Drowning of a six-year-old in ship's pool raising questions of need for lifeguards

A little boy died in the swimming pool on a cruise ship this week. With nobody watching closely enough, he drowned. A woman who was poolside jumped in and pulled him from the water. Attempts were made to resuscitate him, but they failed. Once the first question (what happened?) was answered, the second question was… Continue reading Drowning of a six-year-old in ship's pool raising questions of need for lifeguards

An alternative to Hawaii, there's always an Alaska cruise — even for 11-year-old

You have a grandson. He goes on vacation with you pretty much every year, usually to Hawaii. But Hawaii has had some shark attacks in recent months, which makes you uneasy, so you're thinking a change of pace might be good. Also scenery. Ah, Alaska. Sharks have been known to go there, too, but people… Continue reading An alternative to Hawaii, there's always an Alaska cruise — even for 11-year-old

Norovirus vaccine results looking good: More clinical trials before it's available

Rightly or not, norovirus is known as the "cruise ship virus" because almost every time it surfaces in a public way, it's on a cruise ship. It also happens wherever large numbers of people gather, particularly in fairly confined spaces, and you need no other proof that it is not confined to ships than this… Continue reading Norovirus vaccine results looking good: More clinical trials before it's available

Carnival 'knows' how difficult it can be to find a good PR vehicle…unless it's a nose

The nose. We sniff with it. Sometimes we blow it, or pick it, stick it in other people's business. The nose can make the difference in a horse race or in the career of a celebrity, aka Jimmy Durante, Bob Hope or Michael Jackson. The most famous one of all may belong to a mystical… Continue reading Carnival 'knows' how difficult it can be to find a good PR vehicle…unless it's a nose

Gambling in the 21st Century Spreading to Ships in Ports and Pool Decks on Ships

Sometime soon, which is to say in the next few months, nine of Celebrity's 11 ships will be outfitted with technology that will allow passengers to gamble on their phones and/or tablets while on a ship that's in international waters. Bringing the casino to the patrons, as it were. About the time this was announced,… Continue reading Gambling in the 21st Century Spreading to Ships in Ports and Pool Decks on Ships