This week the US Centers for Disease Control issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice (THN) for cruise ship travelers - an improvement over recent guidance.  Still, as has been the case for a long time, the CDC’s guidance lacks context in a way that may be problematic for those choosing NOT to cruise...

In the first of this two part series we discussed just some of the ways that the cruising experience could change after things start up again - especially in terms of planning and arriving at your cruise.  Once underway, some cruise for the onboard experience, and others for the ports, so we’ll lay out our predictions for how those things may change as well...

COVID-19 has already changed most parts of our lives in some way.  At some point – hopefully sooner than later – we’ll start to return to a new normal.  When that happens, and cruise ships start carrying guests once again, some things are likely to change – whether for months, years, or longer.  Let’s play fortune teller and try and think of some of the changes we might see coming soon both before and during our cruises...

In the past several days we've seen one cruise line after another suspend operations because of the coronavirus pandemic.  Today however marked the end of cruising out of the United States for the next thirty days.  This has never happened in the history of cruising.  As someone who lives and breathes cruising, this is candidly a stunning moment - though also not a terrifically surprising one.  Psychologically though, this is probably a good reset button for me, and for the site...

Virgin Voyages is a new cruise line from Richard Branson's Virgin Group, and of all the things they've received attention for, perhaps none have got the internet's attention as much as the fact that they're restricted to adults only - no one under 18 may sail.  Disney Cruise Line has been around since 1998, and much as you'd expect with the Disney brand, they get much acclaim for their family experience, and how they cater to children.  These two lines may seem quite different at first glance - and they are, but there is one thing in particular they have in common, and it may very well help to make Virgin Voyages quite successful.

The US State Department issues advisories to inform travelers about potential risks in different places in the world.  This could be because of crime, political unrest, or other concerns.  Safety is important, but so is context and common sense. Let's go over what you should keep in mind when looking at travel advisories and in general, thinking about safety and security during your travels...  

Public opinion on marijuana has evolved rapidly.  Whether for medical ailments or just for fun, use of marijuana in the United States is on the rise, and whatever one’s reason is for smoking pot, it doesn’t go away when it’s time for vacation.  The legal and practical implications of bringing pot or other THC-laden products on a cruise are very important to consider though...

I've been cruising since I was a small child, and I'm not sure if I experienced a single cruise where I didn't return to my stateroom at some point to find a towel folded into the shape of some animal.  It might be a monkey hanging from the ceiling, or a swan sitting on the bed - but on my next NCL cruise it may take a new shape: that of a folded towel...

Updated: On Jan 6, 2019 Carnival announced they are suspending and re-evaluating room service charges.
Today, Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador, John Heald announced on Facebook that Carnival will now be charging for room service and will also be increasing the price of the Bottomless Bubbles (soda) package.  That is not however what I’m writing to talk about on New Years Eve (it would make for a short article).  Instead, I want to channel my inner John Heald and tell you how I really feel...