CRUISE SHIP TRAVEL ARTICLES

Articles marked with a * are of particular interest to first-time cruisers.

• Cruise Articles by Cruise Diva Contributors
• Hints for New Cruisers
• Cruise Savvy Advice & Articles from Cruise Diva Contributors
• Pre- and Post-Cruise ~ Where to Stay
• Cruise Diva's FOCUS — In-depth articles about cruise travel.
• Cruise Diary — Illustrated 'virtual' cruises.
• Site Map — Articles listed by topic.

Cruise Articles by Cruise Diva & Contributors

• Lobster Galore & More — Indulge in your favorite seafood & snacks on NCL.
• With Details About the F3 Ships, NCL throws us a curve. Catch the NEW WAVE in innovative ocean-going accommodations.
• Royal Caribbean's Project Genesis Details and Images — Now under construction, it will be the world's-largest-ship when launched in 2009.
• Prince Albert II  — Look forward to exploration cruising, Silversea-Style
• Taste of Excellence — Join us on Holland America Line's Westerdam for out-of-the-ordinary dining our way.
• State of the Industry 2008 — The inside story from cruise line executives at Seatrade.
• "The Love Boat" — Come Aboard, We're Expecting You... what's not to love about a look back at cruise travel's television time machine?
• For Cruise Travel, Age Matters* — When it's Spring Break season, find out why you might want to bring your parents.
• Oceania Cruises Announces — Take a look at the design details of their Oceania-class Ships.
• The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2008 hosted by Wayman Tisdale — Join Cruise Diva for all the music, fun, and relaxation aboard Holland America Line's Westerdam.
• Celebrity Solstice Dining — Ten of 2008’s hottest new restaurants will open this fall, on board one of the year’s most anticipated new cruise ships.
• Smoke on the Water* — Can you smoke on your cruise ship? Cruise Diva outlines the cruise lines' smoking policies.
• New Ships for 2008 — A wave of new ships and new-ship classes are on the way to ports near and far.
• Celebrity Solstice — Get an inside preview of what's new, what's not, what's cool, and what's hot on Celebrity Cruises' new class of cruise ships. 
• Berth of A Queen — A look behind the scenes at the progress of building Cunard Line's newest queen, Queen Victoria. 
• Carnival Unveils "Serenity" — Get a peek at the brand new adults-only area that will soon be featured on all Carnival Fantasy-class ships.
• Memories of The Elvis Cruise — What was it like being at sea for the maiden voyage of The Elvis Cruise? Come aboard for a inside look.
• A Quest for Bahamian Cigars — No, I didn't mean to type Cuba. Some of the world’s finest boutique cigars are made in Nassau.
• The Silversea Experience — Cruise Diva takes a fresh look at what makes this luxury cruise line so alluring.
• Passport Purgatory* — If you've applied for a passport far in advance of your cruise, why is it taking SO long to receive it? We examine the delay. 
• Can you "FALL" off a cruise ship?*  Is it that EASY to simply "fall" over a balcony railing? We don't think so.
• Crossing or Cruising? It's your choice which way to travel... but is there a difference? Cruise Diva looks at conventional cruises, repositioning cruises, and a traditional Transatlantic Crossing on Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2.
• Making Disney Magic At Sea — If you were a Princess "Then," be a Princess now on Disney Magic.
• Ultimate Balcony Dinner — The 'ultimate' Love Boat experience by Kay Fernandez.
• Luxury Cruising: I Did It My Way — Explore your "Personalized Voyage" options on Ultra-Luxurious Silversea by Georgina Cruz
• Carnival Miracle “Coming In Late” — A close encounter in hurricane season
• Port Security* — Are you concerned about measures taken to keep your cruise ship safe in US ports? Amber Blecker, ACC, explains why you shouldn't worry.
• Towel Animals* — The ultimate bedtime pals. Make them at home yourself!
• Cruising With Kids*— Going to sea with your children, grandchildren, and youngster's friends. What you need to know and a sample Parental Consent Letter that can be modified for individual purposes and printed.
• Going Ashore* — Plan ahead & make the most of your time in ports of call.
• Shore Excursions vs. Independent Touring* — Get the basics.
• How to Read an Excursion Description* — Sort out what IS and IS NOT included.
• "Ship Time" vs. "Island Time"* — There CAN be a difference!
