One of the arguments for getting the drink package on any cruise is the convenience of not having to settle the tab after a drink or two. Once you’ve ordered your drink and your card has been read, there’s nothing left to do. Except maybe one thing… You might have gotten great service from your bartender and you want to reward that. 

Handing someone cash would clearly be the most direct way to reward great service, but one of the benefits of cruising is that if you want your trip to be cashless, it can be cashless. 

Ask your bartender or server to print you a “zero bill” and you’ll get a regular bill with a zero balance. There will be a line for a tip and you can write in whatever gratuity you’d like there. Sign below the total and give recognition to the great service that so many people in the cruise industry provide.

This also works on any cruise line which swipes your card with each purchase even if you're on a dining or drink package.  You can also do this in specialty dining restaurants.

Have a tip or question?  Reach out on Twitter or Facebook - or comment below!

We usually adjust our clocks during daylight saving's time, but what about when we cruise across time-zones?  Whether or not you find yourself moving your clocks forward or back during your cruise depends on several factors.  Let's take a look at when you change your clocks as well as some things to consider to make this journey through time as simple as possible.

Dining is always a big topic when it comes to cruising as there tends to be such a wide variety of options (and frankly quality) when it comes to food.  That variety is great because we all have different preferences (such as vegetarianism in my case), and some, because of medical conditions (such as celiac disease or food allergies).

Imagine you walk into a port ready to cruise and you're greeted by name.  The check-in process you're used to has transformed into a seamless stroll onto the ship.  Once onboard every crew member knows your preferences, you never have to unlock your door or turn on a light, and the idea of handing over a card for a purchase seems pedestrian and laborious.  At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas today, Carnival Corporation announced their new Ocean Medallions, which promise just this on your next cruise experience.

Often I come to you live on Periscope or Facebook Live where we all talk ship and watch cruise ships sail-away from Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park next to Port Everglades.  Many of you ask exactly where I am and how you can get there when you're in the Ft Lauderdale area (tip: it's also a great place to enjoy the beach).