Here’s a quick look at what’s new this week in cruising, and how it could impact your next trip…
- How unconventional is the 4,200 Norwegian Escape, which makes its debut in Miami next month? So unconventional that Norwegian Cruise Line has signed musician Armando Christian Perez, aka "Pitbull," as the ship's godfather. While the Miami-based superstar isn't the first cruise ship godfather, it's rare to see a guy in the role -- especially a hip rapper whose hits include "Don't Stop the Party" and "Anthem." Cool godfather aside, the ship will boast a super-fast racing slide and extensive Ropes Course, among other attractions.
- Speaking of stars, actress Emma Stone dances her way through a cruise ship in a retro-style video for the Arcade Fire song "Will Butler." The video was filmed on the original Queen Mary, which is permanently docked in Long Beach. (For a classic cruise experience you can really do, cruise transatlantic on Cunard's Queen Mary 2.)
- It's one thing to take a cruise, like it, and decide to do another. It's something else entirely to do 139 cruises in 12 years. Baltimorean Dennis Coleman, 67, recently celebrated reaching the milestone of 1,000 days on Carnival ships aboard the Carnival Sunshine – receiving gifts from the line, including a ship model.