• Holiday Dinners at Sea: Cruise Ship Cuisine — What's for dinner on your cruise ship? Get all the details and some recipes from Princess Cruises.
• Is Your Cruise Ship SICK? — When hundreds of cruise passengers report to the infirmary with similar symptoms, does that mean their ship is SICK?
• Standard Duty-Free Allowance*  — What is it for your family?
• A "New" Silver Wind — See how even a  a luxury ship was improved with innovative ideas and a fresh interior décor.
• Cruise Ship Etiquette* — Pack your best manners and make Consideration, Courtesy & Civility your guideposts.
• Cruise Travel First Aid Kit* — Be prepared for small emergencies.
• Cruise Ship Fitness Centers*— Will you be "buff" or "buffet" at the end of your cruise? Maintaining an exercise regimen at sea is no sweat.
• Cruise Ship Spas* — Believe it or not, some items on the spa "menu" sound good enough to eat.
• Will you drive to your next cruise? — There may be an embarkation port coming to a city near you soon.
• Family Cruising, The Basics*— Will your children enjoy a cruise? Chances are, it will be difficult to convince them to leave the ship at the end of the voyage. What to know...
• Before You Go & Do's and Don'ts* to experience one of the most satisfying vacations your family can share.
• Cruising Cost Control, Money Saving Tips* -- Cut costs, not the enjoyment of your cruise.
• What IS & Is NOT Included In Your Cruise Fare* -- Cruises are nearly all-inclusive, but some things do cost additional
• Cruise Romance*-- Cruise Diva selects the most romantic ships at sea
• What to Expect On Your Cruise* -- No two cruise experiences are identical. But what exactly are realistic expectations?
• Selecting Luggage for Your Cruise* -- What to consider before making a major luggage purchase, how to adhere to airline baggage regulations, and the answer to how much luggage can you take on the ship.
• Luggage Limitations For Cruisers* — If you are an infrequent flyer, you may be in for a rude surprise at the airport. These are airline regulations and the answer to how much luggage can you take on the ship.
• Select Your Cruise Ship Cabin* — Inside or Outside? Balcony Stateroom or Suite? Take a look at the accommodations available before choosing yours.
• A Cruise vs. Resort Cost Comparison* — "Which will be kinder to my vacation budget?" Many would-be cruise passengers are surprised that a cruise isn't as costly as they perceived. Let's crunch some numbers.
• Gentlemen Hosts® — As I prepared for the Captain's Reception on Silver Whisper, song lyrics from my teenage years ran through my mind... "little wallflower on the shelf, standing by herself." Was it worth going through the ritual of makeup, hair, a gown & heels? Would anyone ask me to dance?
• Accessible Cruise Travel — Designed from the keel up with the special needs of disabled passengers in mind, new cruise ships are opening the world to guests with mobility, sight, and breathing impairments.
• The Cruise Planning Timeline* - The sailing date for your dream cruise is drawing near and it's time to take care of some practical considerations. You're getting ready to cruise—these are the things to do and a schedule of when to do them.
• Just the FAQs* -- Frequently Asked Questions & simple answers.
• Cruising in the Lap of LUXURY - At Seatrade 2002, it was clear that even leading cruise line executives differ in their opinions—and definitions of a luxury cruise. Here's what they had to say.
• Piña Colada—The Tropical Taste of Puerto Rico* - Ever wonder who created the cool, creamy Piña Colada? I did, so I went to the source—the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• SIZE Matters* - Ship size... what does it matter? It's actually a very important consideration in determining the overall cruise experience. Cruise Diva and Armand Mantia join forces to explain why.
• More Than Simply Insurance - Cancellation options for cruise passengers... You may think, "Nothing bad can happen to me!" Or can it?
• Romance at Sea* - How can you spot the newlyweds on a cruise ship? Unless the bride is wearing a white gown and the groom has rice in his hair, you can’t. What setting could be more idyllic for romance than a ship at sea?
• Cruise Ships & Dry-Dock -- A lot of water passes under their keels. So, for cruise liners, the equivalent of a trip to a health spa is the dry-dock. Follow the steps needed to maintain and enhance the luxurious Crystal Symphony.
