The news about passport requirements that took effect June 1 for U.S. citizens traveling in the Western Hemisphere overlooked a major exception: On cruises that leave from a U.S. port and return to the same port after visiting certain countries in the hemisphere, you don't need a passport to reenter the United States.
More than a dozen ships will be crossing the Atlantic, and the cruise lines would rather discount cabin prices than sail empty.
From my own recent experience, and the reports of numerous other recent passengers, it's fairly obvious that the cruise lines have become heavily dependent on on-board spending.
Royal Caribbean, dragged down by swine flu and the recession, turned in a worse than expected second quarter loss and lowered its outlook for the rest of 2009.
Inside cabins aboard Norwegian Epic will be decked out by the same designer responsible for the hip European Yotels chain.
Carnival Corp. beat Wall Street's earnings expectations through cost controls and less price discounting.
On the new Celebrity Solstice, cruisers dine in a barrel-vaulted Tuscan steak restaurant divined by superstar designer Adam D. Tihany, watch glass-art vases as they are blown at the Corning Museum's hot glass shows and walk barefoot in the grass -- literally.
Many South Florida families are sticking closer to home these days, and with 16 cruise ships sailing from Florida ports this summer, a sea vacation is a good option. An added plus: Even though summer is high season for family travel, families can still find some good deals, particularly in early and late summer.
A new cruise line is appealing to the budget-minded passenger with a smaller ship, fewer amenities and lower prices than the competition.
You've found a killer cruise deal -- but you're worried that once onboard, you'll bust your budget. It doesn't have to happen. A little advance planning -- and a little discipline -- can save the day. Here are our tips for keeping your budget in check:
Todd Hawkins never figured himself for a cruising kind of guy. He grew up camping and still loves long road trips. But he got married to someone whose family vacation style couldn't have been more different.
The following list includes cruise lines sailing to and from Miami, Port Everglades and Cape Canaveral, between June 7 and Sept. 5. This information has been provided by the cruise lines and is subject to change and cancellation.
OCEANIA identical; two larger ships coming online in the next two years. Size: 684 passengers, double occupancy; 593.7 feet long; 30,277 tons.
In these uncertain times, cruise bargains are being offered on nearly all ships -- a trend likely to last at least throughout 2009. Even the top luxury lines this year have offered fares of 60 percent off, free airfare or onboard credits. Some contemporary lines have offered fares for as little as $50 per person per day.
Norwegian Cruise Line's new strategy shows signs of operating improvements in a challenging cruise environment
When my sister Cindy and I decided to take our mom on a fall cruise out of Boston for her 85th birthday last September, we knew that, if nothing else, it would be good for a laugh.
Bargain pricing and other measures helped Carnival maintain strong bookings that helped fuel a rise in earnings.
Ahoy, bargain hunters. In a dismal economy, one steady bright spot is the falling price of cruises, hotels and airfares. Cruise deals are similar to what they were in the aftermath of 9-11, and some are half the price of last year, say travel agents.
South America is the hot spot for last-minute cruise bargains. Its fares have fallen more than any other market -- about 50 percent this year, according to industry watcher Mike Driscoll, editor of Cruise Week.
From toppling glaciers to belly-flopping humpbacks, many of Alaska's most stunning natural wonders are best marveled at from the deck of a ship. You can't even reach the state capital by land.
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