One of the top questions I get from cruise passengers is “do I need a passport?” The short answer is yes. Sure, if you are sailing on a U.S. “closed-end” cruise (leaving and returning from a U.S. cruise port), you can get by with a government-issued photo i.d. and a …
Read More »Navigator of the Seas takes on water
Newsweek.com is reporting that the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas took on water on a recent Mediterranean cruise. “A Royal Caribbean cruise ship was reportedly forced to make an emergency stop over the weekend after experiencing technical problems and “leaking water like crazy.” The vessel—named the Navigator of the …
Read More »Titanic II to retrace famous voyage
Several years ago, news reports stated that a “Titanic II” was being built, a true replica of the original ship. Unfortunately, like any multi-million dollar project, problems come up. Now it seems like everything is back on track and the ship will sail by 2020. Cluck on the link below …
Read More »Cruise ship becomes a hotel for gas restoration workers
In 2005, several cruise ships became floating hotels in Jacksonville during Super Bowl XXXIX due to lack of hotel capacity. Cruise ships were also used to house victims of hurricane Katrina in 2005. WCVB in Boston is reporting that yet another cruise ship is serving as a floating hotel. “A …
Read More »Holland America raises fee for daily gratuity.
Cruise Radio is reporting that Holland America Line is raising the fee for daily gratuities. “On sailings after December 1, 2018, the gratuity will increase to $14.50 per person per day for non-suite guests, and $16 per person for those staying in suites. Somewhat ironically, the (Holland America FAQ) page …
Read More »Accessible Travel Advocate
I’m honored to have earned the designation from the Special Needs Group as a Accessible Travel Advocate. I recently completed a course to help me offer cruisers options to increase their mobility during their vacation. My daughter Brittany has always had a special place in her heart for those with …
Read More »5 reasons to sail on Holland America Line
It’s no secret to those of you who have followed me on social media over the last few years that I’m a huge fan of Holland America Line! My wife Marty, (34 years and counting) and I have over 150 days sailing on Holland America. Many years ago, a close …
Read More »White noise to combat tinnitus during your cruise
Millions of people in the world suffer from a serious condition known as tinnitus. There are two kinds of tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus is tinnitus only you can hear. This is the most common type of tinnitus. It can be caused by ear problems in your outer, middle or inner ear. …
Read More »Carnival Corp launches travel app
Cruise Radio is reporting that Carnival Corporation is launching a travel app. “Carnival Corporation has announced that they’re launching OceanView Mobile, the first travel content app from a travel provider. It’s available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. It will also be available on the company’s …
Read More »Jacksonville cruiseport improves check-in process
I just returned from a tour of the Jacksonville-based Carnival Elation and was happy to see they have significantly improved the cruise check-in process. As reported by Seatrade Cruise News regarding the Carnival Horizon, (see link at the end of this post), Carnival cruiseline recently installed the Mbark system at …
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