You are a veteran cruiser. You scoff at those people hauling several enormous pieces of luggage out of the taxi for their seven night cruise. You’ve figured out packing for a 108 day world cruise includes the same items as packing for a 14 day cruise. Still, there are items that aren’t so obvious that should be included in your luggage. Your pre trip research. This voyage brings you to a port you’ve never visited before. It’s …
Cruise ships strive to be a cashless society. We might eventually get to that point in the rest of the world, but it still makes sense to bring cash when setting sail on vacation. Here are 10 reasons you want cash in hand: Paying the cab driver. You took a taxi to the pier. That nice driver lugged those huge roller bags into and out of their trunk. You will want to both pay and top them. …
Doesn’t everyone want to be a star? To have that “aha” moment? You are seated at your table for eight in the main dining room. You are ordering a bottle of wine to be shared with your tablemates. You want to pick something that gets people saying “Wow! That’s good!” without breaking the bank. What do you do? Here are a dozen “hidden value” areas you will find on most wine lists, either at sea or on …
Fine wine is up there with luxurious living. Occasionally you see articles about “The World’s Most Expensive Wines.” The prices look like phone numbers. You might consider these out of your price range and say “Let the billionaires fight over them!” We are (hopefully) emerging from the pandemic. It changes our values. Why can’t you have the experience too? Here’s the good news: Because of the increasing visibility of wine on ships, several might be available on …
Thick wine lists can be intimidating. You met the fellow diners at your table last night. Tonight is the first formal evening. You made the case you are a wine fan in last night’s introductions. Now it’s time to prove yourself. How do you do it? Twelve Strategies For Thick Wine Lists Regardless if you are seated at a table for ten or a table for two, you want to navigate the wine list and get good …
The cruise industry is restarting and borders are reopening … Slower than we hoped for while there are still bumps in the road. Maybe they are waves? On the positive side, August weather has started off great. Picnicking at a socially distanced event, a friend’s house, your own garden or the park is practical. Here are ten picnics you can pack to remind you of favorite ports. Let’s not overcomplicate this project. You’ve got the picnic blanket, …
If you travel, you know the importance of status within airline and hotel loyalty programs. You also know those points earned are another currency you can spend on vacations. For years, my wife and I have been enjoying our “Marriott Nights” on a monthly basis. The logic is simple. Weekend rates at hotels catering to business travelers can be pretty inexpensive. Once a month on average, we would book a one night stay in a Marriott in …
We are getting closer to traveling again. Over the years we have visited many islands. Since we like cruising, islands are an obvious destination. Here are several we want to see again or see for the first time (and why). Most have connections to films or TV series. Manhattan Island, New York. This one might come as a surprise. It’s a 70 mile drive from home. It’s featured in countless movies. Friends we met on a transatlantic …
We are getting close. After months of hearing how our European friends have booked cruises only to find they are cancelled or rolled into the future, we are ready to book. As Americans, I’m thinking a trip to the Caribbean starting and ending in New York will avoid the complications of European travel. What are we expecting? Aiming towards November. As cruising returns, the kinks will gradually be ironed out. The trend in the US has been …
It’s summer. We would like to be sailing. We aren’t quite there yet. Here are 12 ways (and wines) to close your eyes and imagine your port (or shipboard) experience while sipping wines associated with specific destinations. Albarino. It’s a classic Spanish summertime wine that’s widely available. What are you eating? That’s easy. If you were in Barcelona, you would be enjoying either paella or tapas. Both can be ordered as takeout from your local Spanish restaurant. …
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
