Smoking on cruise ships is a very “hot” topic in the cruise industry at the moment. The argument over whether smoking should be allowed in certain areas is “igniting” spirits on both sides. Smokers and nonsmokers alike are “smoking” with passion. Terrible puns aside, smoking is a serious issue and today I wanted to help […]
As the cruise industry begins to update its smoking policies in the interest of their guests, it is sometimes hard to follow which cruise line still allows smoking in certain areas and which does not. To help alleviate the confusion, we’ve created a handy guide to help you follow the latest changes in industry policies. […]
Following a recent wave of cruise line’s altering their onboard smoking policies, MSC Cruises has altered the smoking policies for the MSC Divina’s Caribbean sailings. Here is the full statement from MSC: “Effective November 2nd, when MSC Divina’s Grand Voyage departs Venice en route to Miami, smoking areas on MSC Divina will be limited to two general […]
Ever wonder where your meals are prepared whilst sailing across the ocean? Well, thanks to the generosity of Ron van Vliet, Zuiderdam’s Culinary Operations Manager, I was able to take a tour of the Zuiderdam’s galley and provision areas. Ron first showed me to the provisions and loading area, where crew members were preparing luggage carts and […]
[divider] Storm Information (Click on maps to zoom) [one_third] [/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] [divider] Itinerary Changes As of 7:00 pm, July 27th, there is 1 reported itinerary change. [box type=”warning” align=”aligncenter” ]Tracking for Dorian has now ended due to the storms dissipation.[/box] [divider] Carnival Freedom July 27th departure Day Original Itinerary Revised Itinerary Sat Fort Lauderdale Fort […]
May 28, 2013 5:30 pm: Grandeur of the Seas guests are currently in the process of being transported to the Port of Baltimore. The first of many coaches have arrived at the port, as well as the first of a few planes at Baltimore–Washington International Airport. [divider] May 27, 2013 8:45 pm: Royal Caribbean has cancelled the […]
Have you ever been in a conversation with a cruiser and the word magrodome is brought up or even cantilevered whirlpool? Did you actually know what the word magrodome means? Chances are you may not have known, but like I have before, you smile and nod while pretending to know what the word actually means. […]
Earlier today, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced that its Board of Directors have approved the adoption of the first ever Cruise Industry Passenger Bill of Rights, detailing CLIA members’ commitment to the safety, comfort and care of guests in a number of important areas. The CEOs of CLIA North American member cruise lines are each […]
#4 – Book your shore excursions with the cruise line. If you book your shore excursion through your cruise line, whether online or onboard, the cruise line will communicate and work with your excursion leaders to locate you and return you to the ship prior to departure. Earlier this year on my Eurodam cruise, my excursion booked […]
According to various news sources, the Carnival Legend is experiencing problems with her propulsion system. The Legend is currently sailing at a lower speed and will not be able to keep her originally planned itinerary. Reports from Carnival confirm that power and emergency equipment is functioning normally. The Carnival Triumph will now spend two days […]
Earlier today in Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard, the first block of Costa’s new flagship, the Costa Diadema, was lowered into place. The special event was attended by the CEO of Costa Cruises, Michael Thamm and the CEO of Fincantieri, Giuseppe Bono. Michael Thamm noted, “The construction of Costa Diadema is a tangible commitment to the future growth of our company. It […]
For the next 48 hours, you have FREE access to download the the Ship Mate Cruise App (Thursday 11/1 and Friday 11/2) using this link: If you’re not yet familiar with Ship Mate, features of the app include: Cruise countdown clock Roll Call Deck plans & cruise ship info Cruise port info (history, maps, locations, weather) Excursion info Cruise […]