CAPTAIN’S LOGBOOK

            

 I take thirty years of experience and put it to work getting you a real unbiased and transparent view on aviation, accommodation, restaurants, and any travel-related topics current or otherwise. My focus will be on Luxury Travel. The Captain’s LogBook will summarize the latest posts and a link to the story on Captain’s Debrief.

If you like what you see here, please sign up for free educational PDFs and future Newsletters.

Captain Vic

 

 

CHECK THE MENU FOR “NEW MEMOS”  WHICH HAS ARTICLES ON THE LATEST IN AVIATION

 

 

 

 CAPTAIN’S RATINGS

                    👍👍👍👍CAPTAIN’S CAP                     

                                 👍👍👍EXCELLENT

                                      👍👍VERY GOOD

                                           👍 GOOD                

                                           👎 NEXT

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: OCTOBER 30, 2024

Check out my review of OKKU JAPANESE RESTAURANT on New Year’s Eve at the MARRIOTT PALM JUMEIRAH RESORT.

 

 

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: SEPTEMBER 05, 2024

During my stay at the Palm Jumeirah Resort in Dubai, I was invited to have dinner at Smoki Moto which is located in the hotel. Smoki Moto is Dubai’s first fully licensed Korean steakhouse. See my full review of SMOKI MOTO!

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JUNE 12, 2024

After my stay at the MARRIOTT AL JADDAF, I had my Ambassador Team snag me a beachfront hotel for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations which would wrap up my trip to the U.A.E. See my review of the MARRIOTT PALM JUMEIRAH RESORT.

 

 

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: APRIL 03, 2024

The Golden Cap goes to my choice of the best airline of the current year based on my personal experience with added input from other professional services such as Skytrax. See the results for 2024 at THE GOLDEN CAP AWARDS

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: MARCH 09, 2024

 

 

On a recent trip to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, I had a chance to stay at some 5-star hotels. See my first review of the MARRIOTT AL JADDAF HOTEL.

 

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JANUARY 17, 2024

After years of travelling with other carriers around the world, I finally got a chance to book a flight with an airline that consistently is at the top of my annual Top Airlines choices. See my latest review on  EMIRATES AIR.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: NOVEMBER 17, 2023

See my review of this little gem in Waikiki. The often overlooked PRINCESS KAIULANI HOTEL.

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JULY 07, 2023

 

On my most recent visit to Waikiki, I had a chance to refresh my review of the ROYAL HAWAIIAN HOTEL AND RESORT. Please enjoy my 2023 impression of the Pink Palace of the Pacific.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: MAY 15, 2023

 

What a mess United created for my trip from Panama to Honolulu. See my review of  UNITED 1158.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: MARCH  23, 2023

I had plenty of time to visit Duty-Free at the brand-new Terminal 2 at Tocumen Airport and then I wanted to spend some time in the new Copa Club lounge. See my review HERE.

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: FEBRUARY  23, 2023

 

 

Panama City, or Little Miami as it’s become known, had been on my bucket list for years and years. Finally, in 2022, I booked my flight and hotel. Read my review on an extended stay at the W HOTEL.

 

 

 

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: DECEMBER 8, 2022

 

See my review of COPA AIRLINE’s flight to Panama City, Panama.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: NOVEMBER 12, 2022

My annual list of WORLD’S BEST AIRLINES for 2022 is out. See who made the list and why before you book your next flight.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: OCTOBER 25, 2022

 

Virgin ordered 16 A330neo-900 aircraft back in 2019. The first of them is now coming online. See my REVIEW for the latest changes and upgrades to an aircraft you may be flying across the pond soon.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: AUGUST 29, 2022

 

I’ve been going to Alioli for years on business lunches or dinner dining. See my review of ALIOLI. A must-read, especially if you plan to dine there.

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JULY 23, 2022

Finally, after a year and a half in one location, all be it a beautiful one in Hawaii, travel restrictions had eased and it was time to check in back home for a while. The best flight out was on United 218 from HNL to ORD connecting to YYZ. See how it went on MY FIRST POST COVID FLIGHT.

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JUNE 09, 2022

I had some time before my recent flight out of Honolulu so I decided to check out the UNITED CLUB LOUNGE there. See what kind of experience I had in this review.

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: MAY 25, 2022

 

If your requirements include upscale and romantic in Waikiki then you should read my take on HOKU’S in the wonderful Kahala district on this beautiful island.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: APRIL 22, 2022

After hearing about a fairly new restaurant in my favourite neighbourhood of Kahala, I got a reservation at the KAPA HALE restaurant. It was voted Best New Restaurant in Hawaii in 2021.

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: MARCH 29, 2022

Read my review on 53 BY THE SEA. As you enter the doors the real experience awaits. A grand white marble staircase and crystal chandeliers greet you. Then the real fun begins as you are escorted to your table.

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: FEBRUARY 24, 2022

 

Are you looking for Mediterranean food in Honolulu? Have a read on my recent visit to ISTANBUL RESTAURANT and how I found the experience there.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JANUARY 18, 2022

Here is my review of the VERANDA  in the fabulous Kahala hotel and resort in Waikiki. A must-read for anyone in the area who loves fine dining.

