Sailing the rivers of Europe on the River Cloud II is simply a pleasure.  It is the most relaxing way to visit major city centers like Vienna, Frankfurt and Budapest while at the same time making stops in between at rural towns and villages. It is like taking an ultra luxury coach tour without ever having to get up early to board the bus to the next stop.  Unpacking just once, the River Cloud II takes you to cities and sites as she gently meanders along the winding rivers of Central Europe.  Staff and service is excellent and accommodations, albeit quite small, are beautifully decorated.

Dining on the River Cloud II is good with sumptuous buffets being the standard for both breakfast and lunch.  If you don’t like buffets than river cruising may not be for you.  Meals are prepared using fresh regional ingredients and seating is open at every meal. Supper is at one sitting for all guests, with country-club casual dress requested, except for the Welcome Dinner the first night and the Captain’s Dinner on the last night of the voyage. During those events, cocktail attire is appropriate. Fine linens, crystal and elegant dishes and cutlery set the tone in the dining room; wines are specially selected to go with the meals as they are served and are included in the price of the cruise (cocktails, wonderful German beers and alcohol are available for purchase at the cozy bar).

My favorite meal was breakfast.  I just love the variety of German breads and assorted breakfast pastries on display, along with wonderful smoked salmon and various smoked fish options.  Every morning the chef prepared made to order eggs and omelets with a variety of different ingredients available.  By the middle of the week he knew my preference…as I entered the dining room each morning, he proceeded to prepare my egg white omelet with sauteed onions and pepper.

Luncheon buffets were equally elaborate with salads, breads, soups and main items like fried chicken, German meatballs and  plenty of rich deserts.  My favorite dinner entree was a wiener snitzel  that was perfection.  One of the advantages of river cruising is planning to dine off the ship several evenings at local restaurants.  With a little pre-trip planing, you can dine at some of the best restaurants in Europe during some of the overnight port visits.

For more information about River Cloud II visit http://www.seacloud.com/

What better way to enjoy top Broadway talent than to sail the Baltic Sea on the Crystal Symphony!

Several times a year I personally host a series of Cruise Gourmet Voyages on different cruise ships and I invite select artists from the world of Classical music, Broadway and Cabaret to come along and perform for us during the cruise. I arrange for the group to join the artists, not just for their performances, but for cocktail parties, dinner and shore excursions…far more fun than just attending a performance!

Recently, I was joined by Broadway Cabaret Stars, K T Sullivan and Mark Nadler, fresh from their recent stint at the Algonquin Hotel’s swank Oak Room in New York City.  Nadler’s upbeat “Danny Kaye” style combined with K T’s “youthful version of Carol Channing” made for great late night Cabaret.  The Avenue Saloon onboard the Crystal Symphony was packed at midnight with our group and other lucky guests on the ship for what some said was the best entertainment during the cruise. One lady outside our group said “Your performers made the entire cost of the cruise worth it!”

The onboard production shows and the performers on our cruise were in fact quite good.  However, in the old days, cruise lines paid for big names from Broadway and Las Vegas to appear onboard.  Now, based on current economic realities, the cruises lines have to be more concerned with the budget than the caliber of entertainment. Canned production shows and lounge singers from Eastern Europe or the Philippines seem to be standard fare on many ships.  And, in all fairness, the average cruise guest today is far less discriminating than twenty years ago, before the dawn of reality TV shows and Shrek’s popularity on Broadway (Yes, I am a provincial New Yorker from the Upper West Side of Manhattan and consider myself a cynical, tough to please audience).

Along with the great entertainment, what made this particular Cruise Gourmet Voyage extra special were the rave revues for the new and improved Crystal Symphony! Back from a major dry dock, the ship’s renovation is stunning!

The two most dramatic changes to the public spaces are the Lido Restaurant and the Trident Grill.

The Lido redesign is sleek, attractive and perfectly functional.  The buffet areas consist of several large white “cube like” islands creating a showroom setting for some of the loveliest culinary displays on any ship!  The design is so functional it appears to have increased the dining area, seating capacity and access to buffet items. The simple white display surfaces serve as the perfect backdrop to display the rich visual impact of the food presentations.  The pastries alone were so beautifully prepared and arranged; it looked as if they had been flown in directly from Fauchon, Paris!

