Cruise Experiences
114 articles
Through South America & Antarctica on Azamara Quest
In February, I embarked on Azamara Quest for the 22-Night Southern Quest voyage from Buenos Aires to San Antonio. Setting a course for Antarctica, the journey would take my husband and me to remote corners of the world while visiting 10 ports of call across South America. Originally built in 2000, the ship joined Azamara […]
HAL, 153 Years on Course: a Look Behind the Scenes
The day at Keukenhof begins with a gentle breeze and the scent of fresh earth. The usual rush of visitors to what is perhaps the world’s most beautiful spring flower garden is in full swing. Even before the official ceremony begins, my eyes sweep the flowerbeds in search of one thing: somewhere here it must […]
Chilean Patagonia with Stella and Ventus Australis
At the southernmost extent of South America, geography begins to loosen its grip. Mountain ranges fracture into archipelagos, glaciers descend directly into the sea, and navigation routes follow channels carved by ancient ice. Chilean Patagonia remains one of the most remote maritime regions on Earth — a place where scale, silence, and weather shape every […]
Sailing Through History: A Nile River Cruise with TUI
In 2024, TUI River Cruises secured the former Jaz Al Horeya from Jaz Hotel Group and refurbished her as TUI Al Horeya for their first venture under this brand on the Nile. The ship was built in Cairo and is managed by the Travco Group whose presence is everywhere from the coaches to tour guides. […]
20 Years of Amadea: German Dream Ship
For 20 years, in 2026, the Amadea has been part of the Phoenix fleet, and for over 10 years it has been the dream ship of German television. In the German cruise market, it holds a well-established position, and thanks to its compact size and Japanese origins, it has a charm all its own. We […]
‘Gastronomy of the Seine’ on board MS Jane Austen
There are river cruises that show you France, and river cruises that feed you France. Riviera Travel’s MS Jane Austen manages both with disarming grace. Its itinerary, beautifully titled “Gastronomy of the Seine,” begins in Paris, but it is Normandy that ultimately claims the voyage, revealing itself not only as a destination but as the […]
MSC’s Yacht Club: Cruising With a Purpose
Cruising is the single greatest traveling experience anyone can have. There is no greater feeling than being surrounded by water and feeling free from the stresses of everyday life. Cruising in MSC’s Yacht Club is a cruising experience no one can top. The European style cruising experience coupled with being treated on an up close […]
Crystal Serenity: New England, Canada… and Broadway
Crystal Serenity is not a ship that seeks to impress with immediate effects. Its strength does not lie in theatrical spaces or scenic impact designed to prove something. It is a ship that reveals itself gradually — as you walk, as you observe how the spaces connect, as you listen to the quality of the […]
The tranquil pace of river cruising aboard Viva Enjoy
Welcome aboard, fellow explorers! I’m Stefanie, a passionate cruise blogger from Germany with over a decade of experience and 380 nights spent at sea. I’ve cultivated a deep-seated love for the maritime world and the privilege of immersing myself in the wonders of cruising, each voyage offering a unique tapestry of experiences and discoveries. In […]
Resilient Lady: Experience on an Uncommon Ship
Virgin Voyages, an American cruise line, embraces a philosophy centered on passenger freedom: from embarkation onward, the atmosphere stands apart from traditional cruises. No heavy formalities: the focus is on relaxation and conviviality. Passengers, called “Sailors,” are welcomed into a warm atmosphere, ideal for rest and discovery. No travel booklets or long security procedures—everything is [&
Exploring cultures and modern cities aboard Ovation ots
Welcome aboard, fellow explorers! I’m Stefanie, a passionate cruise blogger from Germany with over a decade of experience and over 370 nights spent at sea. I’ve cultivated a deep-seated love for the maritime world and the privilege of immersing myself in the wonders of cruising, each voyage offering a unique tapestry of experiences and discoveries. […]
Island Hopping in Classical Greece aboard Harmony G
Some journeys begin with the desire to see new places. Others start as a search for peace, or for meaning. My voyage aboard Harmony G with Variety Cruises began with all three. I had long dreamt of exploring the Greek islands not as a hurried tourist, but as a slow traveler—someone who could feel the […]
Disney Dream: Relaxation, Adventure and Emotions
