The Costa Serena crew has saved a group of shipwrecked fishermen in difficulty who were sighted while the ship was sailing the Arabic Sea west of the Indian coasts. On 25th December during her planned navigation passage from Mumbai to Kochi, part of her actual cruises program, at around 12:30pm Costa Serena bridge received a phone call from 2 guests on board, who reported having noticed from their … [Read more...]
Archives for 28/12/2023
Princess Cruises Guests Reminded of Visa Paperwork Needs
Guests onboard the current sailing of Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess are about to visit some very amazing ports of call in Vietnam, but need to be sure they’ve completed the appropriate paperwork to do so. Letters have been delivered to passengers’ staterooms with information about necessary paperwork to ensure smooth visits to two outstanding ports – Chan May and Phu My. Special … [Read more...]
‘Green’ Loan Secured for Low-Emission Cruise Ship – Fincantieri
Fincantieri signed a “green” construction loan for a maximum amount of $461m with Intesa Sanpaolo (IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division) and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the proceeds of which will be used to cover the financial needs linked to the construction of the Mein Schiff Relax. Mein Schiff Relax is the first of two newly designed dual-fuel inTUItion class cruise ships … [Read more...]
One food item you need to order from each restaurant onboard Enchantment of the Seas
Eating on a cruise ship is a major draw to going on this kind of vacation, so how does it compare on an older ship?You may hear people discuss the value still left in older vessels. For example, I sang the praises of my cruise on Enchantment of the Seas, an older Vision Class ship.This ship was first launched in 1996 and has a lot to offer despite her small package. Enchantment has gone … [Read more...]
Port Canaveral Voted Best US Cruise Homeport of 2023
Florida’s Port Canaveral has been named the Best US Homeport for 2023 in the annual Cruise Hive Awards. It’s the fourth consecutive year the port has won the honor. Port Canaveral Retains Crown as Top Homeport in United States Located on the state’s east coast, Port Canaveral earned 34% of the vote, more than twice the votes of second-place finisher PortMiami. Nearly 20 ports in total … [Read more...]
Three wishes
With the New Year right around the corner, it makes sense to take some time this week and wish for the sort of changes to Royal Caribbean we want to see in the coming year. From policy changes, to new ideas, or just self-serving improvements, this week we are sharing what kind of changes we would hope to see in 2024.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...You can subscribe to the … [Read more...]
Save up to $4000 this Wave season with Hurtigruten to explore one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines
Hurtigruten, the undisputed expert on Norway and its stunning coastline, is offering discounts of up to $4,000 off per person during the so-called Wave season taking place during the first quarter of 2024. All three popular products – the Original Coastal Express that celebrated 130 years of operation this summer and the brand-new Svalbard Express and North Cape Express itineraries launched this … [Read more...]
“Suite-Talking”: How to Get Amazing Hotel Suite Upgrades
One of the most valuable benefits of earning elite status with hotel loyalty programs is the ability to receive complimentary room and suite upgrades when you stay with a hotel. Although most elite status benefits apply automatically to your stay without any action on your part, that isn’t necessarily the case when it comes to the particular benefit of complimentary upgrades. Instead, with … [Read more...]
AROYA and Cruise Saudi Reveal Rendering of Cruise Ship
AROYA Cruises, the new Arabian cruise line operated by Cruise Saudi, has unveiled the renderings for the first cruise ship in its fleet, which was the former World Dream. The 335-meter-long ship is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to tailor the ship to the highest standard in line with the taste of Arabian passengers, the company said in a statement. Full story AROYA and Cruise … [Read more...]
Princess Cruises Ends 2023 with Top Awards from Prestigious Travel Industry Organizations Around the World
As the year comes to a close, Princess Cruises continues to be recognized for excellence in a range of categories by prestigious travel organizations around the globe. Within the last two months, the line has received 23 awards for its ships, itineraries, onboard experiences and technology, including a Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Award for Best Cruise Line in Alaska and a Cruise Critic Editor’s … [Read more...]
Zipair Launches New Tokyo–Vancouver Route
This week, Japan-based Zipair announced that it will launch a new Tokyo Narita (NRT)–Vancouver (YVR) route in March 2024. This new route will become the low-cost carrier’s fourth route to continental North America, and its first to Canada. What’s particularly interesting about this development is that the airline offers lie-flat seats at a very attractive price, as well as unbundled fares. If … [Read more...]
6 million people took a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2023
From the total number of ice cream cones served to passengers carried, Royal Caribbean ended 2023 with some impressive stats. According to an internal Royal Caribbean study, the top two reasons that people decide to go on a cruise are for the destination and food. Knowing that, it's no surprise that Royal Caribbean sailed to over 250 different ports of call this year and whipped up 14.5 … [Read more...]
Princess Cruises Antarctic Voyage Experiences Multiple Disruptions
A once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica cruise aboard Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess has had multiple disruptions, including a cancelled port visit and rough weather, along with internet outages impacting how guests can stay in touch with family and friends back home during the holidays. These disruptions are not uncommon to these types of voyages, but certainly make it a different type of sailing … [Read more...]
