The new Disney Wish cruise ship has a very special “godmother.” Instead of the traditional one person chosen to be godmother for a new vessel, the Wish has recognized Make-A-Wish children around the world as “godchildren” for the Wish.

This is the first time in Disney Cruise Line history that children are being recognized in this prestigious role which symbolically bestows good fortune on the vessel and its travelers. Read more...

Are you a daredevil on amusement rides? Or would you prefer something a bit more sedate? On the ultimate amusement ride on board MSC Seascape, passengers can choose their own high-tech fun.

A thrilling amusement ride coming to the seas for the first time, ROBOTRON combines the breath-taking rush of a rollercoaster with personalized music and lighting. The first robotic arm ride at sea and the first to allow riders to customize their experience, ROBOTRON will be one of the amazing newbies aboard MSC Seascape, scheduled to be launched on Dec. 7, 2022. Read more...

Note: Originally published April 2, 2022

Congratulations! In October 2022, this story won 2nd place in the annual Midwest Travel Journalists Writers writing competition. The story ran on CCV on April 2, 2022.

Here are the judge’s comments:

2nd Jackie Sheckler Finch – “World War I hero Sgt. York’s home now a state park” – Crown Cruise Vacations Read more...

Holland America Line cruise guests will now be enjoying three new dishes on a menu showcasing wild sustainable Alaska seafood. The cuisine was created by Chef Ethan Stowell.

“We’ve been sharing the thrill of Alaska with guests for 75 years, longer than any other cruise line,” Dan Rough, Holland America Line vice president of revenue management, said in a news release. “Protecting and enhancing that heritage is a matter of commitment and pride.” Read more...

Deviled eggs without mayonnaise? Potato salad minus the creamy condiment? Or a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich without that essential sauce?

A jar of mayonnaise is always in my refrigerator at home. But it wasn’t until I visited the beautiful countryside estate of Sant Joan de Binissaida in Menorca, Spain, that I learned the somewhat contradictory history of mayonnaise. Read more...

The new Costa Toscana cruise ship now boasts a world award-winning chef. Along with being a Costa Toscana chef, Ángel León also has an on-land restaurant, Aponiente, which has been named the “World’s Most Sustainable Restaurant” in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022. Read more...

 “The Bradley is a personal labor of love for me, a hotel that feels more like a home for my hometown and the travelers passing through.” ~Barbara Bradley Baekgaard

When Barbara Bradley Baekgaard’s daughters got married in the family’s Fort Wayne hometown more than 30 years ago, the brides’ mother faced a dilemma. Where should out-of-town guests stay? Read more...

American Cruise Lines is heading to California and inviting cruisers to come along. Beginning in 2023, the country’s largest small ship cruise line will offer a brand new eight-day San Francisco Bay cruise.

American Cruise Lines’ first-ever California cruise will explore the City on the Bay, Napa Valley and the San Joaquin Valley. Read more...

Without missing a beat, the two men kept the red and white threads moving along smoothly. The task looked hypnotic to me as the workers’ hands seemed to glide in well-remembered movements.

After all, this is the traditional textile process dating back to 1854. Known as Read more...

At only 3 years old, the little girl could recite parts of the Bible which she practiced in her “special” corner of the family’s simple home. Where might life had gone for this peasant child?

At only 7 years old, the little girl became an orphan when both her parents died. She was sent to live with her uncle outside the family’s village. The story goes that her uncle was cruel and not fit to raise a child. Read more...