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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


John Wayne's Newport Beach yacht celebrates The Duke's legacy
The Wild Goose had a well traveled past when actor John Wayne bought it and made it his traveling hotel. Now, Hornblower Cruises invites...

Christene Meyers
May 17, 20194 min read
Finding fun in fantastic Fort Lauderdale, from fine digs to water taxi
Fort Lauderdale's beautifully renovated Hilton Double Tree Gallery One offers all-suite accommodations, gorgeous views of the city's...

Christene Meyers
Mar 15, 20194 min read


Norwegian traveler tries Norwegian Cruise Line with happy results
Norwegian Cruise Line's colorful design carries through inside, with lively contemporary art and many other enticements. NCL's Spirit,...

Christene Meyers
Mar 11, 20194 min read


Whale bonanza as great grays head south to give birth, play in Baja
A misty blast of water from the whale's blow hole helps us see him, as our Hornblower boat moves closer. For sailors worldwide, the San...

Christene Meyers
Feb 15, 20194 min read


Hitting the highlights of European cities is a delight off-season
Here in late November, Paris streets are not jam-packed as in the summer. Here, the boulevard by Notre Dame Cathedral is sparsely...

Christene Meyers
Nov 16, 20183 min read


Star of India takes to the high seas for gala two-day celebration
With her sails unfurled, the world's oldest still functioning sailing vessel will soon take to San Diego Bay. WORLD'S OLDEST STILL...

Christene Meyers
Nov 9, 20183 min read


Fort Lauderdale's water taxi lures adventurer, sun seeker, tourist
CITY'S FRIENDLY WATER TAXI SERVICE IS TOPS FOR SIGHT SEEING, LEARNING, ENJOYING THE CANALS Fort Lauderdale's mansions along the canals...

Christene Meyers
Sep 21, 20183 min read


'Hotel Del' greets the present with old-fashioned, genteel welcome
The Hotel del Coronado is a landmark in southern California, known around the globe. It was built in 1888. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS...

Christene Meyers
Jun 15, 20184 min read
Royal fuss: Affection for the Royal Family traced to QEII's coronation, childhood wonder
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth, both behatted, on a royal outing celebrating her 90th birthday. The couple has sustained a long,...

Christene Meyers
May 18, 20186 min read


Picasso's legacy lives on in lively Malaga in two contrasting museums
The Museo Picasso Malaga, above, opened in 2003 and features nearly 300 paintings. Below, Merced Plaza which gives way to the Picasso...

Christene Meyers
Jul 21, 20173 min read


Transplant Tale: into the light with merging of science, attitude, luck
STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Editor's Note: Two weeks ago, we described our journey up the transplant list at...

Christene Meyers
Jun 2, 20174 min read


Flagship Grey whale watch: wondrous creatures of the deep visit our 'back yard'
When the grey whale "breathes," it's through his blowhole, the equivalent of a nostril, a magnificent sound and sight. SETTING SAIL IN...

Christene Meyers
Mar 3, 20174 min read


Dolphins, dining and dogs -- Hornblower offers it all
Thrilled guests watched a pair of whales blow -- thanks to Hornblower staff who make announcements on sightings, explaining various whale...

Christene Meyers
Mar 18, 20163 min read


Happy New Year! Make it an adventuresome one!
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...

Christene Meyers
Jan 1, 20163 min read


Santa Catalina -- the island of romance, fine dining, adventure, fun
Signature coconut shrimp, hibachi steak with mushrooms and yummy soup made moments ago are part of a delightful "Taste of Catalina" food...
Jaime Hazerian
Dec 17, 20154 min read
Florist creates gorgeous displays, lives on the bay in San Diego
Albert Sweet's eye for color and design make his flower shop an appealing stop at 11696 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego. MAKING...

Christene Meyers
May 15, 20153 min read
Spring lightly and with thanks into spring -- wherever you are on the planet
Cookie loves the jacaranda which flourishes in San Diego's Mediterranean climate, and in Barcelona, one of Cookie's favorite cities....

Christene Meyers
May 5, 20154 min read


Two Cunard Queens meet, take a bow in Long Beach
HISTORIC MEETING AS QUEEN MARY WELCOMES HER 'NIECE,' QUEEN ELIZABETH Cunard's majestic Queen Elizabeth sailed into Long Beach Harbor and spent the day, next to the venerable Queen Mary. The Queen Mary has been retired from the seas since 1967 but still draws a million and one-half visitors annually. STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IT WAS A GLORIOUS meeting! Two queens -- one elderly, the other a fairly new kid on the royal block -- were side by side for a d

Christene Meyers
Feb 17, 20154 min read


Sample Sydney's glories from a ringside 'Magistic' cruise seat
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

Christene Meyers
Jan 23, 20153 min read
Queen Mary turns 80 this week, and we're all invited to her birthday in Long Beach
Commodore Everette Hoard welcomes the public aboard the Queen Mary this Friday for an 80th birthday party. HAIL AND LONG LIVE THE LOVELY...

Christene Meyers
Sep 23, 20144 min read
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