In an upbeat end-of-year report, tourism officials in the US Virgin Islands took stock of the gains achieved in 2023 and predicted steady growth in arrivals and revenue in the coming year. A significant rebound in cruise arrivals at the islands’ two ports was hailed as a sign of the region’s continued resiliency. Cruise Guests to St. Thomas Break 1 Million Mark Cruising, hotel occupancy, … [Read more...]
Archives for 21/12/2023
Royal Caribbean’s Second Icon Class Ship Hits Construction Milestone
Construction work on Royal Caribbean’s second giant Icon-class cruise ship has reached an important milestone. The first block has been lowered into the construction dock, marking a significant milestone and a traditional coin ceremony being held. Star of the Seas on Schedule for Summer 2025 Launch Royal Caribbean and the Meyer Turku shipyard have reached a major construction milestone with … [Read more...]
Meyer Turku lays the keel of second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas
Icon of the Seas, handed over from the Meyer Turku shipyard at the end of November, is getting a sister ship. Star of the Seas, the second ship of the Icon series to be built for Royal Caribbean International, is at the beginning of its hull assembly phase. The lowering of the keel and the related coin ceremony were celebrated at the Meyer Turku shipyard on Friday, December 15. The lowering of … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean news: New cruise ship construction milestone, deployment schedule updated & more
Construction of the second Icon Class ship is underway! On December 15, the keel laying ceremony for Star of the Seas took place at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. "Star of the Seas is very important for both the shipyard and the partner network: the 13,000 man-years spent on building the ship create employment and business in Varsinais-Suomi and, with the supply chains, significantly … [Read more...]
Hurtigruten to serve the award-winning Nidelven Blå cheese since 2015. Submerges another 4,500 sparkling wine bottles into the ocean
Hurtigruten‘s Coastal Kitchen concept assures guests will not only enjoy some of Norway’s best produce, but also some of the world’s best. Nidelven Blå, a Hurtigruten partner since 2015, was once again named the World’s Best Cheese at the 2023 World Cheese Awards, which recently took place in Trondheim, Norway. The cheese, produced by Gangstand Gårdsysteri, has been featured onboard Hurtigruten … [Read more...]
Cruise Gate Hamburg: End-of-Season Record Call at the Hanseatic city
Hamburg’s cruise industry closes the 2023 season with a special highlight: Two calls in a row by a fully booked AIDAnova make for an impressive passenger turnaround. The Christmas holiday voyages on December 22 and December 29 set a new record of passenger turnaround per day at Hamburg’s cruise terminals operated by Cruise Gate Hamburg (CGH). In addition to the thousands of guests disembarking … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Offers Look at Key Icon of the Seas Feature
Royal Caribbean International has released a new behind-the-scenes video detailing the concept, importance, and artistry behind the Pearl, a first-of-its-kind feature on Icon of the Seas. The impressive orb is much more than just a structure, and from concept to implementation, the Pearl required intense innovation to come to life. Behind the Scenes of the Pearl A new “Icon Extra” episode, … [Read more...]
IHG One Rewards Elite Status: Guide to Qualifying and Privileges
In 2022, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) rebranded and launched its loyalty program, IHG One Rewards. With over 6,000 properties worldwide, earning elite status with IHG One Rewards is the best way to get the most out of IHG hotel stays through additional benefits and perks. In this guide, we’ll explore all the ways to qualify for IHG One Rewards elite status and the benefits that come at each … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean’s First Holiday Marketplace Pop-up Is on a Ship Sailing From Miami
Royal Caribbean’s first holiday marketplace pop-up is now open on one of their cruise ships that is sailing from Miami. The cruise line has partnered with Starboard Cruise Services for the unique shop inspired by the Christmas markets in Europe. The Holiday Marketplace is featured on Oasis of the Seas and its the cruise line’s first ever holiday marketplace pop-up. It is located on Deck 8 in the … [Read more...]
Azamara Announces Its Return to New England and Canada with New 2025 Voyages
Azamara’s new 2025 fall itineraries will bring the cruise line back to New England for the first time in nearly 10 years, while also exploring new destinations across Canada, Iceland and Greenland. Azamara is excited to unveil six voyages for 2025, spanning new and unique ports across Canada, New England, Iceland and Greenland. These itineraries mark Azamara’s first time back in New England in … [Read more...]
Carnival Surges with Record Bookings, Signaling a Bright Future
Embarking on a triumphant journey into 2024, Carnival Corporation stands at the forefront of the cruise industry’s resurgence, with record-breaking bookings and eagerly anticipated launches of a new ship and private island destination. Record Bookings Reflect Rising Cruise Popularity Carnival Corporation witnessed an unprecedented surge in bookings, reaching a historic peak as it closed Q4 … [Read more...]
Carnival Passengers Find Cars Flooded After Stormy Cruise
Guests debarking Carnival Sunshine after a rough cruise impacted by the massive storm system that spread from the Gulf of Mexico to the Bahamas over the weekend were in for an even rougher surprise when they reached their cars. Flooding in downtown Charleston, South Carolina – Carnival Sunshine‘s homeport – caused extensive damage to many vehicles, with saltwater soaking engines and ultimately … [Read more...]
