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
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 Exec: Tom McAlpin, Virgin Voyages
A Day in the Life of Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages By Fran Golden Tom McAlpin, a 30-year cruise industry veteran, is now overseeing the creation of a whole new cruise line from the ground up. It’s no small task for the president and CEO of Virgin Voyages. The first of the [&hell
Cruising the British Isles
Cruising the British Isles reveals a host of storied sites to explore By Terri Colby About 90 miles outside of London, slowing traffic on the A303 is the first sign that you are arriving at your destination. All of the drivers pause. And how could they not? Outside your window, just a bit in the [&h
Design Time: Hull Art
Massive cruise ship hull art provides character and recognizability when pulling into port By Jason Leppert A simple whitewashed hull has long been a classic choice for cruise ship exteriors, but more and more cruise lines are employing bold designs to don their ships’ bows. So when a ship pulls i
Dish It Up: Thomas Keller, Seabourn
Thomas Keller Dishes It Up for Seabourn By Janice Wald Henderson When I met Thomas Keller back in 1991, he was a New York transplant and the newly minted executive chef at Checkers, a downtown Los Angeles boutique hotel. I had no clue he’d skyrocket to international stardom. Neither, I think, did
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 […]
Savvy Shopper: Holiday Gift Guide
A holiday gift guide from your favorite island locales By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And it’s also the best time of year to purchase a present for your favorite cruiser (or yourself). So as you make that shopping list prior to setting sail on your Caribbean
Martinique’s Mélange
Martinique’s Mélange Paris meets Pompeii on this storied Caribbean island. By James Lida You feel it in the boutiques of Trois-Îlets, in the ruins of Saint-Pierre, in the shade of Fort-de-France’s Parisian buildings, and in the countryside’s rum tasting rooms. Martinique is an island on the
Cruise Connection: There’s a themed sailing just for you
No matter your interest, there’s a themed sailing just for you. By Fran Golden People with particular passions like to share their interests with other like-minded folks. Hence, the theme cruise business has grown to hundreds of sailings a year. Options run the gamut from the sublime to the, well,
Vitamin Sea: Seasickness
Physician tips for preventing and treating seasickness By Dr. Gisela Schlosser Your cruise has been booked for months and the date of departure is now approaching. Whether you are new to cruise travel or a veteran, many passengers purchase seasickness medications and aids prior to boarding. Luckily,
Carnival Horizon Atrium Sculpture to Feature Artwork by St. Jude Patients
Carnival Horizon Atrium Sculpture to Feature Artwork by St. Jude Patients Cruise News – Oct. 25, 2017 Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the massive LED “Dreamscape” atrium sculpture on the new Carnival Horizon will feature colorful, custom-designed artwork created by patients of S
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
Viking Orders Seven New River Ships for 2019
Viking Orders Seven New River Ships for 2019 Cruise News – Oct. 24, 2017 Viking Cruises has announced that it has placed an order for seven new river ships that will debut in 2019. The newbuild order includes six Viking Longships, which will sail the company’s most popular itineraries on the
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
Cruise Deals of the Week – Oct. 20, 2017
Cruise Deals of the Week – Oct. 20, 2017 DEAL 1: Windstar Cruises is offering a special deal for small groups – part of a trend of “milestone cruisers,” friends who book trips together to celebrate everything from family birthdays to recent divorces. On select dates, for every seven peop
Silversea Cruises Travels Inland for Adventures
Silversea Cruises Travels Inland for Adventures Cruise News – Oct. 18, 2017 Ultra-luxury line Silversea Cruises is unlocking “uncharted territories” with a new set of adventurous sea-plus-land trips, showing guests such remarkable destinations as Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Namib
MSC Cruises Teams with Miami Dolphins
MSC Teams with Miami Dolphins Cruise News – Oct. 18, 2017 Swiss-owned MSC Cruises have Miami on their minds. The line, already sending their newest ship to Miami (and opening an expanded terminal in PortMiami to boot), have now announced a partnership with the Miami Dolphins. The three-year, o
The Caribbean Is Open for Business
The Caribbean Is Open for Business Cruise News – Oct. 16, 2017 During a media call this morning, Caribbean cruising’s biggest-bigwigs provided post-hurricane updates on the region’s various islands, including some of its most popular ports of call. On the call were Arnold Donald, chair of