Story Archive

Seas of Tranquility – Private yacht charters refine the art of social distancing – Business Traveler USA, Sept. 30, 2020

In recent years, upmarket travelers have gravitated to small-ship ocean and river cruising, both of which offer the sought-after combination of relative intimacy, personalized service, gourmet, prepared-to-order cuisine and soft adventure excursions.

Top Deck: Luxury Cruising is Launching New Designs and Extraordinary Experiences – at Sea, on the Rivers and Ashore – Business Traveler USA, Feb. 28, 2020

In a seemingly never-ending game of one-upmanship, luxury cruise lines are raising the bar on their offerings – from cuisine and accommodations to onboard service and active adventures ashore – in an attempt to woo new-to-cruise guests while holding onto repeat customers. And fortunately for travelers, this high-stakes maritime battleground shows no sign of abating.

Cruise Review: Oceania Cruises Insignia – TravelAge West, Feb. 9, 2020

I knew that Oceania Cruises was unofficially dubbed the “foodie cruise line,” but what I didn’t realize — until I was onboard the reimagined Insignia — was how deeply the company’s culinary ethos permeates the entire experience. It’s certainly not an exaggeration to say that dining is the primary focal point on Oceania’s ships, and the guests on my sailing stayed true to that theme by buzzing about what they’d eaten the previous night — and what was on tap for tonight.

Incredible Innovation at Sea: What’s New Aboard Seabourn Cruises, Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line – Gluten-Free Living, Dec. 24, 2019

Possibly more than any other segment of the travel industry, the cruise sector adheres to the well-worn maxim that sharks live by: keep moving or die. That forward progress – in cruise ship design, operation, culinary prowess (including gluten-free options), and service delivery – implies innovation on a scale and at a pace unrivaled by land-based resorts.

Sailing with Celebrity Cruises on the Pacific Coast – TravelAge West, October 13, 2019

Once seemingly considered an afterthought by cruise lines — or merely a seasonal repositioning necessity — West Coast cruising has recently come into its own as a legitimate itinerary option.

Culinary Heaven at Sea: Thomas Keller Sails With Seabourn – Tours.com, August 1, 2019

In a never-ending battle for culinary supremacy on the high seas, Seabourn Cruises fired a shot across the bow of the competition in the luxury sector by partnering with Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller in 2015.

What’s Hot in Las Vegas Right Now – Gluten-Free Living, July 15, 2019

If the ever-shifting sands just outside this desert resort were a metaphor for Las Vegas’ constantly-evolving hospitality landscape, the dizzying changes that have taken place this past year in the city’s casino-resorts would approximate a blinding sandstorm.

Hotel Review: NoMad Las Vegas – TravelAge West, June 6, 2019

I can’t say that I intentionally avoided Monte Carlo Resort and Casino during past trips to Las Vegas. There just wasn’t a compelling reason to visit the Strip property — except, that is, for the little-known Hotel 32, a hotel-within-a-hotel product that resonated with a faithful clientele.

Costa Caribbean Cruise: A Window to Italy – Tours.com, March 1, 2019

I’ll be honest. I knew that a 7-day Caribbean sailing on Costa Cruises’ Costa Deliziosa would be different from competing mass-market ships sailing out of South Florida. I just never imagined it would be that different. In fact, it’s more than a cruise experience; I’d actually describe it as a taste of Italy – just a lot closer to home.

HAL’s – Nieuw Statendam Raises the Bar on Premium Cruising – Tours.com, Feb. 1, 2019

If you were smitten – as I was – by the new, modern look and feel of Holland America Line’s (HAL) Koningsdam upon her debut in 2016, prepare for the love affair to continue with a just-delivered sister ship, Nieuw Statendam.

The 10 Best Gluten-Free Bites in Las Vegas – Gluten-Free Living, Jan. 11, 2019

Luckily for us, special diet accommodation has become de rigueur in Vegas, making the dining experience that much more delicious. Thus, here are my current picks for the 10 best gluten-free bites in Las Vegas.

Family-Friendly River Cruising Aboard AmaViola – TravelAge West, Oct. 14, 2018

As little as five years ago, the terms “river cruise” and “family travel” seemed mutually exclusive, as river cruise operators typically catered to mature guests beyond their child-rearing years. However, that’s now changing, and AmaWaterways is leading the way….

Windstar’s Power Yachts: A Best-Kept Secret – Tours.com, March 15, 2018

Small ship, boutique line Windstar Cruises has always been synonymous with its three sailing ships, gorgeous vessels that give passengers goosebumps when the massive, computer-controlled sails unfurl to the tune of Vangelis’ stirring “Conquest of Paradise”. But a game-changer for Windstar was actually the line’s 2015 acquisition of Seabourn’s original trio of 212-passenger ships, now dubbed the “All-Suite Power Yachts.”

Five Foodie-Fave Cruise Lines that Appeal to Gluten Free Travelers-Gluten Free Living, April 11, 2018

Cruise Guru David Yeskel rounds up 5 foodie-fave cruise lines that go out of their way to appeal to gluten-free travelers with delicious menu options.

