Tagged With "Cruise Critic"
Blog Post
Venice again considers tourism caps, limits on ships
Venice's economy depends on travelers, but the city's life may depend on finding a way to limit their overwhelming presence.
Blog Post
Fathom's Cuba cruises prove popular; more added
Demand for the only Cuba cruises from the U.S. so far is high, and Fathom is changing some cruises from Dominican Republic to Cuba instead.
Blog Post
Cruise ship completes first Northwest Passage trip
Crystal Serenity's voyage from Anchorage to New York, accompanied by an icebreaker, realized an age-old dream.
Blog Post
Venice protesters block cruise ships
Protests by 2000 in small boats block cruise ships in Venice's lagoon over environmental concerns and 'over-tourism'
Blog Post
London's Tower Bridge, inside and out
One of the world's most recognizable bridges, London Bridge is a fooler: Under its "old stone tower" look is a modern steel bridge.
Blog Post
More security for Europe's river cruises
In light of recent events, security is being tightened along the routes of Europe's river cruise ships.
Blog Post
Hurricane season starts to affect cruise routes
In both Atlantic and Pacific, some cruise itineraries have already been shifted to avoid the tropical storms.
Blog Post
August 22, 2016: Victoria University, Toronto
A walk near Toronto's Ontario Legislative Building lead to the discovery of beautiful Victoria University, academic home of some of Canada's most famous citizens.
Blog Post
Panama's new canal open to more cruises
The opening of the Panama Canal's new, larger locks means cruise lines can use larger ships for cruises through the canal. But issues remain.
Blog Post
Terror attack takes Istanbul off cruise map
Cruise lines, which had already reduced stops in Turkey after earlier attacks in Istanbul and Ankara, have canceled many more port calls.
Blog Post
Cruisers told: Leave your water home!
Another cruise line adds rules against passengers bringing their own drinks on board, whether water, juice or booze.
Blog Post
July 14, 2016: Humboldt, University, Berlin, Germany
This historic university has a very impressive list of alumni and professors.
Blog Post
Inside Sagrada Familia
PHeymont returns to visit the interior of Barcelona's still-unfinished Sagrada Familia basilica. It's an eye-opener, for sure!
Blog Post
Barcelona: Sagrada Familia Up Close
PHeymont revisits a fabulous building whose details are less familiar than its overview, but equally worth viewing.
Blog Post
Abu Dhabi Guide for Visitors: Carry ID--and no kissing!
Police in Abu Dhabi have issued a flyer in a dozen language, aimed mainly at cruise visitors, with suggestions about proper behavior, including no drugs, respectful clothing, carry ID at all times...and no kissing in public. MORE
Blog Post
Venice's ban on huge cruise ships suspended
The ban on huge cruise ships in the Venetian lagoon, ordered by the Italian government in January has been suspended by a regional court in the Veneto—Venice's region—on grounds that there aren't any reasonable alternatives. The ban was...
Blog Post
Afloat with a Brewery
Custom ales are commonly served aboard ships, but Carnival is creating the world's first floating brewery aboard its newest ship, the VISTA.
Blog Post
Update: Cuba clears way for Fathom cruise
Cuba has given permission for Cuban-born Americans to sail on Carnival's Fathom cruises to Cuba; the first trip is back on schedule for May 1st.
Blog Post
Empress of Seas cancels a month of cruises
Royal Caribbean's updates and upgrades on Empress of the Seas have taken longer than expected, forcing cancellation of April and May cruises.
Blog Post
Cruise ship to feature underwater bar
Ponant's four new small-ship cruisers will feature a unique amenity: a below-the-waterline lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows on the sea life.
Blog Post
Viking plans round-the-world cruise for new ship
Viking Ocean Cruises will launch its fourth ship next year, and send it on a 5-month round-the-world maiden voyage.
Blog Post
River cruises throw out the 'Old Folks' stereotype
Over the past year we've mentioned the growing trend toward families traveling on river cruises, which has led operators to modify ships and routes, and even brought Disney into the market. Last week, at an industry convention in Amsterdam,...
Blog Post
Is 'green cruising' the future for cruise industry?
Japanese NGO develops 'Ecoship' concept for emission-free cruising.
Blog Post
High-speed WiFi spreading at sea, some free
Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are both rolling out new high-speed WiFi services...but they come with a price.
Blog Post
Carnival launches half a new cruise ship
Carnival's newest ship is being built in two widely-separated Italian shipyards. The front, launched yesterday, is on the way to meet its mate.
Blog Post
MSC adds a second private island
A growing trend: Cruise lines buy or lease small islands and use them as port calls for their cruises, restricted to their passengers.
Blog Post
23 million cruisers—a new record!
Cruising continues to grow as a popular travel option, with record numbers last year and even more expected this year.
Blog Post
Disney fleet expands to 6 with 2 new ships
Disney continues to expand its cruise fleet, adding two new ships, each one a bit bigger than the current four. No names and no itineraries set yet.
Blog Post
No smooth sailing yet for U.S.-to-Cuba cruises
Delays in Cuba's government licensing process are putting U.S.-to-Cuba cruise plans on hold, but operators hope to get going soon.
Blog Post
More family-style river cruises coming
The river cruise industry, once thought to appeal mostly to an older crowd, is continuing to develop new itineraries and facilities for family travel.
