I’m not particularly fond of the motor coach, follow the guide’s umbrella brand of sightseeing and I have an affinity to off the grid type of travel…
If you’re anything like me, you likely spent leisure time of adolescent years perusing iconic National Geographic magazines in search of natural phenomena, half-naked jungle tribes, and…
Living outside the borders of any discernible cruise demographic, I am well aware that I have an insatiable appetite for anything divergent or off the beaten path.…
If you follow my cruise escapades, it’s obvious that size doesn’t matter to me. It’s not that I’m not impressed by a ship with a bowling alley,…
As a general rule, Caribbean cruises conjure up images of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, while Europe destinations offer up iconic cathedrals, castles and assorted antiquities…
China’s initial capital, Xian, with a population of over 8 million today, was for centuries a bustling yet virtually unknown metropolis. Then in 1974, it burst onto…
“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…
By Steve Leland Location, location, location is a well-known incantation in reference to real estate potential, but in the world of cruising that mantra is more appropriately,…
Abruzzo, Italy The inevitable question is "where is that?" Followed by the predictable "is it near Tuscany ?" Once the Google Map imagery is set into the brain,…
I JUST WANT TO BE ALONE! For parents everywhere, Greta Garbo said it best. A cruise would seem to be just the ticket (and well deserved) to…
I’m of the belief that you can never get enough of a good thing. So, when a fantastic 7-day cruise just isn’t enough to fill those precious…
Cruising in faraway destinations such as Southeast Asia encourages consideration to pre- and post-cruise options. These opening acts and encores to the main event range from basic…
The Grape Escape Exploring France’s wine country with Uniworld. By Steve Leland The memory of the first time never fades away: first date, car, job, or virtually…
The Barge Bonus Float your own boat aboard a private, small ship cruise. By Steve Leland The explicit benefits of river cruising are well documented: all inclusive,…
Porthole’s 5 Faves Hanoi Highlights 5 Faves of Vietnam’s Capital City For cruisers looking for that next exotic itinerary, today’s major cruise lines and river cruise operators…
Porthole's 5 Faves Treasure Trove Five Must-Do Moments in St. Petersburg, Russia One of the highlights of any Baltic cruise is the ever-popular St. Petersburg, Russia. Envisioned…
The Difference Down Under Azamara’s Destination Immersion brings cruisers closer to the culture. By Steve Leland Any journey that requires traveling halfway around the world demands some…
Magic on the Mekong Luxury awaits for travelers ready to cruise Asia. For been-there-done-that cruisers, an Asia itinerary is often next on the list. And lucky for…
Porthole's 5 Faves Dig In! Five Must-Try Cambodian Street Foods I profess to being a moderate foodie, backed up by my appreciation of food and the discovery…
Visually Classic, Stunningly Chic Discover the grand style aboard Oceania Cruises’ Riviera. By Steve Leland I don't pretend to be a design aficionado. I wouldn't know the…
The Wheel Deal Modern-day exploration aboard American Empress By Steve Leland I'd had Tina Turner belting out “Proud Mary” in my head since first planning this cruise…
From the Rivers to the Oceans Three ways to experience a Viking cruise Is there anywhere this cruise line doesn’t sail? When Viking River Cruises, an industry…
Savor Your Sea Days Five Favorite Things to do During a Trans-Atlantic Cruise I never thought I would enjoy a trans-Atlantic cruise. I envisioned a version where…
