Cruise for a Cause — a $600,000 exercise

They're everywhere. Some of them can be spotted by their license plates. Or maybe because they're wearing a cap that is their identity. Or maybe, sadly, because they're wearing a prosthetic. Sometimes, more than one. They are veterans. Vets are thanked, supported and decorated all over the country. Even on cruise ships. And no cruise… Continue reading Cruise for a Cause — a $600,000 exercise

Noordam Passes on Israel

  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

New Caribbean Port Coming in 2014

The first time we cruised to "Honduras" was about three years ago and the opportunity to do so was intriguing, since it was a country we had never visited…and it's always interesting to go somewhere new. Then we looked at a map. The ship — Norwegian's Epic — was visiting Roatan. Now technically, Roatan is… Continue reading New Caribbean Port Coming in 2014

Cruise Bill of Rights for Passengers?

This week, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) proposed a Cruise Ship Passenger Bill of Rights, in part as a response to problems passengers have experienced, most notably on Carnival ships. Let us say up front that we think a bill of rights is a good idea for cruise passengers. But…well, before we get to the "buts"… Continue reading Cruise Bill of Rights for Passengers?

Costa Questions: The List Grows

Everybody who has been on a cruise ship, and countless people who haven’t, can’t stop talking about the Costa Concordia, as the death toll continues to rise. As always, there are more questions than answers. Some that have crossed our minds over the past few days, in trying to look at the big picture and… Continue reading Costa Questions: The List Grows