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

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

Cruise Internships For ‘Students’

Call it an industry within an industry. Or call it an opportunity to see distant shores and get paid. Or just call it an unbelievable opportunity. ‘It’ is a cruise internship. The industry has grown to the point that there are websites dedicated to helping students who are looking for an internship in the cruise… Continue reading Cruise Internships For ‘Students’

Wait-And-See Time If Your Cruise Includes Russia

Was it just a few weeks ago that the world was watching Russia because that's where the Winter Olympics were? Is that short a time all it takes for the world to be watching Russia for wintry reasons far more serious…wintry, as in Cold War? The world includes people who go on cruises because, since… Continue reading Wait-And-See Time If Your Cruise Includes Russia

River Cruising Ports Unique…and Some Anonymous

North America's most prolific river cruiser, American Cruise Lines, has boats on the water in 30 states. That means many river ports, too many to mention here, but some of the "big ones" may surprise you. This year, the cruise line polled its passengers to see which stops they like best. Call it river cruising's… Continue reading River Cruising Ports Unique…and Some Anonymous