|
Europe Spring 2023 Hilton Airport Amsterdam 2023: First time in a while not on Diamond Status - so applied for AMEX with Diamond card benefits to get upgrades. Charged me 45 Euro for early checkin under Gold Status. Short visit touring Amsterdam prior to Lisbon cruise. Review Aurea Lisbon 2023: Beautiful hotel near cruise ship docks. Review Venice Hilton Molino Stucky 2023: Diamond Status with free upgrades, access to lounge and free breakfast. Toured Venice. Review Beau Rivage Weggis Switzerland Suite 304 2023: Finally a good break in the weather for this wonderful hotel in the heart of Switzerland. Fantastic breakfast and great service. Perfect location for lake boats, Mt. Rigi and Lake Lucerne. One of my favorite hotels in Switzerland. Review Burgenstock Palace Suite 2321 2023: My 14th stay since 2017 at what I consider the best high-end resort in Europe. Review Hyatt Place Suite 857 Zurich Airport 2023: More expensive and less quality than Hyatt Regency at same location. Review Hyatt Regency Suite 929 Zurich Airport 2023: Best value for modern airport hotel experience. Clean, organized, and one of my favorites. Review Swiss Travel Pass Weggis and Rutli Switzerland: Touring local Lake Lucerne destinations. Review Swiss Travel Pass ZRH to Brunnen to Andermatt Switzerland: One of my favorite day excursions from Zurich airport. Review Lake Lucerne Switzerland Steam Powered Uri Paddlewheel Boat: Vintage steamer from Lucerne to Fluelen. Review MSC Fantasia Suite 131126 Embarkation: Boarding the cruise in Lisbon. Review MSC Fantasia Suite 131126 Le Havre Day 04: Visit to Le Havre France on cold windy rainy day. Review MSC Fantasia Suite 131126 Antwerp ZeeBrugge Day 05: Visit to the port city. Review MSC Fantasia Suite 131126 Copenhagen Denmark Day 07: Sunny spring day in Copenhagen. Review MSC Fantasia Suite 131126 Kiel Germany Disembarkation: Leaving the ship after a week cruise. Review
|
|
Mexico February 2023 Cancun Mexico trip including: Conrad Tulum resort review: Wonderful stay at this resort which is only one year old. Conrad has a very consistent quality of product and service. ReviewFairmont Mayakoba resort review: Awful stay including product and service shorting. Review.Banyan Tree restaurant resort review: The Banyan Tree is a world-class resort with an amazing setting. I'd rank in the top three resorts in the world. Review.Hotels.com website: I tried to write a review on the website and was unable to. I spend and hour with Hotels.com staff online chat and on the phone. They were unable to locate any link other than website feedback. They were unable to tell me where the review link was. They staff gave me Google as a place to write a review. All I can say is that the Hotels.com reviews are either fake, or they are not able to substantiate where they come from. Shame on you Hotels.com Review.
|
|
Switzerland December 2022 Winter trip to Switzerland in December using 6-day Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Travel Pass App to show savings.Winter has arrived in Switzerland The Chedi Resort in Andermatt Switzerland Burgenstock Palace Hotel near Lucerne Switzerland Winter Holidays
|
|
|
Beautiful Halloween Sunrise UFO Clouds from the Palace Hotel at the Burgenstock Resort above Lucerne Switzerland |
Switzerland October 2022 Annual fall trip to Switzerland in October using 4-day Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Travel Pass App to show huge savings. Typically in the fall, the SBB offers a Swiss Pass Autumn discount. Standard price for 4-day Swiss Travel Pass for 1st Class is 447 CHF. Discounted price is 317 CHF. For my 4 day journey throughout Switzerland, I was able to accumulate 666 CHF of value.Burgenstock Palace Hotel near Lucerne Switzerland Fall Colors Lake Lucerne cruise and Vitznauerhof in Vitznau Switzerland Hyatt Regency The Circle in ZRH and quick visit to Bern Switzerland Using the Swiss Travel Pass over Four Day SBB Autumn Promotion showing savings using App |
September Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland looking up towards Jungfrau |
Switzerland September 2022 Annual fall trip to Switzerland in September using 6-day Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Travel Pass App to show huge savings. Beautiful fall weather and even some snow up in Zermatt on 17 September. Beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley with spectacular views of the alps.Burgenstock Palace Hotel near Lucerne Switzerland Riffelalp Resort Suite 203 Zermatt Switzerland Oberland Hotel 7 in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland Zermatt to Lauterbrunnen using the Swiss Travel Pass by train and lake boat Lauterbrunnen to Geneva using the Swiss Travel Pass Using the Swiss Travel Pass over Six Days showing savings using App Using the Zermatt Matterhorn Peak Pass over three days showing savings using App |
