Even Cleaning Standard Cruise Ship Fuel Comes with a Price Tag

The good news on the weekend is that Carnival is going to try and make a cruise ship's fuel cleaner, in order to meet environmental standards going into effect in two years, rather than simply burn cleaner fuel. Cleaner fuel costs more. That means the cost would trickle down to North American consumers…the Environmental Protection… Continue reading Even Cleaning Standard Cruise Ship Fuel Comes with a Price Tag

Noordam Passes on Israel

  When it comes to cruising in the Middle East, clearly some things will never change. On Monday, Holland America directed the Noordam past a scheduled stop in Haifa, Israel. On Tuesday, the same thing in Jerusalem. Cruising to Middle Eastern countries is as predictable as talks between the Palestinians and Israelis…as what Syria might… Continue reading Noordam Passes on Israel

Venice Fatality Fuels Controversy

The controversy in Venice began when environmentalists claimed large cruise ships were causing erosion of the city's precious soil — and it is precious. This sounded like a story with some merit. The criticism escalated when the same committee claimed large cruise ships were traveling dangerously close to small vessels in the lagoon while going… Continue reading Venice Fatality Fuels Controversy

What Can Happen on Ship's 'Playground'

Here's a serious cruise incident for you to ponder: Last February, a nine-year-old boy on a Royal Caribbean ship suffered a head injury while playing a game similar to dodge ball. Participants were other kids and crew members from the ship. The ship was docked in the Bahamas. The kids were invited to play by… Continue reading What Can Happen on Ship's 'Playground'

L.A. — More than a Celebrity Stop

They say it's hard to believe that a city the size of greater Los Angeles (12-plus million) doesn't have an NFL team that calls it home. It's also hard to believe that a cruise line called "Celebrity" has never had a major presencein the City of Angels and movie stars until now.  As people who… Continue reading L.A. — More than a Celebrity Stop