Quick disembarkation billion-dollar answer?

  In June, two Royal Caribbean ships will be the first to dock at a $1 billion terminal (that's right, one BILLION) in Hong Kong. The new structure is called the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, and the ships will be Mariner of the Seas (June 12) and Voyager of the Seas (October 15). One hour… Continue reading Quick disembarkation billion-dollar answer?

Celebrity Meets Specialty Demand

  When the Celebrity Reflection was introduced to North America in December, we heard a comment on the ship from the new boss, Michael Bayley, after he'd experienced the specialty restaurant known as Qsine. His comment had to do with the fee ($40) for dining at Qsine? "Is that all we charge?" he asked. It… Continue reading Celebrity Meets Specialty Demand

Cruise Clientele Luck of the Draw?

A few years ago we were on the Carnival Ecstasy and noticed there was a wedding party on board. It's fairly typical for Carnival to have a lot of parties on its ships, wedding and otherwise, so it came as no surprise that a young couple decided to tie the knot on a ship. On… Continue reading Cruise Clientele Luck of the Draw?

Norwegian, Zakarian Double Down

Those of us who live in North America are north-south driven. Check out our winter escape habits…West Coasters head for California or Arizona, mid-Westerners go to Texas, and Easterners seek the sun of Florida. Once on a while, somebody crosses over, but the distance and time (changes) are deterrents. It seems restaurateurs have a similar… Continue reading Norwegian, Zakarian Double Down

Cruise Awards: Oceania Big in UK

  When "awards" are given in the cruise business, just like in any other business, they have to be taken with a grain of salt water. Voting being voting, it's always subjective because the results are based on opinions from people who are unlikely to have been on more than one or perhaps two of… Continue reading Cruise Awards: Oceania Big in UK