The Avid Cruiser
Today, Sunday, February 05, 2012
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Five Ways That Crystal Cruises Stays at the Top of the Charts
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
WALLACE IMMEN
How does a cruise ship stay on top in the face of stiff competition?
It takes more than a new coat of paint and a change of wardrobe. Following my recent trip on a newly ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Kalundborg, Denmark
Monday, December 19, 2011
Port Profile: Isafjördur, Iceland
Monday, December 12, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Geiranger, Norway
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide on ... [ more ]
The Caribbean’s Most Up and Coming Cruise Ports
Sunday, December 04, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
The proliferation of cruise ships criss-crossing the Caribbean has created traffic jams in classic island ports like as St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Cozumel. That`s led to vo ... [ more ]
Seldom Cruised Caribbean Islands You Really Should See
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
All right, so you’re an experienced Caribbean cruiser.
You’ve docked in places like Phillpsburg a ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Harwich, England
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Three Choices For Cruising The Great Land: Alaska In 2012
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Alaska is one of the quintessential cruise destinations, with regularly schedu ... [ more ]
River Cruising 2012: Bigger & Better Ships, New Destinations
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Few industries have experienced the kind of growth that has characterized river cruising. There’s good reason: River cruising is a great way to see interior Europe.
In 2012, more ]
Port Profile: Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
Monday, November 21, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Big Ship? Small Ship? Which Is Better For Your Caribbean Cruise?
Saturday, November 19, 2011
For many of us, the Caribbean remains the de-facto cruise destination. Warm weather, crystal-clear seas and brilliant sandy beaches have brought visitors to these idyllic islands since the days whe ... [ more ]
Two Perfect Days Stockholm: An Avid Cruiser Feature Video
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
I am in Stockholm this week, hosting a series of webinars to help educate agents about this beautiful city that I am increasingly calling home.
You can still register for tomorrow ni ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Szczecin, Poland
Monday, November 14, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Crystal Cruises is Round Tripping in Quebec
Sunday, November 13, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
The fall is a time when the hills of eastern Canada come alive as leaves turn brilliant shades of gold, copper and flaming red. It’s a season when a flotilla of cruise ships ... [ more ]
Celebrity’s Solstice: Best Of The Big-Ship Class In The Caribbean?
Saturday, November 12, 2011
In the video, Celebrity Silhouette’s 1,291-square-foot Penthouse Suites, which feature an enormous living room, wrap-around balcony with whirlpool tub, and palatial marble bathroom.
... [ more ]
NEW Video Ship TOUR! Silver Explorer, Explored
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
I’ll be replacing this low-resolution video once I get sufficient bandwidth. For now, however, sit back and enjoy expedition cruising on Silver Explorer.
... [ more ]Having Crossed A Tranquil Atlantic, Silver Cloud Docks In Barbados: One Final Show, Decades
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
I’ll write a bit more about my Atlantic crossing on Silver Cloud later this week. For now, I wanted to share with you photos from the final performance by the new entertainers on Silversea Cr ... [ more ]
From Crystal Serenity: A Day Doing as the Romans Do
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
Salve!
It translates literally as “hail,” and dates back to the days when they were wearing togas in the Forum. It’s still a standard morning greeting of Romans when ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Ullapool, Scotland
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
No Ordinary Cup Of Joe: Silversea Quietly Upgrades Its Coffee
Monday, November 07, 2011
One of the biggest complaints on cruise ships is often the coffee — weak and tasteless. Specialty coffees provide the fix for some who need to be caffeinated to function in the mornings, but many c ... [ more ]
Snapshots: Roseau, Dominica From The Top Deck Of Silver Cloud
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Dominica was hot, near 90F, but beautiful today. Before heading out for a walk, I captured a few snapshots from Silver Cloud’s top deck.
... [ more ]
Now, A New Reason To Cruise Silversea: The Entertainment
Friday, November 04, 2011
During our Atlantic crossing on Silver Cloud, I saw something I did not expect to see: an audience stand not only to applaud but also to participate in a powerful performance by six young and extre ... [ more ]
Delicious Pints, Fish & Chips, Mushy Peas and Lots Of Laughter During Silver Cloud’s Pub Lunch
Thursday, November 03, 2011
One of the highlights of sea days on Silversea Cruises is the Pub Lunch, a British Isles’ experience, with such staples as Fish & Chips (served wrapped in mock newspaper, with malt vinega ... [ more ]
Photo Tour: Silver Cloud’s Suites
Thursday, November 03, 2011
All of the suites on Silver Cloud feature large marble baths with a selection of European bath amenities, walk-in closets, bath robes, slippers — and much more. However, suites come in six configur ... [ more ]
Welcome To New York: The Avid Cruiser’s Full Celebrity Silhouette Ship Review With Video
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Celebrity Silhouette is in New York today. The Avid Cruiser is in the middle of the Atl ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Scrabster, Scotland
Monday, October 31, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Out Of Africa: Silver Cloud Finishes Two Days In Morocco; Next Stop, Canary Islands
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Today just so happens to be my birthday. To celebrate, I ordered room service and spent a relaxing morning sailing along the African coast. Sipping a cup of coffee from my balcony, I gazed out at f ... [ more ]
The Original Celebrity Chef Dishes About Life at Lutèce
Thursday, October 27, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN Many guests of Crystal Cruises have had the rare good fortune to get to know more ]
Play It Again Sam: Silver Cloud Calls On Casablanca
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
This week and next, I am crossing the Atlantic on Silver Cloud. Before heading across, however, Silver Cloud stops in Morocco and the Canary Islands. Our port of call this morning: Casablanca.
... [ more ]Port Profile: Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland
Monday, October 24, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Sunday, October 23, 2011
There will be more to come about my cruise on Silver Explorer, which ended Friday mo ... [ more ]
24 Photos: Exploring Silver Explorer
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Butler Did It: Afternoon Canapes On Silver Explorer
Monday, October 17, 2011
A nice perk of the Silver Suites (and above) are the afternoon canapés served upon request. The assortment is quite varied and definitely enough to diminish any hunger pangs after a half-day of sno ... [ more ]
In Florence: A Rare Antique Show in a Jewel Box
Monday, October 17, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
There were a dozen possible choices for a day ashore as Crystal Ser ...
[ more ]
Where Few Ships Have Gone Before: Relaxing In Los Roques, Silver Explorer Drops Anchor For The Day
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Not many cruise ships send passengers ashore in tiny Los Roques. Situated on a spit of land north of the Venezuelan mainland, the charming town is the gateway to the Caribbean’s largest natio ... [ more ]
Last Night On Silver Explorer: Dining Under The Stars
Sunday, October 16, 2011
It never fails to amaze me how cruise ships pull off the extraordinary everyday — with the same staff. Hotels and resorts have the advantage of rotating staff who can go home to refresh and re-ener ... [ more ]
Silver Explorer Photo Tour: Silver Suite 502
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Silver Explorer features nine categories of staterooms and suites. Among the most popular are the Silver Suites, of which there are six on Silver Explorer.
Capable of sleeping three comforta ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Portree, Scotland
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Friday, October 14, 2011
Bequia must be the most idyllic of Caribbean islands. I had read that Bequia is a small island where people were exceptionally friendly and where no one hassles you, and indeed, I enjoyed the ̶ ... [ more ]
Want All-Inclusive Luxury? Silver Explorer Includes Shore Excursions. Ours Today: Dominica
Thursday, October 13, 2011
You don’t need to give a lot of thought to shore excursions on Silver Explorer. That’s because they’re all offered to guests on a complimentary basis. You need not sign up for sho ... [ more ]
Good Morning Montserrat: Silver Explorer Calls Where Few Ships Do
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tourism officials in Montserrat told me they hardly ever get cruise ships. So it was a pleasant surprise for them to come aboard Silver Explorer this morning and enjoy cakes and coffee as they comp ... [ more ]
Crystal’s Voluntourism Program Creates Unique Experiences
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
As passengers of Crystal Serenity boarded buses for tours ... [ more ]
Beach Barbecue @Jost van Dyke On Silver Explorer
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
On a gorgeous day in the British Virgin Islands, Silver Explorer anchored off Jost Van Dyke where guests were invited to join a complimentary shore excursion, Jost van Dyke Sail and Snorkel, follow ... [ more ]
Monday, October 10, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
How I Spend Christmas: On The Rivers Of Europe With Family & Friends
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Since 2006, I’ve celebrated Christmas with friends and family in an unlikely setting — on the rivers of Europe. It’s a tradition that I have very much enjoyed and one that I plan to continue.< ... [ more ]
Putting Nobu to a New Test on Crystal Serenity
Sunday, October 09, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
In Venice, Ahi Kawai walked an hour from the ship to the fishing docks in search of the freshest seafood for the Nobu Sushi Bar and Silk Road Restaurant aboard ... [ more ]
Catalina Island: 26 Miles Across the Sea
Friday, October 07, 2011
Guest column by Roderick Eime, editor of Adventure Cruise Guide< ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Karlskrona, Sweden
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Pride of America: Hawaiian Delight
Thursday, October 06, 2011
By Guest Columnist Barry Vaudrin
Since my wife Terri was a little girl, one of her dreams was to one day experience a magical vacation to Hawaii. When I married her, the girl of my dreams, ... [ more ]
Carnival Announces Fun Ship 2.0 Enhancements
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Yesterday, Carnival Cruise Lines rolled out one of its most ambitious pro ... [ more ]
Thank You Silversea Cruises: J’adore la Chine, Cruising’s New Frontier
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Sitting at the Hong Kong airport waiting to board an Air France flight for Paris, I wish I could walk right back out of the terminal. I love the China I experienced on a just-concluded 12-day Silve ... [ more ]
A Complimentary ‘Silversea Experience’ In Xiamen, China
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Once again, Silversea Cruises offered a complimentary shore excursion on our cruise from Seoul to Hong Kong (also offered was more ]
First Look at Crystal Serenity’s New Look
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
As RALPH GRIZZLE disembarks Silver Shadow in Hong Kong, WALLACE IMMEN boards Crystal Se ... [ more ]
Follow Me and See the New Look of the Crystal Serenity
Thursday, September 29, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
For my next cruise, I have the immense pleasure of returning to one of the most luxurious cruise ships ever built. more ]
Coming Next: Silver Shadow Cruises From Hong Kong While I Cross The Globe To Board Silver Explorer
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Midway through my cruise from Seoul to Hong Kong on Silver Shadow, I look back at a cruise I did in February of 2007: the Far East on more ]
Silver Shadow Delivers Shanghai’s Many Surprises
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
I am smitten with Shanghai. It wasn’t expected.
Of course, I had heard all of the great things about this great city, but the reality of being here was much better than I had imagined. ... [ more ]
Avid Cruiser Feature Video: A New Cruise Destination, Sønderborg, Denmark
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Trouble viewing the video? Click here to launch it in a new window.
Sønderborg, Denmark, is a new player in the cruise industry. The video a ... [ more ]
(Silver) Sea View: Breakfast From My Balcony
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Relaxed at sea, on my balcony, as Silver Shadow makes her way to China.
... [ more ]
Sønderborg, Denmark: A New Cruise Destination
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
This past summer, I had the opportunity to spend a few days in a destination that eagerly wants to welcome your cruise ships. Sønderborg, Denmark, is a small city with a natural harbor and a vari ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Akureyri, Iceland
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Barrow-in-Furness
Monday, September 19, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Grand Adventures In Venice, Italy, On A Budget
Monday, September 19, 2011
If there is one city that should be on every avid cruiser’s list of must-see destinations, Venice is it. For starters, Venice is one world’s most unique cities — architecturally, historically and e ... [ more ]
In My Viewfinder: A Weekend In Venice, Italy
Sunday, September 18, 2011
We spent a couple of days in Venice, Italy, filming for the new Avid Cruiser travel show.
Venice ranks right up there with Barcelona with regard to the number of ships and cruise passengers ... [ more ]
Shore Excursions From Le Havre, In Photos
Sunday, September 11, 2011
I spent last week in and around Le Havre, France, and I must say I was impressed with the variety of sho ... [ more ]
Holland America’s Tour in Turkey Visits Sites Seldom Seen
Friday, September 02, 2011
WALLACE IMMEN aboard the Noordam in Kusadasi, Turkey
On a typical day, over 20,000 people visit the ruins of Ephesus, and the majority of them come from cruises ships that dock in Kusadasi. ... [ more ]
Ducking Out of Dubrovnik on a Holland America Tour
Monday, August 29, 2011
WALLACE IMMEN aboard the Noordam in Croatia The marble streets of Dubrovnik have been polished to a gleaming smoothness by the millions of feet that have walked over them. And on a typical mor ... [ more ]
Monday, August 29, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide on ... [ more ]
Carnival Dream: Five Reasons Why Bigger Can Be Better
Saturday, August 13, 2011
WALLACE IMMEN
I’m sitting — well all right, slouching — in a honky tonk bar where the piano man is playing on a stage that revolves and customers put dollar bills in his Mason jar when they ... [ more ]
In Pursuit Of Wine: Cruising The Vineyards Of Europe During The Fall
Friday, August 12, 2011
This fall is shaping up to be an exciting time for AmaWaterways. Recognizing the growing demand f ... [ more ]
Cruise Executives Discuss The Appeal Of Cruising To/From New York
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Among those interviewed: Peter Shanks, President Managing Director, Cunard Line; Kevin Sheehan, CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line; Charles Robertson, President, American Cruise Lines; Gregg Michel ... [ more ]
Avid Cruiser Video: Touring The New York City Cruise Terminals
Sunday, August 07, 2011
More Than A Luxury Cruise: Silversea’s NEW Overland Tours
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Silversea Cruises is adding 19 new mid-voyage land adventure ... [ more ]
Hue: The Many Hues of a Royal City
Sunday, August 07, 2011
more ]
Still Sailing On Wind Spirit: Live Voyage Report – The Last Day
Saturday, August 06, 2011
As Windstar Cruises’ Wind Spirit sailed into the Swedish port of Gothenburg this morning, the dreary weather was tempered with the sad knowledge that t ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Gothenburg, Sweden
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide on ... [ more ]
Celebrity Silhouette Penthouse Suite: Video Panorama
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Celebrity Silhouette’s 1,291-square-foot Penthouse Suites each feature an enormous living room, wrap-around balcony with whirlpool tub, and palatial marble bathroom.
Overview Of C ... [ more ]Avid Cruiser Far & Wide: Ralph Grizzle Reports From Canada While Aaron Saunders Sails From Stockholm
Sunday, July 31, 2011
The Avid Cruiser Takes On Atlantic Canada
This week, we are filming in five destinations that work collectively under Cruise Atlantic Canada. We’re only a week into the filming, and already, ... [ more ]
Pre/Post Cruise in Hong Kong: The Longer the Better
Thursday, July 28, 2011
BY WALLACE IMMEN
A good friend who’s travelled almost as much as I have has a saying: There are one-day cities and weekend cities and then there’s Hong Kongmore ]
Port Profile: Aberdeen, Scotland
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide on ... [ more ]
Back From Hamburg: Avid Cruiser’s Celebrity Silhouette Review With Videos
Monday, July 25, 2011
Celebrity Silhouette was christened last week in Hamburg, Germany. Like her sisters, Celebrity Silhouette features Qsine, Martini Bar & Crush, the iLounge Internet center, the Lawn Club and ver ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Edinburgh, Scotland
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide on ... [ more ]
Port Profiles: Mykonos, Greece
Monday, July 18, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide on ... [ more ]
River Cruising In Late Autumn: Would You Do It?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
On the rivers of Europe, tulip cruises sell out, and Christmas cruises fill with families, but would you cruise in late autumn?< ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Brønnøysund, Norway
Monday, July 11, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Pre/Post Cruise: Finding Calm in Buzzing Bangkok
Monday, July 11, 2011
... [ more ]
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Italy’s Alluring Amalfi Coast and Pompeii in a Single Day
Monday, July 04, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
It was 9 a.m. and I was doing something I never do at that hour: knocking back an after dinner drink.
Six of us on a private van tour were visiting a citrus grove on It ... [ more ]
Six ‘More’ Tips To Extract More Joy From Your Cruise
Saturday, July 02, 2011
One of the most popular freely downloadable reports on Avid Cruiser is called Six Tips To Extract More Joy From Your Cruise.
More than 1,000 people have click on more ]
Two Perfect Days Copenhagen: An Avid Cruiser Feature Video
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Throw back the sheets, slide into your bathrobe and slippers, and pull back the curtains. From your suite, you see that the sun is shining on Kongens Nytorv and colorful Nyhavn. You can’t wa ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Runavík, Faroe Islands
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Italy’s Cinque Terre a Feast for All Senses
Monday, June 27, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
I’ve just had an overdose of quaint.
On an all-day excursion from Royal Caribbean’s more ]
Port Profile: Falmouth, England
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
Stockholm At 11 p.m.: Beauty On Water & Something For Your ‘Bucket List’
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The more that I visit Stockholm, the more that I come to love this beautiful Scandinavian capital. This week, while here filming “The Avid Cruiser’s Two Perfect Days Stockholm,” w ... [ more ]
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigat ... [ more ]
Emirates Flight to Dubai is a Magic Carpet Ride
Sunday, June 19, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
I’ve finally discovered what it’s like to be a pampered cat purring in the lap of luxury. And of all places, it’s on an airplane.
It’s bed time on my more ]
Port Profile: Milford Haven, Wales
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide on ... [ more ]
Dubai Must Do’s, Pre- or Post-cruise
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
After an event-filled two week cruise on Silversea’s Silver Spirit in the Middle ... [ more ]
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
By Guest Columnist WALLACE IMMEN
It’s probably easier to get high in Juneau than anywhere in the world.
Holland America’s Volendam docked in Alaska’s capital right next to the entranc ... [ more ]
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide on ... [ more ]
Silversea's Splendors Of Luxor
Friday, May 27, 2011
“Tourists have been coming back to Egypt since early March,” our tour guide told Silver Spirit guests as we began the “Splendors of Luxor” tour from Safaga. “We appreciate you and those of you who are ... [ more ]
World Cruise Back In Vogue? Busy Booking On Silver Spirit
Friday, May 27, 2011
When Silver Spirit docked last week in Southampton, I did somethi ... [ more ]
A Silversea Fine Dining Experience In St. Paul de Vence
Thursday, May 26, 2011
On a Silversea shore excursion, many of went to St. Paul de Vence, where we stepped inside the Relais & Châteaux property ;Hotel Le Saint Paul ... [ more ]
Avid Cruiser Video: From Monte Carlo, A Silversea Fine Dining Experience In St. Paul de Vence
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The following report details a shore excursion taken on Sunday, May 8, 2011.
When more ]
Baltic Bliss On A Bicycle: Total Immersion In Copenhagen
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
I commuted to work this morning - on a bicycle, in Copenhagen.
In fact, I joined hundreds of thousands of Copenhageners who pedal daily to and from their jobs in this city of bikes. Because ... [ more ]
My Year Of Living Danishly: Moving To Copenhagen
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
In December of 2007, I moved from America’s happiest city to the world’s happiest nation. In case you missed it, a major news network cited Asheville, North Carolina as the happiest city in the Uni ... [ more ]
Monday, May 23, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide on ... [ more ]
Come Casual To Silversea's Outdoor Dining Venue: The Grill
Friday, May 20, 2011
For an evening of fun, Silversea's outdoor dining venue uses the Black Rock concept to allow guests to cook at their tables. ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Santander, Spain
Friday, May 20, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide on ... [ more ]
Silver Spirit Visits Sinai: A Desert Far Beyond Expectations
Thursday, May 19, 2011
By WALLACE IMMEN
It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
That’s the reaction I had on an opportunity to drive into the Sinai desert when Silver Spirit called on Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.< ... [ more ]
Upgrade Your Silversea Cruise: Dinner At Le Champagne, Worth The Extra Fee?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Controversial on some of the cruise message boards is Silversea’s Le Champagne specialty restaurant by Relais & Chateaux. The issue that some cruisers have raised has nothing to do with t ... [ more ]
Silversea's Sintra, Portuguese Charm On A Shore Excursion
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011 - This morning in Lisbon, I joined a Silversea shore excursion called Romantic Sintra & Portuguese Riviera. The 4.5-hour tour on a modern and uncrowded motorcoach took us to the ... [ more ]
In Bilbao Silversea Hosts A Reception At The Guggenheim
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
... [ more ]
Sensational Sintra & The Portuguese Riviera On A Silversea Shore Excursion
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Can’t view the video? Click here.
Saturday, May 14, 2011 – ... [ more ]
Silver Spirit Live Voyage Report: Recap from Aaron Saunders’ From The Deck Chair
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Read Aaron Saunders’ excellent recap of a week’s sailing on Silver Spirit. Aaron discusses the often-under-considered value of luxury cruising and ... [ more ]
In Port Now: Silver Spirit Docks In Bilbao, Spain
Monday, May 16, 2011
Today, Silver Spirit is docked in Bilbao, Spain. I’ll be reporting more about our sunny day in Spain’s Basque Country after our visit to the Guggenheim Museum tonight. Meantime, browse ... [ more ]
Video: Petra & The ‘Stupid’ Tour Guide
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Guides can make or break a shore excursion.
Our guide, Abdullah Amra, stepped onto the motorcoach in Aqaba, Jordan to welcome us in broken English. After a few minutes of listening to him stumble t ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Rotterdam, in the Netherlands
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigati ... [ more ]
On Silversea: Exemplifying The Essence Of Luxury Cruising
Sunday, May 08, 2011
A couple of weeks ago, while Silver Spirit was docked in Safaga, Egypt, passengers set out for a long day on a complimentary Silversea shore excursion to visit the temples along the Nile Ri ... [ more ]
Silversea's Sicily: Market Visit & Cooking Class In Catania
Friday, May 06, 2011
In Sicily, our Silversea Silver Shore Collection tour took us to one of Sicily's oldest markets in Catania, then to an 18th-century home for a lesson in Sicilian cooking. ; ... [ more ]
A Silver Spirit Day In Sicily: Avid Cruiser’s Photo Journal
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Enjoy Capri, virtually, through photos taken during Silver Spirit’s call in Sicily.
... [ more ]Port Profile: Zeeland, Netherlands
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigat ... [ more ]
‘Surviving’ Pirates: Silver Spirit Arrives In Piraeus
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Last week’s post, Silver Spirit’s Trans ... [ more ]
From Pirates To Piraeus, Transiting The Gulf Of Aden: How Risky Was It?
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Last week’s post, Silver Spirit’s Transit Of The Gulf Of Aden: Uneventful? ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Zeebrugge, Belgium
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s more ]
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Temple of Dandara 28, originally uplo ...
