Journeys With Stephen

Tag: cruise

Why choose Seabourn for a luxury Greek islands cruise

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Greece has thousands of islands (227 inhabited), but a luxury Greek islands cruise is the best way to experience the history, culture, and sights in a reasonable amount of time. Oh, and don’t forget Turkey as a bonus. We are happy to choose Seabourn based on numerous criteria explained here. Hopefully, this will help your decision process as you embark on this Mediterranean journey.

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Where to begin and end? Our cruise begins in Athens, Greece and ends in Istanbul, Turkey. This gives us the opportunity for a non-rushed visit to the must-see sites in both cities. We spend three full days in Athens and two more in Istanbul. Some cruises reverse the direction.

How many days to cruise? We choose 9 days and nights, because a week just seems too short to cover the distance and sights of two countries. We also look for a cruise with just one sea day to make the most of the island-hopping adventure.

Which islands to visit? There are many choices, but it would be a shame to miss some of the most popular islands, especially Santorini and Mykonos. Ancient Ephesus, near the port of Kusadasi, Turkey does not disappoint as another must-see. Some other island stops might be interchangeable. All are detailed below.

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What are we looking for? Why choose the Greek Islands over the Caribbean or other island cruises? We are searching for a healthy dose of ancient Western history and unique culture, to go along with picturesque villages for memorable photos. It’s not about sunbathing beaches and watersports.

What are the luxury options? Search for luxury cruises on Google, and the choices are many – too many. We eliminate the players who are more near-luxury, like Viking and Regent. In our case, we also pass on ships where guests aren’t largely English speaking, dropping Ponant, MSC, and others. Next comes size, which is really a personal consideration. Someday we may try Windstar’s ocean ships or Seadream (with 112 passengers), but right now they seem too small for all the amenities we desire. At the other end, Azamara and Silversea, holding more the 700 passengers are maybe too large.

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What’s the answer? The “Goldilocks” choice for us is Seabourn’s 600-capacity Encore. We have had good luck with Seabourn in the past, as I wrote about in this Silversea comparison. The cruise originates in Athens and ends in Istanbul, covers 9 days and nights, with island stops in Santorini, Mykonos, Milos and several others. And there is a special evening plan for ancient Ephesus. So, let’s get started!

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Athens

We spend three nights in a suite at the King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Dating back to 1930, with a Michelin star restaurant that overlooks the Acropolis, it boasts the perfect central Athens location. We can watch the famous hourly changing of the guard from our balcony.

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We can’t emphasize enough the importance of booking the first Acropolis tour in the morning. We arrive as it opens and spend an uncrowded couple of hours; by the time we leave, it is becoming packed with tourists. Of course, the Parthenon, dating to 448 B.C., is the highlight, but the Porch of the Maidens, Odeon, and other architectural wonders delight.

Fewer crowds are at the Acropolis museum, a fascinating walk through history and surprisingly up-close interactions with some 4,000 objects in the collection. Timed entry helps manage the more than 2 million annual visitors.

A short drive away lies the huge port of Piraeus, the launching point for our cruise.

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Gythion, along the southern coast

Our first stop was once known as the ancient port of Sparta, where Paris of Troy and Helen began their legendary journey. Gythion is today more of a laid-back fishing village. We explore the town in a leisurely walk and are back onboard by lunch.

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Chania, Crete

We arrive in Crete in the northwest corner town of Chania, where we are greeted by its 16th century lighthouse. In a few hours, we wind through the narrow streets of the 14th century Venetian quarter, stopping at some boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.

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Santorini

We look forward to seeing if stunning views really exist on arguably the most touristic Greek isle. Those quintessential vistas are only to be seen from the town of Oia (pronounced “eee-ah”), high atop the cliffs on Santorini’s northern end. Our excursion takes us there, not really allowing enough time for ample photography, given the numerous cruise ship crowds that pack the narrow lanes. Still, whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and quaint shops do not disappoint. Strangely, we disembark at one port and must wait for a cable car to transport us down to another tender pier upon return. Our recommendation would be to hire a car to take you just to Oia for the day.

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Milos

Another day, another island. Milos is where the famous Venus de Milo was discovered (now in the Louvre). Our excursion takes us to that historic site and a nearby ancient Roman theatre. We also visit Sarakiniko Beach, with its fascinating lunar landscape and volcanic lava. And in the charming village of Plaka we can wander through a few quiet streets, where I take many photos of old doors. Again, in retrospect, we would opt for a private car versus the whims of a tour bus driver.

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Mykonos

Visually, this is the most iconic Greek island of our cruise. We explore Mykonos town on foot, navigating the labyrinth of narrow, winding pathways. We discover upscale boutiques and lovely flower-draped B&Bs. This is the Greece we envisioned, including the island’s trademark windmills. We also get frequently lost in the maze that is the Little Venice interior, later learning the town’s confusing layout was deliberately designed to foil attacking pirates. Argh!

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Ephesus, nearby Kusadasi, Turkey

The port today is the coastal city of Kusadasi, Turkey, but the star attraction is the nearby ancient ruins of Ephesus. From the 1st century A.D. a marble road connects the Great Theatre with the Celsus Library and Hadrian’s Temple. Close by is the House of the Virgin Mary. Ephesus is one of the world’s greatest archeological sites, spanning the times of the Romans to Christians.

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Working with this UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seabourn has created a magical evening exclusively for the ship’s guests. We are transported to the upper gate for a sunset cocktail party along the ancient marble road. As night approaches, we enter the 2nd century Odeon Theatre. Seated on the ancient stones, we are treated to the Aegean chamber orchestra’s repertoire of classical music. The concert (see short clip above) caps a truly remarkable evening to remember – the highlight of our luxury cruise. Finally, against a background of lively music, most of the 450 Seabourn crew members greet our return outside the ship prior to a midnight departure.

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Cesme, Turkey

It’s a short journey to this small coastal town wrapped around a modern harbor. The main attraction is the 16th century castle. This stone fortress is fun to climb through, with a surprisingly interesting museum tucked inside. All the walking has made us hungry for another lunch at Seabourn’s inviting sushi restaurant (all dining venues are included on the ship). While still docked we are treated to an informative tour of the Encore’s bridge. So much technology!

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A sea day

With more than 600km (375 miles) to cover, we need the one sea day of our cruise to reach Istanbul. Fortunately, the onboard conversationalist on this cruise is renowned author, Walter Issacson. We have a chance to meet him a few times, as well as attend some small group lectures, ranging from his time spent with Steve Jobs to Elon Musk. He speaks about America’s founding fathers, as well, although it is unlikely he knew them personally.

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Walter Issacson is far from the only entertainment on our cruise. I had the pleasure of meeting England’s top trumpet-playing jazz singer, Georgina Jackson, on a previous Seabourn voyage. To our delight, she is back and performs twice on this cruise. And we have a lovely a re-acquainted private dinner with her.

