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
Exploring on American Empress
Modern-day exploration aboard American Empress By Steve Leland I’d had Tina Turner belting out “Proud Mary” in my head since first planning this cruise adventure through the Pacific Northwest. The closest I’d ever been to a paddlewheel steamboat was the less-than-epic 100-yard, five-minu
Three Ways to Experience a Viking Cruise
Three ways to experience a Viking cruise Is there anywhere this cruise line doesn’t sail? When Viking River Cruises, an industry leader in river cruising with more than 60 river ships currently sailing, launched Viking Ocean Cruises in 2013 to launch a series of 930-passenger ocean ships, it opene
Five Faves: Sea Days on Oceania Cruises’ Riviera
Savor Your Sea Days Five Favorite Things to do During a Trans-Atlantic Cruise I never thought I would enjoy a trans-Atlantic cruise. I envisioned a version where my budget would restrict me to steerage class (whatever that is); waltzing to big bands and high tea at 4 p.m. didn’t exactly ring m