Cynthia Boal Janssens, AllThingsCruise’s Editor-At-Large, is a veteran travel and cruise writer who became well known to Midwestern audiences during her stint as travel editor of the Detroit News. She has been a freelancer for a number of years now and has been specializing in cruising for most of that time. She has been published in newspapers and magazines across the USA (and in Africa, too!)
She is particularly interested in small ship cruises and those have taken her to Antarctica, deep into the Amazon, through the rivers of France and the Straits of Malacca. She has explored the Galapagos Islands and the Mississippi River. But she sails the big ships, too, and often participates in the inaugural cruises of new vessels like the Norwegian Epic and the Disney Dream.
Cynthia is a former national president of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and when she isn’t cruising, chances are she is on the golf course … she also does a lot of writing about golf travel. She lives in Northern Michigan in the summer and Southwest Florida in the winter.
A long-time consumer advocate, Cynthia welcomes your questions about cruising…she has visited most every cruise area of the world and always wants to go back.
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
What world cruise would you recommend? We are not rich people, but like to travel.
I recently read in our Sunday paper that a certain cruise line is now going to have Single cabins starting this Summer, Which Cruise line is it? I went on Royal Carribean as my 1st cruise last summer. And I loved it. Can’t decide what to do this summer, can’t afford cabin alone, since friends can’t join me. But I do like to travel alone, like when I go to Europe,I’m not shy, I love to meet people.
The ship is the Norwegian Epic operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Is this YOU? Just happened to stumble across your piece on new cruise ships and thought I’d say hi!!
Actually, Jesse, yes…this is me! (Jesse and I worked on the college newspaper, the Ohio University Post, together for several years. Not to mention attending many of the same parties!)
Come on over to my Facebook Page!
I am going on a cruise during the month of May . My husband and I are traveling to venice first to catch the cruise and we are planning in staying there for at least an extra day. Any recommendations?
You will have no trouble entertaining yourselves for a day or two in Venice. It is one of the world’s great walking cities. Just start walking (plan to get lost, it always happens) and you will have a wonderful time. Do take a ride or two on the water taxis (called vaporettos) as they are very cheap. You can ride the vaporetto across the Grand Canal to visit the basilica. Get yourself a map and don’t be afraid to ask for directions. St. Mark’s Square is the center of everything so just ask how to get back there. It is worth taking a tour of the Doge’s Palace, too.
We are taking a Holland America Cruise from Dover, England next May 22, 2011. Can you give me a review of Holland Am. Have cruised on Princess 2 times, Cunard, Norwegian, and Oceania Loved Oceania and very much disliked Norwegian.
Please read the many reviews that we have posted here on AllThingsCruise.com. They should fill you in on Holland America Line.
What alaska cruise would you recommend for a family with 2 boys age 9 and 12
Something on one of the larger ships, which offer better programs for children of those ages. Princess or Holland America or Celebrity are excellent options.
Maybe you could help me. We sat with a travel writer from Ardsley NY either Ron or Ray on Cunards Queen Mary 2 last week, he gave me his card Cynthia, but of course I misplaced it, any possibility of help kind regards and happy new year margret
I am sorry but I don’t know what that might be. I looked through the directory of the Society of American Travel Writers and could not find anyone by that name living in that area.
Considering Gate 1 Travel for a cruise on the Danube River, MS Sound of Music, quite a lot cheaper than AMA n Viking! Is this a good option?
Gate 1 Travel is known as a reputable provider of low-cost travel options. Gate 1 charters the Sound of Music. In looking at the ship online, it appears to be a nice vessel. While it may not be as lavish as AMA, Avalon or Uniworld, it appears to be a very nice vessel and would probably be adequate for your needs.
Hello Cynthia: I read your blog about cruise philanthropy. There is a small basic school in Lampard, Frankfield Jamaica. The school is desperately iin need of help. For example, they need an indoor toilet and play ground. I know cruise lines go to Jamaica. How can we get some help for these children? They are between the ages of 3&7. Thanks.
Sheron.
Hi Sheron,
I just saw this. Could you be more specific about the location of this school…who runs it and how can they be contacted? It is possible we might be able to line up some financial assistance for them.
Cindy Janssens