Blog

Tales from the frontlines of World War C

2020-03-30

My inbox has become the funnel into which all news about suspensions of service, cancellation/refund policies and alarming statistics and projections swirl. I think it could be added to the list of legally classified depressants were it not balanced by an equal number of examples of inspiring and creative ways that people in the travel industry are responding to […]

I Went On a Cruise During the Coronavirus Pandemic. This Is What Happened.

2020-03-30

Coronavirus concerns, itinerary changes and uncertainty lead to an unusual vacation. AS A TRAVEL EDITOR, it’s hard to turn down the opportunity to see the world. My husband and I – childless and in our late 20s – try to plan a few trips per year if time and money allow. So, when two of […]

Social Distancing Outside: 8 Safe Places to Go and Things to Do

2020-03-24

Here are some creative ways to enjoy the outdoors during the coronavirus outbreak. IF YOU’RE PRACTICING social distancing (as both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization are advising), chances are you’re limiting trips outside your home to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. But fresh air […]

The other vaccine we really need

2020-03-09

Every morning, I check the webpage titled “Updated World Health Organization [WHO] recommendations for international traffic in relation to Covid-19 outbreak.” It provides some specific recommendations and protocols for governments and individuals — wash your hands! — to contain the spread of the disease. And in its most recent update (Feb. 29 at the time […]

The most famous Cunard “Queens”

2020-02-23

Hello Again Everyone, Welcome to this month’s Captain’s Blog by yours truly, Captain Peter Philpott, recently retired Captain of Queen Mary 2 of Cunard Line, the latest in a succession of famous Cunard “Queens”. The current Queen Mary 2 was designed by a team of British naval architects led by Stephen Payne and at the […]

The 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World Part 4

2020-02-10

Halong Bay: Vietnam It would be hard to conjure up a more beautiful image than Vietnam’s Halong Bay, with its lofty limestone peaks, jungle-covered islands and turquoise waters. You can visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site for the day, though many travelers choose to visit on a cruise and spend the night along the shores […]

The 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World Part 3

2020-02-03

Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park has inspired nature-lovers for decades with its magnificent beauty and sheer size. This canyon is 277 river miles long and up to 18 miles wide in some places, with dazzling layered rock formations that never cease to amaze. Venice, Italy Venice, Italy, may be overrun […]

Six Flu-Fighting Tips + Gear Sets for the Winter/Spring Travel Season from Sustainable Travel Store

2020-01-29

With a couple months yet to go of peak flu season, while kicking off what the U.S. Travel Association predicts will be over 2.3 billion domestic (one-way) trips we’ll take, plus welcoming 80.7 million international visitors in 2020, staying healthy is staying top of mind for travelers. Sustainable Travel Store, an ecommerce site offering a […]

The 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World Part 2

2020-01-27

Kyoto, Japan Kyoto is considered by many to be Japan’s cultural center. The city is awash with stunning ancient temples and shrines, beautifully manicured gardens and important cultural festivals and celebrations. The best time travel here is during mid-March, when Japan’s famous cherry blossoms are in full bloom and blanket the city. The Botanical Gardens […]

More river cruising with Viva Cruises!

2020-01-20

Hello again everyone, I do hope you enjoyed the Festive Season and had a lovely time seeing in the New Year and indeed, the new decade..! My wife and I were fortunate enough to spend Christmas with family and then to celebrate the New Year in Alicante, Spain which is one of our very favourite […]