Princess Expanding Japan Market

Frankly, there was a time when Japan was never on our radar. There was also a time when it wasn't on the radar for most cruise lines, and now Princess is doubling the number of ships it has based there, from one to two, as the industry continues to grow in Asia. Next year, the… Continue reading Princess Expanding Japan Market

A Slam Dunk: Breakaway's next

Before Norwegian Cruise Line came calling, Harrison "Slam" Allen had been on a cruise ship once. It was in Scandinavia, at the Hooter Blues Festival — not the Hooters you're thinking of, but a tour orchestrated by Maury "Hooter" Saslaff. Slam Allen parlayed his maiden voyage into a multi-week tour of Finland, Norway, Denmark and… Continue reading A Slam Dunk: Breakaway's next

Royal's Latest on Wining Whining

On our most recent cruise, on the Norwegian Epic, we packed a couple of bottles of wine in our luggage. We know the drill. Take booze on board and either it will be confiscated until you get off the ship or, in the case of wine, you'll pay corkage to keep it. We paid the… Continue reading Royal's Latest on Wining Whining

Kool Cruisin' on Mexican Riviera

We went to see Kool and The Gang in concert on Saturday night.  The connection here — other than there were at least two people who love cruising in the audience — is that this soul or rhythm and blues, jazz, funk or boogie group is going on a cruise ship. So if nothing else,… Continue reading Kool Cruisin' on Mexican Riviera

Caribbean Paradise of Many Names

As first-time visitors to St. Martin (or St. Maarten or Sint Maarten or Saint-Martin), the Eastern Caribbean island the Dutch and the French share, we purposely didn't know what to expect after disembarking from the Norwegian Epic. We were prepared just to let it happen. It started with John Salmon — "like the fish." John… Continue reading Caribbean Paradise of Many Names