For Shore: Two Sides to Hispaniola
As a name, “Hispaniola” seems better suited for history books. But as an island, straddling the line between Caribbean and Atlantic, it is more likely to enter today’s conversations as home to one or both of the two independent nations that share it: Haiti and the Dominican Republic. H
What to Do During a Lisbon Layover
It is a well accepted fact that European cruise ports expose troves of historical architecture, reveal old world charm and cater to the culinary interests of intrepid cruise visitors. Lisbon, Portugal offers a significant dose of everything the more popular destinations tout minus the chaos that a
River Cruising: Crystal Mahler and Me
Most people would be content sitting on their king-sized bed in their 253-square-foot Deluxe Suite, watching the Danube flow by their balcony window while their personal butler (yes, really) introduced them to a canapé and a glass of Champagne. But for this bright-eyed river ship novice, the shape-
Cruise Deal of the Week – November 22, 2019
Greetings from on board the newest ship from Norwegian Cruise Lines, Norwegian Encore! Porthole Cruise Magazine has been onboard for a couple of days now and we’ll be here all weekend long as well. We’ve been amazed at all the incredible amenities, dining options and wonderful service fr
What to Do in Miami Before Cruising: Guide to Unique Miami
Miami is home to one of the world’s largest ports and one of America’s best vacation cities. You have probably heard about the famous beaches and 365 days of summer, but there’s a whole lot more to this town once you peel back the layers. We’ve created this handy guide for the cruiser seekin
Waves in Cruise Fashion…What is Resort Casual?
The Monthly Mantra A Clothes Call … A Clothes Call … A Clothes Call … I confess. I was once turned away from a cruise ship dining room for not adhering to its dress code. It happened in Oslo in 2004 and at the time I was looking fabulous in pristine, dark blue AG boot-cut […]
MSC Cruises Introduces New Accessible Shore Excursions Program
A new program for guests with varied mobility is helping more people discover the magic of a cruise vacation! MSC Cruises’ goal is to ensure that guests have the largest variety of shore excursions possible to suit all needs and their new expanded Accessible Shore Excursions Program is paving the
Hidden Inland: Walla Walla WOW
The bustling summertime port city of Seattle offers an incredible range of sights and sounds, but if you’re set to sample the feast of Alaska cruising and looking for a pre-cruise appetizer or a post-cruise dessert, place your order for the off-the-menu town of Walla Walla, Washington. It’s no s
Take at Trip to Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano
Costa Rica is well known for it’s focus on eco-tourism and sustainable practices. A country bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic ocean, the interior volcanic region, known as Arenal, is a gorgeous part of the country that feels wild and undisturbed by man. Thanks to the still-active Arena
Planning a Family Reunion? Take a Cruise!
If you are thinking of planning a family reunion, there is truly no better place to have it than on a cruise! Not only is having your get together on a fun-filled cruise ship an amazing adventure, but it also offers a stress-free alternative for family fun where no one has to organize or clean [&hel
Black Friday Cruise Deal of the Week – November 29, 2019
You could head to the store on Black Friday to wrestle with a stranger over the last Elmo doll, or you could peruse the list below compiled by the cruise deal specialists here at Porthole Cruise Magazine. We’ve scoured the internet for THE BEST deals to be had on Black Friday for cruises all o
A Cruiser’s Guide to Restaurants in Orlando
If you are flying to Orlando prior to boarding your cruise or plan on staying in Orlando after your cruise, you are in luck. Orlando provides plenty more than sun, beaches and Disney. In particular, Orlando has more than its fair share of spectacular restaurants. Regardless of your unique dietary pr
VIP@Sea: @TheWaytoTravel (with kids!)
At first glance of their Instagram, @thewaytotravel is all about arid and sea-swept landscapes with a few quintessential candids of an enviable couple living out everyone’s dream. Look closer and you’ll spot another pint-sized explorer along for the ride, too. Mario and Ioanna began their nomadi
Your Colombian Emerald Holiday Buying Guide
Cruisers hopping off the ship in Cartagena, Colombia are excited to explore a South American city rich with local culture, Spanish colonial architecture, and one of the most prized gemstones; the emerald. Brilliant green and found deep in the Colombian mountains, the emerald captivates visitors with
Carnival and KultureCity Collaborate for Sensory Inclusion
For many, the best part about taking a cruise vacation is how much fun today’s ships can be. They have movie theaters and arcades, roller coasters and waterparks. Everywhere you go there’s something exciting and new to explore. However, the sights and sounds can be challenging for those with sen
Seattle’s Best Breweries Before or After Your Cruise
Seattle has a vibrant and innovative brewing scene, with microbreweries ranging across town from north to south. Many of Seattles’ best breweries still only have limited distribution, so make sure to check them out while you are in town because you might not have a chance when you get home! Fi
CruiSea is Helping People Meet at Sea
Have you tried one of the apps out there to meet new people, romantically or otherwise? Now the CruiSea App is proving to be a game changer for the cruise industry as it offers users the ability to meet others on their cruise vacation, mingle, and communicate all from the comfort, security, and con
Scarlet Lady Completes Sea Trials
It seems like just yesterday we were getting excited for the first cut of steel for Virgin Voyages’ upcoming ship Scarlet Lady. Now we’re here to celebrate another huge milestone in the life of a cruise ship, successful sea trials. You can’t fill a cruise ship with happy passengers before maki
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Now Open
We’ve been waiting with patient anticipation and today for the first time, MSC Cruises welcomed passengers on board MSC Divina to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s new private island in The Bahamas. What is Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve? The island’s opening is a ma
Cruise Deal of the Week – December 6, 2019
Do you have your next cruise vacation planned? If not, we’ve got a once in a lifetime opportunity to cruise through the world famous Panama Canal on the beautiful Norwegian Joy. If you’ve never sailed through the canal but are avid cruisers, then now is a great time to book as unique a c