Reflecting on the Solstice Class

  Cruising's nostalgia buffs will be tracking the path of the Celebrity Reflection over the next few weeks. It's ship No. 5 in the Solstice Class, which many consider the finest class of ships in the business. Joining the Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse and Silhouette — in that order — the Reflection was delivered to Celebrity… Continue reading Reflecting on the Solstice Class

Unique Ship Bound for Miami

Breakaway from New York, or Getaway from Miami. Spin whatever meaning you wish on those two phrases but in the cruise business it means Norwegian Cruise Line is staking out some territory, which isn't the easiest thing to do on water. Norwegian's first new ship since the Epic in 2010, the Breakaway, is going to… Continue reading Unique Ship Bound for Miami

Godmother Breakaway from Tradition

Long known for its ability to change the culture of cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line is now leading the change in the culture of cruise ship godmothers, who until now have been largely celebrities, dignitaries and famous women willing to serve as figureheads…or all of the above. Their responsibilities begin with smashing bottles of bubbly against… Continue reading Godmother Breakaway from Tradition

Crunching Solo Cabin Numbers

When Norwegian's Pride of America goes in for refurbishing that will interrupt its cruising around the Hawaiian Islands next spring, four new inside staterooms will be designed for single travelers. Is this a glass half-empty or a glass half-full? Our esteemed colleague, Phil Reimer of Ports and Bows, is a big fan of solo cabins… Continue reading Crunching Solo Cabin Numbers

Both New Princess Ships 'Royal'

  This is an era of all things Royal, going back to the marriage of William and Kate, followed by the the Queen's Diamond Jubilee…and HRH's appearance at the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, from a helicopter yet…and Prince Harry's famous pool party… Anyway, you get the idea. So if nothing else, it's fitting that… Continue reading Both New Princess Ships 'Royal'