St. Kitts: Awake Your Sense of Wander
When was the last time you really felt a sense of adventure? One of the best things about travel is it awakens within us a natural curiosity about the world we live in and fuels our sense of adventure and desire to experience new things. Of all the islands in the Caribbean, St. Kitts is […]
Learn What’s to Love in Bilbao and Spain’s Basque Country
It’s been said that Frank Gehry’s dazzlingly designed Guggenheim Museum is what really put Bilbao on travelers’ radar, and there is some truth to that. But bringing in that museum was part of a larger plan to turn a rough former industrial city into a handsome model of urban planning and cultu
The Judi’s Choice Awards 2019
The Monthly Mantra Judi’s Choice Awards … Judi’s Choice Awards … Judi’s Choice Awards … It’s time for the 2019 Judi’s Choice Awards! Unlike all those hum-drum “best-ofs” that tackle the obvious aspects of a cruise like dining, entertainment, and itineraries (anyone could do that)
The Heart of Vietnam
I first visited Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in 1995; Vietnam tourism was evolving and beginning to take root as an integral part of daily life in major cities. By my next visit in December 2012, tourism was booming. Brand-name hotels shared the skyline near the legendary Rex Hotel. Restaurants caterin
48 Hours: Five Ways to Spend Two Days in Istanbul
At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is one of the world’s most mesmerizing cities. Founded by the Greeks around 700 B.C., ruled by the Romans, then later conquered by the Ottoman Empire, its perfect location on the Bosphorus strait transcends Western civilization. The old quarter of
5 Overlooked Cruise Destinations
Cruises to places like the Bahamas and the Caribbean are a dime a dozen. To get the most for your money, consider a cruise destination that isn’t the typical choice of the masses. There are a few you may never have thought of, that you owe it to yourself to check out. Here are five […]
Richard Branson Reveals First Virgin Voyages Destination
Appearing as his usual casual self on the Virgin Voyages social media channels yesterday, Richard Branson made a much anticipated announcement; Virgin Voyages is headed to Cuba. The cruise line, whose first ship is set for launch in 2020, has promised a cruising experience unlike what’s currently
Weird Wednesday: Thames Town
Visitors to Shanghai are often in awe of the size and scale of the city. With a population of more than 24 million, it’s the largest in China and the 3rd largest by population in the world. The city’s proximity to the ocean (the Chinese characters for Shanghai translate to “upon the sea”
The Enchantment of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a one of a kind destination, the ideal place to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Characterized by its epic mountains, serene beaches, majestic rainforests, kid-friendly attractions and delicious culinary delights, the Island has it all! There’s no shortage of incredible places to
Cruise and Stay for the Best South Florida Music and Art Festivals
South Florida has long been a hotspot for the world’s most talented artists of the stage and canvas. If you’re thinking about taking a cruise from one of the area’s ports, then you might consider coming early or staying a few days after to really explore everything South Florida has to offer.
9 Reasons to Set Sail on Silver Whisper
This past fall my husband Humberto and I took the Silver Whisper from Silversea Cruises on what we called a “leaves, lobsters and lighthouses” cruise in New England and Canada. It was our third voyage on this ship that the line uses for its annual World Cruise – so you can tell we like it! [&h
Cruise Adventures in Curacao: 6 Spots You Have to See!
When I see Willemstad, Curacao on a Caribbean cruise itinerary, I’m immediately excited –the name alone acts like a hook and I invariably read on. Cruise-passenger-friendly Willemstad, the capital of Curacao is an architecture-buff’s delight –I’m one!– and the island, a consti
Spice Up Your Hawaiian Vacation With an Erupting Volcano (VIDEO)
Kilauea Volcano, the most active on Hawaii’s big island, erupted Thursday, prompting a mandatory evacuation for more than 1,700 local residents. As the eruption took place, those sailing into port on a cruise ship and from the air could see the huge cloud of ash and dust obscuring the beautiful sc
Around the World in 245 Days With Viking Cruises (VIDEO)
All due respect to Jules Verne, but 80 days isn’t nearly enough time for a world cruise. Thanks to Viking Cruises, intrepid vacationers can now spend the better part of a year at sea enjoying everything from the cool mists of London to the extravagant hanging gardens of Mumbai. On May 1st, Viking&
Carnival Dramatically Expands Cruises from the West Coast
Cruise News – Feb. 12, 2018 Carnival Cruise Line has announced several significant initiatives designed to further bolster its West Coast presence: the deployment of Carnival Panorama to Long Beach in 2019 — the first new Carnival ship based in Southern California in 20 years; the grand re
