The Caribbean islands that run like a loose, wiggly string from Puerto Rico southeast toward Grenada and Barbados, are situated perfectly for the meandering ways of a sailing ship. Most distances between island anchorages are relatively short, so hurry is not a factor, and there’s little need to put into the bustling ports where big…
Powered by a new owner, new leadership, and $18 million of renovation, Windstar Cruise’s three ships are sailing again with vim, vigor, a contemporary interior, and a batch of new sails that total the size of seven football fields. Wind Surf at anchor off Dominica in the Caribbean Windstar’s energetic president and CEO, Hans Birkholz,…
Cruise ship changes that allow you to pick the time for dinner — as well as the cuisine style and a table for two or a few close friends — are partly responsible for the continuing increase in the popularity of sea vacations. Comfort food, casual dress and anytime eating are among the top draws…
I never tire of Key West. I’ve lolled around the city at the bottom of Florida maybe a dozen times, each occasion too short. When I leave, I know I will be back. Lobster Trap Christmas Tree at Key West’s Historic Seaport (Photo by Rob O’Neal ) It’s no secret that Key West is a…
In less than an hour’s drive south of the rental car desk at Miami airport, the Florida Turnpike ends and U.S. 1 heads for the ocean, then winds through the Florida Keys and a series of bridges toward Key West. Looking toward the Atlantic at Pines & Palms Resort, Islamorada Overseas Highway is a drive…
As they plan their trips, folks who vacation at sea sometimes bob from ship to ship, cruise line to cruise line. They may be drawn by price, a quest to sample different styles of food and service, or the tease of hot new vessels. Many cruisers, however, find a comfort zone on one or two…
Older cruise ports are crowded and can be disappointing to repeat passengers, so cruise lines are developing their own, increasing Caribbean stops at newly developed island ports and private island compounds. Read David Molyneaux's cruise trend story at the Miami Herald, Developing destinations – Cruises – MiamiHerald.com And at TheTravelMavens.com Carnival Corp. built Mahogany Bay…
Oasis of the Seas has resumed cruising toward Cozumel Wednesday afternoon after rescuing a fishing boat from the Caymans that was dead in the water with an engine that would not start. Captain Trym Selvag stopped the Oasis, sent two engineers to fix the problem (after a security team checked out the fishing boat). The…
Travelers who loved vacationing on the Carnival Paradise, which once was a cruise ship entirely cigarette smoke free among passengers and crew, have reason to cheer. As 2011 draws toward a close, second-hand smoke at sea is dissipating. With this year’s trend toward prohibiting smoking in cabins and in most gathering spots aboard ships, cruise…