Articles and Reviews for Single Cruisers
TrvlJrnlst@aol.com

Dear Cruise Reviews Community,

Welcome! After teaching school for 30 years, I retired in pursuit of new career endeavors. I have always loved to travel and have been an avid writer since college. As I explored my options, blending my avocations with a new vocation seemed to be a perfect fit. Thus, I embarked on a dual career as a home based independent cruise agent and travel journalist.

My affinity for cruising began in 1973 when I took my first cruise on the “Song of Norway” with a group of college friends. This was quickly followed by an unforgettable trip aboard the “Nordic Prince”. Thus began my love affair with cruising. In the years that followed, I introduced both my husband and daughter to the world of cruising and they embraced my passion. It soon became our favorite family vacation, and a “spring break” tradition. Exploring the world, making new friends, being pampered and entertained – What's not to love!

I should probably share a bit about my personal likes and interests so that you can gain an understanding of the opinions and observations offered in my reviews. I have very diverse and eclectic tastes. First and foremost, I love the ocean and more specifically, the beach. I must confess I am a sun-worshipper; and being from the mid-west, tend to cherish warm, sunny days at sea.  Consequently, the pool area and open decks are important environs for me. I love adventure and enjoy a variety of water sports, but I can be just as content finding a peaceful, quiet refuge to read. I am involved in live theatre on the local level, and derive great pleasure from Broadway productions. Coupled with my “cruise persona” that was born to dance and mingle, I appreciate a variety of entertainment venues and options to socialize. Nightlife and quality entertainment are obviously high on my priority list. I am also an avid sports fan; therefore, a good sports bar is also a plus. Although I relish exploring new ports, the on board experience is just as important. I am truly content on a cruise where the ship is the actual destination. As I am inclined to be independent, when I do venture to new ports, I prefer exploring on my own, to pre-arranged group tours or ship excursions. I like good food, particularly deliciously decadent desserts, but I am not necessarily a connoisseur. I have a positive attitude and have seldom met a person or situation that did not enrich my life in some way or provide me an opportunity for personal growth. Although I do try to write balanced, objective reviews, I am sure my personal biases and tastes are reflected in my comments.

At this time in my life, I am enjoying the challenge and rewards of traveling, not only as a single parent, but more often than not, sailing solo. I have learned to open myself to all the possibilities life has to offer, cherish the unexpected, and embrace the moment. I have come to appreciate the value of cruising as a single mom, and the benefits derived from cruising independently. It is for that reason that I have chosen to be a part of the Cruise Reviews team. For me, cruising and exploring new destinations is no longer a vacation, but a lifestyle. A lifestyle I wish to share through my journalistic endeavors. It is my goal to bring my journeys to life so that you will find yourself immersed in the experience.

In addition to my reviews, on this page you will also find a listing of other articles I have written. Some are travelogues, others are written to educate and inform (many specifically for the solo traveler). I look at each cruise I take as a new adventure. As with all adventures, when we leave our comfort zone and expand our horizons, there is a certain amount of risk involved.  Based on significant research and personal experiences, I have compiled ways to decrease the risks and increase the pleasures of cruising.  Sharing these insights is my way of urging you to take your own adventure on the high seas and savor the experience.

As an editor of Cruise Reviews, I hope you find the information I provide beneficial and eagerly invite you to e-mail me with any questions or comments you may have about the world of cruising.

Also, if you are interested in cruising with other singles of like mind, I invite you to explore my website at http://www.SinglesCruiseCenter.com

Happy Sailing,

Nancy Norris
Editor
TrvlJrnlst@aol.com
http://www.SinglesCruiseCenter.com

Nancy's Articles for Single Cruisers

Royal Caribbean's Eagle Class - Find out why Nancy believes that Royal Caribbean's Eagle Class ships are the best choice.
Moonlight, Magic and Mai Tais  - Join Nancy as she embarks on a solo trip through Puerto Rico before a Southern Caribbean Cruise.
Cruising: A Vacation Victory!  - Why cruising is the answer to single parent’s vacation woes.
Single at Sea: Seeking Others in the Same Boat   - Here is a singles cruise guide to how and where to meet other singles onboard.
Sailing Solo - Here are ten great reasons to cruise as a solo.
If the Ship Fits, Cruise it - Here is a great article about what cruise lines offer singles in the way of extra amenities.

Nancy's Cruise Reviews

Celebrity's Millennium, February 19th, 2006; South America 
Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas, November 26th, 2005; Western Caribbean
Carnival's Imagination; September 8th, 2005; Western Caribbean 
Celebrity's Century, May 21st, 2005; The Baltic 
Radisson Seven Seas Mariner, March 17th, 2005; Panama Canal 
Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas, February 12th, 2005; Western Caribbean
Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas, December, 2004; Panama Canal/Caribbean
Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas, October, 2004; New England/Canada
NCL's Norwegian Star, August, 2004; Alaska's Inside Passage
Crystal Cruise's Crystal Harmony, February, 2004; Hawaii
Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas, February 1st, 2004; Mexican Riviera 
CostaMediterranea, December 7th, 2003; Eastern Caribbean 
Celebrity, Mercury, October 12th, 2003; Pacific Coastal and Mexico 
NCL, Norwegian Dream, February 4th, 2003; South America 
Royal Caribbean, Majesty of the Seas, December, 2002; Bahamas 
NCL, Norwegian Wind; September, 2002; Hawaii 
Silversea, Silver Whisper; May, 2002; Eastern Mediterranean  
Royal Caribbean, Radiance of the Seas; April, 2002; Southern Caribbean  
Royal Caribbean, Vision of the Seas; February, 2002; Hawaii  
Carnival Cruise Lines,  Fascination; January, 2002; Western Caribbean  
Princess, Sea Princess; October, 2001; Mexican Riviera