By Jackie Sheckler Finch

To discover the Polynesian paradise of Moorea, I rode around the whole island. Of course, that isn’t very difficult. Moorea has only one major road and it takes about one and a half hours to drive the whole thing.

But, oh, what beauty that drive revealed. Read more...

Tour guide Teiva moved over, thinking he was blocking my picture. But he was my picture.

The tattoos on his arm and neck were fascinating. When I told Teiva I would like to photograph them and learn more about the art, Teiva was happy to oblige.

“These are in honor of my family and my heritage,” he said, gesturing to the designs on his left arm, hand and fingers.  A shark tattooed on his arm and an eel on his neck are “the protectors for my family.” Read more...

Roaming from place to place to tend their flock, Spanish shepherds created a tasty inexpensive dish prepared over an open fire in a single pan. The basic ingredient was easy to find – stale bread.

Nothing went to waste in the humble life of a shepherd and the dish known as “migas” was comforting, filling and simple to prepare. Today, migas – which literally means “bread crumbs” –  is still popular in the Extremadura region of Spain, served in homes, bars, hotels and fancy restaurants. Read more...

I dined at Sirena’s specialty restaurant Tuscan Steak and ordered lobster. Why not? I know that Tuscan specializes in steak but I was Just in the mood for a great lobster dinner. I was not disappointed.

Nearby diners said their steaks were great but I also noticed that some looked at my lobster with envy. Plus, I got a wonderful window seat in Tuscan Steak to watch the ocean as I dined. Read more...

A tale as old as time will take to the stage of the Disney Dream beginning Nov. 6 when the ship sails three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida.

The brand-new musical production was inspired, of course, by Disney’s new live-action adaptation of the animated classic that is now thrilling theater audiences. Read more...

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...