Dealing with Disney and Alaska

It’s safe to assume Disney has impacted almost everyone, in some way, in North America. From TV shows to movies to theme parks to cruises, the entertainment giant reaches into our lives — and wallets — and makes us feel good in the process. Disney cruises, like the them parks, are upscale. That means they… Continue reading Dealing with Disney and Alaska

Some highlights from Cruise Year 2010

It was the year that… • Oasis of the Seas was replaced as the “biggest ship in the world” by Allure of the Seas, which won the competition by one-fifth of an inch, or five millimeters — the fact is the two Royal Caribbean siblings are identical in size when it comes to the number… Continue reading Some highlights from Cruise Year 2010

Notes on the Boats

THE RIGHT PRICE…………..$419 December 5, 2010: Miami (return) to Western Caribbean 7 days Ship: Carnival Valor Contact: carnival.com * * * Somebody’s standing behind one of us (that would be Bob) when he steps on the scales. A Holland America spokesman, John Primeau, says that the typical cruise passenger gains one pound a day on cruises… Continue reading Notes on the Boats

Notes on the Boats

THE RIGHT PRICE…………….$549 Aug.-Sept.-Oct. 2010: Venice return (Croatia, Greece), 7 nights, Norwegian Gem Bonus: up to $250 shipboard credit, 10% discount shore excursions; oceanview $699, balcony $949, suite $1,149; stateroom upgrades Contact: CruisesOnly * * * In anticipation of more cruise ships and passengers going to Alaska, the docks of Juneau will be rebuilt so… Continue reading Notes on the Boats

The Alaska Saga: Year One

Okay, figure this one out: In Alaska, there are substantially fewer cruise-ship passengers in 2010, but ticket prices are stronger than they were last year when there were more ships in the harbors. Got that? In the first season after the fallout from Alaska’s controversial “head tax” on cruisers, business is down by 15% to… Continue reading The Alaska Saga: Year One