Blogs

The locals will tell you Portugal is nine months of heaven and three months of hell. But aboard Riviera Rose, gliding through the Douro Valley, I can only think: If …

Normally when I’m in Mexico City, I check into one of the big hotels. But this time, I switched it up and stayed at a boutique property in Polanco—and it …

Onboard Royal Caribbean’s new Star of the Seas, guests can explore over 20 bars and lounges, offering a wide range of cocktails and mocktails in vibrant settings. Some are along …

The voyage began in Reykjavík, Iceland, where guests boarded Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager. The crew assisted with embarkation, provided an orientation, and welcomed travelers onboard.At sea, the schedule included …

When you’re heading off on a cruise or coastal getaway, packing versatile pieces is key. With limited suitcase space—and often tight storage in your stateroom (we know, you want to …

From the moment I stepped onto the gangplank, I could feel it: This wasn’t just a port facility — it was a portal into Istanbul’s story. With the Bosphorus shimmering …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …