Porto Highlights
Porthole’s 5 Faves It’s hard to believe I almost missed visiting Porto the first time. During a recent Windstar cruise, I sailed from Dublin to Lisbon on Wind Surf. Porto was one of the last stops on our itinerary. We were only scheduled to be in this port for six hours. I considered not eve
Easy, Breezy: Extend your South Florida cruise vacation at Margaritaville Beach Resort
You definitely won’t be wasting away if you choose to spend some pre- or post-cruise time at the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Hollywood Beach, Florida. Less than 10 miles south of Port Everglades, the Jimmy Buffett–themed beachfront resort is the perfect place to wind up or gear down before or
The Best Trains for Cruisers
I’m of the belief that you can never get enough of a good thing. So, when a fantastic 7-day cruise just isn’t enough to fill those precious holiday days, continue your luxurious indulgence with a classic train journey. Choosing a “choo choo” as a post-cruise holiday extension offers a contin
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Jan. 19, 2018
Holland America Line has added Seattle-based master chef Ethan Stowell to its award-winning Culinary Council, working with five other world-renowned chefs to enhance menus and bring a deeper understanding of regional cuisines to your plate. Stowell, a specialist in flavors of Alaska and the Pacific
Exploring Cambodia: Touring the temples of Angkor Wat, and searching the secrets of Siem Reap.
Cruising in faraway destinations such as Southeast Asia encourages consideration to pre- and post-cruise options. These opening acts and encores to the main event range from basic hotel stays to more spectacular, engaging adventures. In compiling a high profile destination bucket list, there are spe
Sampling South Beach: How to enjoy the best of Miami
So you have a day in Miami before your Caribbean cruise? Not sure what to do? Let me make a few suggestions. South Beach is the obvious first choice. There’s plenty to do, see, eat, and drink. You won’t need a car, and it’s less than seven miles from PortMiami! Still need a few things [&hellip
Sustainability & the IMPACT of Cruise Tourism with Experiential Travel in Victoria, B.C., Canada
Experiential Travel’ community involvement is no “yolk”. Our support for Woodwynn Farms in Victoria has reached new heights and since we are all about travel, we just had to have a mobile chicken coop. Introducing: Poultry In Motion. Experiential Travel has sponsored the making and
Princess Invites Alaska Guests to Play in their Treehouse
Cruise News – Jan. 15, 2018 Princess Cruises has announced something new for visitors to Alaska – a summer program at the line’s custom-designed wilderness treehouse at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. From this lofty perch above the Alaskan forest, it’s possible to view Denali, t
Museum Quality: Consider a dose of culture before boarding your ship in these three ports.
Consider a dose of culture before boarding your ship in these ports. Sometimes we get to the port very early — way too soon to board the ship. Maybe we’re just eager to get going, or maybe we were ticketed to arrive so far ahead of time that we now need a diversion before boarding […]
Top 3 Cocktail Bars for your Miami Cruise Layover
Have a day to kill prior to your Miami cruise? Do you want to get a taste of the true Miami local bar scene? Check out these trendy spots on your Miami cruise layover. The Broken Shaker – Mixology, mixology, mixology. The bartenders at The Broken Shaker are oozing with passion. They are true a
Viking’s Norway: a Photographic Journey
Come along on a photographic journey with Viking Cruises through this country’s amazing landscape, which is enhanced by cultural tie-ins on board. By J.D. Andrews Sailing on Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sky through Norway is a majestic experience unto itself. Add in Viking-inspired art, arti
Island Finds: Spice artist Jessie-Ann Jessamy
Grenada artist Jessie-Ann Jessamy creates spice-inspired crafts. By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon If you’ve ever been to Grenada, the eastern Caribbean country also known as the Isle of Spice, you know that there’s one aromatic ingredient that’s particularly prevalent. Here, nutmeg — the round arom
Carnival Cruise Line Brings Top Brands to Onboard Shops
Carnival Brings Top Brands to Onboard Shops Cruise News – Nov. 21, 2017 As part of an ongoing effort to provide a wide variety of choices at sea, Carnival Cruise Line is totally transforming its shipboard shopping experience with renovated spaces and popular items from some of the world’s
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Nov. 17, 2017
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Nov. 17, 2017 American Cruise Lines has announced the name for the first ship in its Modern Riverboat Series: American Song. The unique ship will be wider, faster, quieter, and more environmentally friendly than any other ship in the industry. American Song is slated
Just Add Land: Australia & New Zealand
A plethora of experiences are waiting for you before and after your cruise from Australia or New Zealand By Natalie Kessell The idyllic lands down under are more accessible than ever with a bevy of cruise ships sailing south for the summer each year. The neighboring island nations of Australia and N
Cruise Ship Review: MSC Meraviglia
MSC Meraviglia shows off its Mediterranean style By Dana McMahan Though it’s one of the leading cruise lines in Europe (not to mention South America and South Africa), MSC Cruises isn’t yet a household name in North America. But the Swiss-based, privately owned cruise line has been aimin
Like a Local: Los Cabos
Close the guidebooks and let a local lead the way By Chris Sands Los Cabos has a way of casting a spell that is not easily broken. Take it from a gringo who came here on vacation and never left. The charms are obvious. Where else do mountains, desert, and two major bodies of water […]
5 Faves: Hanoi Highlights
Hanoi Highlights: 5 Faves of Vietnam’s Capital City For cruisers looking for that next exotic itinerary, today’s major cruise lines and river cruise operators are embracing the intrigue of Vietnam, exposing alluring destinations and the country’s colorful legacy. While most river cruises featu
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Oct. 20, 2017
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Oct. 20, 2017 Foodies are flocking to Princess Cruises for the line’s third annual Culinary Cruise Series, featuring Miami-based chefs Brad Kilgore (of Alter and BRAVA) and Scott Lindquist (of Coyo Taco). On a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise, each chef will lead
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Sept. 29, 2017
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Sept. 29, 2017 Luxury line Silversea Cruises has announced plans to change three of its all-suite ships this December. Silver Wind and Silver Whisper will emerge from a December refurbishment with new décor in public areas inspired by the cutting-edge flagship Silver