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Pre- and Post-Cruise New Orleans

Select a Caribbean cruise that departs from and/or returns to New Orleans and you’ll get an automatic bonus: some time in one of the most distinctive and historic cities in the U.S. There’s so much to take in that you could plan to spend a few days there before your cruise, after your cruise, or both. The French Quarter is the oldest and most-visited neighborhood in New Orleans, and it’s a gem. The narrow streets are lined with Spanish-style buildings, many with ornate ironwork balconies (most were constructed during a time of Spanish rule in the late 18 th century, after a fire destroyed the old French colonial buildings). Jackson Square is the heart of the Quarter, always busy with horse-drawn carriage rides, street performers and sidewalk artists; at night, palm readers will tell your fortune in front of the Cathedral of New Orleans. Some of New Orleans finest restaurants are in the quarter, serving up savory Creole and Cajun cuisine. The French Quarter’s Bourbon Street tur...

Cruising to Cuba

The United States and Cuba, which lies just 93 miles south of the Florida Keys, recently resumed diplomatic relations; and, the U.S. is slowly lifting decades-old travel restrictions between the two countries. As a result, several cruise operators are planning new Caribbean itineraries that include port calls in Cuba. The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba lies at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Tropical warmth is moderated by constant trade winds, and the dry season – November to April – is an ideal time to visit. Cuba has lovely rolling plains, rugged mountains and beautiful white sand beaches along its coastline. There are also more than 4,000 offshore islands and cays, adding to the beauty of the surrounding water. Cuban ports are fascinating because life there is still much as it was before the Cuban Revolution of 1959. The media is state-owned, as are most businesses, and Internet connectivity is available only in some large resorts spec...

Wine-Themed Cruises

If you appreciate wine and cruising, why not combine the two? Many cruise itineraries include wine appreciation lectures, tastings, and even shore excursions to local wineries; but, some cruises truly immerse you in wine from beginning to end. Here are a few cruises designed for wine lovers: Celebrate National Drink Wine Day, February 18, 2016, by raising your glass on Princess Cruises 5-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale, departing February 15 on the Emerald Princess . You’ll enjoy an exclusive wine-tasting event; wines by the glass and flight in Vines Wine Bar; complimentary champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries; and discounted shore excursions. You can also bring a bottle of your favorite wine on board with you. A wonderful choice for singles who enjoy meeting fellow wine lovers, the Mediterranean Wine Lovers Singles Cruise aboard Norwegian Epic will depart June 19, 2016, from Barcelona. You’ll enjoy a wine tasting experience in every port you visit, including Nap...

Cruising the British Isles

Full of history and trend-setting culture, the British Isles are a wonderful destination for small and mid-size cruise ships. In addition to the main islands of Great Britain (which contains England, Wales and Scotland) and Ireland, there are more than 6,000 offshore islands, including the Hebrides, Orkneys, Shetlands and Channel Islands. The major islands offer more than 19,000 miles of coastline, much of it accessible to smaller ships; the islands themselves are wonderfully scenic, offering everything from rolling green countryside, historic ports, dramatic cliffs and craggy mountain peaks. Cruises of the British Isles range from 3- to 14-nights, and the relatively compact size of the islands means you’ll have a port call almost every day. What can you expect to see? London, England, isn’t a sea port; it’s on the River Thames, and only the smallest cruise ships can actually dock in London. It’s more common for London to be a pre-cruise, post-cruise or shore excursion des...

Cruising the Upper Amazon Basin

The mighty Amazon River – portions of it so broad and deep that it’s more of a slim inland ocean that a river – is most closely associated with Brazil. However, the world’s largest river originates high in the Peruvian Andes, and takes the name “Amazon” at the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers in Peru. The incredible biodiversity of the Amazon region can be enjoyed on a cruise of its Upper Basin. You’ll start by flying from Lima to the remote city of Iquitos, Peru; then, you’ll travel by bus to Natua, where you’ll board a comfortable river boat equipped to tour the intricate web of waterways, bordered by thick jungle, that flow into the storied river. Most of the cruise will be within the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, 8,000 square miles of protected, flooded rainforest bursting with animal and plant life. Each day, you’ll hike or ride a skiff on a jungle safari. Monkeys, macaws, caiman, heron, butterflies, iguanas, enormous lily pads, towering ceiba trees, piranh...

Cruising Europe with the Kids

A European cruise is an adventure for families who want to experience a different part of the world, explore centuries worth of art and architecture, and check out the latest trends in European cuisine and fashion. Family-friendly options for European cruises have increased in recent years, with popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line positioning more ships there, especially in summer. The family-oriented Disney Cruise Line sails Europe, too. A wonderful thing about cruising Europe with the kids is that both ship and shore hold so much interest. At every stop, there are wonderful things to see: Gothic castles, medieval city walls, museums and galleries, street markets, and so much more. If the kids get tired of sightseeing, you can go back to the ship, get a bite to eat, and let the kids play. On a European cruise you’re likely to meet families from around the world, giving your kids a new, international set of friends. Some cruise lines run their k...

Plan Now to Cruise Through School Breaks

The kids are heading back to school and you have their schedules for the academic year – why not plan a family cruise during one of their breaks? It’s a wonderful way to spend time together and share the adventure of visiting new places, with the assurance that everyone will find an activity (or several) to enjoy on the ship. The first thing to do is decide where to go and when, so you can book your cruise as soon as possible. Book as early as you can to have the best chance of reserving a stateroom or suite that can accommodate the entire family. Your destination options depend on when you’ll be sailing. The Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas are open for cruising all year long, and there’s a fantastic variety of itineraries that depart from the East, Gulf and West Coasts. Kids from toddlers to teens love the beaches, making the region a perfect choice for Christmas, New Year’s and Spring Break getaways. Hawaii is another beautiful, year-round destination. But, if you’re d...