I Went to the Most Instagrammable Place on Earth – Expectations Vs. Reality?
Despite being outside and with a blustery North wind dancing across my face, I put on my mask. For the first time in my week-long trip through the Greek islands, the crowds had become too much for a COVID-concious traveler like myself to ignore. Throngs of people from all walks of life jostled
St. Kitts Makes for the Perfect Destination Wedding
The opportunity to say “I Do” is a major milestone in life no matter where you are, but saying it while at a destination wedding on St. Kitts is an experience unlike any other. The island is a tropical paradise complete with gorgeous beaches, outstanding views and no shortage of specialty venues
The Other Italy, Abruzzo Revisited
Have you ever visited a destination time and time again, never getting enough? I’ve been fortunate to travel to some of the most awe inspiring locations of the world, cruised on small gulets in Turkey, yachts in Australia and on some of the most glamorous ships at sea. What then is it that attract
Norwegian Gem Sets Sail from New Terminal at PortMiami
When Norwegian Gem began making its way down the main channel at PortMiami, it marked not only the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship to sail from PortMiami in 17 months, but also the very first ship to use the recently completed NCL Terminal at the port. Norwegian Gem, the third of the cruise li
South Florida Brightline Train Scheduled to Return in November
South Florida’s high-speed rail system has a date for their return to operation! Brightline and President Patrick Goddard announced its plans to resume service in South Florida starting in November of this year. The train service hasn’t operated since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Th
Cruise Deal of the Week – August 13, 2021
It’s easy to forget about river cruises amidst all the news about large ocean liners getting back into service. Small ships are a large part of the cruise industry and many cruisers prefer the personalized service and unique ports of call available when cruising some of the most famous rivers
The Joy of St. Croix
If you were asked to name the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas would immediately roll off the tip of your tongue, with St. John coming a split second later. For seasoned visitors to the Caribbean, St. Croix would likely follow. Content to let its smaller siblings soak up a good portion of the C
ADA Accommodation Horizon Stateroom Review: Atlas Ocean Voyages World Navigator
Here at Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine, we feel very strongly that cruising (and travel in general) should be accessible for everyone of all ability levels. Cruise lines have taken steps in recent years to accomodate guests with limited mobility or those who require a wheelchair or other d
Making Up for Lost Time: a Post-Pandemic World Cruise
They say that we make plans and God laughs. Well, God must have been doubled over in knee-slapping hysterics when last year’s lockdown coincided exactly with my retirement date. Gone were my lavish retirement party and, even more heartbreaking, two Caribbean cruises along with my ideal post-
Florida Judge Sides with Norwegian Cruise Line in Vaccine Fight
In a big win for not just Norwegian Cruise Line, but the industry in general, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that the state of Florida “fails to provide a valid evidentiary, factual, or legal predicate” for banning vaccine passports. This means that Norwegian can require all pa
12 Hours in Mykonos
When you’re named after the heir of a god, you better meet expectations. Mykonos, one of Greece’s most famous islands, is named for a descendant of the god Apollo (allegedly) and the first ruler of the island. And yes, it certainly does meet expectations. It exceeds them, in fact.&nb
Specialty Restaurant Review: 7Aft by Atlas Ocean Voyages
If you’ve been out of the cruise-loop lately, one of the most significant changes to cruise ship dining in recent years is the rise of specialty restaurants separate from the main dining rooms. Whether you’re craving the theatrics of a hibachi grill or the juicy-goodness of a premium cut
Going Ashore in Patmos: An Underated Gem of the Aegean
They may not have known it at the time, but the inhabitants of Patmos, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, were witness to a monumental moment in Christianity. It’s where in 95 A.D., John of Patmos, who’s true identity is still a hot debate amongst scholars of the topic, received the inspi
Cruise Deal of the Week – August 6, 2021
Are you ready to cruise? Ships are sailing from ports all over the country and passengers are raving about getting back on board their favorite cruise lines and ships for some much needed relaxation and a whole lot of fun! If you’re hesitant to book a longer cruise, there are plenty of shorter
Embarkation Day: World Navigator by Atlas Ocean Voyages
For the first time in my almost 32 years of flight, I clapped when the plane landed. After a year and a half of cold-turkey travel deprivation, United flight 124 with direct service to Athens was nine hours of delicious anticipation complete with a South African Shiraz courtesy of the house. That de
Shop Around: Unique Hotel Boutiques
THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL SIGNATURE SHOP – Los Angeles, California The Beverly Hills Hotel has a storied history as a magnet for movie stars and moguls. It’s also a wonderful place to shop for preppy accessories that will make you look the part. The hotel’s Signature Shop sells classic
A Culinary Adventure in Emilia Romagna, Italy
I’ll admit it. I have a problem. I’ve been involved in a love affair with Italian food for most of my adult life. With the gastronomic trinity of Rome, Florence and Naples under my belt (in more ways than one), I’ve taken on a pilgrimage to discover the holy trail of food in Emilia Romagna, [&
Princess Cruises Successfully Completes First Voyage Back
When Majestic Princess arrived back in Seattle yesterday after completing a 7-day cruise to Alaska, it marked an important milestone for Princess Cruises. Arguably one of the hardest-hit cruise lines by the COVID-19 pandemic, Princess hasn’t had a ship sailing since March of 20
Cruise Deal of the Week – July 30, 2021
We’re just days away from the month of August and it’s gearing up to be a big month for cruisers! Especially cruisers who are headed to Alaska via Seattle as it’s been well over a year since cruise ships sailed up the famous Inside Passage to ports like Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau a
MSC Cruises, Cruise Saudi Sign 5-Year Deal with Port of Jeddah
MSC Cruises is one of the world’s fastest growing cruise lines and they just signed a deal to bring one of their newest ships to the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. MSC Cruises and Cruise Saudi agreed on a five year deal for preferential berthing rights at the port of Jeddah as MSC Bellissima is [&h
