Starbucks at Sea Just The Beginning?

When it comes to Starbucks, we’re pretty much originals. It seems like longer than 13 years ago when we started enjoying cappuccinos at the now-famous coffee house but it isn’t, because until 13 years ago the only Starbucks in existence was in Seattle, and we weren’t in it. So let’s make it an even dozen… Continue reading Starbucks at Sea Just The Beginning?

Those Who Help the Haitian Cause

Once a sports writer, I still have a special appreciation for chroniclers of the games with a special gift for stringing words together. Like Mitch Albom (left), arguably America’s best sports columnist of his time. I love his writing but, far more than that, I love his humanity. Haiti. All of us cringed when the… Continue reading Those Who Help the Haitian Cause

Norwegian stepping up to the plate

We’d been gone a long time. Too long. Nobody who enjoys cruise ships as much as we do should ever have gone years between cruises, and we did. Norwegian brought us back. Two words was all it took to get us back on board — freestyle dining. NCL calls it Freestyle Cruising now (the capitals,… Continue reading Norwegian stepping up to the plate

Cruise Line's New Meaning for 'Allure'

It was three years ago, in Las Vegas. We’d bought discount tickets to see George Strait at the MGM Grand, because we’d never seen him before and everybody should. Opening for Straight was Ronnie Milsap, an old country crooner known for overcoming blindness whom we’d also never seen — and were glad that we did.… Continue reading Cruise Line's New Meaning for 'Allure'

Cruising Notes on the Boats

THE RIGHT PRICE………………………………………………………….$299 November 7-14-28, 2010: 7 days, Caribbean, Miami round-trip Ship: Norwegian Pearl Extra: $25 onboard credit per inside cabin Ports: Eastern Caribbean (Nov. 14-28), Western Caribbean (Nov. 7) Contact: American Discount Cruises and Travel Celebrity Cruises was reporting yesterday that it is repairing the broken rudders on the Century and everything’s looking good.… Continue reading Cruising Notes on the Boats