The Perfect Mix of Sand and Sea

Wednesday, June, 11, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

June 11, 200 nautical miles east of the Bahamas — The Crown Princess’ sleek hull slices the Atlantic Ocean’s gentle swells as our ship makes its way back to New York. Crown Princess departed Brooklyn’s cruise terminal last Friday morning, and here, on our return one week later, passengers are [...]

Paradise Found: Cruise Line Private Islands

Wednesday, June, 11, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

When he was but a nine-year-old boy, my son Alex reached into the Windex-blue waters on a sandy Bahamian beach and quickly withdrew his hand to proclaim, "Dad, I touched a stingray." He furrowed his tender brow and added thoughtfully, "They're nice."In doing so, he had ascribed a sweet, if [...]

Dining Destinations At Sea

Wednesday, April, 23, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

As new ships launch this spring, summer and fall, the trend continues to turn cruise ship food outlets into dining destinations. Spa Dining -- Both Celebrity and Carnival will feature optional 'spa cuisine' on their newest ships. Celebrity will do so in Blu, a 130-seat restaurant where dining is complimentary [...]

In-Depth Alaska: Cruise + Tour = Cruisetour

Wednesday, March, 19, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Research shows that most people planning a trip to Alaska want to see two places: Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park. You can get to Glacier Bay aboard a cruise ship and admire the national park's stunning scenery from the comfort of your balcony stateroom. But to get [...]

Looking Ahead: 2009 World Cruises

Wednesday, February, 20, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

With 2008 world cruises already underway, it's time to begin thinking about 2009 world cruises.

Believe it or not, you can cruise the world for less than $200 per day, per person. Of course, you could pay close to $3,000 per day, per [...]

Dining Destinations At Sea

Wednesday, February, 13, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

In 2008, the trend continues to turn cruise ships into dining destinations. Here are some of the latest trends and developments. World-class master chef Nobuyuki "Nobu"Matsuhisa (pictured) will travel aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony this spring to officiate the opening of two new restaurants. Silk Road and [...]

Cruising Into 2008

Wednesday, February, 6, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

From overland odysseys to the Himalayas to the icy realms of Antarctica, cruising in 2008 not only will cover the globe but also will offer a variety of experiences never before available from -- or on -- a cruise ship. Here are some of the highlights. [...]

Mexican Riviera Cruises

Monday, January, 7, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Where Tecate and tequila meet whales and cactus. Fifteen nautical miles off the coast of Baja California, Holland America Line's Oosterdam is making 21 knots toward San Diego. For the more than 1,800 passengers on board, seven days of ocean cruising ends tomorrow. The excitement on the last [...]

Where Is THE AVID CRUISER?

Wednesday, November, 28, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Last week's question: The photo above was taken four years ago, but where? Obviously in a shipyard, but one not accustomed to building cruise ships. There is a great story behind this photo. It's a happy story despite some tragedy. Tune in next week for the answer [...]

Princess Cruises’ Newest Ships

Thursday, June, 14, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

This is Ralph Grizzle, editor of The Avid Cruiser magazine. Today, Thursday June 14, is a significant day in the history of cruising. For the first time ever, Princess Cruises will christen a vessel in Portofino, Italy. Lorraine Artz, Princess Cruises' most-traveled passenger, will name the 710-passenger Royal Princess in the [...]

Gavin MacLeod, Still Captain of “The Love Boat”

Sunday, May, 20, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Much beloved by passengers and crew, Gavin MacLeod is still called "Captain" when he walks the decks of a Princess Cruises' ship. I talked with Gavin about his career and how Princess' ships today differ from the original Love Boat.

Generoso Mazzone, maitre d’ hotel on Emerald Princess

Saturday, May, 19, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Interview with the ubiquitous Generoso Mazzone, the maitre d' hotel who seems to be everywhere all the time on Emerald Princess.

Marion Ross On Gavin MacLeod (Captain Stubing)

Saturday, May, 19, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Actress Marion Ross, godmother of Emerald Princess, talks about the time she married her old friend Gavin MacLeod, aka, Captain Stubing from The Love Boat.

