3-story go-kart track You all know about my passion for car racing by now so it comes as no surprise that I first headed to deck 17 and got in queue for the largest go kart track at sea. This latest version is 30% larger than on the Encore (the last new build before Pr1ma)… Continue reading Norwegian Pr1ma – Innovation everywhere

Norwegian Pr1ma docked in Amsterdam I saved the “best” for last in a way as Norwegian Pr1ma’s culinary experiences are not just elevated, they are game-changing for the contemporary cruise space. It is true that other lines have tried to break up the traditional large main dining room and endless buffet concepts before but none… Continue reading Norwegian Pr1ma – Culinarily game changing

Norwegian Pr1ma Maritime tradition dictates that each ship is christened by its godmother. Question becomes how and whom to select for this honor - especially for Norwegian as past godmothers include Kelly Clarkson, Kim Cattrall, Reba McIntyre among other stars. Pop legend Katy Perry Well, there is one mega star that fits the bill to… Continue reading Norwegian Pr1ma – Christening with Katy Perry

Another post-Covid milestone is finally upon us in the form of the brand new and revolutionary Norwegian Pr1ma which I am honored to here been invited to as a guest for the christening voyage. Invitation to the christening This first vessel in a series of five marks a new class of ship for Norwegian Built… Continue reading Norwegian Pr1ma – Christening in Reykjavik

Purpose-built arena in east London Full with anticipation and quite unsure of what to expect, we arrived at the purpose-built arena shortly after 630pm. Located right next to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the 25.5m steel and timber hexagonal building has a 3,000 person capacity made up of 1,650 seats and space for a standing audience… Continue reading Travel reawakens – ABBA Voyage mind blowingly amazing

Promotional poster in the London tube Over a year of anticipation and the day is finally here - for either the worst idea or best night ever. Stay tuned as we spend the day getting ready and find out. Famous Rosetta Stone - the crown jewel of the collection The rain parted for sunny skies… Continue reading Travel reawakens – ABBA Voyage anticipation

Baggage claim at Heathrow terminal 2 A long while of post-Covid weirdness has distracted me from posting to my blog feed. Add to that the lack of exciting trips (which are finally coming to life again) and you understand the lull in my activity. Fortunately for me, the wait is over. I am happy to… Continue reading Travel reawakens – London

Tahitian dancers on Motu No visit to this part of the world would be complete without the shiny, iridescent black Tahitian pearls. Based on the nippon-developed technique of cultured pearls, locals have perfected their craft over decades to produce a truly unique pearl not found anywhere else. Cultured pearl process A skin graft with a… Continue reading Journey to Paradise – Pearls, Rays, and Dance

From flower to bean to finished product One of Tahiti’s vety special contributions to the culinary world is its fragrant vanilla beans. Having utilized it for baking over the decades, it took this #Windstarcruises event to learn how vanilla actually grows, how it is processed, and why it is such a costly element in stores… Continue reading Journey to Paradise – Vanilla isn’t boring

Aerial view of Conrad Bora Bora Nui Iconic images have shaped many travel dreams and bucket lists over the decades. One of these places I have dreamt about since the 1970s is the image above of the legendary Conrad Bora Bora with its over water bungalows and pristine views. Air Tahiti turboprop in Bora Bora… Continue reading Journey to Paradise – Bonus – Conrad Bora Bora

Windstar Star Breeze in Cook’s Bay Moorea Once our string of 3 covid-19 tests three days in a row was behind us, we were cleared to board our vessel - the recently stretched Star Breeze in Papeete. The first night was uneventful as we all settled in. The next morning though, we arrived in a… Continue reading Journey to Paradise – Moorea and Dolphin discovery

The undisputed jewel of the Society Islands is the stunning Atoll of Bora Bora which we get to enjoy overnight aboard #WindstarCruises. Courtesy of our airline partner Air Tahiti Nui, a special helicopter discovery was arranged for us. It was insanely amazing! Five guests, me among them were strapped tightly in seats of the Thahiti… Continue reading Journey to Paradise – Bora Bora by heli

Our week in French Polynesia began with a bang as we were hosted by the Polynesian President Edouard Fritch. The reception was organized to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Windstar sailing here. As is customary in Polynesian culture, gifts were exchanged and speeches in both French and English delivered. The ceremonial element behind us, local… Continue reading Journey to Paradise – High honor

Last minute test at SFO Eight turbulent weeks have passed since my last blog. Thank you for hanging in there with patience and by staying safe. Omicron in retreat, my good news for you is that another exciting adventure awaits. This time, literally and figuratively “to Paradise” as the French Polynesian Islands of Tahiti are… Continue reading Journey to Paradise – Precarious start

For me, few places on earth have the chemistry and chaotic cacophony of life as Egypt does. Add to that monuments, artifacts, and tombs of unparalleled grandeur and this narrow strip of fertile land along the Nile gets under your skin. There is a spiritual regal-ness that makes Egypt a stand out from the rest… Continue reading Egypt – Farewell to a magical land