Readers’ Choice Awards 2016
Porthole Cruise Magazine announces the winners of our 18th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards! Whether your votes came to us online, by mail, or by fax, one thing is for sure: Our readers are passionate cruisers who feel strongly about the ships they love. We congratulate all of this year’s w
Norwegian Bliss Hull Art Unveiled
Norwegian Bliss Hull Art Unveiled Cruise News – Oct. 26, 2016 Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO, Andy Stuart, joined world-renowned marine-life artist and ocean conservationist Wyland at Fort Lauderdale’s Wyland Galleries to unveil the original hull artwork for Norwegian Bliss, which s
Five Faves: Puh-LAY BALL!
Porthole’s Five Faves Five Fave Baseball Parks To Cruise To Take me out to the ballgame, or take you on a sea cruise? Why not both! With the World Series getting off to an exciting start last night, it reminds me that 1) there’s nothing better than baseball this time of year, and 2) there’s o
American Queen Steamboat Company Reveals American Duchess Suites
American Queen Steamboat Company Reveals American Duchess Suites Cruise News – Oct. 25, 2016 American Queen Steamboat Company has announced it will be the first and only all-suite riverboat with lofts on the Mississippi River when its launches the new American Duchess next year. The first pur
Ship Review: Seven Seas Explorer
Grand Entrance See why Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer is a ship of superlatives By Fran Golden As a journalist, you’re not supposed to believe such marketing speak as “the most luxurious cruise ship ever built,” right? Except here’s the thing: Compared to other cruise ships, Regent Seven Sea
Cruise Control: Andy Stuart
People Pleaser A Day in the Life of Andy Stuart, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line By Jodi Ornstein “This is a people business,” says Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “It’s 100 percent a people business.” And, after being with the company for 28 years, he a
Battle of the Barges
Battle of the Barges Cruising the waterways of Ireland vs. France By Steve Leland The prospects of an off-the-wall travel experience while sampling the trappings of the good life, such as gourmet dining with liberal libations, were all too much to overlook. Who am I to say no? So I decided to book a
Design Time: Queen Mary 2
Behind the Remastering of Queen Mary 2 By Fran Golden When your task is to redesign and contemporize the 12-year-old Queen Mary 2, Cunard Line’s flagship ocean liner, you know a lot of eyes will be watching. Many cruisers dream of crossing the Atlantic aboard this iconic ship, so when it came time
Florida’s Best Local Craft Breweries
Say cheers to Florida’s Best Local Craft Breweries By Evan S. Benn In case you haven’t noticed, craft beer is on many savvy cruisers’ radar. From onboard specialty brews to the first brewery at sea to beer-themed cruises, several cruise lines are noticing the trend and bringing more beer on bo
Going, Going, Galapagos!
Exploring one of the world’s most elusive archipelagos Story and photography by Michel and Lisa Verdure We were walking in the highlands of San Cristobal Island for less than 15 minutes when we heard the definitive call of the elusive mockingbird. This beautiful gray creature, which is found only
Tried and True: Johnny Jet Travel Tips
Surviving Holiday Travel Travel expert Johnny Jet answers your most common questions. It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are upon us. For those who’ll be setting sail this season, here are 10 tips for a smoother, faster, and less expensive travel experience if you’ll be taking to the skies
Like a Local: Budapest
Bring on Budapest Close the guidebooks and let a local lead the way. By Jennifer Walker When I was 8, my Hungarian mother decided to move us to Budapest so I could learn the language. Even though we returned to the UK when I was 11, I always wanted to go back. So three years […]
MSC Cruises for Kids
Kids of all kinds will find something to love aboard MSC Cruises. By Jodi Ornstein Ahhhh, cruising. Days spent relaxing on deck with the sun in your face and a drink in your hand. Miles and miles of blue ocean and skies, hours and hours to spend with a good book on your balcony. This […]
Music Themed Cruises: Rock the Ship
What the artists, fans, and organizers say about music-themed cruises. By Bill Kopp While retirees and young professionals might not always share the same taste in music, one leisure activity with appeal that spans generations is the music festival experience. So cruise lines and vacation planners h
Vitamin Sea: Cruising is Healthy
Discover the (proven!) health benefits of cruising By Heather Mikesell Although most people don’t immediately think of a cruise vacation as an opportunity to get in shape or make positive lifestyle choices, today’s cruise ships provide a host of healthy options that can help transform a week at
Comforts of Home
Monday Mantra Something’s Missing … Something’s Missing … Something’s Missing … It’s strange what you miss while having the time of your life. By this time, you’ve probably figured out that I love to cruise — aboard big ships, small ships, yachts, riverboats, and expedition ships.
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Oct. 21, 2016
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Oct. 21, 2016 Carnival Cruise Line has announced plans to expand the cruise terminal in Long Beach, California, nearly tripling its size from 66,000 to 142,000 square feet. The new agreement with landlord Urban Commons and the City of Long Beach gives Carnival 100
Cruise Deal of the Week – Oct. 21, 2016
Cruise Deal of the Week – Oct. 21, 2016 Blount Small Ship Adventures is returning to Belize and Guatemala for the first time since 2014 – so to mark the occasion, they’ve lowered prices to match their 2014 rates for the adventure. Prices start at $3,999 per person for 12-day cruises depart
Marvel Day at Sea: Marvel’s Mightiest Save the Day on Disney Cruise Line
Marvel’s Mightiest Save the Day on Disney Cruise Line Cruise News – October 21, 2016 Disney Cruise Line is assembling the heroes and villains of the Marvel Universe for a day-long celebration on upcoming voyages: Marvel Day at Sea. In addition to screenings of fan-favorite Marvel films a