The Swiss Travel Pass App allows you to compare savings versus individual ticket purchases |
Swiss Travel Pass App The Swiss Travel Pass App runs on FilemakerGO (free) for your iPhone. The purpose of the App is to allow you to keep track of your Swiss Travel Pass savings.What is a Swiss Travel Pass? It is a pass which allows you to travel the Swiss transportation system (rail, bus, and lake boat), including free admission to many museums and some cablecar rides. The Glacier Express and some other scenic rides require seat reservations (additional purchase) but for the most part, is an incredible access for one price. This app allows you to compare savings in advance, to see if the pass is worth its weight in gold. I developed this app for my own use, but quickly found it so useful, that I am making it available for free to my website viewers.This app is the basis of my HyperTravel, where I try to make out the rail and discounts over the validity of the pass. There are some days where I'm saving hundreds of dollars.
|
Acropolis |
Paris and Switzerland then Greek Islands August 2022 Annual July trip to Paris for the Tour de France, then TGV up to Geneva-Villenueve-Zurich-Lucerne, then over to London, and then a flight from Bristol to Venice, Italy for a Celebrity cruise through the Greek Islands. Post cruise Swiss Travel Pass up to Zermatt, Zurich, and Lucerne.Paris Tour de France 2022 Marriott Courtyard 211 Gare de Lyon Hotel Warwick Geneva Switzerland Pre Cruise:A La Locanda di Orsaria in Venice Italy Celebrity Constellation Cruise:Celebrity Constellation Suite 3014 Embarkation Celebrity Constellation Full Cruise Photos from Day 1 to 11 Post Cruise:Riffelalp Resort Suite 501 Zermatt Switzerland Grischa 216 in Davos Switzerland Hyatt Regency The Circle Room 709 Switzerland Lake Lucerne Cruise Down the Magical Valley Celebrity Constellation Launched in 2002 Old Ship Review and Photos of Celebrity Constellation Cruise from Ravenna, Italy to the Greek Islands |
Matterhorn in Zermatt Switzerland. The Riffelalp is my second favorite resort in the world. A must-see in Europe. |
The Best Kept Secret in Europe Welcome to the Riffelalp Resort. With the Best View in the World The Riffelalp Resort at 2222 meters above Zermatt, Switzerland.The most amazing view in Europe, of the iconic Matterhorn. Resort is above Zermatt. Located half way up the Gornergrat, it has the best view of the western sky and sunset than anywhere in the region. The Matterhorn is in the foreground. Please follow the link below to read about this epic resort.Updated in August 2022 stay in Room 501.Still the best. Amazing staff, location, and suites. Most recent visit during August 2022 (Room 501) |
|
Travel Blogger Software Need to get organized ? We are now making available our software apps to travel bloggers. Based on Filemaker platform (Mac, Windows, and Mac IOS Filemaker Go), we have developed some industry specific apps that will increase your efficiency, reduce time, and give you valuable heads-up time while doing reviews, blogs, and video blogs. Travel Blogger Software Page |
HyperTravel is the new post-pandemic way to explore quickly and saving money |
How to HyperTravel Have you ever wanted to travel to the max in the shortest amount of time ? We're all limited in time, but with huge price increases in the travel industry, making the most of your travel time has become even more important.The goal of HyperTravel is to see as much as you can, and then you can revisit the places you like the most when you have more time.In this case, my first HyperTravel was in Switzerland, where I could take advantage of the amazing Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to take advantage of unlimited transportation (rail, boat, bus) and many lifts (or at a huge discount) and 500 museums. Events not included are generally at a 50 percent discount.Day One: Lucerne Home Base to Zermatt Matterhorn Day Two: Lucerne Home Base area alps and museums More details are at the dedicated HyperTravel page link below. |
Burgenstock Resort above Lucerne Switzerland is my Favorite Resort in the World |
