Cure Your Wanderlust in Guanajuato
Perched on the central plateau of the Guanajuato Mountain Range, there are very few destinations that can compete with the color, culture and character of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. The city’s humble past has sprouted into full bloom and if it’s authenticity and character you seek in an
The Art and Soul of San Miguel de Allende
Although the ‘no sail’ mandate may be loosening its suffocating grip, cruising’s self imposed extension lingers with ships motionless at anchor or tightly tethered to their docks. What seems like a painful eternity finds cruising socially distanced from our travel wanderlust, making land trave
Mexico’s Cenotes: Exploring Chaak Tun
With the provocative civilization of the Maya on eminent display at the ancient ruins of Coba, Tulum and legendary Chichen Itza, Mexico’s Riviera Maya is awash with attractions just waiting for intrepid exploration. Although these are perennial bucket list favorites, even more intriguing are the s
Escaping The Bummer Of A Summer
One of the keys to happiness has always been having something to look forward to, but the unfortunate pause in river and ocean cruising has inflicted a heavy toll on my travel wanderlust. Making a rebellious move towards mitigation from induced isolation, I discovered the prescription and ultimate c
Travel Jeopardy
“I’ll take 2020 Travel Potpourri for $200 Alex” Answer: In 2020 ‘’It’ brought the travel industry to a standstill. Question: What is COVID-19? “2020 Travel Potpourri for $400 Alex” Answer: The duration of the 2020 international travel lockdown. Question: What is six months and six da
Not Guilty!
I’m pretty sure that we all glossed over the chapter on the rules for pandemic survival in the master plan of life. Regardless of our innocence and lack of complicity, we have all been convicted (somewhat unjustly) by the judge and jury to serve the collective six month and counting sentence of so
The Northern Sights of Norway
Savvy cruisers with a penchant for upscale travel will find a treasure trove of destinations to choose from in Seabourn Cruise Line’s catalogue of globetrotting itineraries. Few, however, would be as compelling as their summertime 14-day Majestic Fjords and North Cape itinerary aboard the impressi
South Seas Trifecta
In a land far, far away — from Porthole HQ, at least — lies the down under continent of Australia, flanked on the southeast by New Zealand and the petite island paradise of Fiji to the northeast. A marathon flight to these far-flung destinations may require diligent planning, but there is nothin
It Must Be Something In The Water
CruisinSit down with anyone who has worked on a cruise ship and you will inevitably hear stories about 7 day work weeks and long hours. On the flip side you will also hear tales of visiting fascinating destinations and a unique lifestyle unlike any other. Granted, certain positions carry enviable be
“Cruising” California By Land
What appeared to be a brief pause in cruising at the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown has turned into a wanderlust nightmare. For three months we’ve had our bags packed with fingers crossed, desperately scanning the news for a sign from the travel gods blessing us with an end to the grueling absence
Vacationing in Porto Back Yarda
As the return of cruising seems to be within reach, it’s time to mitigate lockdown loneliness. My brother Nick Leland sets it up perfectly in the song he wrote and recorded, Porto Back Yarda, a domesticated ode to travel wanderlust when travel isn’t possible. The song serves as a roadmap t
Cruising Will Return…But When is the Question
I’m not one to moan about inconveniences, but take away my life’s passion and I’m likely to go off the deep end. Take away the ability to cruise to the four corners of the earth and you will definitely hear from me. Not to cast blame on anyone in particular or throw caution to the […]
Yaaachts Queen! Cruising the Suez Canal
Today’s megaships grab headlines with the sheer grandeur of their size and their array of dazzling activities, while smaller ships counter with their focus on personalized attention and luxury amenities, touting a “yacht-like” experience. Taking it one step further with actual megayachts, two
MSC Grandiosa: The Name Says It All
In today’s cruise world, being good simply isn’t good enough. So when you are given a name like “Grandiosa,” expectations run high. MSC Cruises has pulled the plug on being good and gone all in on being spectacular with the launch of the new MSC Grandiosa. With Hamburg, Germany, decked out a
The Last Man Cruising
Not one to cancel plans, travel guru Steve Leland decided to press on with his plans to explore the coast of Australia with True North Adventure Cruises just as the COVID 19 outbreak was shutting down the world piece by piece. The cruise was the last leg of a journey that saw him imbibe in […
Way Out West in Australia
As an intrepid traveler I’m always on the lookout for off the radar, next big thing destinations. Finding myself half the way around the world In the very midst of an essential travel related shutdown, rather than give in and beat a retreat home I made a decision to follow through with cruis
Living On Fiji Time: Kava Root
If there is one thing the people of Fiji do exceptionally well, it’s knowing how to kick back, oftentimes facilitated by the traditional national drink, kava. Despite the organic beverage’s calming effects, partaking by way of a traditional ceremony is pure cultural engagement. Purposely maroone
Pandaw’s Pursuit Of Laos
Experiential river cruising provides an opportunity to discover new lands, cultures, and people, deviating from the path well-traveled. Intrepid travelers recognize that going off the radar has its perks, and cruising the Mekong River, as it dissects intriguing Laos, is as rewarding as it gets. Fasc
England, by Barge Lady Cruises
Spring and summer in the United Kingdom usher in the emergence of colorful landscapes — flush with bluebells, daffodils, tulips, and wisteria — depicting an artist’s canvas of panoramic serenity. Thanks to the guidance of the barging experts at Barge Lady Cruises, a 6-night barge cruise on the
Silver Shadow: From Sea to Silversea
A luxury cruise can sail in one of two divergent styles. The first is a liberating escape, coddled with ultra-luxe amenities and service; the second, an exploration of diverse cultures in remote destinations. Silversea’s Silver Shadow accomplishes both with a fabulous itinerary into exotic Southea