[ more ]
What A Day! Last Stop On Our Silversea Shore Excursion: The Temple of Luxor
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
What A Day! Last Stop On Our Silverse ... [ more ]
Touring The ‘New Egypt’ At The Temple of Karnak On A Silversea Shore Excursion
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Part II:Touring The ‘New Egypt’ At ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Nordkapp, Norway
Monday, April 18, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigat ... [ more ]
Avid Cruiser Video: Nuuk, Greenland
Monday, April 18, 2011
Nuuk is not only the largest city in Greenland but also North America’s northernmost capital. With a p ... [ more ]
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide one or more port pro ... [ more ]
Video: A Teen’s View Of The Boardwalk On Allure of the Seas
Friday, April 15, 2011
Britton Frost, daughter of Avid Cruiser Ralph Grizzle, provides a quick overview of some of the fun on more ]
Icebergs In Ilulissat & Disko Bay: An Avid Cruiser Feature Video
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Unfortunately, on the morning we arrived, Disko Bay was not only choked with icebergs but also fog. Still, the transit into the bay was mystical – and memorable. As our ship pierced t ... [ more ]
Narsaq, Greenland: Avid Cruiser Feature Video
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I enjoyed my day in Narsaq, a small town poised at the edge of Greenland’s ice cap. Narsaq is situated in the heart of an ice-choked fjord, with icebergs and mountains setting the bac ... [ more ]
Narsarsuaq, Greenland: Avid Cruiser Feature Video
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Narsarsuag is tiny in size but big on things to do.
Across from Narsarsuaq, in the equally unpronounceable Qassiarsuk, I visited a local school and relived the history of Viking sett ... [ more ]
Ipiutaq Guest Farm, Greenland: Avid Cruiser Feature Video
Monday, April 11, 2011
Arriving by boat, the only way to get there unless you risk driving when the bay is frozen, I visited Ipiutaq Guest Farm, where traditional subsistence ... [ more ]
Igaliku, Greenland: Avid Cruiser Feature Video
Saturday, April 09, 2011
We arrived by boat, then stepped into a beat-up SUV that traveled a bumpy road only a few miles to Igaliku, a small settlement in South Greenland. Norseman settled here more than 1000 years ... [ more ]
Cruising Greenland: An Avid Cruiser Feature Video
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
During the summer months, glaciers disperse chunky icebergs that choke Greenland’s idyllic bays. Point a camera in any direction and snap until your battery blinks. With 80 percent of its surfac ... [ more ]
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide one or more port profil ... [ more ]
Qaqortoq, Greenland: Avid Cruiser Feature Video
Friday, April 01, 2011
Qaqortoq is not only a town with a monopoly on the letter “q” but also a place that’s fun to pronounce – Kwok A Tock, more or less. My host was Alibak Hard. With a name like th ... [ more ]
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Avid Cruiser visits ;Igaliku, Greenland. ... [ more ]
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Avid Cruiser 's visit to Qaqortoq, the fourth-largest town in Greenland, with a population of just over 3,000. ; ... [ more ]
Ipiutaq Guest Farm In South Greenland
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Video of Ipiutaq Guest Farm in South Greenland. ... [ more ]
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Edda ... [ more ]
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
I enjoyed my day in Narsaq, a Greenlandic town poised at the edge of Greenland's ice cap. Narsaq is situated in the heart of an ice-choked fjord, with icebergs and mountains setting the backdrop from ... [ more ]
Port Profile: Lerwick, in the Shetland Islands
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide one o ... [ more ]
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Attending the 2011 Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami? Visit the Venezia Terminal Passeggeri (Venice Cruise Terminal) booth on March 16 at 12:30 p.m. for a special presentation by Ralph Grizzle. If y ... [ more ]
Video Recap: 11 Days On Crystal Symphony, 11 Video Reviews
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Sit back and view all 11 videos in the player above for the Avid Cruiser’s recent review of Crystal Symphony. The videos were produced in February/March 2011. Considered River Cruising? Visit ou ... [ more ]
A Cruise Passenger's Guide To Exploring Venice
Monday, March 07, 2011
Hi, I'm Ralph Grizzle, and I'm in Venice, Italy. In this video, we're going to look at some of the arts and crafts that have kept this city alive and that give Venice its life. I hope that on your nex ... [ more ]
Fact Or Fiction? Crystal Cruises, World's Best?
Sunday, March 06, 2011
It's our last day here on Crystal Symphony. Over the last 11 days we put Crystal to the test to see if it lived up to its world's best status? We've experienced a variety of choices, including enrichm ... [ more ]
Passengers Discuss The Value Of Cruising Crystal: Up To $1000 Per Person Credits
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Interviews with passengers aboard our Crystal Symphony sailing about the value of cruising Crystal Cruises. ... [ more ]
Fact Or Fiction? Crystal Cruises, World’s Best?
Sunday, March 06, 2011
It’s our last day here on Crystal Symphony. Over the last 11 days we put Crystal to the test to see if it lived up to its world’s best status? We’ve experienced a variety of choices, ... [ more ]
Passengers Discuss The Value Of Cruising Crystal: Up To $1000 Per Person Credits
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Interviews with passengers aboard our Crystal Symphony sailing about the value of cruising Crystal Cruises. Considered River Cruising? Visit our sister site, River Cruiser Advisor, or click on the ban ... [ more ]
Time Lapse Panama Canal: A Full-Day Transit In Less Than Two Minutes
Saturday, March 05, 2011
The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel, with three series of locks lifting ships 85 feet above sea level, to cross the Continental Divide and one of the world's largest manmade lakes. ; In1880, the ... [ more ]
Time Lapse Panama Canal: A Full-Day Transit In Less Than Two Minutes
Saturday, March 05, 2011
The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel, with three series of locks lifting ships 85 feet above sea level, to cross the Continental Divide and one of the world’s largest manmade lakes. In1880, ... [ more ]
Interview With Guests About Crystal Symphony's Deluxe Staterooms
Friday, March 04, 2011
Crystal Symphony's Deluxe Staterooms measure just 202 square feet with a large picture window or 246 square feet with verandah. Too cozy for comfort? Rather than answer myself, I put the question to p ... [ more ]
Interview With Guests About Crystal Symphony’s Deluxe Staterooms
Friday, March 04, 2011
Crystal Symphony’s Deluxe Staterooms measure just 202 square feet with a large picture window or 246 square feet with verandah. Too cozy for comfort? Rather than answer myself, I put the questio ... [ more ]
Dining On Crystal Symphony, Perfect Choice, Prego & Other Options
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
[Transcript] You can't say you have the world's best resort unless your dining has incredible quality, variety and flexibility. Crystal says its Perfect Choice Dining gives you a taste of true freedom ... [ more ]
Dining On Crystal Symphony, Perfect Choice, Prego & Other Options
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
[Transcript] You can’t say you have the world’s best resort unless your dining has incredible quality, variety and flexibility. Crystal Cruises says its Perfect Choice Dining gives you a t ... [ more ]
Hungry For Sushi? Don’t Look At This Post
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
[Transcript for video below] I’m here at Silk Road and the Sushi Bar featuring the world-renowned cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa. You can easily spend a few hundred dollars for a night of dining at N ... [ more ]
Entertainment Aplenty On Crystal Symphony: And The Options Are . . .
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
[Transcript] When I’m cruising, I enjoy a little nightlife, and Crystal Symphony delivers. There are no other ships in the luxury category that offer as many entertainment options as Crystal, bu ... [ more ]
Home, Sweet Home In Helsingborg: In The South Of Sweden, High Marks For A Cruise Destination
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
No surprise to me that Helsingborg shined in a survey of 15 international cruise lines. I’ve been calling the charming city in the south of Sweden home for more than three years now. My conclusi ... [ more ]
Crystal Symphony, But Is It A Real Nobu Experience?
Monday, February 28, 2011
I'm here at Silk Road and the Sushi Bar featuring the world-renowned cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa. You can easily spend a few hundred dollars for a night of dining at Nobu restaurants around the world. C ... [ more ]
Crystal Symphony’s Silk Road & Sushi Bar, But Is It A Real Nobu Experience?
Monday, February 28, 2011
I’m here at Silk Road and the Sushi Bar featuring the world-renowned cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa. You can easily spend a few hundred dollars for a night of dining at Nobu restaurants around the wo ... [ more ]
Crystal Spa, A Day Of Pampering - For Men
Sunday, February 27, 2011
We're at one of the most popular places on Crystal Symphony, the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa. I'm looking forward to splurging on a few treatments. Let's see how Crystal handles the art of pamperin ... [ more ]
Crystal Cruises, Meet The Tech Concierge & CU@Sea
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A lot of cruise lines have a concierge, but Crystal Cruises has taken it one step further, with a technology concierge, where you can get one-on-one personalized instruction to help you the master the ... [ more ]
Crystal Cruises, Meet The Tech Concierge & CU@Sea
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A lot of cruise lines have a concierge, but Crystal Cruises has taken it one step further, with a technology concierge, where you can get one-on-one personalized instruction to help you master the lat ... [ more ]
Crystal Spa, A Day Of Pampering – For Men
Sunday, February 27, 2011
[Transcript] We’re at one of the most popular places on Crystal Symphony, the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa. I’m looking forward to splurging on a few treatments. Let’s see how Crys ... [ more ]
Crystal Cruises, Staterooms & Suites
Saturday, February 26, 2011
I'm on the veranda of a deluxe category stateroom on Crystal Symphony. As you can see, this category stateroom offers gives you an open window on the sea. What a gorgeous day. The deluxe veranda state ... [ more ]
Crystal Symphony, A Video Walk-Through Of Its Staterooms & Suites
Saturday, February 26, 2011
I’m on the veranda of a deluxe category stateroom on Crystal Symphony. As you can see, this category stateroom offers gives you an open window on the sea. What a gorgeous day. The deluxe veranda ... [ more ]
Crystal Cruises, Activities That Are Traditional, Tried & True? Or New & Fresh?
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011 – It’s a beautiful morning at sea here on Crystal Symphony. Today, I am putting Crystal to a test. Are Crystal’s activities and enrichment programs the sa ... [ more ]
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Cruising stunningly beautiful Greenland with Avid Cruiser host Ralph Grizzle. ... [ more ]
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
As if you weren't already pampered enough on Silver Spirit, welcome to The Spa at Silversea. The largest spa in Silversea's fleet, the spa on Silver Spirit is an extremely attractive addition to Silve ... [ more ]
Do The Math To Discover Exceptional Value On Luxury Cruises
Sunday, February 20, 2011
One of the things that people often overlook when shopping for a cruise is the incredible value offered in the luxury segment. On the Yachts of Seabourn, for example, you’ll never sign a check f ... [ more ]
Seabourn’s Destination Services
Friday, February 18, 2011
A look at Seabourn ‘In Motion” excursions and a bike ride in Flam, Norway. Considered River Cruising? Visit our sister site, River Cruiser Advisor, or click on the banners below for specia ... [ more ]
Celebrity Summit To Receive ‘Solstice” Style Makeover
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Celebrity Summit will become the third Millennium Class ship to complete “Solsticizing,” the term Celebrity Cruises coined for its initiative to complement its Milllennium Class ships’ style and desig ... [ more ]
Monday, February 14, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide one o ... [ more ]
Seabourn Sojourn Yacht Overview
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Avid Cruiser hosts Ralph Grizzle and Monica Bengtsson take you on a tour of the Seabourn Sojourn. Considered River Cruising? Visit our sister site, River Cruiser Advisor, or click on the banners below ... [ more ]
Friday, February 11, 2011
Cruise passengers calling on ;La Rochelle ... [ more ]
Port Profile: La Rochelle, France
Friday, February 11, 2011
Learn everything you need to know about cruise destinations under Avid Cruiser’s Port Profiles section (you’ll find a tab above on the navigation bar). Each week, we’ll provide one o ... [ more ]
Oceania Marina Bon Appétit Culinary Center
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Oceania Marina features the Bon Appétit Culinary Center, a hands-on culinary studio where guests learn the art of gourmet cooking from Master Chefs. Considered River Cruising? Visit our sister site, R ... [ more ]
Oceania Marina Owner’s Suite Decked Out In Ralph Lauren: Interview With The Designer
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Oceania Cruises’ new ;Marina ... [ more ]
Mary Hart Christens Oceania Marina in Miami
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Oceania Cruises' newest ship, Oceania Marina christened in Miami ... [ more ]
My BEST AquaDuck Video, Disney Dream
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
My BEST AquaDuck Video, Disney Dream ... [ more ]
Five Questions For Frank (del Rio), Oceania Cruises’ Chief
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
An interview with one of the cruise industry’s most passionate cruise executives, Frank del Rio, chairman and ceo of Prestige Cruise Holdings, parent to Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cru ... [ more ]
September Sojourn: ‘Golden In Olden,’ A Day In Photos In Norway’s Nordfjord
Monday, February 07, 2011
Considered River Cruising? Visit our sister site, River Cruiser Advisor, or click on the banners below for special offers. ... [ more ]
Oceania Marina Owner’s Suite Decked Out In Ralph Lauren: Interview With The Designer
Monday, February 07, 2011
Oceania Cruises’ new Marina is the first ship to offer luxury suites completely appointed from furniture and fabrics to lighting and bedding using the acclaimed Ralph Lauren Home collection. The cruis ... [ more ]
Oceania Marina: A Look At Category A Veranda Stateroom #9107
Monday, February 07, 2011
My stateroom on Oceania Marina is a Category A Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom. It measures 282 square feet and, as implied, features a veranda as well as a sitting area with sleeper sofa, large fla ... [ more ]
Internet Access on Oceania Marina
Sunday, February 06, 2011
During a voyage on Oceania’s Regatta back in 2009, I wrote a story about passengers being frustrated by pokey-slow internet: Regatta’s Only Recurring Complaint. In fact, one couple who cru ... [ more ]
Sunday, February 06, 2011
More than one Avid Cruiser reader has written to tell me just how good the food is in Red Ginger (these were readers who crossed the Atlantic on Marina). Today, along with my journalistic colleagues, ... [ more ]
Silversea Announces New Partnership With Slow Food Promozione
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Silversea Cruises has announced a new partnership agreement with Slow Food Promozione, an arm of Slow Food Italy. The collaboration will focus on highlighting the Italian heritage of La Terrazza, a sp ... [ more ]
Crystal Cruises To Offer Stieg Larsson’s Stockholm, Millennium Tours
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tattoos. Murder. Secrets. And Stockholm. Only one of these things is normally associated with a luxury cruise line, but with Crystal Cruises’ new Crystal Adventure, “Stieg Larsson’s Stockholm,” guests ... [ more ]
Meeting Captain Inger Klein Olsen on Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria
Monday, January 31, 2011
Welcome to my hood! Yesterday, Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria called on the Port of Los Angeles’s World Cruise Center in San Pedro. I was invited onboard for a little one-on-one time with the Captain an ... [ more ]
Crystal’s Pacific Coast Spring Sailings
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sip a local Pinot Noir while overlooking Sideways wine country. Soar new heights in an XJ5 Flight Simulator. Master the delicate art of filleting fresh salmon. Crystal Cruises has set dozens of Cryst ... [ more ]
Moveable Feasts: Silversea’s Culinary Arts Voyages
Friday, January 21, 2011
Silversea Cruises is serving up a new collection of 10 Culinary Arts theme cruises, featuring some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and rising stars. These unique culinary theme cruises show ... [ more ]
Monday, January 17, 2011
Silversea Guest Interview ... [ more ]
Disney Dream Coverage Beginning Tuesday @Avid Cruiser’s New Facebook Page
Monday, January 17, 2011
Tuesday, flights will land in Orlando carrying journalists, travel agents and other lucky guests who will sail on the Disney Dream’s two-night christening cruise from Port Canaveral. I’ll ... [ more ]
2011 Resolution: Enrich Yourself Through Silversea Cruises’ Silver Perspectives Program
Monday, January 17, 2011
Get ready to be enriched. Silversea has announced that more than 160 of its voyages will feature nearly 200 distinguished guest lecturers, celebrated chefs and destination experts as part of the luxur ... [ more ]
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Silversea staff interviews ... [ more ]
Friday, January 14, 2011
Silversea Cruises offers many interactive cooking experiences, such as shore events like the one featured in the video above. Due to the interest in cooking, in 2011, Silversea will sail 10 voyages th ... [ more ]
Head To The Highlands: One Of The World’s Top 20 To Visit In 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Scottish Highlands, including Britain’s largest National Park, have been included in National Geographic Traveller magazine’s list of the top 20 places to visit in 2011. The magazine’s senior edit ... [ more ]
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Seabourn is moving to a new headquarters in Seattle, Washington, where it will be more tightly integrated with Holland America Line. Both brands will maintain independent management teams at their sha ... [ more ]
Crystal Symphony 2010 Puerto Vallarta
Monday, December 20, 2010
For years Puerto Vallarta was a sleepy little village, and grew at an easy pace. Then John Huston showed up with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The growth then reminded me of the way I like eggs ... [ more ]
Sunday, December 19, 2010
I stayed on the ship. Years ago my wife and I vacationed in Loreto. Some paved streets, more not, and very few tourists. The beach was great, hotel good, and food perfect. One thing that comes close t ... [ more ]
Crystal Symphony 2010 Mazatlan
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Again I am hanging out on board Symphony. Mazatlan translated from Aztec is “The Place of the Deer”. Well, the Aztecs are gone and apparently the deer went with them. Years ago Spanish galleons sailed ... [ more ]
Crystal Sympony 2010 Topolobampo
Friday, December 17, 2010
We are in Topolobampo. The reason we made this inaugural stop is to so those who want to transit the Copper Canyon by train can put another notch in their “I’ve been everywhere” belt. It’s almost an 1 ... [ more ]
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Mea culpa, lo siento, my bad. Michael of Cruiseholidays.com straightened me out about Crystal and the Mexican Riviera. How I got confused about the coming Symphony schedule, I have no idea. When Cryst ... [ more ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Our first stop on this 10 day Mexican Riviera Cruise was Cabo San Lucas. Many people stayed on board. They were the smart ones. I used to love Cabo San Lucas. A few visits later, I liked Cabo San Luca ... [ more ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
This is the last time Crystal will visit the Mexican Riviera, at least for the foreseeable future. Last, but not least, as this is a 10 day cruise and includes ports in the Sea of Cortez. Fifteen year ... [ more ]
Oceania Cruises Launches Its Largest Ship Ever
Friday, December 10, 2010
In January, Oceania Cruises debuts its largest, and most highly anticipated, ship ever, the 1,250-guest Marina. Oceania’s newest ship features an array of stylish bars and lounges and 10 dining ... [ more ]
Sunday, December 05, 2010
The brand essence of The Yachts of Seabourn ... [ more ]
Seabourn Sojourn Yacht Overview
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Avid Cruiser hosts Ralph Grizzle and Monica Bengtsson take you on a tour of the Seabourn Sojourn. ... [ more ]
From Buenos Aires To Valparaiso, South America Surprised Us
Sunday, December 05, 2010
The continent below the equator loomed large for many of us aboard a two-week sailing on Celebrity Cruises’ Millennium in 2006. En route from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso, by way of legendary Cape ... [ more ]
Video Stateroom Review: Best-Value Staterooms On Princess Cruises, Mini-Suites
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
One of the best-value stateroom categories on Emerald Princess (and its sisters) is the mini-suite. A roomy 324 square feet (including the balcony) on Emerald Princess, the mini-suite features a separ ... [ more ]
Video: Silversea Shore Excursion From Marseille, Popes’ Palace In Avignon, France
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
An hour and a half from the port city of Marseille is the town of Avignon, one of Europe’s most beautiful and well-preserved medieval cities. Avignon served as the official residence of seven po ... [ more ]
Video: Return Trip Reykjavik On The Golden Circle Tour
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Starting at 8 in the morning, we would spend the next eight hours on what is probably the most popular of Iceland’s shore excursions: The Golden Circle Tour. Cruise lines may call the tour somet ... [ more ]
Silversea Introduces Innovative ‘Mid-Voyage’ Land Adventures
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Seven new land adventures are among dozens of extended mid-voyage excursions Silversea Cruises is offering in 2011. Unlike a partial-day shore tour, these single- or multiple-day inland adventures off ... [ more ]
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A Scandinavian friend of mine took his young boys to the United States this month. One of the boys, 8 years old, asked where were all the bikes? He was concerned that Americans would become unhealthy ... [ more ]
Disney Dream, Our Extensive Coverage On Family Cruise Advisor
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Our sister site, Family Cruise Advisor, is chock full with information about Disney Dream. Along with reports from Ralph Grizzle, Family Cruise Advisor’s reporter (and a mother) Carrie Finley-Ba ... [ more ]
Seabourn Sojourn Stateroom Review
Monday, November 15, 2010
A look at the Seabourn Sojourn's staterooms and amenities. ... [ more ]
Celebrity Infinity To Receive Major Revitalization
Monday, November 15, 2010
Celebrity Cruises coined the word “Solsticized” in 2011 and brought its meaning to life for guests who set sail on Celebrity Constellation following an ambitious 15-day revitalization in April. During ... [ more ]
Summing Up Silversea Cruises Far East Cruise On Silver Whisper
Saturday, November 13, 2010
This week on The Avid Cruiser, I looked back at a cruise I did in February of 2007: the Far East on Silversea Cruises Silver Whisper. Silversea Cruises’ Far East Cruise and the vessel that carri ... [ more ]
Vintage Video: Truly Asia Galley Buffet On Silver Whisper In The Far East
Friday, November 12, 2010
This week on The Avid Cruiser, I’ll be looking back at a cruise I did in February of 2007: the Far East on Silversea Cruises Silver Whisper. Each day will feature new videos. Stay tuned. One day ... [ more ]
Vintage Video: Cruising To Musical Malacca
Thursday, November 11, 2010
This week on The Avid Cruiser, I’ll be looking back at a cruise I did in February of 2007: the Far East on Silversea Cruises Silver Whisper. Each day will feature new videos. Stay tuned. Our las ... [ more ]
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Decades ago, I was leafing through the pages of ;National Geographic ... [ more ]
12 Days Of Cruisemas / 4th day
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Funchal Funchal is the largest city, the municipal seat, and has been the capital of Portugal’s Autonomous Region of Madeira for 5 centuries. It’s been a rocky road for Funchal. The island, and ... [ more ]
Vintage Video: In Brunei, A Visit To The Sultan’s Palace
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
This week on The Avid Cruiser, I’ll be looking back at a cruise I did in February of 2007: the Far East on Silversea Cruises Silver Whisper. Each day will feature new videos. Stay tuned. We are ... [ more ]
Vintage Video: Motorbike Ride Through Ho Chi Minh City
Monday, November 08, 2010
This week on The Avid Cruiser, I’ll be looking back at a cruise I did in February of 2007: the Far East on Silversea Cruises Silver Whisper. Each day will feature new videos. Stay tuned. Missed ... [ more ]
Vintage Video: Cruising To Ho Chi Minh City
Sunday, November 07, 2010
This week on The Avid Cruiser, I’ll be looking back at a cruise I did in February of 2007: the Far East on Silversea Cruises Silver Whisper. Each day will feature new videos. Stay tuned. Missed ... [ more ]
Vintage Video: Silversea Cruises Far East Cruise On Silver Whisper
Saturday, November 06, 2010
This week on The Avid Cruiser, I’ll be looking back at a cruise I did in February of 2007: the Far East on Silversea Cruises Silver Whisper. Each day will feature new videos. Stay tuned. A Long ... [ more ]
Azamara Club Cruises: Recap of Video Interviews With Larry Pimentel
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
To view all video interviews with Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises, simply watch in the player above (click full screen for optimal viewing). Otherwise, click below for indivi ... [ more ]
Video: Allure Of The Seas Passes Under Storebaelt Bridge
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Allure of the Seas is one step closer to her arrival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as she passes Denmark’s Storebaelt Bridge with little clearance to spare. Learn about the physics behind what hel ... [ more ]
Video: Disney Cruise Line Floats Out Disney Dream
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Disney Cruise Line floated out its first new vessel in more than a decade today in Papenburg, Germany. Disney Dream is the first of two ships that Meyer Werft shipyard is building for Disney. Along wi ... [ more ]
The Evolution of Azamara Club Cruises, Crew Enthused, Wine Uncorked
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Larry Pimentel is president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. The changes that Larry Pimentel and his team brought to Azamara Club Cruises have infused the on-board staff with enthusiasm. “What&# ... [ more ]
How Will Larry Pimentel Change Azamara?