We are always impressed by some of the lounge entertainment on Seabourn, and this cruise is no exception. The guitarist/vocalist, Robert Goodier, adds his silky-smooth interpretation to many songs (including my unusual request for Hotel California).

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Istanbul

If yesterday was a sea day, today is a sad day – the end of our journey. Exploring Istanbul awaits, including a full-day private guided tour of self-chosen highlights. We change our itinerary real-time to include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and spice market. Our Tours By Locals guide, Dilek, is both flexible and informative.

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We stay at the iconic 19th century Pera Palace Hotel. The atmosphere feels like an opulent museum. Our room is the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis suite, where she lived for a time. No ghosts in here, but that can’t be said of the Agatha Christie room, where she wrote “Murder on the Orient Express.” Topping the list of legendary guests, room 101 was the residence of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of the Republic of Turkey. That suite has been converted into a mini-museum.

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In retrospect…

We always look back at a journey to analyze what we might have done differently. We are delighted with Seabourn, but we take this cruise in July, and southern Europe is hot. Too hot. And too crowded. It often cuts short our time exploring islands as we retreat to the comfort of the ship. Take this cruise in the spring or autumn.

Do you have any questions or suggestions to help others? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.

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What’s upscale?

Choosing a luxury cruise line guarantees an upscale experience (and price). Use a private guide when possible.

What’s budget?

Many advantages of an all-inclusive cruise – never worry about the cost of dining, drink, lodging, and more.

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September 21, 2025
We compare Seabourn to Silversea (with a surprise winner)

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If you Google “luxury cruise lines,” more than a dozen names will pop up, vying for your attention. I have cruised on many ships and believe that two of the standard-setters are Seabourn and Silversea. Who is better these days? We compare Seabourn to Silversea on 8 criteria to give you a numerical winner that is a bit of a surprise

Note: This comparison is based on what we would call classic 10-day cruises: Vancouver to Alaska (round trip) for Seabourn and Copenhagen to Norway (round trip) for Silversea. We are not evaluating the expedition sector, which has its own ships and experience. So, let’s get started!

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The ship itself

Seabourn:

Our ship is one of the smaller luxury offerings at sea. The ship may be older, but meticulously cared for. We see no real signs of age. The public spaces are elegant and understated. Everything is accessible, as it is easy to get from aft to stern and never a wait for elevators if you choose not to use stairs. We prefer some of the public spaces, such as the spacious Seabourn Square coffee lounge. Score: 10.

Silversea:

Our ship is the Silver Dawn, and she was built in 2021. Because of the pandemic years, she seems even newer than that. Every aspect of the ship is clean and new feeling. It is larger than Seabourn, but we don’t feel much difference in size, accessibility, or crowds. Score: 10.

Verdict: No clear winner here; they are both excellent ships.

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Your typical suite

Seabourn:

We choose a typical veranda suite on deck 8. There are no inside suites on a luxury ship! The suite is large, including the veranda, and well-equipped. The bed is comfortable. There is a good-size table and chairs for room service or doing some work. The walk-in closet is functional, as is the bathroom, with tub, shower, and dual vanity. Our only suggestion is the lose the dark brown marble and curtains in favor of something more modern. Score: 9.

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Silversea:

We choose a typical veranda suite on deck 7. It is very similar to Seabourn. The layout is a little different, with a long counter that serves as a desk, but no table for room service (they add a table top to your small table when you need it – somewhat clever, but a little clumsy). Above all, we like the light, muted color scheme; it just seems more inviting for spending time in the room. Score: 9.

Verdict: No clear winner. We like the configuration of Seabourn a little better. We like the bright feeling of Silversea’s room.

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Service

Seabourn:

We have two cabin attendants available at all times. They quickly learn our specific needs – sparkling water, lots of ice, what time we prefer turn down service. The ship’s captain mentions a book on cruising Alaska, so they provide us with our own copy to keep. Score: 10.

Silversea:

They are known in the industry for their butler service. We meet ours and are told the hours he works. We have a private housekeeping attendant for other hours. In general, the service is impeccable; I might say to a fault. I notice that toiletries are rearranged on the bathroom shelf. A container of dental floss I leave open has been closed. The service can feel a little invasive for the 21st century. On the flip side, we are craving some hot chicken soup one evening (not on the menu), and the butler promptly produces two bowls. Score: 9.

Verdict: Most people would probably call this a tie, but we give a slight edge to Seabourn.

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Dining

Seabourn:

The operative words here are “all included” and “no reservations.” There is an array of 4-star dining options, all with no surcharge. The famous Thomas Keller restaurant is the only one requiring a reservation. The food is diverse and excellent. Even the “buffet restaurant” – the Colonnade – features Thomas Keller-inspired nights, where we are delighted by some of the best southern fried chicken and BBQ, served with my favorite Guinness Extra Stout. One lunch in the main dining room is actually a fun buffet set up inside the ship’s kitchens! Score: 10.

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Silversea:

We expect Silversea to win here, based on some eleven choices of dining venues. We are disappointed. The Japanese restaurant, Kaiseki, is mediocre for dinner, despite an $80 per couple surcharge! The SALT (Sea and Land Taste) restaurant is bland. Service everywhere is painfully slow (3+ hours for dinner?). The only interesting venue is the Grill, where you cook your own steaks and seafood on a hot rock placed on your table. The food is tasty (then again, we are the chefs). On top of that, most dinner options required reservations that need to be made months in advance! It provides little chance for spontaneity. Overall, we are underwhelmed. Score: 5.

Verdict: Surprisingly, Seabourn is the clear winner.

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Entertainment

Seabourn:

I don’t know if we just get lucky here, but the singers/dancers for nightly entertainment are outstanding. See my short video above for a snippet. A Tim Rice tribute is a special treat. The venue is comfortable and the energy level is high. We even enjoy a nightly lounge piano/guitar player (not usually our thing), who is really talented, as well. Score: 10.

Silversea:

With Seabourn having set the bar high, we are seriously disappointed. The singers/dancers make Carnival Cruise shows look professional by comparison. We leave each show within minutes (as do several other guests). The venue, the Venetian Lounge, has some weird seating design, where every other row partially blocks the view of the row in front of it. On the plus side, we discover a jazz duo from South Africa, who are excellent; the only problem is they perform in a club that requires reservations (we are squeezed in for drinks a couple of nights). Score: 5.

Verdict: Seabourn does a superb job are finding talented performers who create shows fit for the small venue and an audience in their 50s-60s. Silversea is a big failure.

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Cruise Director

Seabourn:

A highly energetic, friendly cruise director can make a surprising difference, improving the overall vibe of the cruise. We get that in Matt, who quickly learns our names, makes frequent ship-wide announcements about things to do, and seems to be everywhere. Coming back from a morning excursion? There’s Matt. On the dance floor late at night? There’s Matt. Score: 10.

