Rhine, Danube rivers, countrysides on boutique river cruises

River cruises, a favorite among seasoned travelers, are a wonderful way to explore the countryside on a beautiful stretch of water. The small ships and hotel barges of these lines offer an intimate experience for travelers who wish to see villages, medieval towns and the lovely European countryside in an up-close and uniquely personal way.

The river cruise lines are improving their ships and amenities with every new cruise season, so what’s in store for the river cruise ships debuting in 2011?

The experts at AllThingsCruise offer information on what the new ships will be showcasing:

AmaWaterways will offer two new ships. The first, AmaVerde, which will cruise the Rhine, Mosel and Danube, will launch in late March. A sister ship to the AmaBella, the 162-passenger AmaVerde will offer bow-to-stern Wi-Fi, fine dining restaurants and “infotainment” systems in every cabin. AmaWaterway’s AmaLotus debuts in September, accommodating 124 passengers, and will include an impressive 624-square-foot suite. It is a companion ship to the popular La Marguerite and will feature authentic Vietnamese-style dining as an option. The AmaLotus will cruise the Mekong River from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia’s Siem Reap. In addition to the new ships, the AmaKaterina has been completely redesigned, as well, and will replace the Tolstoy to enter service on the Volga River May 10.

Avalon Waterways has already sold out its inaugural cruise for its new ship, the Avalon Panorama, May 13. The sought-after Panorama will feature two full decks of suites (200 square feet, much larger than the industry standard), each with a wall-to-wall panoramic window that transforms the living space into an Open-Air Balcony. This 166-passenger Avalon ship will cruise the Danube, Rhine and Main rivers.

Pandaw River Cruises is adding a new ship, the Saigon Pandaw, to its fleet of Asian river cruise vessels in November. Pandaw’s new ship will cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia, and will feature large cabins (nearly 200 square feet) with French doors and a common terrace. The ship will sail charter only through the end of 2011, then begin a regular season in 2012.

Tauck Small Ship Cruising is introducing its new ship, the 118-passenger M.S. Treasures, in August. This small ship offers many amenities not seen on some of the other small lines, including 14 suites (300 square feet) that have French balconies, walk-in closets and marble baths. Tauck also has added 400 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and Hungarian down pillows to all of Treasures’ cabins, which also feature plasma TVs, mini-bars, terry cloth robes, radios, safes, individual air conditioning and L’Occitane toiletries.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruising will introduce two new ships this year, starting with the 164-passenger S.S. Antoinette on March 27. Uniworld works with Red Carnation hotels to make each Uniworld ship unique, and the Antoinette will include rich woods, Russian paintings, marble bathrooms and a Blue Straus Baccarat chandelier. This new “super ship” (the largest in the fleet), which will cruise the Rhine River, also will feature a swimming pool, movie theater (with state-of-the-art flat screen) and top-deck suites with private balconies. Secondly, the Douro Spirit, sailing April 28 with a capacity of 128 passengers, will cruise the Douro River as a replacement for the Douro Queen. This ship’s focus will be on providing the private ship ambiance preferred by Uniworld’s experienced travelers while visiting vineyards, monasteries and ancient port cities. In addition, the completely refurbished River Victoria will enter service on the Volga River in May; the ship will feature individual climate-control thermostats and flat-screen TVs with satellite.

Viking River Cruises is debuting its 188-passenger Viking Prestige on March 19. The ship, which will cruise the Danube, will have two spacious 310-square-foot suites and 97 staterooms (six of which are singles), most of which feature French balconies or picture windows. The Prestige will feature a streamlined shape and this new Viking vessel is a “green” ship, operating on hybrid diesel-electric engines that produce 20-percent less emissions. The 264-passenger Viking Emerald also enters service in China in 2011. She will replace the Viking Century Sun on the Yangtze River and will sail three Viking itineraries. The Emerald will feature the largest suites in river cruising; Presidential suites will span 840 square feet with separate sitting/sleeping areas, flat-screen TVs, panoramic windows and balconies.

For more information on river cruises, visit AllThingsCruise.com.

