Carnival in Hot Cruise Waters Again

The latest problems for Carnival make one thing abundantly clear — the cruise line must do something. Fast. The breakdown of the four-year-old Dream in the Eastern Caribbean this week is the latest in a series of mishaps, and it's turning Carnival into a bad joke. By extension, to cynics it's making a bad joke… Continue reading Carnival in Hot Cruise Waters Again

Celebrity Meets Specialty Demand

  When the Celebrity Reflection was introduced to North America in December, we heard a comment on the ship from the new boss, Michael Bayley, after he'd experienced the specialty restaurant known as Qsine. His comment had to do with the fee ($40) for dining at Qsine? "Is that all we charge?" he asked. It… Continue reading Celebrity Meets Specialty Demand

Drinking Age at Sea 'Land-driven'

Quite a few years ago, our daughter was 19 and legally allowed to drink in Canada, which is her home. Her brother, four years older, was working in Florida and she was going for a party…er, a visit. In Florida, the partying (drinking) age is 21. She creatively "became" 21 in the eyes of the… Continue reading Drinking Age at Sea 'Land-driven'

Perilous Time for Gem of the Gulf

  GALVESTON — Let's start with mea culpa. Full disclosure. We love Texas. From Houston to Dallas to San Antonio to Austin to College Station to Galveston. Great places to visit that made great memories. Ah yes, Galveston, a special place that doesn't always look special. It can be pretty, and it can be pretty… Continue reading Perilous Time for Gem of the Gulf

Scaling Back on the Food Issue

So you're worried about packing five extra pounds, are you, after a just-completed holiday season of over-eating? Relax. "So you're going on a one-week cruise?" said the dentist, his fingers and instruments making it impossible to answer. "I went on a cruise once and I wasn't worried about putting on weight. You know what the… Continue reading Scaling Back on the Food Issue