Hearts Off to Ruby Princess

  In February, we were on the Crown Princess for Valentine's Day. There was a special ceremony in which passengers who were couples could renew their vows. We took a pass and opted instead for a romantic dinner on our balcony. After you've celebrated (?) as many Valentine's Days as we have, it's either redundant or… Continue reading Hearts Off to Ruby Princess

Carnival to Mexico…er, Ensenada

Cruise ships were leaving Mexico with reckless abandon over the past couple of years, thanks mainly to growing criminal issues in the country, and now Carnival is going back. Well, sort of. Next month, the freshly-refurbished Carnival Imagination will begin sailing 3-and-4-day cruises from Long Beach to Ensenada, Mexico. This does not mean a return… Continue reading Carnival to Mexico…er, Ensenada

Mais Oui! Chef Time on Wind Surf

Whenever our travels take us to Europe, we continue to have this argument…er, debate…er, discussion. Is the food better in Italy or in France? At various times, either one of us can be on either side of the…discussion. Now, Windstar Cruises is tempting us to do some research. As part of its $18-million fleet renovation,… Continue reading Mais Oui! Chef Time on Wind Surf

Veendam Labeled With a 77

  Here's cruise news which happens so seldom that when it does it makes headlines: Holland America cruise ship fails health inspection That was the headline on a cruise blog by USA Today's Gene Sloan. It was a headline because for the first time in 10 months a cruise ship didn't measure up to the… Continue reading Veendam Labeled With a 77

Splendor in the Scores from CDC

Whether it's the fire on the Carnival Splendor, or the sinking of the Costa Concordia, bad news about cruise ships takes on a life of its own. Like the remains of a seafood dinner, its smell lingers and lingers until it becomes a stench. The ship, meanwhile, is forever infected. Its 15 minutes of fame… Continue reading Splendor in the Scores from CDC