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
Category: Ports
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
A Break for Taking Kids to Europe
Every parent knows kids aren't "free." Every cruise passenger has heard of a variety of "kids sail free" promotions. Royal Caribbean has a novel one. It's called "Kids Tour Free" and it's just what is implied. Shore excursions for kids 12 years and under — try and tell teenagers that they're "kids" — go… Continue reading A Break for Taking Kids to Europe
Endorsing Jewelry Stores on Shores?
If you've ever been to Alaska then you have discovered, like us, that there can be a jewelry store on every corner…and sometimes in between. Of all the cruise stops we have made, Alaska's lead the league for concentrated jewelry shopping. So it's BIG business for those Alaska retailers and over the years there have been stories about… Continue reading Endorsing Jewelry Stores on Shores?
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