Friday, October 29, 2010
Originally published July 2009, this article was updated October 28, 2010. I was happy to hear that Larry Pimentel was named President and CEO of Azamara Cruises (now Azamara Club Cruises). Larry, who ... [ more ]
Azamara Club Cruises, Offering 'Extraordinary' Value Now & Going Forward
Thursday, October 28, 2010
"[Azamara] is clearly being redefined as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s boutique brand," Larry Pimentel, president and CEO tells the Avid Cruiser. "It will absolutely be in the up-market space, but be ... [ more ]
'Seabournizing' Azamara Club Cruises
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Larry Pimentel’s strategy for Azamara Club Cruises benefits from his more than 25 years of travel industry experience catering to high-end consumers. ... [ more ]
The Evolution of Azamara Club Cruises, Crew Enthused, Wine Uncorked
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Larry Pimentel is president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. The changes that Larry Pimentel and his team brought to Azamara Club Cruises have infused the on-board staff with enthusiasm. "What's reall ... [ more ]
Azamara Cruises Brand Awareness
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Larry Pimentel discusses Azamara's brand awareness ... [ more ]
How Is Azamara Club Cruises Is Evolving: An Interview With Larry Pimentel
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Azamara Club Cruises is in a transition period since the line was relaunched in April 2010. “We went from a product that was Azamara Cruises to Azamara Club Cruises,” says Larry Pimentel, ... [ more ]
Azamara Club Cruises’ Biggest Challenge: An Interview With Larry Pimentel
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Azamara Club Cruises’ biggest challenge is brand awareness, says Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. Indeed, as Avid Cruiser reader Lynda Wilson wrote this week: I returne ... [ more ]
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
This is a highglight of the different dining venues aboard The Yacht's of Seabourn's newest ship, Seabourn Sojourn ... [ more ]
Interview With Larry Pimentel: How Azamara Became Azamara ‘Club’ Cruises
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
This is the first in a series of video interviews with Larry Pimentel, Azamara Club Cruises President & CEO. Larry took the helm of Azamara in July 2009. One of the first things he did was relaunc ... [ more ]
Sunday, October 24, 2010
This week, I am on Azamara Quest, sailing from Barcelona to Rome. It will be interesting to see how this two-ship cruise line has evolved since Larry Pimentel took the helm not yet one year ago. I wil ... [ more ]
Guest Column: Cabin A112 On Queen Mary
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Southern California sun is streaming through the portholes as my mother and I awaken in our cabin on the Hotel Queen Mary in early November. I am delving back into the recesses of my mind for deta ... [ more ]
New Avid Cruiser Video: When In Helsinki, Finland
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Situated on the southern coast of Finland, Helsinki is a gate between East and West. Finland’s capital city embodies much of the Finnish spirit and its progressive hi-tech push but also is unlike any ... [ more ]
Sir Micky Arison? On Cunard Line, Lebron James & The Miami Heat
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Cunard Line, and in fact, members of the British Royalty owe a debt of gratitude to Micky Arison. His company, Carnival Corporation, purchased British-owned Cunard in 1998 and resuscitated the venerab ... [ more ]
Queen Elizabeth Naming Ceremony, Featured Video
Friday, October 15, 2010
With so many tributes to Cunard’s Queens, it seemed appropriate that a real queen would name Cunard Line‘s new Queen Elizabeth. Members of the Royal family also named the last two Cunard ships. ... [ more ]
Queen Elizabeth Ship Review: Art Deco Elements Evoke A Bygone Era
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tradition reigns at Cunard Line, and that is why the entirety of the Queen Elizabeth is a nod to the company’s former liners. Queen Elizabeth’s art deco design was inspired by the lineR ... [ more ]
Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth And An Unintentional Encounter With Her Majesty The Queen
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Right Place, Wrong Time? I am not sure whether I was in the right place at the wrong time or the wrong place at the right time, but either way, this past Monday I was separated from my journalistic co ... [ more ]
Video: Queen Elizabeth Names Queen Elizabeth Today In Southampton
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Continuing a grand royal tradition, Her Majesty The Queen officially named Cunard Line‘s newest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, today during a regal ceremony before more than 1,500 guests, celebri ... [ more ]
Video: Queen Elizabeth Stateroom 5009
Saturday, October 09, 2010
A 40-second video overview of stateroom 5009 on Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth. Considered River Cruising? Visit our sister site, River Cruiser Advisor, or click on the banners below for spec ... [ more ]
Too-da-loo, Off To See The Queen, Her Majesty To Name Queen Elizabeth Monday
Friday, October 08, 2010
I board a flight tonight for London, to transfer Saturday morning to Southampton, where Her Majesty The Queen will name Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth, the third Cunard ship to bear the name, ... [ more ]
Feature Avid Cruiser Video: Le Champagne On Silversea Cruises
Monday, October 04, 2010
Among the many fine dining options available to Silversea cruisers is the epicurean experience of rare wines and regionally inspired cuisine at Le Champagne. As the only wine restaurant at sea by worl ... [ more ]
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Kudos to Silversea Cruises for its dramatically redesigned website (www.silversea.com). The site is now easier to navigate, with tabs that link to more information on destinations, ships, services, pr ... [ more ]
Feature Video: Avid Cruiser Celebrity Solstice Review
Saturday, October 02, 2010
In 2008, I wrote that Celebrity Solstice breaks the mold in every conceivable way. From such innovative features as grass lawns to thoughtfully designed staterooms, Celebrity Solstice-class vessels ar ... [ more ]
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Video provided by Hamburg Cruise Center ... [ more ]
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Video featuring Cork, Island. ... [ more ]
Get Out Of Town! Day Excursion From Stockholm To Sigtuna, Sweden’s First Town
Thursday, September 23, 2010
One of my favorite excursions from Stockholm is to Sigtuna, Sweden’s first town. Founded in the 10th century, Sigtuna is a pint-size town, so charming as to cause one visitor to remark to Camill ... [ more ]
Remembering Cruise West: On An Alaska Cruisetour – Wildlife Sightings in Denali
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
I was fortunate to have cruised on Cruise West several times before the company’s demise (see Cruise West Closes Shop: ‘The End Of A Remarkable Company’). Cruise West’s up-close-and-person ... [ more ]
Apple iPad Invades Seabourn Sojourn
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
An increasingly common trend on cruises: passengers toting iPads. No doubt that Apple’s iPad is an effective and highly transportable device for staying connected both on land and at sea. This m ... [ more ]
A Luxury Cruise For Less Than $200 Per Day?
Monday, September 20, 2010
The photo above was snapped yesterday from the balcony of stateroom 720 on Seabourn Sojourn during a transit of Norway’s UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjord. Avid cruisers know that small ships ... [ more ]
Video: Cruising Norway’s UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjord
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Today, Seabourn Sojourn cruised Geirangerfjord, Norway’s best-known fjord. Lush green farmlands edge up the rounded mountainsides and chiseled, cragged, steep peaks of the Jotunheimen mountains, ... [ more ]
Cruise West Closes Shop: ‘The End Of A Remarkable Company’
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Letter from Richard West I am so very sorry to report the closure of Cruise West, the largest US flag cruise line. After 64 years our family business has succumbed to the global economy. We are heartb ... [ more ]
A Day In Photos: Norway’s Most Beautiful City? Alesund & Its Art-Noveau Architecture
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Click to view Avid Cruiser’s Alesund slideshow on Flickr. Click to view Alesund, Norway on Port Profiles. Considered River Cruising? Visit our sister site, River Cruiser Advisor, or click on the ... [ more ]
Video: A ‘Flam’Tastic Day In Flam, Norway: Straddle a Saddle For A Bucolic Bike Ride
Friday, September 17, 2010
One of the more popular shore excursions in Flam, Norway is to ride a bike. You can take the famous Flam Railway in one direction (preferably uphill) and cycle back (downhill into Flam). Or you can pi ... [ more ]
Seabourn Sojourn On 300 Calories Per Day – Or Less
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The headline could be perceived as a bit alarmist. Regular readers of this blog might worry that they will see photos of an emaciated me. Actually, the headline is not meant to imply the consumption o ... [ more ]
Seabourn’s Sensible Internet Package: Always Connected, No Need To Type http://1.1.1.1
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
At last, sensible internet on a cruise ship. You’ll need to dig deep into your pockets, but by doing so, you’ll be connected 24/7. Pay $239, and you will never have to log out during your ... [ more ]
Dinner & A Movie From The Comfort Of Seabourn Sojourn Stateroom 720
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
I’ll get to the fine dining in Seabourn Sojourn‘s restaurants in the coming days, but tonight, following embarkation in Copenhagen, I simply want to relax. And so I dialed room service and ... [ more ]
Featured Video: Changing Of The Guard At Stockholm’s Royal Palace
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Come enjoy the changing of the guard and all that Stockholm’s Royal Palace has to offer. Considered River Cruising? Visit our sister site, River Cruiser Advisor, or click on the banners below fo ... [ more ]
Feature Videos: Three New Cruise Destinations In Finland Roll Out The Welcome Mat
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Beyond The Baltic: Cruising Finland’s Gulf Of Bothnia New cruise destinations along the Gulf of Bothnia allow cruise passengers to explore beyond the marquee ports that typically characterize Ba ... [ more ]
New Ports Of Call: Aspiring Cruise Destinations In Sweden’s North Have Much To Offer
Monday, September 13, 2010
Beyond The Baltic: Cruising Sweden’s Gulf Of Bothnia New cruise destinations along the Gulf of Bothnia allow cruise passengers to explore beyond the marquee ports that typically characterize Bal ... [ more ]
Allure Of The Seas Nearing Completion: Sea Trials Are Next, Will Allure List A Mere Three Degrees?
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Last week at this time, I was in Turku, Finland, along with a group of other reporters. As was the case the year before, we had been flown over for tours of the world’s largest cruise ship. In f ... [ more ]
A Day In Pictures: Flåm, Norway & A Scenic Rail Journey
Thursday, September 09, 2010
This week, I am on a familiarization trip sponsored by Cruise Norway and partners. I am traveling with cruise line shore excursion planners, managers and coordinators from several cruise lines. The ph ... [ more ]
Today In Photos: Fresh, Exhilarating and Natural: That’s ‘Norway In A Nutshell’
Thursday, September 09, 2010
I am traveling with cruise line shore excursion planners, manager and coordinators on a Cruise Norway familiarization trip. This morning we traveled by bus from Ulvik to Flåm. Considered River Cruisin ... [ more ]
New Shore Excursion: Apples In Ulvik, Norway
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
I am currently on a familiarization trip with cruise line shore excursion planners, coordinators and managers. The trip is organized and sponsored by Cruise Norway and its partners. Last night, we tra ... [ more ]
Assessing Stavanger’s Top Shore Excursions — In A Single Day
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
On Monday, I visited Stavanger, Norway with a group of shore excursion managers/planners from various cruise lines. Check out what we experienced during a day that our guide described as showing us &# ... [ more ]
Eyeing Eidjord’s Shore Excursions
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
This week, I am traveling with shore excursion managers and planners on a familiarization trip sponsored by Cruise Norway and partners. Fly Like An Eagle Yesterday, we traveled by helicopter from Berg ... [ more ]
Exploring Stockholm: Step By Step to MILLESGÅRDEN
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Watch the video above to learn a little more about Millesgården, the former home and studio of sculptor Carl Milles. Then read below for directions on how to get there using public transportation. Fir ... [ more ]
Allure of the Seas Video Walkthrough From The STX Shipyard In Turku Finland
Friday, September 03, 2010
Feature Video From August 31- September 2. Allure of the Seas shipyard visit in Turku, Finland. Considered River Cruising? Visit our sister site, River Cruiser Advisor, or click on the banners below f ... [ more ]
Moscow By Cruise Ship: NEW, Feature Video
Monday, August 30, 2010
If you have any grasp of geography, you know that Moscow isn’t a destination that ocean-going cruise ships can reach (river cruisers can, however). And yet on a Baltic cruise, 12 of us sailing o ... [ more ]
Friday, August 27, 2010
There are accusations in the cruise community that Celebrity Cruises is downgrading the quality of cuisine in its main dining room in order to drive guests to speciality restaurants, where on ships li ... [ more ]
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
How do Celebrity’s Solstice-class vessels compare to luxury cruise lines where the price point is at least twice as much? Read the Avid Cruiser’s report this week during a Caribbean voyage ... [ more ]
For a Real Adventure Mix, Just Add Ice
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Guest column by Roderick Eime, editor of Adventure Cruise Guide, experiences sea-kayaking in Spitsbergen, Norway. Position: 79 deg 19’N, 10 deg 36’E At this latitude, Spitsbergen is a place that shoul ... [ more ]
Icebergs In Ilulissat, Greenland: A Day In Disko Bay
Saturday, August 21, 2010
We had big plans on the morning that Discovery delivered us to Ilulissat. The Arctic town is the staging ground for one of the world’s most beautiful natural attractions, the iceberg-choked Disk ... [ more ]
Running Through Reykjavik, Assessing Iceland’s Cruise Tours
Saturday, August 14, 2010
On the evening that I arrived in Reykjavik, the weather had turned. What had been a beautiful summer for days running had suddenly been interrupted by clouds and rain. Nonetheless, the weather would n ... [ more ]
Faroe Islands, Far Away, Yet Once Visited, Unforgettable
Friday, August 13, 2010
Decades ago, I was leafing through the pages of National Geographic magazine when I came upon a photograph of a grass-roofed house in the Faroe Islands. The image of that fairy-tale-like home engaged ... [ more ]
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Saluhall is one of the Stockholm's oldest markets and one of the world's top ten markets, according to a 2007 ranking by Bon Appetit magazine. The market is situated in trendy Ostermalm, easily acc ... [ more ]
Stockholm Hotel Review: Scandic Anglais
Friday, August 06, 2010
Best ‘Green’ Hotel, environmentally friendly. The Facts —Both stylish and efficiently managed, the Scandic Anglais is a modern, centrally located hotel that stakes a claim as being environmentally fri ... [ more ]
Hot Until It Hits Your Mouth At Hot Rock Grill On Silver Whisper
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Last night, I dined at the Hot Rock Grill on Silver Whisper. This new dining option, first introduced on Silver Spirit, makes for an enjoyable evening, especially if you’re someone who appreciat ... [ more ]
Moscow, The Kremlin & Red Square On A Daylong Shore Excursion From St. Petersburg
Sunday, August 01, 2010
If you have any grasp of geography, you know that Moscow isn’t a destination that ocean-going cruise ships can reach (river cruisers can, however). And yet yesterday, on a Baltic cruise, ten of ... [ more ]
Two Works Of Art, Side By Side, In Stockholm
Thursday, July 29, 2010
It was not raining yesterday in Stockholm, and that was good thing when it came to exploring the city for cruise passengers (me one of them) departing at 6 p.m. on Silver Whisper. Arriving before noo ... [ more ]
City of Roses & Ruins, Visby Makes The New York Times
Monday, July 26, 2010
Today, the New York Times travel section featured Gotland, a destination on Baltic Cruises, where the primary attraction is the city of Visby. The article begins: A CURIOUS thing has happened in the B ... [ more ]
Commercial Video: Top Ten Reasons To River Cruise In Europe
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Full disclosure: AMAWATERWAYS advertises on Avid Cruiser’s sister site, River Cruise Advisor. This video was made for promotional purposes for AMAWATERWAYS. In the video, Top Ten Reasons To Rive ... [ more ]
On Silver Whisper: Join Me On A Cruise Through Stockholm’s Archipelago
Saturday, July 24, 2010
On Wednesday, I step aboard Silver Whisper to set sail through the archipelago that ships transit on their way to and from Stockholm. My journey begins in Stockholm’s city center, near Gamla Stan (the ... [ more ]
More For Your Money? Crystal Cruises Onboard Credit: How Does It Compare To The All-Inclusive?
Thursday, July 22, 2010
When Crystal Cruises introduced its “As You Wish, All-Inclusive” program last year, giving a $2,000-per-couple onboard credit that passengers can spend on whatever they want, the line challenged the v ... [ more ]
Cruise Your Way To Happiness: The World’s Happiest Countries
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
An article on Yahoo Travel reports that the five happiest countries in the world — Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands — are all clustered in the same region, and all enjoy high level ... [ more ]
Avid Cruiser Feature Videos: Oulu, Finland
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Outstanding Oulu Oulu, Finland — One of the most enjoyable cities I have visited so far this summer is also one that you may never have heard of. I know I had never heard of Oulu before planning my tr ... [ more ]
On Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, Deck By Deck
Friday, July 16, 2010
With deck plans from Holland America Line’s Eurodam, you could easily find your way around Nieuw Amsterdam, launched last week in Venice. Deck 11 features Silk Den, a bar and lounge; Tamarind, s ... [ more ]
Not So Much New About Nieuw Amsterdam, And That’s Just How Holland America Line Wanted It
Friday, July 16, 2010
Stepping aboard Nieuw Amsterdam last week in Venice felt much like stepping aboard Eurodam two years ago in Rotterdam. Even the events were familiar. In both cases, the inaugural ceremonies fell over ... [ more ]
Celebrity Constellation, Solsticized
Thursday, July 15, 2010
By Geoff Edwards If you’ve followed my blog on the cruise to Norway, you are probably saying, but what about the “Solsticized” report? Well, now’s the time. It only took 15 days in drydock, but a ton ... [ more ]
Parked In Gamla Stan, Queen Victoria Graces Stockholm, Sweden
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Today, Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria was anchored in Stockholm, Sweden, in the middle of the harbor that fronts Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. The ship was a spectacle for all to see. A ... [ more ]
In Stockholm: Getting To Your Cruise In Frihamnen
Thursday, July 08, 2010
From Stockholm’s city center, board bus #1 to Frihamnen, where Regent, Crystal, Silversea, Oceania and more cruise brands embark passengers. Bus fare from the Stockholm city center to Frihamnen: ... [ more ]
Live From Venice: Nieuw Amsterdam Naming Ceremony
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Video of Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands naming Holland America Line’s newest ship, Nieuw Amsterdam ... [ more ]
NCL’s New Epic: Big And Boxy On The Outside; Busy And Noisy Inside, Will You Love It Or Leave It?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
On June 22, I boarded Norwegian Epic for inaugural ceremonies in Europe. First impressions? Read The Avid Cruiser’s full report below. It’s big and boxy on the outside, busy and noisy on t ... [ more ]
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
It was a warm clear day in Geiranger. Geiranger is a small tourist town in the western part of Norway and has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. While only 300 people live here year ro ... [ more ]
Constellation; Alesund, Norway
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Alesund is on the NW coast of Norway and doesn’t sound the way it looks. Try ew-le-sund. It was good old Rollo the Viking boss that built a castle here. Around the castle came a fishing village, then ... [ more ]
Our Writer Finds The Elusive ‘Joie De Vivre’ In An Unlikely Place: Under Sail
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Avid Cruiser Correspondent Andreas Lundgren writes of gradually developing into an (almost) full-fledged sailor, and finding not only stars but also joie de vivre on a Star Clippers cruise in the Medi ... [ more ]
When In Belfast, See City Hall
Monday, June 21, 2010
Crystal Symphony recently called on Belfast. One of the key attractions in the capital of Northern Ireland is the Belfast City Hall, situated in the city center. Free guided tours are offered daily, e ... [ more ]
Norwegian Epic: Preview Of NCL’s Newest Ship
Monday, June 21, 2010
Avid Cruiser Correspondent Andreas Lundgren filed this report from Rotterdam. Ralph Grizzle joins Epic in Southampton on Tuesday evening. With more than 20 different dining options and a host of choic ... [ more ]
They Make Their Own Weapons And Live In A Hut, Ready To Welcome Cruise Passengers In Finland’s North
Sunday, June 20, 2010
The Kierikki Stone Age Center isn’t on the cruise map yet, but it wants to be, along with the city of Oulu, in the north of Finland. Oulu is one of seven ports that belong to the Gulf of Bothnia ... [ more ]
Avid Cruiser Feature Video: Hot Lava Rocks, Sizzlin’ Hot At Silversea’s Outdoor Grill
Friday, June 18, 2010
Cook it yourself at Silver Spirit’s “The Grill.” ... [ more ]
She’s On Top Of The World, Literally, Sailing On Seabourn Sojourn
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Pam Conover is sailing on Seabourn Sojourn’s maiden voyage, which called on Norway’s Geirangerfjord today. As president & CEO of Seabourn Cruise Line, Pam sent us the following photo a ... [ more ]
From Crystal Symphony: Eyeing St. Peter Port
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Crystal Symphony was anchored off St. Peter Port in Guernsey today. The seas were “at the limit” for tender operations, Crystal Symphony’s captain announced before departing at 2 p.m ... [ more ]
Departing Dover On Crystal Symphony For A Ballads Of Britain Cruise
Monday, June 14, 2010
Questions about Dover, the Ballads of Britain itinerary or ports along the way, or Crystal Symphony? Leave a comment, and I will try my best to answer. ... [ more ]
Live Walk-Through Of Silver Whisper During Refurbishment In Genoa Shipyard
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Check out the video for a walk-through of Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper during the final days of a 14-day dry-dock project in Genoa. For a Flickr photo slideshow, click Silver Whisper’ ... [ more ]
Still Stuck on Seabourn Sojourn, By Choice: Pam Conover Sends A Postcard From Reykjavik, Iceland
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Pam Conover is sailing on Seabourn Sojourn’s maiden voyage, which called on Reykavjik, Iceland today. As president & CEO of Seabourn Cruise Line, Pam sent us the following update about her d ... [ more ]
Sunset In The North Of Finland: Near Midnight In Oulu
Friday, June 11, 2010
Near Midnight In Oulu, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle. At midnight, the sun is still above the horizon in Oulu, Finland, an aspiring cruise destination. Taken from my room at Hotel Lasaretti. ... [ more ]
On Assignment In Rauma, Finland: A Table With A View . . . And What A View
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Last night, in Rauma, Finland, I experienced one of the more unusual dinners of my life. It wasn’t so much the food — as it was the location. To get to the restaurant, we had to travel 30 minute ... [ more ]
An Avid Exerciser & A Foodie Ask About Seabourn Sojourn . . .
