I’ve recently disembarked a cruise where I stayed in a cabin that was almost entirely under water. The cruise line described the cabin as “elegant and nostalgic,” and I stayed there for a week with my Dad. I’m not sure … Read more
I am really too young to remember a time when smoking was allowed in pubs, bars and restaurants in the UK. Up until 2007, in the UK, smoking in restaurants and bars was fine, but in 2007, a blanket ban … Read more
Trivia seems to be one of the most popular free activities at sea – for British and American cruise guests at least! Some people take it very seriously, others just join in for the fun of it. Trivia is the … Read more
If you are not used to cruising, it can feel a little weird to dine in a nice restaurant, eat a full meal with wine, and then… just walk out without paying the bill. If you are used to dining … Read more
Cruise cabins feel like nice hotels, and the minibar is often sitting there looking tempting but I will never touch it, unless I am travelling on a luxury cruise line. There are lots of reasons I don’t use the minibar … Read more
Most cruise ships today restrict smoking, but did you know one ship once banned it completely? Carnival Paradise, the world’s first fully non-smoking cruise ship, set sail in 1998 The total cruise ship smoking ban didn’t last long, though. Here … Read more
Many people dream of river cruising, but it can be expensive and out of reach for many. The “bargain” prices you see advertised are usually the lowest category of cabin, often called “water level” or “underwater” cabins. Don’t worry, you … Read more
Many first-time cruisers wonder if they need to leave the ship at every port of call. The answer: no, you don’t have to, and sometimes staying onboard might be the best choice for you. This article explains what happens if … Read more
Many sailors are superstitious, and it has long been believed that it is unlucky to rename a ship. But it is very common for cruise ships to change their names when they are sold or transferred between cruise lines. I … Read more
Lots of cruisers like to track their steps or log walks during their holiday. Cruise ships are great places to get steps in, with endless flights of stairs, promenades, and jogging tracks. If you have a tracker with built-in GPS, … Read more
Drinks on a cruise can be expensive, and depending on the cruise line, options for free drinks can be limited. One thing I always pack when I travel is a small bottle of “squirty squash.” Not everyone knows what squash … Read more
When I first started cruising, I was always puzzled by the Friends of Bill W. events I found on the daily schedule. Who is Bill W.? Why does he have so many friends, and how does he get everywhere? I … Read more
I’ve recently been on a cruise and I stayed in a cabin type that is rarely talked about. When cruise lines advertise their cruises, they’ll usually show off the biggest and best balcony cabins. They might quickly say somewhere that … Read more
Why The Cruise Globe is Taking the Cruise Industry by Storm Read the full story at CruiseHive here. From Tiny Shirts to Chest Waxing: Carnival Cruise Directors Boost Fundraising Read the full story at CruiseHive here. Glass Panel Shatters Suddenly … Read more
I’ve just booked a TUI river cruise over a year in advance! That is not something I would normally do, but this time it made perfect sense. I knew that TUI were launching a new river ship, TUI Aria, in … Read more
When I sailed on Marella Voyager, I was spoilt for choice when it came to places to eat. As well as the many places that served food included in the cruise fare, there are some speciality restaurants that come at … Read more
I recently took a cruise on Marella Voyager, where we had seven included restaurants to choose from. That is far more than most other cruise lines. Whether you prefer casual meals, sit-down dining or snacking, there’s something to suit everyone. … Read more
I’ve cruised many times with Marella and have always enjoyed the food. This review is based on the meals I ate on my recent cruise onboard Marella Voyager. There were seven places to eat on board, as well as a … Read more
Man Passes Away in Pool on Marella Cruise in Italy Read the full story at CruiseHive here. Changes at the Top as Norwegian Cruise Line President Steps Down Read the full story at CruiseHive here. Disabled Boat Nearly Collides With … Read more
I’ve recently been onboard a 12-night cruise on one of the oldest and smallest cruise ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. The ship I was sailing on was Norwegian Star. She was built in 2001, and she doesn’t have … Read more