A French Landmark Back In Saigon

SAIGON — A sign of the times in Vietnam’s southernmost city is Le Meridien Saigon. A member of the Starwood chain and arguably this city’s most modern hotel, it officially opened this weekend, still something of a secret to taxi drivers who haven’t ferried enough guests there in the weeks leading up to the ceremonial… Continue reading A French Landmark Back In Saigon

Friday File: The Anchorage Museum

If you’re on an Alaska cruise that takes you to Anchorage between now and the end of the season, there’s still time to see Arctic Ambitions: Captain Cook and the Northwest Passage at the Anchorage Museum. For us, the museum trip was recommended by Guy Glaeser, the Princess Cruises expert on Alaska, and it turned… Continue reading Friday File: The Anchorage Museum

Drowning At Sea: Everyone Loses

Yet another child has died on a cruise ship. Yet another child has, allegedly, drowned. Yet another plea is going to be issued for cruise lines to station lifeguards by pools all the time they are open. And once more there is a chance of misplaced responsibility. The victim of this family tragedy is a… Continue reading Drowning At Sea: Everyone Loses

Barcelona's Beauty…And Beyond

BARCELONA, Spain — Right off the top, there are two observations about visiting this Spanish jewel that has been home to  Antoni Gaudi, the Olympic Games, Pablo Picasso and 5.5 million current residents.  One, you can never be here often enough to tire of Las Ramblas. This is good news for Costa Cruises, among others… Continue reading Barcelona's Beauty…And Beyond

Riviera Maya’s El Cid — Especial!

PUERTO MORELOS, Mexico — It has been a long time since we’d been cruising on land… Cruising on land? The closest thing you’ll find to a cruise without the water under the room in which you’re sleeping is at an all-inclusive resort, and there are likely more of them than there are cruise ships. We… Continue reading Riviera Maya’s El Cid — Especial!