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Working Out We have signed up for Sojourn leaving 9/27 from Dover. We are avid exercisers and are interested if lap swimming is available & if rowing machine is on board. Looking forward to your ... [ more ]
Get Moving: Seabourn’s New ‘In Motion’ Shore Excursions
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Yesterday, in our story Gone For A Hike: Pam Conover, Sailing On Sojourn, ‘In Motion’ In Torshavn, Seabourn Cruise Line President & CEO mentioned that she participated in a new “In Motion ... [ more ]
Gone For A Hike: Pam Conover, Sailing On Sojourn, ‘In Motion’ In Torshavn
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Pam Conover is sailing on Seabourn Sojourn’s maiden voyage, which called on Torshavn today. As president & CEO of Seabourn Cruise Line, Pam sent us the following update about her day in Tors ... [ more ]
Following Sojourn: He Has A Great Accent And Knows What To Do: Iain’s Invergordon
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
With a hint of pride, our friend Iain Dunderdale reminded us that Seabourn Sojourn’s first port of call on its maiden voyage would be Invergordon. Indeed, Sojourn called on Invergordon yesterday ... [ more ]
Pam Conover: Sailing On Sojourn, Postcard From The President
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Pam Conover is sailing on Seabourn Sojourn’s maiden voyage, which called on Invergordon today. As president & CEO of Seabourn Cruise Line, Pam sent us the following update about her day in I ... [ more ]
Like Scarlett O’Hara At Tara, Twiggy Elegantly Descends Stairs To Name Seabourn Sojourn
Sunday, June 06, 2010
[Note that the video is also available in HD format.] Twiggy took her time descending the upper deck stairs to reach the podium on Seabourn Sojourn this past Friday in London, where the iconic 1960 ... [ more ]
Palaces & Parks: Doable Day Excursions From St. Petersburg
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
When your ship arrives in St. Petersburg, you’ll typically have 48 hours to explore this great city. How to make the most of your time? Spend one day exploring inside the city (see the Avid Crui ... [ more ]
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Entertaining, insightful and ever-inquisitive, Peter Cox writes about his experiences during 40 years of travel around the world, personally and professionally and at the end of a fruitful career with ... [ more ]
Iceland Travel Wants Your Support!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
A friend from Iceland forwarded me a cute video asking for support for an industry nomination. The video (and note below) illustrates how hard destinations and tour operators work to cooperate with th ... [ more ]
Thursday, May 27, 2010
As a cruise ship passenger, you’re allowed no more than 72 hours in St. Petersburg on a transit visa. The norm, however, is two days, meaning that if you plan to sleep, you’ll have less than 48 hours ... [ more ]
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
by Geoff Edwards Did you know that years ago, “have a nice day” and the smiley were generated out of a California advertising agency? Almost as ubiquitous is “Mexican Riviera”. I have no idea where th ... [ more ]
Helsingborg, ‘The Real Sweden,’ Say Grand Princess Passengers
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Helsingwhat? That was the response from some cruise passengers who stepped ashore in the Swedish town of Helsingborg this morning. “It’s been a long time since school geography,” sai ... [ more ]
Snap Happy In Picturesque Portofino: Silver Wind Drops Anchor In Pretty Port
Sunday, May 23, 2010
To view the photos below as a Flickr slideshow, click Silver Wind Visits Portofino For a Flickr slideshow, click Silver Wind Visits Portofino ... [ more ]
Oops, I Did It Again: Back To Bvlgari, Succumbing On Silver Wind
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Last week, I swore off Bvlgari. This week, I’m back on it, and not just any ole Bvlgari either. My suite on Silver Wind was stocked with Bvlgari au thé blanc, an upgrade from the au thé vert. So ... [ more ]
Shaken, Not Stirred, Cocktails & More On Silver Wind
Saturday, May 22, 2010
During our eight-day Mediterranean cruise, the most popular bar in town often is found back on Silver Wind. At least the price is right, as cocktails, champagnes, wines and beer are all served free of ... [ more ]
On Silver Wind: Welcome To The Neighborhood, Small Ships Pulls Up Close In Port
Friday, May 21, 2010
One of the great things about cruising on a small ship is the ability to get into ports where the big ships can’t get in. Our Silver Wind itinerary includes many small ports, such as Sete, Franc ... [ more ]
Room Service: Everyday Should Begin With A Breakfast Like This One
Friday, May 21, 2010
Room service at hotels or on ships is not always an elegant affair, but on Silversea and other luxury ships, dining in is a good option for those who do not want to dash out. Room service also works w ... [ more ]
Silver Wind Shows Us Sensational St. Tropez
Friday, May 21, 2010
Last week, when Star Flyer dropped anchor here, St. Tropez was too crowded to be adored. What a difference a week makes. This week, Star Flyer was anchored off Silver Wind’s starboard side, and ... [ more ]
From Marseille, A Trip To Avignon And The Pope’s Palace
Thursday, May 20, 2010
For a Flickr slideshow, click Avignon, Pope’s Palace. For a Flickr slideshow, click Avignon, Pope’s Palace. ... [ more ]
On Silver Wind: Ready, Sete, Go – Market Visit & Cooking Class
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Rave reviews today from guests (including me) who participated in the Silver Shore Collection experience, Market Visit & Cooking Class in Sete. The six-hour excursion started with a visit to the l ... [ more ]
On Silver Wind: Sailing Into The Sunny Sete (ha!)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
This morning, Silver Wind arrived in Sete, France. I’ve heard good things about the small town, and I hope to have time to explore after I experienced today’s Silver Shore Collection, a s ... [ more ]
On Our Way, Silver Spirit Sets Sail From Barcelona
Monday, May 17, 2010
Silversea Cruises’ Silver Wind docked in Barcelona today to board passengers for a nine-day cruise that will end in Nice, France. Silver Wind will visit some exceptional ports of call in the day ... [ more ]
Time-Lapse Video of Celebrity Eclipse Calling On Port of Cork
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Thanks to Michael McCarthy, commercial manager for the Port of Cork, for alerting us to this time-lapse video of Celebrity Eclipse marking the 500th cruise ship to dock at the port. ... [ more ]
Mixing It Up With Rex Reyes, Silver Spirit’s Bartender
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Silver Spirit Bartender Rex Reyes demonstrates how to mix two special cocktails, the Sexy Alligator and the signature Silver Spirit. ... [ more ]
Calling On Helsingborg, Sweden? Put This On Your List
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Cruising the Baltic this year? Perhaps you’re visiting Helsingborg, Sweden. If so, you’ll want to read The Avid Cruiser’s One Perfect Day In Port: Helsingborg, Sweden for advice on w ... [ more ]
On Star Flyer: What, No Bvlgari?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
My First Day On Star Flyer (or) First Impressions Of A Ship Snob During the past year, I’ve cruised my share of ultra-luxury ships, including those operated by Silversea, Regent and Seabourn. I& ... [ more ]
Blowin In The Wind: Star Flyer Under Sail
Monday, May 10, 2010
See and download the full gallery on posterous Sails filled with wind, Star Flyer was a beautiful sight as it approached Costa Emeralda, on the island of Sardinia, this morning. Passengers were given ... [ more ]
When In Berlin, The Topography Of Terror
Friday, May 07, 2010
A new documentation center opens at Berlin’s Topography of Terror on May 7, 2010, 65 years after the end of World War II. The exhibition and documentation center, as well as a comprehensive outd ... [ more ]
Where Cruising Is Headed: Meeting In A(G)MSTERDAM
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Last week as Amsterdam prepared for the lively celebrations on Queen’s Day, members of Cruise Europe gathered at their Annual General Meeting (AGM) to discuss the future of cruising in Northern and We ... [ more ]
Total Relaxation: The Spa At Silversea
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
As if you weren’t already pampered enough on Silver Spirit, welcome to The Spa at Silversea. The largest spa in Silversea’s fleet, the spa on Silver Spirit is an extremely attractive addit ... [ more ]
Nothing Doing In Valencia, Spain
Monday, May 03, 2010
Street scenes of Valencia, Spain during the week of June 22, 2009. To view a Flickr slideshow, click on Stylish Valencia, Spain. ... [ more ]
Friday, April 30, 2010
It’s that special holiday and Macy’s is right there. Crowds of people, huge balloons, but WAIT… Was that an explosion; a balloon bust? Oops, wrong holiday. It’s still Macy’s, but now partnered w ... [ more ]
When In Amsterdam: Do A Canal Cruise
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
An Amsterdam canal cruise is a great way to get an overview of the city. When possible and if budget allows, try to book one of the smaller, more intimate salon boats, such as Mona Lisa. Also make sur ... [ more ]
In Amsterdam: Getting To Know Vincent: In 60 Minutes Or Less
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
One of Amsterdam’s most popular museums is the Van Gogh Museum. How much time do you need to adequately see the museum? “An hour is enough,” says our guide Arttra. “Then you ha ... [ more ]
Mekong Memory: Tours & River Traffic, Sights You Won’t Believe
Saturday, April 17, 2010
On the Mekong: Sa Dec, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle. One of our readers asked about tours and whether they were crowded. They were not. La Marguerite carries 92 passengers. For tours, we spl ... [ more ]
Bound For Brittany? Make Sure You See Saint-Malo
Friday, April 16, 2010
Reaching The Port Of Perfection: Saint-Malo, France This past fall, I had the good fortune to visit Saint-Malo, France. Knowing little about the destination before I arrived on Oceania Cruises’ Regatt ... [ more ]
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Cruise passengers embarking or disembarking in Los Angeles (or the terminals at San Pedro) can do all of the above and more in one day, minus losing your keys, of course. The Avid Cruiser’s reco ... [ more ]
Suite Smart, TVs Situated Behind Mirrors on Silver Spirit
Monday, April 12, 2010
Silver Spirit features dual televisions situated behind mirrors. A clever concept, the out-of-the-way televisions, with one in the sitting area and the other in the bedroom, are operated by a single r ... [ more ]
Thursday, April 08, 2010
SilverSea’s Silver Spirit is a wonderful ship. Top luxury, yes, but again, it’s the little things that stand out. There is no notice in the bathroom about using your towels again to save the ocean, a ... [ more ]
On The Mekong: Mid-Trip Report, The Message, Go Now
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 5:30 p.m. Cruising Into Tan Chau, Vietnam — The early-evening sun appears as a bright orange orb descending into the Mekong. La Marguerite slows its pace, sailing into Tan Chau, th ... [ more ]
Monday, April 05, 2010
Call me biased because I live there, but Helsingborg, Sweden, is certainly among Europe’s most beautiful cities. For tourists, Helsingborg already boasts quite a lot of worthwhile sites and attr ... [ more ]
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
We have experienced Ensenada many times, and have no interest today. However, I did learn one thing; this area is “the heart of the wine region. In truth, I have never seen a bottle of Mexican wine. T ... [ more ]
Rostock/Warnemunde: Get Out Of Town? Bound For Berlin On A Baltic Cruise
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
It’s not often that you visit destinations where the locals and tourist authorities advise you to “get out of town.” But in Rostock, Germany, and the nearby seaside resort, Warnemund ... [ more ]
Silver Spirit In Manzanillo, Mexico
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Welcome to Manzanillo Manzanillo is reputed to be the safest city in Mexico (our guards looked very alert); its port, the largest. But its air is not the cleanest. Two stacks from some kind of fa ... [ more ]
Friday, March 26, 2010
Before I forget it, we easily went through immigration in Mexico City, but not through customs until Acapulco. Bags went through the usual scanner, and then the Official at the podium took our papers ... [ more ]
Getting Around In Copenhagen: From Airport To City Center & Ship
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Your flight just landed at Copenhagen’s International Airport, and you’re off to your ship. Thing is, you don’t won’t pay DK300 (about US$55) for a taxi when you can pay less. ... [ more ]
Alaska Cruises: Shoulder Season Can Be Sweet
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The first cruise ships sail to Alaska in May and the last ones depart in September. And though the weather can be unpredictable during the months that mark the bookends of the Alaska cruise season, sh ... [ more ]
Crystal Expands Dinner Options To Offer Open-Seating Dining (In 2011)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Announced at Miami’s Cruise Shipping Conference: Crystal Cruises will introduce an option for open-seating dining in the main dining room. Crystal is the only luxury cruise line not offering ope ... [ more ]
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
There are tours and there are tours. You can visit a factory where they make wooden things that will be on your mantle for about a week, or you can get on board the world’s largest parabola plane, and ... [ more ]
Suite Dreams: Sizing Up Oceania Marina’s Suites
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Upper-Premium Line To Debut Private Country Estate Aura On Marina By Avid Cruiser Contributing Editor Susan J. Young, who operates the web site Southern Cruising (full credits and more about Susan at ... [ more ]
Why I Wish I Were Frank Del Rio And Other Thoughts From A Q&A With The Chief Of Oceania
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Why I Wish I Were Frank Del Rio I’m successful, well-educated (go Tar Heels!), well-traveled, have fulfilled most of my dreams, parent two lovely children and enjoy a good lifestyle. But despite ... [ more ]
When In Amsterdam, Do As The Dutch Do, Straddle A Saddle
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Cruising to or from Amsterdam? Why not do what the Dutch do and straddle a saddle? Hop on a bike and pedal your way through Amsterdam and the beautiful countryside. Everyone, from crib to coffin, peda ... [ more ]
‘Awesome’ Alaska: The Great Land Through The Eyes Of A Kid
Saturday, March 06, 2010
A Kid’s View Of The Great Land: Seeing Alaska through the eyes of my 10-year-old son. [Story was originally published in 2007.] ‘Dude! Alaska is soooooooo awesome!’ These were the wo ... [ more ]
Magical Moments On Alaska Cruises
Friday, March 05, 2010
Alaska cruises are extremely popular, thanks to a landscape that presents breathtaking beauty and natural wonders on a grand scale. The Last Frontier’s majestic landscape is perhaps best viewed ... [ more ]
Alaska Cruisetour: Deep in Denali at Kantishna Road House
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
On a Cruise West “D Tour” we go deep into Denali, 90 miles from the National Park’s Entrance and up close and personal to Denali itself. Want to get away while getting close? Take a ... [ more ]
Alaska Cruisetour: Wildlife Sightings in Denali
Monday, March 01, 2010
From moose to porcupine to caribou to eagles, Cruise West guests saw lots of wildlife in Denali. More Articles, Photos And Videos Featuring Alaska on Avid Cruiser: ... [ more ]
Cruise Line Dining: Ten Tips For More Rewarding Dining
Sunday, February 28, 2010
On many cruise ships there are alternative dining venues, most of which have a surcharge, but are often well worth the extra cash. Celebrity has just come out with Qzine for its new ship, Eclipse. We ... [ more ]
Alaska Cruisetour: John Martin, One Of The Last Tlingit Speakers
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Narrating on Cruise West’s Spirit of Endeavour in Glacier Bay National Park, native Tlingit speaker John Martin recites a passage in his ancestoral language. Martin, who spends the day and eveni ... [ more ]
Vintage Video: Exploration Leader Tom Choate On Seeing Denali
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Only 25 percent of the people who come to Alaska to see Denali get to see it. But you can improve your chances. If the weather down below is lousy, take to the sky on a fly-by Denali flight. Videos Fe ... [ more ]
Vintage Video: Tom Choate, Exploration Leader and Climber
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
He’s been on top of Denali five times and plans to summit North America’s tallest mountain again – ambitious, he admits, seeing that he is 72 years old. Tom Choate talks about the mo ... [ more ]
Alaska Shore Excursion: Fly By Denali
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The weather could not have been better during our September fly-by of Denali. We flew with Greg Lahaie, owner of Kantishna Air Taxi. Greg tells us: “Kantishna Air Taxi is the only air service in ... [ more ]
When Is The Best Time To Book Your Cruise?
Sunday, February 21, 2010
When is the best time to book your cruise? The answer depends on where you’re going. The only part of your cruise where you can’t relax is in booking it. Planning on cruising Europe’s rivers in ... [ more ]
Video: Top Reasons To River Cruise In Europe
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Avid Cruiser’s Ralph Grizzle talks with the vice president of AMAWATERWAYS about why river cruising is such a great way to see Europe. ... [ more ]
Sampling Silver Spirit's Dining Venues
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Silversea Cruises' new Silver Spirit features six restaurants, including Seishin, an Asian fusion restaurant, where the signature item will be Kobe beef, served with sushi, sashimi, exotic sakes (the ... [ more ]
Don’t Miss: Best Of Avid Cruiser
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Following are four of the most popular stories on Avid Cruiser, including new reviews of Costa Deliziosa, a sampling of Silver Spirit’s dining venues, six vital tips for cruisers, and commentary ... [ more ]
Monday, February 15, 2010
Years ago starting a cruise was like a festival. You’d invite friends, family, some you would miss, some you were glad to leave, but every one to have a mini-party. They would come on the boat with y ... [ more ]
Six Tips To Extract More Joy From Your Cruise
Thursday, February 11, 2010
It’s one thing to get a great deal, but it’s another to budget so tightly that you extract any possibility for pleasure on your cruise. Yes, inside cabins are cheaper than balcony cabins, ... [ more ]
Sampling Silver Spirit’s Dining Venues
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Silversea Cruises’ new Silver Spirit features six restaurants, including Seishin, an Asian fusion restaurant, where the signature item will be Kobe beef, served with sushi, sashimi, exotic sakes ... [ more ]
Monday, January 25, 2010
We all like to think that if we, as Swedes, Americans, Italians or Germans, book a cruise, the travel agent or the cruise line we book with will let us know everything we need in order to get on the s ... [ more ]
Thursday, January 21, 2010
We are at sea off the coast of Mexico, and expecting lots of rain when we get to San Pedro. Depending on where we tie up, getting our baggage to the Limo will be a soggy schlep. This 16-day voyage abo ... [ more ]
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I have watched Cabo grow, and grow, and grow from dirt streets to a hotel, condo, and mansion paradise. A once bare hill is now filling up, but, even with growth, the entry to Cabo is unchangeable. ... [ more ]
Look Closely: That’s Not An Oasis Tender
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
During the Christmas holidays, SeaDream Yacht Club President Bob Lepisto sailed with his family in the Caribbean and captured this photo, which shows one of the world’s smallest passenger vessel ... [ more ]
Coming Thursday: Witness The Style and Substance Of Silver Spirit
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
When Silversea Cruises’ new Silver Spirit reaches Fort Lauderdale this week, the 540-passenger vessel will show travel agents and media, and ultimately guests, a few things that no other ship of ... [ more ]
Monday, January 18, 2010
Clouds, a bit of misty drizzle, but otherwise warm weather greeted us as we docked. There was, as in any port area, floating debris, but not for long. A crew assigned to pick up the trash was on duty ... [ more ]
Seabourn Odyssey at Sea for Acapulco
Saturday, January 16, 2010
It’s back !! Sonette thought it belonged to Room Service. Room Service had no idea what it was and why it was in their kitchen. She found all by itself on an out of the way kitchen shelf. The su ... [ more ]
Seabourn Odyssey to Puerto Quetzal
Friday, January 15, 2010
Seabourn Odyssey to Puerto Quetzal ... [ more ]
Seabourn Odyssey Puerto Quetzal
Friday, January 15, 2010
We are now in one of the busiest and most modern ports in Central America. It is certainly not the prettiest. Vendors are set up on the freight dock. The hawkers know which ship is which and, which i ... [ more ]
Seabourn Odyssey to Puerto Caldero
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Seabourn Odyssey to Puerto Caldero ... [ more ]
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Seabourn Odyssey Caldera ... [ more ]
Celebrity Cruises: ‘Designed For You’
Monday, January 11, 2010
Dressed in a layered dress comprised of linens from Celebrity’s AquaClass staterooms, a silver mannequin greeted guests entering a Celebrity Cruises “reveal” event in New York on Jan. 7. The mannequin ... [ more ]
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Canal opened in 1914 and close to a million ships have made the trip from ocean to ocean. Ten years ago last month we turned the canal over to Panama.Soon it will be bigger. There will be two new ... [ more ]
Seabourn Odyssey, Panama Canal: On The Best Ship Ever?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Canal opened in 1914, and since then close to a million ships have made the trip from ocean to ocean. Ten years ago last month we turned the canal over to Panama. Soon it will be bigger. There wil ... [ more ]
Seabourn Odyssey to Panama Canal
Saturday, January 09, 2010
A penne for your thoughts. Some thought I was being a bit persnickety (I didn’t know I even knew that word) in yesterday’s blog when I complained about the penne pasta. OK, you are right. I have no id ... [ more ]
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Alert, alert, alert. In my last entry I listed he hourly internet fee as $69.99. Where that extra six came from, I have no idea. Thankfully both Ralph Grizzle and honeymoonridge (sic) gently spanked m ... [ more ]
Seabourn Odyssey, A Day At Sea
Friday, January 08, 2010
Last night was formal, but even though my robe is luxurious, I didn’t’ have a bow tie to go with it. Caviar was on the main menu, and also on my plate in our room. On Odyssey, the same dinner on The R ... [ more ]
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
It’s been just a week since my return from Fiji. I am sure by now there are Fijian mosquitoes dying for lack of my blood. So empty the suitcases and fill them up again. Michael (my wife) and I are hea ... [ more ]
‘Just Book It:’ Silversea’s 2011 Itineraries
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
‘Just Book It:’ Silversea’s 2011 Itineraries ... [ more ]
Seabourn Odyssey: Taking The Plunge
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Seabourn Odyssey: Taking The Plunge ... [ more ]
On Pandaw Cruises: Up the River—With a Paddle Steamer
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
[On Pandaw Cruises: Up the River—With a Paddle Steamer was written by Colin Hinshelwood, CPA Media. Photos were provided courtesy of Brent T. Madison.] With a couple of blasts on her whistle, the Orie ... [ more ]
First Look: On Board Silversea Cruises’ New Silver Spirit
Saturday, January 02, 2010
On Silver Spirit’s three-day preview cruise from Monte Carlo to Barcelona, Trudy Redfern, Silversea’s Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, UK, gives her initial impressions of Si ... [ more ]
World Cruise Archive: Hong Kong New Year
Saturday, January 02, 2010
This is the coldest Chinese New Year’s in 46 years, according to the Hong Kong Meteorologist. The weather forecast is for more of the same tomorrow. That, coupled with the fact that most stores are cl ... [ more ]
Silver Spirit: What’s The Vibe?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
One of Avid Cruiser’s regular readers asked if I could characterize “the vibe” on Silversea Cruises’ newest vessel. My initial characterization is that the vibe is energetic, a ... [ more ]
Silver Spirit: Monday In Monte Carlo
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Shown here in Monte Carlo, Silver Spirit welcomed travel agents and journalists who were on board either overnight (the ship sailed Monday) or for two nights as Silver Spirit makes its way to Barcelon ... [ more ]
Reaching The Port Of Perfection: Saint-Malo
Friday, December 18, 2009
This past fall, I had the good fortune to visit Saint-Malo, France. Knowing little about the destination before I arrived on Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, I found myself astounded by the region̵ ... [ more ]
Crystal Caters to Kids with Free Fares in Europe!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Crystal Cruises isn’t shy about doling out incentives, and families looking for a high-end cruise experience in Europe this summer will be pleased with a recently announced promotion. Crystal invites ... [ more ]
Charting The Globe On A World Cruise
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
January marks the month that cruise ships begin their longest sea journeys. While it’s too late to embark on such an epic adventure in 2010, it’s not too late to begin charting your course for a 2011 ... [ more ]
You Can Dream, Can’t You? Silver Spirit’s 2011 World Cruises
Monday, December 14, 2009
If you’d like for me to do some reconnaissance and choose your suite for the world cruise you’ll be doing on Silver Spirit in 2011, just post a comment below. Remember, I’ll be on bo ... [ more ]
Carnival Cruise Lines: Delivering Its Brand Promise
Saturday, December 12, 2009
[With all the news' emphasis on Oasis of the Seas during the past few weeks, I thought I would take the opportunity to write about the other new ship that was introduced in November, Carnival Dream, a ... [ more ]
New! The Avid Cruiser Travel Show
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Hosted by Avid Cruiser Ralph Grizzle and Monica Bengtsson, this 25-minute travel show pilot features cruising the Baltic Sea on Regent Seven Seas Voyager, from Stockholm to Copenhagen. Formats availab ... [ more ]
The Avid Cruiser: Baltic Cruises
Friday, December 11, 2009
This 25-minute travel show highlights cruising the Baltic on Regent Seven Seas Voyager, from Stockholm to Copenhagen. ... [ more ]
Azamara Cruises, Welcome To The Club
Friday, December 11, 2009
It seems that everyone wants to belong to a club. Even cruise lines have such aspirations, but the phenomenon is apparently exclusive to two-ship cruise lines. There’s SeaDream Yacht Club, and n ... [ more ]
Thursday, December 10, 2009
I’ll be boarding the new Silver Spirit December 20, so if you have questions about the new ship, please post comments below, and I will respond. One area of interest is Silver Spirit’s spa ... [ more ]
Two Perfect Days: Finding Sanctuary In The Romantic South
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
I fell in love in Kiawah — twice. The first object of my affection was the island itself. To experience the euphoria I felt, you need only imagine yourself behind the wheel. You have just turned off t ... [ more ]
Two Perfect Days: Kiawah, Finding Sanctuary In The Romantic South
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
I fell in love in Kiawah — twice. The first object of my affection was the island itself. To experience the euphoria I felt, you need only imagine yourself behind the wheel. You have just turned off t ... [ more ]
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Calling all epicureans: Signature Travel Network and Bon Appétit magazine will offer a new culinary program on Regent Seven Seas Mariner, departing on July 18, 2010. Mariner sets sail on a weeklong vo ... [ more ]
Friday, December 04, 2009
Carnival scores with Dream. First off the Internet on Dream is very fast, and theprice is right. The top package comes to 33 cents a minute. The service both from room stewards, waiters, and 24 hour ... [ more ]
Friday, December 04, 2009
Two Perfect Days: Hong Kong ... [ more ]
Oasis of the Seas: Big Thrills for Kids!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
The 225,282-ton, 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas made waves as she entered US waters this week as the newest and certainly the biggest cruise ship in the world. Families are a large market for Royal ... [ more ]
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
The line just announced that kids ages 18 and under will now pay 50 percent of the adult rate and kids ages two or younger will travel for free on all voyages. “Our goal in introducing the new kids ra ... [ more ]
Monday, November 30, 2009
There’s a lot happening on Dream today.
