Story Archive

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.

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.

Renewed and refreshed: Vegas’s Best Bets 2016 – Travel Weekly, January 12, 2017

Best Bets 2016 pays tribute to some impressively refreshed and renewed products!

How Holland America Line is Enhancing Its West Coast Offerings – Travel Age West, December 4, 2016

Westerdam docks in San Diego and brings increased capacity to the Mexican Riviera

Luxury Cruising Becomes More Inclusive for the Whole Family – Travel Age West, October 09, 2016

Crystal Cruises proves that it’s possible to have a high-end cruise experience for kids, too

Gluten-Free Cruising Can Be Safe and Fun – Gluten-Free Living Magazine, August 2016

David Yeskel provides dining advice for travelers with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. Shipboard dining offers many options while cruising!

Cruise Review: Holland America Line’s Koningsdam – Travel Age West, June 5, 2016

“With the recent launch of the groundbreaking 2,650-passenger Koningsdam, Holland America Line (HAL) has — in one fell swoop — refreshed and reenergized the brand with a musical hub, an elevated destination focus and culinary enhancements. “

Gourmet Meets Buffet on the Strip – Travel Weekly, May 12, 2016

“In a perpetual game of one-upmanship that evolves in rapid-fire fashion, Las Vegas’ top casino-resorts continually push the envelope to merge gourmet cuisine and buffets, a combination typically considered mutually exclusive in other destinations. “

Holland America Line’s Modern Refit – Travel Age West, March 7, 2016

“Holland America Line (HAL)’s recent refit of Eurodam — a harbinger for newbuild Koningsdam and the rest of the fleet — is nothing short of transformational.”

Carnival Miracle’s Fun Ship 2.0 Upgrades a Hit – Real Family Trips, March 2016

“Like all major cruise lines, Carnival’s growth model is dependent on new ships coming into the vacation pipeline, thus stimulating demand for new cruisers. It’s a tried-and-true method that’s worked well for the industry. But the lines also realize that they must continually invest heavily to refurbish their older ships, enhancing them with features found on newer vessels. “

Why Carnival Miracle Is More Fun Than Ever – Travel Age West, February 2016

“The prime motivator for applying Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades to Carnival Miracle couldn’t have been increasing market share — Carnival Cruise Lines essentially owns the market, with year-round, seven-day Mexico sailings from Los Angeles.”

Heading for Vegas? Don’t Miss These Attractions – Travel Weekly Asia, December 2015

“When the dust settled from last year’s rush of resort openings, revamps and rebrands, the Las Vegas hospitality landscape was once again transformed. Thus, while my 2015 edition of Best Bets is foremost a compendium of outstanding products, it’s also a tribute to Vegas-style evolution. “

Las Vegas Best Bets – Travel Weekly, November 2015

“When the dust settled from last year’s rush of resort openings, revamps and rebrands, the Las Vegas hospitality landscape was once again transformed. Thus, while my 2015 edition of Best Bets is foremost a compendium of outstanding products, it’s also a tribute to Vegas-style evolution. “

MSC Divina Brings the Med to the Caribbean – TravelAge West, June 2015

“No line has felt the challenge of achieving balance in catering to a varied demographic more acutely than MSC Cruises, whose single ship in the Caribbean, MSC Divina, has battled the industry’s heavyweights in a David versus Goliath-like fashion since its Miami debut in 2013”

Lido Leads on Norwegian Getaway – Tours.com, May 2015

“Is the Lido the new high seas culinary battleground? As mass market cruise lines have steadily improved the quality and selection of their main dining room fare, their attention seems to be turning to the vitally important – but oft-disregarded – Lido casual dining operation.”

Carnival LIVE Rocks the House at Sea – Tours.com, October 2014

“In a continuing effort to ratchet up the quality of its onboard entertainment offerings, Carnival this year introduced the Carnival LIVE Concert Series, an initiative that appears to be paying dividends among the line’s core passenger base while also appealing to first-time cruisers.”

Dancing with the Stars Fans Find Rhythm on HAL – Tours.com, October 2014

“Doubling down on what has proven to be a big hit among passengers and agents alike, Holland America Line (HAL) is waltzing through the second year of its “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” (DWTS) program.”

2014’s Best Bets in hotels, shows and more – Travel Weekly, September 2014

“Finally free from the shackles of the recession, Las Vegas hit the reboot button in 2014 with construction restarts, restaurant openings, room renovations and property debuts.”

