Carnival was first celebrated in Mobile 312 years ago, before there were cruise ships bearing the name. There is a Carnival season in the Alabama seaport, the state’s third-largest city. It starts in November and runs through February or sometimes March, depend on the date of Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Carnival arrived… Continue reading Carnival Commits to Mobile
Category: Ports
Alaska’s Jewelry Wars Continue
If you’ve ever been to Juneau, then you have some idea how many jewelry stores there are within walking distance of Alaska cruise ships. If you’ve ever gone to a shore-excursion presentation on a ship, you also know how there is almost always one about the jewelry stores. As passengers who generally avoid both, we’re… Continue reading Alaska’s Jewelry Wars Continue
The Denali Debate Known To Cruisers
We’ve been lucky enough to visit Alaska twice, in 2009 and earlier this year, both times while cruising on Princess ships, first the Coral Princess and then the Star Princess. On both occasions, we heard the tale of the Mount McKinley versus Denali name debate, which was new to us. On both occasions, we concluded… Continue reading The Denali Debate Known To Cruisers
New Orleans: Big Growth Not Easy
Anniversaries are always reason for reflection, good or bad. It's now 10 years since Katrina. One word. That's often the case with things that are unforgettable — Hiroshima, Elvis, LeBron — because one word is all it takes. Katrina. It was the last week of August 2005. The hurricane that destroyed a city. In the… Continue reading New Orleans: Big Growth Not Easy
Friday File: Smile, You're On Cruise Camera!
Among the many benefits of seeing parts of the world from cruising is the happy people you encounter along the way. In North America, photo subjects are often reluctant to smile for the camera — in some cases, permission is requested or demanded. In many countries outside our continent, the smiles come readily from all… Continue reading Friday File: Smile, You're On Cruise Camera!