Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it is unveiling a new brand platform and integrated national advertising campaign – “Cruise Like a Norwegian” – that embraces and celebrates the community of diverse vacationers who embody the passion, freedom and flexibility inherent in a Norwegian Cruise Line Freestyle Cruising® vacation. Cruising like a “Norwegian” is for [...]

I just returned from a seven-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. Although I knew what to expect from having taken Oasis of the Seas, I was still excited as I approached the pier and could barely wait to get onboard. For any ship to evoke such emotions in an experienced cruiser like me [...]

There are still a few cruise lines offering the authentic “at sea” experience: assigned dining times, afternoon tea and mandatory dress codes. CruiseMates recently did an article to re-define cruising; “Defining Cruising 2.0,” which represents the new standards that have replaced the older traditions of cruising. Traditional sea voyages, as originally defined by the great [...]

By Dave Beers (CruiseReviews Editor) – So you just booked your first cruise and they are giving you a two category upgrade!  You got a great deal, right?  Well maybe not.  Indeed, it is likely you were lured by a lofty and largely meaningless sales gimmick. I have long been bothered by the misuse and [...]

Two weeks ago I wrote a blog stating cruiser’s needed to take more responsibility for themselves… particularly in regard to purchasing travel insurance to cover unforeseen problems. This week’s blog entry is somewhat the opposite of that; that’s the cruise lines taking responsibility for their actions as well. We do occasionally see people coming out [...]

Every year the cruise industry conference “SeaTrade” has a panel of top cruise line CEOs called “State of the Industry.” Some of the funniest and most sobering exchanges I have ever seen occured at these sessions. I wanted to borrow the term for an update on how the cruise industry is doing right now. Royal [...]

Carnival just announced its intention to reinstate cruises to Mexico based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, which is no longer recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico. The umbrella marketing group, CLIA, (Cruise Lines Industry Association) for the North American cruise industry also released a statement today (May 15, 2009) clarifying [...]

The H1N1 was swine flu but the name has been changed. Pig farmers are feeling the heat and so are pigs in Egypt where thousands of them have been slaughtered, and the pig farmers are understandably upset, saying the cause is mere panic. The “H1N1 nee: swine flu” situation is overblown and the worst offenders [...]

It is time for the English language to invent new words for descending through the atmosphere. Technically, anyone who leaves a cruise ship by any means other than the gangway is “falling” – however, I am personally tired of media reports of people “falling from cruise ships” – as if it is the same act [...]

Carnival Corp. announced fuel supplement rebates if the price of oil is $70 or less for 25 days in a row. It has been 15 days. To be exact, the company said you will get a full refund on your fuel supplement payment if the price of oil is $70 or less for 25 days in a row at [...]