• Trim Your Wardrobe, Pack Light, Be Fashionable & Practical* -- How I packed everything I needed for a 15-night cruise in a carry-on.
• Cruise Lifestyles* -- Cruises fall into loose categories. Here's what distinguishes Mainstream, Premium, and Luxury cruise lines from one another.
• Cruise Line Profiles* -- Descriptions of all the major cruise lines. It's what you need to know to choose a cruise vacation.
• Cruise Line Past Passenger Clubs* -- To entice past passengers, cruise lines have special clubs for "repeaters." Find out about them here.
• Have DUCK Tape, Will Travel* -- A new cruising travel necessity... this is NOT your father's duct tape & it no longer belongs in the garage.
• Find the RIGHT Cruise Travel Agent* -- It takes research, research, and more research.
• Port Security* -- What to expect at your embarkation port and ports of call.
• Safety Onboard* -- The muster drill and beyond; crews take safety and security seriously.
• Stay Safe in Ports of Call* -- Getting away from it all shouldn't mean getting into trouble.
• Identifying Yourself* -- If you haven't done it already, isn't it about time to get a passport?
• The Cruel War -- Cruising Into Battle? In coming days, give the cruise lines a chance to do the right thing for passengers. An editorial viewpoint.
• Flying the Friendlier Skies* -- New security measures are in place to ease your mind about flights safety.
• The Legendary Alhambra -- A magic carpet ride into a world of visionary enchantment.
• Ship Happens* -- Bad weather, mechanical problems, and political unrest can set your itinerary and plans adrift.
• Money, Money, Money -- Make dollars & sense out of currency exchange.
• Cruising into Hurricane Season* -- "Official" hurricane season consumes a full six months of the year. It doesn't have to spoil your cruise.
• A (Cruising) Pirate's Cache -- Some passengers gloat over winning in the casino. That’s only money. I’d rather have something that cash can’t buy.
• Cruise Care-- The ship's Sick Bay. You hope you won't need it but it's comforting to know you can depend on it... if only for a bandage.
• Cool Cruising -- When spring is in the air, cruisers' fancies turn north--to Alaska. Majestic scenery, frontiers to explore, and what  to pack.
• Nautical Terms* -- From A to Z, learn the language of life afloat and why you should never call your ship a boat.
• Early vs. Late Seating Dining* -- It can set the tone for your entire cruise.
• Cruise Tipping Tip$* -- One of the most personal & frequently debated topics of conversation among cruise passengers involves the matter of tipping.
• Packing It In* -- First published in the December 1999 issue of Cruise Travel Magazine, the True Confession of a pack-aholic.
• Air & Sea: Solutions for the Landlocked* -- The facts about cruise line Air & Sea Programs and missing the boat.
• That's Entertainment!* -- For passengers yearning for a return to simpler times, there’s an enduring form of entertainment—the Passenger Talent Show.
• Sailing Solo -- On embarkation day it's evident that cruise ships are modern incarnations of Noah’s Ark... what's it like to be a female on your own?
• Going "Bare"* -- This has nothing to do with sunbathing au natural.  Here's the scoop on protecting your cruise investment and yourself.
• The Captain's Dinner -- It's a dining experience modern cruisers anticipate, but its roots are in steerage.
• Seasickness ~ Rockin' the Boat* -- What causes mal de mer and how to overcome it.
• Cruise Wear* -- "Looking so LUXE in a rental tux!"  Cracking cruise line dress codes... what to wear and when to wear it.
• Passenger Rights & Wrongs -- What recourse do you have if the cruise on your Dream Ship becomes a Nightmare?  An interview with James Walker, a top maritime attorney.
• A Day With Rich Joseph -- "At the tender age of 15 off I went to work first as a bar waiter then a blackjack dealer on the Mardi Gras and loved it - what a summer!"  Rich reflects on twenty-five years as a Cruise Director.
• TITANIC~Ship of Dreams -- A pre- or post-cruise visit to Orlando isn't complete without a stop at the haunting permanent Titanic exhibit.
• Beautiful Bermuda -- Pink sand & sparkling water.  A cruise is the ideal Bermuda get-away.
• Cruise On, Mom -- A Mother's Day tribute to the lady who passed along her cruise genes to me.  My mom's first cruise on the Song of Norway.

