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...

You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch. But Carnival Cruise Line will be giving guests a chance to grow their hearts three sizes. Carnival plans to make the season extra special with shipboard appearances by none other than the Grinch himself.

These experiences and more are part of the line’s exclusive Seuss at Sea program in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises. Read more...

Want to learn the success secrets of some of the world’s top visionaries and innovators? Sign up for a cruise aboard the Seabourn Odyssey.

Seabourn has announced a new lineup of accomplished lecturers for Seabourn Conversations, the cruise line’s onboard enrichment and special guest entertainment program. Read more...

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...