Playing the Cruise Tipping Game

Tip can be a four-letter word on cruise ships. When do you tip, when don’t you tip? The rule of thumb is that you pay $10 or more per-person per-day, and that’s it. Well, that used to be the rule of thumb. People on vacations generally prefer some form of all-inclusivity, even with tipping. Today,… Continue reading Playing the Cruise Tipping Game

Cruise Art Auctions…Really?

Many of the cruise ships we have frequented have had extensive displays of artwork, lining the walls of the ship and enticing passengers to attend an auction — with free champagne — so they can take home a souvenir of their cruise. It’s a concept that’s always left us colder than sitting by the pool… Continue reading Cruise Art Auctions…Really?

Barcelona's Cruise Ship Bonanza

For months, we’ve been hearing about how European countries are on the verge of bankruptcy…first Greece, then Ireland, Spain, Portugal and even Italy. While it’s not exactly a bailout, cruising is giving Spain a shot in the arm, at least this week. Last Saturday, eight cruise ships delivered 31,000 passengers to Barcelona. This weekend, nine… Continue reading Barcelona's Cruise Ship Bonanza

Having Fun…'Friends of Bill W'

One of our dearest friends, Jean-Guy Pelletier, passed away suddenly a few weeks ago, but he will live in us forever, for too many reasons to explain here. One reason, however, will be with us every time we set foot on a cruise ship. Our friend was proof that you can have fun without drinking.… Continue reading Having Fun…'Friends of Bill W'