Carnival Jubilee Voted Best New Cruise Ship of 2023
Carnival Jubilee, the latest addition to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, was voted Best New Cruise Ship of 2023 in the annual Cruise Hive Awards. The 183,521-gross ton ship received far more votes than her nearest competitor, indicating her commanding presence in the cruise ship market. Carnival’s Newest Cruise Ship Wins Offering a new set of onboard “wow” factors plus Carnival Cruise Line’s … [Read more...]
Galveston Cruise Parking Discounts, Coupons, and Promo Codes
Looking for a discount on cruise parking in Galveston? What about a promo code to save a few extra bucks? You’re in luck. Galveston is by far the best port in the country when it comes to inexpensive cruise parking options. Because of the port’s location on the backside of island, there are several lots in the immediate area. The high amount of competition keeps rates low compared to … [Read more...]
New Cruise Line Purchases Ship for Three and a Half Year Cruise
Villa Vie Residences, a new cruise line planning on launching in 2024, has purchased a cruise ship for their three and a half year cruise. The cruise starts at $99,999 for an inside cabin and $249,999 for a balcony stateroom. The voyage will visit 425 ports in 147 countries.Villa Vie Odyssey will offer three and a half year cruises starting in May 2024 Villa Vie purchased The Braemar from Fred. … [Read more...]
7 Reasons Why This Mediterranean Island Should Be On Your Bucket List
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Cruise Ship Embarkation Delayed for Deep Cleaning
Guests will be boarding P&O Cruises’ Ventura later than originally planned on Friday, December 29, 2023, after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness onboard the current cruise has led to the need for more thorough deep cleaning and disinfection. This is standard procedure to mitigate transmission of any illness, but does delay embarkation for the ship’s next sailing as a precautionary … [Read more...]
Why This Stunning Destination Is The Most Popular In The Caribbean Right Now
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This Winter Is The Cheapest Time To Fly To These 4 Tropical Destinations
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5 Reasons Why This Winter Is A Great Time To Visit This Iconic U.S. City
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Why West Texas Is The Most Underrated Destination To Visit In The Lone Star State
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Why These 3 Beach Destinations In Mexico Are Breaking All-Time Tourism Records
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The best cruise experiences I had in 2023
Whether it was exploring fjords, seeing Mexico by yacht, or seeing Maine in a new way, this year was full of adventure on the cruises I took.In 2023, I was lucky enough to take 11 cruises on two different cruise lines across multiple continents. It was my best year of cruising yet, and I can't help but reflect on the best moments from the year.I was inspired to think of the top five moments from … [Read more...]
Personal Navigators: 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral – July 14, 2023
Personal Navigators, and other details from the Silver Anniversary at Sea 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral. The Disney Wish set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida on July 14, 2023. There are additional Personal Navigators from other sailings of this same itinerary for comparison. During this cruise, the ship was under the control of Captain Marco … [Read more...]
How the Titanic Compares to Modern Cruise Ships
The most famous passenger ship of all time is a title that still belongs to the Titanic, more than a century after its maiden voyage in 1912. Unfortunately, it’s because the sinking of the Titanic is still one of the worst maritime disasters in history, immortalized forever in museums, books, film and pop culture. It’s understandable, then, why so many wonder how the Titanic compares to modern … [Read more...]
9 Day Far East Hokkaido Itinerary – Adventure, Wildlife, and the Ainu
This article may contain affiliate links where we make a small commission for purchases you make from links that you click from this article. For more details, read the disclosure page.There’s an entire side to Japan that you haven’t seen and very few get to experience it. The far east region of Hokkaido shines brightly with its unspoilt nature. If swaths of wilderness, primeval forests, volcanic … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises South Africa spends R500,000 reuniting passengers with baggage
MSC Cruises South Africa recently spent more than R500,000 reuniting cruise passengers with their luggage following baggage sorting chaos at OR Tambo International in Johannesburg. Last Friday, the beginning of the busiest domestic travel weekend of the year, Airports Company South Africa’s (ACSA) baggage sorting system at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport failed. Thousands … [Read more...]
22 Best Things To Do In Tulsa, Oklahoma (2024 Guide)
Wondering what activities and attractions you can’t miss in the “Oil Capital of the World”? Our guide to the best things to do in Tulsa is just what you need! Located in the northeastern corner of Oklahoma, Tulsa is a city full of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and a diverse range of attractions. The city’s revitalized downtown, featuring the iconic Art Deco architecture, hosts a thriving … [Read more...]
Smuggled cat on cruise ship would have been euthanized until crew members saved it
A cat smuggled onto a cruise ship has a new home, and it almost ended very badly for one cat.According to Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley, a guest smuggled on a cat on Ovation of the Seas. They aren't quite sure how it was brought onboard, but it was discovered on the ship.Ovation of the Seas was sailing from Hawaii to Australia on a sailing in October."Meet Ovie! The cat smuggled … [Read more...]