Top Pick for World's Best: The Burgenstock Resort This is my all-time favorite resort, located above Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. After undergoing a multi-hundred-million dollar facelift and renovation, the result is nothing short of spectacular. The staff is the best in the world. The views, food, atmosphere and wonderful feeling will leave you spellbound. The hiking and views from around the resort are world class and provide stunning vistas of the alps and nature.Updated after late spring visit at the WaldHotel 2022.Burgenstock WaldHotel Suite 4512 and 4801 May 2022 Burgenstock Palace Hotel Suite 2402 Easter Spring 2022 Burgenstock Palace Hotel Suite 2202 Burgenstock Palace Hotel Suite 2222 Burgenstock Palace Hotel Suite 2309 Private Helicopter Charter from Zermatt Matterhorn to the Burgenstock Resort via Air Zermatt |
London |
Switzerland and London May and June 2022 Quick one week in Switzerland to try out the WaldHotel and HyperTravel, then over to the UK to visit London. Spring weather was cool and sometimes rainy in the UK. Exploring Switzerland using HyperTravel and the Swiss Pass was exciting and exhausting at the same time. Tourists are coming back to both locations quickly as prices are also increasing. Staff shortages will be leading to a decrease in service in all sectors. These shoulder seasons are a great time to visit Europe.HyperTravel Lucerne base to Zermatt Matterhorn HyperTravel Klewenalp Weggis Transport Museum Stanserhorn HyperTravel Engelberg Mt Titlis Lucerne Zurich May 30 2022 HyperTravel London 9 June 2022 United Business Class Upgrade from London Heathrow LHR to Chicago Ohare ORD UA 929
|
|
Breaking News CDC Drops all Cruise Ship Protocols As of July 18, 2022, CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect and this page will no longer be updated. New guidance for cruise ships to mitigate and manage COVID-19 transmission will be available in the coming days. For more information, please see the cruise travel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).From Cruising Review: This now drops all regulations as far as CDC is concerned, meaning cruise ships can set their own standards and protocols for vaccinations, masks, and more. CDC Press Release |
Apple AirTag installed on my luggage |
Using Apple AirTag for Travel The Apple AirTag is a small electronic device which allows you to track where it is. It occurred to me that this would be perfect for luggage, so I bought a set of four with optional holders.The key features of the AirTag are that if it is paired with your recent iPhone (11 or above) it can give you precision directions to the item using FindMy app, beep on command, or put into Lost mode to allow other iPhones to send you anon updates, or even assign a phone number to it to help locate. The Bluetooth device (5.0) is estimated to have a range of 800 feet.May 2022: Now traveling to Switzerland and the UK and will update after the trip... |
MSC Seaview |
MSC Seaview Spring 2022 Cruise MSC Seaview cruise through the Mediterranean. Departing from Naples, then to Messina, Malta, day at sea, Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, and back to Naples. Post cruise and departure from Rome, Italy. This is my first cruise since the MSC Bellissima in December 2019. |
Charity shaming is the new twist that cruise lines and resorts are billing you for funding their charities |
Overbilling and Product Shorting - the new Norm Overbilling and product shorting is ramped. It has been around for the past decade, but became the norm starting with the pandemic, when suppliers starting losing profits and needed to fill the gap.I first started noticing this at the Conrad Hilton Maldives, where it was crazy (everything from additional island flight charges to misc fees). After feeling really ripped off in the Maldives, I became much more aware of how overbilling and product shorting is the norm and day-to-day business with many resorts.Always check your bill. You'll be surprised what shenanigans are going on behind the front desk.Even the Four Season's has a trumped up charged called Employee Wellness fund, that is tagged on your bill at checkout. I guess they don't pay their employees well, so you have to cover the balance. It's what I call shame overbilling. The same exists with MSC and how they automatically charge you for their charity contribution, and other resorts with Eco funds, etc. Basically, you are paying for their lack of payment. |
Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the best resort in the Western Hemisphere (and Pacific) and tied for second best resort in the world. |
