Kuki Side
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The Kuki Side of Cruising

Who is this man of moose-tery who has been with the Mates of Cruise since before the beginning of time? Does his real name matter? Not to us, he has always been Kuki - it rhymes with "pookie". (If you must know, visit his profile).

Will you know him instantly whence finally you meet? Only if spotted in his native habitat, the cruise ship blackjack tables, or sitting by the pool in a tanktop. But be forewarned, as he just might be in disguise, working as your waiter, your blackjack dealer, or even your butler!


* KUKI *
CruiseMates Cruise Director


Kuki's Virtual Cruise Reports

blue dot Silversea Luxury Cruise -- Feb. 2009   Go>
blue dot Holland America Zuiderdam Cruise -- Jan. 2009  Go>
blue dot Norwegian Jade Cruise -- Spring 2008  Go>
blue dot Carnival Freedom Transatlantic -- Spring 2008  Go>


Latest Kukiside Articles

Kuki Blog Update!
Will Oasis Ruin the Cruise Industry?
I may be the only writer in the cruise industry who isn't salivating, in anticipation of the arrival or Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. Go>
9-8-09

Kuki Blog Update!
Where To Buy Your Cruise
The most perplexing problem about cruising may be where to buy one. There is an almost incalculable number of places to purchase cruises. Go>
8-17-09

Kuki Blog Update!
Fore Play While Cruising
Admittedly golf might not be the first thing to come to people's minds when they are considering their cruise vacations, and choosing which itinerary they might want to sail. But, devoted golfers are a bit of a strange breed. Go>
7-21-09
Kuki Blog Update!
Could They Make Flying Any More Uncomfortable?
Ever since "way back when" I've had a fear of flying. They have me as soon as we pull up to the airport. What were they thinking making me look at a large sign declaring "TERMINAL" ? Go>
7-14-09
Kuki Blog Update!
Will Cruise For Food - Do You?
This past week I met, and had a discussion with someone who's never been on a cruise. When I meet a non-cruiser, and they find out I write about cruising they normally start asking questions. Go>
7-7-09
Kuki Blog Update!
Does the Term "Cruisewear" Still Apply
In last week's Blog we talked about the "Demise of Traditional Cruise Dining", and included some discussion of the moves being made within the industry that I viewed as moving closer to a amusement park or resort mentality/atmosphere onboard. Go>
6-30-09
Kuki Blog Update!
The Slow Demise of Traditional Cruise Dining
Over the weekend Celebrity Cruise Line became one of the last hold-outs amongst the major cruise lines to amend their dining room arrangements to include a version of "unstructured" dining times ,rather than assigned times and specific table seating assignments for passengers. Go>
6-23-09
Kuki Blog Update!
Which Cruise To Choose. You Can't Hear it Enough!
The subject of choosing a cruise that's right for you may be one of the most covered topics for cruise related web sites, and cruise advice columns. Go>
6-16-09
Kuki Blog Update!
The World Is Scary, So It's a Good Time to Cruise
We admittedly live in rather odd times, with continuous bombardment from the media on troubling world and local events; the all too familiar issuing of Amber Alerts for missing children;, dysfunctional families with issuing leading to tragedies which unfold in the public eye; job loss and other financial factors making a mess of people's lives, plans and dreams. Go>
6-9-09
Kuki Blog Update!
Cruise Bucket Lists
The Caribbean is the most heavily cruised area of the world, and that's most likely to continue in the near future as more cruise lines are leaving more ships to sail the Caribbean waters for longer portions of the year. Go>
6-2-09
Kuki Blog Update!
The Problems We Face Being Cruisers
Normally most of us (the cruise addicted) are very proud of our affliction. We don't waste our valuable cruise dollars on psychiatrists or mood altering medication because we know all we need to keep us happy is to have a countdown clock set for our next cruise; the shorter the countdown the happier we are. Go>
5-26-09
Kuki Blog Update!
Cruise Industry In Flux
The cruise industry is just coming out of the tumultuous efforts required to deal with the threats from the N1H1 (swine flu) Virus, and prior to that the hullabaloo caused by the outing of Royal Caribbean's "Royal Champs" viral marketing campaign. Go>
5-19-09
Kuki Blog Update!
Things About Cruising That Can Make You Crazy
As my job is to follow and write about the cruise industry one might naturally assume I am an advocate for the industry. And it's true in many ways. I am most certainly a fan of cruise vacations as I believe a cruise could easily be considered the best valued vacation purchase you can make Go>
5-11-09
Kuki Blog Update!
Take Your Virgin Cruise Memories With You
When we were married I had promised Mrs. Kuki a cruise to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. I had managed to avoid that commitment until our 14th anniversary. I finally caved in, and booked Go>
5-4-09
Kuki Blog Update!
Do You Have A Favorite Cruise Line? I do (Sort of)
On my Blog last week I answered one of the questions I'm most often asked. I thought I'd continue in that vein this week with the question I hear all the time... What's Your Favorite Cruise Line? Go>
4-28-09
Kuki Blog Update!
I'm Often Asked If I Ever Get Tired of Cruising
These days, in most cases when boarding a ship you'll find over 60% of the passengers onboard are repeat customers of that cruise line. I had always considered cruisers to be somewhat of an adventurous breed, and this seemingly high percentage of passengers returning over and over to the same cruise line seems to belie that idea... Go>
4-21-09
Kuki Blog Update!
What's Behind Cruiser's Cruise Line Loyalty?
These days, in most cases when boarding a ship you'll find over 60% of the passengers onboard are repeat customers of that cruise line. I had always considered cruisers to be somewhat of an adventurous breed, and this seemingly high percentage of passengers returning over and over to the same cruise line seems to belie that idea... Go>
4-14-09
Kuki Blog Update!
A Ship Within A Ship Concept VS A Luxury Ship
The latest catch phrase in the cruise industry seems to be "a ship within a ship". The phrase is used to describe more upscale cabin categories and amenities the cruise lines are trying to develop to attract those who are willing to pay extra for not only larger chunks of the real estate Go>
4-8-09
Kuki Blog Update!
Is Royal Caribbean Trying to Swim Upstream?
I'm wondering now if Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is also attempting to swim upstream. Economists throughout the planet have pretty much agreed the world economy is fragile at best... Go>
03-31-09
Kuki Blog Update!
Shore Excursions are a Profit Center Not an Amenity for Passengers
Originally when cruise ships began offering shore excursions for their guests, in most cases they were the responsibility of the ships Cruise Directors. Go>
03-24-09
Kuki Blog Update!
Does Attitude Make or Break Your Cruise?
And Does It Influence Your Post Cruise Feedback? A cruise is what you make it. I've often seen that phrase used on the message boards, particularly when someone has posted a less than glowing report about their cruise experience. Go>
03-17-09
Kuki Blog Update!
The Social Life While Cruising
While it's not likely the primary reason people choose to cruise, the social life you encounter once at sea probably has a lot to do with your enjoyment of the cruise,though it may not immediately come to mind as being all that significant. Go>
03-10-09
A "Day on the Job" as a Shipboard Comedian
Kuki, CruiseMates Cruise Director, takes on the challenge of becoming a professional standup comedian for one night.
02-16-09
A View from Both Sides of the Concierge Desk
Cruise Director Kuki tries out another staff job on a cruise ship.
12-01-08
Misinformation, Myths and Magic
Kuki ruminates on cruise research, rumors and romance.
8-29-08
A Refresher Course for First Time Cruisers
Kuki revisits his advice on what to expect and how to prepare if you've never sailed before.
8-25-08
Second City @ Sea
A talented comedic cast shares its improvisational skills with passengers on NCL's Jade.   Go>
5-28-08
 