Silversea:

What cruise director? We never see or hear ours, other than a morning announcement that we are at a port and can disembark now. She does run a daily trivia game. We eventually learn she is actually a pretty talented singer, who performs one night. That’s not enough to have her earn her keep, apparently, so she is also given the job of cruise director. I kind of feel sorry for the multiple hats they make her wear. Score: 3.

Verdict: I have been on enough cruise lines to see the difference a fun cruise director can make. Seabourn is the clear winner with this one.

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Excursions

Seabourn:

Excursions on Seabourn are an extra charge, so we are careful in choosing 5 during our voyage. The cost for two of us is $1,500; on the other hand, we are given a $1,000 shipboard credit to apply. In general, the excursions are excellent. The ship carries its own zodiacs, each manned by a knowledgeable expedition team member (Ventures by Seabourn), for up-close views of everything from whales to glaciers. Score: 8.

Silversea:

One of the cruise line’s selling points is its free excursions. There is usually one offering per port. We find the free excursions to be hit and miss. Some are quite good, some we wind up leaving (such as a small-town walking tour led by a 16-year-old boy on his summer break, who got lost and couldn’t answer anyone’s questions). The worst experience is an excursion that cost us $320 to see a cheesy Viking village and a boat trip through the same fjords visited by our ship! Score: 5.

Verdict: Once again we are surprised that Seabourn is the winner here, given the way Silversea touts its included excursions.

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The little extras

Seabourn:

When you sail on a luxury, all-inclusive voyage you don’t expect many “extras.” Still, we are delighted by being given some really high-quality rain jacket/windbreakers. They come in handy and look sharp, with only a small Seabourn logo. We don’t care much about the touted caviar and champagne, but the end-of-cruise pool party is a lot of fun. Score: 10.

Silversea:

There is a daily cooking class, which is a nice touch. And the guest lecturer is excellent. One day, her detailed preview of how to experience an upcoming city is so good we cancel our ship’s excursion and customize our own walking tour. Score: 8.

Verdict: Wait, we’re spending more than a thousand dollars per night, and we get excited about a free jacket? Well, yes. Those Seabourn jackets are so practical, we wear them often – even on the Silversea cruise!

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The final verdict

Out of a possible 80 points: Seabourn scores 77. Silversea scores 54.

Seabourn is the clear winner in our books.

A few cruisers suggest we might try Regent or Oceana next or even Crystal, which is back. So many choices vying for best luxury cruise experience.

Do you have any Seabourn or Silversea stories to share or suggestions to help others? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.

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What’s upscale?

Both cruise lines pretty much deliver on the promise of all-inclusive luxury.

What’s budget?

It’s nice to indulge in endless food and drinks and not worry about a bill at the end of the journey.

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July 25, 2024
What is the best Alaska cruise for luxury and adventure?

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Seabourn provides a rare combination. With 4-star dining, small ship service and amenities, and their own zodiacs and kayaks for exploring Alaska’s Inside Passage, you have the ideal luxury and adventure Alaska cruise. We will explain why to choose Seabourn and review our 10-day itinerary.

9 reasons for choosing Seabourn:

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1. Small ship with beautiful public spaces

We call Seabourn the “Goldilocks” ship. It’s not too big and not too little. Our ship, with 225 suites, is small enough to take Alaska’s Inside Passage and visit locations the big cruise ships can’t enter. We leave them to battle over the larger ports. Yet, the ship is big enough to feature a plethora of amenities along with lots of nooks and crannies to enjoy privacy.

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2. Luxury accommodations

Seabourn is all suites, 90% with spacious verandahs. No inside cabins here. That is critical for Alaska, as there is very little open sea. The result is so much to see from your balcony during the 18+ hours of daylight.

Typical suites are some of the largest among cruise ships, with a walk-in closet, a full bath plus shower, dual vanities, a large sitting area with dining table, and more. With 24-hour room service, you might be tempted to stay in.

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3. Amenities included. No hidden costs.

We pay full-price for our Alaska cruise, booking directly online. We aren’t worried about being “nickel and dimed” onboard. Just the opposite. All drinks, including real Champagne, are included. Every dining option included. Entertainment included. Only the spa and excursions are extra, which we knew. What we didn’t know was Seabourn would give us $1,000 to spend onboard, essentially covering the cost of those extras (more on that later). And the high-quality rain jackets we are wearing above are a special gift to all guests.

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4. 4-star dining

I had recently taken a Carnival cruise where most of the decent food was served in specialty restaurants, costing a surcharge of as much as $96 per couple for a meal. Want a mixed drink and a glass of wine to go with the meal, and that couple can add another $60. Seabourn offers an array of fine dining options (though not as many as Silversea), all included.

The top choice, the Grill by Thomas Keller, does require reservations and is restricted to one or two dinners. That’s not a surprise, as the quality of the experience matches Keller’s French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley, where the wait for a table is months and the price is well north of $1,000 per couple. Even Seabourn’s “buffet restaurant” – the Colonnade – featured Thomas Keller-inspired nights, where we are delighted by some of the best southern fried chicken and BBQ to go with my favorite Guinness Extra Stout. Want a specialty coffee establishment where they remember your drink? How about the Singapore TWG afternoon tea service? All these and more are waiting for you. Oh, and the vibe is casual elegant, not formal.

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5. First-class entertainment

I have been on cruise lines that attempt to reproduce a Broadway show type of atmosphere in their big theatre. They always fall short. Seabourn is smart. On a small ship they recreate an up-close supper club type vibe. And it works. Among the highlights are the Sir Tim Rice “Circle of My Life” production. A very brief clip is above.

We are not usually the bar lounge type, but find ourselves drawn to some excellent entertainment in those venues (Observation Lounge, Club Lounge) as well.

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6. Impeccable service

While Silversea touts its butler service as a top amenity, we find Seabourn matching this. Two crew members were constantly available for anything we wish. More ice? An earlier turn down service? More chocolate? The captain mentions a book on cruising Alaska, so they provide us with our own copy. Our June cruise is a little light – 318 guests – to be served by 335 crew members. It is no wonder that crew throughout the voyage could address us by name.

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7. Interesting people

Admittedly, with the price tag and the service comes a certain clientele. We find most people to be from 50 to 70, from all over the U.S. and other English-speaking countries, and generally with the means to cruise in luxury. For one couple from Montreal, it is upscale cruise number 42. Mostly, we find people to be interesting, intelligent travelers. It is surprisingly easy to engage with people. I can’t say that about the experience on the big ships. There are 3 children onboard, outnumbered by guest lecturers and a dozen expedition people always available to enlighten us on Alaska.

