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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Whale of a time awaits in remote, breezy, gorgeous waters of Juneau
Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers aboard a Juneau Tours and Whale Watch vessel. The well run company is family owned and prides...

Christene Meyers
Jul 21, 20224 min read


Skagway train ride is a great cruise tour shore excursion
SKAGWAY IS known perhaps best for its rugged rail ride deep into Yukon territory. We've found the best way to ease into this spectacular beauty is from an equally spectacular ship, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Bliss is a favorite.

Cookie & Keller
Jul 14, 20225 min read


Ketchikan catch-up: eagles, waterfalls and a smuggling bordello
Ketchikan's Creek Street is as bustling now, differently than in the 1930s when booze and brothels were the order of the day. Now, it's...

Christene Meyers
Jul 7, 20225 min read


'Love Tour' takes visitors around San Francisco with a hippie spin
A VW bus is painted in colorful fashion as Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller enjoy a tour down memory lane to the summer of love...

Christene Meyers
Jun 9, 20225 min read


Salute to the euduring Queen Elizabeth II, from a loyal American fan
Queen Elizabeth II, watches a "fly-past" of the Royal Air Force, with Prince Charles, heir to the throne, and her great-grandchildren,...

Christene Meyers
Jun 2, 20225 min read
A dog's long, lively life : Nicky lives on as a fearless, loving Yorkie
Nick is surrounded by flowers on his 16th birthday. Even though he was virtually blind and had painful spinal and rear leg issues, he was...

Christene Meyers
May 26, 20226 min read


Hilo's Tsunami Museum packs a powerful punch with frightening exhibits, films, commentary
The dreaded tsunami was the focus of an interesting afternoon for Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers, who visited the engaging...

Christene Meyers
May 12, 20224 min read


Natural History Museum is treasure trove in San Diego's Balboa Park
A patron pauses outside the San Diego Natural History Museum, where fans of nature and the natural world are treated to a variety of...

Christene Meyers
Apr 21, 20224 min read


Midway marvels: historic wartime vessel engages visitors in San Diego
Interested visitors come and go on the top deck of the USS Midway. Actor Tom Cruise in "Top Gun." Press promotion shots were made aboard...

Christene Meyers
Apr 14, 20224 min read


San Diego Maritime Museum offers ships, history, views, harbor tour
Ahoy, maties! A re-enactor tells tales of a sailor's life, impersonating explorer Juan Cabrillo, aboard San Salvador at Maritime Museum of San Diego. GO DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS AT A WORLD CLASS CALIFORNIA MUSEUM Christene "Cookie" Meyers and her brother Rick Cosgriffe aboard Pilot, which takes visitors on a fun harbor tour. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IF YOU WANT a taste of the sea, with the vessels which explored the world, you won't find a better pla

Christene Meyers
Apr 7, 20224 min read


Whale watching w Flagship yields maritime pleasures, birds, dolphins and calm
There’s no better way to greet the Pacific than aboard a Flagship Cruises whale‑watching adventure. Departing from Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego, the 3.5‑hour tour follows the gray whale migration route between Alaska and Baja California—one of nature’s great spectacles. From December through April, thousands of whales cruise just offshore, often accompanied by playful dolphins and sea lions.
Flagship launched the world’s first commercial whale‑watching cruise back in

Christene Meyers
Mar 31, 20224 min read


A tribute as Yellowstone National Park turns 150 this week
Bison graze throughout the park, alongside thermal pools and geysers that make the park famous. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YELLOWSTONE, OUR NATION'S...

Christene Meyers
Mar 3, 20225 min read


World famous Hilton Waikoloa a Luxury Hotel with art creates intriguing walk-through museum in resort
This larger-than-life-size chariot with driver is among 1,800 stunning artworks at Hilton Waikoloa Village. The resort acquired a multi-million dollar collection of fascinating multi-media artwork. MAGIC OF PACIFIC OCEAN LIFE INSPIRES UNIQUE HOTEL ART COLLECTION STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A classic selection of art pieces includes a variety of oars and weapons. Here, Bruce Keller admires them. A LUXURY HOTEL WITH its own museum. That's an apt description

Christene Meyers
Feb 17, 20224 min read


Flying high above Kauai -- splendors in the sky await in airplane tour
Hawaii's fourth largest island, Kauai, is captured from high above the coast in an Air Ventures plane. SMALL PLANE, GREAT NARRATIVE WITH...

Christene Meyers
Feb 3, 20223 min read


Swimming with dolphins: a treat to cement bond between species
Enchanted families have the rare experience of being up close and personal with dolphins in Hilton Waikoloa Village's acclaimed Dolphin...

Christene Meyers
Jan 27, 20224 min read


Food Tour - Dining delights in Key West: Munching a tasty, Cuban inspired path through town
Before the restaurant opened to the public, our small tasting group was invited in to El Siboney, a small, family-run eatery part of an enjoyable food tasting tour in Key West, Florida. Conch fritters are on the menu at Mangoes, a lively fish eatery in Key West. The walking tour features five fun restaurants and lots of local history. Pork, beans and rice are a staple of the Cuban diet here served casually at El Siboney. CUBAN FOOD, VINTAGE CARS, MUSIC, COFFEE SCENERY SUG

Christene Meyers
Jan 20, 20224 min read


Key West charms with activity, history, sun, sand, homeland safety
Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller stroll the waterfront in Key West, readying to sail. U.S. TRAVELERS ARE LUCKY TO HAVE THE...

Christene Meyers
Jan 6, 20224 min read


Astoria Maritime Museum offers superb look at Pacific Northwest's stormy sea connection
Crossing the fabled bar where the Columbia meets the Pacific is the focus of several exhibits at the engaging Columbia River Maritime...

Christene Meyers
Dec 9, 20213 min read


Astoria Oregon Trolley, culture, fun, food, maritime wonders
Perched where the broad Columbia River meets the Pacific, the historic port town of Astoria blends maritime heritage, artsy charm, and sweeping riverfront views into one unforgettable stop along the Pacific Northwest. Visitors arriving on a voyage with American Cruise Lines often find that the town feels both timeless and lively, where fishing boats, Victorian architecture, and coffee-roasting cafes share the same scenic streets.

Christene Meyers
Dec 2, 20214 min read
Giving thanks: Family, friends, fitness, travel, the arts and vaccinations
Montana's most recent "gathering of the clan" -- 50 people for Cookie's birthday celebration before Covid. Today, we give thanks for...

Christene Meyers
Nov 25, 20214 min read
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