by Paul Motter
The Sapphire Princess is one of the largest ships remaining on the West Coast, mostly based in Los Angeles and sailing on unusual itineraries to Mexico, Hawaii, California Wine Country and Alaska.
02-09-12
by Paul Motter
A gourmand's delight, the Marina proudly prepares a cornucopia of culinary creations that rival the food offerings on luxury lines. 01-26-12
by Janice Wald Henderson
Nobu Matsuhisa, will grace a Crystal Serenity sailing with his presence, personally preparing dishes and teaching a cooking class. 01-24-12
by Paul Motter
While some cruise lines are all-inclusive, most others expect passengers to reward gratuities according to proper cruise etiquette. 12-22-11
by Jason Leppert
With the introduction of Voyager of the Seas to New Orleans, Royal Caribbean heralds its return to the Mississippi port city. 12-05-11
by Paul Motter
Royal Caribbean will be placing Apple iPads in every stateroom - starting with the "currently under renovation" Splendour of the Seas.
11-25-11
by Paul Motter
My first time on The Yachts of Seabourn, long known as one of the best cruise lines in the world, and my first New England – Canada journey.
11-04-11
by Paul Motter
Rick Steves has just written a book called "Rick Steves' Mediterranean Cruise Ports" - a guide to seeing Europe by cruise ship.
11-03-11
by Paul Motter
My first sailing experience with Seabourn Cruises finally fills a gap in my cruise experience that has haunted me for the last five years. So, how did it go? 10-28-11
by Paul Motter
The Mississippi has not had regular cruises since 2008, but a remade American Queen a brand new steamship will both launch in 2012.
9-12-11
by Paul Motter
Rick Ehlert was aboard the Holland America Ryndam when he decided to let the anchor go - just for fun. Now he faces a possible 20 years in prison
8-25-11
The Carnival Breeze sports a surprisingly subdued interior not based on a Joe Farcus design. Do you like the new look? Or is it "Just not Carnival?"
8-22-11
by Paul Motter
European riverboat cruises, such as those offered by Viking River Cruises, provide exceptional onboard experiences plus fascinating historical insights.
8-18-11
by Jason Leppert
The "ship within a ship" cruising option, with exclusive access to solitude, is beneficial to some and controversial to others.
8-16-11
by Paul Motter
The Rock Legends Cruise coming this December has ZZ Top, Molly Hatchet, Marshall Tucker, Steppenwolf, Dickie Betts, Edgar Winter, Johnnie Winter.
8-12-11
By Douglas MacKinnon
I thought it would be fun to replicate the movie "Out To Sea," with Jack Lemmon and Walter Mathau, by taking my brother on a cruise. 7-25-11
by Judy Cuervo
Norwegian's new ships will introduce "The Haven," a complex of extravagant suites with private pools, restaurants and concierge. 7-19-11
by Paul Motter
It is important to draw the distinction between a boat like the Bulgaria and river cruise operators like Viking River Cruises, Uniworld and AMA Waterways offering Real Russia river cruises. 7-14-11
by Paul Motter
Now you can see "behind the scenes" on tours offered by Norwegian, Princess, Carnival and - announced just yesterday - Royal Caribbean. 7-7-11
by Paul Motter
Are there any two words in the English language more enticing than "world cruise?" We have an excellent choice of bargains this coming season.
Go> 6-30-11
by Paul Motter
Don't go overboard pre-planning your European cruise shore excursions. You may find better options once you are on the ship.
Go> 5-31-11
by Paul Motter
This one bit of knowledge can help you find the best cruise bargain and save money every time. And it's the most misunderstood aspect of cruise pricing
Go> May 20, 2011
Kuki gives us his final thoughts on his 14 day luxury cruise to Hawaii on Crystal Serenity. Sublime food but dining room service less than perfect.
05-18-11
by Paul Motter
Putting together a group cruise may be easier than you think -- with a little bit of organizational skill and lots of help from the right people
Go> 5-14-11
Shannon Kneisler told CruiseMates yesterday that together with Crystal she is working to put a full Golf Academy at Sea on the Crystal ships.
Go> 5-09-11
Cruise ships are some of the best and last representative bastions of the finest in human courtesy and culture. Our readers give us their list of common courtesy suggestions for guests on cruise ships.
Go> 5-06-11
by Paul Motter
The Rock Legends Cruise coming next December has ZZ Top, Molly Hatchet, Marshall Tucker, Steppenwolf, Dickie Betts, Edgar Winter, Johnnie Winter.
Go> April 21, 2011
by Paul Motter
Just before Bill Smith just left Crystal Cruises for a job at the prestigious Virtuoso Travel, we spoke to him about the New Crystal all-inclusive policy and standby fares.
