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Archives for January 2024

Expedition Cruising News from Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages is excited to highlight the 2024 Arctic Season featuring two yachts in the region for the first time. World Traveller and World Navigator will sail 11 expeditions ranging from 7 to 12 nights, exploring the captivating Arctic region with departures from Tromso, Oslo , Longyearbyen, Reykjavik , and Kangerlussuaq. Enjoy the convenience of inclusive charter jet air service from … [Read more...]

Which Amex US Credit Card Should You Get First?

Canadian American Express cardmembers have the opportunity to initiate an American Express Global Transfer to a US-issued Amex card, as long as their Canadian card has been open and in good standing for at least three months. It’s one of the easiest pathways to get started with US credit cards, since you don’t need an SSN or ITIN to get approved via Global Transfer. In this guide, we’ll go over … [Read more...]

Over 100 Cruise Passengers Ill on Cunard Operated Ship

An outbreak has struck Queen Victoria, a Cunard Line ship, affecting over 100 passengers and crew members during its current 111-night voyage from Hamburg to Sydney. Health officials are investigating the cause, with symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. CDC Investigates Health Incident The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an outbreak on Queen Victoria, … [Read more...]

Life on the luxury island of Kuredu

We’ve visited the Maldives as a family many times but we have always chosen different Islands to visit each time we go – until we found Kuredu. Nestled in the heart of the Maldives, Kuredu Island Resort beckons travellers with promises of turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and a haven of serenity. In this comprehensive exploration, I embark on a virtual journey to unveil the magic of staying at … [Read more...]

Island off California Poised for Landmark Cruise Season

The Port of Avalon on Catalina Island, California, is poised for a landmark year in cruise tourism, with a record number of first-time visits in 2024. The surge in tourism will significantly boost the island’s economy and local businesses. A New Wave of Cruise Ships Arrives In a surge of maritime activity, Catalina will host five inaugural cruise ship visits in 2024, marking a significant … [Read more...]

Filling the Void: Great Alternatives to the HSBC World Elite Mastercard

By the end of March 2024, Canada will lose one of its longstanding stalwart credit cards when the HSBC World Elite Mastercard is gone forever. The HSBC World Elite Mastercard was much beloved as a travel card due to its many keystone features: no foreign transaction fees, flexible points, a $100 annual travel enhancement credit, World Elite Mastercard benefits, strong insurance, and more. In this … [Read more...]

A-ROSA boosts swimming lessons programme. Following 2023 success, lessons will be held again on A-Rosa Sena in 2024

This summer, A-ROSA River Cruises will again offer children’s swimming lessons onboard its flagship family vessel, A-ROSA SENA, following the success of its inaugural programme last year. For 2024, an extra date has been added with three sailings now available, plus the addition of a new course aimed at children who are more experienced swimmers and want to increase their stamina and technique … [Read more...]

Royal Caribbean Ship Impacted by Sudden Storm in Gulf of Mexico

Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Seas recently encountered a severe squall in the Gulf of Mexico while finishing her most recent sailing. The storm’s intensity created onboard flooding, furniture damage, glass breakage, and other impacts, but fortunately, no severe injuries were reported and the ship returned to Galveston as scheduled. Voyager of the Seas Encounters … [Read more...]

Sitkans share magic numbers for future cruise tourism in survey

Over 1000 Sitkans responded to a cruise tourism survey recently circulated by the city’s tourism task force. When the task force met Thursday night (1-25-24), they reviewed the survey results and continued to grapple with questions about how to “right size” tourism in Sitka. The survey asked Sitkans to share specific numbers they’d like to see for the 2025 season. Full story Sitkans share magic … [Read more...]

A-ROSA supports charitable projects. New Year’s Raffle raises 15,000 euros for good causes

A whopping 15,000 euros were raised at the recent New Year’s Raffle on board the A-ROSA ships on the Rhine and Danube. The A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH traditionally donates this money to social projects in the Rostock region, where the company is based. This year, 5,000 euros each will go to the Rostock Animal Welfare Association and the affiliated Rostock-Schlage Animal Shelter, the Rahe Family … [Read more...]

Holland America Line Takes Cruisers to the Iconic Sites and Natural Wonders of Australia and New Zealand in 2025-2026

For guests dreaming of a cruise vacation to the Land Down Under, Holland America Line’s Australia and New Zealand season sailing from November 2025 to March 2026 is now open for booking. From vibrant capital cities to captivating scenery, Holland America Line’s cruises to Australia and New Zealand are a tapestry of diverse landscapes and unique cultures. The 14-day itineraries aboard Noordam … [Read more...]

Azamara guests can embrace a year of balance and mindfulness with onboard fitness programs, active shore excursions, restoring spa treatments and more

Azamara Cruises is encouraging travelers keep their new year’s resolutions going past January and pursue a year of wellness while exploring the world. The cruise line offers plenty of activities, both onboard and in destinations across the globe, that help guests enrich the mind, body and soul during their voyage. Travelers can work up a sweat as they immerse themselves in a destination through … [Read more...]

