WALLA WALLA, Washington –  I’m not much for buying souvenirs. After years as a travel writer, my home already has enough stuff. Plus I have tons of notebooks, photos, memories and articles written to remind me of where I’ve been.

But after tasting Walla Walla Sweet Onion Mustard at Fort Walla Walla Museum, I knew a jar would not last long in my house. Read more...

Several years ago, I was driving through the Mississippi cotton fields looking for juke joints. I wanted to hear some true Delta blues.

When I pulled into the teeny town of Indianola, I got a real surprise. Pulling up at the same time was the ultimate bluesman – B.B. King himself. Turns out that Indianola is King’s hometown, the place where he is honored with a fascinating museum. He stopped by there every once in a while. Read more...

You might have seen them – those powerful streams of water shooting straight up in the air. We know the natural features are caused when ground water is heated by geothermal forces and brought to the surface. But the sight still brings exclamations of oohs and aahs whenever they spurt towards the heavens. Read more...

Princess Cruises will be traveling into the heart of Japanese culture in 2016. The top North American cruise line in Japan will offer an array of Japan voyages to circumnavigate the country, visiting top-rated ports of call.

“Japan is steeped in tradition and lore, with ancient sites, hallowed temples and natural wonders throughout the island chain, said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “The ideal way to explore this fascinating country is by sea and Princess offers travelers unmatched options for discovering its many jewels.” Read more...

Think you’ve got what it takes to be The Voice? Princess Cruises will be showcasing passenger talents in a new “The Voice of the Ocean” singing competition.

The wildly popular TV show will be brought to life on the high seas. Throughout the cruise, passengers can compete with auditions, mentor rehearsal sessions, the iconic “I Want You” chairs, three charismatic team coaches and ultimately a live finale performance where guests choose the winner. Read more...

Tightly clutching her Bible, Narcissa Whitman tries to explain why she chose to embark on a path that eventually took her life in a horrible massacre. The slaughter also destroyed the very people she sought to help.

Of course, this isn’t the real Narcissa Whitman. She died Nov. 29, 1847. Read more...

If you’ve ever watched the television series Love Boat, you probably remember bartender extraordinaire Isaac. Now passengers on Princess Cruises can enjoy a special cocktail created by Isaac himself.

Fittingly, the sweet concoction is named “The Isaac.” Read more...

The movie musical The Sound of Music and Princess Cruises both commemorate their 50th birthday this year. As part of the celebration, Princess Cruises is making the seas come alive with the sound of music.

The cruise line is screening the movie on all 18 of its cruise ships, as well as featuring sing-alongs, trivia games and other movie-themed experiences throughout the year. Read more...

Remember bell-bottom pants, flower power and smiley faces popping up everywhere? John Wayne and Doris Day ruled the silver screen. And shows like Gilligan’s Island, Get Smart, Lassie and Gunsmoke were beamed into homes on small TV sets.

It was the ‘60s, of course. For everyone who was a part of the love generation – or for those who always wished they were – the 2016 Flower Power Cruise aboard the Celebrity Constellation will be revisiting those memorable years. Read more...

The wind is howling. Leaves are skittering to the ground. It’s that bewitching time of year and Disney Cruise Line will be treating guests to a wickedly good time. Disney ships will be transformed into a ghoulish wonderland filled with frightfully fun events and activities, special decorations, unique menu items in the restaurants and themed parties on deck. Read more...