Triumph (or Tragedy) Ship Returns

A cruise ship slipped out of a port quietly this week, or as quietly as a cruise ship can slip away from anywhere, and the reactions ranged from "Good riddance" to "Sorry you're leaving." The ship was the Carnival Triumph. That's the much-maligned Carnival Triumph. More than any cruise ship this side of the Costa… Continue reading Triumph (or Tragedy) Ship Returns

Breakaway's Inaugural Not SRO

  Tomorrow, the Norwegian Breakaway embarks on a pre-inaugural cruise. That's a cruise for travel agents and media, to give them a change to preview the new ship. On Sunday, it's the inaugural cruise. The first time the general public has a chance to sail on the ship. The breaking of the Breakaway's maiden, as… Continue reading Breakaway's Inaugural Not SRO

Alaska on Verge of Another Crisis

There's an interesting law being enacted in Alaska (yes, another one) this year that could impact the cruise industry. Specifically, it could impact how much your cruise costs to visit the 49th state. It has to do with clean (and more expensive) fuel, and it can get a bit complex, so we'll give you the… Continue reading Alaska on Verge of Another Crisis

Ships Becoming Sound Specific

When the Royal Princess makes its grand entrance next month in Southampton, the ship's horn will play the theme song from The Love Boat…and if you don't know the tune you weren't watching TV in the '70s. Princess calls it "a whimsical decision." Until now, to the best of our knowledge Disney was the only… Continue reading Ships Becoming Sound Specific

Walk For A Wish a Good Start

  Every time we go on a Royal Caribbean cruise, we make a point of participating in the ship's fund raiser for the Make A Wish Foundation. It just seems like the right thing to do and while clearly we are not alone, you have to wonder why more people don't do it. Three days… Continue reading Walk For A Wish a Good Start