Sam's Sea Stories

For people ‘of a certain age’ losing your life partner can be a very difficult time, many downsize their home in order to bolster the bank account, some turn their thoughts to providing an inheritance for their children and grandchildren. Well not a bit of it for 87 year old…

Cunard releases a collection of rare photographs of HM The Queen from its personal archive that are available to download to mark Her Majesty's 90th birthday. In celebration of The Queen's 90th birthday Cunard has released from their archives a series of never-before-seen photos of Her Majesty to mark the…

How valid are opinions from people we don’t know? I’ve been compelled to write this week about the validity of opinions, more specifically opinions I encounter on a daily basis on the quality or otherwise of certain cruise lines/ships. When discussing cruise options with clients I’ve often encountered many saying: “I was…

I’ve been inspired to write this week following a recent conversation with regular Cunard cruiser. We were discussing a potential fly cruise holiday for himself and his wife for this summer, and while being happy with both the price and the itinerary of the potential cruise holiday he had chosen,…

Thought I’d have a little fun this week instead of my usual ‘rant’, and share some of the known, and not-so well known weird and wonderful cruise customs and the history behind them. I believe sometimes it’s the quirky little idiosyncrasies that make the difference. Let me know if you…

It wasn't so long ago when pictures of the iconic QE2 languishing neglected in Dubai prompted some organisations to look at bringing her home to her birthplace on the Clyde, just outside of Glasgow for restoration. However it appears campaigners for her return have finally conceded this simply may not…

Due to the current refugee crisis in Europe Sweden has been forced to hire a cruise ship to house 2,000 refugees. The Swedish Migration Board has rented the Ocean Gala, formerly the Island Escape for a cost of £65,000 PER DAY. Officials in Sweden admitted they needed to 'think outside the box'…

Bringing a whole new meaning to the term 'High Seas' it has recently been reported that 24 pounds of cocaine worth $300,000 has been found on a cruise ship in Puerto Rico, seven passengers on board the Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas have been arrested. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection…

I recently read that a Brazilian couple had been kicked off the Celebrity Solstice several days ago after the woman allegedly stole a handbag from the vessel's store worth hundreds of dollars. The stupidity of some people never ceases to amaze me! The incident happened when the ship was in the…

Just a quick one this week to wish everyone a Happy New Year and say a big thank you to all of my clients who have booked with me this year, I hope to speak with you again soon. If I haven't already organised your cruise holiday for next year…