Port Help for Cruise Passengers

We were in Bermuda. Standing on the dock waiting to catch a ferry from St. George's to Hamilton, we encountered Clarence Smith. He was wearing an orange jacket, which made him hard to miss, and since it said "Visitor Information" on the back and we were visitors… Clarence is an Ambassador — that's also on… Continue reading Port Help for Cruise Passengers

Norwegian Playing Its Belize Cards

There's a negotiation process underway between Norwegian Cruise Line and Belize right now and when you read through all the he-said, he-said, what it comes right down to is this: Democracy at work. Norwegian wants to help the Belize government built a new port, south of Belize City in a place where no cruise ship… Continue reading Norwegian Playing Its Belize Cards

Cruise Lines Like Big Apple's Taste

Last year, Norwegian announced it was going to make New York home for its newest ship, the Breakaway. Last month, Royal Caribbean announced its new ship, Quantum of the Seas (2014), will be "permanently" sailing from Bayonne, NJ, just across the river from Manhattan, which was the site of the press conference. Last week, Celebrity… Continue reading Cruise Lines Like Big Apple's Taste

A Fishing Xpedition in Galapagos

Multiple choice time. Which of these reasons do you think would be responsible for canceling a cruise? a) Fire in engine room b) Whale hits the bow c) Lobster tails d) Captain sleeps in The answer is c. Yesterday, the Celebrity Xpedition was supposed to leave on its regular, year-round weekly tour of the Galapagos… Continue reading A Fishing Xpedition in Galapagos

Holland America: new plan for ports

Just when you think there can't be any more new twists on shore excursions, here's a new twist on shore excursions. Holland America is bringing them on board. It's being called the "On Location" program and it's being floated out over the 15-ship fleet from now until the end of the year. The idea is… Continue reading Holland America: new plan for ports