The Trident Grill with its rich rattan outdoor furniture has been expanded to cover what used to be the small Neptune pool…a much better use of the space.  It now provides far more comfortable seating in all weather thanks to the overhead retractable dome.  The menu of hamburgers, wraps, grilled ham & cheese are top quality and made to order…making the Crystal Symphony’s Trident Grill the best poolside restaurant on the high seas!

Silk Road/Nobu and Prego have been transformed into two distinct and inviting culinary venues!

Silk Road and Sushi Bar feature the artistry of Master Asian Fusion Chef, Nobu Matsuhisa.  The Far Eastern influenced décor is calming and inviting.  The staff is attentive and well trained.  The menu is simply a delight, with perfectly prepared Shrimp Tempura, Spring Rolls, Kobe beef and a delicately prepared stir-fried Lobster dish that is just beyond description.  The menu options are varied and the preparations skillful.  The Sushi Bar is the best at sea!

Happily, Prego is rid of those corny original red and white “Barber” Poles.  The restaurant has been transformed with a sophisticated design.  The space is more open with warm dark woods…and the menu is still Mediterranean   perfection with its signature Mushroom soup in a bread bowl and the most delicious herbed rack of lamb anywhere  land or sea!

With the award winning quality of all its alternative dining venues, the ships main restaurant, the Crystal Dining Room, holds its own!  I was impressed with the top level of service and the consistently excellent cuisine in this largest of all the restaurants onboard.  The menu is expansive and provides many good options.  I especially enjoyed the sautéed Tiger Shrimp and the braised Beef Short Ribs.  Another among the many standouts was the Roasted Butternut Squash soup with Toasted pumpkin Seeds!

This ship is simply a pleasure to be on regardless of where in the world she might take you!  For more information about the Crystal symphony visit www.crystalcruises.com and when you visit www.CruiseGourmet.com keep an eye on Cruise Gourmet Voyages for future hosted sailings.

Bircher Muesli Recipe from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

• 1/2 cup oat flakes
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3/4 cup plain yoghurt
• 1/4 cup chopped or sliced nuts
• 1 apple and 1 pear
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Splash of lemon juice
• 4 tsp. raisins
• Honey to taste

Soak oat flakes in milk and yogurt overnight. Grate the apple and pears coarsely, (if you like peel them first) than blend immediately with lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients and combine them carefully. Garnish with nuts and seasonal fruits. It will keep in the fridge for 1-2 days.

The list for gestures that you should be careful of is a pretty long one. It’s a good idea to do an internet search and find out which hand gestures might be considered insulting, rude, or crude in the country you are visiting.

Let’s look at some of the most common ones…. some gestures that you wouldn’t think twice about using at home should just never be used when you travel!

The “thumbs up” sign that is used in the U.S. to show approval is insulting and crude in other countries and shouldn’t be used at all. It’s interpreted something like using your middle finger in the U.S.

What does making a circle with your thumb and index finger mean? It can mean zero or OK… or… something like “up yours” or that someone is a homosexual.

Don’t try to call someone to you by motioning with your index finger. It may mean “come here” in the U.S. but it is an obscene or insulting hand gesture in much of the world. There are places where this could even get you arrested!

Even something as simple as pointing can get you into trouble. Pointing with the index finger extended is considered impolite in many cultures. You’re safer pointing with your whole hand. In Madagascar, there are some “sacred” things that you shouldn’t ever point at with an extended finger. When we were there, we found that there were so many things we shouldn’t point at that we took to pointing at everything with our finger curled… just pointing with the knuckle.

You have to worry about the “V” for victory sign…. be sure if you use it you keep your palm facing away from you. If you mistakenly turn your palm toward you, you’ll be saying something rude.

Don’t pass a business card or a gift with only one hand in Japan… and don’t use your left hand to pass anything in many countries… the left hand is considered “unclean”. If you’re eating with you hands anywhere… just try to use your right hand… that’ll save you lots of embarrassment.

Don’t pat children on the head especially in Asia… it is rude and upsetting. In Muslim countries, men should not shake hands with women. Just to be on the safe side keep your hands to yourself.

One last thought… Let’s not forget about your feet, just because we’re talking about hand gestures. Don’t sit with the soles of you shoes or feet showing or pointing at anyone… in may cultures this is rude.

