A Quantum Leap In Cruising

  Earlier this year, for the first time, we boarded one of the two “biggest cruise ships in the world” and, other than size, the lasting impression that Allure of the Seas had on us was this one: What could be better? Different, yes. Classier, maybe. Cozier, definitely. But better? Well, here comes better. The… Continue reading A Quantum Leap In Cruising

When Iceland makes insurance wise

Beware Bardarbunga! This warning is for all travelers who might be headed for Europe, and that includes people flying to or returning from cruises. Can you say cruise travel insurance, anyone? This is not a joke. Bardarbunga is the name of the next Icelandic volcano, which has yet to surface. Last weekend, there were 2,600… Continue reading When Iceland makes insurance wise

Carnival Heats Up Ice Bucket Challenge

You’ve heard, no doubt, about the Ice Bucket Challenge. How celebrities and non-celebrities are dunking themselves with buckets of ice to raise awareness — and money — to fight ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It’s spreading much faster than the disease. That’s good. The first cruise line to get involved is Carnival. It will surely… Continue reading Carnival Heats Up Ice Bucket Challenge

Cozumel's middle of cruise central

  COZUMEL — It’s been a while since we visited this popular Mexican port and it doesn’t take long to see that something’s different. It’s the port. The one called the “International Pier.” The one that’s a short cab ride or a long walk — we have done both — from “downtown.” The one that… Continue reading Cozumel's middle of cruise central

Hotel Director As Great As His Ships

There are people in the Royal Caribbean family who firmly believe that Raimund Gschaider is the “hotel director of all hotel directors” and that’s at least part of the reason why his workplace is known as Allure of the Seas. So in our ongoing quest to provide you with the human-interest side of people on… Continue reading Hotel Director As Great As His Ships