TEL: 1-608-238-6001 Email: greg@cruisingreview.com
United PlusPoints and Upgrading PlusPoints on United are Useless... plan a upgrade strategy without them... Sorry 1K Status Peeps... More Info
Bemer Evo PEMF Device Review and Experience Bemer Therapy System Evo: Updated 5 October 2024. Purchased April 2024.Does Bemer help with long flights, post covid, and circulation ? More Info
DIY Skin Cream Make skin cream at home using natural products. More Info
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Switzerland August 2024 August 2024 trip including: Zurich and Lake Lucerne ZRH Hyatt Regency Hotel Room 613: Swiss Pass based at Zurich airport for the day, with day trip to Lucerne and lake boat from Lucerne to Flüelen. Read more... Geneva and Nyon: Hilton Geneva Airport Room 917 and Nyon Lac Leman paddlewheel boat ride Read more... Crans Montana: Swiss Pass train to Sierre, then funicular to the mountain ski village. Hotel Helvetica Intergolf Room 59. Read more... Zermatt: Swiss Half Card train from ZRH airport to Zermatt. 18th time at Riffelalp Resort at 2222 Gornergrat with beautiful view of the Matterhorn mountain. Suite 24. Read more... Davos: Swiss Half Card train from Zermatt to Zurich, and then Davos via Lanquart. One of the best Swiss hotel values at the Ameron Hotel Room 115. Read more... Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency Room 638: Best hotel at the airport. Read more...
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United Airlines Upgrades Over the past two years, the cost of using points for Business Class to Europe has surged, with what once required 150,000 miles now needing 250,000 miles. While deals are available through certain hubs, long layovers are common. PlusPoints have become nearly useless for upgrades, as cash or miles-and-cash options push you down the upgrade list, even for 1K members. To secure better fares, start looking at least two months in advance, as United's pricing algorithm may reduce upfront costs if seats are still available. For Miles and Cash upgrades to Europe, expect to pay 20,000 miles plus $500 each way, with changes or refunds requiring a call to customer service. Additionally, expect frequent bumps down the upgrade list as 1K or cash upgrades have priority. Also expect available seats as standby seats to be occupied by United employees, especially mid-week. So book any days from Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.Please view the links below for my articles on United upgrades and demonitizing changed flight fares. United Fare Codes |
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Marrakech Morocco May trip to Marrakech including: Marrakech Morocco Maison Brummell Hotel Room 203: Amazing boutique hotel in the heart of Marrakech next to botanical garden. Read more... Markets: Within the walled section of Marrakech are the colorful markets. Read more... Movenpick Mansour Eddahbi Resort: A few blocks from the train station and a 10 minute ride to the airport is this large Marrakech hotel complex with amazing pools and buffets. Read more... How to Prepare for Your Travel Experience: While travel can be stressful it can also be hard on your body so take simple preparations to make the experience more beneficial than painful. Read more... How to Prepare Your Hotel, Cruise, or Resort Accommodation for Use: While most hotel and cruise and resort accommodations are similar, some have unique differences which need preparation for most enjoyable experience. Read more...
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MSC Splendida Cruise from Barcelona Genoa and Marseille April Med trip from Barcelona, sea day, Genoa, Marseille and back to Barcelona including: Eurostar Hotel Room 535: Pre cruise stay at the port. Read more... MSC Splendida Cruise: MSC Splendida Suite 16027 Yacht Club Barcelona Embarkation. Read more...MSC Splendida Cruise Sea Day: MSC Splendida Suite 16027 Yacht Club day at sea. First day of water supply issues. Read more...MSC Splendida Cruise Genoa: MSC Splendida Suite 16027 Yacht Club Italy. Second day of water supply issues. Read more...MSC Splendida Cruise France: MSC Splendida Suite 16027 Yacht Club Marseille France. Third day of water issues. Water stopped working in Yacht Club cabin (for the sink, toilet, and shower. Staff sent technician to unclog the drain. MSC efficiency at work. Read more...MSC Splendida Cruise Barcelona: MSC Splendida Suite 16027 Yacht Club Disembarkation Day. Read more... Eurostar Hotel Room 524: Post cruise stay at the port. Read more...
