Shanghai, On The Side
I’m not particularly fond of the motor coach, follow the guide’s umbrella brand of sightseeing and I have an affinity to off the grid type of travel options, especially when it comes to exotic destinations. While Shanghai, China doesn’t really fall into that category, it certainly has an appea
Gaga for the Galápagos
If you’re anything like me, you likely spent leisure time of adolescent years perusing iconic National Geographic magazines in search of natural phenomena, half-naked jungle tribes, and a milieu of animal kingdom photos. Those youthful fantasies of exotic adventure come to life through National Ge
Chills and Thrills with Hurtigruten
Living outside the borders of any discernible cruise demographic, I am well aware that I have an insatiable appetite for anything divergent or off the beaten path. Cruising the Antarctic on Hurtigruten’s MS Midnatsol (Midnight Sun) is the realization of a long-held yearning for travel to the froz
All Ships Great AND SMALL!
If you follow my cruise escapades, it’s obvious that size doesn’t matter to me. It’s not that I’m not impressed by a ship with a bowling alley, ice skating rink, elaborate shows, or robot bartenders — I am. But I don’t need those types of accoutrements to make my cruise fantasies come
Adventure Cruises You Have to Try
As a general rule, Caribbean cruises conjure up images of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, while Europe destinations offer up iconic cathedrals, castles and assorted antiquities of the past. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with viewing the spectacular sites of the Old World or
Made in China Part 2: The Terra-cotta Warriors
China’s initial capital, Xian, with a population of over 8 million today, was for centuries a bustling yet virtually unknown metropolis. Then in 1974, it burst onto the burgeoning stage of Chinese tourism with the happenstance discovery of over 8,000 terra-cotta warriors buried on a rural farm. Ar
The Great Wall: Made In China
“Build the wall!” One of the first times a politician ever issued those controversial words was when the Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang decreed the creation of the Great Wall of China. The initial construction of his Wan Li Chang Cheng, or “10,000-Li-Long Wall,” began in 220 B.C.E. and the fu
Bring on the Baltics: Oceania Cruises mixes popular ports with undiscovered gems
By Steve Leland Location, location, location is a well-known incantation in reference to real estate potential, but in the world of cruising that mantra is more appropriately, destination, destination, destination. Oceania Cruises’ twin sister ships, Marina and Riviera, along with a supporting
An Introduction to Abruzzo
Abruzzo, Italy Travel Guide The inevitable question is “where is that?” Followed by the predictable “is it near Tuscany ?” Once the Google Map imagery is set into the brain, then comes, “What made you decide to buy a house there?” Actually I was never been able t
Cruising with – and without – kids.
I JUST WANT TO BE ALONE! For parents everywhere, Greta Garbo said it best. A cruise would seem to be just the ticket (and well deserved) to garner precious moments of solitude, but how do you escape the munchkins of others? Several cruise lines have answered the call with innovative ways to claim yo
The Best Trains for Cruisers
I’m of the belief that you can never get enough of a good thing. So, when a fantastic 7-day cruise just isn’t enough to fill those precious holiday days, continue your luxurious indulgence with a classic train journey. Choosing a “choo choo” as a post-cruise holiday extension offers a contin
Exploring Cambodia: Touring the temples of Angkor Wat, and searching the secrets of Siem Reap.
Cruising in faraway destinations such as Southeast Asia encourages consideration to pre- and post-cruise options. These opening acts and encores to the main event range from basic hotel stays to more spectacular, engaging adventures. In compiling a high profile destination bucket list, there are spe
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
The Barge Bonus
Float your own boat aboard a private, small ship cruise. By Steve Leland The explicit benefits of river cruising are well documented: all inclusive, complimentary excursions and, the real clincher, typically fewer than 200 guests. The thought of binging on an open bar and great food is enough to flo
5 Faves: Hanoi Highlights
Hanoi Highlights: 5 Faves of Vietnam’s Capital City For cruisers looking for that next exotic itinerary, today’s major cruise lines and river cruise operators are embracing the intrigue of Vietnam, exposing alluring destinations and the country’s colorful legacy. While most river cruises featu
5 Faves: St. Petersburg, Russia
Five Must-Do Moments in St. Petersburg, Russia One of the highlights of any Baltic cruise is the ever-popular St. Petersburg, Russia. Envisioned and built from the virtual ground up by Peter the Great, this former capital holds a treasure trove of Russian history and culture. A myriad of perfectly e
Azamara Australia: The Difference Down Under
Azamara’s Destination Immersion brings cruisers closer to the culture By Steve Leland Any journey that requires traveling halfway around the world demands some sort of enticement. A cruise aboard Azamara Club Cruises is as enticing as it gets. Add a compelling itinerary in Australia combined with
Ship Review: Scenic Spirit, Aqua Mekong, and Angkor Pandaw
Magic on the Mekong Luxury awaits for travelers ready to cruise Asia. For been-there-done-that cruisers, an Asia itinerary is often next on the list. And lucky for today’s been-there-done-that cruisers, options abound along Asia’s wonderful waterways. One river in particular that’s attracting
5 Faves: Must-Try Cambodian Street Foods
Five Must-Try Cambodian Street Foods I profess to being a moderate foodie, backed up by my appreciation of food and the discovery of new tastes. And despite an inclination to be rather picky, I openly admit that I prefer street food fare over Michelin-rated cuisine. Give me back-alley grub marinated
Design Time: Oceania Cruises
Visually Classic, Stunningly Chic. Discover the grand style aboard Oceania Cruises’ Riviera. By Steve Leland I don’t pretend to be a design aficionado. I wouldn’t know the difference between mid-century modern and French provincial if I sat on it. However, I do know what I like when I