Talented Acrobats Uber Rossi and Rudi Macaggi

Friday, May, 18, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Brother of Uber Rossi, Rudi Macaggi recently won the Weird and Wacky Talent Finale on NBC's America's Got Talent. I interview the two brothers aboard Emerald Princess, where they both performed.

Love Lemoncello?

Wednesday, May, 16, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

On Princess Cruises, you'll get something you won't find on other cruise ships: homemade Lemoncello, the signature Italian liqueur made from sweet Sorrento lemons. In the accompanying video clip, I talk with Corporate Executive Chef Alfredo Marzi about how the lemoncello is made.

The Incredible Uber Rossi

Tuesday, May, 15, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

A fourth-generation acrobat. Uber Rossi mesmerizes audiences in Emerald Princess' Piazza. Rossi comes from a family of five brothers and one sister, all performers.

Cindy Brady On Cruising

Monday, May, 14, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

You may remember her as Cindy Brady, cast in the role for The Brady Bunch when she was only 8 years old. But Susan Olsen is all grown up now, and was on her first Mediterranean cruise when I caught up with her on [...]

Going With The Flo

Monday, May, 14, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Florence Henderson, the multi-talented actress best know for her role as Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch, is one of the two godmothers for Emerald Princess (the other is Marion Ross, aka "Marion Cunningham" of Happy Days fame). I caught up with this avid cruiser during the inaugural [...]

Emerald Princess Christening In Piraus, Greece

Sunday, May, 13, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Under brilliant blue skies, the new Emerald Princess was named today in Piraeus, Greece.On board to officially welcome the new 3,070-passenger ship into the Princess Cruises' fleet were television icons Florence Henderson, best known as "Carol Brady" on The Brady Bunch, and Marion Ross, aka [...]

4,084 Days And Counting

Sunday, May, 13, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

In the harbor of Santorini, I visited with Lorraine Artz. Princess Cruises' most-traveled passenger. When I caught up with Lorraine on the new Royal Princess, she was on her 4,084th day at sea. That's more than 11 years of cruising, but Lorraine hasn't cruised all of those days [...]

Walking The Marble Road, Ephesus

Sunday, May, 13, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Shuffling my feet along a street made from marble slabs, I was following in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary, who, our guide tells us, lived near this ancient city, now part of Turkey, in the final years of her life.

The Marble Road cuts through the heart [...]

Touring Pompeii

Wednesday, May, 9, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Of the many tours offered from Naples, I opted for the half-day tour of Pompeii. The excavation site is 14 miles southeast of Naples, so it only took 30 minutes to get there.

Pompeii was crowded, but, as we were here in month of May, [...]

Best Value Staterooms: Mini-Suites

Tuesday, May, 8, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

One of the best-value stateroom categories on Emerald Princess (and its sisters) is the mini-suite. A roomy 324 square feet (including the balcony) on Emerald Princess, the mini-suite features a separate sitting area with sofa bed, a queen-sized bed with luxury linens and mattress, two [...]

Day 3. Livorno: Chef’s Table

Monday, May, 7, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Last night, we were welcomed into the inner sanctum of the ship: the galley. For "foodies," this is a true pilgrimage.

We not only got a chance to see how Princess prepares meals for the more than 3,000 passengers on our sailing but also witnessed just how [...]

Day 2. Monte Carlo

Sunday, May, 6, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

After departing Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) on Saturday, Emerald Princess docked in Monte Carlo Sunday morning. The fact that we docked was a surprise, because the ship was scheduled to tender passengers ashore. Among the more popular shore excursions: A Visit To Nice, France, less than 1 hour from Monte [...]

Setting Sail: Emerald Princess

Saturday, May, 5, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

This week, I am reporting from Princess Cruises' brand new Emerald Princess. Our 12-day Greek Isles and Mediterranean voyage takes us from Rome to Venice. Along the way, we'll take part on a special naming ceremony for the ship: Sunday, May 13, in Athens. Television icons Florence Henderson, best known as "Carol [...]