ABOARD THE MSC DIVINA – Tucked into my luggage are two bags of pasta, some almond cookies and a bottle of Chinotto, a carbonated soft drink produced in Italy from the juice of the fruit of the myrtle-leaved orange tree. These are “souvenirs” from my journey aboard the MSC Divina. When I get home, I plan to have an Italian dinner to commemorate my fantastic cruise aboard the beautiful Divina. I knew that the MSC Divina had …
ABOARD ROYAL PRINCESS – We are anchored off Princess Cays and the weather gods aren’t smiling on us. The view from our balcony is gray and rainy, and the forecast is more of the same. The wind isn’t helping matters, and our captain has cautioned we may have to abort this port. After some deliberation, he decides to let the tenders go ashore, but advises everyone to be extra mindful. Having seen firsthand the hazards of boarding …
When you pay extra to cruise a bit upscale, you get roominess, unlimited lobster tails, sushi, lamb chops Cruise ships have a reputation for encouraging a measure of gluttony. On nearly every modern ship, you may start eating before the sun comes up and maintain a forkful until late into the night, when a call to room service will bring a snack to tide you over until dawn. A cruise can be a constant flow of French …
ABOARD THE SEABOURN ODYSSEY – Where to eat? What to eat? Such delightful dining decisions on the Seabourn Odyssey. Didn’t take me long to find my favorite dining spot. First, I’ll tell you about the places available on this marvelous ship and how dining is done on the Seabourn yacht. No reservations are required for three of the main dining spots. You can decide at the last minute and show up wherever you want to eat. That …
Steak-lovers, rejoice. Norwegian Cruise Line announced today “it is now the only cruise line to serve Certified Angus Beef brand steaks.” Currently available in Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro French restaurant on ten Norwegian ships, including the new Norwegian Breakaway, they are due to arrive on Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Spirit by August. Guests can choose from a variety of cuts, ranging from a 14-ounce dry-aged center-cut strip loin to an 18-ounce bone-in ribeye, as well as an eight-ounce center-cut filet …
KOTOR, Montenegro – An expensive delicacy, the plump porcini mushrooms looked great to me. But something about them raised the concerns of Rafael Peterkovic. He eyed the mushrooms carefully, thumped their thick stems with his forefinger. Sniffed them, too. Then asked the mushroom vendor if he could use a knife to slice one open. What Rafael saw turned my stomach. The mushroom was filled with small worms happily munching away. The vendor just shrugged her shoulders, knowing …
Cruise ship changes that allow you to pick the time for dinner — as well as the cuisine style and a table for two or a few close friends — are partly responsible for the continuing increase in the popularity of sea vacations. Comfort food, casual dress and anytime eating are among the top draws for new passengers. For decades, cruisers had little choice in the matter. Most ships assigned passengers to a single table for the …
Holland America is featuring celebrity chef Cat Cora as part of their Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food and Wine magazine. She is scheduled to sail on ms Nieuw Amsterdam’s 12-day Mediterranean Empires cruise departing July 2, 2013. The Culinary Arts Center presented by Food and Wine magazine offers guests on their 15 ships to “experience cooking shows, wine tastings and question-and-answer sessions in a full show kitchen. Also offered are hands-on classes conducted by top chefs, …
ABOARD THE DISNEY MAGIC – My grandson Logan did a double take when we walked into Parrot Cay for dinner the first night of our Magic cruise and a server called him by name. How did anyone know Logan’s name? We sure weren’t wearing nametags. The mystery was solved when Simoun Olba introduced himself as our server for the entire cruise. When he saw us walking toward Table 67, I guess Simoun had no trouble figuring out …
ABOARD THE EURODAM– So close. And yet so far away. The Eurodam is stopped off Half Moon Cay. Strong winds and rough seas have made it dangerous to dock for a day at the private island of Holland America Cruise Line. This was to be our final hurrah before the cruise ends tomorrow in Fort Lauderdale. I was looking forward to seeing the island named in honor of Henry Hudson’s ship – the ship that is depicted …
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