Megastar Oprah to Christen Holland America’s Newest Ship
It’s pretty common for cruise ship lines to ask big name stars to christen their ships, but for Holland America Line, anything less than the best was unacceptable. That’s why they went straight to the top and asked world renowned actress, talk show host, philanthropist and media mogul Oprah Winf
Royal Caribbean Improves Luxury With Silversea Cruises Purchase
What does $1 billion buy you these days? How about an entire cruise line with nine luxury ships operating all around the world. That’s exactly what Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has now after announcing a deal to purchase the majority stake in Silversea Cruises. Already one of the largest cruising c
Enticed by the Flavors of Abruzzo
To my throngs of ardent Porthole Cruise followers (both of you!), you know I love to expound on regional foods. Well, it’s been two days since I posted anything about that dear to my stomach subject, so allow me fill the void in your never ending search for culinary enlightenment. In Abruzzo, It
5 Reasons You Need to Cruise Off-Season
Off-season cruising. Some consider it an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp. Who wants to see the Caribbean in August or the Baltic Sea in October? Savvy travelers, that’s who. If you can pick up and go any time, you’ll find big advantages when you book an off-season cruise during non-peak months. Here
Cruise Line Offers Free High Speed Internet to Crew
Crew members on board Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line can now stay connected to their friends and family at home thanks to complimentary high speed internet and cruise ship WIFI courtesy of the cruise line. From social media posts to video conferencing, the high speed connection allows for endless poss
Sophia Loren Highlights Glitzy Christening for MSC Seaview
When MSC Cruises needs to bring the style, they only have one call to make. Over the weekend, they celebrated the christening of their newest ship, MSC Seaview, with help from famed Italian actress Sophia Loren. Loren, who is also the ship’s Godmother, made the christening in Genoa, Italy a glamor
Gettin’ Wet And Wild at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, Cozumel
Soft white sand between your toes. Brilliant turquoise water lapping at the the shoreline. A cold drink in your hand. Your dream vacation has finally begun. Visitors to the tropical island paradise of Cozumel have little to complain about. Crystal-clear waters, bright blue skies and warm sandy beac
Remembering an Iconic Cruise Ship Image
For Captain Kevin Oprey, sailing is life. From his boyhood in Southampton to his first job at 17 with the Pacific Steam Navigation Company, Captain Oprey has never been far from the sea. His current position is perhaps the most prestigious a Captain can have, navigating Cunard Line’s flagship ocea
Anthony Bourdain: Great Minds Don’t Go Down So Easy
See you Captain Crunch! I wrote that down as a comment on social media today. I feel sad, but relief for Anthony Bourdain, a man with a great mind. Most everyone saw chef Bourdain as a celebrity with a strong, unique personality. I saw him as a non-conformist. Since his book Kitchen Confidential was
7 Items on Every San Diego Bucket List
The defense for San Diego’s official “America’s Finest City” moniker is found in ever Pacific sunset, every climatically ideal afternoon, and every accommodation boasting fine coastal quality. It’s no secret that Southern California does easy living the right way, and a San Diego vacation
Jools Holland Brings the Music, Good Eats to Saga Cruises
When it comes to tickling the ivory, few come close to legendary pianist Jools Holland. Saga Cruises, a luxury British cruise line, is bringing Mr. Holland and his fantastic talents to sea as the face of “The Club by Jools” a restaurant and bar aboard Spirit of Discovery, the first ever ship bui
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 […]
5 Bucket List Cruises to Experience
“I’m going to do that,” you’ve probably said at some point in your life after coming across a great vacation. When it comes to the best bucket list cruises, you’ve got a lot of options to choose from. Forget about the Caribbean, Alaska, or anywhere else cruise lines sail to regularly, thes
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
5 Faves: Montreal Highlights
Set on an Island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal is an ideal destination to start or end a cruise. The cruise terminal located in the heart of the Old Port, just five minutes from downtown. As the largest city in Canada’s Québec province, Montreal offers travelers old world charm in a c
La Dolce Vita Cruising: An Italian Vacation
Italy. The land of pizza, Pisa and pasta. I’m about to start my annual pilgrimage to my adopted, de facto homeland and can’t help but wonder why so few of my friends have not made this destination a bucket list priority. I’m absolutely convinced that if my Nebraska birthplace hadn’t encr
Spooky Sailing; Cruise with the Monsters from Hotel Transylvania
Dream Cruises is collaborating with Sony Picture Entertainment this summer to offer a theme cruise with a spooky side. Guests aboard two of Dream Cruises ships, Genting Dream and World Dream, will get to experience activities based on Sony’s latest animated motion picture; Hotel Transylvania 3: A
What Are They Sniffing in Thailand?
The first thing you notice when you get off the plane after traveling to Bangkok, Thailand is the temperature and humidity. It’s stifling, compressing around you like a wet shirt. Actually, that is your shirt, drenched with sweat almost instantly from the oppressive heat. 90 degrees is average yea
TRAVEL TIPS: Under the Sea in Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is famous for its beautiful beaches and its friendly stingrays. Seven Mile Beach is one you’ve likely heard of. A public beach just north of George Town, its gorgeous white sands are marked with resorts, bars, restaurants, visiting tourists and daily cruise ship passengers. It has bec