There is a danger to getting addicted to the unrivaled beauty of this world.
Consider yourself warned.
Welcome to Aquamarine Cruises and Tours.
It started with the name. Legends say that Aquamarine - the treasure of mermaids - was carried by traders and ancient sailors to protect them from the perils of the sea.
It continues with the passion to travel and all romantic, enlightening and addictive aspects of it. It culminates with the service.
Contrary to what you might think, I am a Travel Advisor, not a salesperson, for I don't have any specific product to sell.
I see my business as helping people to make the right travel-planning decision. The whole idea is more like using a skilled CPA or a financial analyst because making the right choice can be quite time consuming and the consequences of making the wrong choice can be quite costly or even dangerous.
One must research suppliers, test tour operators and service providers, inspect properties, observe the countries’ political situation, watch over weather reports and be aware of the airlines financial status. But you, you do not have to do all of that, because you know my phone number.
I am your knowledgeable advisor, enthusiastic guide, devoted partner, competent problem solver and hard-working assistant, helping you to arrange a remarkable journey that will be regarded as one of the brightest moments of your life. I do it by negotiating with vendors, considering all details, comparing various options and hand-picking a few made just for you.
However, as my client, you are still in the driver's seat in everything I do - as much or as little as you want to be. The whole process is controlled by your preferences. I just take the stress out of it so that you can have all of the fun and enjoyment of designing your trip: this way, your vacation starts the minute you begin dreaming about it.
News and Events
Important 2026 Passport Renewal Rules.
Add nights to your river cruise. They called it Complimentary Land Package.
By now, I hope you’ve adopted the wise habit of arriving at your departure port a couple of nights before your river cruise.
The reasons are clear:
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You’ll have plenty of time to reach the port for embarkation.
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You won’t need to worry about delayed or canceled flights.
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If your luggage is lost, there’s a good chance you’ll be reunited with it before the cruise.
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You’ll overcome jet lag and have time to explore the city.
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Sometimes, you might also prefer to stay in cities like Budapest, Amsterdam, or Paris a bit longer instead of rushing to the airport to catch your flight home. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have those extra nights included in your cruise package?
AmaWaterways now offers complimentary land packages that can be added before or after your river cruise in Europe. These packages, lasting two to four nights, provide guests with extra time to fully enjoy the destinations they visit.
This exciting offer is available from January 1 through March 31, 2025, and applies to 69 itineraries across 230 cruises in 2025 and 460 cruises in 2026.
Here are a few samples:
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Brittany, France – Featured on Impressions of the Seine & Paris.
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Lisbon, Portugal – Available on Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain.
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Prague, Czech Republic – Included with several Danube, Main, and Moselle itineraries.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands – Offered on select Dutch, Rhine, and Moselle itineraries.
Each land package includes a stay at a 4- or 5-star hotel in the heart of the city, giving travelers the opportunity to explore local attractions during guided tours and enjoy shopping and dining at their own pace.
Additionally, every AmaWaterways land package includes:
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Daily breakfast at the hotel.
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Transfers between the hotel and the river cruise ship.
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Luggage service.
Call your travel advisor and take advantage of this incredible offer.
A Journey Through Elegance: The Revival of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Luxury travel enthusiasts, prepare to step into a world of timeless sophistication as the La Dolce Vita Orient Express begins its much-anticipated journeys across the heart of Italy.
The La Dolce Vita Orient Express takes passengers on a scenic voyage through Italy's most enchanting landscapes. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, the train's routes offer unparalleled views of the country’s cultural and natural treasures. Each cabin is a masterpiece, designed to transport guests to the golden age of luxury rail travel.
The luxury train service will launch in spring 2025 with nine itineraries in Italy, exploring the country's northern and southern regions. Journeys will last one or two nights.
The two-night Coast to Coast journey in the north visits Venice, Portofino and Rome, and the two-night La Transiberiana Italiana itinerary in the south visits Palena, Matera and Rome. The one-night Sud Italia -- Maratea e Palermo itinerary in the south takes guests on a journey to Palermo along the coast of Sicily before visiting Maratea and Rome.
Excursions include wine and food tastings, such as a pizza at the Santavenere Hotel in Maratea, a winery and truffle experience in Nizza Monferrato, and private art experiences in Venice.
