Packing is Such Sweet Sorrow
The Monthly Mantra Packin’ it in … Packin’ it in … Packin’ it in … It’s late afternoon the day before disembarkation and I’m on my balcony gazing out at the ocean, serenaded by the gentle swish of the waves. But ever so subtly, I find myself bracing for the transition from carefree h
This Cruise Line is Offering Deals for Solo Cruisers
You may need two to tango, but you only need one to cruise when you take advantage of Riviera River Cruises new focus on solo cruisers. The solo traveler collection is a selection of itineraries in the spring and fall of 2019 without any supplement charges for solo cruisers. Solo Cruisers Usually Pa
Celebrity Apex Underway with Steel-Cutting Ceremony
Newer, more lavish, better amenities. It’s clear where the future of cruising is headed and one cruise line is keeping up with the trend in fine fashion. Celebrity Cruises recently began production on their newest ship, Celebrity Apex, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, Fr
Grape Destinations: Rosé Wine by the Pool
The perfect weekend came just in time for a break. Sounds familiar? Of course it does, specially when you have a place near the sea in mind. I was really enjoying a mojito de parcha, (passion fruit mojito) by the pool at Copamarina in Guanica, when I saw a man with a glass of rosé […]
Ooo La La, On The Move To France
I’m onto the France vacation segment of this summer’s epic cruise and travel adventure, so it’s Arrivederci, Roma and after a two hour flight, it’s Bienvenue, France. When you think of cruising in and around France, Paris, Nice and Marseilles always come to mind. Rightly so. With reputa
48 Hours: French Fix
Ah, the French. They know how to live. So, when I had the opportunity to experience the Parisian life for two days after my recent river cruise, I accepted quicker than you can pop a baguette in the oven. After all, this magical city is the perfect pre- or post-trip to any Europe-based cruise, and [
Grape Destinations: Working the Mosel Vines
Have you ever gone to a small vineyard? Did you like their wines? I did. Over 20 years ago, I visited a small winemakers’ wine-tasting in Kröv, situated on the Mosel River. My family and I were on a week’s holiday in a bungalow park near Kröv. On the list of activities was the wine-tasting [&h
My Head’s in the (Sea) Clouds
The Monthly Mantra My Head’s in a Sea Cloud…My Head’s in a Sea Cloud…My Head’s in a Sea Cloud… A pair of Christian Louboutin red-soled stilettos A quilted black leather CHANEL drawstring hobo with chain straps A sailing with the uber-exclusive Sea Cloud Cruises Those are really the only
Teen Scene | How 14-year-old twin boys fared on a river cruise with the ’rents
By Heidi Sarna Let’s face it. Most teenagers aren’t dying to go on a river cruise. But this mom of teen sons likes small-ship cruising and I’m still the boss (I think!). So last summer I signed the family up for a Bordeaux river cruise with the French line CroisiEurope. We boarded the 174-pass
How to Get the Most Out of Your European Wine Cruise
For wine lovers, there’s nothing as exciting as a European river cruise combined with wine tasting, wine education, and of course, gourmet food. Tasting wine in the South of France had long been on our bucket list, so when we heard about a wine cruise down the Rhone River, sailing from Lyon, we bo
For Shore: The Grape Escape
Exploring France’s wine country with Uniworld By Steve Leland The memory of the first time never fades away: first date, car, job, or virtually first anything. My first cruise back in 1980 altered the trajectory of my entire life. Then, 35 years and more than 500 ocean cruises later, the summer of
Design Time: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Bonjour S.S. Joie de Vivre Uniworld’s newest river ship design reflects the French joy of living. By Fran Golden When Toni Tollman set out to design the 128-passenger S.S. Joie de Vivre she had some of her favorite things about Paris in mind. As the Director of Design and Projects at Uniworld Rive
Cruise Deals of the Week – Feb. 17, 2017
Cruise Deals of the Week – Feb. 17, 2017 DEAL 1: Expedition line Hurtigruten is offering deals on their coastal itineraries, including $250 off per person plus $200 (1,600 NOK) in onboard credit on 12-day voyages, $150 per person savings and $100 onboard credit on southward voyages, and $100 off p
Cruise Deals of the Week – Jan. 13, 2017
DEAL 1: Asian river operator Pandaw Expeditions is offering discounts from 10 to 25 percent – as well as no single-cabin supplements – on voyages exploring Burma, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Contact Pandaw Expeditions or your travel agent for more. DEAL 2: Save up to $1,200 per person on April
Five Faves: Passage to Paradise
Porthole‘s Five Faves Passage to Paradise The ever-popular 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise itinerary typically includes ports in Spain, France, and Italy, treating visitors to ancient cities, diverse architecture, amazing art, and historic treasures. Churches and cathedrals play an import
Stop and Smell the Flowers and Fromage of France
Sometimes the best travel experiences are those that are improvised. Four of us off the river ship Viking Forseti proved that on a sunny day in the city of Bordeaux. With a map in hand, some advice from a local and, okay, a travel writer leading the pack, we four women, ages 40 to 72, headed off [
The Waters and Wines of France
With Tauck River Cruises, travelers can explore from Paris to Provence while enjoying the spoils of both land and sea. Menus can change for each meal, depending on what’s fresh and local. Wine, too, is an important part of this cruise, and the ship’s culinary department buys wines that c
