Renee Ruggero

August 2009
Rock climbing in Skagway's White Pass is just one example of Alaska's adventurous shore excursions.

July 12, 2009
Airlines have long offered first-class seating and executive lounges. Now cruise companies are getting in on the act with private restaurants and deck space....(read more).

June 29, 2009
Many of us remember the days when Fort Lauderdale was synonymous with Spring Break.  Fortunately, this seaside Florida city shed its partying image and transformed itself into an upscale year-round destination suitable for families....(read more).

May 24, 2009
Is it really a wise idea to take small children away on a cruise?  You bet it is, says Renee Ruggero, as she selects the best cruise companies for voyages with the little ones....(read more).

Alaska 2009 - Onboard Magazine for Guests of HAL and Carnival Cruise Lines
Perhaps it's the untamed landscape, or possibly the fact that vacations grant us the permission to try something new and exciting.  Regardless, Alaska has cruise passengers unleashing their wild side with shore excursions that are unique and packed with adventure....

April 2009 to Present

• Introduction - Vancouver, BC 
• Hotel Review:  Pan Pacific Hotel & Resorts, Vancouver
• Hotel Review:  Fairmont Vancouver Airport, Vancouver
• Hotel Review:  Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver
• Vancouver - YVR Transportation
• Vancouver - False Creek Ferries
• Introduction - Anchorage, Alaska 
• Hotel Review:  Ice Spa at the Sheraton Hotel, Anchorage
• Anchorage - The Alaska Railroad
• Whittier, Alaska
• Miami Seaquarium - Dolphin Encounter
• Hotel Review:  Hilton Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale
• Restaurant Review:  Ilios Restaruant, Fort Lauderdale

April 2009 to Present

Renee writes a weekly feature article for subscription members on the WorkOnCruiseShip.com website.  Articles include tips on getting hired within the cruise industry to resources for crew members already working on cruise ships.  Here are some sample articles that can be found on that website.

Dealing with Passenger Complaints

Sexual Harassment at Sea

Medical Examinations for Working on Cruise Ships

Understanding USPH

Staying Connected at Sea

10 Cover Letter Mistakes Cruise Applicants Make

Working Onboard as a Couple

March 2009
What makes a tour operation successful? As in any industry, the surest way to stand out is to offer something different - something that not only transcends the norm, but becomes a can't miss activity.  Of course, no one will deny that the coveted endorsement of a cruise line gives the approved excursion an advantage over tours that aren't listed in the cruise brochure.  So what makes entrepreneurs take that leap of faith to bring their business idea into a reality?

February 2009 to Present

Renee has published over 60 articles for Suite101.com, covering the travel and cruise industry.  Here is a list of her favorites, including a number of pieces that have been awarded with an Editor's Choice designation.

Newest Trends in Cruise Ship Suites and Cabins

Best Tips to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise

Best Cruise Lines for Teenagers

Best Cruise Lines for Babies and Toddlers

Best Shore Excursions on Alaska Cruises

Alaska Cruise Port Info for Seattle

Alaska Cruise Port Info for Vancouver

Best Family Friendly Hotels in Vancouver

Vancouver Shore Excursions on Alaska Cruises

Best Airport Hotels in Rome on a Europe Cruise

Best New Cruise Ship Launches for 2009

February 2009:  Port Profile - Bar Harbor, Maine 

August 2008:     Port Profile - Portland, Maine 

August 2008:     Port Profile - Prince Edward Island, Canada 

May 2008:          Port Profile - Sitka, Alaska

March 2008:      Port Profile - Vancouver, BC

October 2008
Once a busy port of entry for immigrants, Halifax, Nova Scotia now is a popular stop on most Canada/New England cruise itineraries...In port for a day and can't decide what to do?  Here are a few suggestions to find the shoreside activity that's best for you....

July/August 2008
The purser on a cruise ship is part hotel receptionist, part concierge.  Guests line up at the purser's desk to pay their on board accounts, to ask questions like "What time do the whales swim by?" and to complain about everything under the sun.....(read more).

June 2008
Santorini is one of the most recognizable places on earth, with its whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches perched precariously on sheer cliffs.  A combination of extraordinary vistas, museums, a unique viniculture, local handicrafts, and, of course, Greek cuisine contributes to Santorini's overwhelming cultural experience.....

December 2007
For many passengers, Christmas onboard a cruise ship means multi-generational vacations complete with kids out of school and relatives from all over the globe meeting to celebrate the holidays together. But for most officers and crew onboard, Christmas is a time without families and little time to celebrate.....

June 2007
Top 10 reasons to tee off at sea. Need an excuse to golf on a cruise?  Of course not -- unless your cabin mate is trying to tie you to a deck chair.  Quell complaints with our top 10 excuses to putt your way through paradise.  Then grab those clubs and start swinging!......

June 2007
An inside look at the First Officer who plots to get passengers to port on time.  The itinerary in a cruise ship brochure details where and when a ship will be in port, but the onboard Navigator is responsible for taking care of all the logistics that make it happen.  On Princess Cruises' vessels, the First Officer looks after the duties of Navigator;  Tony Ruggero is one of the line's First Officers (and, I am proud to say, my husband).........

April 2006
The cruising teenagers of today will be the 20-something passengers of tomorrow, and cruise lines are starting to cater more to this hard-to-please age group.  Too old for arts & crafts and too young for the 18 and over diversions, kids aged 13 to 17 can now enjoy more facilities and programs designed especially for them.  Gone are the days when there was only a video arcade to keep teens busy, because in the last decade family cruising has completely transformed itself.......