Panama Canal Cruise In The Dark

Maybe we’re missing something here… Windstar Cruises has a new program for sailing through the Panama Canal, at night. Yes, in the dark, or mostly in the dark. As the cruise line points out, it will give Windstar guests a chance “to experience the sights and sounds of the Panama Canal while enjoying amenities and… Continue reading Panama Canal Cruise In The Dark

Friday File: Why Wildlife Is A Winner

Have you ever noticed that the best TV commercials, even the ones on Super Bowl Sunday, often feature animals? For whatever reason, any kind of wildlife captures our imaginations, or at least our camera lens, and that’s why among the thousands of pictures we’ve taken while on cruises, so many of them are of a… Continue reading Friday File: Why Wildlife Is A Winner

Norwegian Grammy Plan Not There Yet

When Norwegian announced that its newest ship, the Getaway, was going to feature Grammy Award-winning entertainment, it sounded like a promising venture. Alas, at least perceptually, it still has a ways to go. This week, Norwegian proudly announced "three exciting artists" whom will be performing on the Getaway, sailing 7-day Caribbean cruises from Miami. Ready?… Continue reading Norwegian Grammy Plan Not There Yet

Barcelona And The Woman Who Knows It Best

Of all the tour guides we have encountered over years of cruising — and all have been varying degrees of good at their craft — no one was better than Maria Nadina. For us, she is the First Lady of Barcelona. It's not just because she speaks six languages, all of them (as near as… Continue reading Barcelona And The Woman Who Knows It Best

Breast Cancer Survivors Make 'Pink' Headlines Again with Holland America

  Almost exactly a year ago, we wrote a blog about Holland America and breast cancer. About how breast cancer survivors were invited on board when the Oosterdam was in port in Seattle, where Holland America's head office is located. About how this cruise line has raised millions to help those who think pink in… Continue reading Breast Cancer Survivors Make 'Pink' Headlines Again with Holland America