Norwegian Jade - New Cruise Ship Review!
CruiseMates offers an all-new review for the latest NCL ship to hit the high seas - Norwegian Jade. The latest Free-style refinements come together.   Go>
5-26-08
 
Carnival Freedom Virtual Cruise
Join Kuki and 80 Cruisemates as they sail together across the Atlantic on Carnival Freedom. Daily Updates.  Go>
4-27-08
 
Is the Cruise Industry Changing?
Has the cruise experience changed? Or do some passengers have unrealistic expectations about today's ships? A perspective for new cruisers.
03-05-08
How to Write a Cruise Review
Writing a cruise review is a great way to make your opinion known. It also helps your fellow cruisers when they are deciding on a ship for their next voyage. Here's some tips to make the process of writing your next review easy and fun!
02-20-08
Behind the Scenes: The Cruise Staff
CruiseMates' Cruise Director Kuki tries out the real thing on Carnival Liberty.
02-15-08
John Heald's Bloggers Cruise
Kuki sailed with the top Cruise Director and reported from the ship on a daily basis. All the weekly events of John Heald's Bloggers Cruise here.
01-19-08

Comparing Carnival and Celebrity
After back-to-back cruises on each, Kuki evaluates the two lines' respective strengths and weaknesses.
01-21-08
Updated Celebrity Constellation Review
Kuki updates our CruiseMates cruise ship review after a recent voyage on this popular ship. How have things changed since her christening five years ago?
01-07-08
First Look at the Norwegian Gem
She's bigger, bolder and more elaborate than anything else in the NCL fleet. Come aboard for a first-hand look at this fabulous new ship, the Norwegian Gem!
12-19-07
Cabin Categories Abound
A few helpful hints on how to select the cabin category that best suits your needs..
11-09-07
Interview with Carnival's John Heald
Kuki asks John Heald, Carnival's Top Cruise Director, about his popular blog and its upcoming group cruise.
10-03-07
Let's Pack!
A few helpful hints, not so much on what to pack, but how to adjust your attitude about packing.
09-17-07
How to Evaluate Cruise Reviews
Cruise reviews can be a helpful tool for selecting your next cruise, but not all reviews are equal. Let Kuki help you separate the wheat from the chaff.
09-03-07
Which is Best ... Ship's Excursion or Private Tour?
Kuki examines the benefits and drawbacks of each so you can decide which is best for you.
6-18-07
Ship Smoking Policies are Changing
Smoking Areas on Ships: Few and Far Between. Here's a look at how smoking policies are changing on a number of major cruise lines.
6-18-07
What Is the Staff Captain Anyway?
Brilliance of the Seas' second-in-command keeps a finger on the pulse of all onboard activity and conflicts.
4-20-07
Is Gambling At Sea A Gamble?
Advice for slot and table players about cruise line "Player's Clubs" from someone who knows the score.
3-21-07
Romance At Sea
CruiseMates' Cruise Director Kuki asks our CruiseMates' readers to share their most romantic cruising moments with us..

