Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Kick hell out of your bucket list in 2016. Have you always wanted to see Egypt? Don't let fear of travel stop you. Here, Cookie and...

Hershey Felder channels the great Irving Berlin at La Jolla Playhouse, in a spirited, fast-paced and engaging program. It's set in...

Signature coconut shrimp, hibachi steak with mushrooms and yummy soup made moments ago are part of a delightful "Taste of Catalina" food...

City Cruises offers a refreshing way to experience some of the world’s most iconic waterfronts—where the journey itself becomes the destination. Whether gliding past city skylines at sunset or drifting along historic rivers rich with culture, each voyage blends sightseeing with a relaxed, immersive atmosphere. Passengers can expect thoughtfully curated experiences, from casual daytime excursions to elegant dinner cruises complete with panoramic views and local cuisine.

Looking for a destination beyond the ordinary? The Faroe Islands deliver dramatic cliffs, scenic hikes, puffin colonies, and peaceful Nordic charm.

Queen Elizabeth's pool is spacious and inviting, but understated in its artful touches. A stunning marquetry panel invites inspection as one enters Cunard' Queen Elizabeth. OLD WORLD ELEGANCE LIVES ON IN CUNARD'S THIRD 'ELIZABETH' STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Glittering chandeliers, beautiful wood,marble and tapestries adorn Queen Elizabeth's ballroom. TO BUY 'LILIAN'S LAST DANCE' THE NOVEL CLICK HERE W HEN THE QE2 retired, I was one sad girl. I'd cr

Magistic Cruises' sleek catamaran glides past iconic sights of Sydney. FABULOUS FOOD IN A GLORIOUS VENUE, PLUS TOP TALENT, VIEWS Artfully prepared salads and side dishes await diners, with beautiful appetizers, main course entrees and decadent desserts as well. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER GLORIOUS FOOD , fine champagne, terrific entertainment, and, of yes, the views. You're gliding through the water in a quiet boat. You're in luxury's lap, enjoying v

NOVEL TELLS STORY OF EARLY AMERICAN FILM, STAGE STRUCK PERFORMERS, LOVE, REVENGE, WITH WORLD TRAVEL AND MORE -- Montana outlaws, California connections, Paris, London, actors, painters, bank robbers Lively characters from France, England, Hawaii, Australia and the U.S. are featured in "Lilian's Last Dance," on its way to eBooks Wednesday! Editor's Note, 2025: The novel is available by contacting the author directly at: whereiscookienow@gmail.com STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS P

Barcelona's La Sagrada Familia is the city's most spectacular architectural feat, Gaudi's masterpiece still under construction. All eyes...

Commodore Everette Hoard welcomes the public aboard the Queen Mary this Friday for an 80th birthday party. HAIL AND LONG LIVE THE LOVELY QUEEN MARY Guests still check in as they did decades ago, in a glamorous lobby. Aboard the Queen Mary, a sea gull may be attending Friday's party! HISTORIC OCEAN LINER HAS PROUD HISTORY, IMPRESSIVE ROSTER OF LINER-LOVING CELEBRITIES STORY BY CHRIST

CRUISE JUNKIES OFFER WAYS TO NARROW THE FIELD FOR THE FIRST-TIME OR INFREQUENT CRUISER Bird's eye view for cruisers: A circle of yachts, large cruise ships and pleasure boats at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Crystal's Serenity remains our favorite of 102 cruises on many lines. STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I'VE NEVER MET a cruise ship I didn't like. But there's a world of difference between the small, intimate vessels and the huge "city on water" mega-shi

Step into the ancient world at Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites on earth. From grand Roman streets to the iconic Library of Celsus, discover why visiting Ephesus is an ancient town, a wonder of the world, is thrilling because of its history and beauty. I've visited five times, and it never loses its magic and sense of wonder. From the moment you board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, you're bound for another

THE WATER taxis glide by the town's exciting nightlife, outdoor eateries, the famous shops of Las Olas Boulevard, beautiful beaches, yacht clubs and majestic cruise ships traveling in and out of Port Everglades. Nothing worldwide compares to Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway. Its lovely canals are so unique and beautiful, they have earned Fort Lauderdale the moniker “Venice of America.” Water Taxi is the best way to see them!

Beyond Crete’s famous beaches and bustling towns lies a quieter, deeply moving side of the island—its serene cemeteries. Tucked among olive groves and overlooking the sea, these peaceful spaces offer a glimpse into local life, memory, and timeless tradition.

This booby has his eye on the seas below, looking for a meal. He also eyes the female booby, vying for her graces. This booby is at...

CARTAGENA is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in Americas. Indeed, it may be one of the world's prettiest cities, with its colorful old town, cobblestone streets, pastel plazas and brilliant clusters of bougainvillea. Cartagena is a city for romantics, historians, beach lovers and gourmets. It is considered by many one of the America's most beautiful cities.

FANCY YACHTS sway at anchor in Puerto Vallarta's beautiful marina, while vacationers stroll the harbor's boardwalk, pausing to browse in boutiques, photograph the port's famous boy-sea horse sculpture, or sip a cool drink.

RIGHTLY PROUD of its critters and birds, Guatemala hosts more than 10 per cent of all registered species on planet Earth. Handsome people, gorgeous lakes and forests and extraordinary handicrafts complement swimming, hiking and delightful cuisine -- fish, lobster and tasty spiced veggies -- make it appealing to tourists. Well heeled Americans and Europeans mix with yuppies from the British Isles and South America to ride horseback, frolic on the beaches, and enjoy spelu

HOW MANY countries does it take to complete a $5.3 billion expansion of the wondrous Panama Canal? The answer might be, "more than four," because Spain, Italy, Belgium and Panama have not delivered so far. The expansion contract was lost to the U.S., whose bid was too high. But the countries sharing the various sub-contracts have found their endeavors beset with problems.

Panama Canal Engineering marvel thrills as it raises the ship 85 feet to move it across land, Pacific to Atlantic