By Jackie Sheckler Finch

His name is W. Gerard Williams. He is my River Butler and he seems to be everywhere.

When I checked into my Loft Suite aboard the American Duchess, Gerard was there to show me the cabin’s light switches, in-room safe, mini-fridge stocked with complimentary water and sodas, Keurig coffee maker with eight one-cup coffee pods, TV controls, two telephones (one upstairs and one downstairs), balcony door lock, thermostat and other grand features of my amazing stateroom. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Only two months old, Winter the dolphin was dying after getting tangled in crab trap line near Cape Canaveral in December 2005. A fisherman found her, cut the line and called a rescue team.

Winter

Transported to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter overcame overwhelming odds and lived. But she lost her tail. Read more...

Carnival’s ‘Rare Finds’ on dining room menu offers chance to try unusual food

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Ever have a yearning to try an unusual dish but not sure you want to waste your money and appetite if it turns out you don’t like it? Well, Carnival Cruise Lines has a deal for you. Read more...

Cruise Destination Trivia: Identify the grave

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Photo by Jackie Sheckler Finch

Recognize this pyramid-looking grave? Know where it is located? It is huge and seems quite out of place in this historic cemetery. I was told that locals don’t much care for it, thinking it too grand and ostentatious. Read more...

Ah, sea day! A chance to sleep in, stroll around the ship, check on fun activities and enjoy a leisurely brunch in Fantasy Dining Room.

I’m not much of a buffet fan so I decided to skip the busy one on the Carnival Sensation. Not really pleasant to start the day by filling up a tray at a noisy crowded buffet and then have to look for a table to sit on the Lido deck. Read more...

Before taking the evening ferry across San Francisco Bay to the town of Martinez, patrons at the Occidental Hotel would imbibe in a new cocktail called a martini.

That’s the most widely accepted origin of how the famous martini began in 1862.  Whatever the true story, martinis are now a popular drink. And Carnival Cruise Line offers a mini martini tasting to savor some of the many different versions of martinis. Read more...

It’s always fun to step onto a new ship and discover its décor, its dining and entertainment spots, its places to go to be with people and its places to go to be alone.

The Regal Princess has plenty of everything.

The décor is lovely and subdued – warm woods, glistening marble, sparkling crystal, gleaming brass, bunches of windows, plenty of glass and light. The feeling is very open and airy. The Regal Princess certainly lives up to her elegant name. Read more...

On a whim, a young playwright from Chicago decides to take a trip and stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Although he is a success in his profession, Richard Collier feels lonely and unhappy. He has never found his special love. Read more...

If I didn’t see the ocean waves outside the dining room window, I might think I was in some elegant restaurant in Italy. Instead, I am enjoying a leisurely meal at Sabatini’s, the specialty restaurant aboard the Regal Princess.

The Tuscan-inspired décor features beautiful murals, warm woods, etched glass, Roman columns and grandiose chandeliers. A large glassed case displays fresh-made pasta and a huge circular case showcases special wines. Read more...

Revolution Square is one of the most popular gathering places in Santiago, Cuba. It was here that Fidel Castro delivered many speeches (including one that lasted nearly eight hours). Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis both held large masses here during papal visits to Cuba. Read more...