Travels with Bob
Travels with Bob. Our blog with insightful articles, travel tips, advice, destination reviews and cruise reviews by our president and author Bob Shaffer.
New Ships Elevate Guest Experience
In an era of cruise lines racing to outdo each other by adding over-the-top activities and experiences to enhance on board guest experiences, Celebrity Cruises gained an Edge over its premium-class competitors late last year.
Uruguay: A Special Vacation Destination
When most people plan a South American vacation, they usually think about the ABC countries – Argentina, Brazil and Chile – and possibly Peru as their top choices. Unfortunately, they seldom consider Uruguay, a gem of a destination with a rich culture and history, great wine and spectacular beaches.
A Perfect Day at CocoCay
All major cruise lines offering Caribbean itineraries have developed private islands to create fun-filled beach days for their guests. While each experience represents a great day at the beach, one island now stands far above the others.
Vacation Idea: Riding the Rails
Some 50 or 60 years ago, before completion of the Interstate Highway System and discount airline tickets, trains dominated travel in America connecting cities, small towns and people. Over time, as the pace of our daily lives quickened and air travel became more accessible, passenger rail travel ...
Trading Up to Luxury Travel
If you are accustomed to cruising in a premium stateroom or suite aboard a mass-market ship, or you enjoy large group land tours of 10 or more days, you may be ready to trade up to luxury leisure travel.
Destinations Overrun By Excessive Tourism
A billion-plus people – or about 15 percent of the world’s population ‒ will travel at least 100 miles for a vacation this year, contributing to the growing problem of “Overtourism”. As a result, iconic destinations ...
2020 Newsletter Archive
A Year Most Travelers
Would Like to Forget!
Many of us have experienced previous years we would just as soon forget ever happened. With less than five months remaining this year, I am now certain that 2020 will go down as the most forgettable year of my life – and probably yours, too! Read More…
When will the world reopen to Vacation Travelers?
I would surely tell you, if only I knew! Although certain destinations are beginning to roll out the welcome mat to tourists and there are other positive signs, nobody really knows for certain when we will regain our freedom to travel whenever and wherever we desire. Read More…
Leisure Travelers Hopeful for July Cruising Restart
As we celebrate the upcoming Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, many people may have thoughts of a summer vacation that may not be possible this year, with the travel industry essentially shut down and tourism continuing at a standstill. Read More…