Monday Mantra Cruising Barefoot When novice packing mistakes seem to carry on. I will not make novice cruise mistakes…I will not make novice cruise mistakes…I will not make novice cruise mistakes… More than 35 years have passed since then and I now think of myself as a cruise veteran. I know how to …

Cheers to these five favorite onboard spots to grab a drink. There’s no denying that the themed bars, chic lounges, and bustling nightclubs found on today’s cruise ships rival any on land. The options are endless for cruisers seeking unique spots to enjoy their favorite drinks. So far, here are my five faves. …

Princess Cruises Plans Anniversary Cruise Back in the late 1970s, the TV show The Love Boat introduced many of us to the very idea of cruising. With a fictional crew helmed by Captain Stubing (Gavin MacLeod), big-name guest stars, an endless array of episodes depicting happy cruise vacations, as well as real Princess Cruises ships …

For cruisers who want to bring more back from their vacation than just great memories, Oceania Cruises has Bon Appétit Culinary Centers aboard the 1,250-passenger Marina and Riviera where you can actually learn some cooking skills. Bon Appétit Culinary Centers You slice and dice along with professional chef trainers from the Culinary Institute of America in a sparkling test kitchen …

Brand-new treats on both Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are geared toward an adults-only audience. On Disney, the indulgence is desserts. Exclusively on Disney Fantasy, a new experience for grownups is a five-course dessert tasting in the fancy French restaurant Remy. “Remy Featuring Pompidou’s Patisseries Dessert Experience” makes reference to the pastry chef …

I’m one of those people who enjoy being pampered with multiple courses served by armies of waiters in cruise ship dining rooms. But at some point on every cruise I find myself craving something simple — like a good burger. Apparently, I am not alone. New Cruise Ship Burgers Celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s …

Kids on Carnival ships will soon be making penguins out of Oreos, playing marine animal trivia, crafting their own sailboats, and designing their own aquariums in Camp Ocean, the line’s new marine-themed kids’ program. Launching in May on Carnival Freedom, Camp Ocean will replace Camp Carnival on all of the line’s 24 “Fun Ships” by …

In a move that came as a shock to many, Royal Caribbean announced this week that after an initial season in the New York market the line would send its newest (and presumably greatest) ship, the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas, to China – permanently. The ship, which debuts in November, has been highly promoted …

We love when the creative minds at cruise lines get going. The latest example: Crystal Cruises’ new shore excursions. Passengers can find adventure on Europe cruises on a tour based on the hit HBO show Game of Thrones and on a bunch of new, get-active bike excursions. First to the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Obviously you …