Behind the Scenes Articles

Behind the Scenes: The Cruise Staff
CruiseMates' Cruise Director Kuki tries out the real thing on Carnival Liberty.

Behind the Scenes: Shipboard Menu Management
Kuki becomes food and beverage director for a day on Norwegian Dawn.

Behind the Scenes: Sanitation Engineering
Our Cruise Director learns how a ship can process and eliminate tons of waste and garbage.

Behind the Scenes: The Art of the Deal
Kuki sits on the other side of the blackjack table aboard Island Princess.

Behind the Scenes: The Butler's Tale
Kuki sees what life is like on the other side of the black bow tie.


Virtual Cruises - Multipart Series from Aboard Ships

Liberty for CruiseMates Virtual Cruise
Kuki leads a group of CruiseMates on back to back cruises directly from the Century to Carnival Liberty.


CruiseMates Cruise of the Century
150 CruiseMates Readers sail together to celebrate the New Year in style aboard Celebrity Century.


Vision of the Seas - Alaska Virtual Cruise
A Multi-part Series on Visiting the Northern Wonderland


Seabourn Legend - Virtual Cruise
A taste of luxury cruising with a golf pro in tow.


Let's Get "Lei'd" Hawaii Group Cruise
A CruiseMates cruise on Celebrity Summit in Hawaii was one of the best CruiseMates Cruises yet!


Celebrity Millennium in Europe
A European Sojourn CruiseMates Cruise!

Ship Feature Articles

A New Celebrity Century
Celebrity's 10-year-old ship will add new cabins, features.


Century Gets a Makeover
Celebrity's 10-year-old ship will add new cabins, features.


Packing Tips For Real Men
Kuki discusses his personal packing tips for a cruise vacation.


Teeing Off in Hawaii
Kuki presents his selection of top courses for golfers going ashore.

  • Costa Mediterranea - Cruising Italian Style
  • Princess Cruises' New Dining Options
  • A St. Petersburg Sojourn
  • Kuki Goes Transatlantic



  • Humor and Opinion - Telling it the Kuki Way...

    What We Love About Cruising
    We asked our most avid cruise enthusiasts what they love the most about cruising. Will the answers surprise you?


    Middle Age and Sexy
    How to get over shyness. Put some life in your step, a smile on your face, and you are on your way to the conga line of life.


    It's Not Easy Being an Alien
    Things were complicated before security was boosted, now as a Canadian citizen, Kuki and others face early morning roll calls and other indiginities when entering U.S. ports.


    Kuki's Bad Dream
    When his credit card fails him, our cruise director gets shanghaied.


    Golf Programs: I'm Teed Off!
    Kuki encounters problems when programs don't meet expectations.

    Dining with the Captain
    Kuki gives advice on not embarrassing yourself at the head table.




    Cruise Advice For New or Experienced Cruisers

    Which Cruise Line Is For Me?
    From Budget to Luxury, Ships come in four classes. Read about the mass market and premium lines. 9-13-06
    Group Cruise Benefits
    The fact is anyone can put together a group cruise if you have enough friends who will purchase cabins.

    Your First Cruise: What To Expect
    Cruise Director Kuki clears up some of the mystery about ships and cruise protocol.

    Know Your Ship Terminology
    It's easy! Find the pointy end of the ship and "port" is left. How do you know? look out a window. Which way is the water flowing? Face the opposite way, if the water isn't flowing, you are already in port.

    Buyer, Be Wary
    There is no excuse for a bad cruise, as long as the cruise line fits your personal style. They all differ, and it is up to you to figure out which is best for you.

    Cruise Price Protection
    You have already bought and paid for your cruise, but the price drops before you sail. Do you have price protection?

    Savvy Tips for Saving Money
    Cruise fares are still historically cheap, but the little extras can add up. Kuki offers advice on how to reduce your shipboard and shore-side expenses.



    The Many Faces of Kuki: click for pics
    Service with a smile
    Bar Tender
    Serving Pizza
    Dish Washing
    Doing Laundry
    Tour Bus Guide


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