Emerald Cruises Unveils a 16-Day Safari and Seychelles Journey

Emerald Cruises has announced a new 16-day “Safari and The Seychelles” itinerary, available to book now with departures from December 2024 to February 2025. This journey aboard the 100-guest Emerald Azzurra yacht blends a Kenyan safari with a Seychelles cruise. Kenyan safari highlights include two-night accommodations at the Samburu Game Reserve; three guided safari drives to spot elephants, … [Read more...]

Red Sea Attacks and Ongoing War Lead to More Canceled Cruises in Middle East

Ongoing unrest in the Middle East has led to a series of changes and cancellations to cruise line itineraries, with more lines opting to re-route their Red Sea itineraries, including World Cruises, away from the conflict. The October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas led to a number of lines canceling port calls (see below), while the latest attacks on cargo vessels in the Red Sea in early 2024 … [Read more...]

National Geographic Orion returns To The Mediterranean For 2025 Summer Season – Lindblad Expeditions

National Geographic Orion will sail the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean for the 2025 summer season. To celebrate the ship’s return to this stunning region, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic will debut four brand new Mediterranean itineraries, exploring the heritage-rich region like never before in the way only the global leader and pioneer of modern expedition cruising … [Read more...]

Bahamas Responds to Recent Travel Warning Issued by the US

The Bahamas government insists it remains a “safe and welcoming destination” for travelers despite a recent warning issued by the US State Department. Recent Crimes Spur Update to Travel Advisory to The Bahamas Bahamian government officials on December 30 issued a formal reply to recent US warnings that the islands have seen an increase in violent crimes. “The Government of the Bahamas is … [Read more...]

Carnival Cruise Line Notifies Guests of Specific Policy

Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has posted details of the cruise line’s mobility scooter policy and the size limitations for mobility devices onboard, urging guests to be aware of the requirements to avoid the possibility of being denied boarding if a scooter is oversized. With increasing numbers of guests using such scooters, safety procedures must be followed to be sure … [Read more...]

Cruise Ship Will Visit 34 Countries on Six Continents on One Trip

Later next year, a cruise ship will visit 34 countries on six continents on one voyage that will last for over four months. The ship will overnight in eight ports along the way with late night departures in Casablanca and other cities.Costa Cruises, one of Carnival Corporation’s nine cruise lines, is offering a 128 day cruise that will depart on November 21, 2025 from Trieste, Italy. The cruise … [Read more...]

Holland America Line Details New Itineraries, Including Iconic Sites

Holland America Line will deploy Noordam to the South Pacific for a series of cruises between Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand, during the 2025-26 fall and winter season. Bookings are officially open for sale, and include a set of new Collectors’ Voyages, offering longer, more immersive cruises of up to 50 days. Noordam to Head Down Under in November 2025 An exciting cruise … [Read more...]

Luxury travel gifts and accessories for your next trip – US & Canada edition

Whether you’re venturing across continents or heading just around the corner, traveling can be exhilarating. But ensuring that it’s a smooth and enjoyable travel experience can require some careful planning, not to mention the right gear. Here’s we suggest a number of luxurious essentials, ranging from timeless classics to cutting-edge essentials, for your next trip away. However seasoned a … [Read more...]

8 things I love about Icon of the Seas (and 3 I didn't)

Royal Caribbean has out done itself with Icon of the Seas, thanks to new innovations, changes, and a few tweaks.Overall, I've enjoyed sailing on the new biggest cruise ship in the world because the ship has so many aspects that really stand out as being important. Subtle changes, such as the pool deck being broken up so it doesn't feel like just another cruise ship pool deck, to adding stairs, … [Read more...]

Did Royal Caribbean Make a Mistake With Its New Balcony Cabins?

Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship Icon of the Seas is currently on her official inaugural voyage, and there are lots of firsts on board…including a brand-new type of balcony cabin for the cruise line. Though “infinite balcony” cabins are not new to the cruise industry (they got a lot of hype when sister brand Celebrity introduced them on Celebrity Edge!), they are new to Royal Caribbean, with … [Read more...]

Complete Guide to Cruising from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

When it comes to departure points for a cruise, it’s hard to beat Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is one of the most active cruise ports in the United States, serving ships from nearly every major brand. Here’s what to know before you arrive. With nearly 4 million cruise passengers each year, Port Everglades comes as one of the busiest ports in … [Read more...]

Carnival Responds to Concerns Over Port Travel Advisory

Carnival Cruise Line has responded to guest concerns over the updated travel advisory citing increased crime in Nassau, clarifying their security policies and recommendations for guests debarking in ports of call where any official warnings may be present. At this time, there are no cruise lines canceling visits to Nassau due to the increased warning, but travelers should still take appropriate … [Read more...]

These Are 5 Of The Cheapest Cities For Digital Nomads In 2024

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These Are The Top 10 Cheapest U.S. Destinations To Fly To In February According To Priceline

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This Is The Safest Resort Destination On The Pacific Coast Of Mexico This Winter

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These Are The Top 5 Tips For Booking Cheaper U.S. Flights In 2024

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5 Reasons Why You Should Visit This Spectacular U.S. City This Winter

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