Renee Ruggero

July 8, 2010: Cruise Lines' Private Islands

Cruise companies introduce a wave of private 'desert islands' for guests.  In the latest move to woo new passengers, cruise companies are turning increasingly to private islands to provide their guests with the quintessential beach experience....(read more).

May 16, 2010: P&O Caribbean Cruise

A Caribbean cruise with Noddy, Mr. Bump (and Marco Pierre White).  Renee Ruggero was hesitant about taking her daughters out of school for a 14-day Caribbean cruise on the P&O Ventura. But, a host of celebrities convinced her it was a good move....(read more).

March 18, 2010:  Solo Cruise Travel

Are cruise ships starting to finally embrace the single traveller? The dreaded single supplement has inhibited solo travellers for many years. But now a new generation of cruise ships is offering solo studio rooms at no extra cost....(read more).

November 1, 2009:  Cruise Line Loyalty Programs

Loyalty points mean cruises and perks as operators get customer-savvy. Cruise operators are now onboard with loyalty schemes as they are keen to make sure customers keep coming back for more.  Renee Ruggero reveals bonuses and perks for repeat cruise passengers..............(read more).

September 21, 2009: Cruise Lines' Specialty Restaurants

A notch up from the Captain's table. Specialty dining is cruise lingo for 'it'll cost you more'. But for that special occasion, it's great to splash out on the cedar plank halibut and Hibachi grill........(read more). 

July 12, 2009:  Classism on Cruise Ships

The little touches that give a voyage that extra edge of class.  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).

May 24, 2009:  Cruising with Children

Guaranteed family fun or a real holiday from hell? 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).

Renee is the Feature Writer for the Cruise/Island Vacations section of Suite101.com providing information on destinations, port profiles, cruise lines, cruise ships, shore excursions, onboard activities and cruise jobs. Since February 2009 she has published more than 140 articles for Suite101.com, and has been awarded with an Editor's Choice designation on 13 of her articles. Here is a link to her Suite101.com profile page.

Cruise Review:  Caribbean Cruise on P&O Ventura

Hotel Review:  Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver

Hotel Review:  Fairmont Vancouver Airport, Vancouver

Hotel Review:  Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver

Hotel Review:  Ice Spa Sheraton Hotel, Anchorage

Hotel Review:  Hilton Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale 

Review: Miami Seaquarium Dolphin Encounter

Restaurant Review:  Ilios Restaruant, Fort Lauderdale

Port Profile - Bar Harbor, Maine 

Port Profile - Portland, Maine 

Port Profile - Prince Edward Island, Canada 

Port Profile - Sitka, Alaska

Port Profile - Vancouver, BC

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

August 2009:  Shore X (Up, Up, and Away!)
Rock climbing in Skagway's White Pass is just one example of Alaska's adventurous shore excursions.

Alaska 2009:  Xtreme Xcursions 
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....

June 29, 2009:  Family Fun in Fort Lauderdale
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).

March 2009:  Smooth Operators
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?

October 2008:  Gotta Go Halifax
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:  Confessions of a Cruise Ship Purser
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:  Gotta Go - Santorini, Greece
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:  Christmas Crews
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:  10 to Fore!
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:  Interview With a Navigator
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:  Teens Afloat
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.......