HAL’s Caribbean Cruises: for More than Fun & Sun – Tours.com, March 2014

“Contrary to popular notion, experiential travel and Caribbean cruising are not mutually exclusive. “

Las Vegas’ 2013 Best Bets in shows, food, rooms – Travel Weekly, December 2013

“Since accommodations, dining and entertainment now represent a significant piece of the revenue pie, my 2013 edition of Las Vegas’ Best Bets is dedicated to outstanding products in those categories.”

Airlift, experiences part of Fiji’s strategy to lure U.S. visitors – Travel Weekly, August 2013

“Fiji, an 11-hour flight from Los Angeles, has taken steps meant to kick-start tourism from the U.S. beginning this summer.”

Holland America Transforms Onboard Cuisine – TravelAge West, June 2013

“Chef Rudi Sodamin revamps dining on Holland America through his Culinary Council initiative.”

Las Vegas resorts’ gourmet buffets elevating indulgence – Travel Weekly, February 2013

“Gourmet dining, historically out of reach for the budget and midscale Vegas visitor, is now widely available in an all-you-can-eat format.”

Where best in class meets best value in Las Vegas – Travel Weekly, October 2012

“In post-recession Las Vegas, value remains the primary watchword as applied to the daily tourist spend, followed closely by luxury.”

A weak condo market gives rise to upscale rentals on the Strip – Travel Weekly, September 2012

“The softness — some would call it a collapse — in condo sales on the Las Vegas Strip has had a silver lining: the availability of large, residential suites in nongaming properties now sold as hotel inventory in a rebounding market.”

From Campy to culinary, ample options for indulging excesses – Travel Weekly, July 2012

“The recent redo at the north Strip landmark, however, aims to draw us back in for something more than sheer spectacle: luxury.”

Several standout options for chilling out or chowing down – Travel Weekly, August 2012

“Like the nearby desert’s ever-shifting sands, Las Vegas’ hospitality landscape is continually in motion.”

From accommodations to entertainment, the year’s ‘Best Bets’ – Travel Weekly, October 2010

“Although momentarily staggered by the past year’s drop-off in visitors, Las Vegas’ hospitality industry responds like a still-dangerous, seasoned prizefighter backed into a corner.”

Dolphin Swim: Cabo Company Says Dive In! Tours.com, February 2013

“Introduced in 2006 in a prime location just a short walk from the main pier, the Cabo Dolphin Center is a modern, clean and purpose-built facility that’s all about first-world comfort and safety – for both human and dolphin species.”

Holland America Evening at Le Cirque Dining – Cruisemates, January 2011

“It’s all about the food. As cruise lines across all market segments ratchet up the quality of their cuisine in a never-ending quest for culinary supremacy, the battlefield has become a gourmet zone. And in this modern-day epicurean sea scuffle, Holland America Line has fired the latest shot across the bow of the competition.”

Belt-tightening tourists can let loose with Harrah’s buffet pass – Travel Weekly, September 2010

“The 180-degree, economically driven refocus in Las Vegas hospitality marketing — a move from ostentatious luxury toward ultimate value — is nowhere more evident than in Harrah’s new Buffet of Buffets promotion.”

Monte Carlo makes life at the top affordable with Hotel32 – Travel Weekly, September 2009

“Offering yet another Vegas twist on the hotel-within-a-hotel concept, the Monte Carlo Las Vegas Resort and Casino’s just-opened Hotel32 aims to give the unassuming, low-key resort an injection of attitude and style while remaining affordable.”

Megaships to Mexico – Cruisemates, March 2013

“Top Ten Reasons to Cruise a Megaship to Mexico – on Carnival’s Splendor multiplies guest options.”

Off-Strip South Point casino a different breed of Vegas resort – Travel Weekly, March 2009

“In the continuing transformation of the Las Vegas gaming and hospitality landscape, two distinct business models predominate.”

Rio embraces Vegas’ risqué roots with pool club, updated show – Travel Weekly, November 2008

“In a series of moves that further cement Las Vegas’ reputation as an adults-only playground, the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino recently overhauled two pillars of its foundation, the massive lagoon pool and the Masquerade Show in the Sky, giving them a new, sexy allure.”

Opulence, attention define Millennium mystique – Travel Weekly, September 2008

“For the fifth year in a row, Celebrity Cruises’ four Millennium-class ships… have dominated the large-ship category in Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s annual readers’ survey.”

From hot waitress outfits to Cools hypnosis, the Best Bets ’08 – Travel Weekly, March 2008

“Offbeat categories, unlikely contenders and solid winners define this survey, which, like Sin City itself, is continually evolving.”

Cost Cruises adds Italian spice to Caribbean sailings – Travel Weekly, February 2008

“Despite the popular notion that seven-day Caribbean cruises have become a cookie-cutter commodity, some less-familiar products in the market actually cut against that stereotype.”

