Music Theme Cruises Rock the Boats!
It’s late night on the dimly lit dance floor, and music feeds the festive atmosphere. Two ladies wearing black dresses and Mardi Gras masks adorned with peacock feathers glide over and catch my attention. We form a little dance circle, and several others join in as the energy rises at the masquera
48 Hours: Five Ways to Spend Two Days in Istanbul
At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is one of the world’s most mesmerizing cities. Founded by the Greeks around 700 B.C., ruled by the Romans, then later conquered by the Ottoman Empire, its perfect location on the Bosphorus strait transcends Western civilization. The old quarter of
The World’s Most Fabulous LGBTQ-Friendly Cruise Ports
The world’s most faaaaabulous LGBTQ-friendly Cruise Ports By Paul J. Heney Once predominantly relegated to specialty or theme cruises, out gay and lesbian travelers have since had their coming out of sorts on traditional cruises. With growing acceptance of marriage equality and an increase in the
Caribbean Destination Weddings: A Walk Down the Isle
Couples have long known that the Caribbean is a destination where love blooms and flourishes. The pulse of life beats strongly here, and stress is artfully soothed away by languid island rhythms, swaying palms, and the sea gently lapping at your toes. This fertile landscape provides the perfect back
Cruise Packing: In All Kinds of Weather
Not too long ago, it seemed cruising was synonymous with sun-drenched islands, sweltering heat and turquoise seas.Nobody worried about what to pack for a cruise vacation. A few pairs of shorts, sleeveless tops, sandals, and swimsuits were all we’d need for daytime sightseeing, beach going, and la
Cruise Ship Review: MSC Seaview Celebrates the Good Life at Sea
Last June, as we approached Genoa, it looked like a fancy new building had been plunked alongside the historic Stazione Marittima, the onetime departure point for legendary trans-Atlantic liners like the Rex, Andrea Doria, Michelangelo, and Raffaello. Upon closer look, of course, the 17-story, glass
Last Call: Flute of Fancy
The Place — Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar Grab A Seat — Disney Dream Standout Feature — Amid glass bubble lighting and gold- and pink-hued décor, grabbing a seat at Pink will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a glass of Champagne. High-back velvet chairs around drink tables create cozy
Best Cruise Ports for Surfing
As the immortal Beach Boys taught us way back in 1961, “Surfing is the only life, the only way for me.” It’s nearly impossible to explain why the act of paddling out into the waves on a big, floating board only to have them push you back toward shore can be so all-consuming. You just […
Theme Cruise: Bare Boat Couples Retreat
First things first — yes, the cruise my husband and I went on was a nude cruise. This was the Bare Boat, organized by Bare Necessities Tour & Travel for the continued quest of liberation and self-acceptance. Where the shedding of physical clothes helps to also shed “mental clothes,” overco
Green Seas: MS Roald Amundsen, The Future is Fish
Since its inception in 1893, Hurtigruten has paved the way for expedition cruising with an ever-expanding roster of destinations. After 125 years, the company is entering new waters with MS Roald Amundsen, the first of Hurtigruten’s three hybrid-powdered ships that will be making milestones in mor
The True Colors of Greenland
The chartered plane had left Copenhagen in the twilight of a Baltic summer night, but four hours and four time zones later, the brilliance of Greenland’s endless daylight blazed through the plane’s window. The terrain was a blinding white. Ice and snow blanketed the surface as far as the eye cou
Ultimate Adventure: Traveling to Alaska
Aboard big ships, you’ll see Alaska. With UnCruise Adventures, you’ll experience it. That’s what makes traveling to Alaska an experience in and of itself. Get up close and personal with nature – kayak in hidden coves, hike around glaciers, distinguish the flora and fauna R
Last Call: Cool Encounters at SKYY Vodka Ice Bar
The Place — SKYY Vodka Ice Bar Grab A Seat — Norwegian Epic, Escape, and Getaway. Standout Feature — Inspired by the original Scandinavian ice hotels, everything about this bar — the walls, the seats, the glasses — are made from expertly chiseled blocks of ice. The chilly chamber is kept a
For Shore: Animal Encounter Shore Excursions
There’s nothing like a shore excursion to really make your cruise memories magical: Taking in the scenery, enjoying the regional cuisine, and, of course, meeting the locals … including the kind with fur, feathers or fins. We’re talking, of course, about animal encounter shore excu
Vitamin Sea: Scents at Sea
If you’re among the millions who use essential oils on a daily basis and you enjoy taking sanity-saving cruise vacations, odds are you’ve often found yourself in a challenging quandary: Which of my oils should I take with me on the ship, and which ones can I leave at home? Not an easy question.
Behind the Cruise Line: Arnold Donald At The Wheel
Five years ago, cruise lines were reeling from several highly publicized cruise ship incidents around the globe. [Ed. Note: — Porthole may or may not have neglected to mention some of those less-sunnier subjects.] Many believed it would take years of incident-free cruise travel and millions of dol
Mighty Fine River Rhine Aboard AmaPrima
The dominant narrative of river cruising consistently touches on the all-inclusive nature of the experience. The intimate camaraderie, complimentary excursions, fascinating villages, and delicious cuisine all make the case for almost any itinerary, but what makes the AmaWaterways adventure on the go
Side Trip to Cinque Terre
Known as the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre (pronounced Ching-kwe Ter-ray) is a cluster of five picturesque villages in Northwest Italy that adorn the shoreline with colorful buildings, steep cliffs, beautifully rugged and rocky beaches, and small but completely charming ports and harbors. And if you
Ship Review: Celestial Sailing on Viking Orion
It’s a special feeling to rise from a sound sleep, slide open the door and breathe the fresh morning air from your cruise ship balcony. Gazing out each day at a new destination that promises yet another chance for exploration. In fact, Viking Ocean Cruises thinks this is such a special part of