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Berchtesgaden Bavaria Germany and Europe Kempinski Hotel including: Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency Review Room 630: Great stay after flight from Marrakech enroute to Bavaria. Read more... Kempinski Resort: Another great stay in the beautiful Bavarian mountains. Read more... Berchtesgaden Area: Rainy but wonderful spring hiking in a area rich in panoramic views and WWII history. Read more... Schiphol Amsterdam Hilton Airport Review: Convenient hotel at the airport within about 10 minute walk to terminal. Really nice rooms with a view, but awful showers on 11th Executive Floor. Read more... Schiphol Amsterdam Hilton Airport Review 1102: Another nice stay, but once again shower issues, this time on the 11th Executive Floor. Read more...
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Understanding Underseat and Carry-On Luggage Dimensions for Air Travel Explore the essential guide to underseat and carry-on luggage dimensions for air travel, including airline-specific sizes and tips on choosing between hard-shell and soft-sided luggage. Ensure a hassle-free flight by understanding what counts as a personal item, how to pack smartly, and the pros and cons of different luggage types. |
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Switzerland and Netherlands March 2024 March trip to Davos, Switzerland and Netherlands including: Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency Review: Always a pleasant stay with consistent quality and service. Read more... Davos Ameron: One of my favorite hotels in Europe with great food, service, and wonderful rooms. The best value hotel in Switzerland. Read more... Schiphol Amsterdam Hilton Airport Review: Convenient hotel at the airport within about 10 minute walk to terminal. Really nice rooms with a view, but awful showers on 11th Executive Floor. Read more... Schiphol Amsterdam Hilton Airport Review (stayed twice on this trip): Another nice stay, but once again awful shower, this time on the 10th Executive Floor. Read more...
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The Traveler's Guide to Wellness: Spices, Body Lotions, and Tea for Health on the Go Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, offering a chance to explore new places and cultures. However, it often comes with less-discussed drawbacks like stress, elevated blood pressure, poor circulation, and the temptation of unhealthy eating. Fortunately, nature provides a bounty of solutions in the form of spices, body lotions, and teas that can help mitigate these issues. This guide explores how incorporating these natural remedies into your travel routine can enhance your health and improve your travel experience. |
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The Bemer PEMF Device Review and Experience Coordinated with Red Light Therapy and Proper Diet Review in progress as of 25 May 2024. I'm using the Bemer pad with Red Light Therapy (from Amazon) and along with a plant based diet (healing from within). Unless you work at being healthy, the Bemer experience will most likely effect symptoms more than the problem. For example, if your arteries are clogged from a diet of eating saturated fats, it's unlikely that the Bemer will have much effect for the long run. I'll discuss this more as I put the Bemer through its process.Please click on the link below to read more...Bemer PEMF Device for Health and Better Circulation Review Email questions for Bemer PEMF
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DIY Skin Cream for Travellers The best proven anti-wrinkle cream is sun tan lotion. 90 percent of wrinkles are from Sun exposure.In addition, the skin is your largest organ. Use an emollient to reduce inflammation.Make your own travel-size skin creams at home. Make them Zinc based for extra skin protection.What Is the Most Important Anti-Aging Cream Ingredient
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Mexico February 2024 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. Read more...Banyan Tree MayaKoba Resort Review: The Banyan Tree is a world-class resort with an amazing setting. Read more...