The show band musician’s held an hour jam session in the Ocean Plaza that was a nice surprise. There [...] ... [ more ]
Monday, November 30, 2009
I finally figured out why I am so intent on going down this slide. Yes, it’s the largest at sea, but that is not reason [...] ... [ more ]
Oasis of the Seas: She’s Not Your Typical Cruise Ship
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship.
This article was written by Avid Cruiser Contributing Editor Susan J. Young
After sailing on Royal Cari ... [ more ]
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Last night rack of lamb was on the menu and looked so tempting I overlooked it was braised in garlic. I am allergic to garlic. [...] ... [ more ]
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
We are two days out of NY headed for Port Canaveral tomorrow on Thanksgiving, then to Nassau, from there to Freeport, and back to NY. [...] ... [ more ]
Shore Excursion From Lulea, Sweden To The Untamed Rapids of Storforsen
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Avid Cruiser visits Storforsen, one of Europe’s largest rapids and only an hour’s drive from Luleå, Sweden.
... [ more ]Fun FlowRider Falls On Oasis Of The Seas
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Surfing the FlowRider is easier than it looks, but at least you get a helping hand to get you up and going. After that, you’re [...] ... [ more ]
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
For me, the beauty of a cruise is that I can have my cake and eat it too. There’s plenty of opportunity for family togetherness and much-needed time a part as well. If you’ve got little ones, it’s key ... [ more ]
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
[This week, Avid Cruiser's Geoff Edwards reports from the new Carnival Dream.]
Carnival’s Dream is at Pier 90 in NYC scheduled t ... [ more ]
Video: World’s Largest Ship, World’s Largest iPhone?
Monday, November 23, 2009
More innovation: Oasis introduces digital signage, which looks like a giant iPhone (actually it’s a Samsung flat-panel monitor turned on its side). The system makes [...] ... [ more ]
Apple iPhone Rentals For The Whole Family On Oasis?
Monday, November 23, 2009
Oasis of the Seas launches an innovative new program that uses Apple’s popular iPhone as the technology platform. The program, known as Royal Connect, allows [...] ... [ more ]
Carnival’s Newest Ship A ‘Dream’ For Families
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Overheard in the elevator, a boy, perhaps 8, says to his mother, “I love this ship mommy. You know how much I love it?” “How much?” she asks. “So much that I’m go ... [ more ]
Disney Dream Features Unveiled … WOW!
Monday, November 09, 2009
Bookings for the new Disney Dream open today. Of course we expect great, magical, innovative things from Disney, but still, we were bowled over by their recent announcement about the cool stuff planne ... [ more ]
Thursday, November 05, 2009
The morning that I boarded a boat to Bonaventure Island, Perce Rock was crowned by a wispy cloud. It was an indescribably beautiful sight, one of the world’s largest sheer rock formations and na ... [ more ]
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Sunrise in Baie-Comeau sheds light on a new and promising day, especially if you’re someone who loves nature. In Baie-Comeau, do as I did, and get out on a boat. You may see whales — I did — b ... [ more ]
Monday, November 02, 2009
I went to prison in Trois-Rivieres, and if you’re lucky, you will too. The Canadian city on the St. Lawrence Seaway boasts one of the most unusual, and interesting, tours I’ve ever exper ... [ more ]
Monday, November 02, 2009
The striking thing for me about Iles de la Madeleine is its richness of color. Red cliffs are topped by green grass against a blue sea. Sandstone rocks jut out on the beaches. A red, white and blue ... [ more ]
Tahitian Princess: The Small-Ship Experience
Friday, October 30, 2009
[Guest columnist Art Sbarsky provides his assessment of Tahitian Princess.]
There’s always been a debate as to which is more important in the cruise-making decision: the [...] ... [ more ]
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Touring Brunei and the Sultan’s Palace while on a Silversea Far East cruise.
... [ more ]10 Reasons To Cruise Over The Winter Holidays
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Cruise lines offer holiday cruises of all lengths on all types of ships, including the world’s newest and largest, in all parts of the world, [...] ... [ more ]
Cruise West: Bering Sea Voyage
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
My recent cruise aboard Cruise West’s Spirit of Oceanus was entitled “Voyage to the Bering Sea.” It should have been called “way off the beaten [...] ... [ more ]
Saturday, October 24, 2009
This month, many of the ships operated by the North American-managed cruise brands will begin making their way back home across the Atlantic. Their return [...] ... [ more ]
Top Tested Tips for Cruising with Babies and Toddlers
Thursday, October 22, 2009
I’ve taken my nearly 7-year-old twin boys on 20 cruises, the first when they were 9 months old, so I’ve learned the ropes from good old practical hands-on, trial-and-error experience. If you’re thinki ... [ more ]
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam Receives High Award
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam was chosen as Netherlands’ Leading Business Hotel during the World Travel Awards 2009 ceremony, which took place in Obidos, Portugal, in [...] ... [ more ]
Stockholm: New Record for Cruise Passenger Visits
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The 2009 cruise season in Stockholm set a new record. More than 440,000 cruise passengers visited Stockholm this year, which is an increase of 60,000 compared to 2008. “More than 440,000 passengers i ... [ more ]
Monday, October 19, 2009
Featured Video: Silver Spirit Sea Trials and Walk-Through
more articles and videos about Silversea
Recently Completed Trips August 30-September 4. Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa, sa ... [ more ]Oceania’s Knowledgeable Concierge
Friday, October 16, 2009
Over dinner in Regatta’s main dining room, an impeccably dressed man at the end of the table says, “I gain ten pounds every contract, and [...] ... [ more ]
Tables With A View: Oceania’s Terrace Cafe
Thursday, October 15, 2009
For some passengers on Oceania Cruises, the favorite of four evening dining venues is the Terrace Cafe, especially when the ships overnight in destinations, such [...] ... [ more ]
The Dining Pleasures Of Oceania’s Toscana Restaurant
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Welcome to Toscana, one of two specialty restaurants on Oceania’s ships. There’s no additional charge to dine here, although there is a limit to the [...] ... [ more ]
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The galleys of Silver Spirit will have their own show in Spirit’s show lounge. A new culinary programme to be introduced on Silver Spirit and [...] ... [ more ]
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
With two new ships in the pipeline for 2011 and 2012, it makes perfect sense that Disney is expanding its horizons and cruising Alaska in 2011. This news comes on the heels of the announcement a few m ... [ more ]
Family Powwows in Alaska with Princess
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Round up granny, grandpa and the cousins and head for the Last Frontier, Princess Cruises (www.princesscruises.com) has announced a new 12-night cruisetour option geared to families (who don’t mind ta ... [ more ]
When In Crete: Samaria Gorge Walk
Saturday, October 10, 2009
[The following story was filed by Sue Parker, while on an Athens, Greece, to Valetta, Malta, voyage on SeaDream II]
Hiking from 1,250 meters to sea [...] ... [ more ]
Women At The Helm: Windstar Cruises
Thursday, October 08, 2009
With few exceptions (Seabourn being one), you’ll rarely find a cruise line where the top brass are women. Windstar Cruises has two at the top: [...] ... [ more ]
Bigger, Better, New & Improved?
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
This week, the Avid Cruiser takes a look back at some of old, but still relevant, stories. “Bigger, Better, New & Improved” originally was written [...] ... [ more ]
View From Wind Surf: Breakfast In Corsica
Saturday, October 03, 2009
An idyllic morning in Porto Vecchio, Corsica – as seen from our breakfast table on Wind Surf. Nearly all of our dining has been al [...] ... [ more ]
On Board Wind Surf: Tastings From One Of The World’s Top Wineries
Friday, October 02, 2009
Stacy and Greg Lill operate the only winery in the world to rank in the top 100 in Robb Report, Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. [...] ... [ more ]
Small ships cater to kids too.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
We all know how kid-friendly the mega ships are, but there are some smaller ships that deserve some credit too. For families that like taking the road less traveled, here are some atypical offerings f ... [ more ]
Monday, September 28, 2009
Ralph Grizzle's update on Oceania's Regatta. ... [ more ]
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Founded in 1891, the worlds oldest open-air museum features 150 historic buildings from all over Sweden and a zoo. Skansen is miniature Sweden all in one place. ... [ more ]
Silversea Cruises: Silver Spirit Sea Trials And Walk-Through
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Join Avid Cruiser Ralph Grizzle in Ancona, Italy, for Silver Spirit's sea trials and a walk-through of Silversea's newest ship with Christian Sauleau, executive vice president, fleet operations; Rudi ... [ more ]
Stockholm Cruise Season Winds Down; Winter Beckons
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
A message to cruise passengers, both experienced and aspiring: Do not despair. Yes, it is true that, like airborne geese, cruise ships are charting courses to southerly climes, fleeing Stockholm and l ... [ more ]
Copenhagen, Two Perfect Days: Day Two
Friday, September 04, 2009
Day two of Two Perfect Days in Copenhagen takes you from Langelinie, where some of the smaller cruise ships dock, to Nyhavn, the colorful “new” harbor, and across Kongens Nytorv (the King& ... [ more ]
Viking Tour Of Stockholm, Sweden
Thursday, September 03, 2009
One of my favorite tours in Stockholm, is the Viking Tour. Offered daily during the summer at 11:30 and 2:30. SEK125. 80 minutes. For more info, visit http://www.gallivantproductions.com. Highly recom ... [ more ]
Oasis of the Seas: Two Dozen Dining Venues
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Oasis will feature two dozen dining outlets, according to Frank Weber, the man in charge of the dining experiences on Royal Caribbean ships.
In about half of the dining outlets, you’ ... [ more ]
Oasis Of The Seasick? Not Likely, According To Captain
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Normally, stablizers are used to test the stability of a ship during sea trials. But earlier this year, when Oasis underwent its sea trials, the stablizers were used to deliberately make th ... [ more ]
Oasis of the Seas: Revolutionary Ship
Monday, August 31, 2009
Raimund Gschaider, project director for hotel operations for the Oasis-class vessels, tells why Oasis is revolutionary. ... [ more ]
Raimund’s Recommendations On Oasis of the Suites
Monday, August 31, 2009
Oasis features more than 2,000 balcony staterooms and more than 150 suites, but all you need is one. For the best of the best, here are the recommendations of Raimund Gschaider, project dir ... [ more ]
Monday, August 31, 2009
Oasis’ itineraries – seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean – are certainly not original. It is true that there are few ports worldwide that could accommodate such ships. But O ... [ more ]
Oasis Of The Seas, A Revolutionary Ship
Monday, August 31, 2009
Back in the 1970s, Song of Norway, Royal Caribbean’s first ship, had a gym in an empty cabin that consisted of a rowing machine and a treadmill. Not many people used the gym or made any ef ... [ more ]
Oasis of the Seas: Loft Suite Bathrooms
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A reader recently wrote to ask if Oasis of the Seas’ Loft Suites featured only showers. The answer is shown to be affirmative in the photo above. For soakers, only the Royal Loft Suit ... [ more ]
Oasis of the Seas Rising Tide Bar
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Moving between the Royal Promenade and Central Park on Oasis of the Seas, the Rising Tide is cruising’s first elevator bar.
... [ more ]Sunday, August 30, 2009
One fun way to see Stockholm: by Segway. The 90-minute tour takes you along Strandvagen and into Djurgarden for one invigorating tour. For more info, visit uppner.se. ... [ more ]
Thursday, August 27, 2009
View of the Rising Tide, a bar that functions like an elevator, moving between the Royal Promenade and Central Park.
Posted from my Blackberry.
... [ more ]Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Loft Suites are truly remarkable. Sleeps four total, with full shower upstairs and downstairs. Balconies are deep and wide with very high ceilings, giving lots of sun exposure.
more ]
Oasis of the Seas Royal Promenade
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Twice as wide as on Freedom and Voyager class, the Royal Promenade on Oasis will feature seven shops, nine bars, and four dining venues.
Posted from my Blackb ... [ more ]
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
On a beautiful sunny Stockholm day. Posted from my Blackberry Bold ... [ more ]
Celebrity Solstice Guest Cruise Review
Sunday, August 23, 2009
So, the alternative restaurants, or the casual nighttime buffet offered in Oceanview Café (maybe the most gorgeous and well laid-out casual restaurant outside of the luxury category) or even room serv ... [ more ]
Long Weekend Getaway On A Fun Ship
Saturday, August 22, 2009
I’ve spent a lot of my professional career defending Carnival Cruise Lines. Allow me to explain.
When people ask what I do for a living, I tell them I am a travel writer who specializes in ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise: Western Mexico
Friday, August 21, 2009
From Southern California, it’s a short haul by sea to the storied western shores of Mexico. Leaving Los Angeles and San Diego, cruise ships ply the gentle Pacific along the same routes as the gray wha ... [ more ]
From Mailroom To Multi-Billionaire
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
[This Avid Cruiser profile of Micky Arison was first published in 2005.] Standing in the discotheque aboard Holland America Line’s new Zuiderdam, Micky Arison hardly seems like the cruise indust ... [ more ]
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Oasis will have amenities never seen afloat before, such as a zip-line and a carousel, as well as the first moving bar at sea, which will ascend from the ship’s Promenade area of indoor stores and ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise: South America Cruises
Saturday, August 15, 2009
From the Amazon to Antarctica, cruises in south America offer a variety of experiences not often found in other cruise regions. From Buenos Aires, Argentina, around Cape Horn to Valparaiso, Chile, or ... [ more ]
Crew To Passenger Ratio Explained
Friday, August 14, 2009
One standard for measuring service aboard cruise ships is the crew-to-passenger ratio. Theoretically, the more attractive the ratio (i.e., the more crew serving a single passenger), the better the ser ... [ more ]
Stockholm Sightseeing: Viking Walking Tour
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Promising a “painless” Swedish history lesson from the Ice Age to IKEA, our Viking guide “Sigrid the Small But Dangerous” makes exploring Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town ... [ more ]
Nautical Nomenclature: How Space Ratio Affects Your Cruise
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A measure of cubic space per passenger, space ratio is derived by dividing gross tons by the number of passengers, double occupancy (by contrast, total occupancy counts for all occupied berths in a ca ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise: World Cruises & Grand Voyages
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
World cruises, once thought of as being beyond the reach of ordinary people, are becoming a lifestyle for a select group of savvy travelers who realize they can cruise the world for less than it would ... [ more ]
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Copenhagen's new branding emphasizes the openness of the Danish capital. ... ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise: Transatlantic Cruises
Monday, August 10, 2009
New York has nearly always been the final destination for European liners that began Transatlantic cruises in 1840. The city has seen ships bring waves of immigrants and scores of millionaires and mov ... [ more ]
The Razor’s Edge: Who’s The Best? Luxury Cruise Lines Square Off
Monday, August 03, 2009
Many of you who visit this web site, as well as people I meet during my travels, have asked me in multiple forums — through social media, on this site and in person — which luxury cruise line is the b ... [ more ]
Top Reasons To Cruise The New Seabourn Odyssey
Friday, July 31, 2009
Yes, you want to cruise on the new Seabourn Odyssey. Why? For starters, Odyssey is not only the newest luxury ship afloat but also a totally new concept for Seabourn Cruise Line. There’s quite a lot t ... [ more ]
Video: Seabourn Odyssey: Demanding Chef
Thursday, July 30, 2009
To ensure quality control for every dish that leaves the galley, Seabourn Executive Chef Graeme Cockburn and his team taste every menu item. (Video is at the bottom of this post.) Each chef brings th ... [ more ]
Thursday, July 30, 2009
You’ve no doubt heard that the Seabourn Odyssey was not ready for service when it was delivered. The Italian shipyard missed its deadline and even suggested delaying delivery. But Carnival Corpo ... [ more ]
Seabourn Odyssey: Marina Mania
Thursday, July 30, 2009
With new concepts often come teething pains. There is a learning process that must be endured in order to achieve perfection. And so it was today with Seabourn Odyssey’s aft marina, where waters ... [ more ]
Thursday, July 30, 2009
A new concept for Seabourn, conceived by Carnival Corp. Chairman Micky Arison, Seabourn Square. Seabourn Square combines a coffee shop, library and internet cafe with guest services, destination ser ... [ more ]
Happening Right Now On Seabourn Odyssey
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Caviar Apero Party, with caviar (complimentary) and champagne (always complimentary). See and download the full gallery on posterous Posted from my Blackberry. ... [ more ]
Getting Off The Beaten Bath: Detoured In Dubrovnik
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
If a picture is indeed worth a thousand words, then these reveal much about our day in Dubrovnik. Several ships had disgorged thousands of passengers into the picturesque old town. I had looked for ... [ more ]
Video Slideshow Kotor & Budva, Montenegro
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Seabourn Odyssey calls on beautiful Kotor, Montenegro. The passage to Kotor is stunning, as is the old city itself. The seaside Budva was about 30 minutes away by bus. ... [ more ]
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
... Situated in Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Nobel Museum illustrates a century of creativity. ... [ more ]
Monday, July 27, 2009
I am traveling comfortably in Veranda Suite 622 on Seabourn Odyssey. My suite, situated on the port side, measures 300 square feet and features a sitting area, a truly functional table for dining or w ... [ more ]
Cooling Down On Seabourn Odyssey
Sunday, July 26, 2009
One way to cool down in the toasty Greek Isles: gelato, served without charge at the Patio Grill on Seabourn Odyssey. Posted from my Blackberry. ... [ more ]
Seabourn Odyssey: The Patio Grill
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Diners are impressed with the presentation and selection at Seabourn Odyssey’s Patio Grill, possibly one of the most attractive pool dining venues afloat. As expected, the Patio Grill serves u ... [ more ]
Seven Seas Voyager: Picture Postcards Of A Picture-Perfect Baltic Cruise
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Regent Seven Seas Voyager sailed from Stockholm under a sky just like the one pictured here. Note that none of these vessels, thankfully, are the Seven Seas Voyager. Our course took us through Stock ... [ more ]
Seabourn Odyssey: First Impressions
Saturday, July 25, 2009
I only boarded an hour ago, but WOW! Seabourn Odyssey is where South Beach meets Palm Beach. There’s certainly the refined Seabourn elegance, but Carnival Corp.’s entertainment mastery was ... [ more ]
Regent Seven Seas Voyager’s Signature Cuisine
Friday, July 24, 2009
On Regent Seven Seas Voyager, Signatures serves up dishes inspired by Le Cordon Bleu. Regent enjoys an exclusive partnership with the Parisian culinary institution. No charge to dine here, but reserve ... [ more ]
Prime Dining: Regent Seven Seas Voyager
Friday, July 24, 2009
Of Regent Seven Seas Voyager’s four evening dining venues (five, if you include room service), my favorite was Prime 7, which replaced Latitudes during Seven Seas Voyager’s last drydock. ... [ more ]
Friday, July 24, 2009
An afternoon in Millesgarden, the former home and studio of sculptor Carl Milles. ... [ more ]
How Suite It Is: Seven Seas Voyager’s Suites
Friday, July 24, 2009
Regent Seven Seas Voyager’s Master Suite measures a roomy 1,403 square feet (with the 187-square-foot balcony included in that measurement). There are two Master Suites on Regent Seven S ... [ more ]
Butlers And Balconies: Seven Seas Voyager
Friday, July 24, 2009
You’re looking at Visby, Sweden from Suite 1026 on Regent Seven Seas Voyager. Step through the sliding glass doors and onto the balcony, and you can smell the sea air. You can hear it too, as th ... [ more ]
Seven Seas Voyager’s La Veranda: Fresh From The Market
Friday, July 24, 2009
Regent Seven Seas Voyager has redefined the lido buffet. At Deck 10’s La Veranda, items include local fruits, berries, produce and meats. La Veranda provides an enjoyable dining experience for b ... [ more ]
Vesterbro – a Copenhagen hot spot
Friday, July 24, 2009
Vesterbro used to be known as Copenhagen's working-class quarter and red light district. ... [ more ]
Friday, July 24, 2009
In Denmark practically everybody rides a bike, and in 2008 bicycle-friendly Copenhagen was named the world's first Bike City by the International Cycling Union, UCI. ... [ more ]
Locals’ guide to Christiania in Copenhagen
Friday, July 24, 2009
Christiania was founded in 1971 when a group of hippies took over an area of abandoned military barracks and developed their own set of rules, completely independent of the Danish government. ... [ more ]
Nørrebro in Copenhagen – the locals’ guide
Friday, July 24, 2009
... Insider tips from the locals on where to go on Nørrebro in Copenhagen. ... [ more ]
Meet the locals in Christianhavn, Copenhagen
Friday, July 24, 2009
Christianshavn is like a town in the middle of the city of Copenhagen, surrounded by water. Christianshavn was founded in 1619 and many houses are very old and crooked. ... [ more ]
Valkommen To Visby, On The Island of Gotland, Sweden
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Today Regent Seven Seas Voyager is anchored in Visby, arguably Scandinavia’s best-preserved medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than two miles of the old Ring Wall, which ... [ more ]
Regent Seven Seas Voyager Master Suite 1100
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
With two bedrooms, Voyager’s highest standard of luxury. Posted from my Blackberry. ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise Style: Small Ships
Monday, July 20, 2009
For the sophisticated and experienced traveler who has been there and done that, small ships offer vacation opportunities that allow them to delve deeper into the destinations that interest them most. ... [ more ]
St. Petersburg: View of St. Isaac’s Cathedral
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Tsar Alexander I commissioned the construction of what is now the world’s third-largest domed cathedral in 1818 to celebrate his victory over Napoleon. Posted from my Blackberry. ... [ more ]
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Birthplace of the world’s oldest national flag is here in Tallinn. Posted from my Blackberry. ... [ more ]
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Built in 1900, the Russian Orthodox sits on Times Hill, which overlooks Tallinn’s Old Town. Begin your tour of Tallinn here. #end Posted from my Blackberry. ... [ more ]
Top Ten Reasons For Sailing SeaDream (updated)
Friday, July 17, 2009
SeaDream vessels feature all ocean view staterooms with Bvlgari® bath amenities, the SEADREAM Spa – with 8 massage therapists and a member of the Thai Spa Association - the only one of its kind at sea ... [ more ]
Stockholm From My Window – at 3:30 a.m.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Sunrise comes early in Stockholm. This picture was snapped at 3:30 a.m. At midnight, however, the sky also had a similar faint glow on the horizon. Posted from my Blackberry Bold ... [ more ]
Off Peak Europe & Alaska Cruises
Thursday, July 16, 2009
MISSED YOUR CHANCE TO CRUISE IN EUROPE OR ALASKA THIS YEAR? Perhaps not. While Europe and Alaska cruises fill fast for the summer months, you can often find space available during the spring and fall ... [ more ]
Stockholm: Step By Step to MILLESGÅRDEN part 4
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Very cute – and nostalgic – train. Ropsten and the train are convenient, by the way, to Frihamnen, where many of the cruise ships depart. Posted from my Blackberry Bold ... [ more ]
Stockholm: Step By Step to MILLESGÅRDEN part 3
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A hitch: Buses are not that frequent, and stop only within 600 meters of MILLESGÅRDEN, I am told by the Ropsten station attendant. I could do it, he says, but not easily. I opt to change to the Lindin ... [ more ]
Stockholm: Step By Step to MILLESGÅRDEN part 2
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Purchase a ticket or use your Stockholm Card and board the metro to Ropsten. Posted from my Blackberry Bold ... [ more ]
Stockholm: Step By Step to MILLESGÅRDEN
Thursday, July 16, 2009
First find the metro, marked by the T for tunnelbana (tunnel train) Posted from my Blackberry Bold ... [ more ]
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Busy, bustling and beautiful. Posted from my Blackberry Bold ... [ more ]
Copenhagen, Two Perfect Days: Day One
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
If you’re able to bike, you won’t find a better way to see the Danish capital, but for now, you’re going to rely on your peds. 