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: DEC 08, 2021

 

My assistant knows all the great dining establishments in Waikiki and she recommended we try Senia in China Town. See my REVIEW OF SENIA 

to see the full story!

CAPTAIN’S LOG: NOV 15, 2021

See my picks for the BEST AIRLINES OF 2021.

CAPTAIN’S LOG: OCT 12, 2021

 

My assistant had mentioned that MW Restaurant was known as one of the finer dining establishments on the island. Read my take on this establishment here.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

 

Fine dining at its best in Hawaii. The chef takes advantage of the unique Hawaiian climate and local ingredients to create signature dishes that reach the high standards of French and Italian cuisine. See my review of BERNINI for the details.

CAPTAIN’S LOG: AUGUST 28, 2021

 

See my review of RIGO SPANISH ITALIAN restaurant to learn about my 

experience and what they have to offer.

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: AUGUST 14, 2021

See my review of the iconic HAU TREE restaurant in Waikiki. Its beachside dining is a local favourite.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JULY 20, 2021

See my review on TBD by Vikram Garg. It’s located in Waikiki’s trendy Gold Coast at The Lotus Honolulu Hotel.

 

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: MARCH 23, 2021

 

I had a chance to stay at the Sheraton Waikiki recently. Read my review of LIVING ON THE EDGE  for the full story.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: MARCH 03, 2021

Did you ever wonder where in the world you might find the best beach hotel? Have a look at this post I call LUXURY WITH ALOHA and decide for yourself.

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JANUARY 9, 2021

WHAT’S IT LIKE FLYING AND TRAVELLING ALMOST ONE YEAR INTO THE COVID19 PANDEMIC? THIS REVIEW ON FIRST FLIGHT BACK WILL GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT TO EXPECT. CHECK IT OUT BEFORE YOU TRAVEL!

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: DECEMBER 28, 2020

See my review on the trendy Et Al Restaurant of Hawaii for a read on my experience there recently. You’ll love it.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: DECEMBER 5, 2020

 

The FAA recently recertified the 737MAX aircraft after it had been grounded for more than a year following two fatal crashes. Read my update 737 MAX REDUX for all the latest before getting on board.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: NOVEMBER 25, 2020

I hosted a dinner party not long ago and decided to go for Italian fare as I thought this would be appreciated by all at the table. The ALIOLI RESTAURANTE  had been an establishment I utilized frequently many years ago and so I settled on it as the venue de jure. 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: NOVEMBER 7, 2020

 

Hungry for Greek in the GTA? Check out my review of a recent dining experience at COLOSSUS GREEK TAVERNA

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: OCTOBER 24, 2020

 

Looking for long or short term lodging near Toronto? Forget the regular hotels and have a look at my review on BOMBAY SUITES in Mississauga.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JULY 23, 2020

Wondering what it was like travelling during the heart of the Coronavirus crisis? See NAVIGATING THE PLAGUE for the answer.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JULY 18, 2020

Are you wondering if you should shell out the extra cash for your airline’s premium economy section? I’ve taken a look at the issue in WHY ARE YOU SEEING MORE PREMIUM ECONOMY                 

 

 

 CAPTAIN’S LOG: JUNE 03, 2020

 We’ve all been living through some challenging times and no doubt are ready to return to the daily lives we led before the pandemic took over the headlines. If you’re thinking about travelling when things open up then this article is for you. Check out THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: APRIL 15, 2020

Heading for the Gold Coast Australia? Want to stay somewhere upscale but relaxed? Maybe this is the resort for you. Regardless, you need to stay at the MIRAGE ON THE SEA.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: FEBRUARY 28, 2020

I was travelling to the Gold Coast recently and decided to pop into the VIRGIN AUSTRALIA LOUNGE at Melbourne’s International Airport. See what my impressions were of this facility in Terminal 3 before you try it out.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Thinking about flying Virgin Australia. Have a look at my latest review of a flight I took from MELBOURNE TO THE GOLD COAST to get my views and perspective. Enjoy!

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Travelling to Melbourne and wondering where to stay? Have a look at my review of the GRAND HYATT in this lovely city Down Under.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JANUARY 20, 2020

Looking for a Vietnamese Restaurant while in Oahu? Read my latest post on THE PIG AND LADY situated in Honolulu’s Chinatown.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JANUARY 03, 2020

Travelling to Kauai? GO GRAND. GO GRAND HYATT KAUAI. Check out my review before you go.

 

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: NOVEMBER 20, 2019

Should you fly on the 737 MAX aircraft after two deadly crashes. See my investigative report MAX MADNESS on where we were and where we are today with this plane.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: SEPTEMBER 26, 2019

Read my latest take on the  MARRIOTT INNER HARBOUR  in Victoria, British Columbia. The hotel sits in the historic core of this beautiful city on the west coast of Canada on Vancouver Island. 

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JULY 22, 2019

 

See my review of WESTJET’S PREMIUM CLASS product. I had not flown on WestJet for many years but they had the right service at the right price for a recent flight out of Toronto. Find out if the product is worth trying out in this post!

