We’re sailing towards our first port of call on this 7-day Western Caribbean cruise on the beautiful Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam, and the day is being spent at sea. As I mentioned in yesterday’s report, Holland America Line ships, except for the Rotterdam, carry far fewer passengers than the mega…

Fresh off a week onboard Carnival Celebration, I’m back at sea, this time cruising on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, a ship I sailed on back in 2010 during her inaugural Caribbean season. Part of Holland America Line’s Signature Class, she’s a mid-sized ship that blends modern comfort with the…

There’s nothing like the excitement of booking a cruise and planning the perfect getaway, with ports of call that include everything from sun-drenched beaches to bustling city streets. But what happens when that carefully planned itinerary gets tossed out the window? Imagine the surprise when you discover that the dreamy…

MSC Cruises is heading to Alaska for the first time ever, and they’re bringing along their signature blend of European charm and American comforts. Starting on May 11, 2026, MSC Poesia will homeport in Seattle and kick off her Alaskan adventures, giving travelers a fresh way to explore one of…

MSC Cruises just announced a refresh to their loyalty program, the MSC Voyagers Club, adding exciting new perks for loyal cruisers. From a shiny new Blue Diamond tier to an extended membership validity, MSC is making it easier than ever to cruise with perks—and making sure those benefits stick around…

It’s the final day onboard the Carnival Celebration as we head back to Miami, putting an end to this latest adventure as we sailed through the western Caribbean. On this cruise, we made stops at Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, as well as Roatan, Honduras (Mahogany Bay). With it being…

My time on Carnival Celebration is quickly coming to an end, as today we are in the first of two back-to-back sea days on our way back to Port Miami for an early morning arrival on Sunday. Sea days are always hectic on a cruise, as we’re all captive audience…

Five days into this 7-day Western Caribbean cruise, my fellow passengers and I are spending the day in Roatan, Honduras, at a Carnival-owned port called Mahogany Bay. Opened in 2009, the port is designed as an exclusive destination for passengers cruising on several of the cruise lines under the Carnival…

The next port of call on this 7-day western Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Celebration keeps us in Mexico, making a short run from Cozumel to our current stop: Costa Maya. The day began with an early wake-up, as a ship-wide announcement was made at 4:50 a.m., requesting passengers with…

It’s time to visit our first port of call, Cozumel, on this 7-day Western Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Celebration.  Known for its crystal-clear waters, cruisers heading to Cozumel usually book excursions for snorkeling and diving at spots such as the Palancar Reef or spend time checking out the beaches,…