Choose Your Cruise: South Pacific Cruises
Monday, July 13, 2009
Cruises in the South Pacific combine cosmopolitan cities with lush jungles, exotic wildlife, snow-capped mountains and fjords, plus white-sand beaches and coral reefs. It’s no surprise that expl ... [ more ]
Monday, July 13, 2009
Today, Fred Olsen’s Boudicca is docked in Helsingborg, Sweden; Wednesday, Grand Princess anchors just off-shore. Last night, I watched Eurodam sail past the narrowest part of Oresund, with Hamle ... [ more ]
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Nine years with Silversea, Carlito says he begins getting ready for his bar shift by "leaving any problems in the cabin," which could double as good advice for cruise passengers. If you are a long- ... [ more ]
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Copenhagen brewer Carl Jacobsen founded the Glypotek, the museum adjacent to Tivoli. Posted via email from the avid cruiser ... [ more ]
Thursday, July 09, 2009
With still some time to kill before Silver Cloud’s departure from Stockholm, I visited the Historic Museum, where I made and ate Viking Bread. Many misconceptions about the Vikings. For starters ... [ more ]
Good Morning! In Many Languages
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Silver Cloud’s morning newspapers represent nine nationalities, testimony as to how cruising is expanding beyond the North American market. Posted via email from the avid cruiser ... [ more ]
Thursday, July 09, 2009
If you want to do a self-guided tour, follow this advice: From the cruise ship piers, it's a 45-minute walk to Toompea Hill, where you'll want to begin your tour on your walk back to the ship. ... [ more ]
60-Second Review: Silver Cloud Suite 605
Thursday, July 09, 2009
The Avid Cruiser’s 60-second review of Silver Cloud’s Suite 605. ... [ more ]
Silver Cloud: Three Days in St. Petersburg
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Silver Cloud spends three full days in St. Petersburg, which allows enough time to get to see and experience this beautiful city. Silver Cloud offers a number of tours, ranging from Splendid St. Peter ... [ more ]
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
With a course charted along the Gulf of Finland from St. Petersburg to Tallinn, Estonia, Silver Cloud provides me with what must be the world’s best office. Thanks to shipwide WiFi and a Blackbe ... [ more ]
How Will Pimentel Change Azamara?
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
I was happy to hear that Larry Pimentel was named president and ceo of Azamara Cruises. Larry, who has headed both Cunard and Seabourn, was instrumental in the success of SeaDream Yacht Club, which ra ... [ more ]
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Peterhof’s gardens and fountains are stunning. Peter the Great took inspiration from Versailles. The 155 fountains, many of which are gilded, are hydro-powered: no pumps. Peterhof is about one h ... [ more ]
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Touring Peterhof Palace and Gardens in St. Petersburg. Posted via email from the avid cruiser ... [ more ]
Monday, July 06, 2009
St. Petersburg, Russia, from Silversea Cruises Silver Cloud, at 12:44 a.m. Posted via email from the avid cruiser ... [ more ]
Silver Cloud: Downtown Parking
Monday, July 06, 2009
Silver Cloud is docked in downtown St. Petersburg. No matter, you still need a visa to walk across the street - or you must be traveling with an authorized tour operator. The Hermitage is situated nea ... [ more ]
The Internationalization Of Silversea Cruises
Monday, July 06, 2009
Citizens of the United States are the largest demographic group on Silver Cloud this week, but as a whole, they make up less than half of the passenger mix, accounting for 103 of the 263 passengers on ... [ more ]
Silver Spirits: What Brands Is Silver Cloud Pouring?
Monday, July 06, 2009
As discussed before on Avid Cruiser, Silversea Cruises offers complimentary wine and spirits to guests. So what exactly is Silversea pouring? Let’s start with the champagne. Silversea’s co ... [ more ]
Silver Cloud’s Service Standard
Monday, July 06, 2009
I wasn’t aware of it, but Yasar Kibar was. Silver Cloud’s Chef de Rang, a position between the waiter and head waiter, saw that my eggs were getting cold as I talked to a passenger who sto ... [ more ]
Two Perfect Days Copenhagen: Da Swenglish
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Before setting you loose to explore Copenhagen on your own, I need to let you in on a secret: A lot of the people you’ll be meeting today aren’t Danes. ...Nyhavn, which you and I would pronounce pho ... [ more ]
Sunday, July 05, 2009
La Terrazza is Silver Cloud’s reservations-only dining venue. The Italian-inspired restaurant, situated aft with wonderful ocean views, accepts no more than 60 guests per night to ensure a top-n ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise: River Cruises Worldwide
Sunday, July 05, 2009
If you really want to see a region and get to know what makes it tick, a river cruise may be perfect for you. River cruise ships are smaller than ocean-going cruise ships, typically holding a few doz ... [ more ]
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Silver Cloud, like most other luxury vessels, includes a replenishable stocked minibar at no additional cost. Fresh flowers and fresh fruits also are provided on a continual basis. Of course, this is ... [ more ]
Two Perfect Days Copenhagen: Think Small
Sunday, July 05, 2009
On the first of your two days in Copenhagen, you’ll walk along Strøget all the way to Tivoli, Europe’s oldest amusement park. ...Citizens of the world's oldest constitutional monarchy, the Danes ... [ more ]
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Among the activities on cruise ships are big-screen movies, with complimentary popcorn and sodas. Some cruise ships, such as Disney, Carnival and Princess, offer outdoor big-screen movies. Silver Clou ... [ more ]
Saturday, July 04, 2009
A few photos of suite 605 on Silver Cloud, one of five ships operated by luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises. See and download the full gallery on posterous Posted via email from the avid cruis ... [ more ]
Stockholm’s Archipelago Is For Everyone
Saturday, July 04, 2009
As a woman in her bathrobe (about to take a dip in the chilly Baltic) waves from the end of the pier in Stockholm’s archipelago, Silver Cloud’s passengers and crew stand mesmerized by the ... [ more ]
Saturday, July 04, 2009
With few exceptions, luxury cruise lines, such as Regent, Seabourn and Silversea, include alcohol in the cruise fare. Of course, you typically pay more up front than on non-luxury vessels, but many pa ... [ more ]
Stockholm Public Bus To Freeport
Saturday, July 04, 2009
From Stockholm’s city center, board bus #1 to Frihamnen, the Freeport, where Regent, Crystal, Silversea, Oceania and more cruise brands embark passengers. Bus fare: SEK26 (about US$3.50). Note t ... [ more ]
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Stockholm is compact, which allows visitors to see a lot in a short time. Most visitors make their way to charming Gamla Stan. With its cobblestone streets, Stockholm’s Old Town is one of the wo ... [ more ]
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Because I have time before Silver Cloud’s 6 p.m. departure from Stockholm today, I will step inside Saluhallen, one of the city’s oldest markets and one of the world’s top ten market ... [ more ]
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Anyone could visit Kalvhomen, although it might feel a bit awkward to be a visitor among the few dozen or so families who live here (Sweden's Right of Public Access law, known as Allemansratten, allow ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise: Panama Canal
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Completed nearly 100 years ago, the Panama Canal took more than three decades to build — at a cost of 30,000 lives. Transiting this “path between the seas,” cruise ships move at a sn ... [ more ]
Stockholm Gets New Nobu Restaurant!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
But at the famed chef’s restaurants on the two ships operated by Crystal Cruises, you’ll need to pony up only US$7 per person after you’ve laid down your chop sticks for a final rest. ... For people ... [ more ]
Two Perfect Days Copenhagen: Danish Modesty
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Arguably, one of the reasons for the Danes being named by two university studies as the world's happiest nation can be attributed to a concept known as Janteloven, or Jante Law. Basically, the conc ... [ more ]
Two Perfect Days Copenhagen: Quest For The Perfect Hot Dog
Sunday, June 28, 2009
After all, every Dane loves a good dog, so not only will you be doing something quintessentially Danish, but on your quest for the perfect hot dog, you also will visit the key attractions in the Danis ... [ more ]
Cunard’s three Queens to make royal rendezvous in New York
Saturday, June 27, 2009
That's because three luxury ocean liners from Cunard Line -- Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria -- will make their second Royal Rendezvous, three years to the day after the first one. . ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise: Mexico Cruises
Friday, June 26, 2009
From San Diego and Los Angeles, it’s a short journey by sea to the storied cities and sites along Mexico’s western shore. A Mexico cruise is where Tecate (one of the national beers) and t ... [ more ]
QM2 explores her extended empire in 2011
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The voyage starts in New York, and after a call in Fort Lauderdale, the ship will head to the Caribbean and South America, calling on Barbados, Brazil and Uruguay before arriving for an overnight stay ... [ more ]
Queen Elizabeth set for maiden world cruise in 2011
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Cunard's 2011 world cruises -- on the Queen Elizabeth as well as the flagship Queen Mary 2 -- go on sale next week, and Cunard is offering some significant early-booking incentives. For her first w ... [ more ]
When in Valencia, Spain: Visit The Central Market
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A quick morning walk through Valencia's Central Market, where saffron, other spices, seafood, ham and vegetables are all on display. To view a slideshow click on Valencia's Central Market . ... [ more ]
When In Valencia, Spain: Visit Horchateria El Siglo
Monday, June 22, 2009
Valencia’s Horchateria El Siglo, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle. In Valencia, Spain, Horchateria El Siglo features the “world’s best horchata,” according to our tour gui ... [ more ]
Monday, June 22, 2009
Comprised of nearly 700 islands and cays, the Bahamas are situated only about 60 miles off the coast of Southeast Florida. Bahamas cruises typically depart Fort Lauderdale or Miami for short cruises t ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise Style: Luxury Cruising
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Luxury, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, and while cruise vacations are inherently luxurious, some are more luxurious than others. To an increasing degree, luxury is available from the majo ... [ more ]
Princess scores coup with Declaration of Independence for July 4
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Princess Cruises will have an original copy of the Declaration of Independence on board its ships in Alaska during the week of July 4, and passengers will be invited to see this historic statement wri ... [ more ]
Friday, June 19, 2009
Of Stockholm’s more than 70 museums, the Vasa Museum certainly is among the most fascinating. The museum houses the Swedish warship that sank in 1628, nearby in the harbor on its maiden voyage, ... [ more ]
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
One great way to see Stockholm is from the water, which you can do on a variety of tours, including the one featured in this film, the Royal Canal Tour. ... [ more ]
Princess adds cruise samplers to menu of West Coast itineraries
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Looking to attract more first-time guests who may want to dip their toes rather than dive into a cruise vacation, Princess Cruises has announced 18 shorter itineraries from the West Coast for during t ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise: Mediterranean
Monday, June 15, 2009
Few cruising regions offer the cultural and historical diversity of the Mediterranean. On a Mediterranean cruise vacation, you can spend time exploring the beginnings of the Greek and Roman empires, v ... [ more ]
Visions of the Arctic Circle with Royal Caribbean
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Royal Caribbean recently announced that its Vision of the Seas will be dedicated to Nordic cruises in the North and Baltic seas next year from April to September, and a highlight, from this perspectiv ... [ more ]
Studenten In Stockholm: An Event You Won’t Want To Miss
Friday, June 12, 2009
Late May through early June is a great time to visit Stockholm. If you’re timing is right, you’ll get to witness the Swedish rite of passage known as Studenten. In fact, a tour guide here ... [ more ]
Leave The Cruise Feeling Better Than When You Started
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Windstar already provides a luxury cruise vacation that is at least partially organic, if you consider the wind power that fills the ships’ sails organic. Now, Windstar has a spa partner providi ... [ more ]
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Seafarers sailed into Hawaii long before cruise ships began charting courses for the exotic Pacific islands. More than 1,000 years ago, in fact, Polynesian settlers paddled their outrigger canoes to s ... [ more ]
In Delft For Dutch Stroopwafels
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Love cruising? Love cycling? Love sweets? From Rotterdam, I cycled less than 10 miles to Delft, the charming village where I stopped to eat and learn more about Stroopwafels with Wil and Erik Schraven ... [ more ]
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Once you land in Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport, you have several choices to get yourself to the city center and your hotel. You can buy tickets using a credit card from the machines pictured above ... [ more ]
InterContinental Amstel: Amsterdam’s Grande Dame
Monday, June 08, 2009
Editor’s Choice: InterContinental Amstel, Amsterdam’s Grand Dame The Facts — Commanding an awe-inspiring view overlooking the Amstel River, the palatial InterContinental Amstel is Amsterda ... [ more ]
Kings & Tsars, Amber & Architecture
Monday, June 08, 2009
Baltic Sea port destinations feature history and culture, city sophistication and rural charm, medieval streets and town walls, Viking villages and fairytale kingdoms, and the palaces and castles of k ... [ more ]
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Bicyclists stream by in an endless procession along Reestraat, the narrow street that crosses a canal to pass by one side of the famed Hotel Pulitzer. From my breakfast table inside the hotel restaura ... [ more ]
One Perfect Day In Port: Copenhagen
Saturday, June 06, 2009
You could spend a week in Copenhagen and feel as though you did not get enough. In fact, any time spent here leaves visitors wanting to return. The wonderful Danish capital ranks among Europe’s most v ... [ more ]
The Baltic: A Fascinating Voyage
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Cruising into Baltic Sea ports is an exhilarating experience. From the 50-mile transit to Stockholm’s city center through a beautiful archipelago of 30,000 islands and islets to slow transits past cas ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise: European River Cruises
Friday, June 05, 2009
In 1992, Europe’s age-old maritime landscape changed dramatically. It was that year that the Main-Danube Canal opened, connecting the Continent’s main arteries — and along with them, all of Europe. Th ... [ more ]
Regent Seven Seas making luxury more affordable
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Most of us understand that you get what you pay for in life. If, for instance, you find something in the bargain bin, you are not entirely surprised if it doesn’t stand up to hard scrutiny or us ... [ more ]
What’s In A Room Rate? Stockholm Hotels Serve Up A Lot
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
On my first trip to Stockholm several years ago, I checked in at my hotel, obtained a key card and went happily trotting off to my room. I inserted the key, opened the door and observed, with some sur ... [ more ]
Monday, June 01, 2009
Caribbean cruises are the most popular of all cruises, accounting for nearly 50 percent of cruise ship capacity placement. The extensive region, which is bounded by the South American coast, Central A ... [ more ]
Cruise Ships In Copenhagen: You’re Aboard Eurodam
Monday, June 01, 2009
Set aside what you’re doing for a moment, and come with me. Together, we will board Holland America Line’s brand new Eurodam for a virtual cruise. I’ll give you a few minutes to pack. Let me know when ... [ more ]
Uniworld Introduces One Of The Largest Vessels On Europe’s Rivers
Sunday, May 31, 2009
This spring, Uniworld launched its 10th ship in Europe, the 410-foot River Beatrice, the river cruise operator's longest ship to date. ... [ more ]
Leonard Maltin gives four-star review to Princess Cruises
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Princess Cruises, which introduced the first of its eight top-deck Movies Under the Stars screens five years ago, is partnering with film critic Leonard Maltin to create discussion groups based on the ... [ more ]
Saturday, May 30, 2009
AMA Waterways’ two newest river cruise ships, the Amalyra and Amadolce, set sail in April and May, respectively. Aside from being brand new (think fresh carpets, fluffy bedding and untouched, well, ev ... [ more ]
Video: Top Ten Reasons To Cruise From Stockholm
Friday, May 29, 2009
Need a reason to cruise to or from Stockholm? I'll give you ten good reasons. ... [ more ]
Wedding bells are ringing with Holland America
Friday, May 29, 2009
With the ships all spruced up and traveling to destinations that are famous for romance, Holland America Line has sent out the wedding invitations. Holland wants to leverage its obvious assets — ... [ more ]
Get ship-shape with hip-hop on Royal Caribbean
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Even if your demographic profile is not a perfect match with the hip-hop generation, Royal Caribbean International wants to help you learn how to bust a few moves this summer. Fleetwide starting in Ju ... [ more ]
Life Aquatic: Oasis of the Seas
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The fundamental shift in design over the last 20 years has been from vessels designed primarily for travel to vessels primarily designed for entertainment. Thus, look to Vegas, look to Orlando and oth ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise: Is Bigger Better For You?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Is bigger better? It depends. Whereas big ships can be tiring for some just to keep pace with the activities offered, small ships can be boring for those who require lots of stimulation. So if you ... [ more ]
Oasis Of The Seas: Battle For The Biggest
Monday, May 25, 2009
The standard measure of a cruise ship, “gross ton,” dates back to the 14th century, when a tun was a large wine cask with a capacity of 252 old wine gallons. Today, a gross ton is equal to ... [ more ]
Stockholm claims two of the world’s best restaurants
Monday, May 25, 2009
Each year, the international restaurant trade magazine Restaurant lists the world’s top 50 restaurants. Among them are two Swedish restaurants, both in Stockholm: Oaxen Skärgårdskrog (ranking 32 ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise Style: Big Ship
Sunday, May 24, 2009
What do you want to do today? Where do you want to eat? On a big ship, these are legitimate questions that need to be answered because the choices are not limited to either/or. The major cruise lines ... [ more ]
Around the world in — 335 days?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
While we probably won’t have the time to sign up for this particular global tour with Cruise West, we can’t help feeling a large twinge of envy for up to 120 lucky souls who will be depart ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise: Canada New England
Saturday, May 23, 2009
With the approach of autumn, cruise lines begin to chart new courses, particularly in North America’s Northeast, where many ships sail between New York and Montreal. Ranging from one to two week ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise: Baltic Sea
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
One of the most popular itinerary options in Europe, a Northern Europe cruise presents passengers with cultural diversity, historical attractions, and magnificent scenery. Cruises in Northern Europe t ... [ more ]
Opportunities To Experience Stockholm
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Cruise Line Ship Number of Turnarounds Princess Cruises Tahitian Princess 2 Oceania Cruises Regatta 4 Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas 16 Crystal Cruises Crystal Symphony 4 Regent Seven Se ... [ more ]
Monday, May 18, 2009
From gazing at a lone bald-head eagle perched in a tree in Sitka to sliding and splashing in pools on board ships, cruise vacations create memorable moments that last a lifetime. Whether we’re on a n ... [ more ]
Celebrating Norway’s National Day
Monday, May 18, 2009
Celebrating National Day, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle. Ah, but to be Norwegian, particularly on Norway’s National Day, which took place yesterday under sunny skies in Oslo. It’s ... [ more ]
Holland America Line expands free computer training for guests
Monday, May 18, 2009
The thirst for knowledge appears to be particularly strong at sea as Holland America Line is expanding its Digital Workshop powered by Windows sessions for guests who want to learn more about social n ... [ more ]
Facts About Stockholm And Sweden
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Some of the things that I love about Sweden: the lovely jagged snow-covered peaks, fat cows roaming the valleys with bells around their necks, chocolate and yodeling. Wait a minute! This isn’t a ... [ more ]
Celebrity Millennium spruces up for the Alaskan summer
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Celebrity Cruises’ Millennium is in drydock this week for a $10 million makeover. A highly rated large ship in the premium-service category, the Celebrity Millennium is not yet 10 years old, but it wi ... [ more ]
Passports required, even to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Don’t forget your passport, even if you are an American cruising to your friendly neighbors in Canada, the Caribbean or Mexico. New rules require passports, and your border crossings are likely to go ... [ more ]
Cruise Your Cruise: Alaska Cruises
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Alaska cruises are extremely popular, thanks to a landscape that presents breathtaking beauty and natural wonders on a grand scale. The Last Frontier’s majestic landscape is perhaps best viewed ... [ more ]
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Several years ago, I was touring a Holland America Line ship when I came upon a guest room that was undergoing refurbishment. I thought this odd, because the room did not appear to need updating. The ... [ more ]
Alaska’s golden anniversary of statehood deserves special Princess treatment
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Alaska is celebrating its 50th year of statehood, and Princess Cruises will be working hard to help its guests appreciate all that the state has to offer. With ships arriving for the start of the Alas ... [ more ]
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My Nordic colleagues refer to me, with some affection and understanding I hope, as “Mr. Scandinavia.” It is true that I am someone who later in life came to truly appreciate the northerly ... [ more ]
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Royal Canal Tour, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle. In a few weeks, I’ll post a short video about the Royal Canal Tour, which I did today. For now, I thought you would enjoy a few photos of ... [ more ]
Stockholm: World’s Best Design Stores
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Don’t cruise from Stockholm without taking some time to shop. Local blogger Ann-Charlotte Jönsson informs us that Sweden’s capital city boasts the best design stores in the world, accordin ... [ more ]
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
With such modern cities as Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, vibrant village markets, stunning natural landscapes and fascinating cultures, few destinations are as exotic as Asia. Cruise lines skirt ... [ more ]
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Restaurang 1900's web site, in Swedish only, says that the restaurant is all about the love of American cooking and culture. That may be true, but I wouldn't expect to find this food back home. For a ... [ more ]
Princess unveils plans for world cruises and other unique itineraries
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Princess Cruises has grown increasingly exotic or, to put it more precisely, is offering more opportunities to cruise Tahiti while creating new Asia and Australia itineraries as part of its 2010-11 “e ... [ more ]
Saturday, May 09, 2009
A self-governing British colony situated in the western North Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is a popular cruise destination from seven East Coast ports of departure. The 24-mile-long archipelago of eight ma ... [ more ]
Choose Your Cruise Style: Active Cruises
Friday, May 08, 2009
“Active cruising” is a term for a style of cruising that can be defined a couple of ways. In one sense, the term can be applied to a choice made by individual travelers who eat healthy, st ... [ more ]
Thursday, May 07, 2009
In case a Yachts of Seabourn vacation only whets your appetite for luxury and exploration, Seabourn has put together more than a hundred Sail & Stay vacations for couples and small groups who want ... [ more ]
Room With A View: Scandic Palace Hotel’s Room 301
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Room With A View: Scandic Palace Room 301, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle. Room 301 at the legendary Palace Hotel boasts one of Copenhagen’s best views. French doors open onto a balcony o ... [ more ]
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
I like Scandic’s no-nonsense approach. Corner room 324 at Copenhagen’s Scandic Webers, for example, is light and spacious and comes equipped with everything tourists or business travelers ... [ more ]
Windstar exclusive: Dinner at the Arasta garden of Ephesus Museum
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