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8. Excursions by zodiac

Speaking of expeditions, Seabourn has a dual personality. It provides both a luxury and adventure Alaska cruise. The ship carries not only its own tenders, but also a half dozen zodiacs (each with room for 10), and a similar number of kayaks. So, the small ship maneuvers fairly close to a glacier, then you board a zodiac for the trip through ice-filled water for an even closer view. Each zodiac is piloted by an expert on Alaskan nature and wildlife. See below for more on our zodiac excursions, known as Ventures by Seabourn.

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9. Truly sails Alaska’s Inside Passage

Because of the size of ship, Seabourn is able to cruise around the Inian Islands, through Icy Straight Point. The captain can choose between Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm for the best experience. We have Misty Fjords all to ourselves. And even the days “at sea” are really transiting Queen Charlotte Sound, the Princess Royal Channel and Seymour Narrows. That means you see more narrows (sorry for the pun) and are never really out of sight of land. No wonder we take about 1,000 photos and videos!

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Where do we go?

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Ketchikan

36 hours after departing Vancouver, we reach our first port. Ketchikan has many slogans, including Salmon Capital of the World. It also calls itself Alaska’s First City. I guess that’s because it’s the first place all the cruise ships stop. The town’s 8,000 residents are dwarfed by nearly 1.5 million visitors over the summer season. The town also prides itself on having some 150 inches of rain each year. No wonder it is so green.

We are truly blessed with what will be an ongoing theme – great weather. Given that, Ketchikan is a very walkable city. Armed with a simple map, you can visit all the haunts and even hike out of town, where we see our first bald eagles in the wild. Creek Street is touristy fun too. In a few morning hours you can see everything, walk past four big cruise ships, and settle back onto Seabourn for lunch.

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Sitka

The next day is a similar size town, but with more diversity of sights. Not to be missed is the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation center for sick or injured birds. Primarily eagles, hawks, and owls are treated and released back into the wild.

We visit some totem poles in the Tongass National Forest, watch a tribal dance, and enter an old Russian church downtown. But if you do just one thing in Sitka, make it the amazing Raptor Center. The 17-acre campus allows us to get remarkably close eagles on their way back to their natural habitat.

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Inian Islands and Icy Strait Point

Ventures by Seabourn is the unique expedition experience that turns a luxury cruise into an adventure. Today we travel around islands that can only be explored by zodiac or kayak. Our zodiac is careful not to disturb the many whales who have found their breakfast buffet nearby. Then on to view sea lions basking on the rocks and sea otters, who, out of protection, spend their lives entirely in the water.

That afternoon we are tendered into Hoonah, the world’s largest village of the native Tlingit people. Today it is a lively fishing village with some decent tourist shops.

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Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier

Juneau is an interesting town, home to only 30,000 people. Yet it is the second largest city in the U.S. by area. What’s more, Alaska’s state capital is inaccessible by road! Of course, we arrive by ship, and there are 4 other ships in town throughout the day. There are lots of seaplanes too. It is a fun place to walk around, visit the Sealaska Heritage store for unique gifts, and munch on tasty fish and chips at Deckhand Dave’s.

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The can’t-miss highlight of a day in Juneau is to take a bus a few miles outside of town to see the Mendenhall Glacier. From the visitor center we hike in a few different directions for extraordinary views of the glacier and also right up to Nugget Falls. Sadly, the glacier retreats about 160 feet per year. This is a morning well spent in the vast Juneau ice field.

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Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier

Captain Tim has a decision to make overnight – Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm Fjord? He chooses the remote Endicott Arm, as no other cruise ships will be there. Of course, even our small ship can only get to within a half-mile or so of the glacier. That’s where Ventures by Seabourn kicks in with another adventure. This time our zodiac is greeted by calm green waters, where we bump into clear and blue little icebergs (the blue ice is older). Some icebergs are home to frolicking seals. Some just drift by. One of us picks a piece of ice for us to taste. It’s cold!

What we experience is hard to describe, photograph, or video. Dawes Glacier is a magnificent 600-foot-tall icecap. From water level, it is a wonder to behold. It is believed to be 10,000 years old. To view it up close by zodiac is clearly a highlight of the voyage.

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Wrangell

After a day of extraordinary fjords, we reach Wrangell. One of the oldest towns in Alaska, it has a storied history which is uniquely displayed in a fine little museum. With just 2,000 inhabitants and few cruise ships visiting (no port), we get to experience Alaskan life somewhat unchanged by tourism.

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Misty Fjords

As we leave Wrangell, we are 150 miles south of Juneau and on our way south back to Vancouver. We spend a full day slowly sailing the calm waters through an area John Muir called one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen. That’s a tall order, but we get his point. From every vantage point on the ship, we are treated to vertical 3,000-foot cliffs, glistening waterfalls, and foggy forests.

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Back to Vancouver

Our final day is one of scenic cruising through the Princess Royal Channel and Seymour Narrows. We spot a whale nearby from the Observation Deck. We catch up with new friends we have made onboard and share stories of the past 10 days (watch video above of bald eagles swarming a fishing boat). Then we dream about the next luxury and adventure cruise.

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When to go?

Our early June sailing has been carefully researched. For one thing, June has some of Alaska’s best weather, with less rain and pleasant temperatures. We are blessed by both. And June has the longest days of the year – 18+ hours of daylight. The photo above is taken in Juneau at 10:30 pm!

The real high season hasn’t started yet, which means fewer guests and somewhat lower prices too. Remember, Journeys With Stephen is all about Upscale Travel on a Budget, for the traveler who wants both luxury and a good deal.

Do you have any Alaskan stories to share or suggestions to help others? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.

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What’s upscale?

Seabourn is one of only a few luxury cruise line options for Alaska. They deliver on that promise.

What’s budget?

Just about everything is included in the price. Absolutely no hidden costs.

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July 6, 2023
Cruising the Mexican Riviera? Do these 7 things first

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There are a myriad of cruise ships sailing to numerous Mexican ports at various times of the year. How do you decide? Here are my 7 Mexican Riviera cruise tips to help you narrow down the choices. Best itineraries, excursions, weather, packing tips – they are all here and more. Read on, and happy cruising!

First, some clarifications. We define Mexican Riviera as the Pacific Ocean side, with the cruises departing out of the Los Angeles area. That is opposed to the Mexican Caribbean, reached from South Florida. If you are dreaming of Cancun, this article is not for you. Excited about Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta? You’ve come to the right place.

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1. Best time to go

Let’s start with the calendar. I understand there are many factors that influence when you take a cruise, including family availability, vacation time, holidays, etc. That said, the best time to go to the Mexican Riviera is clearly in the winter, ideally January or February. There are several reasons.

Fewer crowds: And prices are generally lower with kids in school; also, greater availability of your desired cabin.

