Echo Brocato

Stories

"River or ocean cruises"

How Low Can They Go? Historic Water Levels and the Future of River Cruising in Europe

River or Ocean Cruises

I adore river cruising. I constantly recommend river cruises to viewers and followers. But river cruising is facing an industry-changing crisis. And I think it’s time to face it head-on with...

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D-Day Landing Beaches Achieve Overdue Milestone; How to Make Your Own Pilgrimage

River or Ocean Cruises

82 years after what Winston Churchill called “the most complicated and difficult” military operation in world history, Normandy’s D-Day Landing Beaches finally achieved long overdue recognition of their place in...

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Top “Coolcation” Travel Destinations

River or Ocean Cruises

Record-breaking summer heatwaves throughout Europe have more travelers looking for cooler destinations to spend the holidays. I have some favorites. By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert Some like it hot!  And...

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Christmas in July Question: Which Christmas Market River Cruise to Choose?

River or Ocean Cruises

It’s never too early to start counting down the days until Christmas – or plan a holiday getaway. Christmas in July reminders are a great opportunity to think about how...

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The Cruise Line Breeding “Super Coral” and Other Good News for World Oceans Day

River or Ocean Cruises

The private island for Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, is at the forefront of a cruise-industry-wide drive to support and sustain the world’s oceans. World...

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When Your Overwater Bungalow Sails with You in Tahiti: Paul Gauguin Cruises' Room Tour

River or Ocean Cruises

It’s a tropical vacation fantasy: staying in an overwater bungalow over breathtaking, warm, turquoise waters in the legendary and romantic South Pacific. But what if your overwater bungalow floats with...

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Do You Know Your Mediterranean A, B… Seas?

River or Ocean Cruises

When is the Med… not just the Med? The Mediterranean Sea and its iconic coastal towns, yacht harbors, fishing villages, beaches, cliffs, and cultural touchpoints are on nearly everyone’s list...

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Holland America Launching Year-Round Cruises in Europe

River or Ocean Cruises

The seasons for cruise and travel are changing – even disappearing altogether! Holland America Line has become the latest cruise line to expand to year-round sailing in Europe, joining the...

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Top Souvenirs from a Springtime Trip to the Netherlands

River or Ocean Cruises

Tulip season in the Netherlands is a feast for the senses: ribbons of technicolor flowers beside canals, market squares bursting with spring blooms, and river cruise ships gliding through landscapes...

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In a World First for Any Vessel, Ponant Cruise Ship Reaches “North Pole of Inaccessibility”

River or Ocean Cruises

There’s the North Pole… and there’s the “North Pole of Inaccessibility.” Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot has done something no ship of any kind has ever done before. In the 21st...

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VIDEO: Emerald Captain Shares Why a Mega-Yacht is the Best Way to Cruise the Caribbean

River or Ocean Cruises Caribbean

If you thought sailing to small islands and boutique harbors in idyllic tropical places was just for billionaires in their private yachts, think again. Even you can feel like a...

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New Small-Ship Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line Launches 2nd Ship; Explora III and IV On the Way

River or Ocean Cruises

During a spectacular naming ceremony in Civitavecchia – the port for Rome, Italy – Explora Journeys launched Explora II. The September, 2024 event marked the debut of the second of...

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Reservations Open as Windstar’s New Ship Set to Mark Cruise Line’s Return to Alaska

River or Ocean Cruises

Windstar Cruises’ brand-new ship debuts in early 2026, and reservations have opened for Star Seeker’s inaugural season in Alaska, Japan and the Caribbean. The small ship cruise line last sailed...

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VIDEO TOUR: Panorama Suite on Scenic Eclipse During an Antarctic Expedition Cruise

River or Ocean Cruises Antarctica

One of the most remarkable things about sailing aboard the Scenic Eclipse in the Antarctic is the contrast between the wild remoteness just outside… and feeling like you’re a guest...

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First LEGO Parade at Sea, Only Over-Water Swing and More on MSC World America

River or Ocean Cruises Caribbean

Building family fun on a cruise vacation couldn’t be easier. When the new MSC World America launches in April, 2025, it will have an over 10,0000 square foot kids’ area,...

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New Sun Princess Serves Up Celebrity Concepts with its Culinary Experiences

River or Ocean Cruises

Princess Cruises’ newest ship isn’t just an engineering marvel. Sun Princess launched in February, 2024, another member of the “Love Boat” fleet – with a slew of celebrity partnerships enhancing...

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The Largest River and Small-Ship U.S. Cruise Line Has All-New Itineraries and Vessels

River or Ocean Cruises

Including the largest paddlewheel river cruise ship in the USA! American Cruise Lines has a unique approach to cruising: U.S. itineraries only, on river ships and with a river-cruise approach...

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Meet the Captain: Seabourn Venture’s Captain on What he Loves about Expedition Cruising and the Arctic

River or Ocean Cruises Arctic Ocean

For many people, a visit to the bridge is a highlight of any cruise. When you get to visit the bridge while your ship is underway on a scenic sailing,...

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Windstar Debuts New, Year-Round Ship for Tahiti – With Cultural Immersion

River or Ocean Cruises South Pacific Ocean

With more than 3 decades of experience sailing in the exotic waters of Tahiti, Windstar is doubling down on the ultimate romantic destination, with a new ship dedicated year-round. Plus,...

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How Many Ways to Celebrate Adventure on a Seabourn Expedition Cruise?

River or Ocean Cruises Greenland

With more cruise lines getting into expedition cruising, travelers have more options about how they want their expedition cruise experience. From the extremes of barebones to the ultimate in luxe?...

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VIDEO: Meet the Moselle River on an Avalon Active & Discovery Cruise

River or Ocean Cruises

The Moselle is one of the rivers less-traveled in Europe, and that’s just the beginning of the magical appeal of an itinerary that sails from Luxembourg, then the Rhine and...

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The Best Way to Experience the Most Romantic River in Europe

River or Ocean Cruises

It is extraordinarily charming to cruise any of the rivers of Europe, but they call it “The Romantic Rhine” for a reason – at least three reasons! And on my...

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Now You Can Cruise on the Tennessee River

River or Ocean Cruises

Those who love – or would like to try – river cruising close to home can rejoice: there’s a new river to sail on.  In the summer of 2023, American Cruise...

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Is a Luxury Expedition Cruise Right for You? An Expert Explains

River or Ocean Cruises

Luxury expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing trends in cruising - but who really sails on these voyages? And more importantly, are they right for you? Maybe it's time...

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