Would You Cruise Cuba?
Would You Cruise Cuba? The Caribbean’s largest island is a fascinating destination waiting to be explored With the surprising news that the U.S. government wants to re-establish diplomatic relations and ease restrictions on travel to Cuba, chances are American cruise companies are already looking
Like A Local: Martinique… French Twist
French Twist In Martinique, close the guidebooks and let a local lead the way. By Alyssa James I hadn’t even heard of Martinique until a month before I decided to apply to work on the island. I wanted to live in France to improve my French while nibbling baguettes and savoring wine, but as soon [&
Amazing Amazon: Cruising Glamorously in the Wilds of the Jungle
Amazing Amazon Cruising glamorously in the wilds of the jungle By Fran Golden I sit in a cushioned chair on a 10-person skiff, experiencing the Peruvian Amazon with National Geographic’s cruise partner Lindblad Expeditions. Anacondas and red-eyed caimans float below the water’s murky sur
Artisans of the World: Jean Taylor. Caribbean Artist Paints Local Life in Bold Colors
Island Inspired Caribbean artist paints local life in bold colors. By Richard Varr It’s an island scene the way Jean Taylor remembers it. Two women ring clothes in a washtub; another hangs baggy pants out to dry. A finger-pointing mother scolds her child. And behind them, dirt pathways intertwine
Bucket List: South Africa – From Safari Excursions to City Essentials
Take Your Pick From safari excursions to city essentials, see what awaits in South Africa. By Kay Showker When I finally arrived in South Africa, I had to ask myself, “What took so long?” With more and more cruise ships making their way here, do yourself a favor and take the opportunity to visit
Canada/New England Souvenirs
Souvenir Shopping List Don’t miss these mementos of your Canada/New England cruise. By Felicity Long Admit it. Those of us who love to cruise also often love to shop. But passengers who go ashore for only a few hours can often get sidetracked by touristy stores selling T-shirts and shot glasses, o
Cruise Wisdom: Eastern, Western, or Southern Caribbean?
Cruise Wisdom: Eastern, Western, or Southern? Choosing the Caribbean itinerary that’s best for you. By Cindy O’Neil Q: Last year I sailed on a fall foliage cruise to New England and Canada. This year I’ve decided to take a 7-day Caribbean cruise. What is the difference between the Eastern, Wes
Bucket List: Patagonia
Bucket List: Pictures of Patagonia Where amazing vistas, welcoming wildlife, and natural wonders await. By Richard Varr South America’s Patagonia region stretches from Chile’s Pacific Ocean fjords through Argentina’s mountainous terrain and to the crashing Atlantic Ocean surf. Along the way,
Like a Local: New Orleans
Let the Good Times Roll! Ditch the guidebooks and let a New Orleans native lead the way. By Millie Ball I was born in New Orleans, and have mostly stayed in my eccentric hometown because I can’t find another that’s more interesting. Squeezed between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain,
Cruise Wisdom Web Extra: Which Caribbean Itinerary is Right for You?
Eastern, Western, or Southern? Choosing the Caribbean itinerary that’s best for you. All three of these itineraries are a must-do for any avid cruiser. It’s selecting which one to try first that’s a matter of personal preference. Do you want to visit ports that offer historical sightseeing opt
Why Not Stay?
Monday Mantra Why Not Stay? Home is where we drop anchor. (Some day….) I want to move here…I want to move here…I want to move here… Whenever I think about ditching the crowds and chaos of New York City and relocating, I can never decide on a destination. Florida is too hot, upstate New Yor
Five Faves: Coldest Cruises to Beat the Heat
Porthole’s Five Faves Coldest Cruises to Beat the Heat Cure the summertime blues in these cool destinations Christmastime in the Caribbean is warm and wonderful. There’s something extra special about sailing through the Med when there’s sleet and slush filling the streets back home. But this t
Bucket List: St. Petersburg, Russia
Regal Russia Five must-dos in the majestic port city of St. Petersburg By Carol A. Henry St. Petersburg, Russia, a source of several UNESCO World Heritage sites, and considered the “Venice of the North,” should be on every traveler’s bucket list. On a recent trip there, I discovered that besid
Cruise Asia
Cruise Asia From families to adventure-seekers to luxury travelers, there’s something for everyone cruising the Far East. By Heidi Sarna The Far East is a sprawling, spread-out region that stretches from tropical Indonesia at the equator to cooler climes thousands of miles north in China and Japan
Island Time: South Pacific Cruising
Island Time The story of South Pacific cruising By Chris Frame If you’re like many travelers, the South Pacific conjures visions of a tropical paradise: sunny weather, relaxed and vibrant communities, pristine beaches, and turquoise oceans. Like the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, the beautiful S
Like a Local: Seattle
The Spirit of Seattle Close the guidebooks and let a local lead the way. Amy Roe considers herself a typical Seattleite: She loves coffee, has a soft spot for Seattle bands from the ’90s, and won’t let a little rain get in the way of an outdoor run or bike ride. A newspaper editor who […]
Five Faves: Lands of the Free
Porthole’s Five Faves Lands of the Free 5 Independence-Seeking Cruise Destinations For as worldly as we like to consider ourselves, Porthole is unabashedly American, loving our independence from sea to every-cruisable-shining sea! With our Independence Day a little more than a week away, we wante
Bucket List: Best of Brazil
Bucket List: Best of Brazil Immerse yourself in South America’s colorful culture. By Karin-Marijke Vis Brazil has a pleasant climate, attractive beaches, colonial architecture, an easy-going, music-fueled way of life, flavorsome food, and, let’s not forget, the caipirinha; Brazil’s ubi
Like a Local: When in Rome
Ditch the guidebooks and let a local lead the way. By Germaine Stafford I first came to Rome on a whim. Twenty years ago I’d decided to leave my home in Scotland and go work in Spain, but at the last minute I shocked myself by taking a flight to Rome instead. I’ve lived here […]
Quantum of the Seas Moving to China
In a move that came as a shock to many, Royal Caribbean announced this week that after an initial season in the New York market the line would send its newest (and presumably greatest) ship, the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas, to China – permanently. The ship, which debuts in November, has