Blog Post
Carnival accepting reservations to Cuba for May
Carnival is taking reservations to Cuba for May before getting Cuba permits.
Blog Post
Princess Cruises matches you with a cruise by smartphone
Princess Cruises helps you pick a cruise destination by smartphone
Blog Post
MSC adds a port call in not-quite-the-Bahamas
MSC Cruises is joining the parade of cruise lines with private islands that host their passengers for days on the beach, at sports and even shopping. MSC has acquired a former dredging station 20 miles south of Bimini and 65 miles east of Miami and renamed it Ocean Cay. By the end of next year, $200 million will have created 6 beaches, 2000-seat amphitheatre, sports venues, walking and nature trails, and even a "Bahamian village" with shops and restaurants. Ocean Cay will be the biggest of...
Blog Post
Disney to skip Greece and Turkey for 2016: security concerns
Disney Cruise Line has cancelled both Greece and Turkey from its 2016 itinerary for Disney Magic's 12-night cruise. A spokesperson said the change was a result of monitoring conditions and activities in the region. Earlier, Costa Cruises had dropped Turkey stopovers for the last half of the 2015 season, and last month Celebrity announced it wouldn't overnight in Istanbul in 2016. The Celebrity announcement said it was due to cruise port construction in Istanbul, but it seems likely that...
Blog Post
Perfect scores for the cleanest ships afloat
When cruise ship passengers come down with a virus, it's always news, but there's not as much publicity for the good news—so here it is: In 2015, 32 ships earned perfect scores of 100 on their semi-annual inspections by the Centers for Disease Control. Leader of the pack, so to speak, is Holland America's Eurodam, which has had a perfect score on its last 9 inspections. Holland America also got 100s for Veendam, Noordam, Statendam, Ryndam and Nieuw Amsterdam. The inspections are...
Blog Post
Royal Caribbean: no more last-minute bargains
Royal Caribbean is putting a 30-day cutoff on price cuts, in part to keep early-payers from being upset that others waited and paid less.
Blog Post
Chicago to hold a "Ferris Buellers Day Off" Festival
Ferris Fest to be held in Chicago to mark "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" 30th
Blog Post
Viking launches new boats despite slowdown
With six new ships launched this week and another coming, Viking River Cruises is on its way to its goal of a 100-ship fleet, despite some slowdown in demand.
Blog Post
Royal Caribbean tightens cancellation policies
Royal Caribbean, which has recently had to cancel or shorten some cruises, is now imposing stricter rules on customers who want to cancel bookings.
Blog Post
You’re Going Places, Baby (and Toddler and Teen)
Daniel Sherwin offers some excellent suggestions on how to enhance the travel experience of families with children of all ages.
Blog Post
Cruising the Elbe in Hamburg
Jonathan L takes us on a cruise down the Elbe and through one of the largest shipping ports in Europe
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, March 8, 2015: Bernkastel-Keus, Germany
Beautiful part of Germany. Following the Moselle or the River Rhine you'll see fairytale castles and villages. Taking a cruise down either river is a must see.
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, March 8, 2015: Bernkastel-Keus, Germany
I remember this area from trips with my family from Heidelberg, where we lived for a while...and I learned to love the area's wines!
Comment
Re: Is Airport-Style Security Coming to Museums?
This attack really was horrible and I feel for the families. I don't know how we can totally avoid that very small risk of an attack at a public place .Some changes can be made, but I hope fear doesn't change museums into what we've made airports. At major museums, I can see them being able to handle some changes. What concerns me is some of the smaller museums that don't have the budgets for security, x-ray machines and storage lockers. Will they make rules for no bags at all? I know at...
Comment
Re: Cruise lines drop Puerta Vallarta over violence
I was in Puerta Vallarta in June last year. Not the friendliest place I've been to. It was a busy working city. Not the sanctuary of paradise I was expecting. Very disappointed. So many arrogant people. I was moved twice from room to room in 2 weeks. Each time the Staff at "Secrets" said it was for building repairs. Each time a Wedding Party with 4 adjoining rooms moved in. The Hotel told my tour operator it was my own fault for asking to be moved.
Comment
Re: High-speed WiFi spreading at sea, some free
On a recent Norwegian cruise the charges for wifi were very high ($25/day), and people said that the speeds were awful. While these prices are "better" they would still stop me from using wifi on my cruise.
Comment
Re: Perfect scores for the cleanest ships afloat
I think Cruise Critic's list forgot the last perfect inspection of Holland America's Zuiderdam.
Comment
Re: Perfect scores for the cleanest ships afloat
I'm sure there are a number of fine restaurants in all the great cities of the world that would not fare nearly so well. Congratulations to Holland America and the others who got high grades!
Comment
Re: Perfect scores for the cleanest ships afloat
My mother-in-law used to tell us that restaurants that were too clean lacked flavor... Rob, there were a number of comments on the CruiseCritic site about what was included or not; depends on the cut-off date you use, apparently.
Comment
Re: Perfect scores for the cleanest ships afloat
PHeymont -- it is true that if you eat off the floor, having a place that's too clean will stifle the flavors. But if you are looking at reducing food-borne disease, there's nothing like a clean restaurant. And when you're at sea and confined with thousands of others, keeping illness as low as possible is critical to everyone having a good time.