Articles

Heidi Sarna

Article / Cruise

8 Kid-Friendly Cruise Ships

Picking the right ship can help make your family vacation feel more like a real getaway. As tested by a veteran cruiser and mother of twin boys, these eight ships are ideal for babies…

Article / Arts and Culture

Singapore: 9 Offbeat Port Activities

If your ship calls on Singapore or you've got a day or two to kill before boarding, you have two choices: see Singapore the predictable way -- Chinatown, the Night Safari, Botanical…

Article / Beach & Water Sports

Photo Slideshow: 9 Top Cruise Ports for Getting in the Mood

Cruises by nature can be super romantic, and while every cruise port isn't hot, there are plenty that sizzle.

Article / Cruise

McMansions of the Seas: The Dawn of the Affordable Suite

In the old days, your average mainstream ship might only have a handful suites, and they were generally snapped up at full fare by the big spenders. Now there are more options for rest…

Article / Cruise

Ship Report: Cruising the Norwegian Fjords on the Costa Atlantica

In the spirit of balance of harmony, it takes both a great itinerary and a great ship to equal a great travel experience. Atlantica's Norwegian route and ship-board atmosphere make a…

Article / Cruise

Scenic Explorations in Norwegian Waters and Cities

Of my nearly 100 cruises over the past 15 years, there is a handful that have really stood out above the rest. One was a cruise I took with my family last summer aboard the 'Costa…

Article / Cruise

How Young is Too Young? You Must Be This Old to Cruise

When's the right time to take kids on a cruise? And how do you find help taking care of them once you're all on board? Refer to our quick and handy chart for all the major lines.

Article / Cruise

Get Smarter at Sea: Top Ships for Onboard Learning

Sure, cruises are all about taking it easy, ditching the diet and being pampered. But a cushy setting doesn't have to equal a mindless one. A cruise offers the perfect learning…

Article / Beach & Water Sports

How to Go Green on Your Next Cruising Vacation

You don't have to leave your good habits in your home port: There's a lot passengers can do to reduce waste and energy use. So go ahead, heed these basic tips. It's easy to be green.

Article / Arts and Culture

3 Family Cruises for Smarty Pants and Their Parents

Sick of shopping in mega-ports? For families who want to learn something about where they're going, here are three immensely appealing cruise companies.

Article / Cruise

Las Vegas of the Seas: The Very Best Onboard Nightlife

Tired clichés are very true: Many cruise ships are indeed floating cities with discos, nightclubs, casinos, and lounges aplenty. Here are some of the best night spots.

Article / Cruise

Cruising Slowly Down the Mekong from Cambodia to Vietnam

Our Asia-based cruise expert steps off the big boats to take a slow river cruise through the heart of southeast Asia.

Article / Cruise

Heading North: Making the Most of Cruising Scandinavia and the Baltics

Just back from my first Norwegian fjords cruise, and I'm still blown away by the scenery and sights of Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Russia. But don't take my word for it: Here's what…

Article / Cruise

How to Bathe Yourself in Luxury at Sea

For those with a penchant for luxurious shampoos, creams and gels, the cruise lines got you covered. Here are the best.

Article / Cruise

5 Cruises of a Lifetime: Favorite Trips and Ships Around the World

The best cruises are those that combine an amazing itinerary, a special ship, and great traveling companions. Though it's hard to narrow it down, here are my five favorite cruises of…

Article / Cruise

River Boat Cruising: The Slowest Ride You'll Ever Love

The un-cruise of cruising has an allure all it's own. Here's what you need to know before you decide if a river boat trip is right for you.

Article / Cruise

9 Great Adults-Only Onboard Escapes

From casinos, to adults-only pools, spas, and alternative dining venues, itÂ?s easy to hang out with your own age group whenever you want to. Here are some of the top ship spots for…

Article / Cruise

A Year of Cruising: The Good, The Bad, and the Cheesy

In the spirit of offering both praise and constructive criticism, here's ten cents about nine great and not-so-great cruise moments on six sailings from the past year.

Article / Cruise

What Does it Really Cost to Take a Cruise?

The cruise lines are coming up with more and more ways for you to spend your money once on board. Here's what you'll really spend for that bargain cruise of your dreams.

Article / Cruise

Travel Q&A: Here's What the Experts Think About Cruising Alaska

If you can spare the dough, now's the time to go and explore Southeast Alaska's gorgeous fjords, glaciers, and forests. Here's what a handful of experts say about what to book, when to…

Article / Beach & Water Sports

Why Krabi, Thailand Really Rocks

The golden yet gritty sands of Thailand's beaches can't compete with the powdery white strips elsewhere, but he background scenery sure can: The craggy limestone towers and photogenic…

Article / Cruise

Extreme Excursions: The Evolution of the Cruise Line Shore Tour

Hats off to the cruise lines for offering more intriguing stuff than ever, leaving the boring bus tour shtick in the dust with bike tours through nature preserves, kayaking in scenic…

Article / Cruise

Top 5 Favorite Cruise Moments

Cruises are about more than having lots of restaurants, entertainment, and recreation under one seagoing roof. They draw us in for other, more touchy-feely reasons, too. Here's what…

Article / Cruise

Getting to Know Malaysia by Ship

A short cruise from Singapore is a great way to get a taste of Malaysia without exerting too much effort, and you can do it with a 3-night cruise to Penang and Port Kelang.

Article / Cruise

5 Great Mediterranean Ports

The eastern Mediterranean is ideal for travel by ship because many great ports are relatively close together -- you can see a lot on a 7- to 14-night itinerary.