The last port before my Crystal Symphony cruise came to an end was an overnight call in the quaint town of Honfleur, with a population of 10,000 and  located where the Seine River meets the sea.I am always struck at the different perceptions people have on a port or a shore excursion.  My first impression

I want to preface my comments with some background.  Having worked for various cruise lines for over 25 years I know that there is much planning that goes into making a cruise the best it can be.  It has always amazed me that most cruises are as seamless as they are with all that has

Now that I am about half way through my cruise on the Crystal Symphony I thought I would list, in no particular order, some the things that I am really enjoying about my cruise and the ship:   1.  A Real Movie Theater.  The Hollywood Theatre has a full size screen, comfortable seats and offers both

My cruise on the Crystal Symphony continues sailing up the Garrone River to Bordeaux, France where the ship docked at noon on Tuesday and would remain docked in the center of town overnight. In September 2012 Eric Goldring gave you a perspective on Bordeaux that focused primarily on wine.  My perspective, however, is on the

I am a big history and art enthusiast, so I love Bilbao!Bilbao has a long history. Though founded in 1300 many seem to be under the impression that Bilbao only came into existence with the Frank Gehry designed Guggenheim Museum. The  museum, which opened in 1997, and the city of 353,000 it resides in, our

Guest blogger, and industry legend, Patricia Riley, has just embarked on a cruise on the Crystal Symphony cruising from Lisbon to Dover, which is essentially the reverse itinerary of the Goldring Travel 2012 Food & Wine Cruise on the Seabourn Pride.  She is on the same ship as I was in April 2011 when I