What I have known to be a somewhat chaotic maritime industry in Italy (sometimes truly unbelievably chaotic) as once again proven to be the rule rather than the exception. Oceania Cruises has, unfortunately, announced that the Oceania Riviera’s delivery has been delayed…a second time…now from April 24, 2012 to May 16, 2012.  The cause of

There are few things worse than bad journalism and hype causing not only unnecessary upset and poor decision making for the consumer, but distracting the professionals (from regulatory agencies to cruise lines to travel agents) from doing the job that is actually needed to be done. The reporting on the

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, which operates 72 luxury hotels worldwide, announced on January 17th that it would no longer serve shark fins across its portfolio of properties.  Headquartered in Hong Kong, the hub of the shark fin trade, Shangri-La’s announcement comes right before New Year celebrations in China, which is

This is the second article I am writing about why using an online booking site, whether it be a cruise line’s or a tour operator’s…or even just email, probably isn’t the best idea. Take a moment to read my first one:  Your Order Room Service With Your Telephone, So Why Not Your

On August 17, 2011 Shelly Davies and her partner where adrift in a very small boat (which they had rented and, to their great dismay, broke down) in the cold and dark of night in the Aegean Sea of the coast of Greece.  Captain Geir-Arne Thue-Nilsen and the crew of the Seabourn

Let’s all enjoy what cruising is about. We are reminded, sometimes with more emphasis, that everything around us is not perfect, we should – at the same time – remember that sometimes looking forward to just having some fun is the best way to keep us centered…or, possibly, a little

Experience.  Responsibility.  Duty.  This is what is expected of the Captain Geir-Arne Thue-Nilsen during the Seabourn Quest’s Inaugural World Cruise which started on January 5, 2012.  But what the Seabourn guests and crew have received is much more.  Captain Geir-Arne is a special breed; a special person.  He is more

As many of you know I am an admiralty attorney in addition to being a luxury travel agent.  It may seem strange, but as you will now see, there is a true synergy between the two professions. I previously stated that I would withhold comment until I knew more of

With a Korean couple on their honeymoon, the Italian Purser (with broken leg and suffering from hypothermia) rescued from the ship and the number of missing reduced to 17 ovenight, I want to provide you with some thoughts…knowing that everything you and I read ultimately is not going to be