Better weather: Puerto Vallarta, for example, has average highs of only 80 degrees in the winter, but soars to a sweltering 90 degrees, with high humidity from June through October. Oh, and those months have the heaviest rainfall and risk of a hurricane.

Fewer holidays: December has holiday crowds, while March and April can feel the crush of Spring Break.

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2. Best itinerary

We know when to go; now where to go? There are a few cruise lines that offer quick trips of 3 to 4 nights, usually featuring Ensenada (just south of Tijuana) and Catalina Island (just west of L.A.). These don’t really show you much about Mexico. And a cruise that short means spending too much of your time embarking and disembarking. So, unless you are planning something like a wedding weekend, avoid these short cruises. Still want to visit Catalina? There are ferries that make the trip in less than 2 hours from several Southern California locations for less than $100 round trip. You don’t need an ocean liner.

A few more cruise lines add a fifth night and take you to one port, Cabo San Lucas. Unless you enjoy spending almost all your time at sea, this itinerary is also to be avoided.

Another option is to spend 10 to 12 nights, venturing into the Sea of Cortez, including 4 days on the ocean. We think this is overkill, especially for your first trip to the Mexican Riviera. There is not a lot of variety here compared to 12 nights in the Mediterranean, for example.

So, if some cruises are too short and some are too long, what is the “just right” itinerary? We opt for 7 nights, visiting the varied Mexican stops of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas. The good news is that there are numerous big cruise lines who agree with us and offer this itinerary, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Princess. Read more about cruise lines and ports below.

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3. Best cruise line

I have cruised on a wide variety of ships, from Disney to Windstar, from Royal Caribbean to Carnival. I have toured several others. The Mexican Riviera has many to choose from, departing up and down the coast of California.

Most people know what to expect from family-oriented Disney. Royal Caribbean, Princess, and others mentioned above all offer a typical big-ship experience for everyone. If you want to do the kind of exhaustive research that I did, Cruisecritic.com is an excellent place to start. I read hundreds of verified customer reviews (plus the site’s own opinions). You will learn that some ships are a little outdated, some might have mediocre food, others are a little pricey, etc.

Some people engage a travel agent to help with the process. I suggest if you do that, make sure you use someone who has experience with a variety of cruise lines and has personally been to the Mexican Riviera. Ask a lot of questions based on this article.

After all that research I chose Carnival. They are known as the “fun ship” and for good reason. There is never a dull moment on board, which can be a good thing when you have three days completely at sea.

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4. Best stateroom

This is a little easier. Our philosophy is to travel upscale on a budget. For a cruise ship that means choose a cabin with a veranda (sometimes spelled verandah), also known as a balcony. If you want to splurge and make it a suite, all the better.

Do not listen to people who claim they saved some money by booking an inside stateroom because you only use your room to sleep, anyway. Wrong. You need to see the ocean! How about a nice porthole or window? Wrong. You need see and feel the ocean. On your private balcony. It makes a big difference.

Check out sites such as Cruisedeckplans.com for valuable guidance. If you can book a veranda room, midship, on a high deck, away from elevator noise, not directly below a pool or disco – well, do it!

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5. Best excursions

We’ve chosen an itinerary, a cruise line, and a stateroom. Now, let’s visit the Mexican Riviera!

All three cities here are the most popular ports for good reason. They check all the boxes: beaches, watersports, culture, sightseeing, side-trips, shopping, food, and drink. Be sure to review excursions offered both by your cruise ship and independents at the port.

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Puerto Vallarta. When you travel south in the Pacific Ocean along the Mexican coast you are actually heading east too. I was surprised to discover that Puerto Vallarta is actually in the U.S. Central Time Zone. You can imagine that the birthplace of tequila has plenty of fun activities.

Carnival typically allows about 12 hours in PV. That’s time for both an organized excursion and wandering around. For the shore excursion I recommend the Las Caletas Beach Hideaway Tour. From port, you board another boat for a 45-minute ride to a private island. And what an island. Following a decent Mexican buffet lunch with all you can eat and drink, there are a myriad of beach, sport, and nature activities for all ages. The whole excursion lasts about 7 hours. Las Caletas has been named one of the world’s ten best cruise excursions. I’m not sure about that, but it may be the best of Mexico.

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Mazatlán. After all that beach fun, it’s time to enjoy the culture of a Mexican city. I joined a small, private, city tour, booked online through ShoreExcursioneer and run by Mazatlán Van Tours. For about 4 hours we were guided through both old and new Mazatlán, with stops long enough to explore landmarks as diverse as the Cathedral Basilica, cliff divers, and a sprawling vegetable, fruit, and meat market.

I tend to avoid excursions that allow “ample time for shopping,” but this tour’s one stop was a delightful art store, selling unique local handicrafts. I had been looking for local handmade Christmas ornaments and found them! The total price for this half-day tour: $29.

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Cabo San Lucas. Of course, there are beaches, and people who have escaped cold-weather climates often opt for a day on the sand. Others go deep sea fishing or whale watching. But the unique excursion at this port is to take a glass bottom (or complete glass) boat to the famous arch and back. You can also be dropped off at Pelican Beach or Lover’s Beach to be picked up later.

Since our cruise arrived very early in the morning, I also took an hour or so to walk all around the extensive marina on its waterfront walkway. I met the son of a boat owner there and talked to him for a while. It resulted in him finding a private boat to take me to the arch. Always take time to meet local people!

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6. Best way to enjoy sea days

Most large ships will have numerous activities geared toward keeping passengers entertained on days spent at sea. Usually the best entertainment, from shows to comedy, is scheduled. Ships, such as Carnival, augment the many pools with multiple water slides and a giant dunk bucket. For real physical exertion try rope and rock climbing, a fitness center, full-size basketball court, and more. Gone are the days where shuffleboard was the main activity on deck.

One secret, if you are sailing with Carnival. On sea days, several specialty restaurants, which normally are a surcharge, are free at lunch on sea days. This provided a nice opportunity to dine Asian, Italian, and even BBQ.

Of course, relaxation can also be a good idea, especially after some hectic port days. Most ships have extensive spa centers. Consider booking appointments in advance on sea days, which are the busiest. And don’t forget the simple things. I read a couple of books while tucked away in some deserted corners of the ship, not to mention lounging on my verandah.

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7. Best packing tips

Now that you have done your research and made your decisions, it’s time to pack. I won’t go into great detail here. Just remember, like most travel, less is more. I managed for a week with a rolling carry-on and a backpack. That had an added benefit: I could carry my luggage when embarking and disembarking. No need to wait potentially hours for a big suitcase to be delivered or that needed to be packed the night before departure.

I did learn there are some items that would be convenient to have just for a cruise, including that bottle of wine stashed in my bag. Here are more tips from me: 8 travel items just for a cruise.

Mexican Riviera not for you? Try a luxury and adventure cruise to Alaska instead!

