The Cruising World

October 2008 issue | Appears on page 74

The most relaxing way to see Europe
By Lew Toulmin

by Lew Toulmin

Do you want to see Europe but in a way that minimizes your outlays of expensive euros and maximizes your relaxation? Consider a delightful cruise up the beautiful Danube, across the fascinating Main Canal and down the glorious Rhine.

My wife, Susan, and I did just that, Oct. 14-29, 2007, sailing as guests of Viking River Cruises (5700 Canoga Ave., Ste. 200, Woodland Hills, CA 91367; 800/304-9616) aboard their luxury vessel Viking Danube on a terrific 15-day...

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August 2008 issue | Appears on page 74

Regent’s Seven Seas Navigator: Monaco to Athens in sweet style
By Lew Toulmin

by Lew Toulmin

“This suite is sweeeeet!”

That was my reaction upon entering our cabin aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ luxurious and stylish Seven Seas Navigator on a cruise from Monaco to Athens in September 2007.

Frankly, we had never had such wonderful accommodations. Our Navigator Suite (NS) covered an amazing 495 square feet — larger than my first apartment! The separate bedroom (!) had a king-sized bed (!), a wide-screen TV and, out a large, 6-by-6-foot sliding...

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June 2008 issue | Appears on page 71

Adriatic coast: Luxurious sailing in Europe
By Lew Toulmin

by Lew Toulmin

Hot! Hot! Hot! The Adriatic coast is the hottest destination in Europe these days, with fantastic ports, relatively low prices and even newly opened countries to visit.

My wife and I were lucky enough to be invited to explore the Adriatic on an 8-day cruise in October 2007 aboard M/S Andrea, a luxurious small ship sailing under the flag of Elegant Cruises (24 Vanderventer Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050; 800/683-6767, www.elegantcruises.com).

The...

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March 2008 issue | Appears on page 75

Cruise news potpourri
By Lew Toulmin

by Lew Toulmin

The cruising world keeps evolving, with ever more news and events. Here are some cruise deals and developments which should interest ITN cruising fans.

EasyCruise Greece and Turkey

Bargains abound at easyCruise (www.easycruise.com), which is tripling its capacity in Greece and now Turkey for 2008. Uniquely, the line’s itineraries include overnight calls in almost all ports, so guests can enjoy dinner and nightlife ashore. For this reason, meals are not...

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January 2008 issue | Appears on page 82

Tips on snorkeling
By Lew Toulmin

by Lew Toulmin, second of two parts

In my last column I shared some tips from Dr. Jack Grove of Zegrahm Expeditions (192 Nickerson St. #200, Seattle, WA 98109; 800/628-8747, www.zeco.com) on snorkeling safety and footwear for use during cruises with snorkel programs. This time I will talk about ear and skin protection, eye protection, safety and free diving.

Ear and skin protection

Some snorkelers, myself included, use foam or rubber earplugs to keep water from getting...

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December 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Tips on snorkeling
By Lew Toulmin

by Lew Toulmin, (First of two parts, jump to part 2)

Many cruise and expedition passengers enjoy snorkeling off beaches, Zodiacs or dive boats. Snorkeling is an easy sport and provides fantastic views of beautiful coral and fish. The sport is open to swimmers of any age. I have seen snorkelers from ages five to 85 enjoying themselves on cruises.

The sport is so easy that I, myself, thought I knew it all, then I met the master snorkeler and diver Dr. Jack Grove, an expert on the...

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July 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Cruising with Claire
By Lew Toulmin

Claire McElarney is the energetic and always-smiling Activities & Dive Mate aboard the S.V. (sailing vessel) Mandalay, one of the fleet of four tall ships run by Windjammer Barefoot Cruises (Box 190120, Miami, FL 33119; 800/327-2601, www.windjammer.com).

I interviewed Claire on the deck of the Mandalay in summer 2006 as the 236-foot vessel sailed from Grenada to St. Vincent.

Q: Tell me about your background, Claire.

A: I am from Fleet, Hampshire, in the U.K., and I’m...

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June 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Through the Grenadines aboard Mandalay
By Lew Toulmin

by Lew Toulmin

“Amazing Grace” played as the tall ship Mandalay sailed out of St. George’s harbor into the sunset. The sweet sounds of the music, the delicious smell of cloves and allspice in the air and the lush green mountains of Grenada all said that this was going to be a very special voyage.

It was the start of a week-long cruise through the Grenadines for my wife, Susan, and me aboard one of the historic vessels of the unusual Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, a voyage...

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