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...

The roar of blazing muskets echoes off the white walled garrison. Puffs of pungent smoke from black gun powder drift across the parade ground.

And visitors unclasp their hands from their ears as the deafening noise fades away. At Fort Mackinac, visitors get a chance to see soldier life as it was more than  a century ago. Read more...

What amazing stories must lie buried here, including one about the man for whom this magnificent cathedral was built and whose bones are said to be interred in one of the walls.

“St. Magnus Cathedral is known as ‘The Light in the North,’” said tour guide Thelma. “The cathedral is the center of the town and was built for the martyr St. Magnus.” Read more...

Walk by a Cuban school on an early weekday morning and you’ll probably hear the Cuban National Anthem being sung by the students, including an additional “dun tada dun” at the end.

“That’s just how we end the song,” Dr. Jorge Arocha said, giving a demonstration. Read more...

During my leisurely dinner at Crown Grill on the Regal Princess, diners toasted two birthdays and an anniversary. That might tell you that the ship’s specialty restaurant is a place for celebrations.

It certainly is.

I had no special date in mind when I paid $29 to dine in the Crown Grill. I had just heard that the dining spot was popular with passengers and wanted to see for myself. Read more...

Photo courtesy of AmaWaterway

Onion soup has always been one of my favorites. My Dad would make it when I was a child, especially in winter when he said onion soup would help warm us up and ward off colds.

Over the years, I have enjoyed onion soup is many different places. I’ve also realized that the soup is made in various ways. Interesting. Read more...

I learned a new word on a shore excursion today – “drelch.”

It’s the Scottish word for damp and overcast. Describes our weather perfectly as we head for Fettercairn Distillery on our shore stop in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Also learned a new taste trick today – put a drop of water in scotch whisky to bring out the flavors. Read more...

     Image courtesy of Princess Cruise Line

Bill plans to snorkel and take photos of the colorful fish in the coral reef. Mae is looking forward to browsing through local arts and crafts at beach shops. And their son Mike wants to practice his paddleboarding.

The family from Maine says they have been looking forward to Princess Cays which offers plenty of adventure and attractions. Or folks can just lean back in a beach chair and relax. Read more...

As soon as maître-d Federico Arcos Cantos started talking, I knew I was going to enjoy this wine tasting seminar on the Regal Princess.

“To know about wine is very easy,” Cantos said. “If you like it, then you have found a wine that you like and you know about wine.” Read more...

Cuba is a country of statues and monuments, many of them dedicated to heroes of the revolution. But one unusual bronze figure in Havana is the only one in the world I have seen for a certifiably crazy person.

On a walking tour of Havana, we stopped in front of a church. However, what caught my attention was a statue outside the church of a man whose beard, left index finger and foot have been polished almost golden from the touch of passersby. Read more...