Ocean & River Cruising Resources

A First-Timer’s Caribbean Princess Cruise Review

A critical review of a first-time Caribbean Princess cruise, from booking and check-in, to dining, onboard experiences, port destinations, and shore excursions.

My Eastern Caribbean Cruise: An NCL Escape Travelogue

by Howard Blount

Board the Norwegian Escape for an 11-day Eastern Caribbean cruise. Go island-hopping, tour World Heritage sites, and immerse yourself in scenic tropical vistas.

My NCL Middle East Cruise: A Norwegian Jade Travelogue

by Howard Blount

Embark on an 18-day Middle East cruise from Athens to Dubai. Explore exotic ports, tour world-class destinations, and experience life aboard the Norwegian Jade.

My NCL Alaska Cruise: A Norwegian Encore Travelogue

by Howard Blount

Travel vicariously aboard the Norwegian Encore on a 7-day NCL Alaska cruise. Explore ports, experience life on board, and then plan a voyage of your own.

4 New Viking Mississippi River Cruise Routes Announced

by Howard Blount

Four Viking Mississippi River cruise itineraries are scheduled to bring guests to America’s Heartland beginning in 2022, aboard the purpose-built Viking Mississippi.

Viking Cruises to Norway & the UK: An “Into the Midnight Sun” Travelogue

by Howard Blount

Have you ever dreamed of sailing with Viking Cruises to Norway and the UK? Backroad Planet’s annotated travelogue explores the 15-day “Into the Midnight Sun” itinerary, introduces its scenic destinations, and evaluates its shore excursion options.

Viking Ocean Cruises: A Guide for Planning a Voyage of a Lifetime

by Howard Blount

A guide for planning, booking, and embarking on a Viking Ocean Cruises voyage of a lifetime, featuring exclusive insider tips from Viking Explorer Society members.

The Viking Sun Embarks on the Inaugural World Cruise

by Howard Blount

The Viking Sun embarks on the inaugural World Cruise from Miami to London. This 141-day cruise will visit 5 continents, 35 countries, and 64 ports, cross the Equator twice, the International Date Line once, and pass through both the Panama and Suez Canals.