“The stage has no curtain,” the woman seated next to me whispered when we sat down in the new Celebrity Edge Theatre.

She was right. Not only does the new Celebrity Edge Theatre not have a curtain, the stage itself extends into the audience.

“This is a very different theatre than you are used to on a ship,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of Celebrity’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “The in-the-round design puts everyone closer to the stage.” Read more...

Fannie “Q” Quigley (1870-1944) was quite a lady. She was a prospector, trapper, hunter, woodcutter, gardener, dog musher and great sourdough cook. She also offered tons of hospitality.

In honor of the Alaskan legend, Princess Cruises will be debuting a new restaurant and bar showcasing her story and featuring locally inspired dishes in a modern saloon setting. Read more...

Anselmo Perez didn’t eat much Iberian ham when he was growing up. “We couldn’t afford it,” he said.

Now, Perez can eat as much of the exquisite delicacy as he wants. And he can have it carved by one of Spain’s champion Iberian ham carvers – himself. Read more...

I entered Eden several times and each time it looked different. In the morning, it was a good place to sit quietly, sip a Coke and go over my cruise notes.

In the afternoon, two dancers were offering interpretive movements, an aerialist twirled overhead and a sitar player created some mood music. Read more...

ABOARD THE CARNIVAL SENSATION –  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 can enjoy an exciting partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Carnival Cruise Lines. Read more...

When Bill Miller was 13 years old, he went to a Johnny Cash concert that changed the course of his life.

“Johnny Cash played a harmonica and tossed it into the audience when he was done,” Miller said. “I caught it.”

That was just the beginning. Over the years, Miller collected a treasure trove of Johnny Cash memorabilia and became friends with the legendary entertainer. “I honestly can’t tell you how many pieces I have. It’s in the thousands.” Read more...

ABOARD THE CARNIVAL VICTORY – I didn’t know what to expect when I went to my first night’s show in the Carnival Victory theater.

On a previous cruise, the nightly entertainment was more audience participation and that got tiresome after a while. I’m sure it was enjoyable for the many passengers who raised their hands and rushed the stage for a chance to perform or chat or be part of a game show with the entertainers. Read more...

Two new riverboats will soon be plying America’s waterways. Rather, two existing riverboats have now joined the American Queen Steamboat Company and are undergoing a multimillion-dollar refurbishment before entering service in May 2019

The Victory I and sister ship Victory II have cruised over from Sunstone Ships, Inc. to the American Queen Steamboat Company as Victory Cruise Line. Read more...

Children have a favorite bit of trivia about the Tennessee State Capitol. “A man is buried in the wall,” a boy visiting the landmark said to no one in particular.

He is right. But there is more than one person entombed in the stately building. Our tour guide quickly let us know what the children were chattering about. Read more...

ABOARD THE CARNIVAL VICTORY – What happens to those cute little towel animals when cruise ship passengers leave their cabins? The critters party.

At least that’s what a new show on the Carnival Victory says occurs once passengers head out of their staterooms and close the door. Read more...