Cruise Adventures in Curacao: 6 Spots You Have to See!
When I see Willemstad, Curacao on a Caribbean cruise itinerary, I’m immediately excited –the name alone acts like a hook and I invariably read on. Cruise-passenger-friendly Willemstad, the capital of Curacao is an architecture-buff’s delight –I’m one!– and the island, a consti
Cruise Deal of the Week – May 18, 2018
As a thank you for making Smartcruiser.com a top name in cruise deals for the past 30 years, the site is giving travelers booking any cruise of seven nights or longer in a balcony cabin or above a free Amazon Echo Dot with their booking. The promotion works for new bookings made now through July [&h
What’s the Deal with All-Inclusive Cruises?
Vacations can be expensive. From hotels to dining and entertainment, costs add up quickly, especially when it’s a family trip. Back in 2013, American Express estimated the average cost of a vacation totaled more than $1,000 per person. Five years later, costs have generally gone up, not down. For
Grape Destinations: a Taste of Oregon’s Vino History
Driving through Dundee, you have to look somewhat carefully to see the history. Many of the oldest structures have been replaced by newer ones. But if you’re observant, you’ll notice a quaint little house just off of route 99. This building, built in 1840, has housed the Post Office, been ho
Virgin Voyages Unveils Spectacular Ship Design on Facebook Live
When Virgin Voyages first came into being back in December of 2014, their goal was to bring a new attitude, style and vision to cruising. New interior and exterior renderings of their first ship revealed on Facebook Live last night certainly make good on that promise. A Big Announcement President an
No Time for a Trip? Take a Daycation!
There’s nothing better than going on vacation, except when you think about the costs and all the time spent traveling to your destination. Thanks to Daycation, it’s possible to enjoy a relaxing day by the pool without going too far from home. What is Daycation? Daycation is an innovative new ser
Sea-Band Helps Keep Motion Sickness at Bay
One of the worst things that can happen to a passenger on a cruise ship vacation is a bout of motion sickness. Also called seasickness, the ailment is a fairly common occurrence that starts in the inner-ear. The general idea of motion sickness is that your body can feel itself moving, but since your
Forget the iPad, We’re All About the Sky Pad
A million-dollar makeover for Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas has guests jumping for joy, literally. The new Sky Pad, a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience, is the talk of the industry thanks to Royal Caribbean’s bold new adventures campaign. The feature is exclusive to Royal
What are the Best Cruise Ships for Kids?
Step aboard most new cruise ships these days and it’s clear they’ve placed an emphasis on entertainment for kids and young adults. When many think of taking a cruise, they envision a week laid up in a deck chair drinking Pina Coladas and enjoying a good book. Newer ships certainly offer that par
TRAVEL TIPS: Zadar, a Hidden Gem in Croatia
Over the last 20 years, tourism in Croatia has almost quadrupled. The War of Croatian Independence and bombing of nearby Yugoslavia in the late 90’s deterred outsiders from visiting this beautiful Mediterranean country. Things have changed, especially over the last decade, as explorers have gotten
A Well Deserved Ovation
There’s a new girl in town and after a five day cruise debut, the brand new Seabourn Ovation has become the talk of the high seas. From conception to the initial launch from Genoa, Italy on April 28, 2018, this stunning beauty has been groomed for pure perfection. Porthole Cruise Magazine and
Into the Heart of Cascadia: Cruising the Pacific Northwest
Home to slumbering volcanoes, lush forests, and rolling rivers, the Pacific Northwest is an intrepid soul’s paradise. Those looking to explore one of America’s most unique regions can now do so with UnCruise Adventures new Rivers of Adventure itinerary. Known for their small ship cruises that ar
Ageless Dreamers Enjoying Fun, Relaxation at Sea
Are you an ageless dreamer? A new program launched by Dream Cruises takes aim at helping aging travelers get the most out of their vacation experiences. It’s not easy getting older, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo your sense of fun and adventure. RELATED: Here Come the Grown Ups The “
Ovation Boasts Superior Luxury, Unmatched Style
Spectacular luxury. Impeccable style. Best in class amenities. For those sailing on Seabourn’s newest vessel, Ovation, life cannot be better. The ship, launched in 2018, is the pinnacle of luxury cruise design. A New Standard for Luxury Ovation is intimate in its size, but grand in its vision. Sea
Grape Destinations: Park, Stay, and Wine Taste in Sonoma Plaza
Napa may have been the first California wine region to gain international recognition, but the first California grapes came from Sonoma County. In the 1820s, Franciscan monks planted vines at Mission San Francisco de Solano which still exists in the heart of the town of Sonoma. Today, Sonoma C
Hurtigruten’s Norway: Sled Dogs, King Crabs and the Northern Lights
When most people think of a cruise ship vacation, they probably envision white sand beaches, frozen rum drinks and of course, catching a great tan. For the luxury cruise line Hurtigruten, cruising the world isn’t always about fun in the sunshine. Relaxation is great, but those cruising Norway with
Cruising North: Welcome to Montreal’s Busy Season
The Mohawk people call it Kaniatarowanenneh, meaning “big waterway”. Those who experience the St. Lawrence River during Montreal’s busy cruising season are hard-pressed to find fault with the description. Montreal’s location on the St. Lawrence makes it a wonderful place to begin or end your
Spice Up Your Hawaiian Vacation With an Erupting Volcano (VIDEO)
Kilauea Volcano, the most active on Hawaii’s big island, erupted Thursday, prompting a mandatory evacuation for more than 1,700 local residents. As the eruption took place, those sailing into port on a cruise ship and from the air could see the huge cloud of ash and dust obscuring the beautiful sc
Grape Destinations: From Burgundy to California; My Adventure with Wine
When I was a kid, my father began an interest in wine, particularly French Bordeaux, Burgundy and California cabernets. I can remember coming home from school and seeing wooden crates sitting in our garage from places I couldn’t even pronounce. My father was starting his hobby and passion, whi