Sometimes it’s hard not to use those common hand gestures you use all the time without even thinking about it…. but when you’re traveling, those gestures can be misunderstood, and in extreme cases they could even get you in trouble. Maybe it is best to keep your hands in your pockets!

Volunteer vacations are becoming so popular, that the travel industry has coined a word for this kind of tourism. Now you can search the web for voluntourism and find hundreds of sites that provide travel with a heavy focus on volunteering.

Many of those programs have you signing up for a week or two or even a month working in your own country or abroad. But many travelers don’t have that kind of time to commit to volunteering, or they would like to volunteer to help, but they want to keep some relaxing time for themselves.

The travel industry is always looking for ways to keep you happy, so there are more and more opportunities cropping up for short-term voluntourism. Some people would argue that one week is short-term volunteering, but I’m talking about really short-term voluntourism here… as in a day or even half a day.

There are conservation organizations around the U.S. that provide opportunities to help clean up beaches or work on park trails for a day or half day at a time. Check with local tourist bureaus in the city or the country you are visiting to see if any short term opportunities exist. You can also check with your hotel or tour operator… some online travel booking sites offer volunteer trip opportunities.

Even high-end hotels and resorts are getting into the act, offering half day programs where guests assist at local food banks or pull invasive weeds in parks…. but still get to spend the rest of their stay in cushy comfort.

Some people feel that this type of short term volunteering is this just salve for a guilt trip by “wealthy” travelers. You have to evaluate that for yourself. We don’t think anyone should be discouraged from volunteering to help others. In the long run, the trend is a good one.

If you are traveling to Southeast Asia, one interesting program you can explore for short-term voluntourism is called Stay Another Day. It is run by an arm of the World Bank. Rather than sending tourists to volunteer to pick up trash or try to build schools, it provides information to steer you to participate in activities that are more like tourism, but benefit the local community.

You might, for instance, visit a community center where locals can practice their English, or you might visit a women’s center where you can purchase crafts the women make to support themselves and their families. You still are really just a tourist, but the very act of being a tourist and spending money and time with locals helps…. that sounds good to me!

Wherever you travel, you can have a more meaningful trip by connecting with locals. Support local businesses and local community projects if you can. Short-term voluntourism is just one more way to enrich your travel experience.

Two single women wanted to spend a month on a luxury cruise but were hesitant about traveling on their own. They were concerned about personal safety and weren’t sure how easy it would be to meet people.

Whenever single women approach me about going on vacation, I always recommend a cruise, especially when they are traveling on their own. Going on a cruise is probably the safest environment for this very unique group of travelers.

Scheduled activities provide plenty of social time to meet other people on the ship. In fact, there are usually so many activities that it’s hard to choose which one to go to. If you’re not into that group activity, you can try another. Lots of options means more fun!

There are also plenty of supervised shore excursions that provide an experience that can be shared. Everyone is in a group, but you get the chance to interact and bond while participating in something all of you find interesting.

Don’t forget dinner. There is a set dining time with assigned table mates. Did you know the Maitre de will always change your table if you don’t care for the dinner companions at your table?

Especially for single women, very often the ship will have gentleman hosts for dancing and “safe” company. You just need to know where to find them.

Cruising with a group is a real advantage. The group will usually have a host that will coordinate group social activities and troubleshoot should you have any problems. Very often members of the group know each other and make new friends/traveling companions. This is why I enjoy being the official host for my Cruise Gourmet Voyages theme group cruises. The more, the merrier.

So to help these two single women feel more comfortable, I suggested they join me for one of my Cruise Gourmet Voyages hosted groups on the Crystal Symphony and book the previous segment as well. In the end, they enjoyed a thrilling 15-day cruise through the Norwegian fiords and then welcomed me and 40 guests onboard the Symphony for a 10-day Baltic cruise with three days in St. Petersburg. For these two women, it was a great solution to enjoy some time on their own, join a group, and then fly home with people they had met on the cruise.

I provide this kind of personal design to many individuals. Soon, I’ll be releasing a new service where you can get a customized cruise plan fast and easy.  Look for tip #4 to find out more.