Live La Dolce Vita at Hotel Hassler Roma this Easter

Easter is perhaps one of the most anticipated events in the Eternal City. From the procession on Good Friday to the Pope's Easter Sunday mass at St. Peter's Basilica, the holiday excitement runs throughout the city. This year, the Hotel Hassler Roma is offering a special Roman pasqua (Easter) for guests looking for an extraordinary Easter in Rome. The package includes: Three nights in luxury accommodations Daily buffet breakfast at the Hassler's Salone Eva Special Easter Sunday Brunch created by Chef Francesco Apreda at the Hassler's panoramic Michelin-starred Imàgo restaurant Spumante (Italian sparkling wine) and two bottles of mineral water upon arrival Easter surprise from the hotel's pastry chef Sauna and steam bath Guests may also relax with an optional massage in room or at the hotel’s Amorvero SPA (at additional charge). Priced from €1,800 to €2,100 (approximately US $2,430 to US $2,840) based on double occupancy, the package is valid for arrivals on April 22 or 23. To know more about Hotel Hassler Roma, visit www.hotelhasslerroma.com.

B&Bs add charm to wine country

The elegance of Churchill Manor.

Napa’s Cedar Gables Inn.

Story & Photos By Stan Wawer

California’s northern wine country is sprinkled with some of this country’s most charming B&Bs and country inns. In early December, my wife and I stayed in and toured seven eclectic, warm and appealing inns in Boonville, Healdsburg and Napa.

Our first stop was the Toll House Inn.

Toll House Inn

My wife and I spent a wonderful night at the newly renovated Toll House Inn in Boonville.

The inn is an historic Boonville landmark built in 1912. It’s a two-hour drive from San Francisco and about eight hours and more than 560 miles from the San Gabriel Valley.

It was a rustic, comfortable place under its old ownership when I last stayed at the Toll House

in 1998. The inn sits on 650 acres, five miles outside of town on the Boonville-Ukiah road with easy access to wineries, parks and more in the Anderson Valley.

We stayed in the lovely porch room, a ground-floor suite with private screened porch, full private bath with clawfoot tub, incredibly comfortable king bed and a single daybed.

For more info

rmation or reservations go to www.tollhouseinn.com or call (707) 895-2572.

Hennessey House

The Hennessey House is a true bed and breakfast. It is a classic Queen Anne built in 1889 by Dr. Hennessey, the former mayor of Napa. It has six rooms in the main house and four rooms in the carriage house.

The house was in the Hennessey family until the 1980s and has been owned and operated the last seven years by Kevin and Lorri Walsh. Hennessey House is open 365 days a year. “We’re here quite a bit,” said Kevin. “We live nearby.”

April through September is the busy season. “It slows down a little during the holidays,” Lorri pointed out.

“We did all the decorating,” Kevin said, “especially my wife.”

The unique kitchen ceiling has been there since 1908. It was put in by hand and then painted.

The Hennessey House gets a lot of repeat clientele. A different breakfast is served every day and anyone who comes to the door gets a goodie bag. When registering, say hello to Chardonnay and Cabernet, the two fish at the front desk.

The Hennessey House is at 1727 Main St. in Napa. For more information and reservations go to inn@hennesseyhouse.com, www.hennesseyhouse.com or call (707) 226-3774.

Napa Inn

The Napa Inn is known as one of the wine country’s most romantic inns. It is on a quiet street in historic downtown Napa. The inn is made up of two adjacent Victorians. The main inn is a Queen Anne Victorian built in 1899 as a wedding gift. A wealthy rancher from Barryessa Valley built the Buford House, next door to the main inn, in 1877. There are a total of 15 rooms — all done with a bit of whimsy.

Breakfast at the Napa Inn is a gourmet’s delight served by candlelight. Each afternoon and evening, refreshments, tea and liqueurs are served.

The Napa Inn is at 1137 Warren St., Napa. For more information and reservations, e-mail info@napainn.com, go to the Website at www.napainn.com or call (800) 435-1144 or (707) 257-1444.

