Entertainment galore One of the innovations #VirginVoyages brings to cruising is the cutting edge diversity “of and in” its programming. Unlike traditional cruises, shows repeat multiple times throughout the cruise at different times, giving more guests a chance to attend. Ranging from 45 to 75 minutes, the programs feel fresh, are fast-paced, and innovative in… Continue reading Virgin Voyages – A New Way To Entertain

Pool Deck A restful night in my Seaview Terrace room behind me, I began exploring Scarlet Lady’s creative spaces and venues. There is so much on offer, it’s truly hard to pick an ideal first day. How about a creative breakfast at “The Wake”? Well that is what I decided to do. Come along… Seaview… Continue reading Virgin Voyages – Ahoy Sailors

Virgin voyages pier V at Port of Miami Long awaited, time has finally come to board a new ship and brand on the high seas with a decades-long halo of being trendsetting in every sector they touched. Namely that of Virgin Voyages’ first ship Scarlet Lady which will be our home away from home for… Continue reading Virgin Voyages – My First Outing

Surrounded by orange everywhere Priority one - Party This years’ Labor Day Weekend is of the extraordinary kind. Norwegian Cruise Line conveniently dropped its christening voyage guests off in Amsterdam the day before the Dutch Grand Prix on the legendary Zandvort track. It was a sign I couldn’t ignore even though I didn’t realize the… Continue reading Labor Day Weekend firsts – plates, planes, and a party

This lovely hamlet is your quintessential British beach town. Our ship docked a few miles away in Portland Port where double decker buses shuttled us back and forth. Overlooking Weymouth beach As this was the last few days of summer break in the UK, so tons of families at the beach swimming, playing and building… Continue reading Norwegian Pr1ma – Stop in Weymouth, Dorset

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

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

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

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

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