America’s waterways will soon have beautiful new catamarans offering cruises for lucky passengers. American Cruise Lines has announced a new fleet of go-anywhere cruise ships designed specifically for the U.S. market.

Project Blue, the codename for the new builds, will more than double the nation’s current capacity for domestic coastal cruises when the 12 hybrid catamaran sister ships arrive. Read more...

Remember the beloved 1970s television series “The Love Boat?” Well, get ready for the 2022 version – a new reality dating competition titled “The Real Love Boat.”

“‘The Love Boat’ is a timeless, romantic concept with universal appeal, and we’re excited to reimagine this popular series for audiences in two different countries,” George Cheeks, president and chief executive officer of CBS and head of global content for Paramount’s free-to-air networks, including Network 10, said in a news release. Read more...

In a calm clear voice, Rob Hults starts talking to the huge Golden Eagle perched on his hand. Turning its head one way, then another, the bird named Mesa seems to understand what Rob is saying.

No wonder Rob is nicknamed “The Bird Whisperer.”

Photos by Jackie Sheckler Finch Read more...

Holland America Line’s Volendam will accommodate Ukrainian refugees as part of an agreement by Netherlands and City of Rotterdam government officials.

The ship will dock in Rotterdam for three months to provide a temporary home for about 1,500 Ukrainians, part of a larger commitment from the Netherlands to accommodate 50,000 people who have fled the war in their homeland. Read more...

With a smooth swish, chef Loren Leflore spreads mile-high whipped egg whites on coconut cream pie. Then she invites a class member to use a culinary torch to brown the meringue. “You’re doing great,” she encourages the tentative torcher.

Next, Loren demonstrates how to make parmesan-crusted catfish and Delta hot tamales. All the while, we are snacking on fried dill pickle slices while awaiting the meal our instructor is preparing in the famous Viking Cooking School in Greenwood, Mississippi. Taste buds are delighted to be educated here. Read more...

Talented chef Rudi Sodamin has been named the first head of culinary arts for Princess Cruises. Currently master chef for Holland America Line, Sodamin will retain that position as he takes on his new role for Princess.

“Chef Rudi is a hands-on leader with proven ability to motivate teams to achieve new levels of creativity and inspiration,” said Jan Swartz, group president serving Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn and P&O Cruises Australia brands. Read more...

Like a little girl on her first day of school, Shelby Guest picked up the Twiggy lunch box and hugged it as though it still contained some delicious childhood goodies.

“I had one just like this when I was a kid,” she says. “This brings back so many memories.” Read more...

Remember the ruby red slippers that Dorothy wore to click her heels and proclaim, “There’s no place like home?”

Well, the famous slippers from the beloved movie “The Wizard of Oz” will soon be featured in an exhibit at Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Read more...

Sitting down on a park bench next to Scout, I peer at the book she is reading. Over her right shoulder is Dill. Over her left is Jem.  All the sculptured figures seem engrossed in the pages of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Behind us is the stately 1903 courthouse, the model for movie scenes where Scout’s father, lawyer Atticus Finch, fights valiantly to save a black man accused of rape. Read more...

Welcoming travelers to “Come back to something brand new,” Atlas Ocean Voyages is expanding its Antarctica luxe-adventure expeditions with two ships for winter 2022-2023.

World Traveller will embark on her inaugural Antarctica season, while World Navigator will return to Antarctica for its second. The two ships will offer travelers a choice of 20 expeditions, ranging from nine to 29 itineraries, sailing from November 2022 through March 2023. Read more...