Carnival was first celebrated in Mobile 312 years ago, before there were cruise ships bearing the name. There is a Carnival season in the Alabama seaport, the state’s third-largest city. It starts in November and runs through February or sometimes March, depend on the date of Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Carnival arrived… Continue reading Carnival Commits to Mobile
Love, Love, Love — That’s Princess
Princess has a perk that only this cruise line can legitimately offer: free love stories for passengers to enjoy while cruising. Only Princess has a well-known history that includes “The Love Boat.” The cruise line has always made the most of the TV show of the same name. Gavin MacLeod, aka Captain Stubing, has been… Continue reading Love, Love, Love — That’s Princess
Alaska’s Jewelry Wars Continue
If you’ve ever been to Juneau, then you have some idea how many jewelry stores there are within walking distance of Alaska cruise ships. If you’ve ever gone to a shore-excursion presentation on a ship, you also know how there is almost always one about the jewelry stores. As passengers who generally avoid both, we’re… Continue reading Alaska’s Jewelry Wars Continue
A French Landmark Back In Saigon
SAIGON — A sign of the times in Vietnam’s southernmost city is Le Meridien Saigon. A member of the Starwood chain and arguably this city’s most modern hotel, it officially opened this weekend, still something of a secret to taxi drivers who haven’t ferried enough guests there in the weeks leading up to the ceremonial… Continue reading A French Landmark Back In Saigon
Friday File: Why Cruisers Go To Alaska
As another Alaska cruise season comes to a close, it’s appropriate to reflect on what draws cruisers in particular and tourists in general to the 49th state. The main attractions — at least from our two visits, the most recent on the Star Princess — are mountains, glaciers and wildlife…and not necessarily in that order.… Continue reading Friday File: Why Cruisers Go To Alaska