I remember the first time it happened to me. I had enjoyed clam chowder many times, particularly when I lived near Cape Cod and worked at a Massachusetts newspaper.

But on a long-ago cruise when I ordered clam chowder, I received a big white bowl with some chopped clams in the bottom. Mighty skimpy. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

He used to live in the forest, soaking up the rain. Now he lives on the Carnival Sensation, basking in the sun.

That’s the Carnival story about the RedFrog. And they’re sticking to it.

In fact, the little tree frog has made himself so at home on the cruise ship that he has his own private label draught beer, custom-brewed specially for Carnival – ThirstyFrog Red. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Chrome and silver. Gold and purple. Neon lights. Orange leather seats. Triangle-patterned bar stools. Plush sofas. Squiggles and curlicues galore. The Carnival Sensation décor, to me, looked like retro ‘60s mod. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

On our first dinner aboard the Carnival Sensation, the woman at the table next to me was surprised to see dining room tables without tablecloths.

Doesn’t bother me at all. Just think about all the laundry that saves. So much more environmentally friendly. On other cruise ships, I have seen servers changing tablecloths as soon as diners get up to leave so the table is ready for the next diners. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

On our first relaxing day at sea, I went to the afternoon tea in the unusual Touch of Class room. To enter the room, you walk through a doorway composed of two giant silver hands arched upward with fingertips touching. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Relaxing on the Lido Deck while waiting for my cabin to be readied on our first day, I overheard a mother telling her family, “Remember, we agreed this would be a no-phone vacation. We’re not going to use our cell phones for the whole cruise.” Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Memorable cruise moments often involve food, particularly spectacular desserts. One of my favorite ways to end a great cruise meal is with anything chocolate.

Carnival Cruise Lines, in particular, has a delicious Warm Chocolate Melting Cake. When it is listed on the menu, that is always my choice, especially if it is served with a scoop of ice cream. Read more...

Carnival’s ‘Rare Finds’ on dining room menu offers chance to try unusual food

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Ever have a yearning to try an unusual dish but not sure you want to waste your money and appetite if it turns out you don’t like it? Well, Carnival Cruise Lines has a deal for you. Read more...

Larger-than-life sports legend Shaquille O’Neal has a new job. The former NBA great and sports commentator has been named the newly appointed “CFO” for Carnival Cruise Line.

“We are very excited to have Shaq as part of the Carnival Team,” Carnival Christine Duffy said in a news release. “He will serve as a great partner ensuring everyone knows all about our one-of-a-kind brand of fun. We’re confident that his embodiment of our brand values will inspire America to Choose Fun and discover the authentic, participatory and social atmosphere that Carnival offers.” Read more...

When the new Carnival Horizon debuts in Europe in April 2018, the atrium sculpture will feature artwork created by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patients.

The massive LED “Dreamscape” atrium sculpture will offer 33 different artistic creations from St. Jude patients, one of Carnival’s largest charitable partners. Read more...