Cruise Ship Review: AIDAperla
Total Immersion on AIDAperla Those smiling red lips and exotic Cleopatra eyes on the bow make AIDA’s cruise ships the most strikingly dramatic-looking ships in any cruise port, from China to Miami to the Mediterranean. Yet outside of Germany, AIDA is almost unknown, even amongst cruise-lovers. I w
Five Fave Adventure Tours in Southeast Asia
As if travel to Southeast Asia isn’t exciting enough, there have been enormous strides to develop shore excursions that appeal to the adventurous spirit of both young and old intrepid travelers. Entrepreneurs from around the globe have created ingenious activities deviating from traditional, “
Create Your Own Whisky Blend Aboard Carnival
Hundreds of years ago in a peat bog somewhere in Scotland, Friar John Cor distilled the first batch of scotch whisky. It probably wasn’t the best-tasting spirit, considering it was the year 1494, but thanks to hundreds of years of refined distilling, scotch whisky has grown into one of the most po
Cruise Deal of the Week – November 30, 2018
December is finally here and that means holiday cheer is all around. Holiday cruise deals are a popular option for cruise lines looking to fill up their ships as the high season kicks into gear. Silversea, a top name in luxury cruising, has a Holiday Sales Event that you won’t want to miss. Wi
Dalmatian Coast
Tauck, the New England based touring company, has had more than 90 years experience organizing escorted trips to more than 70 countries. So it was no surprise that its evolution and expansion from luxury river cruising to small ship ocean cruising has been such a success. As it does with its river c
Delicate Features – Face Plates as Fine Art
The Monthly Mantra An Unusual Setting … An Unusual Setting … An Unusual Setting Well now. This is different. A cruise-ship press event … at a china shop? Okay, not just any china shop but New York’s chi-chi Bernardaud, masters of the art of French porcelain who, to this day, carry Marie Anto
TRAVEL TIPS: Going to Goa
Goa is probably best known as India’s place to party, but this small state is packed with beauty and history. Goa has been through many changes, and each phase of its history is still engrained in its modern-day culture. India’s smallest state was once a Portuguese colony, and then it became
Can I Use Credit Card Points to Book a Cruise Vacation?
Sailing the high seas can be a fun family adventure, but it can also be an expensive one, too. That’s why savvy travelers know that they should put their points and miles to work for them to save money. You can use that extra cash you save and apply it towards a shore excursion or […]
Wilderness Found: Discovering Cunard’s Alaska
Few places in this world are truly wild thanks to man’s continual reach, yet the wilderness of Alaska remains pristine and ripe for exploration. From towering glaciers glimmering in the sunlight to a mother bear teaching her cubs the finer points of salmon fishing, life thrives without constraint.
Cruise Deal of the Week – November 23, 2018
It’s every deal-hunter’s favorite time of the year! Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the best days to book a cruise thanks to outrageous deals from a number of different cruise lines. Our deal of the week is a special one from the cruising pros over at Princess Cruises. The Cyber
Dish It Up: Season’s Eatings
Stroll from deck to deck aboard any cruise ship during the holidays, and the wafting aromas are enough to knock your blinking-lights Santa socks off. Fresh-baked Christmas cookies here, latkes there, stuffing everywhere — what’s a foodie to do? Why, indulge, of course. We’ve got the goods (and
Maximum Middle East
The scene was a cruise ship sailing in the Middle East, but it felt more like a James Bond movie. While guests on the ultra-luxurious 600-passenger Seabourn Encore were sipping martinis and champagne around the pool, four burly armed guards arrived by small motorboat, under the cover of darkness. Th
10 Things About A World Cruise That Keep Guests Coming Back
Ever since before the time of Ferdinand Magellan, people have been dreaming of, and trying to, circumnavigate the planet. And no wonder! Doing a circle around the globe, visiting scores of exotic places and experiencing a variety of cultures – in just one voyage –makes anyone feel like a superhe
A Grand Entrance for Celebrity Edge
For the first time, Port Everglades Terminal 25 has a tenant: Celebrity Edge. The newest ship in Celebrity Cruises fleet sailed into Fort Lauderdale, FL, yesterday, her new home for cruising to the Caribbean. It took the ship 15 days to sail across the Atlantic Ocean from the French shipyard where s
Top 7 Things People Always Forget to Pack
The excited feeling of getting to go on vacation is something to be looked forward to; the day is finally here. All of the suitcases are packed, directions to the port are in-hand, passports and boarding passes are – wait, where are they?!? As that horrible sinking feeling of when you realize
5 Essential Tips for Planning a Holiday Cruise
The holidays are a wonderful time to set sail. Many cruise lines offer special events and activities while onboard. You may feel a bit of the “holiday rush,” but don’t worry. Here are a few things to do before booking your trip. Plan Your Cruise Early If you are thinking about a la
Windstar Announces $250 Million in Fleet Improvements
Have you ever wanted to be a little longer? If you’re a Windstar Cruise ship, you’re in luck! The luxury cruise giant announced a new $250 million initiative this week to increase the length of three of their vessels by more than 25 meters. The initiative will expand guest accommodation
Cruise Deal of the Week – November 16, 2018
It’s almost upon us. No, not a soul-crushingly cold winter with endless hours of shoveling and shivering. We’re talking about Cunard’s famous Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale where guests can book available staterooms on select 2019 voyages all over the world, aboard all three sh
Food To Thai Me Over
Thai food has long held a special place in my professed obsession with searching for ultimate culinary bliss. It is definitely my ‘go to’ ethnic food. Who hasn’t felt the urge to make the phone call to your local Thai restaurant and order the quintessential Pad Thai, Tom Ka Gai or Chicken Sa
Seeing Seattle On a Budget
Looking for a way to see the Emerald City on a budget? We have you covered! Seattle may seem like an expensive town, but they have a lot of attractions that are free. Grab your coffee and let’s hit the streets of Seattle for some fun! Enjoy the Local Attractions Pike Place Market The essential
