The Sea of Cortez: An Adventure Close to Home
It’s been nearly 500 years since the first European explorers discovered the Sea of Cortez. Also known as the Gulf of California, the stretch of water between mainland Mexico and the Baja Peninsula is a gorgeous place to take a cruise vacation. Bright sunshine, stunning blue water and pristine bea
Make Hamburg Cruise Days the Highlight of Your Next Vacation
When it comes to exploring Germany’s second largest city, you’re going to need a boat. Hamburg has a rich history, one which cannot be told without perhaps the most important aspect of its geography, the Elbe River. For nearly a thousand years, the river played a critical role in Europe establis
Experience the Best of Miami Beach Before You Cruise
There isn’t another city that embodies a vacation more than Miami. The laid back atmosphere, the bright sunshine and the plethora of fun activities and things to see make it one of the best cities for a pre-cruise stay. There’s so much to do in Miami Beach and the greater Miami area that you may
Highlights of Vietnam – Hoi An, Hanoi and Halong Bay
Filled with vibrant cities, small hill villages and 2000 miles of coastline, Vietnam is compelling and exotic. Influenced over centuries by the Chinese, Portuguese, Khmer, Japanese, British-Indian, and of course, the French, Vietnam is culturally complex. At one point, the country was known as Frenc
Cruising to Belize? Don’t Skip the Manatees!
The beauty of Belize is to be found in its natural environment. Whether hiking in the jungles to visit Mayan ruins or touring the mangroves to watch colorful birds, visitors are often enchanted by the diversity of plants and animals in this small country. For a special outing, take a trip to see the
Viking Helgrim‘s Rivers of Gold
The Monthly Mantra The Dazzling Douro … The Dazzling Douro … The Dazzling Douro Pinhao! Gaia! Regua! Favaios! Lamego! No, I’m not cheering on a soccer team. I’ve just returned from a Viking Helgrim “Rivers of Gold” sailing and these unfamiliar towns located along the stunning Douro River
A Reason to Cruise In or Out of Montreal
The Port of Montreal is conveniently located in Old Montreal. As your ship sails into port you will get your first glimpse of the city’s beautiful skyline. With concierge services located in the new cruise terminal, passengers can leave their luggage and get right to exploring the city. It is less
48 Hours: Pre-/Post-Cruise in Dazzling, Dynamic Cape Town
Dazzling, Dynamic Cape Town South Africa This vibrant city at the southernmost tip of the African continent has become one of the most sought-after, must-see travel destinations in the world. It’s gorgeous, rimmed by mountains and flanked by the sea, with pristine, sandy beaches stretching along i
The Best Time to Visit Aruba? Carnival Season
There’s never a wrong time to visit a tropical island, but when you’re planning your next vacation to Aruba, there’s definitely a right time to go! The island, located in the southern Caribbean just 20 miles off the coast of South America, is home to an annual celebration which brings out the
Exploring South Beach: Walk Everywhere from this Miami Beach Hotel
Everyone has their own definition of paradise, but it’s hard to visit Miami Beach and not appreciate the daily sunshine, gorgeous beach views and a melting pot of cultures and styles you won’t find elsewhere. The best part about Miami Beach is how close you are to all the attractions, restaura
Cruise Destinations: Cenotes of Mexico
Throughout the Yucatán stand the ruins of a once-great civilization, the Maya. From the seaside Tulum further inland to archaeological wonders Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, we can see evidence of vast, heavily populated cities. What we don’t see are rivers and lakes or any obvious signs of water. The
Vitamin Sea: Wellness in Bali
Bali is known for traditional medicine, healthy food, and spa culture — the perfect place to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Sometimes a new health regimen needs a kickstart, and Bali has an entire town devoted to the cause: Ubud. This mountain haven with its vibrant, green rice terrac
SeaDream’s Hidden Caribbean
It’s a staggering vision: a massive cruise ship topped with a dizzying network of twisting, turning pool slides that resemble giant, vibrantly hued metal snakes. In the shadow of the behemoth sits a SeaDream yacht — SeaDream I or SeaDream II — a diminutive 4,253 grt, 112-passenger vessel that
Break a Sweat Before You Cruise from Miami
It’s called the Sunshine State for a reason. Those visiting the Miami area before boarding a ship for a cruise vacation are ready to enjoy some fun in the sun. However, those who like to stay active and healthy may be worried about all the unlimited food and drink that comes with a cruise. Thankfu
Fun Things to Do Near Port Tampa Bay
Bustling with culture, outdoor recreation, and world-class entertainment, the Tampa Bay area is a hot-spot for tourists, residents, and, of course, cruisers! According to Port Tampa Bay, the port hosts over one million cruisers every year on cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and
Small-Ship Cruising: So Civilized, So Celestyal!
Although brought up in San Francisco, I never forget that I was born in Greece. Like many Greek-Americans, I was raised to be “Greek first.” I have fond memories of my earliest pilgrimages as a young teen backpacking around Greece with wide-eyed wanderlust. I’ve traversed the cultu
The Gothic History of St. George, Bermuda
With St. George, Bermuda as a port of call on your cruise, you can expect a variety of different excursions that include water adventures or a casual tour to embrace the beauty of the island. What every visitor must embrace is the looming Gothic history of St. George and the island of Bermuda as it
Virgin Voyages Teases Beach Club at Bimini With New Video
When the U.S. Department of State restricted travel to Cuba earlier this year, it sent most cruise lines into a scramble. Rescheduling itineraries and dealing with unhappy customers now unable to sail to Cuba caused more than a few headaches across the industry, but it was a cruise line that hasn’
Perfect Pre-Cruise Prep in Portugal
The Monthly Mantra The Transition … The Transition … The Transition Could it really be only one day since my butt was crammed into an airline seat aboard a trans-Atlantic flight with a temperature that had to be hovering at the freezing mark? Between shivers and trying to ignore the scre
Shore Excursion: Nude Beaches
Whether visiting a nude beach is a spontaneous whim or a long-planned rite of passage, that thrill of disrobing can be every bit as addictive as the feeling of the wind, sun, and water on your unclothed body. Fortunately for thrill-seekers, there are clothing-optional or fully nude beaches all aroun