Conrad Bora Bora Resort February 2021 February 2021: Just returned from a wonderful trip to French Polynesia and the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. The Conrad has now reopened as of May 2021 (mostly to Americans who are more free to travel due to the huge drop in Covid cases due to the vaccines). Bora Bora Travel Review |
July 2021 Sunset from the Riffelalp Resort |
Riffelalp Resort July 2021 The most amazing view in Europe, of the iconic Matterhorn. Resort is above Zermatt. Located half way up the Gornergrat, it has the best view of the western sky and sunset than anywhere in the region. |
Rigi Cablecar |
Tour of Weggis and Vitznau Switzerland Area Currently my favorite area in Switzerland is what I term the magical valley. Extending on the north eastern portions of Lake Lucerne, this area extends from Weggis down to Sisikon. From wonderful sunsets, cloud formations, rainbows, and peering Swiss mountains, this area is stunning. Hiking trails abound, along with cogwheel rail, cablecar, and lake boats to see some of the most beautiful sights in this little known part of Switzerland.Vitznau is near Weggis, and at the base of the queen of mountains, Mount Rigi. Vitznau is where you can take a train up to the mounting, but also on lovely Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstrattersee). It is also the gateway to what I term the enchanted valley part of the Canton of Lucerne and on the edge of Schwyz and Nidwalden. The lake winds around the beautiful terrain with many instagram villages like Sisikon and Fluelen. This is nestled around Stoos, Rigi, and Fulen. Some of the prettiest mountains in Switzerland. |
Burgenstock Resort in Winter |
Burgenstock Resort November 2021 The Burgenstock Resort above Lake Lucerne, Switzerland remains my favorite desination in the world. This near holiday visit brought out the snowy outdoors and the wintry beauty in the region.While the Felsenweg hiking trail was closed due to ice and snow (it is closed in the winter), other trails were open displaying the incredible winter wonderland. |
Air Zermatt offers sightseeing and charter flights for the Matterhorn and transfers to other airports and resorts |
Air Zermatt Fall Tour 2021 After staying at the wonderfull Riffelalp Resort at 2222 Gornergrat above Zermatt, Switzerland we decided to do a fall tour from the helicopter. Our original goal was a transfer directly to the Burgenstock Resort above Lucerne, but they were in a cloud that day, so we did a quick tour of the Matterhorn and surrounding alps, then over to Visp, where we landeded and took the train for the rest of the journey. |
|
|
Quick Links QUICK LINK MENU Earn Points to Travel (the best available points program): United Chase Visa... amazing benefits. It's what I use to travel with and earn points for upgrades, flights, and resorts... More Info Resort Reviews: Luxury resort reviews from Bora Bora to Switzerland More Info Ship Reviews: Cruise Ship reviews More Info Products: Products we use every day More Info Jet Charter: Flight reviews and jet charter information More Info Travel Tips: Streamline your travel experience. More Info FileMaker Software Solutions Developing database software for the travel industry More Info Videos Videos of cruise ships and luxury resorts More Info Topics Business, Influencer, Cruise, Travel topics and other Articles More Info Email: greg@cruisingreview.com TEL: 608-238-6001
|
|
My Experience With Covid I got it. Not traveling, but by staying at home.Hard to believe, but true when you live in a high-rise condo building.Read more about my experience below. |
Beautiful Lake Como Italy |
Fall Travel 2021 Including Lake Como Tour of Lake Como, Italy.Luxurious Chedi Resort in Andermatt Switzerland Beau Rivage in Weggis Switzerland Vitznauerhof Hotel in Switzerland Radisson Blu in Andermatt Switzerland |
MSC Bellissima Persian Gulf Cruise |
Cruise News This section will be for current travels, upcoming flights and cruises.The big news of the day is moving the website from WordPress to our own proprietary web site generation program we developed using FileMaker database, which allows us to use all of our past cruise ship reviews from 2001 onwards. Trip Advisor |
United Airlines is now demonetizing your flight credit to half value by doubling the fare when you try to use that unused ticket. |
