What to Do During a Lisbon Layover
It is a well accepted fact that European cruise ports expose troves of historical architecture, reveal old world charm and cater to the culinary interests of intrepid cruise visitors. Lisbon, Portugal offers a significant dose of everything the more popular destinations tout minus the chaos that a
For Shore: Two Sides to Hispaniola
As a name, “Hispaniola” seems better suited for history books. But as an island, straddling the line between Caribbean and Atlantic, it is more likely to enter today’s conversations as home to one or both of the two independent nations that share it: Haiti and the Dominican Republic. H
Mardi Gras: The Best Time to Cruise from New Orleans
The biggest party in New Orleans every year is Mardi Gras and it’s also one of the best times to cruise! New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the country and it is home to some of the best Mardi Gras celebrations year after year. From the parades to the carnival balls, […]
Cruise Ship Review: Spectrum of the Seas Introduces the Royal Range
Typically, sister ships within a class are built in close succession, making it difficult to impose significant changes throughout the class. This is the reality Royal Caribbean understood, coupled with the knowledge that a new Quantum-class ship would also have quite a lot to live up to with stando
48 Hours In Orlando
It’s easy to think of Orlando solely in terms of its world-famous theme parks. After all, they attract millions of visitors each year. But their reputation tends to overshadow Central Florida’s many other charms. Besides, you can’t always afford the luxury of taking a full-fledged, theme park
The Best Place to Get Breakfast in Seattle Before You Cruise
A cruise is a fantastic way to see the sights of Puget Sound or extend a vacation on the water to more distant locales. While you’ve packed your luggage and are awaiting those famous cruise ship buffets, you’ll still need time to grab breakfast before you go. Fortunately, this city known
The Heart of Vietnam
I first visited Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in 1995; Vietnam tourism was evolving and beginning to take root as an integral part of daily life in major cities. By my next visit in December 2012, tourism was booming. Brand-name hotels shared the skyline near the legendary Rex Hotel. Restaurants caterin
Piraeus: Your Gateway to Athens
From high atop the famous Acropolis of Athens, it’s easy to feel like the whole city is at your fingertips. The UNESCO World Heritage site is the most well-known attraction in Athens, but just a small piece of what makes the city a must-visit for cruisers and travelers alike. As the capital of Gre
San Juan’s Best Shore Excursion: Casa BACARDÍ
Great views of Old San Juan and the fort, refreshing cocktails, great music, friendly people and the largest premium rum distillery in the world. The gorgeous island of Puerto Rico is a cruiser’s paradise and Casa BACARDÍ is the perfect place for cruise visitors! Puerto Rico is known as the
Spend a Spooktacular Halloween in New Orleans Before You Cruise
What’s the scariest city in America? Some might say Salem, Massachusetts or Sleepy Hollow, New York thanks to their place in history and pop culture, but we’re here to say the best place to work up a fright this Halloween is without a doubt New Orleans. This city by the sea has a long history [&
Shore Excursions: Forts in Ports
Today, the battlements provide beautiful backdrops to our snapshots, and their towers reach reassuringly into clear skies – but as in centuries past, they allow us to keep watch as each new ship enters the harbor from ports unknown. Fort Jefferson A 2-hour ferry ride from Key West stands the large
Cruising to Martinique? Don’t Forget Your Passport
For most islands in the Caribbean, cruisers don’t need to bring their passports ashore when they leave the ship to go exploring. However, the island of Martinique is changing its policy when it comes to cruisers and passports. Now any cruiser who wants to get off the ship on the island must have t
3 Great Places to Eat in Bonaire
For cruisers, stopping at a port of call can be the highlight of the trip. In a tropical island paradise like Bonaire, you can go visit a national park, snorkel with turtles and explore their coral reefs, or even go on a tour of the safari. One of the most fun things to do when […]
The Best Pre-Cruise Hotel in Miami
You go on a cruise vacation to get away from your problems, not make new ones. Cruising is one of the most popular vacations these days and Miami is at the center of it all. More cruisers sail from PortMiami than any other cruise port in the world and that means people are looking for […]
One Happy Family: Aruba Vacations Bring Everyone Together
It’s not easy to find a great family vacation these days. People are always looking for destinations which offer a mix of fun, relaxation and adventure to suit everyone’s needs. No matter what time of year you visit, a family vacation in Aruba has everything you need to get the most out of your
Amore on the Amalfi Coast
Traffic moves at a painstaking crawl as it snakes along Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, heading from Sorrento, on the Bay of Naples, onto the world-famous Amalfi Coast, framing the Gulf of Salerno. The road hugs, at times, perilously close to steep coastal cliffs, winding through villages such as Po
A Cruiser’s Guide to Quebec City
Québec City is increasingly positioning itself on the international cruise scene as a destination and port of embarkation of choice. Located at the point where the St. Charles and St. Lawrence Rivers converge, sailing in or out of Québec City is a high point of any Canada—New England cruise itin
48 Hours: Shimmering South Korea
Dubbed the “Hawaii of Korea,” this volcanic island has been named a World Natural Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The scenery is beyond gorgeous. Hallasan Mountain, the tallest peak in South Korea, rises nearly 6,400 feet in the center of the island, with its slopes tumbling
5 Reasons to Spend the Day at Seattle’s Alki Beach
Alki Beach is an iconic strip of surf and sand with one of the best views in Seattle. Located only minutes from the waterfront piers of downtown, Alki is a must-see destination for Seattle visitors. Whether your favorite pastimes are boat watching, great eats, water sports, or nature – Alki
Emirates Evolution
The tiny Arabian peninsula of the United Arab Emirates is best known for the ambitious reputations of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. But let’s be honest: you would likely be hard pressed to name any of the other Emirates. Or be able to point to them on a map. Bordered by the countries of Saudi Arabia, [&hel
