The latest problems for Carnival make one thing abundantly clear — the cruise line must do something. Fast. The breakdown of the four-year-old Dream in the Eastern Caribbean this week is the latest in a series of mishaps, and it's turning Carnival into a bad joke. By extension, to cynics it's making a bad joke… Continue reading Carnival in Hot Cruise Waters Again
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?
Cruising's Stomach and Stock
News item: 105 passengers and three crew members on Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas were treated for what was believed to be norovirus during an 11-night Caribbean cruise. The story went on to report that affected passengers responded to over-the-counter medication and that the Vision of the Seas was cleaned extensively in Port Everglades,… Continue reading Cruising's Stomach and Stock
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
Quickie Book Real Story of Triumph?
Some might call this a sign of the apocalypse…or maybe just a sign of the times in which we live. The Carnival Triumph has an engine-room fire and loses power. The ship lists in open water and five long days later is towed to Alabama. Within days of going ashore, one of the 3,470 passengers… Continue reading Quickie Book Real Story of Triumph?