Cruising to Cuba

Cuba may only be 90 miles from Florida but up until recently it was as difficult for an American to visit there, as it would be to visit the moon!  The embargo placed on Cuba by the United States in 1962 actually made it illegal for Americans to visit the island; no

American tourist should be contributing to Cuba’s economy!  Fast forward to today. Although the embargo has not yet been totally lifted, it has been modified, allowing restricted visitation by American citizens.

CarnivalCruise Line has already commenced sailings to Cuba aboard its new Fathom brand focusing on “voluntourism”. And Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, recently indicated that the cruise line could move into the Cuban market as early as late July. I find this all very exciting and would like to book myself on a cruise to Cuba sooner, rather than later.  Here’s why:

The Culinary Arts Centers Aboard Holland America Ships

I am an avid cruiser and enjoy trying new foods when I'm onboard! At home I love watching the Food Channel and probably spend way too many hours “pinning” recipes and tearing out pages from gourmet magazine (so it’s not from lack of effort or interest that I’m a terrible cook!). Now I know there are  many cruisers out there that also share an enthusiasm for cooking, so I wanted to be sure that you all know about the Culinary Arts Center available on all Holland America ships.

The Culinary Arts Centers, presented by Food & Wine magazine, can best be described as a set resembling the sophisticated kitchens of your favorite chefs on television cooking programs. The venues feature a rotating schedule of activities daily including cooking shows, wine tastings, mixology demonstrations, hands-on themed cooking classes for both adults and kids, and regionally inspired workshops.  

Compelling Reasons For Considering Bermuda

Have you made your cruise vacation plans for this spring or summer? Still undecided as to where to go? There are some pretty compelling reasons for considering Bermuda!

The Zika Virus is still making the news and, understandably, there may be concerns about traveling to areas where the virus has been transmitted. However, the Aedes mosquito, which is the most common species to transmit the virus, is not found in Bermuda, so cruisers to the island do not need to be concerned about Zika in Bermuda.

"Overnight Adventures" by Azamara Club Cruises

I have traveled to Europe many times, sometimes cruising and sometimes as a land-based trip. Although each mode has advantages and disadvantages over the other, I must say, it’s a common misconception that travelers cannot immerse themselves fully in a destination if they return to a cruise ship every night! That argument is really no longer valid now that cruise lines like Azamara Club Cruises are so very focused on destination immersion.  

Azamara provides guests with longer stays in port, more overnights and night touring options. In addition, the cruise line has expanded the possibilities of immersion even further with their new “Overnight Adventures”! Mid-voyage cruisers actually leave the ship to spend two or three days visiting cities and places that require extra time to truly be appreciated.