Grape Destinations: A Sherry Love Affair
It all started after parking the car under one of the orange trees in the historical city center of Jerez de la Frontera, in southwestern Spain. I’ve always liked wine but I hardly knew about sherry. Of course, sometimes I had a glass of dry Fino sherry as aperitif, but nothing else. I already kne
Guy Fieri, Queen Latifah Start the Party at Carnival Horizon Christening
It was a star-studded day aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Horizon, as famed rapper, singer and actress Queen Latifah joined celebrity chef Guy Fieri for the ships official christening. Flanked by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, Horizon Captain Luigi De Angelis a
Windstar Heads North for a New Alaskan Cruise
For adventure-seekers and cruise enthusiasts alike, nothing beats an Alaskan cruise. A place truly wild in every sense of the word, Alaska offers a glimpse at what life was like long before roads, skyscrapers and cell phones. The frigid north is renowned for its beauty and thrilling expeditions whic
Island Style: Pascale Theard’s Passion for Fashion
By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon Even if you’ve never been to Haiti, you’ve probably seen Haitian art and craft. That’s because the island’s signature paintings (depicting multitudes of colorful stick-like figures crammed onto canvases) and creative pierced-tin and metalwork craft are sold througho
Cruise Ship Vacations: Small Ships Vs. Big Ships
It’s perfectly reasonable for a cruise novice to think that the biggest, newest and most extravagant cruise ship is going to offer the best cruising experience, but that isn’t always the case. Smaller ships offer cruise ship vacations unlike their big brothers and for some vacationers, that’s
MSC Cruises Hosts Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Annual Photoshoot
Down, set….CRUISE! The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders took to the high seas with MSC Cruises for their annual photo shoot featuring some of the most beautiful locations in the tropics. The 2018 photoshoot was more than just a chance for the gorgeous ladies to take great pictures, but also tour some c
Travel Tips: Is Visiting Hawaii During a Volcano Eruption Safe? (VIDEO)
It started off as a tremor or two, but over the past few weeks, Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s largest island has grown increasingly more dangerous and it’s starting to affect tourism on the island. With clouds of dangerous gas, ash and smoke visible from miles away, officials on the island are doi
What’s the Biggest Mistake You Can Make on a Cruise?
Here at Porthole, we talk with a lot of cruise experts about the do’s and don’ts of a cruise vacation. If you’ve never taken a vacation on a cruise ship before, you’re probably getting excited about heading out on the high seas, but, before you go, there’s something very important which ne
The Great Wall and Pandas of Chengdu
Few marvels of the ancient world compare in size and scale to the Great Wall of China. Spanning thousands of miles, it’s the longest man-made structure on Earth and played a pivotal role in the development of the region. The wall is really a collection of sections, each built during a different er
When Kings Were Gods; Cruising the Ancient Nile
Few rivers on Earth mean as much to a nation as the Nile does to the people of Egypt. Historically important, culturally essential, and necessary for survival, the Nile provides more than just water to one of the world’s oldest civilizations. It offers a glimpse into the tumultuous, yet resilient
Cruise Deal of the Week – May 18, 2018
As a thank you for making Smartcruiser.com a top name in cruise deals for the past 30 years, the site is giving travelers booking any cruise of seven nights or longer in a balcony cabin or above a free Amazon Echo Dot with their booking. The promotion works for new bookings made now through July [&h
Gettin’ On The Ritz
It’s been said that there is a cruise for everyone. But what is an upper-echelon pleasure seeker to do when you don’t want a cruise that’s for everyone? You want one for you! Who do you turn to when generic five-star service just isn’t good enough? The answer lies with The Ritz-Carlton
Virgin Voyages Unveils Spectacular Ship Design on Facebook Live
When Virgin Voyages first came into being back in December of 2014, their goal was to bring a new attitude, style and vision to cruising. New interior and exterior renderings of their first ship revealed on Facebook Live last night certainly make good on that promise. A Big Announcement President an
Find the Best Deal on a Last Minute Cruise
What’s your relationship with procrastination? For some, putting things off until the last minute borders on an art form. Others, not so much. We’ve all heard that the early bird gets the worm, but when it comes to getting the best deal on a last minute cruise, you have some options at your disp
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
Forget the iPad, We’re All About the Sky Pad
A million-dollar makeover for Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas has guests jumping for joy, literally. The new Sky Pad, a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience, is the talk of the industry thanks to Royal Caribbean’s bold new adventures campaign. The feature is exclusive to Royal
What are the Best Cruise Ships for Kids?
Step aboard most new cruise ships these days and it’s clear they’ve placed an emphasis on entertainment for kids and young adults. When many think of taking a cruise, they envision a week laid up in a deck chair drinking Pina Coladas and enjoying a good book. Newer ships certainly offer that par
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
A Well Deserved Ovation
There’s a new girl in town and after a five day cruise debut, the brand new Seabourn Ovation has become the talk of the high seas. From conception to the initial launch from Genoa, Italy on April 28, 2018, this stunning beauty has been groomed for pure perfection. Porthole Cruise Magazine and
Into the Heart of Cascadia: Cruising the Pacific Northwest
Home to slumbering volcanoes, lush forests, and rolling rivers, the Pacific Northwest is an intrepid soul’s paradise. Those looking to explore one of America’s most unique regions can now do so with UnCruise Adventures new Rivers of Adventure itinerary. Known for their small ship cruises that ar
