On the first full day of our cruise we visited Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private destination in The Bahamas.  We took it easy and enjoyed what I truly feel is one of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean...

Today we boarded Nieuw Statendam, a new Pinnacle Class ship from Holland America Line (HAL).  Our seven-night sailing will take us to Half Moon Cay, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.  Usually I start with separate post explaining out upcoming cruise, why we chose it, etc, but since I’m starting right off on embarkation day, I’ll share a tiny bit of that information before jumping into our day...

Recently we had a chance to tour Carnival Conquest in Port Everglades and were rather surprised to experience a ship that is very different than any other we've been on.  We'll share some of what stood out on Carnival Conquest, along with a number of pictures and video so you can get a feel for the ship's unique look.  At the end we'll offer up our take and even talk about who we think might really appreciate Carnival Conquest...

Virgin Voyages has been teasing out the many things that will set them apart from traditional cruise lines and their latest announcement is no different (though it's not quite tattoo parlor on a ship different).  Today they've announced that their first ship, Scarlet Lady, will feature an onboard record shop called Virgin Vinyl, a private gaming and karaoke lounge called The Groupie, and curated music and performances by up-and-comers as well as industry trendsetters.

Norwegian's most senior vessel, Norwegian Sky, has come out of an extended dry dock in Freeport with extensive changes and additions to public areas and staterooms.  Sky may not be the biggest or flashiest ship in their fleet, but guest feedback remains positive, and after reading about some of the changes, including a Starbucks, sushi restaurant, revitalized staterooms, and more, she just may make it on to your "need to cruise" list.

MedallionNet, Princess Cruises' high speed shipboard internet/WiFi service, part of the Ocean Medallion program is itself picking up steam.  While available only on Regal Princess just months ago, the service, allowing guests fast and affordable internet access, as well as a number of guest experience enhancements, is now available on four Princess ships, and will soon be available on a total of ten ships - nine of them before the end of 2019...

Today Virgin Voyages allowed previously deposited guests to start booking passage on Scarlet Lady, the lines first ship.  As we've anticipated, the experiences Virgin has been promising look to come at a premium set of prices, though it's important to consider what is included.  Interestingly, there are still some big unknowns, including stops on itineraries marked, "Secret Location"...