You don’t have to go to Cuba to enjoy a taste of Havana. The Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Vista cruise ships now have a spot that’s intriguing by night and friendly any time.

Step into the Havana Bar and be transported to antebellum Cuba preserved today in old postcards, vintage literature… and classic delicacies. Read more...

When Luksa Ivancic was a little boy growing up on the coast of Croatia, he would admire the sea captains and think about what it would be like to sail the world on some grand ship. How he would love to follow in their footsteps.

“They wore uniforms with those hats and long twirling mustaches and smoked pipes,” he said. “Other little boys might want to be a doctor or a lawyer but I wanted to be a ship captain.” Read more...

Shortly after midnight on Jan. 23, 1973, residents of Heimaey were awakened by the blare of fire engine horns. Looking outside, they were horrified to see bright red lava exploding into the night sky and a wall of fire spewing from a fissure snaking across the island. Read more...

Recognize this adorable puppy? He is huge, made of flowering plants and constantly changing as the light and seasons change.

He stands guard over a very famous museum that is a popular shore excursion for cruise ships.

A hint:  The puppy is located on a waterfront that was once rundown and dilapidated, filled with old warehouses. Today his home is beautiful and the puppy himself is a favorite photo spot. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

With Election Day looming on the horizon, Carnival Cruise Line has announced a new candidate. Seuss’ popular Cat in the Hat has thrown his trademark stovepipe hat in the ring.

For an election special, Carnival will offer a variety of fun educational shipboard activities to teach children about the election process and the importance of voting. The events will coincide with the release of a new Dr. Seuss book “One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote.” Read more...

Settling into my cabin on the M/V Athena, I as surprised that it is larger than expected and quite comfortable. I thought the 50-passenger M/V Athena might have smaller rooms but this is plenty roomy for two. Since I am traveling alone, I feel a bit pampered with the extra space. Read more...

James Bond was here. So was Batman. And Laura Croft the Tomb Raider.

No wonder filmmakers have chosen this Icelandic spot for movie magic. The Jökulsárlon Glacier Lagoon is spectacular and considered one of the top natural wonders in a country that is known for natural treasures. Read more...

Craving some sushi or maybe crab claws and lobster? How about spaghetti and meat balls or a burger piled high with your favorite toppings? Perhaps your taste buds are ready for a thick steak cooked just the way you like. The new Carnival Vista offers all that and much more. Read more...

We stepped off our airport shuttle bus, walked a few steps down a gang plank and were officially embarked on our 10-day cruise aboard the M/V Athena.

I’ve never met a ship I didn’t like but I certainly prefer the boarding process on smaller vessels. Instead of waiting in long lines with thousands of other passengers on the big cruise liners, it is such a breeze to board a small ship. Takes minutes, not hours. Read more...

Today, people can walk around with music in their ears whenever they want. They can plug in and tune out.

But back a couple hundred years ago, people didn’t have that luxury. Only the rich could afford musical devices. And those pieces of equipment were huge. Read more...