Author: Richard Simms

Richard is the executive editor of Soaps.com and the author of several novels. Given his love of eating, drinking and gambling, it’s astonishing how long it took him to discover the joys of cruising. While he has more Twitter handles than most people have limbs, you can most easily reach him at @howrudeareyou.

Carnival Temporarily Closes Popular Restaurant, Dining Experience

Carnival

Passengers booked on upcoming Carnival Cruise Line sailings are being informed that due to staffing issues, several guest experiences are being closed through at least June 30. Cucina Del Capitano Shut Down In a letter to passengers, Carnival explained that due to “the challenge of securing visas for cruise industry employees,” the line would be […]

Wedding Bells Ring Again on Carnival Cruise Line

Couples wanting to tie the knot while at sea are finally able to do so again onboard Carnival Cruise Line ships. How to Plan Your Carnival Cruise Wedding After putting their onboard wedding program on hiatus thanks to the industry-wide shutdown, Carnival Cruise Line is finally making it possible for guests to once again have […]

Reminder: Carnival Cruise Line Package Prices, Gratuities Increase May 1

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Time is running out to save money on your upcoming Carnival cruise, where several price increases will go into effect as of May 1. Drink Package Price Increase Cruisers planning to purchase the popular Cheers! beverage package for an upcoming cruise should consider doing so before May 1, when the price of the package will […]

Cruise Line Cancels Sailings Due to Crew Staffing Issues

P&O cruises arcadia

In an unusual move, a cruise ship which had returned to service less than two weeks ago is being pulled out of service again due to staffing issues. What P&O Cruises Says P&O Cruises, a division of Carnival Corporation, has been forced to pull its ship, Arcadia, out of service effective immediately. The ship had […]

This Cruise Line Ad Brilliantly Takes On Rising Price of Disney Vacations

disney magic kingdom

While Mickey Mouse and his parent company probably don’t love it, Princess Cruises has launched a new ad campaign aimed directly at the Disney theme parks. Better still, they managed to do so without actually naming Disney. Cruise Line Offers “Real” Magic The new ad from the folks at Princess Cruises is so subtle that […]

Carnival Cruise Line Boosting Drink Package, Specialty Dining Costs May 1

Carnival Cruise Line has announced the new prices for the popular Cheers! drink package, as well as the fees associated with some specialty dining and wifi. Prices will go up effective May 1, 2022. The news comes days after Carnival announced its raising daily gratuities at the beginning of next month. Buy Now to Save […]

Cruise Lines Need to Stop Playing the Daily Gratuities Game

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Over the past several days, Norwegian Cruise Line raised its daily service charge, and Carnival Cruise Line announced that it will be raising its daily gratuities in May. As always, there were many who complained about the change, breaking out the tried-and-true accusation that they’re being “nickel-and-dimed.” Others said that, given how long crew members […]

Norwegian Getaway Haven Trip Report, Day 7: Rough Waters Ahead

NCL Getaway rough seas

We’d skipped Norfolk because of rough weather, and over the course of the night, things only got worse. By the time I woke up the next morning, we were sailing through very choppy seas and the ship — especially the front of the ship, which is where The Haven is located — was definitely doing […]

Norwegian Getaway Haven Trip Report Day 6: Another Day, Another Change

norwegian getaway ncl

I woke up this morning both excited and nervous. Remember at the end of yesterday’s trip report, I teased that I’d be doing something I’d never experienced before? Well… I’d booked myself for a hot-stone massage. This was going to be a completely new experience for me. I’ve occasionally booked the thermal spa suite on […]

Norwegian Escape Runs Aground, Leaving Ship Stranded

NCL escape grounded, tugs

(Updated 8:07 p.m. ET) A newly updated article with the latest cancellation on Norwegian Escape can be found here.   Guests on the Norwegian Escape found themselves experiencing an unexpected overnight stop after the ship ran aground off the coast of the Dominican Republic on Monday afternoon. Norwegian Escape‘s Unexpected Adventure The ship ran afoul […]