Cruise Guide: Politicians, plush bedding, tea service brewing at sea
By Mike Coleman Luxury cruise lines will be rolling out a series of nice touches in 2007 to pamper their guests like never before. New bedding is in at Silversea; tea service will be taken to new heights at Cunard and onboard enrichment programs at Seabourn will feature power, politics and punditry from Washington’s leading...
Cruise Guide: Cruise trends 2007
By Mike Coleman There’s no shortage of cruise ideas for the upcoming year. From epic world journeys to brief, lazy days in the sun, there’s a voyage and price range for just about everyone. Not sure which cruise line, or ship, to take? It’s never been easier to decide. Your nearest bookseller has a host …...
Cruise Guide: New ship launches pending
By Mike Coleman Could it get any better for cruise ship travel aficionados? Over the next 12 months, a series of new ships will be launched by various cruise lines, and a host of other vessels are now being constructed in shipyards around the globe for debuts in the coming years. Kicking off the parade …...
Cruise Guide: Holiday merriment . . . at sea
By Michael Coleman Holiday cheer and merriment may best be enjoyed this season aboard a cruise ship of your choice. “Cruises provide travelers with a chance to thoroughly revel in the holidays, leaving the hassles of everyday life behind,” said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association...
Cruise Guide: Celebrity to offer wedding vow renewal packages
By Michael Coleman With a host of romantic destinations serving as a backdrop, guests aboard Celebrity Cruises might want to consider renewing their wedding vows on an upcoming sailing. The line, in partnership with The Wedding Experience, offers two packages. “Vow renewals are the perfect romantic gift for spouses to give each...
Cruise Guide: The sky’s the limit . . . at sea
By Michael Coleman As the world’s largest passenger vessel was unveiled in Miami last week, I had but one question on my mind: What will they think of next? Royal Caribbean’s highly-anticipated Freedom of the Seas is not your typical cruise ship. She features 15 passenger decks, an onboard surf park, cantilevered whirlpools...
Cruise Guide: D.C. power couple to pontificate at sea
By Michael Coleman Political junkies need not worry about missing the latest election news from home while sailing abroad this summer. The husband and wife tandem of James Carville and Mary Matalin, Democratic and Republican political commentators respectively, will share their insights during Crystal Cruises’ 12-day voyage from...
Cruise Guide: Small ship cruises offer something for everyone
By Mike Coleman Some of the world’s best cruises, even for kids, are not necessarily found on amenity-laden mega-ships. Small ship cruises offer something for everyone, and the 2006 summer season is no exception. ¨¨Passengers can return to a bygone era of steamship travel or enjoy nature’s canvas on a whale-watching...
Cruise Guide: Cruise lines navigate troubled waters
By Michael Coleman The major cruise lines, having enjoyed years of calm seas and growing popularity, now find themselves navigating through troubled waters. This column typically highlights the newest vessels and latest trends, but industry news of late, particularly this month, is somber to say the least. Last week alone, a deadly...
Cruise Guide: Mass-market cruise lines ready for a busy 2006
By Michael Coleman The world’s most popular mass market cruise lines are turning up the heat for your hard-earned vacation dollars in 2006. Look for competitive pricing, the debut of new itineraries and a slew of cruise industry firsts. Carnival is set to debut three- six- and eight-day Caribbean itineraries from Fort...