Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Cruising's pleasures heightened by exilirating Alaskan adventure The wonders of Alaska unfold for Cookie, above, snug in her layers,...

The harbor at Avalon, the major village in Catalina, is a colorful place to park your boat. California island offers restful, scenic time...

Throughout Egypt, handsome and friendly children greeted American visitors who wonder if they are safe now. Friendship with brilliant...

This birthday, Keller takes Cookie sailing off La Jolla Shores. Ringing in another year brings time for reflection, joy, humor and...

We've borrowed many terms from life aboard ships; whether you "know the ropes" or not, come have fun  If you "know the ropes" you have...

"The water's running free and it's waiting there for me.... cool, clear water." Here, at Black's Beach in northern San Diego County, a...

The writer and photographer say "ship ahoy, mates" on a Jada lark.  STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Many people dream...

Framed by the glitzy hotels of the world's greatest gambling city, Cookie and Keller enjoy a night out!  STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS ...

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "Cap'n Cookie" takes the wheel. Whee! Keller, Cookie, Melody and Larry Cogsdill sail at...

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Sailing on the Californian is as close as I'll get to "going down to the sea in ships." Fortunately, we went "down" in the best sense of the word:  out into the Pacific Ocean and safely back. For this sailor -- with hundreds of hours on small sailing vessels and nearly 100 large-ship cruises -- the pride of San Diego's Maritime Museum feels like the real sailing deal. Getting the sails ready then putting them back after the sai

Chocolate coated waffles caught Cookie's eye resulting in a tasty purchase from Belgium Gourmet ( www.belgium-gourmet.com )  STORY BY...

Bruce Keller and his mother, Jean Keller, board a harbor cruise at Oceanside, where Jean taught Keller to paint as a lad. STORY By...

Cookie and Nora sit by Tony Bennett's vibrant heart which is on display in San Francisco's Union Square. The famed jazz singer is also an...

Behind bars: Keller tours prison. Story By CHRISTENE MEYERS Photos By BRUCE KELLER Who knew that Burt Lancaster's "Bird Man" character...

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Last Saturday's "starter kit" talked prices and posed questions to ask yourself when planning a cruise. Cruising offers value, variety, safety and more... you pack and unpack  once!  Recapping: *Are the ship and amenities more important than ports? Prefer to sail the Norwegian Fjords or wander the streets of a Sicilian village? *Must you have an ocean view or balcony? Happy with a cheaper, inside cabin? What's your budget?

Cruise ships and private yachts make a pretty sight in picturesque St. Thomas. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER There...

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Carpe Diem Kids Today while perusing journals, I began a tally of cruises I’ve taken. The result surprised me! View from the promenade deck on our ship where art is part of the enticement. The grand total:  99!  So my next cruise will be my centenary.  I am excited.  What and where will it be?  Crystal, Oceania, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Cunard, Holland America, Carnival, Disney? Although born in land-locked Monta