Travel Maven Blog ...... David Molyneaux posts from TheTravelMavens.com

Unexpected cruising discoveries off ships and riverboats in Myanmar, Bali, Hungary

Cruise ship ports and their shore excursions often are highlights of a vacation voyage, especially when you are in unfamiliar territory.  

The lushness of the highlands of Ubud, Bali, as seen from the deck and private pool of a room at Four Seasons Resort Sayan (Photos by David G. Molyneaux, TheTravelMavens.com)

Before boarding your cruise ship or riverboat, port possibilities are well worth exploring on the Internet and in expert publications. Sometimes, ports — during, before, or after your voyage — offer unexpected opportunities for discovery.

Among my favorite off-the-ship discoveries during recent cruises: Teak-hauling elephants in Myanmar, where they are gaining a better life and learning new, less onerous, tasks; a lush resort and a lasting souvenir purchased at the home of a fascinating artist in Bali; and a delightful hotel in Budapest designed around music.

Refurbished R cruise ships R as classy as ever

Oceania's smallish Sirena shines after $50 million upgrade (but most of the bathrooms still are tiny)

Anchored in the Mediterranean off Saint-Tropez, Oceania Cruise’s sparkling Sirena looked like it belonged near the beaches and playgrounds of the French Riviera this summer. The 17-year-old ship, fresh from a $50-million drydock makeover, was as good, if not better than it has ever been. 

Oceania's Sirena near Saint-Tropez, France (Photos by David G. Molyneaux, TheTravelMavens.com)

The 684-passenger Sirena, which was built as one of the famed R-class ships of the old Renaissance Cruises line, is comfortable and intimate.

The ship, which arrives in Miami Nov. 25 (2016), has a boutique hotel feel, with plenty of nooks and crannies, a library for quiet relaxing, and several restaurant choices, including an elegant main dining room designed for passengers who want dinner without a set time or assigned table.

Koningsdam cruises on a high note, with a fine wine blending

Classical music on the Koningsdam

My first attempt at blending an expensive red wine on a cruise was a waste of fine grapes. Fortunately for everyone in the room on Holland America Line’s new Koningsdam, we had started with tiny samples before venturing into the concocting process for an entire bottle.

After much give and take, with kind suggestions from the expert leading our class, my final batch was a smooth, dry red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, two different Merlots and a splash of Cabernet Franc, all from Chateau Ste. Michelle vineyards, Cold Creek and Canoe Ridge Estate.

Blend is the place at sea to concoct your own wine

My private bottle, hand labeled Chateau Molyneaux Best Red Guess, was no $8 special from the low shelf at a corner drug store. The quality liquids might sell in a wine shop for $80-$90 a bottle, said the instructor. I carried it to dinner with great care and an appreciation for having a highly drinkable souvenir (wine class fee, $129).

Wine blending was a highlight of a cruise on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam, which, after an inaugural summer season in Europe, is now cruising out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.