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Stories from the Field — Outdoor Taste & Tour Blog
Stories from the Field
Trails, backroads, shorelines, culinary finds, and gear worth carrying — dispatches from the places we explore.
36 posts in Cruises
Alaska Inside Passage Wildlife Guide: What to See and When
The Inside Passage is one of the greatest wildlife corridors on Earth. Humpback whales, orcas, brown bears, bald eagles, sea otters, and Steller sea lions — all visible from the deck of a cruise ship or a small boat in the right season. Here is what to look for and when.
Baltimore Cruise Port Guide: Inner Harbor, Crab Cakes, and the Chesapeake
Baltimore is one of the most underrated cruise homeports in America -- a genuine city with a revitalized waterfront, world-class museums, extraordinary seafood, and easy access to Washington D.C. Here is how to make the most of it.
Barbados Shore Excursions: The Best Things to Do When Your Ship Docks
Barbados is one of the most rewarding cruise ports in the Eastern Caribbean — a proper island with its own culture, cuisine, and outdoor scene. Here is how to spend your time ashore.
Best Caribbean Islands for Snorkeling on a Cruise: Ranked by Water Clarity and Reef Quality
Not all Caribbean cruise ports are equal for snorkeling. Water clarity, reef health, and access vary dramatically from island to island. Here is an honest ranking of the best snorkeling ports on Caribbean cruise itineraries.
Best Shore Excursions for Families: What Actually Works with Kids
Shore excursions with children require a different calculus than solo or couples travel. Here is what actually works — by destination and age group — and how to avoid the common mistakes.
Best Time to Book a Cruise: When Prices Are Lowest and Deals Are Best
Cruise pricing is not random. Knowing when to book -- and when to wait -- can save you hundreds of dollars on the exact same cabin. Here is how cruise pricing works and when to pull the trigger.
Caribbean Fishing Charters: The Best Ports for Deep Sea and Sport Fishing
The Caribbean offers some of the finest sport fishing in the world -- blue marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and bonefish in waters that are warm, clear, and productive year-round. Here is how to find the right charter at the right port.
Charleston Cruise Port Guide: History, Food, and the Antebellum South
Charleston is one of America's most beautiful cities -- a preserved antebellum streetscape, extraordinary food, and a history that is both magnificent and deeply complicated. Here is how to make the most of a port day in the Holy City.
Cozumel Diving and Snorkeling: The Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Cozumel sits on top of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second-largest coral reef system on Earth. For divers and snorkelers, it is one of the best cruise ports in the world. Here is how to make the most of it.
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