Aloha! Are you thinking about a trip to Hawaii?  Having been several times myself, I understand the lure -  beautiful beaches, peaceful, relaxing surrounds, stunning scenery, awesome sunsets, great food and so much more.  And with so many wonderful islands to experience, how do you choose?  

The answer is simple - explore multiple islands on a cruise.  Whether this is your first visit or your tenth, cruising is a relaxing way to see the islands.  Enjoy a week or more island hopping, visiting top ports and small bays, exploring national parks, experiencing local culture.  Unpack once, no airport hassles - you know, just old fashioned down time. 

As much as I love to travel internationally, sometimes staying closer to home and getting to the destination (and back home again) in a few short hours is just "what the doctor ordered".  Less airport time, less jetlag....a perfect prescription.

Alaska and the Caribbean are top destinations for many who want a "quick" getaway - the standard 7-10 day escape.  These regions are tops for cruises, and for good reason.  Definitely fun, exciting, adventurous and relaxing destinations.  But sometimes you may just want something different. 

There a number of other cruise destinations  closer to home - from the East coast to the West coast and in between - that you may not have thought or even known about.  Different from the bi ship cruises, are you ready to try something unique, something that will get you away from the crowds?  Could one of these small ship trips be in your future?  

Home to the oldest Christmas market in Europe, Strasbourg is one of the more popular stops on a romantic Rhine River cruise, and not just during the Christmas season.  Aside from being one of the larger port cities on the Rhine, Strasbourg is also the capital of the Alsace- Lorraine region in eastern France and the official seat of the European Parliament.  The area draws visitors year round, especially from Europe.  Amazing architecture, culinary delights, a multitude of museums, beautiful parks, the Alsace wine region and easy access to the Black Forest have made this city the second most popular tourist city in France after Paris.

Nestled on the border between France and Germany, Strasbourg is clearly influenced by both countries. While the region is part of France today, German culture is an integral part of the identity. The Alsace region was French between 1648 and 1871 yet German