Should CDC Inspection Results influence your cruise-ship selection?
You’ve read the reviews, scanned the brochures, and devoured every social media post related to the ship you expect to sail on. But have you looked under the bed, peeked into the medicine cabinet, and checked the milk’s expiration date in the ship’s fridge? Fortunately, there’s n
Celebrate This Victory in 2025
No matter who takes the oath of office in Washington DC next year, America has something to celebrate: the 2025 launch of Victory Cruise Lines! From April through October 2025, the intimate 190-passenger/86-crew Victory I and Victory II offer a staggering 33 voyages that allow gues
Chefs Making Waves
I just love it when worlds collide! In this case, I’m talking about my passion for cruising and my obsession with celebrity chefs coming together for Chefs Making Waves, a mouth-watering theme cruise that sets sail aboard Norwegian Gem from Miami to Cozumel on May 5, 2025. This 4-night sailing, pr
Sizing It Up
“Chicken or pasta?” We cruise enthusiasts are appalled by what passes for dining choices aboard those multi-hour flights that transport us across the Pond. And don’t even mention lack of comfort, sub-par entertainment … and jet lag. Fortunately, there is a seagoing option when it comes to
The “Inside” Story
Some people think that the only way you can truly enjoy a cruise is if you’re ensconced in a luxury suite with the three “B”s: A balcony, a butler and a bathtub. Not true. I, personally, fell in love with cruising while occupying an inside cabin, the only category my travel companion and I
A Taste of Sea Cloud Spirit’s San Juan Guest Chef Program
Sea Cloud Spirit, the 136-passenger, three-masted, full-rigged windjammer from Germany’s iconic Sea Cloud Cruises, is coming to America’s backyard. Beginning this January, Sea Cloud Spirit will, for the first time ever, homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, making it easy for us Yanks to experience
The Five Best Cruise Lunches
A hamburger or hot dog from the grill? How very, very…lunch hour. And yet, when I cruise, I can’t see myself coming in from a morning under the blazing Caribbean sun to chow down on massive, steaming bowls of beef bourguignon, hot soups, and pasta. The salad bar is fine until I reach the end
Sometimes, A Recipe is the Best Souvenir
I recently returned from a lavish transatlantic crossing aboard SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream II. During our 12-day voyage, I indulged in the lavish dining SeaDream is known for, digging into succulent roast duck, tender and salty lobster tail, butter-and-garlic-drenched escargot, moist and bri
Luxury … With a Twist!
Explora I’s Lobby Bar soars midship from Decks 4 to 5 but it doesn’t call to mind the traditional cruise ship atrium with its riotous activity and zooming glass elevators. This inviting space, the social heart of Explora Journeys’ first ship, is part living room, with plush seating and cockt
Another World… Another Scotland
My feet scrape against the surface of 3-billion-year-old Lewisian gneiss as I scale the boulders that surround the glistening Loch Coruisk on the Isle of Skye. My steps are the only sound aside from distant bleating of sheep and the squawk of gulls as they fly high overhead. I feel as though I’m a
WORLD VOYAGER NAMED IN USHUAIA
MBE Winner Harpreet Kaur “Preet” Chandi Names Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Third Expedition Ship Last night, beneath sunny Ushuaia skies, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager was christened by Harpreet Kaur “Preet” Chandi, the first woman of color to ski solo to the South Pole. Prior to introducin
“Shaping Horizons” by Explora I: Robin Hunter Blake’s Unique Perspective
When I think of astonishing cruise ship images, photographers like the late Harvey Lloyd and the masterful Michel Verdure immediately come to mind. Now, after sailing Explora Journeys’ Explora I, I’ll add Robin Hunter Blake to that esteemed duo. Largely self-taught, Blake doesn’t possess a len
Cunard’s Queen Anne: A Modern Lady With A Past
In May 2024, Cunard begins an exciting new era with the launch of Queen Anne, the line’s first new ship in 13 years. This 113,000 grt ton, 3000-guest newbuild celebrates Cunard’s legendary ocean liner traditions and elegance while, at the same time, introduces dazzling new features that as
A Stunning Vista
Were it not for the 18th-century baroque-period bastions within view, we might think we were in Hollywood instead of Malta. A lively, open-air cocktail reception and decadent dinner kicks off an evening filled with lavish entertainment and gala celebration. Even big names are in attendance: Emmy Awa
Regent Seven Seas Epicurean Perfectionist
Taste, Travel and Explore the World! While the eyes of the cruise industry are focused on Fort Lauderdale’s Seatrade Cruise Global 2023, I find myself further south in Miami, boarding the glorious Seven Seas Splendor for a half-day event that will acquaint me with the line’s newly-announced Epic
Give Yourself the Valentine’s Day Gift of a Lifetime With Aurora Expeditions
Give Yourself the Valentine’s Day Gift of a Lifetime! I might not know a whole lot about Aurora Expeditions, but I love them already. While other cruise lines are marking the arrival of Valentine’s Day with promises of new romantic heights, Aurora Expeditions is encouraging us solo sailors to us
Enjoy the Dom Pérignon Experience aboard Oceania Marina
After several days aboard Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Marina, just when I was pretty sure I’d enjoyed the finest cuisine in the most sumptuous settings at sea, a small ad in the daily program catches my eye: The Dom Pérignon Experience, a six-course gastronomic triumph that showcases the finest Ch
Service Dog Receives Holland America’s Five-Star Mariner Status
Photo: Holland America Line Aboard Rotterdam VII, we’re all just barking mad…for Joska! This morning, shortly after Rotterdam VII sailed under overcast skies into New York City following Holland America’s 150th Anniversary crossing, the line’s President Gus Antorcha and the
Holland America 150th Anniversary Sailing Triggers Fond Memories
Porthole Cruise and Travel’s Judi Cuervo is aboard Rotterdam VII crossing the Atlantic as part of Holland America’s gala 150th Anniversary sailing. The voyage includes many guests who have a strong connection to the cruise line, including a past crew member who is seeking two of the sh
This Classic Rock Music Cruise Lets You Sail with Rock Legends
In 1976, when I started cruising, I’d never have believed that one day I’d be sailing the Caribbean with some of my rock music idols. But, thanks to On the Blue classic rock music cruise, I’ll be doing just that aboard the Norwegian Pearl from January 28-February 2nd. Before I get into the
