10 Tips to Maximize Your Cruise Experience

Tips for the Cruise Neophyte

The Queen Mary, one of the world’s most elegant ships in her time.

Once upon a time, cruising was strictly for the wealthy. Indeed, the word cruise still evokes images of elegantly dressed society types, lounging, cocktails in hand, while a palm court orchestra plays in the chandelier-hung salon. Think Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant in An Affair to Remember.

It’s still a self-indulgent means of travel, but cruising has become much more affordable. Nonetheless, you are still putting down a chunk of cash for the trip. Here’s how to get the most for your money. Continue reading

Cruise the Ayerawady in Myanmar

sunset Bagan Amawaterways Cruise Myanmar

The sun sets over 2000 stupas in Bagan

The sound of a giant egg beater makes me look up from my book. And it looks like that’s exactly what is attached to the little boat dashing past on the busy Ayerawady River. Our vessel, the Amapura, an elegantly appointed cruise boat, attracts enthusiastic waves from every passing craft. Continue reading

Cruise Alaska but Don’t Stay Aboard

Alaska Juneau from ship

Spectacular views of glaciers right from the comfort of your ship.

A relative neophyte to cruising, I wondered why on earth anyone would want to see Alaska from a cruise ship. The scene above is why. Yes, Alaska has glaciers to climb, lakes to paddle around, and vistas to be seen from mountain peaks. But I managed to do all these things as well, leaving the comfort of my stateroom aboard Holland America‘s  Volendam for each day’s excursions. I loved my cruise to Alaska and no, I wasn’t paid to say that. I paid my own way. Continue reading