Ruby Princess is a big “I do”
In the world of cruising, Princess Cruises is known as the “Love Boat”. So it was no surprise that Princess’ newest ship, Ruby Princess was christened on November 6 in romantic style – with a live wedding ceremony.
Tipped off – computer glitch stiffs couple
The Johnsons from Utah had dreamed for years about their Alaska cruise. While scanning Cruise.com’s Web site they found a great deal on a 7-day Inside Passage cruise that included pre-paid gratuities. But a few days into the cruise the couple learned the tips weren’t prepaid and they would have to pony up an additional $147 they hadn’t planned on.
5 things you absolutely must consider before cruising
Cruising can be an exciting and very affordable vacation option. Of course, it’s important to find the right cruise at the right price for your getaway. With more than 160 ships in the fleets of the 24 major cruise lines offering thousands of itineraries worldwide the choices and options can be daunting. Here’s a primer on what to consider when picking out a cruise vacation.
That’s no Miracle: Carnival faces mutiny
There’s a passenger revolution on board the Carnival Miracle. The New York-based Miracle was scheduled to sail to the Caribbean, but could not do so because of Tropical Storm Hanna.
The art of cruise ship design
Ever wonder what goes into designing a cruise ship? Meet Carnival Cruise Lines’ chief interior architect Joe Farcus and find out how he puts the fun in the “Fun Ships”.
Friends don’t let friends take an expensive cruise tour
Don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars for a cruise line-sponsored shore excursion? You might want to consider going online and browsing Cruise Critic’s “Roll Call’ forums where guests booked on your cruise look to find other like-minded guests to share tours and save a lot of money.
The new megaships: wavy, crazy — and a little pricey
It’s a tale of two cruise lines, both with very different visions for their customers. Last week, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled the latest onboard amenities for their new ships. What can customers expect? Would you believe a zip-line, ice bar, neighborhoods, curved staterooms, carousel and outdoor amphitheaters? And that’s just for starters.
iPods go cruising
What’s the latest amenity on cruise ships? No, it’s not Asian spa treatments and it’s not Wi-Fi. It’s iPods. A growing number of cruise lines are now loaning out iPods, fully stocked with music, and offering tours and shipboard information as podcasts. Find out how the pocket-sized digital music phenomenon is a big hit with cruise travelers.
Bigger is better: Britons get their Independence
Will the world’s largest cruise ship that spans four football fields, rises 15 stories high, and carries 4,328 people play in the UK? Royal Caribbean is betting big that the brand new Independence of the Seas will woo Britons with a jolly good cruise.
Carnival’s ‘Man’ attraction
John Heald, Carnival Cruise Lines’ senior cruise director, has become the most famous cruise director since Julie McCoy of “Love Boat” TV fame. Except John’s not on TV, he’s taking the Internet by storm with his blog that boasts thousands of readers. Even more than that it has changed the way cruise lines interact with their customers by building online communities.