Would You Think Twice About Cruising?

“Just wondering…. given all the dire reports from the Carnival ship this week, is it putting anyone off of cruising?” asks Cruise Critic boards member, startwin. Some version of this question echoes in many minds, from both industry and consumer bases, after any disaster: Would you get back in a car, plane, train, or in [...]

What do you remember about Costa Concordia?

It’s hard to believe that Sunday marks the first anniversary of the tragic capsizing of Costa Concordia, an event in which 32 people died and scores were injured. In the ensuing year, we have learned the ship’s captain might face manslaughter charges and Costa Concordia, which still lies on its side and is part of [...]

A Christmas Tradition Started at Sea

Most cruisers — well, travelers in general, really — love their souvenirs. Who doesn’t want a reminder of the places they’ve visited, the memories they’ve made while sailing to far-flung destinations? When Gina Barrett (Cruise Critic member Cruisin Around from Pittsburgh) went on her first cruise on Celebrity Galaxy in 2004, she wasn’t interested in [...]

Should a Cruise Line Tell Passengers Who ‘Else’ Is Sailing?

The debate surrounding Carnival’s drag prohibition–no, acceptance(!) has been fierce. But from a mess of wigs, eyeliner and blood pressure spikes, an interesting question emerged: When a cruise line agrees to host an affinity group — fans of music, cats, vampires, werewolves, drag queens, liberalism, conservatism, cephalopods, John Heald — what responsibility does it have [...]

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Third Breakaway-Class Ship Shall Be Called …

NCL revealed last week that a third Breakaway-class ship will debut, in fall 2015. It’s currently called Breakaway Plus in reference to its added girth — the 163,000-ton, 4,200-passenger ship will be some 11 percent larger than its 146,600-ton, 4,000-passenger half-sisters, Norwegian Breakaway (2013) and Norwegian Getaway (2014).

Norwegian Breakaway and Peter Max Ignite One Hull of a Debate

NCL‘s striking hull designs — featuring jewels, flowers, a radiating sun — have become something of a calling card. But none of the line’s previous liveries could have prepared us for Norwegian Breakaway, whose Peter Max-designed paint work was officially unveiled Tuesday.

Readers Not Sold on Carnival’s $50 Pay-for-Perks Scheme

Lately, it seems Carnival just can’t get anything right — at least as far as many Carnival loyalists are concerned. First, cruisers were disappointed with the new VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) past-passenger program. And then, just when the furor was starting to die down, there was yesterday’s announcement: The line will begin testing an [...]

Titanic Hoopla: Full Steam Ahead?

It’s official. The season for commemorating the centenary of the most famous foundered ship in history is here. While there have been occasional blips on the radar screen — like the auction of these artifacts, for instance — we haven’t noticed any iceberg-sized anticipation … until now, that is.