This past spring we landed in the port of Barcelona for the third time. The first couple of times we flew into the airport and grabbed a cab directly to the cruise port. Taking an overnight flight meant no sleep thus is not conducive to sightseeing. We were disappointed of course but ever hopeful of…
Remembering D-Day
On June 6, 1944 the Allied forces of Britain, America, Canada and France stormed the beaches of Normandy France in Operation Overlord, hailed as the turning point that led to the Allied victory in World War II. This year marked the 75th anniversary of this auspicious event. We would have been remiss not to take…
Top 5 Tips From First Time Cruisers
At the beginning of October we published an article outlining our top 5 tips for first time cruisers. Although we would like to think we had some good advice to offer there is no doubt important information we missed. Thanks to Jaime and Chris Carr who upon returning from their first cruise, their honeymoon no…
Overcoming the Fear of Solo Travel
Solo Travel with Renee Are you afraid to travel alone? What if you got lost, attacked or caught up in a violent protest? What if you became ill so far from home? How would you get help? Travel fears can loom large in people’s minds and it would be foolish to dismiss the fact that…
Our Top 5 Paintings in the Uffizi Gallery
Florence Italy is the recognized birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, a period in history following the Middle Ages which began in the 14th century and peaked during the 15th and 16th century. The Renaissance was a rebirth of the classical values of ancient Greece and Rome and an appreciation for the individual. This humanistic approach…
Our Top 5 Tips for First Time Cruisers
Despite the tremendous popularity of the cruise industry, there are still many travelers who are reluctant to choose a cruise for their next vacation. Whether you have a valid concern or have just never considered a cruise vacation before, we would like to share with you our thoughts for first time cruisers. Take the time…
A Traveler’s Picnic
My most romantic memory from our travels in Northern Europe occurred during a day trip to Salzburg, Austria. Perched on a bench outside of the breathtaking St. Peter’s Cathedral we indulged in crusty bread, a selection of cheeses, olives, fresh strawberries, and wine. The impromptu picnic become an unforgettable part of the day’s excursion and…
Port of Call – Bilboa, Spain
Located in the northern part of Spain, Bilboa is the largest city in Basque County. Although it has much to offer in the way of history and culture the real draw for any first time visitor is the Guggenheim Museum. Your ship will dock in the port of Getxo and shuttles were offered by our…
Port of Call – Granada (Malaga)
As with many stops on a cruise itinerary, what you really want to see is further inland than the port where you dock. The port of Malaga is a prime example. Despite beautiful beaches, a rich museum of modern art (Picasso was born in Malaga and Van Gogh was on exhibit as well), Arab Baths…