Category: Cruise Ship Trips

Cruise ship travel is a popular form of tourism that allows passengers to explore multiple destinations while enjoying the comforts and amenities of a floating hotel. Cruise ships come in a variety of sizes and styles, ranging from small luxury vessels to massive ships that can carry thousands of passengers. Many cruise lines offer a range of onboard activities and entertainment, including restaurants, bars, theaters, casinos, and pools. In addition to onboard entertainment, passengers can participate in shore excursions to explore the destinations they visit. However, cruise ship travel has also been associated with certain risks and challenges, such as outbreaks of illnesses and environmental concerns related to waste disposal and emissions. As a result, cruise lines have implemented strict health and safety protocols, and many are investing in more sustainable practices to minimize their impact on the environment. We’ve taken over 20 cruises to various parts of the world. Shown below are those trips.

Japan/South Korea – Diamond Princess Cruise Ship – Nov. 2023

Donna and I, accompanied by our friends Doug and Sally Borrett, embarked on a memorable journey to Tokyo, Japan, where we boarded the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship for a captivating 13-day tour around Japan. and one day stop in Busan, South Korea. Our initial destination was Aomori, where we explored the enchanting Nebuta Festival Museum, showcasing dazzling floats synonymous with the renowned Nebuta Festival—an iconic summer celebration in Aomori featuring vibrant illuminated floats parading through the streets. Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse offered us an immersive experience, delving into the rich traditions of the festival. Our travel itinerary also featured noteworthy stops, such as the renowned Hara Model Railroad Museum in Yokohama, visits to World War II memorials in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Kobe Herb Garden and Ropeway, and the Earthquake Museum. The cruise extended to Busan, South Korea, where we strolled along the skywalk and visited the UN Cemetery. The Diamond Princess, a Medallion-class cruise ship, pampered us with exceptional cuisine, premium drinks, delectable desserts, and outstanding accommodations. We engaged in daily trivia sessions at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, relishing the experience despite our less-than-stellar performance with the answers. This was our 2nd cruise with our friends Doug & Sally and we look forward to the next one in 2025.

Canada/Greenland – August 2022

We cruised on the Caribbean Princess with our friends Doug & Sally Borrett. We left from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in New York and sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia and from there to Cape Breton. After several days at sea, we arrived in Nanortalik (having missed our port in Nuuk due to bad weather.) Later in the week we traveled to Qaqortoq then back to St. John’s, Newfoundland before arriving back at the Brooklyn Cruise terminal. We played a lot of trivia, cards and saw several shows on the ship. It was an enjoyable 17-day cruise. We ate too much.

Click here to read the complete Trip Report

Mannino Family Cruise – March 2020

Donna and her parents, sister and brothers, along with several cousins and their families sailed on the Celebrity Edge cruise ship and visited Puerto Rico and St. Maarten during the 7-day event. They returned home safely at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. No sickness on board and everyone enjoyed the cruise. Carey did not go on this trip. He was scheduled to go to Paraguay on a Habitat Global Village trip, which was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Carl, Steve, Cheryl and Jan – Ain’t cruising great!!

Papau New Guinea Cruise – February 2019

We cruised on the Sea Princess from Brisbane, Australia to various ports within Papua New Guinea. This was an 11-day cruise. We also spent one day in Brisbane after the cruise and visited the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and took a cruise on the Brisbane River.

**Japanese Barge Tunnels** built to hold the barges out of sight from the Allies during WW II

Baltic Sea Cruise – August 2015

This was an 11-day cruise on the Baltic Sea to Denmark, Norway, Germany, Estonia, Russia, Finland and Sweden on the Regal Princess cruise ship.

Click here to read the complete Trip Report

Tahiti/French Polynesia – February 2013

This was a wonderful cruise that Donna & I went on to Tahiti. We cruised to 5 different islands within French Polynesia, including Bora Bora and Moorea. We had numerous opportunities to snorkel as well as sight-see in this tropical paradise.

UAE Dubai/Oman Cruise – February 2011

This was a cruise that Donna & I did on our own to Dubai, Oman and Abu Dhabi, which are all part of the United Arab Emirates. The trip included a dune buggy ride to a camel farm where we drank camel milk. We also spent time in Dubai visiting the many wonders of that city, including the tallest building on Earth.

Click here to read the complete Trip Report

Mexico (Riviera Cruise) – November 2009

This is a cruise Donna & I took with Jan & Steve Penn to the Mexican Riviera on a Royal Caribbean ship. Highlights included Cabo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta where we did a zip line.

Hanging out with the boat crew in one of the Mexican villages

Antarctica – January 2008

This was a trip of a lifetime. We boarded the Princess Cruise Ship in Buenos Aires, Argentina; headed for the Falkland Islands, then to Ushuaia (the village at the end of the world) before crossing the Drake Passage onto the Antarctica peninsula. On the way back we stopped at Punta Arenas, Chile then onto Montevideo, Uruguay. Along the way we saw ice bergs, glaciers, penguins, whales, and a pristine world that is beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. Incredible!

Great shot of our cruise ship from the harbor area in the Falkland Islands

On board the cruise ship heading across the Drake passage.

Mexico (Riviera Cruise) – September 2007

This was a family cruise that we took for my Mom & Dad’s 60th wedding anniversary. Ports included Cabo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta where we did our first zip line adventure.