Today, Princess Cruises announced their 2nd charity cruise — Cruising for a Cause: Princess Has Heart. Following a positive response to their last charity cruise, the line has scheduled a 5-day Western Caribbean cruise departing February 10, 2014 from Ft. Lauderdale. This cruise is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association, helping to fund it’s work to promote healthier [...]
A Visit to California
My friend, Richard Joseph, recently made a visit to Dana Point, California and visited the Laguna Beach area… here are his exploration notes and recommendations. The song came on the radio and I couldn’t get it out of my head. “26 miles across the sea Santa Catalina is the place for me….” It was the [...]
Another grandparent trip: Marcy and Jakob head to London and then sail back on the Queen Mary 2
Jakob, my seventh grandchild, turned 13 earlier this year. According to Jewish tradition he became a bar mitzvah in early March. My gift to him was to take him on a cruise. Alaska was my initial destination, but the thought of climbing on a helicopter and then hiking on the glacier or white water rafting, [...]
After 10 years Semester at Sea students will visit Cuba as part of upcoming fall voyages
After a nearly a decade, Semester at Seawill take students to visit Cuba during the Fall 2013: 50th Anniversary and Fall 2014 voyages, it was announced today by Dr. Les McCabe, President and CEO, Institute for Shipboard Education. The Institute for Shipboard Education had been awaiting approval since applying to the U.S. Treasury department for [...]
Honduras president Lobo dedicates Banana Coast port
President Porfirio Lobo Sosa presided at a dedication ceremony yesterday for Banana Coast, the first mainland cruise destination to be developed in Honduras. The dedication ceremony also recognized the founding of the city of Trujillo 488 years ago on May 18, 1525, during the Spanish colonial era. The highlight of the event was the unveiling [...]
Helping families choose the right cruise line
I know, people, it probably feels like I am trying to imprint my own personal mantra upon you if you read this blog regularly… Chose the right cruise line…choose the right cruise line… choose the right cruise line… Well, I am. Because making the right decision about which line is best suited to your own [...]
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge christens new Royal Princess
On June 13, in Southampton, UK, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge christened the new ship Royal Princess as she smashed a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne against it’s hull and pronounced, “I name this ship Royal Princess. May God bless her and all who sail in her.” Alan Buckelew, Princess Cruises president and CEO [...]
Ketchikan has an authentic Alaska feel and is worth a longer stay
KETCHIKAN, Alaska – The three Alaska towns that we have visited on this cruise have very distinct personalities. Juneau, the state capital, is more of a business center and once you get away from the tourist shops at the cruise pier you are in a rather ordinary town – although the Red Dog Saloon remains [...]
Singapore, comfy home cruise port for exploring Southeast Asia
Singapore Good news for travelers: Singapore, a gateway to vacations in Southeast Asia, and one of my favorite home ports for boarding cruise ships, is anticipating an expanded fleet of big, modern vessels. They will be based at new and enhanced marinas, built here at a cost of half a billion dollars. “No doubt about [...]
Featured Travel Writers
Marcia Levin is traveling to London with her grandson Jakob, 13, and then they sail home on the Queen Mary 2. Follow them here.
Cindy Boal Janssens sails to Alaska with grandchildren on HAL's Oosterdam. Read their adventures here.
Jackie Finch is sailing on the Seabourn Odyssey on a 7-day Adriatic Odyssey out of Venice. Follow her here.
Heidi Allison-Shane sailed across the Atlantic on the Cunard Queen Mary 2. Read her diary here.Cruise Ship Reviews
Uniworld River Duchess: “An excellent river cruise through Eastern Europe…this river ship has just been totally refurbished.“ More…
Ruby Princess: “As first-time cruisers we were delighted with the experience.” More…
Regent Seven Seas Voyager: “This is an excellent cruise line in all respects.” More…
Celebrity Solstice: “Excellent service, food and entertainment!” More…
HAL Eurodam: “Wow… very impressed with staff, cleanliness, and the FOOD!” More…
See more reviews or submit your own!
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Joys of cruising at tables filled with strangers
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Nautica diary: A look at Sharjah, Dubai’s neighboring emirate to the north
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Azamara’s Fascinating Evening Adventures
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Canada/New England cruises via the Royal Princess; Caribbean via the Regal Princess
- Will your next trip be a cruise or a land vacation?
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Princess: Supporting hearts on Valentine’s Day
- A Visit to California
- Another grandparent trip: Marcy and Jakob head to London and then sail back on the Queen Mary 2
- After 10 years Semester at Sea students will visit Cuba as part of upcoming fall voyages
- Honduras president Lobo dedicates Banana Coast port