If your cruise ship docks in Osaka or Kobe, you might want to spend a day in Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto has over 1600 Buddhist temples, 200 Shinto shrines, and 3 imperial palaces, so it's easy to see why Kyoto is often called Japan's spiritual capital.

Our full day tour of Kyoto from the Seven Seas Voyager included guided visits to three of Kyoto's most important sites -- Kiyomizu Temple, Nijo-jo Castle, and the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Kiyomizu was one of the 21 finalists in the New Seven Wonders of the World contest in 2007. Each of these historical sites was interesting and provided a closer look at the culture of the Japanese people.
Kyoto, Japan Photo Gallery - Cruise Shore Excursion from Osaka or Kobe

Kyoto Photo (c) Linda Garrison

Princess Cruises launched the Ruby Princess in November 2008, and she will be youngest ship in the fleet until two new ships are launched in 2013 and 2014. I attended the Ruby Princess christening ceremony, and stayed onboard for a two-night preview cruise. Although the Ruby Princess is almost identical to her two sisters, the Emerald Princess and the Crown Princess, she has a few new features that cruisers will enjoy.

This profile has information on these features and includes links to almost 100 photos of the ship.
Ruby Princess of Princess Cruises

Ruby Princess Photo (c) Linda Garrison

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Anyone visiting Beijing should take a day to go north of Beijing and walk a little on the magnificent Great Wall of China.

Things to See and Do with Three Days in Beijing

Great Wall of China Photo (c) Linda Garrison

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The Holland America Eurodam is a real beauty, with traditional lines and a mix of elegant and contemporary decor. With the launch of the Nieuw Amsterdam earlier this month, the Eurodam now has a younger sister, and I'm sure that new ship will be as popular as the Eurodam.

My husband Ronnie and I enjoyed a delightful seven-day eastern Caribbean cruise on the Eurodam, sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Turk in the Turks & Caicos, San Juan, St. Thomas, and Holland America's private island, Half Moon Cay. The Eurodam cruise itinerary included opportunities to enjoy water sports and the natural beauty of the Caribbean, as well as adequate time for shopping.

These e-postcards home summarize our week on the Holland America Eurodam.

Eurodam at St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands of the Caribbean

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