This week Holland America Line (HAL) announced it'd be turning the heat up on it's culinary programming via a new partnership with National Public Radio's (NPR) program, "America's Test Kitchen".  The long running television and radio show filmed in Boston, MA has a team that tests and tweaks recipes to perfection, in a more scientific take on traditional cooking shows.  They also try out various kitchen gadgets, appliances, and more.

We like to picture ships as most of us experience them - clean, shiny, and new.  The fact is however that ships don't last forever.  How do cruise ships stay so youthful, and what happens when they get a bit long in the tooth?

  Read more about Dry docks, constant maintenance, and retirement. The aging process of ships.

Starting October 1st Carnival will debut new Saturday morning original content aimed to educate 13-16 year old viewers on new travel destinations and experiences, while of course keeping cruising in mind.

  Read more about Carnival taking over Saturday morning with travel shows aimed at teens

The 168k gross-ton Norwegian Joy, heading to China in June of 2017, is breaking the mold in a number of ways but showing us that cruising out of Asia is not just moving into the modern era, but perhaps set to outpace the US cruise market in sophistication - just look at Royal Caribbean's decision to move the Quantum of The Seas to China.  The Joy's dining options alone are enough for me to take a second look at what NCL has to offer.

Read more about Norwegian Joy - Norwegian's new ship has a new approach to cuisine

Two weeks ago we shared an AmEx offer for Royal Caribbean, and now AmEx is offering $150 back after spending $500 on Celebrity Cruises!  If you've got an American Express card just log in and check for offers down at the bottom under, "Travel".

  Read more about News - AmEx Offer Now Available For Celebrity Cruises, but for $150!

Over the years we've developed some favorite spots in various ports, and Cozumel is no exception.  As part of the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise on Freedom of the Seas we spent today in Cozumel, Mexico and hit up a local drinking hole for the second visit in a row, deciding to add it to the growing list of spots we love in Cozumel.
Read more about Bar Higlight - The Pub, Cozumel, Mexico

Missing out on a cruise is hard, but sometimes there are great reasons. Last night, while on Freedom of the Seas, we got to meet the friends of one of our readers, (Connor, @fay78x on Twitter) learn about why he's not onboard, and connect with them all in what has certainly been the most personal experience of our adventure so far.

Read more about It's a small world, and a big internet. Making connections across the world and at sea.