Since Norwegian Cruise Line is a trend  setter in inaugurating new cruising regions, the news that Norwegian Jade will stay in Europe 12 months per year is indeed interesting.  The 2,400-passenger ship will home port in Barcelona and sail the Eastern Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Morocco.
While Europeans will make up the bulk of Norwegian Jade’s passengers from [...]

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Oceania Cruises doesn’t have to announce that its new Oceania-Class ships, scheduled to debut in 2010 and 2011, have rock-climbing, croquet, fencing or bowling to grab my attention.  When someone inquires about my favorite ships, this cruise line is at the top of the list.  So, new ships with more single open seating restaurants — sans surcharge of course [...]

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On February 24 thousands of “Sydneysiders” turned out to view the historic meeting of two of the world’s most glamorous ocean liners in Sydney Harbour – Cunard Line’s new Queen Victoria and legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE 2) - as they met during their respective World Cruises. The historic Royal Rendezvous marked the only time that the [...]

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Every Wednesday ShipCritic runs the best cruise bargains of the week.  If you see a terrific bargain, pounce: the best deals go first and, in some cases, only a handful of staterooms are available.  Happy Hunting! 
EUROPE
12-night Greek Islands and Turkey cruise sailing round-trip from Rome Oct. 24, 2009 on Carnival Freedom.  Porsts of call are Naples, Marmaris, [...]

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In 2008, Europe cruises fares are the lowest the Baltic, Great Britain, Eastern Europe and Western Mediterranean while sailings in the Greek Islands and Turkey have the highest price tags.  When budgeting a Europe cruise vacation,  keep in mind that this year airfare is higher and shore excursions will be pricier due to the increase in the value of the Euro over the U.S. dollar. 
AZAMARA [...]

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Cruise West Introduces “Family Friendly Fares” on Alaska Cruises. Cruise West, which operates a fleet of small cruise ships designed for people who want an upclose Alaska experience, offers special pricing for kids ages 18 and under on all 2008 Glacier Bay Highlights departures. Savings of up to 75% off adult fares in a AAA [...]

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I’ve been covering the cruise industry since 1993 and prior to that, worked at Cunard Line.  Over the years I’ve collected stories of events that have happened. Some, but not all, falls into the category of “urban legend”, but most of true stories.
*** Rosemary Roberts’ family decided it was time she enter a nursing home, [...]

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Since Valentine’s Day is only a heart beat away, it’s time to explore the most romantic mode of travel, cruising.  In the movies, ships have been the setting of romantic escapades and, in reality, getting married aboard ship, followed by a honeymoon at sea, is a very popular reasons to cruise.  Each year thousands of people celebrate [...]

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that it is withdrawing Pride of Aloha from the Hawaii market effective May 11.  The ship will be reflagged and serve the Asia market.    Last year NCL removed another ship, Pride of Hawaii, from the islands which was reflagged and will cruise in Europe this year as Norwegian Jade.
The only NCL ship which [...]

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Over the years I’ve noticed we all have different priorities when narrowing the selection process between one cruise line and another.  For example, when cruising in the Caribbean or Mexico, the ship itself is the destination so I’ll pay more attention to the vessel’s food, service, dining and staterooms.  However when narrowing down the selection process [...]

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