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The Netherlands American Cemetery December 2023 The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial stands as the sole American military burial ground in the Netherlands. This site is steeped in history, situated close to the renowned Cologne-Boulogne road, originally constructed by Roman engineers. This road was historically significant, having been traversed by Julius Caesar during his military campaigns in the region. It also served as a route for notable historical figures such as Charlemagne, Charles V, Napoleon, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. In May 1940, this ancient route was overtaken by the forces of World War II, marking a significant advance into the Low Countries. By September 1944, the same road witnessed the retreat of German troops who had occupied these nations for four years. |
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October 2023 Lucerne, Berchtesgaden, Austria, and Davos Burgenstock Resort: October visit to the Burgenstock. Burgenstock Palace Suite 2321 2023 Fall ZRH Hyatt: Convenient airport Hyatt. ZRH Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency Suite 920 ZRH Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency Suite 535 Kempinski Berchtesgadan Resort Beautiful fall weather at my newest favorite resort in Europe Suite 258 Area History Alders Hotel Innsbruck: Nice hotel with great location but has black mold issues. Alders Hotel 704 Ameron Hotel in Davos One of our favorites.Suite 309
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September 2023 Lucerne and Zermatt Switzerland Burgenstock Resort: Early fall visit to the Burgenstock. Burgenstock Palace Suite 2321 2023 Fall ZRH Hyatt: Convenient airport Hyatt. ZRH Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency Suite 531 Riffelalp Resort: Wonderful Riffelalp experience just before the fall closure until winter. Zermatt Riffelalp 2222 Suite 101 Hyatt Regency at the Zurich Airport: Super comfortable and modern hotel at the airport. ZRH Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency Suite 713
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Late Summer 2023 Olbia Sardina and Davos Hilton Airport Amsterdam 2023 August: Hilton Honors AMEX with Diamond card benefits to get upgrades. Early checkin and breakfast included with access to executive lounge. Short visit day prior to Sardinia. Review Sardinia Olbia Felix Hotel: In the middle of the city. Review Cala Cuncheddi Olbia: NIce resort with some drawbacks. Review Davos Ameron Hotel: Another fantastic stay at modern hotel with wonderful rooms and buffet. Great Pinza for dinner. Review Suite 438 and 436 Review
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Summer 2023 Including Rhodes | Dalaman | Ankara | Zermatt | Interlaken | Davos Hilton Airport Amsterdam 2023 July: Hilton Honors AMEX with Diamond card benefits to get upgrades. Early checkin and breakfast included with access to executive lounge. Short visit day prior to Rhodes. Review Rhodes Greece Atrium Plantinium Resort: Seaside resort just outside of the port of Rhodes. Review Ankara Turkey: Hilton Diamond Status with free upgrades, access to lounge and free breakfast. Business meeting for renewable energy. Wonderful Turkish hospitality with lower prices than Europe. Stayed using Hilton Honors Points. Review Hilton Resort in Dalaman Turkey: Beautiful expansive oceanside resort with some of the best buffet food as an all-inclusive resort. Review Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency: My favority hotel located at ZRH with easy access to airport supermarkets, and Swiss rail service. Stayed there three times including business meetings. Suite 509 Review | Suite 438 and 436 Review Zurich Airport Hilton: Outdated Hilton with poor buffet. Stayed using Hilton Honors Points. Review Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card: Used both 8 day Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card. Barely used full Swiss Pass over 8 days, but recovered half fare card within first use. From now on will use half fare card which gives you most flexibility (but must purchase rail tickets day prior for SuperSaver fares, which are then half price, compared for standard point-to-point fares. Swiss Travel Pass ZRH to Brunnen, Rutli, and Fluelin Switzerland: One of my favorite day excursions from Zurich airport. Review Interlaken Merkur Hotel: Overpriced and awful stay next to train station. Review Davos Ameron Hotel: Wonderful stay at modern hotel with wonderful rooms and buffet. Review Zermatt Riffelalp Resort: Two stays within a week at the wonderful Riffelalp located high above Zermatt on the Gornergrat. This is my favorite resort in Europe, with incredible staff, location, and a true Swiss mountain resort and spa experience. Hike, cogwheel, or cable car from this resort with the most amazing view from any resort in Europe of the iconic Matterhorn. Suite 42 | Suite 403
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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
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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.
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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 |
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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 September 2023. Still the best. Amazing staff, location, and suites. Most recent visit during September 2023 (Suite 403). |
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 |
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... |
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. |
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. |
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 |
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. |
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