Five Faves: Belly Up!
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
Carnival Brings the Sea to New Kid’s Program
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
New Carnival Vista on the Way
The world won’t see the 4,000-passenger Carnival Vista until spring 2016, but the first steel was cut last week at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy – signaling that construction has begun. Carnival Vista will be the largest ship ever built for the Carnival Cruise Lines brand
Carnival Ships on the Move
Much to the delight of local officials, Carnival Cruise Lines has announced a return of its ships to Baltimore, Maryland, and Norfolk, Virginia, in 2015. The line had earlier said it would drop the ports, due in part to increased costs of operating under new federal emissions standards. Carnival
Carnival Launches Name-Brand Concerts – For a Fee
Jennifer Hudson, Lady Antebellum, Daughtry, and even such classic rock groups as Foreigner and Chicago, will soon be performing live on Carnival Cruise Lines ships, as part of a first-of-its-kind shipboard concert series. For a fee, passengers will be able to see the popular acts perform in the
Carnival Shores Up Shore Ex with Guarantee
Looking to increase shore excursion bookings (particularly by first-time cruisers) – and to compete with third-party operators who sell tours at ports – Carnival Cruise Lines has launched an industry-first shore excursion best-price guarantee. It works this way: If you book a shore excursion t
Grammys, Award-Winning Musicians, and . . . Cruising?
Something is new in the fresh sea breeze and it has to do with the Grammy Awards. You know, as in award-winning musicians. And both Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Lines are name-dropping. A while back, Norwegian announced that the new, Miami-centric Norwegian Getaway – which was offic
We Love January Cruising
January is a bit of a perfect storm when it comes to Caribbean cruise bargains. You can expect great weather, yet it’s a traditionally slower period for cruising – with some people still recovering from the rush of the holidays. Fares for 7-day Caribbean sailings start at under $500 if you
Look for a Wave of Deals
As cruise lines look to kick-start the new year by getting plenty of reservations on the books, the “Wave Season” deals are rolling in. Look for opportunities to save on cruise fares booked between January and March, the largest booking period for cruises, thanks to the annual sales event. The o
Cruising 2013: A Year in Review
Just as in years past, 2013 brought some great innovations and unique enhancements to the cruise experience. Here’s a look at some of the highlights. The 4,000-passenger, New York–based Norwegian Breakaway made waves with its Big Apple–inspired décor and a first-of-its-kind expansive water
Should smoking be banned on all cabin balconies?
Should smoking be banned on all cabin balconies? Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises are the latest cruise lines to announce enhanced smoking bans. It seems non-smokers are winning the battle to make ships more smoke-free. The cruise lines say they are just following what customers are telling them. A C
Another Cruise Ship Bans Smoking
Remember the days when you had to push smoke aside to walk into a cruise ship casino or lounge? Fortunately, many if today’s ships have relegated smokers to tight little corners, if they are allowed to smoke at all. Now, luxury line Crystal Cruises is the latest to eliminate smoking in nearly al
Carnival Magic: Magic Spell!
Cruise Ship Review: Carnival Magic Spell! Get drawn into the newest member of Carnival’s fleet. By Lynn and Cele Seldon When the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic sailed out of Venice on its maiden Mediterranean voyage this year, guests discovered why Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship is much more
