By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Most ships have a library of some sort but the Oceania Sirena library is outstanding. It is one of the largest libraries I have ever seen on a ship of any size.

Some might have a small section or a room set aside for books to borrow. One ship even had a part-time librarian who would be in the library room to check out books from the locked bookcases. Of course, you had to make sure to visit that library when the part-time librarian was there or you were out of luck. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

One of the great joys of travel is savoring local cultures and cuisine. And, thanks to the generosity of AmaWaterways, I can try to create a spring specialty that is a European favorite.

The recipe doesn’t sound very difficult and I can find the ingredients in my hometown. Known as Lamb Navarin, the traditional treat is lamb stew bathed in a decadently rich gravy. It is usually accompanied by fresh root vegetables, sweet peas and polenta. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Remember Peter Noone crooning “I’m into Something Good?” How about the Hollies firing it up with “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress?” Or The Guess Who with “American Woman?”

The music, the memories and the spirit of the love generation will come together once again when the 2018 Flower Power Cruise sets sail aboard the Celebrity Summit from Feb. 24 through March 3, 2018.  The cruise will depart from Ft. Lauderdale to Aruba and Curacao. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Ah, Tahiti… The name conjures images of balmy beaches, spectacular sunsets, friendly folks and long lazy days sweeping away cares of the world.

The thought of visiting Tahiti is certainly a dream scenario. Never did I think it would happen but here I am heading for that faraway island. Read more...

The first time I ever savored tiramisu after a wonderful dinner, I was awake most of that night. Not one to have problems sleeping, I couldn’t understand why the tasty dessert would give me such a jolt.

Then a chef explained what goes into tiramisu and I knew. As a non-coffee drinker, I was getting a big dose of caffeine when I indulged in the sweet treat. The solution? I only eat tiramisu at lunch or early in the day so the caffeine energy will have worn off by bedtime. Read more...

A strikingly modern building with glass galore is home to some of Greece’s historic treasures. The $175 million Acropolis Museum was opened to the public in June 2009 and is now one of Athens’ most popular attractions.

The Acropolis Museum sits on an archaeological site only about a quarter mile from the Acropolis. Glass floors in the entryway and the museum let you see the excavations below. A wall of windows inside the museum offers spectacular views of the Acropolis. Read more...

When goats started tripping down the hill with luminous looks in their eyes in 1400 BC, local folks began to wonder what was going on.

“Following the goats back up the hill, they saw the goats were inhaling fumes from a crack in the ground,” tour guide Penny said. “Crazy goats.” Read more...

Twilight drifts slowly over the countryside. A shepherd guides his flock up a narrow lane. A man weeds a potato patch within a high stone wall. The day’s end serenade of nearby songbirds floats on the wind.

And a 16-year-old named Ivo waits to greet us as we disembark from our tour bus. The large vehicle can go only so far on these old byways so we follow the boy to our much-anticipated home dinner in the Croatian village of Gromaca. Read more...

Now I know why Robert and Sharon Amoruso always seem to look so happy. They have cruised an amazing 1,336 days with Princess Cruises.

That is more than three and a half years of being pampered on a Princess ship.

“We did that over a span of 11 years,” Robert hastens to say. “Our first Princess cruise was in September of 2005. We have been returning ever since.” Read more...

One day in Athens? Heading to the Acropolis is one of the most popular destinations for visitors. For my Athens tour, guide Katia explained that the word “acropolis” means “the highest point in the city.”

The famous landmark was constructed in the 5^th century BC and it demonstrates the Greek’s great expertise in architecture. Read more...