Lincoln Memorial As any visit following the path of our founding fathers should, this program starts in Washington DC. First up we’re visits to three key Presidents of our nation’s history, Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln as well as walks past the Korean and Vietnam war memorials. Jefferson Memorial Much has been written over the centuries… Continue reading America’s Historic East – Ode to Presidents past

Crew farewell aboard Every great experience must come to an end eventually. So did our cruise aboard Seabourn Odyssey with a fitting celebration of crew and guests on the back pool deck. Complete with ambiance lighting and live music, this gathering had a bit of sadness for many of us that were leaving the next… Continue reading Caribbean Elevated – Farewell to the Seabourn family

Mt. Vernon in restored colors For many travelers still hesitant to go abroad, there is so much to see right in our own amazing country. This is what brings me to the east coast and aboard Globus’ deluxe motor coach program called America’s Historic East. Follow along as we visit three Presidents homes and important… Continue reading America’s Histotic East – Mt. Vernon

Atlantic coast beach on Barbados Our time aboard Seabourn Odyssey wrapped up with a delicious Eggs Royale breakfast of poached eggs on English muffins with smoked salmon and caviar. Quite a treat on a day most cruise lines hurry guests off the ship early. This exquisite last meal makes me anticipate my return to the… Continue reading Caribbean Elevated – Discover Barbados

Operating since 2003, this scenic train runs on the 30cm narrow gauge tracks of the sugar cane industry which dominated this island nation for over 100 years under colonial reign from the British and French. At its height, over 35 miles of track existed on this 65 square mile island. Today, the train takes visitors… Continue reading Caribbean Elevated – St.Kitts Scenic Railroad

Welcome reception with French Martinis 🍸 A few days of life aboard behind me, I can honestly say that the Seabourn team is out of this world attentive, charming and empowered to surprise and delight. Everyone is smiling with genuine intent to make every guest’ experience remarkable. Our server Mario prepares Caviar in the Surf… Continue reading Caribbean Elevated – Amazing onboard experiences

Snack suite-side with bubbly It is time for another cruise experience as #cruisingisback kicks into high gear. This time on ultra-luxury Seabourn in the Caribbean from its home port of Bridgetown, Barbados for a week of enchanting islands combined with advisory board meetings. Rainy skies over the Seabourn Odyssey Many of my readers ask if… Continue reading Caribbean Elevated – Seabourn Odyssey in Barbados

Sunset sail away My time aboard over these past few days was filled with “as normal a time” I have had since the pandemic. As everyone on board required proof of vaccination and must have tested negative before boarding, guests were not required to wear masks while aboard. We were even permitted to serve ourselves… Continue reading Cruising is Back – life aboard

Norwegian Encore docked in Seattle It’s been 500 days since this Breakaway-Plus class vessel last hard guests on board. Normally equipped to host 3998 double occupancy guests, this abbreviated “test cruise” sails with 1100 guests today. I cannot hide my genuine excitement to report from aboard live. It has been long in coming but finally… Continue reading Cruising is Back – Norwegian Encore in Seattle

My mobile office on the TGV All good things must come to an end and so it is with sadness that I pack my bags and head home to California. Sadness to leave the amazing AMA Waterways crew behind; sadness to have to say good bye to amazing travel advisors from #DirectTravel #VisionTravel and other… Continue reading Colors of Provence – Return and Reflections

Place Bellecour in Lyon Our last day aboard #AMAKristina came fast and furious after we cruised the last stretch of the Rhone into the heart of Lyon late yesterday. This mornings’ program was unscripted #ReturntoTravel so we were able to take a long walking tour of Lyon on our own. Nancy and Lisa Zupancic at… Continue reading Colors of Provence – Lyon and Beaujolais

AMA Kristina in Vienne, France Our trip is progressing nicely up river towards Lyon. Due to the massive rains in Northern Europe, water levels are unusually high which added several hours to our journey. In fact, the docks in Vienne were completely flodded just a week ago. Bicycle tour along the Rhone Riding the bikes… Continue reading Colors of Provence – Bicycles and Romans

AMA Kristina sunset in Tournon Our Sunday evening unfolded under stunning sunset colors only French painters could conjure up. We reached Tournon in the Ardeche and it’s sibling city on the Eastern bank called Tain l’Hermitage just ahead of sunset. My companion and I rushed dinner and walked off the ship for a lovely walk… Continue reading Colors of Provence – Tournon, steam train, and Rhone river

Ellie found a truffle A restful night with a refreshing rain later, our ship #AMAWaterways arrived in Viviers after passing the narrowest section of the Rhone Gorge. From this short service stop, all the guests disembarked to catch coaches that whisked us across the river into the Drome department and the magical oak forests where… Continue reading Colors of Provence – Grignan + Truffles

Palace of the popes from the deck of AMA Kristina Our cruise returned to the Papal City of Avignon where, for a century during the Middle Ages, popes lived away from the Vatican as the Hundred Years’ War between France and England raged. Avignon is home to 50k citizens whom all welcomed us with open… Continue reading Colors of Provence – Papal city of Avignon