Holland America Crowns 'King' Of Ships

Kudos to Holland America for moving into the 21st century…make that the 20th century. For the first time since 1873, a Holland America ship is getting an original name. It’s the ms Koningsdam. The ship will arrive in 2016 and be the biggest in Holland America’s aging fleet. Of the 15 ships currently still part… Continue reading Holland America Crowns 'King' Of Ships

James Taylor: smooth singing, sailing

Today, the Queen Mary 2 leaves New York for its traditional Atlantic crossing to jolly ol’ England. This is one Cunard cruise that is guaranteed to be smooth. Even if the big ship encounters choppy waters, the smooth and silky voice of James Taylor will soothe the expected 2,500-plus passengers roaming her decks. This is… Continue reading James Taylor: smooth singing, sailing

Disney Dolls In Demand — Five's Your Limit

Did you know you can only buy five singing Olafs? You don’t know what a singing Olaf is, or why you would want to buy…one…him? Then you don’t know Frozen. If Anna is the apple of your eye, no matter how many granddaughters you have, five is your limit. The same goes for Elsa —… Continue reading Disney Dolls In Demand — Five's Your Limit

Things That Aren't Going Well In Cruise Industry

There are two news items that continue to make the rounds this week which are not especially flattering to the cruise industry. One… A Holland America ship, the Veendam, arrived back in Fort Lauderdale from a cruise with more than 100 passengers ill with norovirus.  Comment: As we have long pointed out, this gastrointestinal sickness… Continue reading Things That Aren't Going Well In Cruise Industry

Mass Market of a Billion Cruisers?

Undoubtedly, you have heard the joke, or a variation of it. The (full in your favorite football team) made it to the Super Bowl, only to lose on a last-second field goal by… The punch line is: "And a billion people in China didn't even notice." Well, until recently a billion people in China didn't… Continue reading Mass Market of a Billion Cruisers?