Cruise Guide: Vibrant cities, nature, await South American cruise guests
By Mike Coleman The world’s best cruise lines have not only unveiled a host of new ships in recent months, they’ve also introduced a series of global itineraries and that’s good news for savvy travelers. Over the past two weeks, Cruise Guide has bypassed the obvious – Caribbean and European sailings- to take a...
Cruise Guide: South Pacific charm beckons guests Down Under
By Mike Coleman There’s more Down Under than meets the eye. Upcoming cruises to Australia, New Zealand and the Polynesian islands will feature a combination of cosmopolitan cities, jungles, snow-capped mountains, fjords, white-sand beaches and coral reefs. It’s almost hard to believe that such diversity can be found in a...
Cruise Guide: Asia bound – Cruise lines unwrap exotic Far East itineraries
By Mike Coleman Southeast Asia. The name alone conjures up a host of images from giant Buddhas and gilded temple spires to neon-lit cities. Look for eight of the most popular and luxurious cruise lines in the world – members of the Cruise Lines International Association, the chief marketing arm for 19 lines and some …...
Cruise Guide: Expedition-style voyages bring nature to life
By Michael Coleman While Europe and the Caribbean beckon cruise travelers like never before, expedition-style voyages to some of the world’s most captivating natural locales are drawing Baby Boomers in droves. Those seeking a respite from the packed, mass-market cruise experience need to look no further than two intimate,...
Cruise Guide: Princess helps couples tie-the-knot at sea
By Michael Coleman Tying the knot at sea is as old as cruising itself. Gentle ocean breezes and picture-perfect sunsets put many a couple in the mood to say “I Do.” Whether sailing off the coast of an idyllic Tahitian island, cruising the Amazon or exchanging vows in the sun-drenched Caribbean, what’s not to like...
Cruise Guide: Cunard bids farewell to seafaring icon
By Michael Coleman IBM introduced the floppy disc. Monday Night Football was born. The Beatles broke up. Kansas City won a Super Bowl. Brazil knocked off Italy for the World Cup. It was 1970, a year full of promise and a time when a young seaman joined the Cunard Line. My how times flies even …...
Cruise Guide: Seabourn offers small-plate culinary experience
By Michael Coleman Smaller portioned cuisine options await guests aboard the yacht-like ships of Seabourn, a cruise line big on luxury. The company, operators of three elegant vessels – the 208-guest Pride, Spirit and Legend – has also unveiled a series of exotic global itineraries through 2008 punctuated by indulgences...
Cruise Guide: Godmothers symbolize the romance of ocean travel
By Michael Coleman Female monarchs, heads of state, legendary actresses, world-class athletes, comedians, astronauts and even an animated film character have been named godmother for many of today’s new, gleaming cruise ships. And, like the ship itself, the godmother’s name will live forever in maritime history. The task...
Cruise Guide: The sky’s the limit . . . at sea
By Michael Coleman As the world’s largest passenger vessel was unveiled in Miami last week, I had but one question on my mind: What will they think of next? Royal Caribbean’s highly-anticipated Freedom of the Seas is not your typical cruise ship. She features 15 passenger decks, an onboard surf park, cantilevered whirlpools...
Cruise Guide: Industry rolls out global red carpet to woo cruise passengers
By Michael Coleman Cruise ship travel continues to gain in popularity – a record 10 million North Americans are expected to step foot on a major vessel this year alone. But it’s the economic impact on local communities across the globe that is propelling the industry to new heights Old piers are suddenly receiving...