Cariloha Bamboo: Comfort, Style and Sustainability
When it comes to being cool and comfortable, the fabrics in your life matter. There are countless fabric-makers who tout their sweat-wicking, antibacterial materials, but did you know there’s an all-natural alternative that works even better? Bamboo from Cariloha. Bamboo has been used by hum
Cruise Ship Entertainers Pivot in the Wake of COVID-19
Alan Chamo feels most at home on stage entertaining cruise audiences with his brilliant mentalism, hilarious comedy sets and edge-of-your-seat magic routines. However, without ships setting sail, this accomplished mentalist had to pivot his shows to the virtual arena and now he’s helping other
Whales Come Together to Save the Humans, for a Change
For years, cruisers have donated to environmental causes that support the health and safety of whales in our oceans, but now in a bizarre twist of fate, it’s the whales who are helping out for a change. “Save the Humans” was established at a meeting of whales off the coast of Alaska’s Saint
Hawaiian Shirt Owners More Often Win Lido Deck Limbo, Study Suggests
In a research study conducted on board cruise ships in 2019, researchers found that those owning Hawaiian shirts were far more likely to take first prize in the weekly lido deck limbo competitions found on board most cruise ships. The number was even higher for those wearing a Hawaiian shirt a
Humor: COVID-19 Says It’s all Groove, No Cruise
The Monthly Mantra Ship out of luck … Ship out of luck … Ship out of luck … I’d like to drink a toast to the organizers of Cruise to the Edge and the On the Blue Cruise, two of the most spectacular music theme cruises you’ll ever sail. Of course, I’d really like to […]
Cruise Memories with Bill Panoff: The Tom Jones Years
Welcome to the second installment of cruise memories with Bill Panoff! Yesterday, we asked Bill about his first memories of cruising on board TSS Carnivale where he worked as a magician. One of the events on board the ship was a talent contest and that’s when Bill decided to try his hand
Clyde Butcher: Florida’s Photographer
Inducted into the Florida Hall of Fame in 1998, photographer Clyde Butcher is best known as the “Ansel Adams of Florida.” Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1942, Butcher claimed Florida as his home in 1980. Like most visitors, he was unaware that there was more to Florida than beaches until he w
Emerald Azzurra … What a Gem!
The Monthly Mantra Worth the Wait! … Worth the Wait! … Worth the Wait! There are lots and lots of big things coming our way this year — Virgin’s Scarlet Lady, Celebrity Apex, Carnival Mardi Gras, P&O’s Iona, Princess’ Enchanted Princess, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Sea
10 Reasons to Buy Art on a Cruise Ship
If you’re like most cruisers, the highlight of your year is stepping aboard a cruise ship for a week of fun in the sun. Everyone has a favorite part about a cruise. Some love the unique dining options, others the onboard amenities like pools, movie theaters, mini-golf courses and tons more. If you
Shop ‘Til You Drop in St. Thomas
If you enjoy shopping…and getting a deal while doing it…you are going to love to shop ‘til you drop in St. Thomas. This duty-free port in the U.S Virgin Islands is truly a shopper’s paradise and offers cruise ship guests the experience of a lifetime as they stroll along the island’s st
Floats My Boat: Saltwater Painter Stephen Card
Tucked away in Sandys, Bermuda, you’ll find the home and studio of maritime artist Stephen Card. It’s a yellow house with dark green shutters — “The color scheme,” Card explains, “of the old Rotterdam’s lifeboats.” And with that statement alone, you realize that for this 67-year-old
Sailing into a New Year!
The Monthly Mantra Cruise Year Resolutions…Cruise Year Resolutions…Cruise Year Resolutions…. It seems everyone’s making resolutions this month: Lose weight, stop smoking, stop drinking and rev up the fitness routine. As a cruise fanatic, my resolutions are a bit different.
Eco Oceans: Sustainability by the MSC Seashore
When it comes to conservation efforts in the cruising industry today, all eyes are on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. And while visits to the eco-friendly paradise are just beginning, MSC is already making new waves with MSC Seashore — the first of two Seaside EVO–class ships, scheduled for servic
5 Things to Do in Cartagena
For nearly 500 years, Cartagena, Colombia has been a major port for cruisers and travelers alike. Founded by the Spanish in 1533, the city has a unique mix of old world history and modern amenities which make it an appealing vacation destination for all manner of cruiser and traveler. Whether you’
Gone to Sea: Broadway at Sea
In 2010, an imposing trio of bald, blue madmen convinced me that onboard entertainment was about to take an extraordinary turn. At the time, I was seated in the Epic Theater aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s recently launched Norwegian Epic. On the elaborate stage before me, a riotous performance of
The Judi’s Choice Awards 2019
The Monthly Mantra Judi’s Choice Awards … Judi’s Choice Awards … Judi’s Choice Awards … It’s time for the 2019 Judi’s Choice Awards! Unlike all those hum-drum “best-ofs” that tackle the obvious aspects of a cruise like dining, entertainment, and itineraries (anyone could do that)
Yum Yum at Crystal Cruises’ Umi Uma
This month, the quest for the best onboard restaurants takes us on Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Symphony. You must book a reservation at Umi Uma. Famed restaurateur and celebrity chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa created the restaurant’s Japanese-Peruvian fusion menu. His unique style c
Your Colombian Emerald Holiday Buying Guide
Cruisers hopping off the ship in Cartagena, Colombia are excited to explore a South American city rich with local culture, Spanish colonial architecture, and one of the most prized gemstones; the emerald. Brilliant green and found deep in the Colombian mountains, the emerald captivates visitors with
VIP@Sea: @TheWaytoTravel (with kids!)
At first glance of their Instagram, @thewaytotravel is all about arid and sea-swept landscapes with a few quintessential candids of an enviable couple living out everyone’s dream. Look closer and you’ll spot another pint-sized explorer along for the ride, too. Mario and Ioanna began their nomadi
Planning a Family Reunion? Take a Cruise!
If you are thinking of planning a family reunion, there is truly no better place to have it than on a cruise! Not only is having your get together on a fun-filled cruise ship an amazing adventure, but it also offers a stress-free alternative for family fun where no one has to organize or clean [&hel
