This article about romantic hotels reminded me of my method of sampling luxury hotels without paying the expensive rates to stay overnight. It’s simple: when your ship is in port, go to the finest hotel in town and have lunch at their restaurant or a drink in the bar. Then wander around confident that you [...]

Fuel surcharges are something I have mixed feelings about. On one hand, what difference is $5 a day compared to the price of a cruise? ($70 for a two week cruise. Oh, OK, that does add up.) On the other hand, cruise companies should take possible future fuel prices into account when deciding what amount [...]

You know who you are. It is a phenomenon that millions of British holidaymakers have witnessed at first hand – the German tradition of “reserving” sun loungers early in the morning with a strategically placed towel. They sneak out at 5am and throw a towel and a book on the chairs in the choice locations, [...]