Bring space-savers – Cruise trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

No matter the cruise line, one thing is certain: space is a commodity. There are several inexpensive items travelers can bring along to make the most of the space available:

  1. Pick up an over-the-door shoe organizer. These handy devices can hold everything from make up to sunscreen.
  2. Grab a portable shower caddy to easily store everything in that tiny shower.
  3. Bring a surge protector for charging those camcorder and digital camera batteries.

These items are inexpensive, easy to transport, and will be a fantastic space saver that you will use cruise after cruise!

Royal Caribbean CEO issues Haiti cruise statement on Fox Business Network

by Scott Carmichael on

When Royal Caribbean docked the Independence of the Seas in their private Haitian bay just four days after the devastating earthquake, someone at their headquarters should have been awaiting the PR nightmare that hit them.

Images of tourists enjoying a splash in the ocean just 85 miles from where 200,000 people lost their lives were all over the Internet. I’m still torn on the issue – my instincts tell me that it was a really bad idea, but knowing that the ship docking meant keeping the inhabitants employed prevents me from instantly claiming the cruise line is full of insensitive bastards.

Royal Caribbean CEO Adam Goldstein was interviewed by Fox Business Network about their decision to allow the vessel to dock in Haiti, and he was of course quick to point out that each ship visiting the region is filled with 40 to 60 pallets of emergency supplies.

The Royal Caribbean port keeps 500 people employed, from local vendors to relatives of workers who depend on the income from tourism. When the captain of the Independence of the Seas announced that they would be visiting Haiti, he received a standing ovation.

After hearing the response from Royal Caribbean, I’m still without an opinion. It’s really easy for us to sit here behind our desks sending money through a text message and criticize a company actively helping the citizens of Haiti. I really don’t think there is much more Royal Caribbean could do to help the people in Haiti.

Thanks to Fox Business Network for providing this content.

Skip the islands, head somewhere remote – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

On your next cruise, avoid the (crowded, expensive) exotic location.

Many travelers opt for cruises heading for islands and other hot spots. Why not try another type of cruise?

Cruises to locations such as Alaska are not only less expensive, but offer diverse scenery and a chance to explore something different. Preferable pricing and smaller crowds can allow the traveler to have a more fulfilling cruise experience.

Cruises confounded about Haiti – to dock or not to dock?

by Annie Scott on


Private beaches in Haiti like the one in Labadee, above, have long been a stop for cruise lines like Royal Caribbean. In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, should they stay away?

According to The Guardian, Royal Caribbean “leases a picturesque wooded peninsula and its five pristine beaches from the government for passengers to ‘cut loose’ with watersports, barbecues, and shopping for trinkets at a craft market before returning on board before dusk.” A ship like the one above docked in Haiti on Friday, just sixty miles from the earthquake zone. Another is reportedly scheduled to arrive in a few days.

Some passengers are “sickened” by the thought of vacationing on the ravaged island and refuse to leave the ship, despite the fact that the RC is bringing food (to be distributed by Food for the Poor) and donating all proceeds from the visit to Haitian relief efforts.

A statement from John Weis, vice-president of Royal Caribbean says “In the end, Labadee is critical to Haiti’s recovery; hundreds of people rely on Labadee for their livelihood.” … “We also have tremendous opportunities to use our ships as transport vessels for relief supplies and personnel to Haiti. Simply put, we cannot abandon Haiti now that they need us most.”

Royal Caribbean employs 230 Haitians and has pledged $1 million to help earthquake victims. So. Could you enjoy a luxury picnic an hour away from where 50,000 – 200,000 were recently killed in a natural disaster and thousands remain homeless and starving?

[via The Guardian]

Make it special – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

My best cruise was one that my husband planned as an anniversary surprise.

Thinking ahead, he went on the cruiselines’ website and arranged to have the cabin decorated beautifully with balloons, streamers and an anniversary banner. We received a welcome bottle of champagne and anniversary cake; something different was delivered each day. It was like a second honeymoon.

Careful planning makes for a great, worry-free vacation — and can make a loved one feel even more special.