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...

Would I prefer roasted pork medallions wrapped in parma ham, herb crusted ahi filet with warm chanterelle arugula vinaigrette or portobello mushroom lasagna?

But, wait, that is just the first page. Another “always available” page offers even more choices – sautéed salmon filet, roast chicken breast or seared prime ribeye steak. 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...

SANTORINI, Greece – Could this actually be the fabled Atlantis? Some people think it is and some research does support that belief.

However, others believe the mysterious Atlantis never really existed. That it was a make-believe place used by the early Greek philosopher Plato to teach a lesson in humility. Read more...

Today I learned a new word. And had a marvelous dining adventure. I also discovered why AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world’s oldest international gastronomic society.

The reason? They deserve it. 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...