No wonder Oceania Allura surpassed expectations on her maiden voyage through Adriatic and Mediterranean ports. Sure, when Oceania Cruises’ newest vessel, twin to the luxurious 1,200-passenger Vista, launched in May 2023, the ship amused guests with rich amenities, from her beautiful pool deck to the secluded spa terrace with thalassotherapy waters to the …

Despite its name, the Panama hat originated in Ecuador. In the 19th century, Ecuadorian hat makers shipped their products to Panama to access larger trade markets. The style gained worldwide fame after President Roosevelt was photographed wearing one during a visit to Panama. Today, this emblem of Ecuadorian craftsmanship is recognized on UNESCO’s …

Tucked along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast, this city is not as instantly famous as Dubrovnik or Split — and that’s exactly why it feels like discovering a secret. Zadar blends ancient history with modern creativity on a coastline so gorgeous it feels like the impossibly blue sea has been painted there. From the …

We drove through rural villages sprinkled along the  mountainous roads and arrived in the sleepy fishing village of Boca Chica. A short tender ride delivered us to our base of operations: Kontiki Wayra. 

I’d cruised the rivers of Europe before, but something about the 7-day itinerary of CroisiEurope’s Douce France jumped out at me. It was a round-trip sailing out of Vienna, one of my favorite cities in all of Europe. This would be our third trip with the company in just 6 months, yet boarding …

Just wrapped up my third sailing on Explora I since her debut—and somehow, each journey manages to outdo the last. This time, we explored the Mediterranean, departing from Piraeus, Greece, and visiting some of the region’s most breathtaking, culturally rich ports. The scenery was spectacular, of course—but once again, it was the onboard …

I recently sailed on MSC World America and packed a lot into one trip—great food, good coffee, spa time, and plenty to explore.  While there’s no shortage of things to do on board, these five experiences stood out and are well worth making time for. For first-timers or frequent cruisers alike, here’s what …

Steve Leland sails on Barge Lady Cruises aboard La Bella Vita between Mantua and Venice.

Located in the heart of Athens, the historic Hotel Grande Bretagne is an ideal place to begin or end a Mediterranean cruise. Overlooking the Acropolis, Parthenon, Lycabettus Hill, and the original Olympic Stadium, the hotel offers a front-row seat to Athens’ storied past. Just 20 minutes from the Port of Piraeus and 35 …

There are cruise ships and there are sailing ships, but Windstar Cruises’ Wind Spirit embraces the best of both worlds. Whether it’s the gentle breezes of the Mediterranean filling the billowing sails, or the vessel’s powerful engines creating a gentle wake, cruising on one of these ships is a mesmerizing experience. It had …