Before I took a recent Amadeus Silver II cruise, I googled to read some reviews of the cruise ship to get a glimpse of where I would be living for 11 days.

One cruise reviewer wrote that the Silver II has a swimming pool and no elevator.

It is just the opposite. Read more...

The woman behind me said she feels as though Willy Wonka might pop up any moment and that the Oompa Loompas will come traipsing out singing their strange song. I know what she means.

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne or Köln, as the Germans call this city, is definitely an unusual sweet treat. Made of glass and steel, the futuristic-looking Chocolate Museum seems like a ship floating on the Rhine River. Read more...

No way around it. I was going to get cold. Very cold.

I’d have to made a mad dash in low 50-degree temperatures, still wet from the dressing room shower to that glorious warm lagoon outside. Chilling for sure. But well worth it.

Since opening in 2004, Myvatn Nature Baths has proven to be a comforting experience for travelers and residents. When I saw the shore excursion listed on the Ocean Diamond’s itinerary, I knew this would be my choice. Read more...

Viking River Cruises is one of our very favorite cruise lines, and they post some delicious recipes they discover while exploring Europe.  This one sounds especially delicious; a perfect match with a nice espresso, perhaps?

Apple Cranberry Tart

Here is one of the recipes we have collected while traveling through France; the almond paste, an ingredient often used in French baking, gives this delicious dessert a Continental flavor. Serve alone or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Read more...

HRAFNSEYRI, Iceland – rafnseyrirafne Iceland gained its independence from Danish rule on June 17, 1944. No shots were fired. No one was killed.

Who was the man Icelanders say was mainly responsible for this bloodless revolution? Iceland’s independence was obtained by the hard work of many but it is attributed mostly to the tireless efforts of a man named Jón Sigurðsson. Read more...

The new Carnival Cruise Lines destination is as lovely as its name. Located in the heart of the Dominican Republic’s beautiful North Coast – known as the Amber Coast – Amber Cove will welcome its first cruise ship when the Carnival Victory arrives on Oct. 6 for a day-long call. Read more...

     Amras Silver II. Image courtesy of Amras.

When my sister Elaine and I were kids, we would sing in the choir on Christmas Eve at our small Ohio church. A landmark in town, the Bethel Church of Christ was founded in 1866 and was where my family had gone for generations.

This Christmas, however, I will be attending Christmas Eve services at Speyer Cathedral in Germany. This amazing place of worship was founded in 1030 and was the burial place of German emperors for almost 300 years. Read more...

Aachen, Germany – On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, folks are strolling around the historic Aachen square in Germany. Church bells are chiming in the distance. A small band is playing a lively tune, prompting a young couple to do a quick dance before heading into a nearby coffee shop. Read more...

Build a modern highway through a breathtaking part of the country and you’ll soon realize that you need something else for all those motorists.

That’s right, construction of a “comfort station” began soon after sections of the Columbia River Highway opened. But this is no ordinary bathroom stop. Read more...

If you’re an IMAX fan, get ready to enjoy the huge theater experience at sea. The new Carnival Vista will have cruising’s first IMAX theater when it debuts in Europe in May 2016.

Designed as the ultimate family vacation, the new Carnival “Fun Ship” will also feature Family Harbor staterooms and suites with a “family concierge,” an exciting suspended cycling experience named Skyride and much more. Read more...