It's been a while since we had a giveaway, and we figured that since we're packing up to sail to Cuba soon, why not give away some Amazon Basics packing cubes?  We explained in the past when we showed how we pack for cruises that they make our lives easier, so we're giving you a shot to try them out.  We're also throwing in some vintage, limited edition Cunard World Cruise luggage tags, as well as CruiseHabit.com lanyards with pouches which you can use to carry your cruise keycard, ID, etc.  Click through to enter!  read more

Whether you want to share your vacation memories as they happen or you're looking to be able to keep in touch with those back home, many of you have asked questions about staying connected while cruising, and there is no single answer.  In the past couple of years cell phone carriers have made international roaming a bit more palatable, but cell phone roaming rates on ships are still completely impractical, at least for calls and data.  What are your options if you want to stay in touch while cruising?  We've got 11 tips to keep you connected without breaking the bank... read more

 Billy's parents, Michael and Christine have been cruising the South Pacific on the beautiful Oceania Sirena, an R Class ship, similar to the Regatta, which we recently toured.  When we'd last got an update they were enjoying the sites both above and below the water while visiting Suva, Fiji and Isle of Pines, New Caledonia.  Since then we got some updates on their latest destination, Lautoka, Fiji, as well as some clarity on points we highlighted in their previous adventures... read more

Today at a ceremony in Freeport, officials with Carnival Cruise Line and the Bahamian government signed an agreement to build a record-breaking cruise port on Grand Bahama Island.  This port will be the largest purpose-built cruise facility ever built in The Bahamas and will be funded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line.  While the exact location has not yet been announced, it will include a one-mile stretch of beach, food, beverage and shopping outlets, an array of water-based amenities and other recreational facilities.  Importantly, the port will also feature a pier capable of accommodating two of Carnival’s largest cruise ships simultaneously and can expect to see up to 1 million guests a year... read more

In our last update Oceania Sirena was just arriving in New Caledonia.  Since then the ship (and Billy's parents) have enjoyed Isle of Pines, New Caledonia as well as Suva, Fiji.  We've not talked to them in a couple days but have a few pictures to share.  Looking at the colors leaves us selfishly looking forward to their return so we can see some higher quality photos of their journey.  One thing you'll note down below are a couple snorkel pics - be sure to read about why they're special.  Oh, and there will be a small dose of mind control in this post - you'll see... read more

Frequent readers may have heard me gushing about Oceania before, a cruise line that, while not inexpensive, offers a tremendous value and a cruising experience that will leave most thinking they've reached the proverbial top of the mountain.  One of their ships that we've been lucky enough to sail on is Oceania Regatta, and recently, we went back on board for a brief visit.  Let's look at a little Oceania history, the ship's amenities, and wrap it up by discussing the combination of factors that put the 30k gross ton Oceania Regatta on Billy's list of favorite ships. read more

Today Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, parent company to Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises had their first quarter earnings call, and in case your wondering, it seemed good news for shareholders.  For cruisers there earnings calls don't generally offer much, so there wasn't any huge news, but interestingly, most non-financial comments were about onboard technology and Celebrity Edge... read more