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Hints for New Cruisers

• What to Expect On Your Cruise* -- No two cruise experiences are identical. But what exactly are realistic expectations?
• Luggage for Your Cruise* -- What to consider before making a major luggage purchase, how to adhere to airline baggage regulations, and the answer to how much luggage can you take on the ship.
• Luggage Limitations For Cruisers* — If you are an infrequent flyer, you may be in for a rude surprise at the airport. These are airline regulations and the answer to how much luggage can you take on the ship.
• Select Your Cruise Ship Cabin* — Inside or Outside? Balcony Stateroom or Suite? Take a look at the accommodations available before choosing yours.
• A Cruise vs. Resort Cost Comparison* -- "Which will be kinder to my vacation budget?" Many would-be cruise passengers are surprised that a cruise isn't as costly as they perceived. Let's crunch some numbers.
• Hints Part 1* -- Little things every first-time Cruise Diva should know ahead of time. By George Hall
• Hints Part 2* -- You're on board.  What can you expect in this new, yet vaguely familiar, environment? By George Hall
• A Cruise Diva's Musts* -- The Chicago Sun-Times turns to CruiseDiva.com for advice on the secret comforts to make your cruise the best it can be.
• The Cruise Planning Timeline* - The sailing date for your dream cruise is drawing near and it's time to take care of some practical considerations. You're getting ready to cruise—these are the things to do and a schedule of when to do them.
• Tips for Cruisers* -- The Archive of Weekly Cruise Travel Tips. Check in often for new tips or to find the ones you may have missed.
• FAQs* -- Frequently Asked Questions & simple answers.
• First-Time Cruise Smarts For First-Class Passengers* - Netfolio & the Cruise Diva collaborate on advice for first-time cruise passengers.

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Cruise Savvy Advice & Information from Cruise Diva Contributors

• Disney Dreams — This is the year to plan a magical pre- or post-cruise stay at a Disney theme park. It's time for a "Year of a Million Dreams" to come true.
• Ultimate Balcony Dinner — The 'ultimate' Love Boat experience by Kay Fernandez.
• Carnival Miracle “Coming In Late” — A close encounter in hurricane season
• Port Security — Are you concerned about measures taken to keep your cruise ship safe in US ports? Amber Blecker, ACC, explains why you shouldn't worry.
• Magic Kingdom Pre- & Post-Cruise Experiences, by Georgina Cruz
• Three Important Shipmates -- Who are they? Why should you know them? Key Crystal Serenity cruise ship officers share insight into their positions with noted travel author Robert W. Bone.
• Cruise Norway & the North Cape -- Mary Ann Rizzo graciously offers her observations and advice for North Cape cruising.
• Debunking the "Upgrade Fairy" Myth* -- George Leppla of Countryside Travel sheds light on upgraded accommodations.
• Freestyle Cruising on NCL -- George Leppla of Countryside Travel gives the lowdown on how "Freestyle" works and doing your own thing.
• The Magic of the Galapagos -- An ecotourism cruising adventure on Quasar Nautica's Lammer Law, by Stewart B. Nelson, Ph.D.
• In Flight from Amsterdam on September 11th - "It looks like a wartime evacuation" by Doug Lindsey. Returning cruise passengers Doug & Sherry found their US Airways flight diverted to Halifax.
• How Will You Handle Flying Now? by Captain Stacey Chance. If you have an upcoming flight, use these ten valuable tips to deal with your jitters.

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Pre- and Post-Cruise ~ Where to Stay

• Disney Dreams — This is the year to plan a magical pre- or post-cruise stay at a Disney theme park. A "Year of a Million Dreams" comes true.
• Magic Kingdom Pre- & Post-Cruise Experiences, by Georgina Cruz
• Hyatt Regency Pier 66 ~ Fort Lauderdale -- The 22 acres of swamp land purchased by Phillips Petroleum a half century ago has grown from a simple watercraft gas station to one of Fort Lauderdale's premier landmarks.
• Hotel Majestic ~ Barcelona, Spain -- A peek inside this elegant hotel in the heart of Spain's most intriguing Mediterranean city.
• Ritz Four Seasons ~ Lisbon, Portugal -- They just don't build hotels like this any more... putting on the "ritz" in Lisbon.

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Cruise Diva's FOCUS -- The in-depth series of articles about cruise travel and related topics.

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* Articles that are of particular interest to first-time cruisers.

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