It wasn’t my first time sailing aboard the Disney Dream, but this time, between the end of March and the beginning of April 2025, I experienced it from a completely new perspective: a cruise with little Lucia, my daughter, who was just six and a half months old at the time of embarkation. My previous […]
Take me Tui the river! A river cruise experience
River cruising is big business. I mean, really big business! And it was a type of cruise that I had not really considered until I started to look into the type for a database of ships that I was working on at the time. Unbelievably there are more river cruise ships operating that ocean going […]
New Year’s Eve at Sea Aboard the P&O Iona
What makes the P&O Iona so special as a cruise ship? Why is it not only a good choice for British guests? My German perspective, shaped by experiences with sister brand AIDA Cruises, also contributes to answering these questions. Elegant departure from Southampton A soft winter fog and gray clouds hang over the port of […]
A Break in the North Sea with Vasco Da Gama
Nicko Cruises‘ Vasco Da Gama is the company’s only ocean cruise ship. However, it has a loyal following and has become a well-established presence in the German cruise market. It is said that cats have nine lives, and the Vasco Da Gama, built in 1992, is already on its fourth. After finishing its career as […]
Princess Cruises: The Mexican Riviera Itinerary!
Sailing with Princess Cruises along the Mexican Riviera itinerary was a truly unforgettable experience, blending the timeless charm of cruising with modern comforts and innovations. From the moment the famous Love Boat theme song echoes at each departure, you are instantly transported into a unique atmosphere filled with nostalgia and maritime magic. This small yet […]
Costa Smeralda: A Unique Adventure in Africa
Sailing aboard the Costa Voyages Special Edition Around Africa was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that redefined the concept of cruising for someone like me, well-versed in the world of Costa Cruises. While accustomed to traditional cruising experiences, this special edition revealed a higher level of personalization, adventure, and magic. My journey began in Tenerife, leading us […]
Sailing through Northern Europe on Azamara Onward
In August, I embarked on Azamara Onward and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Originally built in 1999 for another cruise line, the ship was acquired and completely modernized by Azamara Cruises in 2022, transforming it into the luxurious vessel it is today. Azamara Onward is now the newest member of Azamara’s boutique […]
Scenic Eclipse: the expedition becomes luxury
The Scenic group was well-known and synonymous with luxury experiences long before the launch of Scenic Eclipse, the first ocean cruise ship in the Scenic Cruises fleet. Now consisting of two vessels, the fleet has added value to the brand’s range of travel options, expanding its offerings beyond river cruises. Embarking on Scenic Eclipse was […]
A Journey Aboard the Celebrity Edge Exploring Alaska
Setting sail from the vibrant city of Seattle was the perfect beginning for my Alaskan cruise on the Celebrity Edge. The iconic skyline, with the majestic Mount Rainier in the background, provided a stunning send-off. The excitement of embarking from this Pacific Northwest gem was palpable, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through the […]
Msc Cruises: MSC Euribia takes us North
Earlier this year in April MSC Euribia started her second Summer season in Northern Europe. The ships makes weekly round-trips from Kiel / Copenhagen to Norway. After a ship visit in Zeebrugge in November 2023 we decided to book us a cruise on board MSC Euribia and one week later the countdown was running. After […]
Costa Fascinosa: The Club Cruise to the Canary Islands
The highly anticipated C|Club Cruise 2024, exploring the Canary Islands aboard Costa Fascinosa, concluded a few days ago with great success, highlighting the tremendous enthusiasm among the participants. Costa Fascinosa set sail on May 16 from Savona, heading towards the Canary Islands on a 15-day journey filled with experiences, moments of sharing, parties, cultural conferences, […]
Viking’s “Paris to the heart of Normandy”
River Cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel. Viking makes sure we’ll enojoy every minute. Let’s face it, Viking practically invented River Cruising. Its “Longboats” plying Europe’s rivers on PBS’ Masterpiece Theater proved irresistible to thousands of passengers. Once aboard these light-filled ships, everything from castles on the Rhine, vineyards and fortresses, tiny […]