Candlelight Inn

This place is drop-dead gorgeous. It looks like someone’s estate home in its setting along the banks of Napa Creek. The place oozes warmth and charm. It was built as a residence in 1929 and has been run as a B&B the last 20 years. “It’s an ongoing labor of love,” said Sam Neft, managing partner.

The original owner, a postmaster, planted the magnificent redwood trees on the property. In the back, near the pool, is an elegantly decorated carriage house.

There are 10 rooms in the house with high-speed wireless Internet access and printer availability. The cottage has its own Website.

Candlelight Inn gets a lot of honeymoon couples. Late September and October is peak season. Room rates are in the mid $200s during the off season and mid $300s in season.

Amenities include a three-course gourmet breakfast, snacks and drinks at all hours, free onsite parking and complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvres and chocolate cake.

Most of the rooms have a private deck or balcony, two-person spa tub and fireplace. All have TV, telephone and air conditioning.

Candlelight Inn is at 1045 Easum Drive in Napa Valley. For more information and reservations go to www.candlelightinn.com, mail@candlelightinn.com or call (800) 624-0395 or (707) 257-3717.

Cedar Gables Inn

This elegant Shakespearean B&B had me as soon as I saw it from the outside. It totally had me when I walked in the front door and up the stairs to the main lobby with its mahogany wood, chandelier and oversized fireplace.

Built in 1892 as a wedding gift for E. Wilder Churchill and his bride Alice Ames, it is one of the “big four” 10,000-square-foot mansions in Napa. No nails were used only dowels. When the Churchill’s daughter Dorothy sold the mansion to Ella Balmer, Ella turned it into a boarding house and divided the house into 33 bedrooms. She planted two small cedar trees in the front yard and put up the Cedar Gables Inn sign over the front door.

During WWII it was used to house military nurses, eventually evolving into a luxurious bed and breakfast inn.

Winding staircases lead to nine beautifully appointed guest rooms. Some rooms have whirlpool tubs and fireplaces.

Downstairs is a replica of an old English tavern with a massive fireplace, leather chairs and corner bar. The secret passageways and hidden staircases add mystique and charm.

A three-course gourmet breakfast is served each morning and every evening wine and hors d’oeuvres are served in the tavern.

Cedar Gables Inn is at 486 Coombs St., Napa. For more information and reservations go to www.CedarGablesInn.com or call (800) 309-7969 or (707) 224-7969.

Churchill Manor

This place will transport you back to a bygone era. Elegant would be an understatement. If you stay here, you are going to want to sit in a big, comfortable chair by the fireplace with a good book or have afternoon tea on the porch for starters.

Edward Churchill built Churchill Manor, the first residence in the Napa Valley to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, in 1889 on what is considered to be the original street of the Napa founders. He was the one who built Cedar Gables Inn mansion for his son E. Wilder Churchill (mentioned above) directly behind Churchill Manor.

All the fantastic interior woodwork has remained essentially untouched. The first floor has its original leaded and beveled glass doors, which open into not one, but four grand parlors, each with a fireplace. The 12-foot-high ceilings contain 17 layers of detailed redwood moldings.

The manor has 10 guestrooms, gourmet breakfast, afternoon fresh-baked cookies and nightly wine and appetizer reception.

Talk about a place where you get more bang for your buck. Room rates start at $165 for low season and $285 for the high season. The most expensive room in Churchill Manor is Stags Leap, a super-elegant king room with fireplace for $345 during the high season ($225 in low season).

Churchill Manor is at 485 Brown St., Napa. For more information and reservations go to www.churchillmanor.com, e-mail justbe@churchillmanor.com or call (800) 799-7733 or (707) 253-7733.

Camellia Inn

The Camellia Inn has that homey feel and perfect for those who love the classic B&B. It is in the charming town of Healdsburg and the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country.

Healdsburg is a town of great restaurants, quaint shops, wine tasting rooms and friendly residents. The Camellia Inn fits perfectly into this scenario. You can’t get enough love at this inn. Lucy Lewand and her staff are always ready to take care of your every whim. Lucy has more than 25 years of innkeeper experience.

