A bowling alley on a cruise ship? Why not? The mini-bowling alley on the MSC Divina certainly has its happy competitors.

The small twin alleys are located in the ship’s Sports Bar, an American-themed spot where passengers can watch pro sports on big-screen TVs while they munch on American food and quaff drinks. Read more...

When ships stop in Heidelberg, Germany, passengers can see an unusual sight down by the Old Bridge. The unusual sculptures are of a monkey and two mice.

I wasn’t with a tour guide when I saw the sculptures so didn’t know the story of the strange critters. But I was lucky enough to be on the edge of a tour group where the leader was explaining in English. Read more...

Crown Cruise Vacations President Ross Spalding says Holland America Line’s 55-Day Grand Mediterranean Voyage is just that – a grand voyage.

Departing March 11, 2016, round trip Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the 55-day voyage on the ms Prinsendam will spend numerous days at sea as well as these many interesting ports: Read more...

The balcony of my ship’s cabin on any cruise is one of my favorite places to sit and watch the water roll. But sometimes outside temperatures or a drenching rainstorm can make the balcony an unpleasant place to sit.

That’s why I was pleased to learn of AmaWaterways exclusive twin balconies. My AmaCerto stateroom had both an inside balcony and an outside balcony. I could choose to sit inside and watch the river and the sights along it. Or I could sit outside. Read more...

 Louis Cruises has launched a new brand in 2015 that it says will reach for the stars and promises to gives travelers an authentic Greek experience.

“We will give a name to this promise: Celestyal Cruises,” said Kyriakos Anastassiadis, company CEO. Read more...

Do you like green eggs and ham? How about moose juice or goose juice?

Chances are your children like them. And youngsters know exactly where such creative food came from – Dr. Seuss.

Now children of all ages will enjoy an exciting new partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Carnival Cruise Lines. Read more...

Remember the words to the beautiful song “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash: “So I’m sailing for tomorrow … I have my ship and all her flags are a’flyin.”

The name of the popular song is a reference to the Southern Cross constellation by which sailors in the Southern Hemisphere traditionally navigated their vessels. Read more...

The Carnival Freedom will live up to its name on Valentine’s Day by hosting a concert featuring Martina McBride to honor U.S. military families. The event also will welcome the Freedom to its new year-round homeport of Galveston.

“The arrival of Carnival Freedom to its new Galveston homeport is historic as it marks the first time a cruise line has based three year-round ships in Texas,” said Jim Berra, chief marketing officer for Carnival Cruise Line. Read more...

The book on my cabin desk got me curious. Then I saw the display in a ship corridor with a fur-fringed jacket and some photos and thought I had better look into this man Chuck West, known as “Mr. Alaska.”

“He is a legend in Alaska tourism,” said Ryan Downs, heritage leader for Un-Cruise Adventures. Read more...

River cruises through Central Europe are a great way to visit the cities and towns along the waterways. And returning from shore excursions on those cruises is such a welcome treat.

In the winter, crewmembers are waiting at the ship’s entryway with warm moist hand towels to wash away the grime of the real world. Then a hot drink handed by another crewmember is a soothing way to beat the bitter cold. Read more...