Read Tip 1: Shore Excursions are an integral part of any cruise
Read Tip 2: Premium Cruising for the Luxury Traveler

Some countries say that they require an International Driving Permit. Will that help you know about traffic laws abroad? The short answer is…. NO. There is no test on the rules of the road for an International Drivers Permit. No booklet to read.

You must have a valid driver’s license from your home country or state. All that this permit (the IDP) does is translate your license into ten foreign languages…. English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese.

This makes it easier for police to read. It also certifies the validity of your license; proof to the police abroad, so they don’t have to try to figure out licenses from all over the world.

The IDP shows information in a standard format that is internationally recognized…. It will have your name and other driving license information. Since this IS just a translation and not a driver’s license, you must carry your license along with the permit.

We’ve never been asked for one, even when we were stopped for a minor traffic infraction in Croatia. We’re reading more often that they are required, and that you can be fined if you can’t produce one. While you may never be asked for one, our feeling now is to just get one.

We’ve rented cars in Italy often, with no permit, but the rules have changed. The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Italy states that “Americans visiting Italy as tourists and intending to drive should obtain an International Driver Permit before leaving the U.S.”

You may or may not be asked for it by the car rental companies wherever you are. We helped Belgian friends pick up their rental car here in the U.S. The car rental agency here in California didn’t want the International Driving Permit… they wanted to see their Belgian driver’s license.

It is, after all, that driver’s license that is proof you are qualified to drive. You want to be able to produce both, though, if you are asked for them.

Americans can get one from the American Automobile Association or the National Auto Club. You need two passport size photos and $15. The Permit is valid for one year.

Citizens of other countries can get them from government authorized organizations such as national auto associations. Over 150 countries recognize the IDPs and most have agencies which will issue them.

Beware of internet scams. Most of those will try to sell you an “international driver’s license”. Remember, the real thing is not a license… it’s a permit, with translations. If you can’t get a driver’s license at home, even if you DO buy something through these scam artists, it’s not going to do you any good… and it could get you into trouble.

So even if, like us, you’ve never had to bother with an International Driving Permit, it’s probably time to check traffic laws for the country you’re going to visit… and think about getting one.

And while you may think they’re a little funny, if you break some of them, you won’t be laughing. You really want to know what these are ahead of time if you can.

While some minor infractions may be overlooked, in some countries, things you don’t even think about may result in costly fines… or even get you in serious trouble… might even land you in jail!

Much of the time, we’re talking about common sense things here, but you might run into some strange laws that you just never thought about… and not knowing won’t help you in some cases!

Go to government websites to check before you go on your trip. Look under “Local Laws and Customs” on the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website. On the Australian and U.S. government sites, check under “Travel Advisories”.

At one time even HAVING chewing gum was illegal in Singapore…. Now tourists can have it, but don’t chew it and spit it out on the sidewalk…. They ARE watching, and it could result in a big fine. They’re serious about keeping things clean and orderly…. Clean, as in… leaving a public toilet un-flushed could cost you a fine. And orderly, as in …don’t try jay walking either.

Jaywalking is a tricky one anywhere…. If we don’t know the customs in a country, we cross at a crosswalk and wait for the light (even with no traffic). It only costs you a few steps and a few seconds…. so much better than big trouble.

When you fly into Dubai, you may purchase duty-free liquor to take into the country, but be careful where you drink it and where you travel. You can take it to your hotel room, or to friends if they have a liquor license, but don’t even think about drinking it on the beach.

Drug laws are very strict in the Emirates too…. you even need to be careful of medications. Some prescription drugs and even some over-the-counter drugs are considered narcotics. Carry your doctor’s prescription and leave the drugs in their original container… especially if they contain codeine.

In most Muslim countries, men and women shouldn’t hold hands when they walk around in public. And whatever you do… leave the magazines with sexy pictures at home.

In Thailand, criticizing the King is illegal…. and for heavens sake, don’t drop any money and inadvertently step on it…. It has a likeness of the King! It’s also illegal to drive shirtless, so guys, while this may seem like a strange law, if you rent a scooter at the beach, keep your shirt on.

We all know you are not supposed to leave your baggage unattended in the airport…. but in the UK it is illegal.

Don’t hang out with shady characters in Morocco… if you are with someone who possesses narcotics, even if you’re unaware of it, you can be tried for possession.

In Mexico it is illegal to shout offensive words in any public place.

