The Avid Cruiser

I began my journalistic career at the age of 32, following the conclusion of my ’sabbatical decade.’ From 1980 through 1990, I bicycled across America, pedaled through Europe and island-hopped the South Pacific.

After backpacking through Bali, bussing through Java, hopping a boat to Singapore and crossing Malaysia to Thailand, I flew into Burma, tramped to Dhaka and endured a 32-hour train ride from calamitous Calcutta to bustling Bombay.

From there, I hopped a plane for Greece and traveled to Switzerland before returning home, where I settled, quite naturally, into a career of travel writing.

I publish a magazine, The Avid Cruiser; and am cruise editor of Hemispheres, United Airlines’ in-flight magazine, where I write a column called Afloat.

The North American Travel Journalism Association, awarded my article, Ship Shape, which appeared in the September 2005 issue of Hemispheres, in the category of ‘Best Cruise Writing.’ I also publish C Magazine, a cruise magazine distributed in the Benelux countries, with my business partner in Europe.

Hanging A Right At Hamlet's Castle. Ralph Grizzle on his way to Helsingborg, Sweden, his home-base for covering cruises and travel in Europe.

I make my home in Asheville, North Carolina and live part of the year near Copenhagen, Denmark.

When in Asheville, I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, lingering in coffee shops and frequent trips to the gorgeous Biltmore Estate.

When in Scandinavia, I enjoy biking, lingering in coffee shops and trying to learn Scandinavian words. 

To get home in Scandinavia (from Copenhagen’s International Airport to Helsingborg, Sweden), I go to Hamlet’s Castle and hang a right. No kidding!

My work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and numerous consumer magazines. I am the author of four books, including Remembering Charles Kuralt,’ a biography that Publisher’s Weekly called ‘a sweet and lovely homage, a welcome commemoration.’

But enough about wonderful me. My goal is to provide you with content that engages you and compels you to return often. Thanks for stopping by . . .

Bon Voyage,

Ralph Grizzle