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
Here Come the Grown Ups!
Here Come the Grown Ups! A couple of Porthole writers set out to experience a Carnival cruise — sans kids. By John and Sandra Nowlan We were curious . . . but a little uneasy. After all, it’s been almost two decades since our last cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines. Since those relatively youthfu
Join the Club: Curtains Up!
Join the Club: Curtains Up! All the sea’s a stage aboard a Playbill cruise. By Clark Norton Dr. Arthur “Bud” McDowell, a self-described lifelong theater buff, was listening to the Broadway music channel on satellite radio when he heard an announcement for an upcoming cruise called Broadway on
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 […]
CEO Spotlight: Sven-Olof Lindblad
Ultimate Expedition How Sven-Olof Lindblad turned an innate passion into a modern exploration. By Dave G. Houser Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder and president of Lindblad Expeditions, was born to explore. Born in Switzerland in 1951, he was the only son of renowned adventure-travel pioneer Lars-Eric Lin
A Cruise to Norway Means Magical Memories
A cruise to Norway means magical memories. By Susan Zimmerman Ahoy, voyagers headed to Norway! Take heart; adventure awaits at every port. With its coastline of more than 64,000 miles, which includes some 240,000 islands, getting one’s bearing prior to making port is a good idea. Even after numero
Cruise Wisdom: Bottom Lines
Cruise Wisdom: Bottom Lines How to Better Budget Your Shipboard Costs By Cindy O’Neil Q: My wife and I are planning our next cruise. Can you give us tips on how to better manage onboard spending so we don’t suffer from sticker shock when we receive our final bill? George G., Denver, CO A: Ah, [&
Holland America Line Adds Signature Burgers to New Terrace Grill Menu
I’m one of those people who enjoy being pampered with multiple courses served by armies of waiters in cruise ship dining rooms. But at some point on every cruise I find myself craving something simple — like a good burger. Apparently, I am not alone. New Cruise Ship Burgers Celebrity chef Gu
Carnival Brings the Sea to New Kid’s Program
Kids on Carnival ships will soon be making penguins out of Oreos, playing marine animal trivia, crafting their own sailboats, and designing their own aquariums in Camp Ocean, the line’s new marine-themed kids’ program. Launching in May on Carnival Freedom, Camp Ocean will replace Camp
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
Crystal gets creative with Game of Thrones excursion, new bike tours
We love when the creative minds at cruise lines get going. The latest example: Crystal Cruises’ new shore excursions. Passengers can find adventure on Europe cruises on a tour based on the hit HBO show Game of Thrones and on a bunch of new, get-active bike excursions. First to the Seven Kin
Like a Local: Alaska
Like a Local: Alaska Close the guidebooks and let a local lead the way. By Loren Holmes Alaska has a name for recent transplants to the 49th state: cheechakos. It’s only after you’ve spent a winter here that you become a local, or a sourdough. Luckily for me, I was born in Anchorage more [&he
Bucket List: New Zealand
Bucket List: New Zealand Plunge into the natural wonders of this island nation — from penguins to pinot noir. By Louise Goldsbury National Geographic takes a closer look at kiwis For many people, New Zealand burst into global awareness when its almost mythical landscapes were used as the se
Following the Argonauts
Following the Argonauts Delve into Greek mythology aboard a Mediterranean cruise . . . but without the fire-breathing dragons. By David Belcher Behold the trailer for the 1963 film Jason and the Argonauts! Of all the great myths and quests in history, the 3,000-year-old story of Jason and the Argona
Join the Club: Smoke on the Water
Join the Club: Smoke on the Water Aficionados who take their cigars to sea enjoy more than just an open-air view. By Clark Norton Craig Carringer enjoys a good cigar — actually, about two a day during the week and four to five a day on weekends — and keeps about 400 on hand in […]
Cruise Character: Leader of the Club
Cruise Character: Leader of the Club As president of Disney Cruise Line, Karl Holz is more than merely second mate to Captain Mickey. By Fran Golden Here’s how Karl Holz toasted the Disney Fantasy sailaway. The only person with carte blanche to boss around Disney Cruise Line president Karl Holz is
A Page in Time… Yangon’s colonial past.
A Page in Time… Take a walk through Yangon’s colonial past By Kevin Revolinski A Myanmar travel guide Historical Perspective I stroll through the streets of Yangon, past men and women still wearing the traditional longyi, a wraparound skirt. A vendor spins a large iron wheel and its inertia
Curaçao’s Captivating Coastline
Discover the Adventures Along Curaçao’s Captivating Coastline By Richard Varr Willemstad, Curacao: Faces of a City I hear the rustling sounds of lizards scurrying through the brush as we hike along the winding trails of Christoffel National Park. Prickly pear and columnar cacti shoot up fr
MSC Preziosa: Cosmopolitan Cruising
Cruise Ship Review: MSC Preziosa Gear up and then unwind through memorable moments aboard MSC Preziosa. By Jonathan Beaumont See some of the exciting moments from the MSC Preziosa christening ceremony in Genoa, Italy, including the ribbon cutting by Sophia Loren. Picture this: You’re in a Formula
What’s Your Favorite Cruise Line?
By Cindy O’Neil After having sailed on more than 50 cruises, I’m often asked that ever-popular question: Q: What is your favorite cruise line? A: And the answer is — drum roll please — whichever cruise line I’m on! I’m an equal-opportunity cruiser. I look for great deals, fascinating iti
