We aren't always the first to cruise news, and we don't strive to cover every story.  Our effort is however to bring you objective information along with our take on why the story is important (or not).

New Dining & Drinking Venues Announced for Carnival Mardi Gras Plus More on the Lido and Summer Landing Zones

Red Frog Tiki Bar on Carnival Mardi Gras

Guests lucky enough to enjoy the yet-released Carnival Mardi Gras can look forward to some new food and beverage options, some of them not found on any other Carnival ship.  We've been excitedly watching as more information comes out about this new build, and these announcements have us all the more eager to try out what seems to be a totally new concept from Carnival...

Virgin Voyages Mega Rockstar Suites Video Tour - They're What You Want, What You Really Really Want - Expanded Offerings!

Former Spice Girl Geri Horner Rocking Out in a Mega RockStar Suite on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady

When Virgin Voyages sets sail next year, there will be many different types of rooms Sailors can enjoy, but a select few will be in Mega RockStar Suites, and now, they have a seal of approval from Geri Horner, of the famed group, The Spice Girls.  It's not just some cheeky photos of the pop-star is putting out though - we've got new information about some of the amenities afforded to suite guests on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady and even a tour of the luxe accommodations!

Virgin Voyages Appoints First Female Canadian Captain, Replaces Cuba Calls, and Reveals Seven-Night Itineraries to Puerto Rico

Captain Wendy Williams, Master, Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady

Today in Toronto, Virgin Voyages announced the historic appointment of Captain Wendy Williams, and revealed new itineraries for the 2020 inaugural cruise season, replacing previously scheduled calls to Cuba. Included in their reveal were some newly announced seven night sailings...

Changes to US Regulations on Cuba Travel Impact Cruising - What We Know So Far *With Updates*

On June 4 2019, the US released details of changes to various regulations that look to impact cruises to Cuba from the United States, and how US citizens can travel to the island nation in general.  While we prefer to wait to share information until things are more clear, we've received many questions about this and will share what we know, when we know it, below.

Carnival's Brand Ambassador Pens Open Letter to Guests About Recent Changes & Environmental Efforts

Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald's Letter on Recent ChangesCarnival is a force to be reckoned with in the cruise industry, with many passionate fans.  Like any brand with a loyal following, changes can cause waves - sometimes because people don't like the changes, other times because people fear what else is changing next.  Today, Carnival Cruises' Senior Cruise Director and Brand Ambassador John Heald published a letter about a number of recent changes, explaining the importance the company places on the environment.  The full letter...

One Cruise Line is Working Hard to Get the Attention of... South Dakotans?

A Letter to South Dakota - From a Cruise LineA new cruise line has been taking bookings from across the United States, but can't seem to convince people in one particular state to book: South Dakota.  Folks in South Dakota seem to have the time to vacation, as the average full-time employee in South Dakota uses only 26% of their vacation days to travel. In fact, about 73% of South Dakotans have left over days each year!  That's why this line has a special deal (and message) just for The Mount Rushmore State...

What Is Cold Ironing and What Is Germany Doing to Get Ships to Do More of It?

Cold Ironing Diagram - Courtesy abb.com

As cruise lines and other parts of the tourism industry continue to take steps to be better environmental stewards, one of the simplest things that ships and ports can do is to connect to shore side power while in port - and now Germany is making that an even easier decision for cruise lines and shipping companies...

NCL is Thinning Out the Towel Animal Population - Plus, Billy's Unpopular Opinion

Are towel animals going extinct on cruises?I've been cruising since I was a small child, and I'm not sure if I experienced a single cruise where I didn't return to my stateroom at some point to find a towel folded into the shape of some animal.  It might be a monkey hanging from the ceiling, or a swan sitting on the bed - but on my next NCL cruise it may take a new shape: that of a folded towel...