What to Expect if Email Matters

One of the shocks for first-time cruisers, at least in the era when we were rookies, is that you have to pay for soda pop. Today’s surprise for first-time cruisers is the Internet. Nobody expects Internet access for free on cruise ships, but the cost can sometimes seem outrageous. So as a public service, this… Continue reading What to Expect if Email Matters

Celebrity's Silhouette: Truth is Out

Confession time. For many weeks, those of us who write about cruising and cruise ships have been saying the next big ship to arrive will be Celebrity’s Silhouette. It wasn’t true. Today it is. Yesterday, the keys to the Silhouette were turned over to Celebrity, and just like that Celebrity officially became the owner. Presumably,… Continue reading Celebrity's Silhouette: Truth is Out

Canada Cruising and a Name Contest

Cruising to Canada usually means one of two things. You’re en route to Alaska (west), or you’re going to see fall colors (east). If you’re sailing out of New York or Boston, it’s September or October and you’re off to see the brilliance of a Canadian autumn. That’s part of the problem. In the eyes… Continue reading Canada Cruising and a Name Contest

Creative Compensation for Pearl People

Would you swap Juneau for Bill Cosby? That’s what passengers on the Norwegian Pearl are doing — not exactly by choice — next weekend. If it’s not a good deal, it’s at least a creative one. Here’s what happened… Norwegian discovered that the Pearl needed some propeller repairs, so on Sunday night it will be… Continue reading Creative Compensation for Pearl People

'Glory' Good Name for This Ship

On the website and in advertising material, they are called the “Fun Ships.” Among people who like to cruise, they are called the “Party Ships.” Either way, they’re Carnival’s ships, and you might not expect perfection in the cleanliness department (we’ve all cleaned house after a late party). Not that Carnival — the world’s largest… Continue reading 'Glory' Good Name for This Ship