We just passed the six-month anniversary for the Costa Concordia disaster off the coast of Italy. Just the other day, the massive boulder that was lodged in the Concordia’s side was removed and taken to the Island of Giglio to be made into a monument to the victims. The removal is the first major step in rotating the ship upward so it can be towed away in one piece. The operation is expected to take until the end of 2012.

Survivors, on the other hand, are horrified that this ship might return to service somewhere. They contend that the ship was poorly designed and it made the ship top-heavy and prone to listing. In reality, the ship is probably destined to be scrapped.

Don’t let this bad situation gone terrible steer you away from taking a cruise. Check www.cruise411.com for deals or call and discuss the best offer. Many lines offer onboard credits through these agencies. Last winter I took the crew on a Celebrity cruise, and we had a great time! We spent Christmas and New Year’s on board and celebrated the New Year twice in two time zones!

— Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO