Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

A juvenile orca learns how to swim next to his mother, south of Vancouver, near U.S. waters with Wild Whales Vancouver. In Alaska, Juneau Tours offers spectacular whale watching farther north. Juneau Tours offers up close, personal opportunities to see whales, with skilled drivers and guides to get you "there." ORCAS, HUMPBACKS ENTERTAIN, INFORM-- AND EVEN PROVIDE EYE-POPPING ANATOMY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Alaska whale watching CAN ONE ever get enoug

On a half-dozen visits since 2010, we've found Lake Tahoe's scenery some of the most beautiful in the western United States. Dixie II offers a fun night on the lake, even on a recent rainy evening. "It is a vast oval, and one would have to use up eighty or a hundred good miles in traveling around it. As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface, I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole world affords.” -- M

Thrilled guests watched a pair of whales blow -- thanks to Hornblower staff who make announcements on sightings, explaining various whale...

Asia is a feast for the senses and a dream for every traveler’s bucket list. From bustling street markets and ancient temples to peaceful beaches and vibrant cities, happiness seems to wait around every corner. Every journey reveals colorful culture, unforgettable flavors, and warm welcomes. For curious explorers, Asia offers endless discoveries—each step, taste, and view becoming part of an unforgettable adventure.

The "Painted Ladies" near Alamo Square, San Francisco, California, represent an architecture used for Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings painted in distinctive pastel hues. The term is over a century old. HEAD TO THE CITY BY THE BAY FOR VARIETY, FUN, WITH A FEAST FOR THE EYES AT EVERY TURN STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "One day if I go to heaven ... I'll look around and say, 'It ain't bad, but it ain't San Francisco.'" Herb Caen, noted San Fr

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.

THE ODDITY and variety of the Southern Hemisphere birds has helped biologists define a larger group of mostly extinct birds, many of them flightless. They're called paleognaths, who knew?

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...

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

Rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, and timeless villages—this Tuscany travel guide explores the best itinerary for first-time visitors, from Florence’s Renaissance treasures to hidden countryside gems.

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.