Our quarterly magazine featuring articles on the Emerald Buddha, Solo Woman Travelers, London's Underground, St Lucia's healing baths and Ireland off-season.

(Updated: 1/7/2020) First time cruisers may be surprised when they get their shipboard final statement the last evening of their cruise. Along with charges for specialty restaurants, onboard purchases, and cocktails, they'll discover a few hundred dollar charge for "gratuities" (some cruise lines are now calling it a "service charge" or "hotel service charge"). While gratuity charges are technically optional on most cruise lines, they are automatically added to your bill, and if you want to have them adjusted or removed, that will take some extra effort on your part. Usually the reception or guest services desk can take care of it for you.

Most seniors traveling abroad have health coverage through Medicare. Here are some important considerations when considering which travel insurance plans work best for you.

As the airlines make it more and more expensive to take a bag with you on a trip, it is becoming increasingly more important to pack your bags efficiently. Here are some tips: 

Each year January is the start of "Wave Season" in the cruise industry. Why does that matter to you? It is when the cruise lines offer some of their best deals of the year. Typically you'll get the best deals on cruises over a year in advance.

Interested in saving? Give us a call and we can give you more information. Our January issue of "Cruise Insights" will have more information.

However, some cruise lines have announced and offered "Wave Season" deals in December. Here are some:

• Azamara - 20 - 40% discount off standard rates on most cruises on voyages sailing from April 14, 2020 thru November 21, 2021.
• Cunard - Receive upgrades across categories; Free gratuities across all categories & 50% Reduced Deposit PLUS Grill Suite Guests receive Free Drinks. Book by February 27, 2020.
• Seabourn - Seabourn is offering solo travelers a reduced single supplement starting at only 10% above current fares on select voyages and in select suite categories.

(Terms and conditions apply to all offers. All offers subject to availability.)

During an Azamara Cruise we had a port stop in Sorrento, Italy, and while Sorrento is a charming old city perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, we wanted to visit the once thriving ancient city of Pompeii. As you’ll soon learn, it is a visit that everyone should take.

​I should note that the drive from Sorrento to Pompeii is not for the faint of heart. The road hugs the mountain cliffs with steep vertical drops.

Paul Gauguin Cruises announced it has ordered two new luxury expedition ships. They will be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri with delivery planned for 2022. The deal includes an option for a third ship. The order is worth around $332 million.

These 230 passenger ships will be more environmentally friendly with the ability to run smokeless for up to 10 hours a day in port or while in environmentally sensitive areas by using advanced battery technology. 

Paul Gauguin Cruises was purchased by French cruise line Ponant in August. The ships will be built based on the design of Ponant's current Explorer-class ships.

​"We are delighted to continue our historic collaboration with Fincantieri,” said Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, CEO of Ponant. “This agreement for two additional ships allows us to develop the Paul Gaugin brand we acquired a few weeks ago and consolidates our position as the world leader of luxury expedition cruise.”