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Cruising the Hawaiian Islands

A cruise is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to the islands of Hawaii, the 50 th state. Each of these stunning volcanic islands has its own distinct character, and a cruise gives you the chance to visit more than one.     Basically, there are three ways to cruise Hawaii:     Hawaii-only cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line is the only major cruise line that offers regular, Hawaii-only cruises. Why? To comply with U.S. passenger shipping laws, cruise ships registered outside the U.S. (most of them are) must call on at least one international port during each cruise; this is why cruises to Hawaii that depart from the West Coast often call on Ensenada, Mexico. But, U.S.-flagged ships are exempt from this rule. Norwegian Cruise Line has one U.S.-flagged ship – the Pride of America – and it sails seven-day cruises of the islands, roundtrip from Honolulu.      One-way or round-trip cruises from the West Coast. Several cruise lines offer cruises ...

Elevate Your Cruise Experience

Should your next cruise experience deliver the luxury and intimacy of a small, elegant ship; or, the non-stop activities and amenities of a modern mega-ship? We have good news: There’s a way to enjoy both types of experiences on the same cruise. Popular “ship within a ship” programs deliver all the dining and entertainment choices of a big ship, with the option to retreat to a more private, opulent enclave whenever you like.     Some Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature The Haven, one of the first ship-within-a-ship concepts at sea. The Haven is a collection of suites that come with access to special onboard areas that vary by ship, but usually include a private pool deck, lounge, restaurant, and library. Guests of The Haven enjoy unlimited beverages, a specialty dining package, shore excursion credits, concierge services and some complimentary WiFi access. A third and a fourth guest can also share your suite at no extra charge.      The amenities of MSC Cr...

Cruise Ship Spaces Just for Teens

Existing in the transition between childhood and adulthood isn’t always easy, and the teenagers in your life may not be quite as excited as you are about getting on a cruise ship together. The good news is that many cruise ships have dedicated spaces where teens can go to relax and be with other teens. And cruise lines have put a lot of effort into making these spaces truly welcoming, comfortable, and fun for teens. Norwegian Cruise Line has Entourage, where teens aged 13 to 17 can play video games, watch movies, make art, or join in a game of basketball, soccer, or dodgeball. In the evening, Entourage hosts themed parties where teens can dance, sing, and show off their style. Several ships in the Princess Cruises fleet have The Beach House, a lounge for teens aged 13 to 17, but the Royal Princess and Regal Princess take it a step further. They have teen clubs called Remix that include outdoor lounges with wading pools and space for open-sky parties. The indoor section of Remix o...

Important Documents for Your Next Cruise

If you haven’t cruised for a while, remember that there are some important documents you should bring onboard with you, including your passport and COVID-19 vaccination card. Your passport serves as an official ID and proof of citizenship. Bring your actual, physical passport; in some situations, a printed copy or an image of your passport may not be accepted. It’s also important to check your passport’s expiration date before you make a cruise reservation because many cruise lines require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the end date of your cruise. Note that if you’re taking a “closed-loop” cruise – one that begins and ends at the same U.S. port – a passport is not required. But, you’ll still need to bring a government-issued ID that includes a photo (such as a driver’s license) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). And, some ports of call may still require a passport before you’re allowed to step off the ship. If you’re cruising from th...

Considerations for Mature Voyagers

Many of today’s cruise ships provide non-stop, heart-pumping action onboard, from water coasters to ziplines, ropes courses, go-kart tracks, skydiving simulators, and more. But if your days of joyfully careening down a water slide or scaling a climbing wall are behind you, you may not need a ship with high-adrenaline attractions. If you’ve reached a more mature stage of life – say, age 60 or more – check out some mid-sized ships with amenities you may appreciate. For example, Viking Ocean Cruises has a lot to offer mature passengers who are interested in learning more about the places they visit. The line sails in Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, Greece, South America, Australia, Alaska, and more, and every ship sails with a resident historian who provides cultural insights along the way. Viking’s nine ocean-going ships each accommodate 930 guests in a serene atmosphere, with Scandinavian-style furnishings and luxuries like heated bathroom floors. There are no onboard casinos, and no ...

The Perfect Gift for Dad

Dads who are better at giving than receiving may not give much thought to what they would like to receive for Father’s Day, so we have a suggestion. If you asked your dad what he wants and he said something like, “Nothing,” “I don’t know,” or “Just a hug,” here’s an idea for a really special Father’s Day gift: a cruise. If your dad is already a cruise fan, you may have a good idea of his preferences. If not, here are some things to consider: How long can he cruise? If he has time only for a quick getaway, check out short cruises, such as two-, three- or four-day cruises to The Bahamas or the Mexican Riviera. Even a short cruise can give him time to relax, refresh, enjoy the scenery and visit an interesting port or two. An affordable short cruise may be a good fit for your Father’s Day gift budget, as well. If he has more time available to cruise, there are lots of options for voyages of seven nights or more. He could sail the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South ...

The New Way to Muster

The muster drill may not be anyone’s favorite activity on a cruise ship, but it is one of the most important. It’s a safety drill that makes sure you and your fellow passengers know where to gather (“muster” means to collect or assemble) and what to do in the rare instance of an emergency. Some people call muster drills “lifeboat drills,” because passengers traditionally gather close to the lifeboats they’re assigned to if the ship must be evacuated; again, that’s a very rare occurrence. The most important things to know about muster drills is that they take place before or just after embarkation, and you must participate. Muster drills are required, and the consequences for skipping them can be serious. If you don’t complete the drill, expect the crew to search for you; when they find you, they may invite you to attend a “catch-up” drill or to leave the ship. In traditional muster drills, after a ship-wide announcement, everyone goes to their muster stations at the same time (the ...