Norwegian, New York Now and Forever

  Here, in a New York minute, is how much cruising has changed: In 2003, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 sailed out of the shipyard as the longest, widest, tallest passenger ship ever built. It weighed 148,528 gross tons, was almost four football fields long (377 yards)  and 45 yards wide. She carried — and still… Continue reading Norwegian, New York Now and Forever

La Spezia to be Popular Cruise Port

  How do people who spend as much time as they can on cruise ships stumble of a new port? Funny you should ask. The port is La Spezia and, as you can probably tell from the sound, it's in Italy. Yes, we did stumble on what we now think is going to be a… Continue reading La Spezia to be Popular Cruise Port

Valencia Inspires an 'F' Word

  VALENCIA, Spain — As we departed this port stop during the Oceania Riviera's Christening Cruise, one word seemed to cover the experience of visiting Valencia. Fascinating. When the America's Cup came to the city in 2007, the port had to be re-built. There was some controversy and, in the end, an "open vote" of… Continue reading Valencia Inspires an 'F' Word

Oceania Riviera Christening Cat's Meow

  BARCELONA — The Oceania Riviera was our christening christening, which is to say our first. If you're like us and you've never been able to enjoy the spectacle of seeing a cruise ship become official, what follows will give you a rough idea what happens… The ceremony begins with the pre-ceremony. Acrobats tie themselves… Continue reading Oceania Riviera Christening Cat's Meow

Sun Princess Japanese Market Test

We are fond of Japan, and all things Japanese, so it's a natural for us to celebrate that Princess is making a serious attempt to helping our world be even smaller by cruising in a country that is largely ignored by cruise lines. Even if the cruises are designed more for Japanese travelers. Our affection… Continue reading Sun Princess Japanese Market Test