I recently returned from a 21-day cruise on Holland America's Rotterdam. Now, I'm embarking on another cruise, this time on Mardi Gras, a unique ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet that is distinct for not having "Carnival" in its name. Mardi Gras, the first vessel of Carnival's Excel-class, is…

Get ready to float into island time like never before aboard Margaritaville at Sea's brand-new flagship vessel, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander! Starting June 14, 2024, this fully reimagined ship will embark on four- and five-night cruises, whisking guests away to sun-soaked destinations like Key West, Cozumel, and Progreso. With…

Are you dreaming of setting sail on a luxurious cruise without breaking the bank? The thrill of the ocean, exotic destinations, and unparalleled comfort await you, and it’s more accessible than you think! Holland America Line, known for its elegant ships and exquisite itineraries, offers a unique opportunity for spontaneous…

Great news for those planning a trip to MSC Cruises' private Bahamian island, Ocean Cay! MSC Cruises is elevating its dedication to sustainable tourism and local community enhancement with a significant development initiative at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This exciting project was announced at a ceremony in Bimini, attended…

Thanksgiving is a time of warmth, gratitude, and hearty meals, but imagine taking this beloved tradition to the high seas! Spending Thanksgiving on a cruise is an experience filled with festive fun, and with more families choosing to celebrate while cruising, the ships are buzzing with excitement and holiday spirit.…

Well, it finally arrived.  The last day of this 9-day Southern Caribbean Seafarer Cruise on Holland America's Rotterdam and the final day of this 21-day adventure where the ship took us through the Panama Canal, to the "ABC Islands," Columbia, Costa Rica, and the Bahamas.  To say it's been quite…

Day 8 of this 9-day Southern Caribbean Seafarer cruise on the Rotterdam found us at sea heading to our fourth and final port of call - Half Moon Cay.  We also set the clocks behind one hour so we finally bid adieu to Daylight Saving Time on the ship. As…

This has been quite an adventure, and this 21-day journey is quickly coming to an end!  The next two days will be spent at sea as we make our way towards Holland America's private island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay on Saturday followed by our return to Fort Lauderdale…

The final stop through the "ABC Islands" in the Southern Caribbean saw us docked in Oranjestad in the country known as "One Happy Island" - Aruba.  Our ship, Holland America's Rotterdam docked around 7:30 am and we were clear to go ashore shortly before 8 am.  Unlike our call in…

Our second port-of-call on this 9-day Southern Caribbean Seafarer Cruise on Holland America's Rotterdam has us visiting Willemstad, Curacao - the "C" of the "ABC islands" that make up the port calls on southern runs.  Being that Curacao is a short hop from yesterday's call in Bonaire, we had a…