A Guide to Cruising to New York City
The Monthly Mantra Take a Walk on the West Side … Take a Walk on the West Side … Take a Walk on the West Side… Sometimes I wish I lived in some sleepy little rural town so that I could experience cruising from New York City. But not in 10 hours. Like London, Florence, […]
TRAVEL TIPS: Your Own Adventure in San Juan
Let’s face it, taking a cruise is a luxury many Americans have to save up for, especially when, on top of the cruise fare, you add the daily gratuities, alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, and any other cravings you’d like to satisfy. That’s why when presented with a gre
TRAVEL TIPS: South Korea’s Jeju Island
Located off the southern coast of South Korea is an island paradise that South Korean and Japanese visitors have enjoyed for years and that is only now becoming popular with tourists outside of Asia. It’s a smart destination for travelers wanting to visit South Korea in unique
TRAVEL TIPS: New Zealand’s Slice of Scottish Paradise
Did you know that New Zealand has its own little piece of Scotland? That’s right, you can go Down Under and visit Dunedin, the city whose name is actually the Scottish Gaelic word for Edinburgh. Cruise ships head to Scotland in the spring and summer months, but if you’re looking for the United K
TRAVEL TIPS: Choose a Historical Detour and Meet Jamaica’s ‘White Witch’
While on a Caribbean cruise, you’re likely to see an endless number of beaches. But what if you find yourself getting tired of being a beach bum? While Jamaica is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic landscape, it is also packed with history. Jamaica was once a British colony, and slaves wor
Travel Tips: Is This the Most Stressful Place in the World?
Of course there’s a delay in Omaha. Overhead bin space sparked a brawl in economy so they couldn’t take off, the man waiting next to you at the gate explains. Add a few more hours to your wait at the most stressful place on the planet, an airport. When did airports develop into high stress [&h
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Whenever you book a cruise, hotel or make any kind of vacation plans, it’s common to get asked whether or not you want to purchase travel insurance. A lot of people say no, thinking that’s it’s just another expense that you won’t actually need. However, there are some advantages to getting t
Travel Tips: My Smartphone Ruined My Vacation
Connectivity is what the world revolves around these days. Everyone is widely accessible at any point thanks to our devices like phones and tablets, but these incredible devices can both aid and hinder a vacation. Sure, a smartphone is great for looking up directions or taking photos of your experie
Tips for Making Your Cruising Day a Breeze
It’s finally here! The day you leave on a cruise is full of fun and excitement, but if you’ve never cruised before, there are a few things you can do to make the experience even better. Our tips help you spend less time waiting and more time on vacation! How to Expedite the Boarding Process [&he
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: Help! My Passport was Lost or Stolen
The best thing you can bring on vacation out of the country is a healthy sense of adventure, right? Well, yes, but there’s something else that you need to have with you at all times; your passport. It’s a tiny booklet with which you have access to very big things. U.S. Passport holders are admit
Weird Wednesday: In Europe, Ask for Ice
Americans who hopped across the pond to celebrate the Royal Wedding a few weeks ago were in for a few days of revelry, great food and of course, some drinks as well. While London is a great place to enjoy a gin and tonic, they do have a few quirks when it comes to their […]
TRAVEL TIPS: Zadar, a Hidden Gem in Croatia
Over the last 20 years, tourism in Croatia has almost quadrupled. The War of Croatian Independence and bombing of nearby Yugoslavia in the late 90’s deterred outsiders from visiting this beautiful Mediterranean country. Things have changed, especially over the last decade, as explorers have gotten
TRAVEL TIPS: Try Something New in Barbados
Surfing is an all encompassing workout, which exercises both mind and body. Even an initial surf lesson will cover the basics of paddling (cardio) and how to go from a lying to a standing position and balance on your board (working the back, chest, arms, AND core). On your next vacation or trip to B
TRAVEL TIPS: Port Mooloolaba – A New Kid on the Block
Port Mooloolaba, a jewel of Australia’s Sunshine Coast, has long been a getaway for local Aussies. For the last few years (since 2014), cruise travelers have also begun to experience what this bustling port town has to offer. Popular excursions include visiting the Australia zoo, trying local ging
TRAVEL TIPS: Rappel, Climb, Swim and Zip-line in San Juan
You COULD spend a few hours walking around historic Old San Juan…or you could step outside of your comfort zone and climb, rappel, swim, jump and zip-line through caves below the earth’s surface. With Aventuras Tierra Adentro you’ll explore Angeles’ Cave, which is truly a once in a
TRAVEL TIPS: Ketchikan, Alaska, a Picture-Perfect Port
Ketchikan is a popular cruise port in Alaska’s Inside Passage, which runs along the southeastern coast and is characterized by fjords, wooded islands, and snow-topped mountains. Despite being home to only 8,000 residents, there’s plenty to see and do in this quaint, adorable seaside t
Cruise Control | 12 Secret Tips for MSC Seaside (Video)
Porthole Cruise Magazine’s review team set sail on MSC’s newest ship, MSC Seaside. What they found might surprise you! Here are a few tips to making the most out of your first day aboard: ARRIVAL: Avoid the early-bird rush by arriving between 1p.m. and 4p.m. LUGGAGE: Travel light and pack the ne
TRAVEL TIPS: Skip the Gym and Take a Volcano Crater Hike up one of the Caribbean’s Tallest Peaks
Any modern cruise ship or hotel today undoubtedly has a pristine gym, and many have fun classes to make sweating fun, but finding an adventurous way to be physically active outside can be an extremely appealing alternative while traveling. St. Kitts has more to offer than just their stunning white s
Cruise Control | Top 10 Cruise Tips For First-Time Cruisers (Video)
We asked our network of half-a-million cruise enthusiasts what they wish they knew before taking their first cruise, and the polls are in! Here are the top 10 tips for first-time cruisers: Don’t Fill Up Before You Get On The Ship! There’s a buffet as soon as you get on the ship, so try not [&hel