Do you agree with my 7 Mexican Riviera cruise tips? Do you have your own suggestions to help others? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.

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What’s upscale?

Book nothing less than a stateroom with a private veranda.

What’s budget?

Often, independent excursions can be cheaper than those offered by the cruise line (see Mazatlán).

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April 13, 2023
8 reasons to cruise upscale

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I have never been in love with cruises. I like to figure out itineraries, ride trains, explore on my own. Besides, aren’t cruises just for old people and honeymooners? I finally take the plunge on a Baltic cruise and provide 8 reasons to cruise upscale on a budget.

I am attending a conference in Stockholm and thought it would be a cool idea to take the family on a Scandinavian trip. So I start charting our course. We will take a train from Stockholm to Oslo. Wait, that’s going to take most of the day. It’s the same with getting to Copenhagen. And there’s no good way to get to Finland except by boat. Plus, hotels are pricey. This is getting complicated, time-consuming and expensive.

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1. Wake up to a different country every morning

Some itineraries are simply tailor-made for cruising. In this case, with a cruise ship we would have all day to explore a city and wake up the next morning in a new country. We will see Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia and Latvia, all in a week. No hassles with airports or connecting trains or traffic jams. This is supposed to be fun, right?

The same concept applies to the Caribbean, where I took a Disney cruise years ago. Awake each morning to a different island. Cruising is a good way to get a taste of a new destination to determine if you want to return or not.

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2. See lands from a vantage point only offered by sea

It takes us three hours to reach the Baltic Sea as we cruise from Stockholm through the beautiful Swedish archipelago, topped by a spectacular sunset. And we get bonus views post-sunrise on the return leg. A ship is simply the best way to see this amazing scenery. The same could be said about the Alaskan coast, the Rhine River and many other lands, now becoming popular cruise vacation journeys.

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3. Unpack once

I’m not revealing anything new here, but it bears repeating. Even though we pack light (a carry-on and a backpack each), there is something to be said for putting everything away in drawers at the beginning of the trip and not rummaging through a suitcase. Also nice to not have to pack and unpack every day with each new location.

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4. Easy to plan a complex itinerary

Thinking of going to Russia? It’s already one of my cruise stops. But Americans need a visa that isn’t a simple process. Not to worry. Whether you take an excursion through the cruise ship or an independent one, the Russian visa is taken care of as a temporary cruise ship visitor. In our case, we select a 2-day SPB Tour, a company that specializes in custom tours for smaller groups (15 of us) at a much lower price.

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5. No, you won’t be bored onboard

I am one of those people who can only lie on a beach or at a pool for about an hour. I get bored easily. What am I suppose to do with a “day at sea?” It turns out that there are plenty of diversions for all ages and types of people.

No, I am not trying the rock-climbing wall, and I don’t gamble. My daughter and I do manage to get in a round of miniature golf. Then she goes off for a pedicure at the spa. I catch a live oldies rock ‘n’ roll concert, while a movie plays at the theater next door. Want something more physical? There’s a pick-up game of basketball on the opposite end of the ship from the large fitness center.

We barely scratch the surface of non-stop activities. I have brought a book, but rarely have time to read more than a few pages. I’m good with a day at sea, though I’m not sure about two or three.

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6. Don’t be afraid to ask

In the main dining room my spouse happens to mention to our waiter that she really likes shrimp, except for those darn shells. He proceeds to bring her a double order of shrimp and then removes each one from its shell for her.

We order sparkling water the first night, and it magically arrives at the table each night thereafter. My daughter enjoys the pasta, but not the sauce, so they immediately come up with a sauce to her liking.

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I say that I can’t wait to try the key lime pie tonight, so our waiter brings me a double order. The moral of the story is don’t be afraid to ask for what would please you.

7. One size does not fit all . . . lots of cruise options

I am pleasantly surprised to see a lot of diversity in the passengers on our Baltic cruise. Young and old. Singles, couples, and families. North Americans, Europeans, Asians. What we all have in common is an eagerness to learn more about this region of the world.

The options are now limitless. You can cruise on a 12-passenger boat through France. You can cruise on a ship with more than 5,000 guests and 2,000 crew members. You can cruise through a dozen ports in Southeast Asia or sail around the world.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas at Tallinn” src=”https://journeyswithstephen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Royal-Caribbean-Serenade-of-the-Seas-at-Tallinn.jpg” alt=”Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas at Tallinn” title_text=”Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas at Tallinn” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

8. Fits upscale on a budget

All those options play right into our goal of being upscale on a budget. Work with a travel agent and check out sites like Cruise Critic for good deals.

In our case Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas has a schedule that fits our plans well, ending just a few days before the start of my TBEX travel conference. It’s considered to be a mid-sized ship, with fewer than 2,000 guests and about 850 crew. I decide to go upscale, securing a Grand Suite with balcony on the “bump,” mid-ship. We are on the highest passenger deck 10.

The Grand Suite comes with amenities that make all the difference over the course of our journey. We have access to a Concierge Club, with free drinks and hors d’oeuvres. We proceed to consume hundreds of dollars worth of champagne and exotic drinks in this intimate atmosphere. We have breakfast each day in one of the specialty restaurants. We get early boarding and late disembarking. The list of other amenities is too long to list here.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas reception” src=”https://journeyswithstephen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Royal-Caribbean-Serenade-of-the-Seas-reception.jpg” alt=”Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas reception” title_text=”Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas reception” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Best of all, we have our own friendly private concierge, who handles everything from reservations to general advice. He even plays bass at a private sushi party just for suite guests to meet the ship’s officers.

In a nutshell, you don’t have to choose a luxury liner to get a near-luxury experience.

Going upscale pays numerous dividends, but we are still on a budget. We get senior discounts and my daughter pays just 20% of the price. Significant onboard credits help with those unplanned expenses.

My only complaint on the whole voyage is abysmal Internet service, even when paying for the premium version.

All in all, the reasons for upscale cruising have never been more obvious. I guess I’m now a cruiser. What about you? Do you cruise? Do you have any tips and advice? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.

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What’s upscale?

Reserving a Grand Suite on Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas provides a spacious room with balcony and a host of amenities, including a private concierge and free drinks in the private lounge.

Using SPB Tours in Russia was convenient, smaller group, customized.

What’s budget?

You can still get a good deal and be a big fish in the pond without having to book a luxury vessel.

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July 26, 2016
Which Hawaiian island for the first-time visitor?
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Do you want balmy, soft sand beaches and plenty of ocean activities? Do you want mountainous interiors with jungles and waterfalls? Do you want good food and drink to go with a genuine Hawaiian spirit? Guess what? You haven’t narrowed your choice of islands. It’s going to take some more effort to figure out where to go first. I will help you make that “upscale on a budget” decision.