The pioneering Mirage takes steps to stay fresh – Travel Weekly, October 2007

“When the Mirage debuted in 1989, its opening heralded the launch of the current generation of Las Vegas destination resorts.”

Carnival’s short cruises aren’t short on style and quality – Travel Weekly, August 2007

“Short cruises are garnering newfound respect as the lines recognize the strategic value of impressing the increasingly sophisticated entry-level cruiser.”

Flamingo looks to attract younger guests with edgy makeover – Travel Weekly, July 2007

“In another example of the transformation of Las Vegas hotels, the classic Flamingo Las Vegas has introduced new guest rooms, a revamped show lineup, an adjacent tattoo parlor and a topless pool area.”

Planet Hollywood Resort gives casino a new look – Travel Weekly, June 2007

“If the just-completed casino revamp at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is any indication of what’s to come at the former Aladdin Resort & Casino, the transformation is widespread and thorough.”

The Strip’s best bets, away from the casino floors – Travel Weekly, January 2007

“The best bets in Las Vegas, once limited to gambling, now revolve largely around sensory pleasures driven by accommodations, dining and entertainment.”

Renovations help Harrah’s Las Vegas keep up with neighbors – Travel Weekly, December 2006

“Once a small fry on the Las Vegas scene, became a major player with its 2005 purchase of Caesars Entertainment.”

There’s a heart behind the home of quickie weddings – Travel Weekly, October 2006

“Sin City has left its imprint on some of the most efficient, if not effective, unions in history.”

All-you-can-eat is a high-class affair at newest buffets – Travel Weekly, July 2006

“The following feasts are the best-of-breed in the city’s newest (or newly redone) upscale buffets.”

Hooters Hotel offers the expected with a few twists – Travel Weekly, May 2006

“Hooters management has expanded that formula at their casino-hotel in Las Vegas by targeting a broader demographic than their core, high-testosterone customer.”

The best Vegas, from cheap meals to shopping deals – Travel Weekly, April 2006

“Las Vegas occupies its own quirky niche, with many unique categories that include numerous competing qualifiers.”

For adults only: Risque revues still raising pulses along Strip – Travel Weekly, Febraury 2006

“The lineup of topless revues up and down the Strip is proof-positive that sex is back and sin is in.”

Strip teases with cutting-edge attractions – Travel Weekly, January 2006

“New York and L.A. might set the trends for the rest of the country, but Las Vegas is in its own cutting-edge league.”

Venetian exec discusses expansion, restaurants, nongaming revenue – Travel Weekly, July 2005

“Las Vegas contributing writer David Yeskel sat down with Rob Goldstein, president of the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, for a question-and-answer session”

Venezia at the Venetian adds icing to the cake – Travel Weekly, July 2005

“The bar has been raised again in the Las Vegas luxury accommodations arena with recent additions to Venezia, a hotel-within-a-hotel at the Venetian.”

Casino redevelopment plans are frill-seeking ventures in the desert – Travel Weekly, June 2005

“The redevelopment direction had always been to pull it down and build it up.”

Quality-of-life issues at the forefront on island – Travel Weekly, October 2004

“Although New York-to-Bermuda cruises have been operating for years, theres a simple reason for the limited number of ships on that run.”

Tacky? Campy? Sure, but shows entertain, too – Travel Weekly, September 2004

“Whether they’re trendy, tacky, campy or long-running old-timers, they are all entertaining and cost under $75.”

Haute is in at many of city’s buffets – Travel Weekly, April 2004

“As Las Vegas resorts continue to go upscale, their dining offerings have followed suit.”

Sampling the ultralounge, the hip hotel nightspot – Travel Weekly, September 2003

“In the continuing evolution of lounge entertainment, Vegas-style, the ultralounge has been spawned.”

What’s new up, down and off the strip – Travel Weekly, June 2003

“It’s not easy keeping up with the municipal equivalent of a perpetual-motion machine, but let’s try.”

Seeking out best bets and hidden treasures – Travel Weekly, May 2003

“It’s not easy keeping up with the municipal equivalent of a perpetual-motion machine, but let’s try.”

What’s new in the city where grown-ups play – Travel Weekly, April 2003

“In a town where the architectural landscape seems to change faster than the shifting winds, it’s not easy keeping up with current events — Vegas-style.”

Beyond Just Food – Travel Age West, April 2003

“In Las Vegas, new restaurants are taking dining and entertainment to a new level.”

Keeping Abreast of Burlesque – Travel Age West, March 2003

“Adult revues complement Las Vegas’ longstanding reputation as a playground for grown-ups.”