Nope, it wasn’t my stateroom on my MSC Divina cruise. But I can dream, can’t I?

I did get to see the Sophia Loren Suite (Room 16007) and it is terrific. Just as I would have expected since it was designed by the legendary actress who is also the MSC fleet’s godmother. Read more...

Sounds silly but whenever I check into a Carnival cruise ship, I’m always curious to see what little freebies they have put in my cabin bathroom.

An amenity basket in every cabin is filled with an odd assortment of  toiletries, free samples and money-saving coupons. One time my daughter Kelly and I got men’s aftershave, some chocolate candy,  razors and bottles of sunscreen. Read more...

 Seems like a wonderful vacation idea for a cruise ship stop. Rent a moped or scooter and breeze around a beautiful Bahamas island.

But many cruise lines, as well as the U.S. Department of State, are warning against that choice.

“Serious injuries and deaths have resulted from accidents involving the rental of mopeds or scooters,” noted the FunTimes newsletter on my recent Carnival Cruise Lines voyage. “ We strongly discourage their rental.” Read more...

The first person eliminated in the musical chairs competition aboard the Carnival Magic won a consolation prize of a miniature model of the ship.

The last man standing in the musical chairs also got an award – a miniature model of the ship.

“Everyone wins on the Carnival Magic,” cruise director James Dunn explained. “This is a wonderful prize … We call it a ‘Ship on a Stick.’” Read more...

Craving some of that delicious pasta served in Eataly restaurant on the MSC Divina?

Now you can buy some in the restaurant shop to take home and prepare yourself.

I knew that the MSC Divina had a top-notch Italian restaurant known as Eataly and I was looking forward to eating there. However, I was surprised at the restaurant’s mini emporium that sells authentic Italian and artisan products, including olive oils, dried pastas, regional sweet and aged balsamics. Read more...

Psst! Want to know a secret? I just found out on my last Disney Cruise Line voyage. Maybe you already know.

I used to wonder why cruisers sometimes carried brand new white pillowcases, white T-shirts and packets of magic markets when they boarded a Disney cruise. Now I know. Read more...

The view was breathtaking. As was the ride to get to the top of St. Thomas Island.

Whenever I return, this will be an island trip I will have to take again. And again.

First, we caught an island shuttle for a winding trip to the top of St. Thomas Island, appropriately named Mountain Top. Our driver “Toothpick” (“because I’m so skinny”) expertly guided the vehicle up the narrow road to the highest peak on the island and gave us a history lesson at the same time. Read more...

Carnival Cruise Line has seen a lot of additions and changes over the last couple years. New sports bars, craft beer on ship, a Guy Fieri signature burger place on many ships… but the main dining rooms could be seeing a major upgrade soon.

Flying is stressful enough. Unpredictable weather and delays can turn a dream trip into a nightmare quickly, especially if baggage gets misplaced or lost. There’s no worse feeling than sitting in a hotel without much besides what came with you on the plane, waiting for a bag to show up so that you can get a change of clothes or take care of something else essential. Here in the office, we’ve thought quite a bit about this lately – and we’ve come up with a list of some of the essential items that every carry-on bag should have that can be lifesavers when the checked bag doesn’t make it to your destination when you do. Read more...

Shortly after entering my luxurious suite with its marvelous ocean view – all guest rooms aboard the Seabourn Odyssey are suites and all have marvelous ocean views – I was greeted by a knock on the door from my room attendant Timea.

She was carrying a tray with caviar hors d’ouevres, a glass of champagne and some special bath soaps. Gifts from her to welcome me aboard. Read more...