You may know Madeira as a delicious, tawny, fortified wine; but, Madeira is also a small archipelago of beautiful of Portuguese islands, located about 600 miles southwest of Lisbon and off the northwest coast of Africa. The capital city of Funchal is a featured port on some … [Read more...]
Discover Centuries of History on Malta
Just 80 miles south of Italy, Malta basks in the warm Mediterranean sun. Surrounded by the sea, the island nation is just 122 square miles, but has no less than three World Heritage sites; played a major strategic role in World War II; and was shaped of a long line of invaders … [Read more...]
Columbo, Sri Lanka: History, Culture, Unforgettable Experiences
Just south of India is the equally exotic island nation of Sri Lanka – yours to explore via the capital city of Colombo. With thousands of years of history, a wealth of cultural diversity and incredible flora and fauna, there’s a wide variety of excursions to choose from when you … [Read more...]
Hoboken Then and Now: Cruise Stories
We recently came across some photos of the port of Hoboken, N.J., from about 1910, when it was the North American headquarters of Holland America Line. The photo below shows the SS Potsdam, built in 1900, which sailed between Rotterdam and Hoboken for 15 years. (If you zoom in … [Read more...]
Adriatic Cruise From Aboard Compagnie du Ponant L’Austral
Venice, Italy – Before my voyage began I stayed for three nights at the Hotel Flora. Venice equals romantic – quaint – canals - gondoliers – carnival – palaces – glass – art – fashion - people! Venice is as wonderful today as it was 20 years ago, but it takes a little more … [Read more...]