Virgin Voyages has been teasing out the many things that will set them apart from traditional cruise lines and their latest announcement is no different (though it's not quite tattoo parlor on a ship different).  Today they've announced that their first ship, Scarlet Lady, will feature an onboard record shop called Virgin Vinyl, a private gaming and karaoke lounge called The Groupie, and curated music and performances by up-and-comers as well as industry trendsetters.

Norwegian's most senior vessel, Norwegian Sky, has come out of an extended dry dock in Freeport with extensive changes and additions to public areas and staterooms.  Sky may not be the biggest or flashiest ship in their fleet, but guest feedback remains positive, and after reading about some of the changes, including a Starbucks, sushi restaurant, revitalized staterooms, and more, she just may make it on to your "need to cruise" list.

MedallionNet, Princess Cruises' high speed shipboard internet/WiFi service, part of the Ocean Medallion program is itself picking up steam.  While available only on Regal Princess just months ago, the service, allowing guests fast and affordable internet access, as well as a number of guest experience enhancements, is now available on four Princess ships, and will soon be available on a total of ten ships - nine of them before the end of 2019...

Today Virgin Voyages allowed previously deposited guests to start booking passage on Scarlet Lady, the lines first ship.  As we've anticipated, the experiences Virgin has been promising look to come at a premium set of prices, though it's important to consider what is included.  Interestingly, there are still some big unknowns, including stops on itineraries marked, "Secret Location"...

Carnival Cruise Line has for many years been the most popular cruise line around, carrying millions of passengers and promising a fun experience and celebratory atmosphere - “the fun ship”.  In recent weeks however, the line has revealed a number of details about what will be their largest ship to date, and it shows the line is looking to compete in new ways. Let’s dig into the ship’s details, some photos, discuss what makes it unique, and even talk history before getting Billy’s take...

Virgin Voyages, the “adult-by-design” cruise line slated to launch their first ship, the Scarlet Lady, in 2020 has spent the last two and half years teasing followers with enticing details around the experience sailors can expect on their unique line. While the Virgin Voyages team revealed some public spaces, only recently did they give us an idea of what we can expect inside the uniquely designed cabins and “RockStar Suites.” Want a “Peek-a-View” outdoor shower...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, parent company of Oceania Cruises, announced this week that they've contracted Fincantieri ship yards to build two new Allura-class ships at a costs of $658USD million each, roughly 30% greater than the cost of the fleet's newest operating ships, Marina and Riviera.

It's a new year and that means it's time to do the math of some 2018 numbers.  This time around?  Gastrointestinal issues on cruise ships, and the news is good...

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...

This week in Miami Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages President and CEO Tom McAlpin joined Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, Chairwoman of the Miami-Dade County Economic Development and Tourism Committee Rebeca Sosa and other government officials to announce plans to build a new cruise terminal for Virgin Voyages.  Branson also announced that bookings would open...