Okay, so it’s a funny-sounding name. Spanning 126-years of maritime history, Hurtigruten is serious when it comes to new ships, protecting the environment and now, expedition cruising. The MS Finnmarken, built in 2002 and carrying only 919 passengers will be reintroduced as a premium expedition cruise ship. When the MS Finnmarken emerges from Hurtigruten’s most […] Read more…
If you’ve been getting excited about your upcoming Carnival cruise that included a visit to the southern Caribbean island of Antigua, take a breath. Carnival Cruise Line just announced that it has canceled port calls to Antigua beginning this November. The reasoning behind the cancellations remains to be determined. Two weeks ago, Antigua Prime Minister […] Read more…
Embarkation Day has finally arrived. Barring any unforeseen delays on the way to the cruise port, knowing what to do when you arrive and then board the ship can go a long way avoid any glitches or disappointment on your cruise. To minimize my frustration and unwanted surprises, I’ve figured out a plan to make this […] Read more…
Someone’s gotta get a cruise ship room location near the disco, but why you? A quick read through cruise lines’ glossy brochures and flashy websites doesn’t always help prospective cruise passengers choose the best stateroom location. While it’s fairly easy to decide on either an inside, oceanview or balcony stateroom, finding one in the best […] Read more…
According to a news article on Cruise Critic, Holland America is testing the addition of a $10 fee if you order a second entree in the Main Dining Room. If you’ve ever taken a cruise, I’m sure you’ve noticed that some people at your dining table order a second or even a third entree. It’s common […] Read more…
Two full days. That’s how long it takes to travel 2,438 miles by train from Chicago to Emeryville, California. Slightly over 48 hours, if the Amtrak California Zephyr is on time. Spectacular Scenery and a Cozy Bedroom on the California Zephyr A trip aboard the Amtrak California Zephyr eluded me for years. Anytime I’ve had […] Read more…
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced the itinerary for their world cruise in 2021 and it’s a doozy. Along the route, the ship, Seven Seas Mariner, will visit 56 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-designated world heritage sites across the globe. Guests will have a chance to spend time in iconic cities such […] Read more…
If you’re going to Costa Maya on your cruise, lucky you! This port is one of my favorites in the Caribbean. By the time you’re finished reading this, you’ll know why. Puerto Costa Maya and nearby sleepy Mahahual were once rural fishing villages. In 2002, this region was transformed into a popular cruise ship destination. […] Read more…
I wasn’t surprised when I learned that once again Viking Cruises took top honors in the 9th Annual Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards. Compiled from actual cruisers’ reviews on Cruise Critic, Viking received 11 First Place awards. The First Place category went to four of Viking’s 930-passenger ships: Viking Star, Viking Sky, Viking Sun and Viking […] Read more…
European river cruises are, in my opinion, the best way to visit the heart of Europe. Sure, I love cruise ships and cruises that go around Europe. If you want to explore a variety of small towns and port cities and not have to pack and unpack, you need a river cruise. Viking River Cruises is the […] Read more…
Carnival Cruise Line just announced that award-winning celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse will open his first-ever restaurant onboard Carnival’s newest ship, Mardi Gras. It’s all so New Orleans. Named Emeril’s Bistro 1396, the restaurant will be located in Mardi Gras‘ French Quarter, one of six themed zones on the ship. But the French Quarter will be […] Read more…
As a committed non-flyer, Amtrak has played an important role for my travel experiences across America. For me to travel for a cruise from non-Florida cruise ports, an overnight Amtrak train is needed. That’s how I became so familiar with Amtrak sleeping accommodations. There are two types of Amtrak sleeping accommodations: a roomette and a bedroom. While both have […] Read more…