Cruise Guide: Industry rolls out global red carpet to woo cruise passengers
By Michael Coleman Cruise ship travel continues to gain in popularity – a record 10 million North Americans are expected to step foot on a major vessel this year alone. But it’s the economic impact on local communities across the globe that is propelling the industry to new heights Old piers are suddenly receiving...
Cruise Guide: Mexican Riviera: The new ‘it’ place in the sun
By Michael Coleman Flawless beaches, superb golf and fishing, great weather and an enriching cultural component may indeed be adjectives to describe coastal living in California or Florida but cruise ship passengers are flocking in droves to the new ‘it’ place in the sun: The Mexican Riviera. A major cruise association...
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: 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: Silversea, Seabourn unveil golf, insider tip programs
By Michael Coleman Two of the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise lines – Silversea and Seabourn – are rolling out exclusive programs that will make the golf lover smile and the adventurer in all of us beam with contentment. Golf enthusiasts sailing on the 382-guest Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper can live and...
Cruise Guide: A novel cruise concept – Authors gone wild
By Mike Coleman Book lovers are in for a special treat this April. Top-selling writers are scheduled to bring their prose to life on a week-long “Authors at Sea” Mexican Riviera cruise aboard Carnival Pride, round-trip from Los Angeles (Long Beach), April 2 to 9, 2006. Port calls include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo...
Cruise Guide: Loren, Matlin, Egyptian expert to wow passengers
By Michael Coleman If you’ve taken a cruise lately you’ve likely noticed a new onboard trend. Your fellow passengers are younger, affluent and they’ve been looking for a hassle-free vacation experience, according to the folks who analyze such trends. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released...
Cruise Guide: Cruise ship celebrity sightings becoming common
By Michael Coleman Your chance of rubbing elbows with the stars may be greater onboard a major cruise ship than it is if you made the trek to Hollywood. According to Elena Vakhrenova, author and publisher of Cruising Cuisine for Home Entertaining, Hors d’Oeuvres and Appetizers, celebrity sightings on the high seas have now become...
Cruise Guide: Carnival takes swing at Caribbean
By Michael Coleman How does the world’s most popular cruise line, and its latest mega-ship, improve the Caribbean vacation experience? It offers golf. Golf. And, more golf. Those who love to tee it up can book either six- or eight-day voyages from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean and the Bahamas aboard Carnival Liberty, the...
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...