroots, organic goat cheese and winter truffle vinaigrette was also fantastic and I’m not a huge fan of beets. In addition to the incredible flavors, each dish had a phenomenal presentation all around.”
“Hand-cut beef tenderloin tartar, topped with perlita caviar from Aquitaine and the scallops and corsican chorizo, watercress coulis, truffle potato croquettes were my two favorites,” Soy said.

A sampling of the Chartreuse Tasting Menu includes…

• Poached Brittany Lobster Medallions, Hake Mousseline, Almond Milk Broth
• Smoked and Cured Atlantic Salmon, Triology of Blinis, Normandy’s Triple Cream
• Cream of Artichokes, Foie Gras, Thyme Emulsion, Toasted Hazelnuts
• Roasted Barbarie Duck Magret with Griottes Cherries Mustard and Glazed Turnip

Chartreuse is one of three specialty restaurants aboard Seven Seas Explorer, including the Asian fusion specialty restaurant Pacific Rim and the fleet’s signature steakhouse Prime 7. Beginning in the spring of 2016, guests will be able to get a taste of this new delectable French menu, as the Chartreuse menu will extend to the rest of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet with select dishes being offered at Compass Rose aboard Seven Seas Navigator^® and later in the fall of 2016 and spring of 2017 when Signatures on board Seven Seas Voyager^® and Seven Seas Mariner^® will be converted into Chartreuse.

Which new culinary creation are you looking forward to savoring in Chartreuse? Bon appétit!

by Regent Seven Seas Cruises Travel Blog

A Beer Lovers Guide to Craft Beers

Beer lovers all around can rejoice in the news: Norwegian Escape has a cold pour waiting for you at " The District Brew House." With more than 50 bottled beers and 24 draft beers on tap (including local beer from Miami's Wynwood Brewing Company), it's easy to catch up on the craft beer scene at sea. Whether you're a novice or an expert, knowing the beer you’re drinking and how it's made is part of the craft beer experience. So before you sip and sail on your next cruise vacation, discover everything you need to know about the basics of craft beer.

WHAT IS A CRAFT BEER
If you're wondering what sets craft beers apart from others, much larger breweries and their products, the distinction lies in three key factors: their annual production is less than 6 million barrels, less than 25% of the brewery is owned by a non-craft brewer, and more than half of their product comes from all-malt beer, which essentially means they use higher quality ingredients.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CRAFT BEER
BLONDES: Ranging in color from straw to gold and with a light to medium hop profile, these ales will be most familiar to the traditional American lager drinker. Many breweries release their summer beers at the top of the season, many of which are blondes, because of their light body and appropriateness for warm-weather drinking. This is the kind of beer you can have poolside or at the beach for a refresher.

WHEAT ALES: If they aren’t blonde, then the rest of the summer beers rolling in are wheat beers. Often, these beers have a banana undertone to them with a hint of clove and vanilla taste.

PALE ALES & IPAS: These beers usually range from amber to copper in color with an emphasis on hops. This is the classic ale style. If you enjoy drinking brut champagne and dryer, crisper wines, this is likely the flavor for you. Included in this category are India Pale Ales, the most-entered category in the pinnacle of beer competitions, The Great America Beer Festival.

BELGIANS: While Belgian chocolates are iconic, it’s beer that puts Belgium on the map. Famed for the monasteries and Trappist style of beers, these guys make so much of it they get their own category. Of particular interest are the quintessential Delirium brand of beers and the fruity lambics. If you're a fan of fruity or mixed cocktails, then Belgians may have what you're looking for. For a beer twist on the classic, try a fruity Belgian brew with champagne as a Sunday brunch beverage.

PORTERS AND STOUTS: Don’t be afraid of the dark. These beers have great taste, with coffee and chocolate commonly present in the blend. Some are lighter on the body, but with an emphasis on hops. Others have more body, richer flavor, and higher alcohol content.
This covers the basics to begin your sampling with most craft beer varieties. And, as with most food and beverage ventures, sampling is key. Try ordering a beer flight next time you're on board the Norwegian Escape and see which flavor fits you best. With the variety of unique flavors being developed in both local and national micro-breweries, there's bound to be a perfect fit for everyone. Cheers!
 │by NCL Travel Blog
 

The Ultimate Beverage Package

Enjoy a wide selection of soft drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails and wines by the glass during
your entire cruise for only $69 per day.*

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. HOW CAN I PURCHASE THE ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PACKAGE?
A. You may purchase it onboard on the first or second day of your cruise. For more information, visit any of our bars or look for a table setup promoting the package once you board. This package may also be pre-purchased by visiting the “Gifts and More” section of NCL.com or through any Norwegian reservation agent.
Q. CAN I PURCHASE THE ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PACKAGE FOR SELECTED DAYS?
A. No. The package must be purchased by all stateroom guests, 21 years of age or older, for the entire cruise length.
Q. WHAT IF MY TRAVELING COMPANION DOESN’T DRINK, DO THEY STILL HAVE TO PURCHASE AN ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PACKAGE?
A. Yes, if they are in the same stateroom. The Ultimate Beverage Package must be purchased by all stateroom guests, 21 years of age or older, for the entire cruise length. Guests 20 and under will have to purchase the soda package. Guests with special circumstances and/or medical conditions should speak with Guest Services onboard.
Q. IN WHICH VENUES WILL THE ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PACKAGE BE HONORED?
A. The Ultimate Beverage Package is honored at any of our bars or lounges, Garden Cafe, Main Dining Room, specialty restaurants and our private island during normal business hours. Room service and minibar are not included.
Q. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PACKAGE?
A. Your package includes a variety of spirits, cocktails, draft beers, bottled beers, glasses of wine up to $15, unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants and Great Stirrup Cay. Also, receive a 20% discount on any bottles of wine purchased on board.
Q. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PREMIUM SPIRITS AVAILABLE WITH THE ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PACKAGE?
A. Premium Spirits include Bacardi Superior rum, Captain Morgan Spiced rum, Kettle One vodka, Tanqueray gin, Bombay Sapphire gin, Jose Cuervo tequila, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey, Chivas Regal 12yr scotch, Crown Royal Canadian whiskey, Johnny Walker Black scotch, Grey Goose vodka, Courvoisier VSOP and many more.
Q. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COCKTAILS AVAILABLE WITH THE ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PACKAGE?
A. Classic Martinis, classic cocktails such as Margarita, Piña Colada, Long Island Ice Tea, Bahama Mama, Mojito and many more.
Q. ARE GRATUITIES INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PACKAGE PURCHASE PRICE?
A. A gratuity and beverage service charge of 18% will be added to the purchase price. You will not have to pay additional gratuities unless you desire to do so.
Q. CAN I ORDER MULTIPLE DRINKS AT A TIME WITH THE ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PACKAGE?
A. No. As this is a personal package, only one beverage per guest will be served.
Q. CAN I BUY A DRINK FOR MY FRIEND WITH THE ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PACKAGE?
A. The Ultimate Beverage Package is for personal consumption. All additional drinks ordered will be charged at current bar prices.
Q. HOW WILL THE BAR STAFF KNOW I HAVE PURCHASED THE ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PACKAGE?
A. Your FREESTYLE CARD™ will identify that you have this package. A pre-printed note or sticker will be placed on your card. The bar staff will request to see your FREESTYLE CARD™ for verification prior to service, so keep it handy.
Q. ARE THERE OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE PACKAGES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE?
A. Yes, guests 21 years of age or older may purchase the Corks & Caps beverage package and enjoy a wide selection of beers, wines by the glass and soft drinks.