28NOV 2023
Freedom Cruise ship

Freedom Cruise ship

Freedom of the Seas has an identity crisis. The 155, -ton, 3, 634-passenger vessel launched in May 2006 as the world s biggest cruise ship at the time, dwarfing the Voyager-class ships that influenced its design and introducing a new class of ship for Royal Caribbean. (Siblings Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas debuted in 2007 and 2008, respectively). But in 2009…

Continue Reading
21NOV 2023
Cruise ship prices

Cruise ship prices

You have probably heard the term all-inclusive applied to cruises. Sure, a voyage at sea is one of the best values around because all major expenses (lodging, meals, snacks, activities and entertainment) are included. However, there are some items - mostly of a personal or optional nature - that are out-of-pocket expenses. And those extra purchases can quickly run up your bill…

Continue Reading
14NOV 2023
Cruise ship wrecks

Cruise ship wrecks

R.M.S. Titanic Rusticles coat the railing of the sunken R.M.S. Titanic (file picture), which sank in the North Atlantic during the ship s maiden voyage from Southampton, U.K., to New York City on April 15, 1912. More than 1, 500 people died in the disaster, largely because the White Star cruise line outfitted the ship with only enough lifeboats for about half the people aboard…

Continue Reading
07NOV 2023
Last Minute Deals on Cruises

Last Minute Deals on Cruises

Here’s a dirty little travel secret: you can show up at almost any popular tourist activity in the world and save serious cash by booking your trip at the last minute. Whether it’s hiring a Nepali guide and porter for a trek to Everest Base Camp, or going on safari in Africa, rare will be the occasion you can’t get started within a few days of arrival. To exemplify this rule, I’m…

Continue Reading
31OCT 2023
Norwegian Cruise excursions

Norwegian Cruise excursions

Shore Excursions for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Sailings CruiseCompete links you to third-party shore excursion providers, giving you access to premium shore excursions from your Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) cruise at substantially lower prices. Enjoy a more intimate cruise tour experience away from the crowds. Be confident in your choice with 24/7 support for travelers, a full…

Continue Reading
24OCT 2023
Lake Murray Dinner Cruise

Lake Murray Dinner Cruise

Can you tell me a little about the ship? The Spirit of Lake Murray was built in 1995 by SkipperLiner Industries in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. It was formerly owned by a hotel in Jacksonville, Florida, where it was known at The Jacksonville Princess . The vessel is spaciously designed with two climate-controlled interior decks, outdoor strolling decks at the bow and stern. There is a…

Continue Reading
17OCT 2023
Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Reviews

Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Reviews

The 78, 491-ton, 2, 040-passenger Rhapsody of the Seas will never win any awards for being the biggest, newest or most innovative ship out there. It s part of Royal Caribbean s Vision Class, among the line s smallest and oldest vessels, in a fleet dominated by humongous mega-ships that sport ice-skating rinks, indoor malls and onboard surf parks. But does that somehow lessen the…

Continue Reading
10OCT 2023
Largest Cruise ships

Largest Cruise ships

A rendering of the completed ship interior contrasted with a peek inside the ship under construction. (Royal Caribbean/Reuters) Royal Caribbean’s newest ship is still under construction but its already making waves as the world’s largest cruise ship. The Harmony of the Seas is currently being built at the STX shipyards in France near St. Nazaire. With the initial phase of exterior…

Continue Reading
03OCT 2023
Carnival Cruise weather

Carnival Cruise weather

How can the weather affect my cruise experience? Like any other vessel that sails the high seas or rivers or lakes, cruise ships are at the mercy of the weather. Cruise lines know this and try to place their ships in destinations where the weather is less likely to affect the itinerary, but avoiding inclement weather is never guaranteed. From rain, hurricanes and high winds to fog…

Continue Reading