A Look at Holland America Line’s New Cuba Sailing-Travel Age West, February 18, 2018

Unwrapping the package of rich history and culture that Cuba presents U.S. travelers is a fascinating, multisensory experience — and one that was demonstrated clearly during my seven-day Authentic Cuba sailing onboard HAL’s Veendam.

2017 Best Bets – Travel Weekly, December 20, 2017

With constant innovation, boundless imagination and immense talent driving the hospitality sector in Las Vegas, it’s no wonder the city is still the envy of other destinations.

From Strip to Shining Sea

Travel Guru

Story Archive

Seas of Tranquility – Private yacht charters refine the art of social distancing – Business Traveler USA, Sept. 30, 2020

In recent years, upmarket travelers have gravitated to small-ship ocean and river cruising, both of which offer the sought-after combination of relative intimacy, personalized service, gourmet, prepared-to-order cuisine and soft adventure excursions.

Top Deck: Luxury Cruising is Launching New Designs and Extraordinary Experiences – at Sea, on the Rivers and Ashore – Business Traveler USA, Feb. 28, 2020

Cruise Review: Oceania Cruises Insignia – TravelAge West, Feb. 9, 2020

Incredible Innovation at Sea: What’s New Aboard Seabourn Cruises, Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line – Gluten-Free Living, Dec. 24, 2019

Sailing with Celebrity Cruises on the Pacific Coast – TravelAge West, October 13, 2019

Once seemingly considered an afterthought by cruise lines — or merely a seasonal repositioning necessity — West Coast cruising has recently come into its own as a legitimate itinerary option.

Culinary Heaven at Sea: Thomas Keller Sails With Seabourn – Tours.com, August 1, 2019

In a never-ending battle for culinary supremacy on the high seas, Seabourn Cruises fired a shot across the bow of the competition in the luxury sector by partnering with Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller in 2015.

What’s Hot in Las Vegas Right Now – Gluten-Free Living, July 15, 2019

If the ever-shifting sands just outside this desert resort were a metaphor for Las Vegas’ constantly-evolving hospitality landscape, the dizzying changes that have taken place this past year in the city’s casino-resorts would approximate a blinding sandstorm.

Hotel Review: NoMad Las Vegas – TravelAge West, June 6, 2019

I can’t say that I intentionally avoided Monte Carlo Resort and Casino during past trips to Las Vegas. There just wasn’t a compelling reason to visit the Strip property — except, that is, for the little-known Hotel 32, a hotel-within-a-hotel product that resonated with a faithful clientele.

Costa Caribbean Cruise: A Window to Italy – Tours.com, March 1, 2019

HAL’s – Nieuw Statendam Raises the Bar on Premium Cruising – Tours.com, Feb. 1, 2019

If you were smitten – as I was – by the new, modern look and feel of Holland America Line’s (HAL) Koningsdam upon her debut in 2016, prepare for the love affair to continue with a just-delivered sister ship, Nieuw Statendam.

The 10 Best Gluten-Free Bites in Las Vegas – Gluten-Free Living, Jan. 11, 2019

Luckily for us, special diet accommodation has become de rigueur in Vegas, making the dining experience that much more delicious. Thus, here are my current picks for the 10 best gluten-free bites in Las Vegas.

Family-Friendly River Cruising Aboard AmaViola – TravelAge West, Oct. 14, 2018

As little as five years ago, the terms “river cruise” and “family travel” seemed mutually exclusive, as river cruise operators typically catered to mature guests beyond their child-rearing years. However, that’s now changing, and AmaWaterways is leading the way….

Windstar’s Power Yachts: A Best-Kept Secret – Tours.com, March 15, 2018

Five Foodie-Fave Cruise Lines that Appeal to Gluten Free Travelers-Gluten Free Living, April 11, 2018

Cruise Guru David Yeskel rounds up 5 foodie-fave cruise lines that go out of their way to appeal to gluten-free travelers with delicious menu options.

A Look at Holland America Line’s New Cuba Sailing-Travel Age West, February 18, 2018

Unwrapping the package of rich history and culture that Cuba presents U.S. travelers is a fascinating, multisensory experience — and one that was demonstrated clearly during my seven-day Authentic Cuba sailing onboard HAL’s Veendam.

2017 Best Bets – Travel Weekly, December 20, 2017

With constant innovation, boundless imagination and immense talent driving the hospitality sector in Las Vegas, it’s no wonder the city is still the envy of other destinations.

The Alla Tours Advantage in St. Petersburg – Tours.com, Nov. 15, 2017

When visiting St. Petersburg by cruise ship, going with a local tour operator has its advantages, as a recent experience with Alla Tours shows.

Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising Lets Gluten-Free Guests Rest Easy – Gluten-Free Living, May 19, 2017

Entire 14-ship fleet caters to gluten-free guests safely and responsibly.

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