What's new, what's hot
David Molyneaux's monthly column and blog about cruise news and trends appears in U.S. newspapers, distributed by Travel Mavens LLC. For information or to add David's column to your publication, email David@travelmavens.net
New cruise ships
The new Carnival Dream is equipped with bigger and better waterslides, a laser show, an impressive lanai on Deck 5, cove balcony cabins only three decks above the water, a snazzy enlarged Serenity sunning area for adults only (at no extra charge on Carnival ships), a new comedy club that is packed for every adult show, and a lunch buffet with the most choices at sea.
Oasis of the Seas Romance on the world's biggest cruise ship, with more places to eat, exercise and spectate than you have time for. At midnight on the Oasis, send your camel to bed.
Disney's new ship, the Dream, arrives in Port Canaveral with innovation and animation. Look for enchanted art, inside cabins with portholes, a water coaster (Riding the AquaDuck), and Remy -- Remember the rat? -- a classy restaurant for adults.
Norwegian Epic offers the first budget crash pads. Singles can hang out at sea. Norwegian leads the dining revolution.
Culinary excellence on Celebrity Equinox, which gets top food reviews. The Celebrity Eclipse backs down the River Ems. New Qsine restaurant on Celebrity Eclipse.
Cruising the Caribbean
Cruising to Carnival's private Caribbean beach on Roatan. To get to the beach near the dock, the nifty ski lift costs $10 for the day, but you can walk almost as fast for free.
A pirate ship bar arrives on Half Moon Cay.
Caribbean cruise excursions with adventure Some are easy, some require getting in shape.
Fishing on an excursion in the Turks and Caicos
Cruising the Med
Cruising the Mediterranean off season on Norwegian Jade From November into April, cruising the Med is for travelers who seek the salt sea air, wander museums, and prefer to walk the ancient ruins of Greece, Turkey, Malta and Egypt without crowds.
Upbeat Barcelona is home to a new armada of cruise ships. Make sure you spend at least one extra night before or after your cruise.
Aboard ship
Azamara passengers like changes to two-ship fleet, starting with free wine at dinner.
Lead by Norwegian, cruise lines are changing the way passengers dine at sea. Now, on some ships, you may eat when and where you want. The new Norwegian Epic sails without a main dining room.
Entertainment at sea. From the Blue Man Group on the Norwegian Epic to a Broadway production of “Chicago” on the new Allure of the Seas, never have there been as many entertainment choices for vacationers.
Cruise ship specialty and alternative restaurants Are they worth the price? Most of the time they are a bargain. You can spice up your cruise at a small splurge, or choose the main dining room where the food is included.
Using cell phones and the Internet at sea It's getting easier, but the experience is not like at home. It costs more, too.
On the Columbia and Snake Rivers of the U.S. Pacific Northwest aboard the Spirit of '98. A review for Cruise Critic.
Beating Norovirus How the Norwegian Jade managed to return to health in Barcelona.
Trends in cruising
New home ports for cruise ships allow U.S. passengers to drive instead of fly. Costs are lower, especially for a family on a cruise vacation.
How to plan for a winter cruise from a northern port.
Cruising across the Atlantic Save money on a repositioning voyage. Prepare for iffy weather. Cruising the Atlantic with Azamara Journey
Bad times are good times to save money on a cruise So say cruise line presidents.
