Cruising to the French Caribbean

Looking to season your next cruise vacation with a bit of French flavor? That’s easy to do when you choose an itinerary that visits an island or two in the "French Caribbean"!

Colonized by France in 1635, Martinique has subsequently remained a French possession. Exceptional French food, French music and fashion, make the island a paradise for Francophiles. (A bit of island trivia…Napoleon's Empress Josephine was born on the island in 1763). Most cruisers spend their day on the island relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches (swim tops optional) or exploring the winding streets and colorful markets of the island's capital, Fort-de-France. A popular excursion is a visit to the glorious Jardin de Balata, home to a stunning collection of over 3,000 tropical plants, as well as several ponds with lilies, stairs, and a massive bamboo forest. A must do at the gardens is a stroll across an unnerving treetop ladder pathway high up in the canopy for its incredible panoramic views!

Royal Caribbean Modifies the Crown & Anchor Balcony Discount

Beginning September 1, changes go into effect for members of Royal

Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Loyalty Club. Members will no longer be offered a discount on balcony cabins or suites if booking a cruise within six months of the sail date.

However, for top-tier Pinnacle members only, the balcony & suite discounts will increase by $25 and be updated to $175 for 3 – 5 night sailings, $275 for 6 – 9 nights, and $375 for 10+ nights starting on August 15, 2016.

Carnival LIVE 2017 Star Roster

Are you familiar with “Carnival LIVE”? I’ve talked about it many times before because I think it’s such a phenomenal cruise experience! “Carnival LIVE” invites incredible musicians and outrageously funny comedians to perform for their guests at a fraction of what the same concert would cost you on land! I’m always excited to report the list of upcoming stars, but seeing what’s planned for 2017 leaves me ecstatic!

Country music superstars will step aboard some of Carnival’s ships when passengers dock in Nassau, The Bahamas, early next year. Tim McGraw will bring hits like “Something Like That” and “Where The Green Grass Grows” to fans aboard the Carnival Breeze March 2 and Carnival Valor March 3.

Celebrity Cruises’ Wine List Wins Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence

Each year Wine Spectator's Restaurant Awards recognize restaurants (including those on cruise ships) whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.

For the fourth year in a row, Celebrity Cruise Line has been recognized by this formidable publication, claiming nine awards this year!  Celebrity is the only ship-based winner this year bestowed with the prestigious “Award of Excellence” for their wine lists featured in each ship’s main restaurant!