Dark Clouds Looming After Sunshine

Go directly to Venice. Do not wait. Do not pass go. Do not miss the boat. And while this is directed at those of you who cruise, there's a good reason for it. Having driven as close as you can to Venice in a car, and arrived on a cruise ship, the latter is simply… Continue reading Dark Clouds Looming After Sunshine

Get Ready for Olympics Cruise Ships

In the months between now and February 7, the world is going to read and hear a lot about Sochi. The Russian city is host of the next Olympic Winter Games, now that you ask, and it's showing up here today because seven cruise ships will be on the scene masquerading as hotels. Construction on… Continue reading Get Ready for Olympics Cruise Ships

Cruise Suits, Sickness and Singapore

Headline: Costa settles for $1.31 million The first reaction to this was something like "Who bought off the Italian judge?" However, on digging deeper (it's called reading further),  the settlement over the Costa Concordia accident last year is really a fine that means no criminal charges against the cruise line, ending potential liability with the… Continue reading Cruise Suits, Sickness and Singapore

Tales of Two Ways to the Sea

ON BOARD THE CROWN PRINCESS — There's a million stories why people can be found on cruise ships that go far beyond buying a ticket to an opulent vacation… * * * Dylan Belton is the senior doctor on the Crown Princess. That makes him a good man to know. It also makes, as it… Continue reading Tales of Two Ways to the Sea

Carnival to Mexico…er, Ensenada

Cruise ships were leaving Mexico with reckless abandon over the past couple of years, thanks mainly to growing criminal issues in the country, and now Carnival is going back. Well, sort of. Next month, the freshly-refurbished Carnival Imagination will begin sailing 3-and-4-day cruises from Long Beach to Ensenada, Mexico. This does not mean a return… Continue reading Carnival to Mexico…er, Ensenada