Cruise Guide: Luxury lines offer Europe on a silver platter
By Mike Coleman It will be banner year in Europe for cruise ship passengers, especially those planning luxurious getaways. The world’s best cruise lines will be rolling out the welcome mat, the best of food and drink, and land programs never before equaled in the history of modern cruise ship travel. Look for itineraries to...
Cruise Guide: Princess unveils heady Alaska shore excursions
By Mike Coleman A Princess Cruise may be the ultimate way to enjoy Alaska up-close and personal in 2007. Passengers will be treated to 170 tour options and 21 new excursions, including a host of novel private land programs. If exploring Juneau in a chauffeur-driven Hummer, soaring over Misty Fjords National Monument in a private...
Cruise Guide: Sun-drenched Caribbean voyages unveiled
By Michael Coleman You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to conclude that Caribbean cruise itineraries are the most popular in the world. Over the past few years, port calls in Alaska and Europe have gained momentum among travelers seeking to expand their horizons, but the hands-down winner is just a few hundred miles...
Cruise Guide: Red-Hot Swedish Icebar Sizzles
 By Michael Coleman STOCKHOLM Sweden – In a city renowned for its legends, a new “hometown hero” is emerging. This Baltic playground has long been the domain of iconic figures through the ages from inventor Alfred Nobel and actress Greta Garbo to modern sports legends Bjorn Borg and Annika Sorenstam. But...
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: 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: 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...
Cruise Guide: Mexican Riviera: The new ‘it’ place in the sun
By Michael Coleman Flawless beaches, superb golf and fishing, great weather and an enriching cultural component may indeed be adjectives to describe coastal living in California or Florida but cruise ship passengers are flocking in droves to the new ‘it’ place in the sun: The Mexican Riviera. A major cruise association...
Cruise Guide: D.C. power couple to pontificate at sea
By Michael Coleman Political junkies need not worry about missing the latest election news from home while sailing abroad this summer. The husband and wife tandem of James Carville and Mary Matalin, Democratic and Republican political commentators respectively, will share their insights during Crystal Cruises’ 12-day voyage from...
Cruise Guide: Mass-market cruise lines ready for a busy 2006
By Michael Coleman The world’s most popular mass market cruise lines are turning up the heat for your hard-earned vacation dollars in 2006. Look for competitive pricing, the debut of new itineraries and a slew of cruise industry firsts. Carnival is set to debut three- six- and eight-day Caribbean itineraries from Fort...