Let’s start by narrowing the field. Hawaii consists of eight major islands, but only four are considered single tourist destinations. They are Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii (The Big Island). Now it gets more difficult. I will discuss the options, along with their pros and cons.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://journeyswithstephen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Oahu-Hawaii-Waikiki-Diamond-Head.jpg” alt=”Oahu, Hawaii Waikiki Diamond Head” title_text=”Oahu, Hawaii Waikiki Diamond Head” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Oahu, Hawaii Waikiki Diamond Head” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Why not cruise to all four islands?

In fact, all the major cruise lines serve up an itinerary of four islands in a week.

Pros:
- If your goal is to get a little flavor of each island to determine for yourself which ones to come back to, then this could be your answer. I’m adopting this strategy for a Scandinavian cruise to 5 countries, for example.
Cons:
- The cruise ports are in the worst parts of the islands; Kahului, Maui, for instance, is a good 1-hour+ drive from anything worth seeing, and you only have so many hours in port.
- It’s difficult to watch sunrise at Haleakala or sunset from Kona when you’ve got to be back on the boat.
Conclusion:
- I think the upscale traveler on a budget will be happier selecting one island and spending a week there, really kicking back and settling in to the Hawaiian lifestyle. There are better cruise options elsewhere in the world.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://journeyswithstephen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Hawaii-shoreline.jpg” alt=”Hawaii shoreline” title_text=”Hawaii shoreline” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Hawaii shoreline” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Hawaii (The Big Island)

The island of Hawaii is normally called the Big Island as to not confuse it with the State of Hawaii, which is made up of all the islands. Got it? And it is big, as large as all the other islands put together.

Pros:
- There is a lot of diversity, from the Kona coffee plantations on the west coast to wetter Hilo and nearby Akaka Falls on the east coast to Volcano National Park in the south.
- This is one of the few places in the world where you can walk on lava flows and actually experience new land being created; or take a helicopter ride over the volcano – these are bucket list items.
Cons:
- Big means a lot of time traveling. It can take several hours by rental car to travel between these natural attractions. Most people wind up staying on the drier west coast.
- The volcano can be spectacular or not, depending on its whim; it is possible to have expectations exceeded or to be underwhelmed.
Conclusion:
- Volcano National Park is a must see, but leave it for a future Hawaiian visit. You will be back.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://journeyswithstephen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wailua-Falls-Kauai-Hawaii.jpg” alt=”Wailua Falls Kauai Hawaii” title_text=”Wailua Falls Kauai Hawaii” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Wailua Falls Kauai Hawaii” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Kauai

In many ways Kauai is like Hawaii before all the development changed the landscape. It lives up to its nickname, The Garden Isle.

Pros:
- This island is so beautiful it almost begs the upscale traveler to view it all from a helicopter ride and is a spectacular way to see the Napali coast (which can also be rafted).
- Be mesmerized by Waimea Canyon or Wailua Falls, and then go tubing in an old sugar cane irrigation ditch.
Cons:
- Part of Kauai’s beauty comes at the expense of activities. There aren’t as many things to do here as on Maui or Oahu, for example.
- Kauai’s populated areas also tend to get more rain than their counterparts on other islands. It takes rain to create a garden isle, after all.
Conclusion:
- If your idea of Hawaii is a laid-back paradise where you can spend much of your time on pristine beaches, this could be the place for you. And Kauai certainly has unique things to do. But the first-time visitor might need to experience more. Make Kauai your next visit.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://journeyswithstephen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Waikiki-Hawaii-from-Westin.jpg” alt=”Waikiki, Hawaii from Westin” title_text=”Waikiki, Hawaii from Westin” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Waikiki, Hawaii from Westin” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Oahu

There is a popular tourist magazine called Oahu – 101 Things To Do. The title alone describes the appeal of this island to nearly 5 million annual visitors – it offers a little of everything.

Pros:
- If a cruise ship can offer you a taste of the Hawaiian Islands in a week, Oahu can do that without leaving the island. History, such as Pearl Harbor and Bishop Museum, check. Famous beaches, such as Waikiki, check. Shopping and nightlife in Honolulu, check. Amazing shoreline and surf, such as the North Shore, check. Well, you get the idea.
- This is the one island where you can experience a lot without needing a car. Stay in Waikiki and much is available to you, including reasonably priced accommodations and tours to other areas. Hike to the top of Diamond Head crater for sunrise, stroll the beach, shop, eat in a fine restaurant, take a spectacular sunset cruise – all without stepping into a vehicle.
- But if you do rent a car, circling the island is an awesome day trip.
- There are more international flights direct to Honolulu and generally lower prices than to the other islands.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://journeyswithstephen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Honolulu-Diamond-Head-cityscape-Hawaii.jpg” alt=”Honolulu Diamond Head cityscape Hawaii” title_text=”Honolulu Diamond Head cityscape Hawaii” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Honolulu Diamond Head cityscape Hawaii” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Cons:
- Did I mention Oahu was the most popular island? Some people get to Honolulu and are dismayed to find a large city with serious traffic jams, crowded beaches, and long lines of people just to get into a touristy restaurant. This is not their tropical island paradise.
Conclusion:
- If your traveling party wants it all or simply can’t agree on what it wants, Oahu may be your answer. There is something for everyone, although you might have to deal with the distractions to enjoy the attractions. A candidate for a first-time visit.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://journeyswithstephen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/North-Kaanapali-Beach-Maui-Hawaii.jpg” alt=”North Ka’anapali Beach Maui Hawaii” title_text=”North Ka’anapali Beach Maui Hawaii” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”North Ka’anapali Beach Maui Hawaii” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Maui

If there were a best of both worlds – popular, yet majestic – Maui would be the choice. More than 2 million visitors flock to this island because it offers the diversity of activities of Oahu without the urban drawbacks.

Pros:
- You can engage in every ocean-related activity you can imagine – kayaks, sailboats, catamarans, outriggers, snorkel, snuba, scuba, submarines, and more. Or just pick your color of incredible beach – white, gold, red, or black sand.
- Haleakala National Park features a dormant crater that is like walking on Mars, with a breathtaking view at either sunrise or sunset.
- You can even pilot a plane for a day over Maui!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://journeyswithstephen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Haleakala-Maui-Hawaii.jpg” alt=”Haleakala Maui Hawaii” title_text=”Haleakala Maui Hawaii” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Haleakala Maui Hawaii” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]
- Maui’s dry west side has charming upscale destinations, from Wailea to Ka’anapali to Kapalua, with world-class beaches, dining and golf courses. The wet east side enables the one-of-a-kind Road to Hana experience. And in the middle is everything from jungle to pineapple and sugar cane to cowboy country.
- Despite the horrific 2023 fire that destroyed historic Lahaina town, most of Maui survives, thrives, and needs your tourism dollars.
Cons:
- The list of cons is a very specific one. If you must have a big city, there is none. If you want paradise without any people, it will be challenging to find.
Conclusion:
- It’s easy to see why Maui County is the fastest growing county in the United States. People visit here, and they want to come back; some decide to stay forever.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://journeyswithstephen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Westin-Ocean-Resort-Villas-Maui-Hawaii.jpg” alt=”Westin Ocean Resort Villas Maui Hawaii” title_text=”Westin Ocean Resort Villas Maui Hawaii” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Westin Ocean Resort Villas Maui Hawaii” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Which Hawaiian island for the first-time visitor?

