Hey there CruiseHabit.com readers,

Ric Ross here, long time reader, first time author. Inspired by Matt and Michael’s live blogs, and in spite of Billy’s, I’ll be live-blogging my upcoming cruise December 3rd through 10th on the Celebrity Reflection. This cruise will leave from Miami and stop at Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and Cozumel, Mexico. I’ve sailed Celebrity once before on the Constellation. This will be my sixth cruise overall; two of those have been with Billy and his lovely wife, Larissa.

  Read more about Celebrity Reflection Live Blog Preamble - 'A Look Over The Fence'

Just a reminder that we're on Independence of the Seas for the next few days.  Follow long on Twitter, Periscope, and Facebook for live broadcasts and updates.  Importantly, follow our daily summaries on the live blog we're posting to www.RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com, your resource for all information Royal Caribbean.  Have a question about Independence or cruising in general?  Tweet out and we'll find answers!

  Read more about We're On Board Independence of the Seas!

Packing has become pretty automatic for us, but as we prepare for a sailing on Independence of the Seas we figured we should slow down and take a look at just how we pack for a short Caribbean cruise... Read more about How I Pack For a Cruise -or- What to Bring on a Cruise

Starting Thursday I'll be Periscoping, Tweeting, Instagraming, Facebooking, and Zlerping (I made that last one up) from Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas.  Importantly, I'll also be live-blogging, sharing a daily summary in words and pictures, on RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com.  One of my favorite sites on the interwho, RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com has a plethora of information on all things Royal Caribbean as well as helpful and friendly message boards - but starting today, they also have the sometimes-incoherent ramblings of yours truly.  

Read more about Live Coverage From Independence of the Seas This Week!

Today in Saint Nazaire, France, Celebrity cut the first piece of steel for the 2,900 passenger Celebrity Edge, the first of the new Edge class of ships, to begin sailing in the fall of 2018.

Since we're sailing on Royal Caribbean's Independence of The Seas during Thanksgiving this year, it seems like it's a great time to kick off the season of giving with some contests.  To start with we're giving away something you truly cannot buy.

Cunard's World Cruises have long been famous experiences.  Guests on these sailings get a number of perks, including commemorative luggage tags.  Two lucky winners of this giveaway will receive one luggage tag from the 1992 QE2 World Cruise, "Grand Expeditions" and one luggage tag from the 1997 Royal Viking Sun World Cruise, "Journey To The Wonders of The World".  

Follow the steps below to enter and take the opportunity to let us know what you'd like to see on CruiseHabit.com! Read more about Limited Edition Vintage Cunard Luggage Tag Giveaway!