She learned inn keeping from her parents, Ray (a former UCLA football player) and Del who opened and ran the inn after purchasing the house in 1981. Lucy joined Mom and Dad after completing her master’s degree in business administration from UCLA. Del died in 2006, but Ray can be seen some evenings pouring wines from Camellia Cellars, imparting his vast knowledge of area wineries and telling tall tales of his years as a Bruin lineman. He started Camellia Cellars winery and owns it with his other daughter Chris and her husband Bruce Snyder.

Each of the nine guest rooms features a private bath. A full breakfast awaits you each morning. In the evening, sample local wines and cheeses.

If you are a chocoholic like I am, you might want to stay on a Wednesday, which is known at the Camellia Inn as Chocolate Covered Wednesday.

There is a pool and air conditioning available in season, complimentary off-street parking, spa packages and whirlpool tubs for two and gas fireplaces available in Queen Deluxe rooms. Rates run from $129 to $325.

Camellia Inn is at 211 North St., Healdsburg. For more information and reservations go to www.CamelliaInn.com, e-mail info@CamelliaInn.com or call (800) 727-8182.

Private sector investment up

Private investment in the tourism sector during 2010 amounted to $3.5 billion, an increase of more than19 percent over the previous year. Of this, $1.6 billion went into hospitality and the rest into real estate development. According to the Tourism Ministry, $374 million came from the United States, $61 million from Spain and $60 million from Canada. Nonetheless, Pablo Azcárraga, a top man at Posadas de México and president of the private sector’s Tourism Business council, maintains investment is 50 percent less than it was in 2008. He blames both the climate of violence and economic conditions for the fall.

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Jimm Budd

Reporting from Mexico City

Member of the Society of American Travel Writers

Spat with France latest worry

This was to be “Mexico Year” in France, with museum exhibits, cultural events and more expected to promote tourism not only from the host country but from all of Europe. Now the case of a young French woman, Florence Cassez, convicted of involvement in kidnappings and other crimes threatens to derail everything. France has asked that its young citizen be returned to her homeland to serve her 60-year sentence. But France refuses to promise that she will not be released if she is allowed to return.

At the opening of Mexico Year festivities, the French President declared that the event would be dedicated to Florence Cassez. With that, the Mexican Government canceled its support of Mexico Year in France. Political commentators recalled how Mexico’s first foreign war was with France, which in 1839 bombarded Veracruz, demanding that a baker’s bill be paid. This time, many of the 170,000 French tourists expected in Mexico may stay home. That, according to the private sector National Tourism Confederation, will cost the hospitality industry about $172 million.

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Jimm Budd

Reporting from Mexico City

Member of the Society of American Travel Writers

Shooting may wound tourism

The murder of one U.S. official and the wounding of another traveling along a highway between Mexico City and Monterrey is expected to have a severely negative effect on vacation travel to Mexico. Details as yet are sketchy, but it is known that the two were driving in an armored SUV when they were stopped about mid-afternoon and shot with assault rifles.

In the past year, 11 Americans have been murdered in Mexico. While none were vacationing tourists, the increasing level of criminal violence is expected to discourage holiday travel in the country.

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Jimm Budd

Reporting from Mexico City

Member of the Society of American Travel Writers

Violence scares away spring breakers

Spring breakers, who usually start pouring into Mexican beach resorts about now, are staying away in droves, according to local tourism officials. In some areas, reservations are off by up to 85 percent. Pedro Haces, of the Acapulco Hotel Association, blames the decline on reports of violence in the resort city. Management at the hotel Copacabana says that where in the past it has been booked solid for the final week in February, this year only 15 percent of its rooms have been sold. In Cancun, the Hotel Oasis reports it expects business to be off by as much as 30 percent. Not everyone is unhappy. Rowdy spring breakers are blamed for driving more conservative vacationers to seek sunshine elsewhere. One of Mexico´s big attraction is that 18 year olds can drink legally, and in many places, IDs are not carefully checked.

--Jimm Budd

Reporting from Mexico City

Member of the Society of American Travel Writers