Dear Friends,

As we head into Fall, we want to take a moment to share with you where things stand in the Cruise World and when we might see some cruises resume in the US. Today, we have good news to share!

Cruise Lines in Europe have started returning to service in Europe on a limited basis, and with success. As a result, Cruise Lines across our country put together new plans of action that take the lessons learned from these first steps to ensure that we have a healthy return to cruising in the very near future. All the major cruise lines have submitted plans with the CDC in the last week to institute new protocols to minimize any risk and help guarantee the safety of guests and crew alike. Read more...

The large handmade doll sits in a locked plexiglass case at the Fort East Martello Museum in Key West, Florida.

But is the secured case a protection for the one-of-a-kind doll? Or is it for the safety of visitors to this Key West attraction?

After all, this unusual figure dressed in a sailor suit is not an ordinary toy. Known as “Robert the Doll,” the century-old figure is said to be haunted and able to cast spells on those who cross his path. Read more...

Christopher Murphy didn’t hesitate when asked what he liked best about his two-night cruise aboard the Grand Classica.

“The bed in the wall,” he answered quickly. “That’s where I’m sleeping. The ship man said it is called a Murphy Bed. But it wasn’t named after me.” Read more...

For all you architecture buffs or for folks who just like neat-looking buildings, here is a two-prong quiz.

This photo shows the back side of a famous facility. The structure is famous not only for its beauty and its architecture, it is also renowned for what it contains. Read more...

Like a silent sentry, the gigantic “Puppy” stands ready to welcome visitors to his beautiful home. Multiple cameras and cellphones snap pictures of the unusual dog sculpture. In fact, it is difficult to get a photo when someone isn’t posing near the Bilbao landmark. Read more...

With the success of its shipboard breweries, Carnival Cruise Line now offers another first. Carnival has become the first cruise line to can and keg its own private label craft beers.

Cruisers can now pop the top on 16-ounce cans of ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale, West Coast IPA and ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat. The beer will be available to thirsty guests on all 26 Carnival ships. Read more...

Passengers will soon be able to cruise the popular Douro River in Portugal aboard Tauck’s new riverboat ms Andorinha.

The beautiful new riverboat will be launched in 2020. Andorinha will carry a crew of 36 and a passenger capacity of 84 guests, far fewer than other Douro ships of similar size which accommodate up to 112 passengers. 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.

We like to look ahead in the office, and when it comes to ship announcements – we sometimes like to look far ahead. Royal Caribbean’s last big unveiling was three years ago with the Allure of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, and we’re about a year away from Quantum of the Seas, the largest ship to ever be homeported in the New York area. But last week, more plans for the Anthem of the Seas – scheduled to launch sometime in 2015, about 18 months away.

The cruise is booked and you are set to sail for the very first time! Cruises are a really excellent way to see the world in a relaxing, stress-free environment, but its a very different type of travel than a guided tour or something on your own. There are secrets and strategies that make an experience extra special, and we want to share them with you. So without further ado, here are five tips to help you cruise like a pro!