Dining aboard the train is no less remarkable, with menus curated by top Italian chefs. Passengers are treated to gourmet dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, paired with fine Italian wines. Operated by Orient Express, a brand synonymous with luxury rail travel, the train is poised to become a beacon for those seeking a romantic and memorable journey.
Important 2026 Passport Renewal Rules — What Travelers Need to Know.
As we settle into 2026, there are some key updates and best-practice changes in passport renewal that every traveler should understand before planning their next international trip. Staying informed will help avoid delays and ensure smooth travel.
Here’s what’s new and what remains important:
1. Online Passport Renewal Is Now Available Nationwide
For the first time, many U.S. citizens can renew their passports online through the official State Department portal. Eligible applicants can complete the entire routine renewal process digitally — without mailing forms or visiting an office — making renewal faster and more convenient.
Who qualifies:
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Must be 25 years or older.
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Passport being renewed was valid for a full 10-year term and is expiring within a year (or expired less than 5 years ago).
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No changes to personal data (name, gender, date/place of birth).
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You must live in the U.S. and have the current passport in your possession.
If you don’t meet these criteria, you can still renew the traditional way by mailing Form DS-82 or visiting a passport agency as needed.
2. Updated Photo & Document Requirements
Passport photos remain a critical part of the renewal process — and standards are being strictly enforced. Your photo must be recent, unedited, and meet all official specifications (plain background, correct size, clear image).
For online renewals, you will upload a digital photo that also meets these updated standards.
3. Renewal Timing and Travel Planning
Even with online options available, routine processing still typically takes several weeks. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, so plan ahead.
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Routine renewals: generally 4–6 weeks (plus mailing time if not online).
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Expedited renewals: faster service is available by mail if you’re traveling soon.
Start your renewal far in advance of any planned international trip to avoid travel disruptions.
4. Country-Specific Passport Rules Still Apply
While the U.S. has updated its renewal process, other countries may have their own entry requirements — like extra documentation, passport validity rules, or travel authorizations. For example, new rules in places like the UK require certain travelers to present specific passport documentation.
Always check entry requirements for your destination well before departure. Keeping passports up to date and understanding destination entry requirements will help travelers avoid stress and costly travel interruptions.
What U.S. travelers to UK need to know about Electronic Travel Authorization.
Attention globetrotters, adventurers, and anyone with an addiction to soggy weather and endless cups of tea: there’s a new travel twist brewing in the United Kingdom, and no, it’s not an experimental Earl Grey latte.
Think of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as a VIP invitation to see Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, visit legendary Stonehenge, experience Oxford's historic charm and enjoy that delightful drizzle along the way. Except it’s not quite VIP—it’s mandatory. Here’s the scoop: visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia and other non-European nations who currently do not need a visa for short stays in the UK will be required to obtain ETA to enter the country. What’s important: travelers will need to apply for an ETA before boarding their flights to the UK.
According to the UK government all of this is aimed at creating a more streamlined entry system by confirming traveler eligibility to enter the UK before they leave their country of origin. When boarding a plane to the UK, gate agents will verify your ETA status via digital link to your passport thereby reducing time and confusion at border crossings.
Now, let’s answer some burning questions:
How much does this privilege cost? Not to worry; it won’t cost you an arm and a leg (you’ll need those for lugging around suitcases). The fee is expected to be modest, likely around £16 (approximately US $20).
How do you apply? By simply filling out a form online. To apply, you’ll need a valid passport, an email address, and a payment method (credit or debit card). The application will ask for personal details, travel plans, and possibly some security-related questions. Once submitted, you should receive your ETA via email, usually within 48 to 72 hours. Be sure to double-check all your information before submitting to avoid delays. It’s said to be a quick process, but if you’ve ever spent hours deciphering British accents in Netflix dramas, you know “quick” can be subjective.
Who needs it? Basically, if your country isn’t on the visa-free travel list, you’ll need an ETA. Even if you’re just stopping by for a quick layover. That means if your flight connects in the UK and you plan to stay within the airport without venturing outside, you’ll still need to secure an ETA.
So, what’s the moral of the story? Plan ahead. Get your digital paperwork sorted. Because once you’ve navigated the paperwork, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything the UK has to offer—from royal palaces to the delightfully confusing road signs.
Bon voyage, or as the Brits might say, “Safe travels, mate.”