By Jackie Sheckler Finch

He used to live in the forest, soaking up the rain. Now he lives on the Carnival Sensation, basking in the sun.

That’s the Carnival story about the RedFrog. And they’re sticking to it.

In fact, the little tree frog has made himself so at home on the cruise ship that he has his own private label draught beer, custom-brewed specially for Carnival – ThirstyFrog Red. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Mike Bakarich was happy when his wife Carolyn opened her Yesterday’s Children Antique Doll and Toy Museum in 1986.

“I finally had a place to sit,” he says with a smile. “She had dolls all over the house so I was glad when she got them out of the house and they weren’t taking up my seats.” Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Chrome and silver. Gold and purple. Neon lights. Orange leather seats. Triangle-patterned bar stools. Plush sofas. Squiggles and curlicues galore. The Carnival Sensation décor, to me, looked like retro ‘60s mod. Read more...

Save up to $900 next summer with lots of amenities on Celebrity Edge!

Take advantage of exclusive Crown Cruise Vacations’ rates on select sail dates on the new game-changing Celebrity Edge next summer. Save up to $900 per person and enjoy Free Drinks, Onboard Spending Money, Prepaid Gratuities and Free Wi-Fi. PLUS enjoy Complimentary Travel Insurance when you book with your Crown Cruise Vacations expert. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

On our first dinner aboard the Carnival Sensation, the woman at the table next to me was surprised to see dining room tables without tablecloths.

Doesn’t bother me at all. Just think about all the laundry that saves. So much more environmentally friendly. On other cruise ships, I have seen servers changing tablecloths as soon as diners get up to leave so the table is ready for the next diners. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

A singing Elvis on roller skates. Romantic “popera” (popular opera) made famous by Luciano Pavarotti and Sarah Brightman. A 1960s-sock hop. And country music ranging from Loretta Lynn to Garth Brooks. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Standing beneath a large photograph of his ancestors, Bill Davidson says the business those men built is “a Cinderella story.”

“What they created is a great experience. Our look, our sound, the feel of our motorcycles is recognized around the world,” he says. “We attract people from all walks of life.” Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

“I loved that profession (riverboat pilot) far better than any I’ve followed since … I hoped to follow the river the rest of my days and die at the wheel when my mission was ended.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Mark Twain Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

The beautiful antebellum house known as “The Towers” doesn’t have any.

Towers, that is.

One of the landmark towers that gave the historic Natchez home its name was destroyed in a 1927 fire. The other tower was taken down that same year. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Like a magnificent jewel, the Longwood mansion nestles atop a Natchez hillside. But the opulent Mississippi home hides a secret inside.

“It was never finished,” tour guide Cindy says. “All that was ever finished was the basement and that’s where the family had to live.” Read more...