Five Faves Caribbean Cravings Cruise up to these tropical hotspots to really get into the spirit of the islands. You don’t have to do an excursion in every cruise port you go to. In fact, I personally sign on for only one or two excursions per cruise. The rest of the time, I …

Monday Mantra Cabin sweet cabin…Cabin sweet cabin….Cabin sweet cabin… Cabin Fever From poky inside staterooms to the luxury of a doorbell, there’s no place like your home on board.… From yesteryear’s humble inside upper and lower, I have risen phoenix-like to the extravagance of spacious balconies, full bathrooms (with tubs!), little refrigerators, en …

Five Faves Cruise Enthused Five Favorite Onboard Thrills Modern-day cruisers might not realize that there actually was a time when shuffleboard and bingo were it for onboard activities. But then came waterslides and rock-climbing walls and today, the opportunities — and possibilities — for onboard thrills are endless. Here are our five favorite, …

Monday Mantra I’m thinking small… I’m thinking small … I’m thinking small … The Long and Short of It There are hidden bonuses to cruising with less. “I know what you mean about small ships,” the lady next to me at the bar said. “We sailed Holland America Line’s Westerdam last year and …

Five Faves Cruise Ship Superlatives We’ve lined up five of cruising’s top … most … best … to the extreme!!! Cruising is an experience that always asks for more. One more day on vacation. One more mojito. One more shrimp at the buffet. So it’s no surprise that cruise lines take great pride …

Monday Mantra I have no pain to kill… I have no pain to kill… I have no pain to kill… Hidden Heaven One little paradise can make an early wake-up call worth the pain. San Juan. St. Thomas. St. Maarten. Jost van Dyke. Jost van what??? Unless you own a private yacht or …

Porthole’s Five Faves   Unique Stores At Sea Not all ship shops are stocked with brand-stamped hats and duty-free booze. In honor of Black Friday, we highlight our favorite onboard, one-of-a-kind proprietors. The fourth Wednesday of November has always been a day devoted to two worthwhile pursuits: counting down the hours until the …

Monday Mantra I’m at home on Norwegian Gem…I’m at home on Norwegian Gem…I’m at home on Norwegian Gem… Home, sweet Gem Even after a few changes, it’s good to be aboard a friend. I like to think I have my finger on the pulse of the cruise industry but lately I’ve been plagued …

Porthole’s Five Faves   Selfies at Sea Quantum of the Seas is the perfect backdrop to show off your favorite cruise-ship moments. Perhaps you’ve heard. Royal Caribbean International’s brand-new Quantum of the Seas is a ship that impresses with its high-tech features, innovative cruise style, and at-sea firsts. From super-speedy check-in and Wi-Fi …

Monday Mantra I’m sailing this week! Maybe. … I’m sailing this week! Maybe. … I’m sailing this week! Maybe. … Should I Stay or Should I Go? When emergencies come up at home, nothing matters like family matters. I’m going on a cruise this Saturday! Maybe. That’s right: “Maybe.” Here we are, all …