Off Season Cruising, Is It Worth It?
We often get asked, when is the best time to cruise? Most are shocked when I tell them that cruising off-season is one of the best vacations you can take! Not only are they a great way to get a great deal, but there are plenty of other perks, too. Here are some of our […]
Grape Destinations: Getting Lost in Florence
Bubbles come in handy when you are fashionably late. That was a great lesson learned on a trip I recently took to Tuscany. You and your travel partners are sharing the wheel. On those hills the views are stunning and nobody cares if the GPS is audible, at least. The Winding Roads of Florence I [&hel
Weird Wednesday: Is That Beach Glowing?
Does anything beat a day at the beach? The sun, the waves, the particles of sand you find wedged in strange places months later, what’s not to love? There are some beaches, however, that actually get better once the sun goes down. What is a bioluminescent beach? From Hong Kong to California, biol
Making The Most Of Your Cruise Vacation
Around 27.2 million people are expected to take a cruise vacation in 2018, with the industry showing a consistent rise in passenger numbers since 2009 (a year in which 17.8 million passengers took to the seas). The Cruise Lines International Association’s newest report indicates that one big tren
What is a Repositioning Cruise?
You could spend all day on a cruise ship and have a ton of fun without even leaving a port. Ships are designed to keep guests happy and entertained because they spend far more time at sea than anywhere else. Cruise ships sail from port to port, but also from one side of the globe […]
MSC Cruises Announces New Terminal at PortMiami
South Florida has long been a hotbed for cruise ships and a new terminal announcement from MSC Cruises looks to continue that legacy in the future. An agreement between the cruise line and Miami-Dade County extends berthing rights and set the framework for a new cruise terminal at PortMiami to house
Renewal of Vows Cruise Helping Guests Feel the Love
Everyone seems to have advice when it comes to keeping a healthy marriage. Some say never go to bed angry, others say laughter is key. No matter what your secret to happy nuptials, AmaWaterways wants to help passengers keep the spark alive with a new cruise package focused on love. The Renewal of Vo
Travel Tips: How to Choose a Good Restaurant on Vacation
Traveling the world is a wonderful way to expand your mind, cultivate lasting memories and experience things you never could at home. One of the most important aspects of diving head first into a new culture is of course the food. In our globalized world, you may see ethnic restaurants in your homet
Cruising, Is it Right for Me?
Cruising, what is all the hype about? My parents are in their 60’s and have cruised for many years, I’m talking donkeys’ years, whatever that is, but you get the picture. In 2013 and after years of pestering us to join them we finally gave in, mainly to keep the rents from bothering us over
The Best Cruises and Travel Tips For Pet Lovers
We all wish we could take our dogs and cats to school or work with us, but did you know you can actually bring your pets on a cruise? Your furry friends will love our list of the top pet friendly cruises and travel ideas for pet enthusiasts! Cunard Queen Mary II The largest ship […]
Find True Paradise with a Bonaire Vacation
The best kept secret of the ABC Islands may very well be Bonaire. Many have heard of its sister islands, Aruba and Curaçao, but there’s so much more to explore when your next vacation is to Bonaire! From diving coral reefs with some truly fantastic sea life to exploring island towns with a rich h
Cruise Deal of the Week – June 29, 2018
The 4th of July is now a day for fans of British cruise line Cunard Line to celebrate thanks to their latest luxury cruise deal. The 4th of July Sale from Cunard Line features free upgrades to balcony staterooms and included gratuities with just a $100 non-refundable deposit. Passengers who book Pri
Dish It Up: Premium Palates
Imagine nibbling caviar, the roe and accoutrements shaped like a flower. Picture tucking into a lobster tail adorned with truffled leeks, before a Grand Marnier soufflé is rushed tableside. Such extravagant repasts are the norm on luxury cruises, especially in seas like the Mediterranean or the Car
Handheld Travel Steamer Fights Wrinkles Fast (VIDEO)
Whether they’re in your plans, on your face or in your clothes, nobody likes wrinkles. One of the most difficult things for travelers is packing for a trip without leaving your clothing looking ragged, unwashed and full of wrinkles. It’s especially tough with delicate items like dresses, suits a
How To Eat Healthy on a Cruise Vacation
Cruise aficionados say that one of the best parts of a cruise vacation is the 24/7 buffets. The endless, bountiful, and decadent array of dining options is enough to make your head spin and your stomach is always on the roll. Studies from Cornell University: Food and Brand Lab shows that people ar
Enticed by the Flavors of Abruzzo
To my throngs of ardent Porthole Cruise followers (both of you!), you know I love to expound on regional foods. Well, it’s been two days since I posted anything about that dear to my stomach subject, so allow me fill the void in your never ending search for culinary enlightenment. In Abruzzo, It
Sophia Loren Highlights Glitzy Christening for MSC Seaview
When MSC Cruises needs to bring the style, they only have one call to make. Over the weekend, they celebrated the christening of their newest ship, MSC Seaview, with help from famed Italian actress Sophia Loren. Loren, who is also the ship’s Godmother, made the christening in Genoa, Italy a glamor
Cruise Deal of the Week – June 8, 2018
Where else in the world can you jet ski past volcanic islands, snorkel through coral reefs then watch authentic fire dancers while enjoying a meal of fire pit roasted pork? The answer is French Polynesia! When it comes to your Polynesian vacation, Paul Gauguin Cruises is a premier name to cruise
La Dolce Vita Cruising: An Italian Vacation
Italy. The land of pizza, Pisa and pasta. I’m about to start my annual pilgrimage to my adopted, de facto homeland and can’t help but wonder why so few of my friends have not made this destination a bucket list priority. I’m absolutely convinced that if my Nebraska birthplace hadn’t encr
Grape Destinations: A Sherry Love Affair
It all started after parking the car under one of the orange trees in the historical city center of Jerez de la Frontera, in southwestern Spain. I’ve always liked wine but I hardly knew about sherry. Of course, sometimes I had a glass of dry Fino sherry as aperitif, but nothing else. I already kne