Info on sea cruising and water travel
A passenger boarding Le Boreal is instantly immersed in French language, culture and cuisine, beginning with the welcome from the ship’s captain and his officers, all of whom hail from France. Shipboard announcements and lectures are routinely delivered in both French and English. Even the mandatory muster drill on the first day offers non-French-speaking passengers…
As I packed my suitcase for our Mediterranean cruise on the new Oceania Marina, the thought of hitting 11 cities in 12 days felt mildly reminiscent of the folly of my youth. My first trip to Europe was a one-week escorted tour of London, Paris, and Rome. Yet, there’s a reason why that tri-city speed…
Because the pleasures of cruising extend from ship to shore, here are some of the keys to how to make the most of every cruise port you visit.
Touring Burgundy by barge a perfect way to savor the region’s foods, wines, and scenery—even for non-cruisers.
For the 50 years leading up to the Civil War, steamboats ruled the Mississippi River and its tributaries to the east and west, carrying passengers, produce, sugar, cotton and livestock while weaving through the nation’s heartland and touching the shores of 10 states from Minnesota to Louisiana. By the time Great American Steamboat Co. took…
Cruise size matters but everyone can find the perfect fit. This article points out some of the pros and cons of ships of varying sizes.
Before embarking on a 17-day cruise to South America, I knew very little about Chilean food. Tasting my way through three Chilean ports changed that. Chilean food isn’t particularly bold. Rather, it’s characterized by its no-nonsense simplicity that emphasizes ocean-fresh fish and shellfish and features abundant farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Dishes and menus are built…
Here are some tips I wrote for the Chicago Tribune on how to be social on a cruise.
We were surprised to find out we would be enjoying a seder at sea on an Oceania cruise, an enjoyable meal that required no planning or cooking.