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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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. …

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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 …

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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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CNN reporter gives cruise review

CNN political reporter Ann Navarro gives a non-typical cruise review. “Bigots, not welcome. Simply put, there is no place for discrimination on a cruise. If you don’t like people of other races and ethnicities and sexual identities, you are going to be miserable on an international cruise. Stay home and …

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German pop star Daniel Kueblboeck falls overboard

The Daily Mail and German media is reporting that pop star Daniel Kueblboeck has fallen overboard of a cruise ship. “The 33-year-old achieved short-lived fame as a contestant in 2003 on the national talent show ‘Germany Seeks the Superstar’. The coast guard is currently searching for the singer. Kueblboeck was …

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The Cruise Genius on WJXT

Here’s my recent tv interview on WJXT, Channel 4 in Jacksonville. I always enjoy sharing tips, cruise deals and cruise news. Click on the link below: https://www.news4jax.com/video/last-minute-summer-cruise-deals Scott Lara, The Cruise Genius    

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