First look at The Pearl on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
What is The Pearl on Icon of the Seas? Expect something completely different.Ever since the Royal Promenade debuted on Voyager of the Seas, it has become a staple onboard many Royal Caribbean ships, and Icon of the Seas is no exception. For the first time, Royal Caribbean focused on connecting guests to the light and water through expansive windows. To be successful, however, they needed to … [Read more...]
Construction Begins on New Mega Cruise Ship from Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean celebrated the official start of construction on another mega cruise ship this week when the first block of Star of the Seas was laid. Star of the Seas will be the second Icon class ship from Royal Caribbean and will be one of, if not the largest cruise ship ever built when the vessel debuts in 2025. While the cruise line has not officially announced if Star of the Seas will be … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises Cancels Grand Voyage With Curious Timing
MSC Cruises has reached out to guests booked on the April 6, 2024 departure of MSC Seaside to notify them that the 17-night sailing, a Grand Voyage and repositioning cruise from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, has been cancelled. Guests are being offered options for the change, but some travelers are upset at what could appear to be curious timing. MSC Seaside Cruise Cancelled MSC … [Read more...]
Why This Lesser-Known Tropical Island Is Perfect For Digital Nomads
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Why This European Country Is A Surprisingly Affordable Ski Destination For Americans
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This Will Be The Fastest-Growing Travel Trend Of 2024
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These Are The Top 5 Countries For Solo Travelers According To New Report
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These Are The Top 5 National Parks For 2024 According To Google
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These Are The Safest Countries To Visit In Europe For 2024
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Viking Offering New Cruise Itineraries in 2024-2025
Viking, an award winning adults-only cruise line, is offering several new itineraries in 2024 and 2025 on both their ocean and river cruise ships.New Ocean Itineraries One of the most interesting new itineraries being offered by Viking is a 180 day cruise called Viking World Voyage I. This six month cruise in 2025 will visit 37 countries on six different continents. Also in 2025, Viking will offer … [Read more...]
Disney Cruise Line Spreads Holiday Magic in the Bahamas
During the holiday season, Disney Cruise Line’s cast and crew members have been taking time away from their onboard duties to spread joy across the cruise line’s port communities in The Bahamas. Recently, cast and crew members visited communities in Nassau, where DCL ships visit regularly, Abaco, where its private island destination Castaway Cay is located, as well as in Eleuthera, where … [Read more...]
Norwegian Cruise Line Warns Guests of Busy Holiday Sailing
It’s no secret that winter is a popular time of year for families to travel. School recess and a lightened workload thanks to the holidays make it easier for everyone to get away. This year, it seems like a lot of families had the same idea of rounding out 2023 with a Caribbean cruise. Norwegian Escape is preparing for a Christmas voyage that will be so busy the cruise line is warning guests in … [Read more...]
Best Mediterranean Cruises for 2024
Mediterranean itineraries have become increasingly popular among both seasoned cruisers and first-time cruise travelers.Some even say that visiting the Mediterranean by cruise ship is the best way to see and experience the region. So what are the best Mediterranean cruises for 2024? Below I listed the best of the best for each type of traveler. Viking ocean cruise ship leaving the port of … [Read more...]
Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class cruise ships are an excellent balance of fun things to do onboard and value. They're big enough to include lots of activities, but they don't come with the price tag of newer cruise ships.Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas are two ships within this category of Royal Caribbean cruise ship that appeal to families looking to get a good value for their vacation … [Read more...]
30 Fun Things for Cruise Passengers to Do in Nassau
Traveling on a cruise from the East Coast? If so, then chances are high your trip will include a stop in Nassau in The Bahamas. A view of Nassau as seen from the cruise ship. To the left is Paradise Island. To the right is the main city. Located just about 180 miles to the east of Miami, Nassau still feels a world away. That’s because for centuries it was under the rule of the British … [Read more...]
Top 5 unique, luxury boutique hotels in India
Resplendent palaces, heritage havelis, restored forts, family owned hilltop forts, former royal hunting lodges and intimate boutique hotels to house boats, jungle lodges and unique wilderness retreats, India has it all! Whether you plan on exploring the cities, or want to experience the countryside, in India you will find the stay of your choice. Here, we feature some of the few unique and luxury … [Read more...]
Former Costa Cruises executive appointed CEO of new Saudi cruise line Aroya
Jörg Rudolph has been appointed CEO of Aroya Cruises, Saudi Arabia’s first domestic homegrown cruise line. Rudolph was previously the Country Manager for Germany at Costa Cruises and will work alongside Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clarsen (himself the former President of AIDA Cruises) to establish Aroya as a major regional cruise brand. He will utilise his 25 years’ experience across the … [Read more...]
Keel laid for second Royal Caribbean Icon class cruise ship Star of the Seas
Hull assembly of the second Icon class cruise ship for Royal Caribbean, Star of the Seas, has officially begun at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. Meyer Turku started the hull assembly of Star of the Seas on December 15th, with a traditional keel laying ceremony attended by Royal Caribbean and shipyard executives. Star of the Seas is a sister ship to Icon of the Seas, launched … [Read more...]