Catalina Island is one of the not so hidden secrets sitting just off the coast of Southern California. It also happens to be one of the most common ports that folks taking 4-day cruises from Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles will stop at, along with Ensenada, Mexico. While many people who have done this route a few times prefer to simply enjoy another day on the ship and avoid the ctrounds ... you're missing some great stuff if you do. On a recent cruise with Carnival, we were invited to take this tour and see what the island looks like ... outside of Avalon where the tenders drop you off.

Written by: James Hills

Published: 05 July 2022

Last Updated: 01 November 2022

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Read more: Catalina Island Back Country "Buffalo" Eco Tour Shore Excursion

Have you ever looked around during a cruise and thought, "Wow it would be fun to live on a cruise ship and sail from one exotic location to another while constantly engaging with new and interesting people?" Well first off ... it isn't as glamourous as you might think at first. However, for many people - both in the United States and from various places around the world, a cruise ship job can be a highly rewarding experience. For many crew it can even be a career that spans numerous contracts, ships, and even different cruise lines over decades. Let's take a look at what it takes to get a job like this and if you have what it takes to get a job on a cruise ship!

Written by: James Hills

Published: 14 June 2022

Last Updated: 14 June 2022

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Read more: How To Get A Job Working On A Cruise Ship

Let’s just start this discussion by saying we had a fantastic experience sailing on Viking Orion from Vancouver to Los Angeles. However, after being home for a few days and looking back I realized that many of the things I usually enjoy doing and sharing on a cruise were absent from this voyage. This was a very different experience and while many things felt similar to the time we spent on Viking Mani river cruise a few years ago, there were as many things that were completely different too. 

Written by: James Hills

Published: 02 May 2022

Last Updated: 03 May 2022

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Read more: Sailing On A Viking Ocean Cruise Is Vastly Different Than Any Other Cruise I’ve Taken

One of the absolute best steaks at sea isn't even found inside of a steakhouse. It is found on Viking Ocean cruises' Italian restarant Manfredi's and it is a perfect combination of ambiance, meat, rub, and preparation ... as well as service of course too. While it might be beyond most people's budget to plan a cruise around a steak, I wouldn't fault any of you who might choose to do that. For the rest of us, don't worry ... here's the recipe so you can make the world famous Viking Cruises Porcini Dry-Rubbed Rib Eye at home.

Written by: James Hills

Published: 01 May 2022

Last Updated: 02 May 2022

Hits: 1796

Read more: Viking Cruises Recipe: Porcini Dry-Rubbed Rib Eye Steak

The world of small ship, ultra-luxury cruises continues to heat up as new brands enter and force older brands to continue competing with innovative designs, destination offerings, and of course service. Silversea has been known as one of the most seamless offerings out there with their door-to-door fares that can bundle everything from private executive transfers to the cruise, including all of your food and beverage, shore excursions, and butler service. With the launch of Silver Nova scheduled for delivery in 2023 they are taking the design to the next level by adding all-new outdoor spaces that include an outward-facing pool deck featuring an asymetrical design. 

Written by: James Hills

Published: 28 April 2022

Last Updated: 28 April 2022

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Read more: Silversea Cruises Unveils Silver Nova Featuring New Outdoor Spaces And Asymmetrical Design