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 …

Royal Caribbean International is a line that always aims to offer the most thrills at sea. So Cal residents have a new way to enjoy “wow” experiences by cruising on Ovation of the Seas. The family-friendly 4,182-passenger ship is the first and largest Quantum-class ship to sail from Los Angeles (San Pedro).  Within …

Located at the iconic Canada Place, Pan Pacific Vancouver is just a five-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal. Ideal for pre- or post-cruise stays, the hotel offers luxury accommodations with striking views and easy access to Vancouver’s top attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. Rooms and Views Guest rooms range from 350 to 450 …

Thousands of ladies in festive flamenco dresses, arriving in a mile-long parade of horse-drawn carriages, have come to celebrate Feria de Abril de Sevilla, the annual Seville April Fair. Hundreds of decorated private and public tents line the streets, lights gleam, and flamenco music fills the air as attendees revel in the city’s …

Summer can be very hot and uncomfortable. A summer cruise provides an opportunity to enjoy the season without enduring the heat all the time. Whether you are traveling with family or as a couple, a cruise gives you options to stay cool and enjoy your trip. Here are five reasons why a summer …

Looking for the perfect summer travel essentials or thoughtful gifts? Whether you’re cruising, heading on a sunny getaway, or just looking to treat yourself, these five wellness must-haves are made for travel. Each one is practical, compact, and designed to help you feel better, sleep deeper, and unwind faster—wherever summer takes you. Complementing …

Prior to embarking Oceania’s Marina for a 16-day trans-Atlantic cruise, we sated our wanderlust with 48 hours in Rio de Janeiro. I’d done precursory research on the Marvelous City and fitting in the unmissable sights proved to be easy.  Shortly after checking in at our hotel on Copacabana Beach, we were off to …