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
Perfect Day at CocoCay: Port Review
Royal Caribbean’s newly updated private island, aptly named Perfect Day at CocoCay, has been officially open since May. Garnering a great deal of attention from cruisers “loyal to Royal”, we too were very interested to see if the island lived up to this rather lofty title. Unable to resist any
8 Popular Cruises You Shouldn’t Be Booking (And 8 You Should)
Cruising is infectious. Once people get a taste of what a true cruise vacation can be like, they’re always looking for the next great destination to explore. There are tons of great cruise itineraries out there, but which ones should you be booking? Do you go with the flow and cruise where eve
Don’t Miss Historic Charleston Before You Cruise
With a history that extends back to the Colonial Era of America, Charleston is a port city that is packed with American history. From the historic downtown to Fort Sumter, there is a historical marker that ties Charleston to the major wars fought on South Carolina soil, as well as displaying life as
48 Hours: Five Ways to Spend Two Days in Istanbul
At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is one of the world’s most mesmerizing cities. Founded by the Greeks around 700 B.C., ruled by the Romans, then later conquered by the Ottoman Empire, its perfect location on the Bosphorus strait transcends Western civilization. The old quarter of
Aruba: Vacation at Your Own Pace
The first thing most notice as they peer out the windows of their plane landing at Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba is the water. A palate of stunning blues and greens, the coastline of Aruba jumps out at those visiting the island for the first time. When it comes to booking your next va
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park: A Hidden Gem in Cozumel
If you’re a frequent cruiser, there’s a good chance you’ve visited Cozumel, Mexico at least once. This popular port-of-call is a staple in the Western Caribbean. Even if you think you’ve “been there, done that” in Cozumel, there’s one place you really need t
A Day in Corozal: Your Guide to Visiting Belize
Corozal Town is the capital of the Corozal District in Northern Belize. Situated nine miles from the Mexican border and the city of Chetumal, the town is 84 miles north of Belize City. For many visitors to Belize, Corozal is off the beaten path which is regrettable because the area is rich in Mayan
5 Reasons to Expore the Mayan City of Lamanai
Take a scenic boat ride up the New River in Northern Belize and you will be thrust back into the ancient world of the Maya in the excavated city of Lamanai, a trading and ceremonial center. Nestled in the jungle, the architecture and placement of this city gives visitors a glimpse into the ancient M
Caribbean Destination Weddings: A Walk Down the Isle
Couples have long known that the Caribbean is a destination where love blooms and flourishes. The pulse of life beats strongly here, and stress is artfully soothed away by languid island rhythms, swaying palms, and the sea gently lapping at your toes. This fertile landscape provides the perfect back
9 Things You Need to Know Before Taking a Hawaiian Cruise
There may be no better way to visit the various islands of Hawaii than on a cruise. You can explore all day, then come home to the predictable comfort and amenities of your stateroom for the duration of the trip. If you are thinking of cruising to the 50th state, there are a few things […]
Cruising to Cozumel: A Day at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
The friendly island of Cozumel is a cruiser’s paradise. From the moment you step off the ship, the opportunity for fun and relaxation are all around. Cruisers always love options and one of the best places in Cozumel to do it all is Playa Mia Grand Beach Park. A full service beach club located
Cruising to Galataport Istanbul: Modern City, Ancient Roots
For thousands of years, a port city on the shores of the Sea of Marmara served as one of the most important economic centers in all the world. Known then as Constantinople, today as Istanbul, few cities across the world boast a more unique culture and history. It became the capital of the Roman Empi
Giving Back with Windstar Cruises
It’s easy to spot Windstar Cruises’ Wind Surf as she sits in port waiting for a new crop of excited cruisers to step aboard. She is the world’s largest sailing ship, after all. Even flanked by larger ships on either side, the Wind Surf’s distinct masts and sleek hull stand out again
Things To Do Near Port Canaveral
Did you know this popular Florida port is the second busiest embarkation port in the world? If you are planning a cruise leaving out of Port Canaveral, you may be curious as what there is to do in the surrounding area. With convenient access to many of Florida’s attractions, the area around the po
