SmarterTravel.com: Ship to Shore Blog

Is the Europe cruise market soft?

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:43:33 -0500

Europe cruising has been so popular that many lines have added ships to the region. But does the 23 percent capacity increase mean there are too many ships sailing Europe?

Reader-submitted money-saving cruise tips

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:53:57 -0500

SmarterTravel.com cruisers are a knowledgeable bunch. Our Cruise Editor asked them for money-saving cruising tips and has printed the best in this blog entry.

New cruise website for New York cruisers

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:56:00 -0500

Since the invention of homeport cruising, New York's ports have gotten a new lease on life. Now a new website helps cruisers plan a vacation at sea from the Big Apple.

Norwegian goes all out for Valentine's Day

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:02:52 -0500

Norwegian is feeling the love as Valentine's Day approaches. The cruise line has put together special menus, treats, and packages for its mid-February cruises.

Return to Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:21:19 -0500

Our Cruise Editor continues her voyage on Carnival, and discovers how Jamaica has changed since she was last there.

Two sides of Grand Cayman

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:45:53 -0500

Grand Cayman gives Caribbean cruising a bad name. Our cruise editor embraces the quiet and crazy sides of Grand Cayman at Seven Mile Beach and Margaritaville.

Another cold, rainy day in Mexico

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:46:21 -0500

In Mexico, our Cruise Editor experiences unusual Caribbean weather and learns why you think twice before booking outdoor tours far in advance.

Freedom is better than Fantasy

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:03:09 -0500

Cruise Editor compares one of Carnival's newest ships, the Carnival Freedom, to one of its older ships, the Fantasy.

Everything you wanted to know about Carnival (part 2)

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:25:58 -0500

If you have any questions about western Caribbean ports, the Carnival Freedom, or infamous Cruise Director John Heald, please send them to our Cruise Editor before her next cruise.

Voyager of the Seas arrives in Galveston

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:57:36 -0500

Cruisers from Galveston now have a new itinerary option. Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas has just arrived to sail seven-night Caribbean and Central America cruises.

Itinerary changes for the Azamara Journey

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:49:41 -0500

The Azamara Journey will swap its South America voyages and world cruise for Caribbean and Panama Canal sailings.

Changes onboard in 2008

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:55:08 -0500

New programs from five cruise lines will make onboard life more interesting in 2008. Here's what Crystal, Disney, Holland America, Princess, and Regent have planned.

QE2's last world cruise

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:25:34 -0500

For fans of Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2, this week is bittersweet. The famous ship set sail Sunday on its last world cruise.

Survey rates top cruise destinations

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:41:27 -0500

Carlson Wagonlit Travel has rated the top cruise and international destinations for 2008. Read the sometimes surprising results and see how your favorite cruise locale stacks up.

Give your opinion on cruise ship discharges

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:27:07 -0500

Ever wonder where the waste water on a cruise ship goes? Now you can read an official report on this subject and put in your two cents.

Is Antarctica cruising safe?

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 11:58:16 -0500

For the second time this year, a cruise ship has run into trouble near Antarctica. Perhaps it's not as safe to ply icy waters as we originally thought.

News roundup from premium and luxury lines

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:39:44 -0500

Read the latest news from Crystal, Cunard, and Holland America, plus find out if your favorite lines garnered an award from Travel Weekly.

News roundup from the mainstream lines

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:41:07 -0500

The news includes new itineraries from Carnival, enhancements across Norwegian's fleet, and the debut of a new easyCruise vessel.

Norwegian Gem set to sail

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:40:29 -0500

The Norwegian Gem, NCL's newest ship, was christened today in New York harbor. The Gem is the eighth ship custom-designed for the brand's Freestyle Cruising fleet.

Regent Seven Seas acquired by Apollo Management

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:55:19 -0500

When the deal goes through in early 2008, Regent Seven Seas will become sister lines with Oceania and cousins with Norwegian.

Send in your Caribbean cruise stories and tips

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:52:48 -0500

Send in stories about your favorite experience while on a Caribbean cruise or your best tips on how to make the most of a Caribbean vacation at sea.

A new Queen comes on the scene

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:31:08 -0500

After much anticipation and hype, the Queen Victoria, Cunard's newest and second largest ship, has received its name and will set sail today on its maiden voyage.

Proposed rule may force cruise lines out of Hawaii

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:26:14 -0500

Customs and Border Protection is considering a change to the current cabotage regulations, which will help NCL America and hurt other cruise lines wishing to sail to Hawaii.

Disney introduces new Caribbean itineraries

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:33:32 -0500

Disney announced two new eastern Caribbean cruises for its 2009 season, featuring calls at St. Croix and Tortola. Find out why you should think twice before putting down a deposit.

Genesis ships will homeport in Ft. Lauderdale

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Royal Caribbean has reached an agreement with Ft. Lauderdale's Port Everglades to base its 6,400-passenger Genesis ships there instead of Miami.