A special treat awaits guests of Windstar Cruises on Istanbul to Athens sailings this year. When calling at Kudasi, Turkey, Windstar has arranged an evening dinner party in the lovely garden at the an ... [ more ]
Stockholm To Break Cruise Record: 400,000 Passengers In 2009
Monday, May 04, 2009
For cruisers, there are 39 opportunities to begin a cruise from Stockholm this season. Stockholm is probably the best-value port of embarkation in Northern Europe. ... [ more ]
Dine on your own time, Royal Caribbean promises
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Royal Caribbean wants you to set your own schedule for meals and other cruise activities. Following a cruise-industry trend that is now close to universal, the cruise line has enhanced its dining prog ... [ more ]
New Northern European adventures offered by Crystal Cruises
Friday, May 01, 2009
Glacier trekking, flight-seeing and snowmobiling are just some of the adventures awaiting Crystal Symphony passengers this summer in Northern Europe. In addition to the fascinating cultural sightseein ... [ more ]
First Time Cruiser: Cruise Europe, The Best Way To ‘Tour’ The Continent
Sunday, April 26, 2009
If any particular region of the world is best suited for cruising, it’s Europe. Whether you want to tour the Mediterranean or Northern Europe, cruising is the mode of transportation that provides the ... [ more ]
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A European cruise is ripe with learning and exploration opportunities for families. For children who are mature enough for a vacation that is not necessarily sun-splashed or a thrill a minute, a cruis ... [ more ]
Cruise Line Profile: Family Cruising In Europe And Alaska On Holland America Line
Monday, April 20, 2009
For family cruises to Europe and Alaska, Holland America Line continues to provide an excellent experience that is entertaining as well as educational for both children and adults, helping everyone en ... [ more ]
Be The First On Board: Carnival Dream
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
With more than 19,000 total square feet of space catering to children, ‘tweens and teens – from expansive indoor and outdoor play areas to a sprawling aqua park housing the cruise industry’ ... [ more ]
Monday, April 13, 2009
Norwegian Epic’s construction, underway at STX Europe in St. Nazaire, France, celebrated a milestone in the early morning hours last Wednesday, April 9, when the ship’s bow was lowered into place. The ... [ more ]
Sunday, April 12, 2009
[Editor's Note: This story originally appeared in the fall 2005 issue of The Avid Cruiser.] It made Wilfredo Tubog proud that he had saved $30,000 for his kids’ college education. After all, tha ... [ more ]
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Mid-Atlantic Ridge, March 28, 9 a.m. — My stateroom TV displays an icon of our ship on the Atlantic Ocean. Six days after leaving Miami, we have crossed the Mid-Atlantic Ridge en route to Funchal, cap ... [ more ]
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Say hello to the Easter tree. Actually, it’s not a tree at all but a collection of long willowy twigs with yellow feathers attached. This is the traditional Easter decoration here in Sweden. Eas ... [ more ]
Book-of-the-cruise clubs planned for Holland America
Friday, April 10, 2009
This sounds like just the sort of thing to build a social network and stimulate the brain during an extended cruise. For extended cruises of 14 days or more, Holland America is organizing the new Expl ... [ more ]
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Custom shoreside adventures highlight the new Silver Shore Concierge service that Silversea Cruises is unveiling this summer. From the lush green fields of Northern Ireland to the Byzantine majesty of ... [ more ]
Carnival to move to flex-dining option
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
The eat-when-and-where-you-want trend has spread to all the big names of popular and premium cruising now that Carnival has announced its planned move to flexible dining. Nearly a decade since Norwegi ... [ more ]
Europe grows bigger, better for Royal Caribbean cruisers next year
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
The call for European cruises must be ringing loud in the ears of cruise execs, who seem to be dedicating more and more resources to that market. Royal Caribbean, for instance, is planning to deploy e ... [ more ]
SeaDream Yacht Under New Command
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
An urgent note to the owner of SeaDream Yacht Club: Joel Katz has taken command of one of your yachts. There’s no need to panic, Mr. Brynestad. The vessel is in good hands, I assure you. The eve ... [ more ]
Monday, March 30, 2009
Bettina Fischer is living her dream — literally. Interviewed on SeaDream I, anchored in the turquoise waters off the coast of Tortola, the 36-year-old from Bonn, Germany, says she spent quite a lot of ... [ more ]
Princess expands European realm for 2010
Monday, March 30, 2009
Six Princess Cruises ships will make 96 European departures next year as the premium line looks to add more variety. A total 130 ports will be visited, including seven new ones, for those of you who a ... [ more ]
Eggs and Sausage, Brian and the Tabasco Tango
Saturday, March 28, 2009
A sailing on SeaDream leaves many indelible images, but one of the most memorable for me, oddly enough, takes the form of a Tabasco bottle. After placing on my table a plate of sunny-side- ... [ more ]
Friday, March 27, 2009
View from SeaDream 1, anchored in Soper’s Hole, Tortola. ... [ more ]
Friday, March 27, 2009
Here at Soper’s Hole, in the British Virgin Islands, it’s hard to believe it’s Friday, a workday mind you. The tiny harbor is bustling with leisure boats, coming and going, some sett ... [ more ]
Be The First On Board: Seabourn Odyssey
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Debuting in June 2009, Seabourn Odyssey will provide the most exclusive all-suite accommodation available at sea, with 225 suites in total, 90 percent of which have private verandas.Top of the range s ... [ more ]
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Today, on my SeaDream sailing, I hiked to the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. No, I’m not geographically challenged. The Netherlands, as anyone knows, is as flat as a stroopwafe ... [ more ]
Monday, March 23, 2009
SeaDream Yacht Club emphasizes the yachting lifestyle over the cruising lifestyle, a point well-illustrated in this photo. You may not notice at first, but against the backdrop of the large cruise shi ... [ more ]
Be The First On Board: Celebrity Cruises New Equinox
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Its sister, Celebrity Solstice, received rave reviews, so anticipation is high for Celebrity Equinox, which will offer a soft launch before her August 8 maiden voyage. Equinox will depart July 31 to s ... [ more ]
Commentary: Crossing Lines: Big Ship, Small Ship
Friday, March 13, 2009
While true connoisseurs of luxury cruising may not accept a substitute for sailing on a small upscale ship, there are now pockets of luxury on almost every large premium and contemporary cruise ship a ... [ more ]
Royal Caribbean Beefs Up Family and Youth Offerings
Friday, March 13, 2009
Royal Caribbean International announced new fleetwide programming for families. The new program includes enhancements to the Adventure Ocean youth program and more.New Dining Options for Kids ... [ more ]
Be The First On Board: Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Royal Caribbean International is gearing up for the November launch of Oasis of the Seas. The new ship will feature a unique neighborhood concept that will provide cruise passengers with the opportuni ... [ more ]
Monday, March 02, 2009
If you’re cruising from Stockholm this summer, you might be curious about how Stockholm appears in the winter. These photos were taken in February and March, when Lake Malaren freezes over and l ... [ more ]
New Hotel Guide For Stockholm Cruisers
Saturday, February 28, 2009
New Hotel Guide For Stockholm Cruisers ... [ more ]
Friday, February 27, 2009
Copenhagen’s Kongens Nytorv, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle. Or the King’s “New Square” as seen from Hotel D’Angleterre, one of the world’s oldest hotels. T ... [ more ]
Thursday, February 26, 2009
I never suspected that I would come face-to-face with Canada’s aboriginal people, but that’s just what happened on the day I visited tiny Havre-Saint-Pierre. On a tour offered to cruise pa ... [ more ]
Copenhagen Hotels: Imperial Hotel
Monday, February 16, 2009
Editor’s Choice: Copenhagen’s Coziest Hotel Facts: The modern and elegant four-star Imperial Hotel has been completely renovated recently, with the striking lobby and the restaurant enjo ... [ more ]
River Dance: Cruising The Blue Danube
Thursday, February 05, 2009
The most popular region for river cruising in Continental Europe — and a good choice for first-time river cruisers — is the Danube. Immortalized in Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz, the Danube winds from G ... [ more ]
One Perfect Day In Port: Stockholm
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Time, unfortunately, is not standing still as it is on the clock above in Gamla Stan, so get ready for a full day of touring at a respectable pace. You’ll see a lot, but you’ll only skim Stockholm’s s ... [ more ]
Stockholm, Sweden: Two Perfect Days
Sunday, February 01, 2009
In a tiny cafe at one end of Gamla Stan’s Stortorget square, a frothy cappuccino serves as the centerpiece for a scene that is quintessentially Stockholm. In the center of the oversized cup, cof ... [ more ]
Two Perfect Days: Day Two, Getting To Know Gamla Stan
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Begin your day as you did yesterday, but on this gorgeous, sunny Stockholm day, you’ll exit the Radisson SAS Strand’s front door and head to your right instead of to your left. Follow the ... [ more ]
Floor-To-Ceiling Balcony Windows: The World In HD
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Suite 834’s floor-to-ceiling balcony windows (and sliding glass door) provide a “High Definition” view of destinations on Regent Seven Seas Mariner’s World Cruise. Pictured her ... [ more ]
Saturday, January 31, 2009
When Mariner launched in March 2001, she introduced a new dining concept, Signatures, which was upgraded during the January 2009 drydock. Signatures is the only restaurant at sea to operate under the ... [ more ]
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Regent Seven Seas Mariner features all oceanview suites with private balconies. Suites range from 301 square feet to 2,002 square feet (the totals include the balconies). The two-bedroom, 2.5-bathroo ... [ more ]
Regent Seven Seas: All-Inclusive, All The Time
Saturday, January 31, 2009
You won’t pay extra or have to sign your name and cabin number each time you have a drink on Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The company instituted a free booze policy in 2007. Regent becomes even mo ... [ more ]
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The second port of call on Regent Seven Seas Mariner’s World Cruise, Dominica. Mariner docked in the capital, Roseau, pictured here from the balcony of suite 834. ... [ more ]
Stockholm, Good Value: Getting What You Pay For
Saturday, January 31, 2009
You’d be hard-pressed to find a visitor to Stockholm who would tell you that it is an inexpensive destination to visit, but savvy travelers will tell you that the Swedish capital provides relati ... [ more ]
Friday, January 30, 2009
What’s big and green and occupies one third of Stockholm’s total land area? Parks. Stockholm is an exceptionally green city, and the best place to experience that green is in the former ... [ more ]
Isn’t She Lovely? Regent Seven Seas Mariner
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Looking good after a $20 million refurbishment that enhanced the 700-passenger vessel, inside and out, Seven Seas Mariner, currently on the first leg of a 100-day-plus world cruise, was photographed t ... [ more ]
Thursday, January 29, 2009
One of the items on the menu in Prime 7 is Alaskan King Crab Legs. My dinner companions were in awe when the waiter placed a dish in front of me described as a “two pound cluster of sweet Alaska ... [ more ]
Thursday, January 29, 2009
I entered Prime 7 yesterday 15 minutes before it opened. The staff, pictured here, was getting a lecture from the maitre ‘d, who sounded like a coach, laying out the game plan for the night and ... [ more ]
Thursday, January 29, 2009
It never fails to amaze me that you can board a plane in someplace cold, get on a ship, sail for a couple of days in an extremely relaxed environment, then pull back the curtains one morning in your s ... [ more ]
Islands In The Stream: The Archipelago
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Stockholm’s residents enjoy the fact that their city is situated on 14 islands, but should that number ever prove to be insufficient, not to worry: At Stockholm’s doorstep are roughly 30,0 ... [ more ]
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Regent Seven Seas Mariner $20 million refurbishment is a hit with passengers sailing on the first leg of the ship’s world cruise. One of the biggest additions, Prime 7, a grill restaurant, rep ... [ more ]
Regent Seven Seas Mariner Departing Fort Lauderdale
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
At a time when many companies are retrenching, Regent Seven Seas Cruises continues to invest and upgrade its fleet. The company spent $20 million to upgrade Regent Seven Seas Mariner, pictured here (t ... [ more ]
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
You can’t say you’ve truly experienced Stockholm until you’ve had a Fika. What’s Fika? It’s where catching up with friends meets coffee and cakes. But Fika is about muc ... [ more ]
Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas: Dining At Sea
Monday, January 26, 2009
Specialty restaurants on ships generally represent an incredible bargain when compared to similar land-based restaurants. With a capacity for 12, Crystal Cruises’ Vintage Room pairs some of the world’ ... [ more ]
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The novelist Selma Lagerlof once referred to Stockholm as “the city that floats on water.” Built on 14 islands, Stockholm does indeed appear to be floating, particularly on the endless summer days, wh ... [ more ]
Saturday, January 24, 2009
It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Quebec City to the Saguenay region. We pointed our car toward La Baie, where we checked in to L’ Auberge des 21. Located on the shore of the Saguenay Fjord, the ... [ more ]
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Stockholm a fairly compact city, so it’s easy to get around and explore. You can walk or bike to most places of interest in Stockholm, or, in this city of islands, you can hop on a ferry. You can als ... [ more ]
Stockholm, The ‘Capital of Scandinavia’
Monday, January 19, 2009
You saw the movie Mamma Mia, right? If not, surely you know some of the lyrics to the many Abba tunes that became worldwide hits. But Abba is only one of Sweden’s exports to the world. Others includ ... [ more ]
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Biggest Hotel, with 465 guest rooms. The Facts — The newly refurbished Sheraton Stockholm is a large downtown hotel in a convenient location for touring Stockholm and offering stunning views of Lake ... [ more ]
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Editor’s Choice: Most Convenient City Hotel To Airport. The Facts — Situated next to the central station and Arlanda Express (which offers easy access to Arlanda International Airport), the Rad ... [ more ]
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Editor’s Choice: Hippest Hotel The Facts — Featuring minimalist design, the Nordic Light Hotel is puts a strong accent on style, with a striking lobby that is redecorated four times a year. Co ... [ more ]
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Best ‘Green’ Hotel, environmentally friendly. The Facts —Both stylish and efficiently managed, the Scandic Anglais is a modern, centrally located hotel that stakes a claim as being environmentally fr ... [ more ]
City With A Heart: Stockholm’s Gamla Stan
Saturday, January 17, 2009
From the lofty heights of City Hall’s “Large Tower,” Stockholm’s Old Town appears in the shape of a heart. The symbolism is ?tting in more than one way. Gamla Stan, as the Old Town is known, certain ... [ more ]
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Stockholm is said to consist of equal parts of water, parks and culture. It certainly is true that Stockholm seems to boast bountiful numbers in each: 60 miles of lake, 50 miles of archipelago, one th ... [ more ]
Cruise Passengers Love Stockholm
Monday, January 12, 2009
Stockholm is the Avid Cruiser’s featured destination of the month. In this video clip, I head to the streets of Gamla Stan to interview cruise passengers about their impressions of the Swedish c ... [ more ]
Monday, January 05, 2009
One of the highlights of the Budapest to Amsterdam river cruise on AMA Waterways’ Amacello was a special Bavarian Beer Tasting between Bamberg and Wurzburg. The session was exceptionally well p ... [ more ]
Monday, January 05, 2009
On the Main River, between Bamberg and Wurzburg, Germany, AMA Waterways’ Amacello makes its way along the icy canal. It is snowing in Wurzburg, creating a fairy-tale-like setting. Some of the A ... [ more ]
Linz, Austria: European Cultural Capital 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
Austria’s third largest city, Linz is a charming town where river cruisers dock alongside the Danube’s banks within walking distance of the city center. Most tourists head for the Hauptpla ... [ more ]
Exploring Venerable Vienna, Austria
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
How do you make the most of a few hours in Vienna? First, know that Vienna holds many hidden treasures. There’s a lot more to the city than tourists see on the surface. “The soul of Vien ... [ more ]
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
River cruisers typically do not overnight in Bratislava. But even a few hours is sufficient to appreciate Slovakia’s capital. The Old Town is within walking distance of vessels that dock on th ... [ more ]
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Regarded as one of Europe’s most attractive cities, Budapest is beautiful no matter what time of year. Those on river cruises departing Budapest will find the Hungarian capital easy to get aroun ... [ more ]
Take A Cruise, Learn Life Lessons
Monday, December 29, 2008
One of the great advantages of cruise ships is that experts frequently travel with you to help explain what you are seeing and visiting. When cruising in culturally significant places like Europe or i ... [ more ]
AMA Waterways Danube River Cruise Photos Posted
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
New photos posted from early December’s Danube river cruise on AMA Waterways. Amalegro is currently sailing Christmas Market cruises. Click AMA Waterways Danube river cruise or select from the t ... [ more ]
Thursday, December 18, 2008
New Celebrity Solstice photographs posted. Click on the Celebrity Solstice slideshow or click photos below. ... [ more ]
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Spend an evening at Matsuhisa Restaurant in Beverly Hills, and you can easily rack up a tab totaling a few hundred dollars. Sushi of this quality does not come cheap. But at the famed chef’s restauran ... [ more ]
Danube River Cruises: Living The Suite Life On AMA Waterways
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Junior suites are spacious on AMA Waterways, which boasts Europe’s youngest fleet of river cruise vessels. I’m currently cruising the Danube River on Amalegro in Junior Suite 303, which me ... [ more ]
Ship Report: Celebrity Millennium
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Sister ships: Infinity, Summit, Constellation Ship capacity: 1,950 based on double occupancy On our sailing: 1,890 passengers. A summary of nationalities from the passenger manifest looked like t ... [ more ]
Monday, November 24, 2008
Following is Ralph Grizzle’s 2005 interview with Heald: Carnival Cruise Lines’ John Heald may be regarded as the funniest cruise director at sea, but it was a serious event that launched his ... [ more ]
Celebrity Solstice: Celebrity’s Newest Ship Breaks The Mold
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The elegant and spacious Solstice defines a new class of ship for Celebrity Cruises. While Solstice retains the class and character of Celebrity's popular Millennium-class, the new ship adds a many ni ... [ more ]
Celebrity Solstice: A Ship To Celebrate
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Celebrity Solstice simply is a stunning ship, or as one travel agent who has cruised on countless vessels told me, "five-star-plus-wow!" ... [ more ]
Carnival Cruise Lines’ Joe Farcus: ‘Farchitect’
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The creative force behind the interior design on all of Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships for the past quarter century, Joe Farcus employs a phrase he coined, “entertainment architecture,” when designing s ... [ more ]
Sunday, November 09, 2008
On a Baltic cruise? You can get to Berlin from the German port cities of Rostock and Warnemunde. You'll need to prepare yourself to hit the ground running, however, as Berlin is nearly a three-hour jo ... [ more ]
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Nearly two decades since the Iron Curtain opened, this metropolis of 3.4 million embraces modern life on the cutting edge. The city's free-spirited ambiance is flush with constant change and an exciti ... [ more ]
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Over lunch at Berlin's trendy Restaurant Diekmann at Weinhaus Huth, Nicole Röbel tells a story that grandparents might tell their grandchildren. ... [ more ]
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Nicole Röbel, who represents Berlin's official tourism department, lists five things visitors must do to say they've truly been to Berlin. ... [ more ]
Sunday, November 09, 2008
If you are looking for a first-rate jumping off point for business or touring in Berlin, the Concorde is a great choice in a great location. ... [ more ]
Hotel Concorde’s Knowledgeable Concierge Offers Tips
Sunday, November 09, 2008
As a clefs d’Or concierge at Hotel Concorde Berlin, Martin Rucinska's knowledge of the German capital is more complete than any guide book you could purchase. His advice for getting the most from you ... [ more ]
Saturday, November 08, 2008
When you're in Berlin, don't miss Dresden. Only a little more than two hours by train from Berlin's central rail station, Dresden serves up an engaging variety of historic architecture, museums and si ... [ more ]
Gewandhaus Hotel: A Radisson with Local Appeal
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Gewandhaus has all the conveniences and facilities that one would expect of a good hotel, including a knowledgeable and helpful staff, but it’s the location that really sets this Radisson property apa ... [ more ]
Princess Cruises: Ruby Princess
Friday, November 07, 2008
Trista & Ryan Sutter of the reality series The Bachelorette christened Ruby Princess in Fort Lauderdale on November 6 as Carnival Corporation Chairman and CEO Micky Arison looked on. Third in a s ... [ more ]
Norwegian Jade In The Eastern Mediterranean
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
On 12-day Norwegian Jade roundtrip itineraries from Barcelona, travelers will immerse themselves in the classics of civilization while enjoying a modern travel masterpiece. The Norwegian Jade is impre ... [ more ]
Here Is The Ship That Harri Built: Oasis of the Seas
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
In a Finnish shipyard, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is building the world’s largest cruise ship. Capable of carrying more than 6,000 passengers, Oasis of the Seas will be 40 percent larger than ... [ more ]
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
You’ll feel like you’ve paddled into paradise when cruising the Hawaiian islands. Cruise ships weren’t the first vessels to bring ocean-going passengers to Hawaii. Outrigger canoes ... [ more ]
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Thirty years ago, a 21-year-old boy from North Carolina ventured all the way to Los Angeles and hopped a flight to Tahiti. What possessed him to pursue such a notion? Coconuts. I know, because that bo ... [ more ]
Disney To Cruise Northern Europe, Russia and The Med
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Beginning next week, you’ll be able to book Disney Cruise Line’s 2010 sailings in Europe. For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will offer a 12-night Northern European Capitals cruise, wh ... [ more ]
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Shuffling my feet along a street made from marble slabs, I am following in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary, who, our guide tells us, lived near this ancient city, now part of Turkey, in the final yea ... [ more ]
Read The Fall Issue of Avid Cruiser Magazine
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Read The Fall Issue of Avid Cruiser Magazine ... [ more ]
A Cruise To Remember: Top Ten Family Cruises
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
During my two decades of cruising, I’ve learned that family vacations can take one of two tacks: Either they are full-on disasters or they go down as one of the “best vacations ever.” Over the years, ... [ more ]
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
One of the most popular itinerary options in Europe, a Northern Europe cruise presents passengers with cultural diversity, historical attractions, and magnificent scenery. Cruises in Northern Europe t ... [ more ]
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Where Tecate and tequila meet whales and cactus. Fifteen nautical miles off the coast of Baja California, Holland America Line’s Oosterdam is making 21 knots toward San Diego. For the more than ... [ more ]
An Act Of Freedom: Royal Caribbean’s <em>Independence of the Seas</em>
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Freedom begins in the Personal Karaoke Booth. At least it did for me. That’s where I was freed from my inhibitions to loudly belt out the lyrics being displayed on a screen in front of me. I ha ... [ more ]
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Click to Play Selecting an Alaska cruisetour can be daunting for the uninitiated. With more that 50 cruisetours offered by the major players, how do you sift through the options to find an Alaska cru ... [ more ]
Sensational San Diego: Cruise & Stay A Few Days
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
