Over 2200 islands off the coast of Maine beg exploration. They offer quaint sailing villages, private homesteads, seals, dolphins, and other wildlife, as well as beaches perfect for a lobster boil. Whether you board the Stephen Taber (celebrating 150 years) or its sister ship, the LaDona (a 1922 racing yacht), … Read more
When it comes to dreamy vacations, it’s hard to compete with sailing on a chartered yacht. And the Croatian coastline offers a course that’s ripe for discovery. Home to more than 1,000 islands, islets and reefs strewn like sparkling jewels off its coast, Croatia provides an Adriatic paradise for adventures … Read more
It was a special moment. In a scene out of a fairytale, gingerbread house-like stalls adorned with twinkle lights filled the square in front of St. Stephens Cathedral in Passau, Germany. Handmade ornaments, one of a kind local treasures and delectable confections on display beckoned. As I wandered around, the … Read more
Egypt should be on everyone’s bucket list. It was, after all, a tourist destination for the ancient Greeks and Romans who visited this wondrous land to marvel at the Pyramids and the Colossi of Thebes. Along the Nile are more must-see, astonishing sights. For an enjoyable and relaxing way to … Read more
Moroccan scholar and traveler, Ibn Buttata once said: “Travel leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller.” I have to wonder: did a cruise along the Turkish coastline prompt this quote? It’s a place where sunbeams sparkle on turquoise waters. A place where picturesque islands with rocky outcrops and … Read more
Our imaginations were on fire as we sailed out of Sydney Harbour bound for New Zealand on the incomparable Queen Mary 2. Captain Peter Philpott slowly steered the ship out to sea with the help of three tiny red tugboats as the sun’s golden rays bounced off the white tiles … Read more
Sensational Sydney If you want to explore Australia and experience both the cultural and natural wonders of this enormous country, the Queen Mary 2 is the way to do it. During this year’s “World Voyage” the QM2 cruised into eight ports from Sydney to Perth, including Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Margaret … Read more
It’s morning aboard the Scenic Opal, and I lazily roll out of bed, put on my plush robe and dial my butler. “Good Morning, Ms. Marshall. Are you ready for your tea? Yes, please.” Slipping on a cushy pair of slippers, I wander out to my private terrace to see … Read more
July 4th conjures up images of picnics and fireworks. But my husband and I gladly traded those traditions for five-star luxury and Old-World ambience aboard the Queen Mary 2, one of the world’s most iconic ocean liners and the largest of Cunard’s fleet. Not only would we celebrate July 4th … Read more
Last year was a challenging year for the Caribbean, as Category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria pummeled many of the primarily eastern islands in one month, causing extensive damage and devastating loss of life and property. Tourism is the life-blood of the Caribbean islands, with revenue generated from cruise ship … Read more
Every year millions of people choose to cruise for their vacation. And why not? You unpack once, someone else does the “driving” and you get to explore fascinating ports of call every day. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for you? Very … Read more
It’s not that high I tell myself after committing to be the first to climb a rope ladder to the crow’s nest of a tall sailing ship – my home on water for a week. Not one to break my word (at least not with so many witnesses), I’m secured … Read more
While many of us struggle with classifications, if prodded I would have to admit I’m a solo or small group traveler. A cruise isn’t something that’s in my field of vision. So, it was with a fair amount of trepidation that I boarded the 700 passenger Adonia in Fort Lauderdale … Read more
H.M.S. Victory H.R.H. The Princess Royal, previously known as Princess Anne, is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh and is the sister of Prince Charles, who is the subject of the Tony worthy new show King Charles III now on Broadway at the Music … Read more
“Some people have been on the Queen Mary 2 making the same crossing many times before. But I’ve got one over on even those who are grizzled veterans of the North Atlantic crossing. I have boldly gone where no one has gone before on the Starship Enterprise,” quipped the affable … Read more