North Bay Woman

S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 | NORTH BAY WOMAN 19 to detail. We felt like royalty! Meeting interesting people — both fellow passengers and crew — experiencing Europe in a new way, and learning local history and culture while on excursions left us with lasting mem- ories. Once our cruise came to an end, I immediately wanted to book another. Interested in knowing more about trends in luxury cruise travel, I turned to travel expert Jill Romano, owner of Dimensions in Travel in Novato, who agreed to answer a few of my questions about today's luxury cruise industry. First, I asked Romano if luxury cruising is gaining in popularity. She told me, "In the luxury space, there has never been the breadth of product including new ships, as well as a focus on destination driven itineraries, with regionally inspired cuisine, personalized service and, of course, no tipping. We continue to work closely with our luxury cruise partners to offer more ameni- ties and customization than ever before and we are seeing the results." After taking a luxury cruise, I understand their popularity. Trav- eling by cruise ship is not only a unique way to see the world but provides the traveler with an experience that is nearly effortless. "Many of our clients enjoy the ease of cruise travel," Romano says. "They unpack once and let the ship do all the work of get- Clockwise from top left: A Regent Suite on the Regent Seas Explorer; a balcony suite; on-board spa; relax in luxurious accommodations; pool deck aboard the Regent Seven Seas; Pacific Rim restaurant; the spectacular atrium. – Photos courtesy Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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