On a Mexican Riviera cruise from San Diego, my family and I spent one week after our cruise to discover all that this sunny Southern California city has to offer cruise passengers. True, most cruise p ... [ more ]
San Diego: Perfect Port For Families
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
For families, there is no better cruise port than San Diego. Only a few minutes from the cruise terminal is Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park. Encompassing 1,200 acres, Balboa Park ... [ more ]
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
For pre- and post-cruise vacationers, San Diego offers a variety of day trips, all within San Diego County. The seaside resort of La Jolla is only 15 minutes north of the city center. Borrego Springs, ... [ more ]
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
San Diego’s biggest attraction is the harbor itself, known as The Big Bay. You could design a pre- and post-cruise vacation around the Big Bay itself and have a perfectly satisfying experience — with ... [ more ]
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
We were on a quest. Not to see and experience all of the wonderful attractions that were the reasons I chose to bring my family to San Diego for the kids’ spring break vacation. No, the Grizzles ... [ more ]
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
San Diego is the West Coast’s fastest-growing cruise port. Why? First, San Diego is possibly the West Coast port with the most varied cruise itineraries. From September through May, more than 100 crui ... [ more ]
Disney’s <em>Flying Dutchman</em>
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Prominent at Disney’s private island since July 2006 is the Flying Dutchman, the pirate ship used in filming the first of two sequels to Disney’s Pirates in the Caribbean. “It brings a piece of the f ... [ more ]
Celebrity’s Newest Ships to Cruise Europe
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Five ships, including the new Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, will offer more itineraries in Europe than ever before for Celebrity Cruises. ... [ more ]
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Some of my most rewarding cruise experiences have been not about the places I’ve visited by ships but about the people I’ve met on ships. Ramelan Lidan has worked on ships for 14 years. I caught up hi ... [ more ]
First-Timer Cruiser? 10 Things To Love About A Day at Sea
Sunday, August 31, 2008
A small but loud group of people still tell us they “just aren’t the type” to enjoy a cruise vacation, as though it would be too boring or too confining. Of course, they’re almost always singing anoth ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The cheerful steward who attended daily to stateroom 620 on Maasdam was Hery Afandy. He hails from central Java, is father to a boy and girl, and confides that he likes to stay busy so that he doesn’t ... [ more ]
<em>Oasis</em>: New Features Announced
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Royal Caribbean has announced two new “neighborhoods” to be featured on Oasis of the Seas: a Pool and Sports Zone and a Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center. Stretching the length of the ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Countries bordering the Baltic Sea Region offer varied shopping venues. Many of the town and city shopping areas, for example, are for pedestrians only, and shoppers may browse at their leisure while ... [ more ]
Street Smart: Pedestrian Only Shopping Areas
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Shop without having to worry about getting mowed down by passing vehicles on pedestrian shopping streets that are closed to vehicular traffic. In Copenhagen, shop Strøget, the world’s longest pedestri ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Kalmar is well known for Swedish crystal, handmade in one of the 15 glassworks in the Kingdom of Crystal, among which Orrefors and Kosta Boda are the most prominent. In Orrefors factory shop, purchase ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
A visitor’s first view of Copenhagen will likely be not from the sea but from the air. That’s because Copenhagen is where most Baltic cruises begin. Founded in 1167 as a fortress to protect the import ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Spend a leisurely morning strolling the markets in many Baltic Sea destinations. Cruise passengers can hardly miss Helsinki’s famous Kauppatori, the Market Square, selling almost everything from ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Deeply rooted in regional folklore and tradition, amber is mined in Lithuania. Only ten minutes by foot from where cruise ships dock along the Danes river brings cruise passengers to the heart of Klai ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Helsingor (also known as Elsinore) is the Danish town that is home to Hamlet’s castle. Elsinore was founded during the reign of King Erik of Pomerania (1382-1459). Cruise ships moor at Kings Quay at ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Founded in 1680 as Sweden’s primary naval base, Karlskrona is surrounded by islands. Ships transit a beautiful archipelago and a series of fortresses en route to the Karlskrona’s harbor. Ships that d ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Many of the port destinations in the Baltic Cruising region are walkable cities. Pedestrian streets and parks allow visitors to escape traffic. Stockholm’s National City Park, for example, offers a u ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The Baltic Cruising Region is rich with castles and royal palaces. Visitors can still see the changing of the guard in Copenhagen’s Amalienborg Palace, residence of Queen (changing of the guard daily ... [ more ]
Shop Till You Drop In Stockholm
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Stockholm has endless shopping possibilities with several areas in the city of interest to shoppers. Gamla Stan features gift shops, including the inviting Slottsboden in Kungliga Slottet, specializin ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Tallinn’s Old Town is lined with dozens of souvenir, antique and specialty stores, not to mention clothing and footwear. Within Old Town, the main shopping streets are Viru, Müürivahe, Suur-Karja, Vai ... [ more ]
Baltic Antiques & Flea Markets
Saturday, August 23, 2008
While in Riga, take time to browse the antique shops that sell Latvian paintings ranging from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. Also look for bronze, silver, furniture, ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
In the Baltic Sea Region, visitors will find refined city lifestyles and rural country charm. From opera and ballet in St. Petersburg to open-air museums presenting farm and peasant life, the Baltics ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
In Tallinn’s Old Town find St. Catherine’s Passage for craft workshops in a medieval atmosphere. Also, at Master’s Courtyard visitors can shop for jewelry and handicrafts, view art exhibitions, and sa ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Find it all at Finland’s Stockmann, the Nordic region’s largest department store. In Helsinki, shoppers will find Stockmann along the main shopping streets running north and south: Pohjois ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
With a history that dates back many millennia, the Baltic Sea Region is awash in museums. In fact, some of the cities, contained within well-preserved medieval town walls, could be considered to be mu ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Within walking distance of Stockholm’s Vasa Museum is the world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen, featuring a zoo with wild and domestic Nordic animals, and 150 cultural and historic buildings ... [ more ]
Performing Arts In The Baltic Sea Region
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Enjoy live performances throughout the Baltic Cruising region. St. Petersburg may well be the most popular performance port. It is a city full of theaters. The Mariinsky Theater (formerly the Kirov Ac ... [ more ]
Gdynia, The Baltics‘ Youngest Port
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The young port of Gdynia, founded in 1922, was the Baltic Sea’s largest port until 1938. In those years, Gdynia was a mere village, but the port gave rise to a city, which is why the city blends so we ... [ more ]
Port of Call: Helsinki, Finland
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Situated on the southern coast of Finland, Helsinki is a gate between East and West. Finland’s capital city embodies much of the Finnish spirit and its progressive hi-tech push but also is unlike a ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Founded in the year 1000, Oslo always has been a sheltered port. Norway’s capital city lies in the heart of Scandinavia and at the head of the 61-mile long Oslo fjord. Ships takes approximately four ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
A gift from Danish king Knut the Holy, Helsingborg was founded in 1085. Dominating the city skyline, Karnan Tower dates from the medieval ages. On the waterfront is the beautiful Dunker Culture Center ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Maritime and ship museums are a part of the living history in the sea-faring nations of the Baltic Cruising Region. Visitors enthralled by Stockholm’s Vasa Museum (pictured) will also want to see Oslo ... [ more ]
Rostock, Resort Port Meets Old Town
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Founded in 1218, the Hanseatic city Rostock is approached at the seaside resort Warnemunde, where most cruise ships dock. Warnemunde was famed for its baths and spas in the 20th century. Ships pass a ... [ more ]
Helsinki, Where East Meets West
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Founded in 1550 by Sweden’s King Gustav, Helsinki was developed as a harbor town to compete for Baltic trade with Tallinn. The Finnish capital developed around the port. Situated in the city cen ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
One of Sweden’s oldest cities, Kalmar’s port activities date back more than 1,000 years. In the Middle Ages, the port played an important role with its strategic location on the Kalmarsund trade route ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Klaipeda was united with Lithuania only in 1923, and even then was closed to tourists during 50 years of Soviet rule following World War II. Today, as the only Lithuanian port, Klaipeda holds a positi ... [ more ]
Tallinn, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Early settlers were in the region surrounding Tallinn more than 3,500 years ago, and in 1154, an Arabian geographer marked Tallinn on the world map. A member of the Hanseatic League from 1285, Tallinn ... [ more ]
Visby, Medieval and Hanseatic town
Saturday, August 23, 2008
A Viking community once existed in the town that became Visby in 1203. The Swedish port is approached between two breakwaters. Cruise ships pass the ferry harbor and then the Inner Harbor, near the ci ... [ more ]
Port of Call: Karlskrona, Sweden
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Situated on Sweden’s southwest coast, Karlskrona has been home to the Royal Swedish Navy since the 17th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city features a well-preserved dockyard and fortifica ... [ more ]
Port of Call: Klaipeda, Lithuania
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Lithuania’s oldest city, Klaipeda is situated at the mouth of the river Dane, in the country’s western part, a region famous for its summer resorts, sandy beaches and pine forests, especially along th ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Oslo is set at the head of the island-strewn Oslo fjord with an area of 96 square miles of forests, parks and recreational areas — including 343 inland lakes within the city limit. Oslo features a sma ... [ more ]
St. Petersburg, Venice Of The North
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg is situated at the mouth of the Neva River. The city became one of Russia’s largest cruise ship ports and the country’s only gateway to the Baltic Se ... [ more ]
Malmo, Where Sweden Meets Denmark
Saturday, August 23, 2008
First mentioned around 1260, Malmo grew into a town in the 14th century and became wealthy due to the herring trade with Hanseatic cities. Now it trades primarily with its neighbor across the sound, C ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Crusaders and German merchants sailed into the area that would become Riga in 1201. From that point on, trade flourished, and Riga became a major port. Dominating the skyline are church steeples and t ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Founded in 1200, Stockholm started out as a port destination. Built on 14 islands, Sweden’s capital city often is called the “City That Floats On Water.” The Baltic Sea meets Lake Malaren in Stockholm ... [ more ]
Turku, Finland’s Former Capital And Oldest Town
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Founded in 1229 (or at least that is the date that documents mention a marketplace in this part of Finland — Turku, in fact, translates to “market”). Turku is approached through an archipelago of 40,0 ... [ more ]
Baltic Homeports/Turnaround Ports: Copenhagen
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Copenhagen, Denmark Located in northern Europe between the North Sea and Baltic Sea, Denmark is the only Scandinavian country connected to the European mainland. The Jutland peninsula shares a border ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Kalmar is situated in the county of Småland, in southeastern Sweden. One port, three destinations (Kalmar, Öland and Orrefors), Kalmar offers visitors a rich historical heritage as well as world-class ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Sweden’s third largest city, Malmo is situated in the country’s southernmost county, Skåne. Malmo’s proximity to Copenhagen makes quick travel to the Danish capital, about 35 minutes by train. The Öre ... [ more ]
Port of Call: Rostock, Germany
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The large port of Rostock played an important role in the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages. The economic power from trade gave rise to culture and education. The city houses one of Europe’s o ... [ more ]
Port of Call: St. Petersburg, Russia
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, in the estuary of the Neva River and on the islands of the Neva Delta, St. Petersburg is the world’s largest megapolis situated so far north. One of the ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Take your desktop globe for a spin or pull out your atlas and cast your eyes on Europe. Look north, not south, to find the cruising region known as the Baltics. Even experienced travelers sometimes c ... [ more ]
Port of Call: Tallinn, Estonia
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn is located in the Baltic Sea region across the Gulf of Finland less than 50 miles south of Helsinki. Tallinn has managed to preserve its thousand-year old beauty. The ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Situated in the southwest corner of Finland, where two gulfs of the Baltic sea meet - the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia - Turku is Finland’s oldest city. Once the country’s capital city, T ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Situated on Gotland, the Baltic Sea’s largest island, Visby (also called “The Town of Roses and Ruins”) has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. An impressive stonewall surrounds the well pre ... [ more ]
Baltic Sea: Where In The World?
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The Baltic cruising region refers to the Baltic Sea, an arm of the North Atlantic Ocean that separates the Scandinavian Peninsula from the rest of continental Europe. Stretching from southern Denmark ... [ more ]
Cruise Lines and Itineraries In The Baltic
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Nearly all of the major cruise lines offer Baltic itineraries. Most cruise itineraries span seven days or longer and visit several port destinations during a single sailing. Pre- and post-cruise stays ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
During the cruise season, April through October, the Baltic Sea climate is similar to that of London or Amsterdam. While summers are short, they are comparatively warm. The climate is moderated by a s ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The Baltic Sea and the landmasses surrounding it were exposed when the Scandinavian ice sheet retreated toward the Arctic roughly 10,000 years ago. Perhaps the best known of the early settlers were th ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Though English as a second language is spoken throughout much of the Baltic Sea, particularly among the young and in tourist areas, the primary languages are Finnish, Swedish, Estonian, Latvian, Russi ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The standard of living varies greatly within the Baltic Sea region. The Scandinavian countries enjoy the world’s highest standards of living. Social systems feature subsidized (or government ass ... [ more ]
How To Get There For Your Baltic Cruise
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Copenhagen and Stockholm are the primary ports of embarkation and disembarkation for all Baltic cruises. Nearly all cruises begin or end in one of these Scandinavian capitals. Both have excellent air ... [ more ]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Situated in north-central Poland, Gdnyia grew from a small fishing village in 1924 to the largest Baltic Sea port in 1938. Known as the “White City,” for its 1920s and 1930s architecture that drew lar ... [ more ]
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Stockholm may just be the most beautiful city in the world to reach by water. The journey begins nearly 50 miles east, at the tip of a beautiful archipelago comprised of 30,000 islands, islets and roc ... [ more ]
Stockholm: Frequently Asked Questions
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
A few key points that you should keep in mind if you are cruising to or from Stockholm: Most cruise passengers arrive in Stockholm at one of two places: Arlanda Airport (Stockholm serves as the initia ... [ more ]
Reserve Space On <em>Oasis Of The Seas</em>
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
As the company slowly divulges details about the new ship during the next several months, travel agents have already started taking reservations for 2009/2010 sailings. ... [ more ]
Friday, August 15, 2008
Crystal Cruises Vintage Room pairs some of the worlds best wines with specially prepared dishes. With a capacity for 12, the special dinners are served in a private dining room. Patrons, who pay on a ... [ more ]
Friday, August 15, 2008
Crystal Cruises Vintage Room pairs some of the worlds best wines with specially prepared dishes. With a capacity for 12, the special dinners are served in a private dining room. Patrons, who pay on av ... [ more ]
Read A Special Report On European River Cruises
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Read A Special Report On European River Cruises ... [ more ]
Read A Special Report Featuring Azamara Cruises
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Read A Special Report Featuring Azamara Cruises ... [ more ]
Read A Special Report Featuring Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Read A Special Report Featuring Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas ... [ more ]
Read A Special Report Featuring Eurodam
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Read A Special Report Featuring Eurodam ... [ more ]
The ‘Wow’ Factor of World Cruising
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
More than most travel experiences, a world cruise is an exposure to the exotic and the wondrous. Even for those who call themselves seasoned travelers, world cruises invariably will open the window to ... [ more ]
Why You Should Cruise Azamara Now
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Given the skewed the valuation between the U.S. dollar and the Euro, it’s unusual to hear the words “Europe” and “good value” mentioned in the same sentence. But those wo ... [ more ]
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Cruise lines keep cruisers connected March 15, 2 p.m., Caribbean Sea — Clad in a purple swimsuit, broad-rimmed hat and polarized sunglasses, Raelyn Lucklow is enjoying yet another sunny day at sea. ... [ more ]
You’re Aboard <em>Eurodam</em>
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Set aside what you’re doing for a moment, and come with me. Together, we will board Holland America Line’s brand new Eurodam for a virtual cruise. I’ll give you a few minutes to pack. Let me know when ... [ more ]
Build A Ship: Regent Taps Guests
Sunday, August 03, 2008
To garner passenger input for its first newbuild ship order in eight years, Regent Seven Seas Cruises went beyond the typical comment card. The luxury cruise line offered customers a 10-night, Caribbe ... [ more ]
Friday, August 01, 2008
I had traveled the world before traveling to Quebec, and if my foot could reach my behind, I would kick myself for doing so. Of all the places I have visited, Quebec surely ranks in my top ten. The ir ... [ more ]
Friday, August 01, 2008
It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Quebec City to the Saguenay region. We pointed our car toward La Baie, where we checked in to L’ Auberge des 21. Located on the shore of the Saguenay Fjord, the ... [ more ]
Friday, August 01, 2008
Quebec City offers beauty, fine dining and delightful diversions. And that’s just in the train station. Our three-hour train journey from Montreal to Quebec ended in what has been called ‘ ... [ more ]
France Without The Jetlag: Pre- and Post-Cruise Vacations in Montreal, Quebec and Saguenay
Friday, August 01, 2008
A bartender at Quebec City’s fashionable L’EChaude restaurant expresses mock indignation when a visitor asks how Quebec’s capital compares with the province’s largest city, Mon ... [ more ]
Friday, August 01, 2008
I caught up with Juan Balbuena on the Carnival Liberty. It wasn’t easy to break Balbuena’s brisk pace as he served drinks, but he paused for a moment to talk. Employed 16 years with Carnival Cruise Li ... [ more ]
Venice: Frequently Asked Questions
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Q: How do I get from the ship to St. Mark’s Square? A: For 5 Euros you can hop on Alilaguna, a public water shuttle (www.alilaguna.it) that connects Marittima Cruise Terminals to St. Mark’s Square in ... [ more ]
Genteel Galveston: Gateway to The Gulf of Mexico & Beyond
Thursday, July 31, 2008
YOU’VE GOT TO LIKE A TOWN WHOSE FIRST KNOWN EUROPEAN SETTLER WAS A PIRATE. Especially one who interrupted his illicit adventures to fight the heroically for the United States in the War of 1812. That’ ... [ more ]
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Galveston’s downtown is compact by big-city standards, more than 36 square blocks. But within those blocks is more than 100 shops, antique stores, restaurants and art galleries. Begin your exploratio ... [ more ]
Grand Galveston, Dining & Diversions
Thursday, July 31, 2008
During the 1920s through the 1940s, Sam Maceo’s famous Galveston nightclubs, the Balinese Room and the Hollywood Dinner Club, were host to such performers as Phil Harris, Paul Whiteman, Guy Lombardo, ... [ more ]
Galveston, Frequently Asked Questions
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Q. How do I get from the airport to the port? A. Many cruise passengers who fly to their Galveston cruises arrive at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, 65 miles from Galveston. Closer is ... [ more ]
Grand Adventures In Venice, Italy
Thursday, July 31, 2008
If there is one city that should be on every avid cruiser’s list of must-see destinations, Venice is it. For starters, Venice is one world’s most unique cities — architecturally, historically and e ... [ more ]
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Few travel experiences can top sitting in a piazza, watching the world pass while sipping on a cappuccino or a glass of chianti or digging at a delicious dome of gelato. I know, because I spent such a ... [ more ]
Cruise Combo: Buenos Aires & Santiago
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
From Buenos Aires, Argentina, around Cape Horn to Valparaiso, Chile, or in the reverse direction, “Round Cape Horn” cruises are South America’s most popular itineraries. You’ll typically spend two wee ... [ more ]
Buenos Aires: It Takes Two Days To Tango
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
In January, I flew to Buenos Aires for a cruise around legendary Cape Horn to Valparaiso, Chile. My schedule was to fly from the United States late one evening, arrive in Buenos Aires the next morn ... [ more ]
Santiago: Gateway to Chile’s Wine Country
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Occupying a narrow swath of South America’s west coast, Chile extends nearly 2,700 miles from its southernmost point at Cape Horn to its northern border with Peru. The majestic Andes and the Pacific O ... [ more ]
Sunday, July 13, 2008
For years I’ve followed the career of Jerry Zape, a bar manager for Windstar Cruises who fulfilled a dream to give his wife and three children a better life with earnings he sent home from his j ... [ more ]
Sunday, July 13, 2008
A familiar face greeted me as I boarded the Wind Surf on a recent sailing from Venice to Malta. Jerry Zape remembered me from five years ago when he worked as a bartender on the Wind Song. I remembere ... [ more ]
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Long known as the gateway to the mysteries and the abundant riches of the Orient, Hong Kong is one of those special places that lives up to its reputation for dramatic and romantic images. My travels ... [ more ]
At <em>Eurodam</em>’s Helm, Captain of the ‘Love Boat’
Monday, June 30, 2008
Editor’s Note: This interview (recently updated) originally appeared in the winter 2006 issue of The Avid Cruiser. On the day before Valentine’s Day, during staff introductions to an audi ... [ more ]
Baltic Homeports/Turnaround Ports: Stockholm
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Stockholm, Sweden The “City That Floats On Water” is built on 14 islands, where Lake Mälaren flows into the Baltic Sea. By ship, Stockholm is approached through an archipelago of 30,000 islands and sk ... [ more ]
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Next week, Holland America Line introduces Eurodam, the first of its new Signature-class of vessels. In anticipation for the event — and this new class of vessel for Holland America Line, this story l ... [ more ]
Thursday, June 19, 2008
European cruises are like exquisite appetizers. Your ship gives you a taste of the delicious culture capitals, allowing you to decide which cities and countries are most intriguing and appealing. Each ... [ more ]