By GERRY BARKER

When the first Carnival Celebration ship launched in 1987, it was considered a “super liner.” Costing $130 million, weighing in at 47 gross tons and over 700 feet in length, its 10 decks accommodated some 1,500 passengers.

Fast forward to 2022 and the arrival of Carnival Celebration 2.0. At a length exceeding 1,100 feet and built at a cost of $1 billion, the 180,000-ton ship boasts 19 decks and can officially host 6,465 passengers and 1,745 crew — a veritable city on the sea. And did I mention it also has the first roller coaster at sea at the top?

Celebration is one of three, Excel-class ships in the Carnival fleet, joining Mardi Gras and Jubilee, with two more on order. LNG-powered (Liquified Natural Gas), one has to wonder how you go about taking care of over 8,000 people on a ship. To find out, we boarded Celebration for a one-week cruise in the Caribbean.

Carnival’s mantra is “Choose Fun,” and over the past 50 years, they deliver on that just about better than anyone.   READ MORE.

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life

While the world held its breath awaiting Golden Bachelorette Joan to make her final selection, we gathered for a Watch Party in Doral, FL. hosted by the show's co-stars, Windstar Cruises, Air Tahiti and Tahiti Tourism.

As viewers know, Windstar's Star Breeze and the island of Bora Bora played major roles, and representatives were on hand at Chico Malo restaurant as invited guests watched the finale on a big screen TV.

Under a full moon and Tahitian-inspired decor, it almost felt like we were actually in French Polynesia, waiting for a boat to take us to one of those iconic, over-the-water bungalows. That dream is closer than you think, as Windstar just announced a new air/hotel/cruise romance package (get all the details here).

As for Joan, she shocked some by dumping the doctor in favor of Chock. One thing we know: Tahiti  isn't a bad place to get over a broken heart.

By GERRY BARKER
Photos by Gerry Barker

Port Everglades rolled out the red carpet Saturday, Nov. 9, as Crystal Serenity made its official debut in Ft. Lauderdale. City and tourism officials, along with Crystal executives and Serenity senior staff participated in a welcoming ceremony in the ship's Palm Court.

The ship will be cruising to the Caribbean in December before departing on her world voyage in January, returning to Fort Lauderdale in November, 2025.

The event also served as a homecoming of sorts for Pam and I, who cruised on Serenity almost one year ago. As we toured the ship, work was under way for several new additions. Back by popular demand is the casino. Crystal has partnered with Casino de Monte-Carlo to offer the only Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea

Guests will also have a new restaurant to look forward to -- Beefbar. Since its 2005 debut in Monte-Carlo, it has locations worldwide, including New York. Serenity and its sister ship, Symphony, will host the only Beefbar at sea. Both ships already host the only Nobu at sea.

Jacqueline Barney, Crystal's senior vice president, global marketing, talked about the new planned land experiences coming, drawing on the expertise of their parent company, A&K Travel Group.

Earlier this month, Crystal announced they finalized an order with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for a third ocean ship in addition to the two already scheduled. The new ships will host 690 passengers and weigh in at 61,800 gross tons.

The press release noted, "A standout feature will be a promenade extending through the whole ships’ perimeter, similar to those loved by guests on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, for leisurely strolls with stunning ocean views." A&K Travel Group acquired Crystal in 2022, which marked a new beginning for the cruise line. ​