Cruising's F&B Consolidation

This is never included in the food-and-beverage announcements from cruise lines, but it seems to us they’re having some difficulty in (a) keeping their specialty restaurants busy and (b) dealing with complaints from passengers who feel they’re being nickeled-and-dimed every time they’re thirsty. As evidence of our supposition, we offer two items as evidence: 1.… Continue reading Cruising's F&B Consolidation

Starbucks at Sea…One More Time

The new parents in our family (no, guess again) met when both worked for Starbucks, so forgive the new grandparents if we have a soft spot for the coffee giant. It should be mentioned, however, that our affair with Starbucks long pre-dated the day our daughter met her husband to be. Last year, we visited… Continue reading Starbucks at Sea…One More Time

Things That Come with Being Big

The following is to give you some perspective, and maybe even an occasional chuckle, about the size of Oasis (also Allure) of the Seas, the biggest cruise ships on the planet… If you cleared the top deck, you could play three pro football games at once, and  even have room for a couple of rows… Continue reading Things That Come with Being Big

Dream Partnership of Royalty

What’s in a name? If the name is DreamWorks, just split it. The “Dream”…”Works.” As far as Royal Caribbean cruise ships are, it sure does. Last week, Shrek and Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda expanded their families. Or maybe Royal Caribbean expanded its family. The first time the famous DreamWorks characters appeared on a cruise… Continue reading Dream Partnership of Royalty

Cruising Upgrade for Irene?

Maybe it’s time for a new name. Maybe “Hurricane” Season should be called “Tropical Storm” Season — at least by the cruise community. The name change that could take place today is all about Irene. Weather experts could be saying “Goodnight Irene” to the ninth tropical storm to get a name this year, and change… Continue reading Cruising Upgrade for Irene?