Go> April 25, 2011
by Paul Motter
Next April 14, 2012, two cruise ships plan to stop right above the site of the Titanic wreckage and perform a memorial service for those who perished.
Go> April 21, 2011
by Judy Cuervo
SeaDream Yacht Club offers a very personalized experience on its 100 passenger luxury yachts - no matter where you cruise. We take SeaDream 2 for a spin in the Caribbean.
Go> 04-18-11
by Janice Wald Henderson, Cruise Style Editor
CruiseMates Style! Our new columns spotlight what's hot this minute in fashion, beauty and travel for discriminating cruisers.
Go> 04-11-11
by Paul Motter
One of the most popular west coast ships in California, Carnival Spirit, will be moving to Australia permanently in early 2012.
Go> 03-18-11
by Paul Motter
What is the role of a cruise ship butler, and do we really need one? We ask Leslie Philpott, purveyor of butler services to Azamara Cruises.
Go> 02-14-11
by Janice Wald Henderson, Cruise Style Editor
Welcome to CruiseMates Style! Our new column spotlights what's hot this minute in fashion, beauty and travel for discriminating cruisers.
Go> 02-11-11
by Paul Motter
Marina, the new ship from Oceania is finally here after five years of planning and building. The naming ceremony is Saturday.
Go> 02-04-11
"Royal Enhancements" puts Royal Caribbean on a hot streak, and Senior VP Lisa Bauer spills the latest strategies for singles, new ships, deployments, technology and staffing.
Go>Feb. 02, 2011
by David Yeskel
According to Holland America, I was the first writer to experience "An Evening at Le Cirque" aboard the Oosterdam in mid-November.
Go>Jan. 7, 2011
by Paul Motter
Weird passenger tricks lead to odd cruise news for 2010. Strange cruise news and other tales from the past year in cruising.
Go>Jan. 3, 2011
by Linda Pearl
Celebrity Eclipse puts a twist on the Solstice class from Celebrity with an Apple iLounge and Inventive cuisine in "QSine"
Go>Nov. 29, 2010
I just returned from the pier where Carnival Splendor is docked. I interviewed passenger Barbara Dillon who came into my midst directly off the ship with her friend Jan Holland. What a revelation!
Go>Nov. 11, 2010
Carnival Magic, sister ship to Carnival Dream, has a completely different interior décor, featuring lavender and green (!) and new public rooms. 10-25-10
The definition of Cruise 2.0 means balcony cabins, open-seating dining, broadway caliber entertainment, multiple dining venues at added costs and a Web component to every cruise. 10-14-10
Queen Elizabeth II officially names her third ship, her namesake Queen Elizabeth in Southampton, England, on October 11, 2010. The weather was beautiful and the performance went off without a single hitch - the Cunard way. 10-13-10
There are two reasons why cruisers make mistakes that ruin their vacations: The questions we never think to ask; and the things we neglect due to over-confidence. 10-1-10
While you can cruise to both Polar Regions, they are vastly different experiences. We'll examine the similarities and the differences.
Go> Sept. 13, 2010
by Janice Wald Henderson
Matt Sigel from Hell's Kitchen is interviewed by our Culinary Editor Janice Wald Henderson. Our own culinary expert meets our upcoming featured chef.
Go> Sept. 10, 2010
by Janice Wald Henderson
Cruise ships are like Hollywood actors; they often get facelifts when they grow old. Personally, I like stars to mature naturally, and ships to undergo the knife.
Go> Sept. 7, 2010
Cruise ship spa and fitness centers have something for everyone. A guide to help you make smart choices among the many treatments and workouts available.
Go> Sept. 6, 2010
Most disquieting, 56% of people responded that they believe they can get a better price on a cruise if they book it on their own - without the help of a travel agent.
Go> August 18, 2010
by Janice Wald Henderson
Cruise ships come and go, but hotels are "forever." To make the best of your Med cruise, here are some of the continent's best hotels
Go> August 14, 2010
by Paul Motter
21st-century European river boats offer the amenities of modern cruise ships; Internet, balconies and style included.
Go> August 13, 2010
by Janice Wald Henderson
Our culinary editor gives this luxury line the palate test. Will the food taste as good as it looks in these pictures?
Go> July 30, 2010
The New Alaska Head Tax can reduce your cruise cost more than you probably thought - but who is really making out with this new tax bill, and who is paying the price?
Go> 7-23-10
Cruise Ship Expert Paul Motter will offer a unique perspective of the best of Norwegian Epic by sailing on the new ship's first full 7-day cruise in a one of a kind Studio Stateroom.
Go> 6-18-10
Early reports of several technical difficulties have me hoping my seven day Norwegian Epic transatlantic crossing will not be more "epic" than expected.
