We aren't always the first to cruise news, and we don't strive to cover every story.  Our effort is however to bring you objective information along with our take on why the story is important (or not).

Norwegian Sky Emerges From Three-Week Drydock with New Lounges, Starbucks, Sushi Bar, and More

La Cucina on NCL Sky

Spinnaker Lounge on NCL SkyNorwegian's most senior vessel, Norwegian Sky, has come out of an extended dry dock in Freeport with extensive changes and additions to public areas and staterooms.  Sky may not be the biggest or flashiest ship in their fleet, but guest feedback remains positive, and after reading about some of the changes, including a Starbucks, sushi restaurant, revitalized staterooms, and more, she just may make it on to your "need to cruise" list.

Shipboard Internet Gets Faster & More Affordable on More Ships

Princess MedallionNet - High-Speed Internet at SeaMedallionNet, Princess Cruises' high speed shipboard internet/WiFi service, part of the Ocean Medallion program is itself picking up steam.  While available only on Regal Princess just months ago, the service, allowing guests fast and affordable internet access, as well as a number of guest experience enhancements, is now available on four Princess ships, and will soon be available on a total of ten ships - nine of them before the end of 2019...

First Glimpse of Virgin Voyages Prices

Today Virgin Voyages allowed previously deposited guests to start booking passage on Scarlet Lady, the lines first ship.  As we've anticipated, the experiences Virgin has been promising look to come at a premium set of prices, though it's important to consider what is included.  Interestingly, there are still some big unknowns, including stops on itineraries marked, "Secret Location"...

Carnival Mardi Gras - Carnival Enters the Big Ship Games

Carnival Mardi Gras

Carnival Cruise Line has for many years been the most popular cruise line around, carrying millions of passengers and promising a fun experience and celebratory atmosphere - “the fun ship”.  In recent weeks however, the line has revealed a number of details about what will be their largest ship to date, and it shows the line is looking to compete in new ways. Let’s dig into the ship’s details, some photos, discuss what makes it unique, and even talk history before getting Billy’s take...

Virgin Voyages Reveals Clever Cabins and RockStar Suites on Scarlet Lady

Gorgeous Suite on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady

Virgin Voyages, the “adult-by-design” cruise line slated to launch their first ship, the Scarlet Lady, in 2020 has spent the last two and half years teasing followers with enticing details around the experience sailors can expect on their unique line. While the Virgin Voyages team revealed some public spaces, only recently did they give us an idea of what we can expect inside the uniquely designed cabins and “RockStar Suites.” Want a “Peek-a-View” outdoor shower...

Oceania Cruises Orders Two Allura-Class Ships - Will Offer More Space for Guests

Early Rendering - Inside Oceania Allura Class Ship
Early Rendering - Inside Oceania Allura Class Ship

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, parent company of Oceania Cruises, announced this week that they've contracted Fincantieri ship yards to build two new Allura-class ships at a costs of $658USD million each, roughly 30% greater than the cost of the fleet's newest operating ships, Marina and Riviera.

Carnival Charges for Room Services, Increases Soda Package Costs - Why It's No Big Deal

Updated: On Jan 6, 2019 Carnival announced they are suspending and re-evaluating room service charges.
Today, Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador, John Heald announced on Facebook that Carnival will now be charging for room service and will also be increasing the price of the Bottomless Bubbles (soda) package.  That is not however what I’m writing to talk about on New Years Eve (it would make for a short article).  Instead, I want to channel my inner John Heald and tell you how I really feel...

Virgin Voyages to Build New Terminal in PortMiami, Booking to Start in Early 2019

 Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin and Sir Richard Branson announce new terminal

Virgin Voyages PortMiami Terminal against the Miami Skyline

This week in Miami Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages President and CEO Tom McAlpin joined Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, Chairwoman of the Miami-Dade County Economic Development and Tourism Committee Rebeca Sosa and other government officials to announce plans to build a new cruise terminal for Virgin Voyages.  Branson also announced that bookings would open...

Celebrity Edge Arrives in Port Everglades

Celebrity Edge

This morning, Celebrity Edge arrived in Port Everglades to take her place at Celebrity Cruises’ new Terminal 25. I had just finished breakfast in the main dining room on the final morning of my Celebrity Infinity sailing (live-ish blog here) when one of my tablemates came back into the restaurant to tell me the ship was arriving. Thank you, L! I stepped outside and took a couple of pictures and then started up a Periscope. Check out both