Catie Kovelman

Cruise News Writer

Catie is an award-winning journalist and researcher. By day, she helps market new movies and TV shows as a senior research manager. But by night, she loves writing cruise news. In addition to Cruise Hive, Catie has contributed to a variety of newspapers, magazines, and other online publications, such as The Plaid Horse, Unwritten, YourTango, Fangirl Nation Magazine, Chapman Magazine, the Orange County Register, and Voice of OC.

How did you get started in cruises?

I was lucky enough to have parents who loved to travel – and who loved to cruise in particular – and were always nice enough to bring me with them.

They took me on my first cruise in 2003 when I was around 7-years old, and we went on cruises every year or so after that – sailing everywhere from Alaska and Mexico to destinations throughout Europe.

As an adult, my love of cruising persisted and it is still one of my favorite ways to travel.

What makes you a cruise expert?

As someone who grew up cruising, it is simply part of my DNA. I have been on 12 cruises now, and have sailed on many of the mainstream cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Carnival on multiple occasions.

I also have extensive training as a journalist that helps me write cruise news. I graduated summa cum laude from Chapman University with degrees in Creative Producing and Journalism. While obtaining my undergraduate degree, I also received a $1,000 journalism fellowship and the Marshutz Journalism Award.

During Covid, I used the lockdown period as an opportunity to get my master’s degree in Communication Management from the University of Southern California (USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism).

You can check my Muck Rack profile here.

What’s your favorite cruise line?

While I have loved every cruise line I’ve been on for different reasons, I tend to be partial to Disney Cruise Line because the extra touch of magic goes a long way for me.

Granted, I am a huge Disney fan, and worked as a Disneyland cast member for two years.

What’s your top tip for new cruisers?

How do I pick just one? I suppose my top tip would be to pay close attention to all aboard times while in port so that you don’t accidentally miss the ship – and keep in mind that the ship time might be different than the port of call, especially if you’ve been sailing through different time zones.

I’m personally partial to booking excursions directly through the cruise line, even if it’s sometimes a little more expensive to do so, because they will always get you back to your ship on time – or your ship will wait for you if you get delayed on an activity booked through the cruise line.

You find out more about the Cruise Hive team right here.

2023
Started at Cruise Hive
309
Articles
Expertise
Cruise & Travel, Journalism, Disney
12
Cruises
13
Countries Visited
California
Location Based

Articles By Catie

I Spent 14 Days in a Cruise Ship Suite for the First Time

I stayed in a penthouse suite on Regal Princess on a British Isles cruise - and the luxurious accommodations were worth every penny.

Carnival Ship Delayed by Propulsion Issue After Unexpected Diversion

Carnival Liberty’s return to New Orleans on December 1 will be delayed due to an unexpected diversion and propulsion issue.

Former Passengers Reflect on How Cruising Has Changed

Some in the cruising community feel that cruises are getting pricier without offering more bang for their buck - but not all changes are bad.

Tokyo to Become Center of Disney Cruise Operations in Asia

Oriental Land Company, Ltd., signed an agreement designating Tokyo as Disney Cruise Line’s new business center and primary homeport in Asia.

Banned Passenger Finally Gets to Embark on Villa Vie Odyssey

One of two passengers who was banned from Villa Via Odyssey over critical messages has been given permission to join the world cruise.

More Formal Attire Wanted for Carnival’s Dining Experience

A recent guest complained to Brand Ambassador John Heald because her Chef’s Table experience was not as formal as she had expected.

Activists Take Stand Against Cruise Ship Pollution in Open Letter

Activists in Canada sent a letter to Transport Minister Anita Anand to protest current cruise ship regulations.

Elite Loyalty Guests Won’t Get Perk on Upcoming Carnival Sailings

Due to a high number of Diamond and Platinum guests on upcoming sailings, some voyages will not be able to accommodate some perks.

Carnival Responds to Request to Turn HUB App Into a Dating App

Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald confirmed that there are no plans in the works to add a dating feature to the HUB App.

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