Royal Princess — Name Without End

In families of people, it’s never a good thing when one person is five times bigger than another, but in families of ships it’s quite alright. Encouraged even. So when a bigger, stronger member of a nautical family arrives and wants a name that’s already taken, it’s a given…and it’s not bullying, nor pulling rank.… Continue reading Royal Princess — Name Without End

Costa Joins Earth Hour Cast

When you feel like you’re a dinosaur, one of the phenomenons you don’t always appreciate is the significance of something like Earth Hour. Many of us didn’t grow up hearing about climate concerns and global warming and other environmental issues, so when they became popular rallying cries, we didn’t always…well, understand. You only have to… Continue reading Costa Joins Earth Hour Cast

Cruising to Chile — Past and Future

We stopped for lunch yesterday at a restaurant that specializes in soups. It’s owned by a man from Chile. “We had a great bottle of wine from Chile last night,” we told him. “You didn’t get sick?” he deadpanned. He knows better, of course, but often when we see him his native country is discussed.… Continue reading Cruising to Chile — Past and Future

Making Kosher Food on the High Seas

As you probably surmised by our name, we are not Jewish. However, some of our best friends….no, that’s just a lame attempt at humor. Our son-in-law is Jewish. We have many friends who are Jewish. So we’re lucky enough to know a little about the religion, the customs and the differences. On cruise ships, one… Continue reading Making Kosher Food on the High Seas

Misery Magnified for Mazatlan

Mazatlan is being treated more and more like a leper colony for tourists. Yesterday’s news was that the latest cruise-ship company to take a pass on the Pacific Coast resort is Carnival. It all comes from the perception — real or magnified — that Mazatlan is not a safe place to be, for anyone. Okay,… Continue reading Misery Magnified for Mazatlan