Go> 6-21-10
NCL's final webcast before the debut of Norwegian Epic served as a good introduction to one of the most important new ships in the cruise industry.
Go> 6-18-10
by Eric Stassen
Symphonic Voyages will sail Mercury from Baltimore with full orchestra and special guests in a full immersion classical music theme cruise.
Go> 6-11-10
by Jim Graham
The original Windjammer Barefoot Cruises left a strongly loyal following. One new company claims to recreate the original magic.
Go> 6-08-10
Six months after her launch, the new mega-ship has exceeded expectations. It's time for an update on Oasis, now that she has hit her stride.
Go> 5-7-10
Our 2010 Cruisemates Cruise features chef Matt Sigel from season four Hell's Kitchen; We'll get behind the scenes at Hells' Kitchen onboard the brand new Norwegian Epic from NCL.
Go> 2-15-2010
Nickelodeon launched its first family cruise the summer of 2008. Due to its success, NCL and Nickelodeon now have a permanent partnership.
Go> 02-01-10
by Paul Motter
Silver Spirit is christened in Fort Lauderdale and begins life as a top of the line luxury cruise ship. We take a look at this 540-passenger vessel inside and out.
Go> 01-22-10
by Paul Motter
Forget flying to your cruise. A road trip to your ship can be less expensive and more hassle-free than more than you ever realized.
Go> 01-18-10
by Paul Motter
Norwegian Epic Studio Staterooms will be sold to singles with NO Supplement! These 128 specially designed staterooms rooms share a common area - perfect for single cruisers!
Go> 01-13-10
by Paul Motter
Now we have but one all-new next generation cruise ship debut to look forward to; the 4200-passenger Norwegian Epic from NCL coming in June, 2010.
Go> 12-10-09
by Paul Motter
First cruises for new classes of ships often mean unexpected problems. For Oasis of the Seas they happened on the two things I wanted to see the most.
Go> 12-9-09
by Paul Motter
Cruisemates is the first cruise site to offer a full review of Oasis of the Seas based upon a regular passenger voyage. Get the real Oasis story here.
Go> 12-7-09
by Janice Wald Henderson
Bon Appétit magazine has announced it is now branding cruise vacations. What exactly does this mean for food-loving cruisers?
Go> 12-7-09
by Janice Wald Henderson
Is it possible to eat in a healthy manner on a cruise ship? Absolutely, if you heed the advice of our cruise culinary expert.
Go> 11-18-09
The U.S. House of Representatives just passed the Cruise Crime Bill of 2009 making passage in the Senate the next step. Let's take a look at what is in H.R. 3619 - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Reported in the House). This bill is actually targeted at the Coast Guard and only a small portion of it mandates changes in cruise ship design and procedure. The cruise-ship related portion of the bill is below, and we will first summarize the points that have been most hotly debated.
Go> 10-24-09
The entire Oasis crew, 2165 people, is currently joining the ship in Finland and will sail across the Atlantic long before the first guests arrive.
Go> 10-22-09
Much ado came afoot when Royal Caribbean protested on the disinclination of British passengers to offer a gratuity at the end of a cruise.
Go> 10-19-09
Many music cruises are scheduled for early 2010, starting in January. These music-theme cruises have become more successful than you ever imagined.
Go> 10-19-09
Plenty of local attractions and the most convenient port and airlift facilities in the country make San Diego a fantastic port city to spend extra time before your next cruise.
Go> 10-16-09
Cruising to South America? Brazilian immigration authorities will refuse entry to anyone not possessing a valid visa which are nearly impossible to get.
Go> 10-05-09
Carnival Dream, the newest and neatest, biggest and brightest Carnival ship ever, has a whole bevy of attractive cruises for the remainder of 2009.
Go> 10-01-09
I admit I barely paid attention to the culinary claims of cruise lines before. I knew I liked the food on cruise ships, but I never thought to ask if it is truly the gourmet quality they claim it to be.
Go> 9-25-09
People have been denied boarding, put off ships and even banned from ever taking another cruise for a variety of reasons, some of which we have never heard before.
Go> 9-22-09
Viking River Cruises offers an extensive array of Yangtze River cruises with add-on trips to China's top attraction; Beijing, Shanghai and the Terra Cotta Army.
Go> 2-06-09
Oasis of the Seas' naming ceremony is a huge charity event for "Make a Wish." Pre-inaugural cruises include a Thanksgiving "Family Cruise."
Go> 9-14-09
How close are the Swine Flu outbreaks in Mexico to all of the regularly scheduled cruise ports? Not very close at all it turns out. See our full map of Mexico Outbreaks and cruise ports.
Go> 4-28-09