Not to waffle on this subject, but it is a matter of interest. If your travel group were keen on geology, it would be hard to pass up The Big Island, with Maui a close second. If you require a total laid-back atmosphere, consider Kauai. If you must have urban style to mix with the beach, the clear choice would be Oahu.

My recommendation for the greatest appeal to everyone is Maui. Personally, I have been to every island, but Maui is where we return to more than the others combined. Luxury, convenience, nature, culture, cuisine, weather, activities – Maui has it all. I can’t wait to go again soon!

Have you been to Maui before? Here is my post on 10 unusual things to do in Maui.

Would you like some further help? Please comment at the bottom of the page. Here’s what helps me: What season you will travel and for how many days? A family? A couple? What are the things you most like to do? I try to respond to every comment!

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What’s upscale?

The Westin Ocean Resort Villas on Ka’anapali Beach on Maui are popular luxury timeshare condos that can be booked like a hotel room from the Starwood website.

My personal favorite for Honolulu is the Westin Moana Surfrider Hotel, right on Waikiki Beach.

Try numerous water activities, from snorkeling to snuba to kayaks to outrigger canoes to sailboats to catamarans; nothing is cheap, but the memories last forever.

What’s budget?

There are scores of timeshare properties in Hawaii, and the competition can drive bargains, especially outside of peak travel times. Try Airbnb, TripAdvisor and other vacation rental sites, and always read the reviews first.

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April 20, 2016
Sail Vietnam’s Bai Tu Long Bay, not Halong Bay

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So you have come halfway around the world to Vietnam to enjoy scenery and culture and food. Then you’ve taken the 4-hour van ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay, because everybody says it is one of the world’s wonders – a reason alone to visit Vietnam. That’s all true. But for the upscale traveler, you need to do one more thing. Book your adventure to visit nearby Bai Tu Long Bay, instead of just Halong Bay. Why? I will explain.

Halong Bay is overrun with large boats that sail around the biggest of the thousands of islets (actually limestone karsts). Too often your photos are of other boats who are taking pictures of you – well, you get the drill. Large boats mean feeding great numbers of people, which means the quality of the food can be compromised. I’m suggesting there is a better alternative.

If you specify to your tour agency that you want to sail Bai Tu Long Bay on a smaller, luxury vessel, you will have an experience that is well worth a little extra money. Remember, we want upscale travel on a budget! And your money goes a long way in Vietnam.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https://journeyswithstephen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Bai-Tu-Long-Bay-Red-Dragon-Junk.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

You leave out of the same harbor as the Halong Bay boats. But your boat will take you off the beaten path to visit smaller islets, even a private island, with beach and cave. Your boat will be able to maneuver to small floating fishing villages. Your boat will only carry a maximum of 10 passengers, with nearly as many crew. You will get to know all your fellow passengers personally over the delicious food and drink prepared for such an intimate group. Now, doesn’t that sound better?

When I made this trip, I was working with Hanoi-based Custom Vietnam Travel. They booked me on the Red Dragon Junk, which is a 5-cabin semi-luxury vessel. The cabins are nice, clean, with bathroom/hot shower and air conditioning. Of course rooms are not big, but you won’t want to spend that much time below deck anyway (honeymooners can ignore that last part). If you want to shop around for other boats, I recommend you start with Trip Advisor; that’s what I do.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https://journeyswithstephen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Cabin-Red-Dragon-Junk.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Now something to get straight: There are lots of different length cruises. I strongly suggest the 2-day/1-night cruise. Like Goldilocks would say, the single day cruises are too short, 3 days is too long, but 2 days is just right. I have talked to some people who tried to do Halong Bay as a day trip out of Hanoi. That results in 8 hours on the road round-trip and a few hours on the Bay. Don’t do that to yourself. It should be noted that the 2-day trip is only about 24 hours actually on the boat, but that is fine.

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I was on the boat with a family from France, a couple from Canada and a couple from the U.K., who actually spend most of their time traveling. Great conversations ensued. The boat departs early afternoon and sails away from Halong to Bai Tu Long. We stopped at a private island, where our onboard tour guide led us up a hill into a nice cave. Outside was a nice vantage point for pictures. Then we spent another hour or so either relaxing on the beach or kayaking around the islet. Back in the boat, we traveled deeper into the karst-filled waters and never saw another boat until mooring for the night.

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Dinner was pretty typical Vietnamese fare, including fried spring rolls, fried rice, prawns, chicken and more things than I can remember right now. It was all tasty, with the requisite food carvings to accompany the dishes. Beer and wine flowed well into the evening.

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I awoke from a sound sleep to the sound of rain hitting my porthole window. But Mother Nature got it out of her system, and by breakfast there were patches of blue sky. That morning we disembarked into a couple of rowboats manned by local fisherman, who took us to their floating village. This is really quite a unique experience. We saw a schoolroom and villagers’ homes and stopped for a short while at their pearl farm. It could be argued that the pearls part was a little touristy, but hey, that’s how some of these people make a living. And I’m all for capitalism.

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By late morning, it was time to journey back to the bay and time for one more meal, a nice brunch. The consensus of my new friends onboard was a big thumbs up. Honestly, I don’t do “relaxing” very well, but I was never bored; in fact, I didn’t read very much of a book I brought. I guess if you really, really wanted to get away for a while, you could skip Goldilocks’ advice and add an extra day. For me, this was just right for making memories.

A few housekeeping issues: Bring your passport. Tipping is expected, in this case about 10USD for the guide and crew. If you are a couple, double that. Alcohol is extra, which I clumsily paid at the end. Clumsily? I had been used to paying everything in USD in Vietnam, and they presented me with a bill that read “25,”. I thought, wow, I only drank 3 beers on the trip, and they charged $25? Reluctantly, I handed the crew member two $20 bills. He gave me a puzzled look. No, “25,” meant 250,000 Dong, which is less than $12. He returned $28 in change from my $40. Did I mention that your money goes a long way in Vietnam?

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What’s upscale?

Hiring a private tour agency to arrange everything.

Choosing a 5-cabin, semi-luxury junk, instead of the big boats.

What’s on a budget?

Your money goes a long way in Bai Tu Long Bay, so you can splurge.

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September 14, 2015