In many countries, it is illegal to take pictures of police officers, military officers, and military installations. Always ask or check on that one.

In Australia, you can get a ticket for leaving your keys in an unattended car… OK… that strange law falls in the why-would-you category, but in Germany, it is illegal to run out of gas on the autobahn. Not only that… it’s illegal to walk along the autobahn…. so be sure your tank is filled up!

Reading up on strange laws before you travel might not just give you a giggle… it could save you money… or keep you out of jail!

The two international (German/English) Great Lakes itineraries provide the rare opportunity to visit seven different states, two Canadian provinces, and all five lakes. A highlight of the Great Lakes journeys is when the COLUMBUS proceeds through the eight locks of the 28-mile long Welland Canal, after tackling a height difference of almost 328 feet. Guests will also be presented with numerous opportunities for outings which include: attending a real Pow-Wow and traversing the Agawa Canyon on an excursion that takes them where tourists seldom go, through a breath-taking wilderness with waterfalls, ravines and steep passes.

Also offered on the COLUMBUS in Fall 2011, an eastern United States and Canada itinerary from Toronto to Florida. This itinerary cruising through the St. Lawrence Seaway, makes stops at all the big cities along the route including: Boston, Newport, New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore. Also a dedicated golf cruise, this itinerary allows golf enthusiasts the opportunity to work with an PGA golf professional and to practice on a 21-course golf simulator onboard. Additionally the golf package allows guests to tee off at 5 golf courses along the route (golf package at an additional cost).

Guests will enjoy the casual, friendly atmosphere aboard the COLUMBUS, a 3-star-plus ship, according to the 2010 Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships. The COLUMBUS provides excellent value for the price, plus the exhilarating experience of travelling on an ocean liner, which includes sophisticated international cuisine, lounges, sports, a swimming pool and entertainment, for a maximum of 420 guests.

All three of the dedicated 2011 COLUMBUS international cruises ensure English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step onboard. Travel Documents and information is provided to guests in English prior to their trip. Documentation in English onboard includes: daily programs, menus, announcements, lectures/video presentations, and safety drill instructions. Shore excursions are offered in English at each port of call. Lastly, the entire crew is fluent in English.

2011 International Cruises on the MS COLUMBUS:

Great Lakes Cruise – Toronto to Chicago
September 5 – 18, 2011, 13 Days
Lake Highlights: Welland Canal, Windsor, Tobermory, Parry Sound, Georgian Bay, Little Current, Lock “Soo,” Thunder Bay, Duluth, Mackinac Island
*Rates Starting at: $3,540 per person/cruise only; a 5% early booking discount applies if booked by February 7, 2011

Great Lakes Cruise – From Chicago to Toronto
September 18 – October 1, 2011, 13 Days
Lake Highlights: Traverse City, Mackinac Island, Lock “Soo,” Thunder Bay, Little Current, Georgian Bay, Midland, Windsor, Welland Canal
*Rates Starting at: $3,470 per person/cruise only; a 5% early booking discount applies if booked by February 20, 2011

Eastern Coast of North America – From Toronto to Miami
October 1 – 19, 2011, 18 Days
Cruise Stops: Montreal, Quebec, Halifax, Boston, Newport, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, Savannah, Port Canaveral
*Rates starting at: $4,280 per person/cruise only; a 5% early booking discount applies if booked by March 5, 2011
Golf Package $1,160 (includes tee time on 5 courses)

For bookings, inquiries, or to request a brochure please contact:

Air Travel Marketing Services, Inc. 1800-888-0200
Euro Lloyd Travel Group, Inc. 1800-782-3924
Kartagener Associates, Inc. 1877-445-7447

*Rates based on availability

The typical cruise passenger gains one pound a day on a voyage of seven to 10 days, said John Primeau, a spokesman for Holland America, citing a longtime adage of cruise professionals.
But most of the pounds are packed on early in the voyage. Royal Caribbean statistics show that more food is consumed in the first few days of a cruise, and then passengers begin to slow down, said Frank Weber, the vice president of food and beverage operations for the cruise line.

While many people go on cruises to relax and enjoy the overwhelming number of food choices, experts say it is possible to enjoy what’s on the menu without adding pounds — if you have a plan.

[Read the full Article on CNN]