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JULY 4, 2019

Although I normally don’t review artistic venues as part of my work on this website, I decided that this attraction needed some highlight. While visiting Hobart, Tasmania recently I made a point of visiting a unique private museum located near the city. See my review of the MONA for some insight as to what to expect.

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JUNE 4, 2019

When it came to selecting transportation from Melbourne to Penang there was an easy choice to be had in my mind. SINGAPORE AIRLINES AND SILK AIR  were booked for this upcoming trip. Read my review for the details.

 

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: APRIL 26, 2019

The town and the hotel I was staying at were rich in history, sights to see, and great food to sample during my visit to the PEARL OF PENANG. I take an in-depth look at this colonial refuge on the waters of the Malacca Strait. Don’t miss it!

CAPTAIN’S LOG: MARCH 30, 2019

I was on the red-eye from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport and had some time before the flight to relax in Singapore Air’s SILVERKRIS LOUNGE. I cover some of the details on this one and offer my take on this venue. Enjoy!

CAPTAIN’S LOG: MARCH 27, 2019

In Hobart, Tasmania, in the harbour at the end of innovative floating Brooke Street Pier, sits THE GLASS HOUSE dining bar. At the end of the pier(where ferries for MONA and Peppermint Bay depart) is where this eclectic all-glass structure was created by a prominent architect. Read my review and see if it’s worth a try on your next trip to Tasmania.

CAPTAIN’S LOG: MARCH 20, 2019

I was in “the mood for seafood” while touring Hobart recently and there was no shortage of choices or suggestions of the venue’s available. No surprise there since we were right at the waters edge in this great little city at the bottom of the world. Check out my review and find out why I chose MURES  for dinner.

CAPTAIN’S LOG: MARCH 7, 2019

I take a flight on Virgin Australia’s 737 and sit in Economy X, which is their premium cabin product offering. Read my review for the real skinny on flying in this section for domestic flights called VIRGIN AUSTRALIA’S ECONOMY X REVIEW 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: FEBRUARY 23, 2019

Looking for authentic Greek cuisine in a place with an atmosphere while in Melbourne? Look no further than LEMNOS TAVERNA

     

CAPTAIN’S LOG: NOVEMBER 28, 2018

EVA AIR was recently voted the number 5 top airline in the world. I recently had a chance to try them out. I flew on their business class which they call ROYAL LAUREL CLASS. See what Captain’s Rating I awarded them in this review.

CAPTAIN’S LOG: NOVEMBER 15, 2018

The SilverKris Lounge is Singapore Airlines offering but, luckily, available to Star Alliance travellers like Eva Air who I was flying on this day. Check out my findings on SILVERKRIS LOUNGE SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT.

CAPTAIN’S LOG: OCTOBER 31, 2018

I recently did a domestic flight that reminded me how poor most of the domestic business class products are in North America. That prompted me to post UNITED AIRLINES FIRST… OR LAST  this week. United calls its business class product First. I think you will find my review, as all my posts are, the real story.

CAPTAIN’S LOG: OCTOBER 21, 2018

There are many hotels in The Lion City, Singapore. What’s really 5 stars and has convenience written all over it? You could spend a lot of time searching the web to find an answer. Why not just read my review first in the CAPTAIN’S DEBRIEF? Afterword, check out my NEW MEMOS tab for the latest on travel.

CAPTAIN’S LOG: SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

Where do you go for STEAK in Toronto? There are many restaurants and steakhouses in the big smoke and it can be difficult to know which venue to choose. In this review, I present one option you may want to have a look at. Bon Appétit!  

CAPTAIN’S LOG: AUGUST 25, 2018

Emirates Airlines is one of my 4 or 5 go-to preferred airlines for flights over three hours duration. Recently I flew EMIRATES FLIGHT 405 from Melbourne to Singapore on their wide-bodied Airbus A380-800. There’s a lot to review on this big bird. Read my Captain’s Debrief and see if I was disappointed on this one or not. As with any of the articles you come across on this site, a comment is always appreciated. Enjoy the review!

CAPTAIN’S LOG: AUGUST 17, 2018

Something I try to take advantage of often while travelling is the Airlines Business Lounge. If you’re a frequent flier you tend to develop a repertoire of the best lounges available for a particular location. As many are aware, not all business lounges offer the same product. Some are, well, just plain awful. They make you feel like you would be better off just wondering the terminal hallways. Things are getting better as Airlines try to improve the total experience of their brands and build a loyal customer base. THE NEW EMIRATES BUSINESS LOUNGE MELBOURNE is a great example of this. See more in the Captain’s Debrief.

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JULY 28, 2018

While I was at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne I took advantage of a handy nightspot situated on the lower floor of the hotel called THE SPICE MARKET. Today’s review covers all the subtle nuances of this late-night retreat.  Please enjoy and feel free to leave comments.

 

CAPTAIN’S LOG: JUNE 15, 2018

It’s not unusual for me to spend time in Hawaii and Australia. Now, Australia is not an easy destination to reach except for its neighbouring countries. If you’re travelling to Melbourne from Honolulu the only direct flight available is JETSTAR AIRWAYS. Today’s blog is all about my recent experience on flight JQ2 out of HNL. Please enjoy!