ONBOARD WINDSURF-Reflecting recently on the nearly 50 cruises I’ve logged during a 36- year career as a freelance travel journalist, it occurred to me that, while I’ve sailed the world’s five oceans and most of its seven seas, there’s one major cruising destination I’d missed. The Baltic. I’ve traveled extensively in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, visiting many of the countries bordering this 145,500-square-mile brackish inland sea the largest body of brackish water in the world …
Small ship luxury cruise operator Windstar Cruises, has announced the promotion of Belinda Bennett to Captain of the MSY Wind Star. Bennett claims several firsts with her appointment including the first woman and first black to operate at the helm of a Windstar Cruises vessel since the company’s inception in 1984. Bennett, a British citizen, resides in Southampton, United Kingdom and also claims the distinction of being among just a few British woman cruise passenger ship captains …
The wonderful food aboard Oceania Cruises has always been exceptional part of one of their cruises. And indulging in some truly lovely and indulgent desserts is always a treat when on vacation. To tempt us even more Oceania recently announced that they have partnered with world-renowned Master Pastry Chef Christophe Menard to add new pastries to their dessert offerings . Here are descriptions of some Chef Menard’s creations: Caramelized Banana Tart – a wonderfully sinful chocolate concoction …
Already recognized for unparalleled style, comfort and elegant home-away-from-home appeal, the staterooms and suites on Sirena — the newest addition to the Oceania Cruises fleet of intimate and luxurious ships — will exclusively feature custom-designed, expertly-crafted Italian mattresses when the ship launches in April 2016. The new Ultra Tranquility Bed features superior air suspension capabilities and a new spring structure with 3,000 coil springs – four times as many coils as the average American mattress. These micro-springs …
ONBOARD THE OCEANIA RIVIERA – Yesterday was a full day at sea and everyone seemed to be spending the time settling in. There was a full array of onboard activities. In the morning we attended a lecture about the history of the Turks & Caicos islands and then a vegan cooking demonstration. Later I attended a port shopping talk and then we participated in team trivia later in the afternoon. Cooking is a theme that runs throughout …
ABOARD THE OCEANIA RIVIERA – We were forewarned. Two days ago we were sent an email by Oceania Cruises telling us that there had been an outbreak of norovirus on the previous cruise and that the ship would be undergoing thorough sanitization before we boarded yesterday. They said boarding would probably be delayed. Which it was. By several hours. This was not Oceania’s fault, of course. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has strict protocols for this …
Once again the suitcase is on the bed and I am trying to figure out what to pack for our cruise that departs Wednesday. You would think I would have this figured out by now but every cruise is different. Sometimes we are traveling in cool climes and sometimes very hot ones. Some ships are more formal than others. It is important to do your homework in this regard. We will be sailing on Oceania Cruises from …
For 12 July nights at sea, on a grand ocean liner crossing the Atlantic between England and New York, we dressed for dinner. That is, we dressed not as formally as the rich folks on TV’s Downton Abbey from the early 20th century, but we were decked out in plenty of formality and pomp for the 21st century. Not one of the 12 evenings was listed as “casual.” Explained a British passenger on the ship, the Queen …
AT SEA ABOARD THE WINDSTAR STAR LEGEND — Are you ready to take a vacation risk? Michelle and Lance Teschmacher certainly are—not a big risk. They are, after all, sailing on Windstar’s Star Legend around the Scottish Isles where there are 146 crew Ot take care of 205 guests. But rather than rely on the ship’s expensive shore excursions, Michelle Teschmacher explained, “We are happy to wing it.” Her advice: Ask the local tourism officials for the …
Today Cunard released its 2017 Exotic Cruises & Full World Voyages Programme, inviting travellers to embrace exciting new frontiers in magnificent Cunard style. On sale beginning September 10, 2015 (September 9 for Cunard World Club guests), the programme will offer three World and Exotic Cruises (with options ranging from three to 132 nights) and will feature 80 unique ports in 42 countries and 15 ship maiden calls – five of which are new to the fleet. “Since …
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