Private I’s
When cruise lines pioneered private islands as ports of call on Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries decades ago, they were an instant hit. They’ve been upgraded with new facilities and activities through the years, but still consistently earn high satisfaction ratings on guests’ comment cards. Man
Blossom of the Costa del Sol
Though it may be a stretch to claim the sun is always shining on Spain’s Costa del Sol, it’s a safe bet that you’ll be treated to clear skies and mild, breezy days almost any time of the year. The Port of Málaga is located along the coast in the province of the same name, […]
If You Build It, They Will Cruise
One of the things people love most about cruising is the variety of ports that can be visited on a single voyage. In fact, many travelers plan their Caribbean cruises based on the itinerary and its destinations. As the popularity of cruising has grown, so has the need for more ports of call with bet
48 Hours: French Fix
Ah, the French. They know how to live. So, when I had the opportunity to experience the Parisian life for two days after my recent river cruise, I accepted quicker than you can pop a baguette in the oven. After all, this magical city is the perfect pre- or post-trip to any Europe-based cruise, and [
MSC Cruises Kicks off European Season with New Ships and Itineraries
Though the German city of Hamburg traces its roots back more than a millenium, visitors to the city in recent days saw something quite contemporary docked along the banks of the Elbe River. MSC Cruises newest vessel, MSC Meraviglia, made its maiden call to the port of Hamburg in late April, marking
The Great Wall: Made In China
“Build the wall!” One of the first times a politician ever issued those controversial words was when the Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang decreed the creation of the Great Wall of China. The initial construction of his Wan Li Chang Cheng, or “10,000-Li-Long Wall,” began in 220 B.C.E. and the fu
New Terminal Coming to Miami, says Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Cruise News – Mar. 7, 2018 Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), announced plans to begin construction on a new cruise terminal at PortMiami that will transform the city’s iconic skyline. The terminal which has been called t
In Brief: Ultra-modern riverboats, Disney destinations, and more….
News Briefs – Mar. 2, 2018 American Cruise Lines has begun construction on the sister ship to their “modern riverboat” American Song, which will make its inaugural cruise on the Mississippi River this October. The second ship should launch in summer 2019. Ultimately, the “modern riverboa
St. Thomas Shopping Guide
Island Finds By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon When you pull into port in St. Thomas, no doubt you’ll be tempted by all the duty-free shopping on offer. After all, this busy Caribbean cruise port is packed with boutiques selling jewelry, watches, and fine leather goods from prestigious international brand
Our Three Favorite Ferry Rides in Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia is widely considered one of the planet’s most beautiful cities, largely because it encircles the world’s greatest natural harbor – and a visit is not complete without a ferry ride or two. An abundance of ferry routes offer close-up views of Sydney’s sparkling harbor, and ea
Easy, Breezy: Extend your South Florida cruise vacation at Margaritaville Beach Resort
You definitely won’t be wasting away if you choose to spend some pre- or post-cruise time at the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Hollywood Beach, Florida. Less than 10 miles south of Port Everglades, the Jimmy Buffett–themed beachfront resort is the perfect place to wind up or gear down before or
Caribbean Fashion – Five Hot Designers
The Caribbean isn’t only about sea and sand. Local designers are adding style to the equation with island-inspired clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Check out five of the region’s hottest talents, and then take their tips for looking stylish under the sun. By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon Kristin Fra
Top 3 Cocktail Bars for your Miami Cruise Layover
Have a day to kill prior to your Miami cruise? Do you want to get a taste of the true Miami local bar scene? Check out these trendy spots on your Miami cruise layover. The Broken Shaker – Mixology, mixology, mixology. The bartenders at The Broken Shaker are oozing with passion. They are true a
48 Hours in Monte-Carlo
Five ways to spend two days before or after your cruise from Monte-Carlo By Louise Simpson This miniature principality on the French Riviera coastline is a fantastical utopia brimming with Rococo façades, marble-floored shopping arcades selling Old Masters, and super yachts complete with their own
Island Finds: Spice artist Jessie-Ann Jessamy
Grenada artist Jessie-Ann Jessamy creates spice-inspired crafts. By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon If you’ve ever been to Grenada, the eastern Caribbean country also known as the Isle of Spice, you know that there’s one aromatic ingredient that’s particularly prevalent. Here, nutmeg — the round arom
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Dec. 15, 2017
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Dec. 15, 2017 Carnival Cruise Line has two items of note this week: Carnival Fascination is undergoing a multi-million-dollar dry dock, adding venues like Guy’s Burger Joint, Bonsai Sushi Express, and Alchemy Bar. After the makeover, scheduled from February 4 to 17,
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Dec. 8, 2017
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Dec. 8, 2017 Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam celebrated her coin ceremony this week. President’s Club member Anne Marie Bartels, the ship’s madrina, welded an 1898 Dutch guilder to the forward mast, marking the year the first Statendam came into servi
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Dec. 1, 2017
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Dec. 1, 2017 This week, Puerto Rico welcomed over 7,000 cruise visitors from Freedom of the Seas, Carnival Conquest, and Disney Magic – the first cruisers after Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck the island. Visitors were greeted with festivities ranging from free sal
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Nov. 17, 2017
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Nov. 17, 2017 American Cruise Lines has announced the name for the first ship in its Modern Riverboat Series: American Song. The unique ship will be wider, faster, quieter, and more environmentally friendly than any other ship in the industry. American Song is slated
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Nov. 10, 2017
Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Nov. 10, 2017 Princess Cruises has released a time-lapse video of a landmark event – Caribbean Princess becoming the first neo-Panamax cruise ship to transit the newly widened Panama Canal. Previously, only vessels with a maximum width of 106 feet could enter th