Call it tipping. Call it rewarding good service. Call it paying gratuities. Whatever you call it, this is one of the most contentious issues among people who take cruises. Carnival is the latest to cruise line make news on tipping and/or gratuities, a subject cruise lines would prefer not having to address when charging more.… Continue reading Carnival tips the scale for balance
Vancouver Olympian as port city
When it comes to arriving in a port on a cruise ship, it’s hard to imagine a prettier one than Vancouver, the most recent North American city to become known world-wide after hosting the Olympics. We have spent a lot of time in Vancouver over the years. Even at that, when we sailed into the… Continue reading Vancouver Olympian as port city
The Epic's Memorable Captain
Cruising is such fun, and then real life intercedes. For us, this happened yesterday. We’d written a blog about Trygve Vorren, whom we met on the Norwegian Epic. We were told that he was a man of few words. His first language is Norwegian and, in English, he was shy. He is not always comfortable… Continue reading The Epic's Memorable Captain
Case Against Smokers Thickens
Earlier this year, there was yet another independent survey on smoking. Specifically, smoking on cruise ships. Doing the math was, if nothing else, interesting. According to the survey, 48% of cruisers want smoking on cruise ships banned. Completely. No smoking on the deck, nor in the stateroom, bar or designated smoking area. Butt out. According… Continue reading Case Against Smokers Thickens
Cruise Charter for 300 Cougars
You’ve heard of people going on a Cougar Cruise, right? Well, here’s a Cougar Cruise that will probably be news to you. Six days. Next May 28, starting in Nice and ending in Rome, with stops in Portofino, Cinque Terre, Livorno and Portoferraio. It gets better. Private charter of food and wine lovers. Gourmet wine-tasting… Continue reading Cruise Charter for 300 Cougars