Are Cruise Shore Excursions Worth It?
When planning a cruise, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether or not to book shore excursions. With so many options available, deciding which ones to choose and whether they’re worth the extra cost can be overwhelming. In this blog, we will weigh the pros and cons of bookin
The Secret to Booking Unique Cruise Shore Excursions
One of the best parts of a cruise vacation is the shore excursions! No matter where you cruise, there’s something fun, unique, exciting and new to enjoy and there are a ton of ways to find it. Cruisers can book through their cruise line or on their own, but many choose to work with dedicated [
This Cruise Line Has 1,390 Summer Shore Excursion Options
Generally speaking, having options is a good thing. MSC Cruises has taken that notion and ran with it when it comes to their lineup of shore excursion options for Summer 2022. This is not a typo; the cruise line is offering 1,390 unique excursions across their fleet. One thousand three hundred and n
Clyde Butcher: Florida’s Photographer
Inducted into the Florida Hall of Fame in 1998, photographer Clyde Butcher is best known as the “Ansel Adams of Florida.” Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1942, Butcher claimed Florida as his home in 1980. Like most visitors, he was unaware that there was more to Florida than beaches until he w
Take at Trip to Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano
Costa Rica is well known for it’s focus on eco-tourism and sustainable practices. A country bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic ocean, the interior volcanic region, known as Arenal, is a gorgeous part of the country that feels wild and undisturbed by man. Thanks to the still-active Arena
For Shore: Two Sides to Hispaniola
As a name, “Hispaniola” seems better suited for history books. But as an island, straddling the line between Caribbean and Atlantic, it is more likely to enter today’s conversations as home to one or both of the two independent nations that share it: Haiti and the Dominican Republic. H
One Day in Berlin
Berlin is a large city, so it is impossible to see everything in one day. In order to get the most information about Berlin’s important landmarks, taking a guided tour is a must. The guides are locals most of the time, and they can tell you a variety of historical and fun facts about the [&hel
Princess Cruises Debuts New Wine List
One of the most important factors people consider when booking their cruise vacation is the food and drink offerings on board the ship. From a main dining room with rave reviews to speciality restaurants with a wine list as diverse as the passengers, cruisers want options in order to take their crui
TRAVEL TIPS: Doha, Beyond Skyscrapers & Shopping Malls
In recent years, the Middle Eastern country of Qatar has become a major world power, and its capital Doha is a metropolis, complete with massive geometric skyscrapers that light up the Qatari sky at night. Thanks to the discovery of oil in this small country, located on the Arabian Peninsula, Doha h
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.
SCARED of Sharks?! MUST HAVE Travel Gear
Thanks to the movie Jaws, the summer of 1975 will always be remembered for America’s fear of sharks. These nautical nightmares are the terrors of the deep and you aren’t alone if you think twice before jumping in the ocean. Are you safe from shark attacks when you’re on a cruise vacation?
The Best Shore Excursions For Your Next Caribbean Cruise
A Caribbean cruise is the perfect destination to try new excursions and get a taste of how islanders live. Cruise lines offer excursions that you may not be able to try when traveling along to the Caribbean any other way. Depending on your level of courage and your love for adventure you may try a
Celebrating National S’mores Day on a Cruise
There’s a fine line between perfectly toasted and blazing inferno, which do you prefer? The art of s’more making varies from person to person based on taste preference, but no matter what, the main idea stays the same; have fun! S’mores are sweet, gooey and make a big mess, how could you not l
Travel Tips: For a Better Vacation, Befriend the Cruise Ship Crew
There are tons of tricks and tips for those going on a cruise for the first time to get the most out of their cruise vacation. For those who get seasick, choose a lower deck cabin. Fly into port a day early to avoid travel disasters. Take advantage of the private spa packages available and […
Travel Tips: Skip the Lines with Cruise Ship Priority Check In
Waiting in line is the worst, especially when you’re so close to starting your vacation. Embarkment day aboard a cruise ship is a fun and exciting experience, but for those looking to expedite the process, spending a little extra for cruise ship priority check in could be worth every penny. Every
Windstar Cruises Expands Late-Night Fun for Passengers
Staying out late was fun when you were a teenager, but thanks to the team at Windstar Cruises, you can stay out later on your shore excursions, too! An updated list of itineraries across Windstar Cruises offers late night, usually 10pm or later, returns to the ship as well as more overnights so gues
For Shore: To a Tee
By Peter Mumford A Caribbean cruise is a wonderful opportunity to visit exotic islands, meet new people, and learn about other cultures. For avid golfers, those several-hour–long shore leaves are made even better when you can grab your clubs and play some of the most beautiful golf courses in the
News Briefs: Holland America’s new culinary shore excursions, and more …
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Feb. 16, 2018 Holland America Line is introducing a collection of new culinary-themed shore excursions developed in partnership with FOOD & WINE. The 23 EXC Tours, on select 2018 cruises to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, will explore food, wine, and
Porto Highlights
Porthole’s 5 Faves It’s hard to believe I almost missed visiting Porto the first time. During a recent Windstar cruise, I sailed from Dublin to Lisbon on Wind Surf. Porto was one of the last stops on our itinerary. We were only scheduled to be in this port for six hours. I considered not eve
Sustainability & the IMPACT of Cruise Tourism with Experiential Travel in Victoria, B.C., Canada
Experiential Travel’ community involvement is no “yolk”. Our support for Woodwynn Farms in Victoria has reached new heights and since we are all about travel, we just had to have a mobile chicken coop. Introducing: Poultry In Motion. Experiential Travel has sponsored the making and
