Royal Caribbean just announced that it will spend upwards of $165 million to refurbish 10-year old Oasis of the Seas. It’s hard to believe this ship is nearly 10 years old. Read more…
First Impressions: Radiance of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
I’m headed back to Alaska again this summer. This time, deep into the interior. Getting to Alaska from Florida wasn’t easy. After four Amtrak trains to Vancouver, I chose Radiance of the Seas to go the northbound distance. Mainly, this ship is my transportation to Seward; the doorway into the heart of Alaska. Here are […] Read more…
Premium Cruise Line Adds EZpay Payment Plan
You may be able to budget for that bucket list world cruise, after all. Holland America’s new EZpay payments plan may make it possible. Did I mention it’s interest-free? Read more…
Sherry and the Recurring Missed Connections
When it comes to travel, nothing seems carved into stone. As least, not the way I travel. But I’ve never missed connections. Til now. Read more…
Carnival Sunrise Cruises from Norfolk Begin Inaugural Season
Carnival Sunrise cruises from Norfolk debuted last week from Decker Half Moon Cruise Center. This follows an extensive $200 million renovation that added a variety of food, beverage and entertainment innovations as well as stateroom upgrades, Carnival Sunrise inaugural season will offer four- to 14-day voyages to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, the Panama Canal, New […] Read more…
How to Travel with Pets Aboard the Queen Mary 2 Kennels: 2019
Cruise with your cat, dog (or ferret!) using Queen Mary 2 kennels. Update May 11, 2019: Information here is from Cunard Customer Service, the department in charge of Queen Mary 2 kennel requirements. What if your employer wants you to relocate to London. Or you’re lucky enough to spend a summer vacation in the pastoral […] Read more…
State-of-the-Art Small Ship to Cruise Alaska in 2021
I’m not the only one heading north to Alaska lately. Victory Cruise Lines has released new design details on their upcoming new ship Ocean Victory. Under construction and set to launch in May 2021, the 200-passenger ship is designed for cruising Alaska. The ship will be equipped with 20 zodiacs and dozens of kayaks. Guests […] Read more…
Cruising Solo: What the Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know
I’ve been a solo cruiser for a very long time and usually by choice. In the beginning, it was usually because a roommate had to cancel. But if you’re just about ready to commit to your first solo cruise or only have a couple under your belt, here are some things to know before you […] Read more…
Ultimate Cruise Ship Gratuities Guide Updated 2019
How to tip, how much, when and to whom? Your cruise is paid in full. All that’s left to do is pack your bags, head to the pier and board your ship. But keep your wallet handy because there are gratuities to pay even before your cruise begins. How much, to whom and when to […] Read more…
Another Cruise Line About to Increase Daily Gratuities
It was bound to happen. Following in the footsteps of Carnival, Holland America and Norwegian, Princess Cruises daily gratuities are about to increase. New Princess gratuities charges Beginning on May 1 and beyond, every passenger will see a $1 per day increase in their automatic gratuities, beginning on all cruises that depart on May 1 […] Read more…
8 Tips to Book Your Own Shore Excursions
The first time booking your own shore excursion can be daunting… Whether it’s your first visit to a new port or maybe your third or fourth, chances are you’ll want to leave the ship to see and explore your destination. There could be a zillion reasons why people choose to not buy a cruise ship […] Read more…
Norwegian Joy Inaugural Cruise Preview from Vancouver
Following a $50 million-plus makeover, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy arrived into Vancouver on Thursday, April 25, 2019. With her gleaming lotus blossom bow, the inaugural cruises mark the ship’s North American debut. Norwegian Joy was launched in 2017 and built specifically for the Asian cruise market. The second in the Breakaway-Plus class and now […] Read more…