What Happened United Airlines Demonetizing flight credits and impossible to get refunds. July 2021. I recently booked a trip to Paris in July 2021 with unused flight credits from last year during the pandemic. Remember when United canceled their change fees ? Well they have something better up their sleeve. If I did a search for a standard economy fare (basic or standard) my fare was $1,300. But when I tried to use my $2,800 (Business Class fare) unused ticket to Europe from last year when the flight was canceled, the fare that pops up is $2,600. So basically United has decided to use a pricing model that demonetizes your paid fare by half. That's 100 percent profit. Upgrades have similar issues.Even worse, last year the original fare was for Business Class. Now I can barely get Economy. So they did not honor the class booked. Now Business Class is $5,000-$10,000.Clever.To make matters worse, United offers a cabin upgrade offer, for 20,000 miles and $421 from Chicago to Paris. When I took the offer, United deducted 40,000 miles and $421, and did not even declare the miles deduced on the receipt. Go to the website (after waiting 1.5 hours on hold with United customer service) and the agent suggested to go to United/Refunds on the website. Unfortunately, you can't even file a complaint or refund request until the flight has already passed. I tried calling again today and after another hour on hold, I gave up.Feeling screwed yet ? Yup. I love United (pre-pandemic). The new United puts profits ahead of customer experience and has now gone down the rabbit hole of deceit. The pandemic has spawned a littany of trumped up fees, and other expenses which they pass on to the customer, but which is pure profit to the company.Remember that fuel surcharge ? How about employee wellness programs ? How about add on fees after you have shipped something ? Or better yet, how about that nice tip you charged on your bill for the fantastic spa massage or other experience (like drink tips). Yep, you guessed it, it goes directly to the owner or company. It's all profit mongering and greed. Next time ask where the tip goes, and you'll be surprised.United, time to step up to the plate and treat your customers better. We love travel, let us spend money and travel, without the hassle of trying to figure out how you're demonetizing our hard earned money. We want you to thrive, but now at the expense of greed and deceit. @unitedairlines |
Swiss flight from Zurich to Chicago |
Zurich to Chicago aboard Swiss B777 Business Class 12D Flight LX008 September 2021 The Swiss flight from Zurich to Chicago went smoothly with incredible Business Class food service and really good menu choices and quality.The check-in process was awkward. I tried to pay for a upgrade from Economy to Business, but was informed that a ticket purchased using miles was ineligible. I was directed to the Swiss customer service desk where I was able to purchase an upgrade for around $1,200. During check-in, I was asked for a passport, and Covid test result (entire pdf or paper form) for either PCR or antigen. With two carry-ons, I was informed that if my small wheeled carry-on was more than 5 kg (about 10 lbs), it would have to be checked. I quickly scrambled to remove my MacBookPro and keys, then checked the bag to Chicago. That is a first. Egress through the Zurich airport was smooth, and exit immigration was smooth. Briefly visited the Swiss Business Class lounge (which is so much more amazing than the United lounge experience), and then proceeded to the gate.At the gate, documents were again checked, and a entry form was also requested (see end of this post) for entry into the USA.Boarding the flight was orderly and fast.The seating area was comfortable, until about 2 hours into the flight when my foot recline and seat cushion inflation comfort level stopped working. Annoying, but not a disaster.The food was the true gem of the flight, with excellent service. Bistro Menu for the Swiss Flight |
Charter Jet from Barcelona to Zurich OKJFA |
Why Charter A Jet On a recent cruise, our group chartered a small business jet from Barcelona to Zurich.Not only was it super convenience, but an amazing experience.Most locations in Europe are an easy 1.5 hour flight or less point to point. Chartering a jet provides a very economical way for 6 people to travel First Class, avoiding airport hassle of long lines and waits. It also provides a customized service to your destination direct. In this case, we were leaving the cruise ship on a Sunday, and wanted to spend a few days at the Burgenstock Resort near Lucerne, Switzerland. There is actually an airport next to the resort, but unfortunately closed on the weekends, so we had to fly into Zurich, then take a van (weather was not good enough for a helicopter transfer) to the resort. |
 |
| CONTACT TEL: 608-238-6001 Email: greg@cruisingreview.com | RSS | AMP | PDF | IG | United Miles Card |
