We’ve been lucky enough to visit Alaska twice, in 2009 and earlier this year, both times while cruising on Princess ships, first the Coral Princess and then the Star Princess. On both occasions, we heard the tale of the Mount McKinley versus Denali name debate, which was new to us. On both occasions, we concluded… Continue reading The Denali Debate Known To Cruisers
Category: Stories
Memories Of Child Of Vietnam War
VIETNAM — He is from Hanoi. A child of the Vietnam War, in which his father fought for the North Vietnamese Army. Yes, the Viet Cong, although that degrading terminology was used only by the enemy. His father was shot by an American soldier. He’d like to meet that American soldier. To say thanks. “When… Continue reading Memories Of Child Of Vietnam War
New Orleans: Big Growth Not Easy
Anniversaries are always reason for reflection, good or bad. It's now 10 years since Katrina. One word. That's often the case with things that are unforgettable — Hiroshima, Elvis, LeBron — because one word is all it takes. Katrina. It was the last week of August 2005. The hurricane that destroyed a city. In the… Continue reading New Orleans: Big Growth Not Easy
First River Cruise: Mekong Riches
Our first river cruise — on AmaWaterways’ luxurious new AmaDara — is history. So it’s the first chance for us to compare it to what we’ve always known: ocean cruises. This is not an all-inclusive comparison, as our “inaugural” was in a remote, somewhat virgin part of the river cruise world, Cambodia and Vietnam. There’s… Continue reading First River Cruise: Mekong Riches
Times To Butt Out Of Ship Casinos
The world continues to close in on smokers. One of the last places where smokers can still light up are gaming establishments. For whatever reason, smoking and gambling seem to be partners. On land and at sea. Casinos on land usually have a non-smoking area. Presumably, these areas will grow in size as there are… Continue reading Times To Butt Out Of Ship Casinos