The good news on the weekend is that Carnival is going to try and make a cruise ship's fuel cleaner, in order to meet environmental standards going into effect in two years, rather than simply burn cleaner fuel. Cleaner fuel costs more. That means the cost would trickle down to North American consumers…the Environmental Protection… Continue reading Even Cleaning Standard Cruise Ship Fuel Comes with a Price Tag
Tag: Carnival
Noordam Passes on Israel
When it comes to cruising in the Middle East, clearly some things will never change. On Monday, Holland America directed the Noordam past a scheduled stop in Haifa, Israel. On Tuesday, the same thing in Jerusalem. Cruising to Middle Eastern countries is as predictable as talks between the Palestinians and Israelis…as what Syria might… Continue reading Noordam Passes on Israel
Venice Fatality Fuels Controversy
The controversy in Venice began when environmentalists claimed large cruise ships were causing erosion of the city's precious soil — and it is precious. This sounded like a story with some merit. The criticism escalated when the same committee claimed large cruise ships were traveling dangerously close to small vessels in the lagoon while going… Continue reading Venice Fatality Fuels Controversy
A Break for Taking Kids to Europe
Every parent knows kids aren't "free." Every cruise passenger has heard of a variety of "kids sail free" promotions. Royal Caribbean has a novel one. It's called "Kids Tour Free" and it's just what is implied. Shore excursions for kids 12 years and under — try and tell teenagers that they're "kids" — go… Continue reading A Break for Taking Kids to Europe
Cruise Lines Catching Up (or On)
On Friday night, a 39-year-old mother of three officiated in an NFL pre-season game. A week earlier, there was a woman at the helm of a Silversea cruise ship for the first time. These things are one day going to be old news, especially the latter. While Sarah Thomas was the first female to be… Continue reading Cruise Lines Catching Up (or On)