Rollin’ on the River in French (Wine) Style
Sipping Bordeaux wine, visiting a historic chateau, viewing the green French countryside with plenty of time to pause to appreciate the good life – this is the experience on the new Chateaux, Rivers and Wine itinerary aboard Viking River Cruises’ 190-passenger Viking Forseti. The one-week cr
Royal Caribbean goes with “Dynamic Dining” for Quantum-class ships
In a bold move, Royal Caribbean International is shaking up the dining scene on its Quantum-class ships, eliminating main dining rooms and shipwide formal nights in favor of what the line is calling “Dynamic Dining.” Passengers on Quantum of the Seas (debuting in November) and sister
A Taste of Nassau
When cruisers arrive at a port, it’s best to have a plan. Some may prefer organized shore excursions. Some may want to explore on their own. In either case, making last-minute choices when you arrive on-island is not always the best way to go. I’ve seen cruise passengers disembark totall
“Chopped” and Delicious on Norwegian Getaway
Fans of Food Network’s Chopped know New York chef/restaurateur Geoffrey Zakarian as the smart judge with white hair who opines on creations by the show’s competing professional chefs. Some lucky cruisers on the new 4,000-passenger Norwegian Getaway‘s inaugural Caribbean cruise
Top Chef at Sea
I am an unabashed fan of Bravo TV’s Top Chef – so much so that I once more or less stalked show judge (and noted chef) Tom Colicchio at a casino opening. So I think Celebrity Cruises is really smart for its new partnership “Top Chef at Sea.” You’ll remember last year Ce
2014 Cruise Trends
As cruise executives let their creative juices flow in terms of finding ways to enhance their product, it brings impressive new cruise ships and a number of innovations. Here are our predictions on what 2014 will bring. River cruises will continue to be a hot vacation choice. In fact, some two doze
Cruising 2013: A Year in Review
Just as in years past, 2013 brought some great innovations and unique enhancements to the cruise experience. Here’s a look at some of the highlights. The 4,000-passenger, New York–based Norwegian Breakaway made waves with its Big Apple–inspired décor and a first-of-its-kind expansive water
Cruise Ship Review: Royal Princess
Cruise Ship Review: Royal Princess Veterans and first-time cruisers will find Royal Princess is truly majestic. By Lynn & Cele Seldon Christened by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine “Kate” Middleton, this past June just before she gave birth to baby George, the 3,560-
The Waters and Wines of France
With Tauck River Cruises, travelers can explore from Paris to Provence while enjoying the spoils of both land and sea. Menus can change for each meal, depending on what’s fresh and local. Wine, too, is an important part of this cruise, and the ship’s culinary department buys wines that c
New England’s Apple Revival
New England’s Apple Revival From the author of American Terroir comes a connoisseur’s guide to the fruit and farmers’ markets of the Northeast. “We’re now in the midst of an heirloom apple revival, with dazzling varieties of every size, shape, and color spilling from farm stands every summ
Riveted on the Oceania Riviera
Riveted on the Riviera Between the Asian delights at Red Ginger and the show-stoppers of Lord Lloyd Webber, Oceania’s latest ship knows how to captivate the senses. By Janice Wald Henderson It could be the multicolored Buddha heads. Or the glam red splashed on art and table settings. Maybe it’s
Dinner and a Show: Dragon Rolls and Crocodile Rock
DRAGON ROLLS AND CROCODILE ROCK For its first “Dinner and a Show” review, Porthole visits Crystal Serenity to experience the evening’s finest features … exactly as Nobu and Elton would have wanted. By Janice Wald Henderson I’ve devoured all the ahi and am lingering over a pot of sencha tea
American Queen: A Royal Ship Returns
The American Queen steamboat brings back the golden age of river cruising By Shawn J. Dake It begins with a hiss that builds into a melodic whoosh, as clouds of steam pour out of the brass whistles. A bright red paddle wheel churns the water. The steamboat American Queen is back, returning to the Mi
Food for Thought : Cooking Classes
FOOD FOR THOUGHT DIG IN Learning is full of flavor aboard today’s cruise ships. By Lynn and Cele Seldon Whether it’s for a hot new restaurant, a food and wine festival, or culinary classes that divulge chef secrets and recipes, culinary travel is tastier than ever. That’s especially true on cr
Sister, Sister
Sister, Sister Jan and Cindy Brady might disagree, but it’s not always the oldest sister who gets all the attention. In cruising, though there’s undeniable hoopla when a new ship in a new class debuts, it’s often the sister ships that represent new innovations and enticements that define the c
British Isles Drinks
BRITISH ISLES DRINKS I’ll Drink to That In the British Isles, you can tour age-old breweries, distilleries, and vineyards while toasting to a tradition that dates back almost 2,000 years. By Sarah Woods With more than several thousand vineyards, distilleries, and breweries scattered amongst the Br
Rotterdam- to the Third Power
Rotterdam – to the Third Power A Porthole writer takes a trip down Holland America Line’s memory lane. By Ben Lyons Peering outside the windows of my water taxi as it sped down the River Maas in Rotterdam, I saw the gently curved stern of the former Holland America Line flagship ss Rotterdam. Fo
Destination Discovery: Morocco
DESTINATION DISCOVERY/MOROCCO For Cruisers Who Have Done It All By Mike MacEacheran Next Stop: Morocco… Ever since Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman traded one-liners in Rick’s Café in Casablanca, the thought of Morocco and its most famous city has conjured up images of exotic romance and intr
Food for Thought
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Table Talk Chow down with the chef? Now that’s cruising! By Chris Cognac You liked the midnight buffet. You loved the specialty restaurants. Now get ready for the ultimate culinary coma — otherwise known as dining at the Chef’s Table. Food, as everybody knows, lo
Battle of the – Chocolate Shops
Please your palate from port to port. By Kay Harwell Fernandez We’re a nation of chocolate lovers. Each year, in fact, the average American puts away 12 pounds of the palate-pleasing confection. And 10 other countries beat us in consumption! Not only does chocolate melt in our mouths, it also stim
