I’ve often mentioned on A Luxury Travel Blog about how the luxury end of the self-catering industry continues to reach new heights in terms of standards of excellence. Our latest stay – at Ewelands House in the North Yorkshire Moors village of Sleights – is no exception. This gorgeous three-bedroomed cottage from Unique Retreats sleeps up to 6 people but can be combined with a property below … [Read more...]
Archives for 19/02/2024
Cruise Line’s Ships to Undergo Major Modernization
AIDA, in partnership with its parent company, Carnival Corporation, has unveiled plans for a significant upgrade of its Sphinx-Class fleet. The ambitious initiative, called “AIDA Evolution,” represents the largest modernization effort in the company’s history. Focusing initially on the first three vessels of the class, it is designed to enhance passenger experience and environmental … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises Launches ‘Open Booking’ Programme
MSC Cruises has launched a new ‘Open Booking’ programme for guests on board its fleet of ships to make a future holiday at sea reservation without the need to commit to a particular vessel, itinerary or sailing date. The new initiative aims to complement MSC Cruises’ ‘Future Cruise’ programme introduced in summer 2023. The open booking means that guests simply pay a reduced deposit of … [Read more...]
Ambassador Cruise Line names ORCA as charity partner for a third year
Ambassador Cruise Line has renewed its partnership with its nominated partner, ORCA, the charity dedicated to marine conservation, for a third year – with 23 dedicated itineraries scheduled to take place across the 2024/25 season. Following a hugely successful past year which saw 8,062 sea life sightings recorded by ORCA on Ambassador sailings, the coming season will see ocean conservationists … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises Appoints Elia Congiu as COO for Cruise Division
MSC Cruises announced the appointment of Elia Congiu as chief operating officer for its Cruise Division based in the company’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. According to a company update, this new position has been created to support the brand’s continuous growth and lead the company’s transformation projects. The new role will be focused on driving efficiency and synergy across the Cruise … [Read more...]
Best in Alaska! UnCruise Adventures Clinches Four Prestigious Travel Awards
UnCruise Adventures, a US-flagged leader in small-ship, expedition-style cruising, proudly owned and headquartered in Juneau, Alaska, is officially named “Best Small-Ship Expedition Line” by U.S. News & World Report and “Best in Alaska” in the Cruise Critic Editor’s Pick Awards. Additionally, two ships, the Wilderness Legacy and the Wilderness Discoverer, occupy two top-five spaces in USA … [Read more...]
Well-known TV wildlife presenter joins Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines guests in South Africa
One of Britain’s most loved television presenters has shared her knowledge with guests while in her hometown in South Africa. Wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan joined Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ‘The Intrepid Beauty of Africa and the Indian Ocean’ cruise for four nights in Cape Town. From 26th to 29th January, Michaela, who has been a regular on TV screens for the past 30 years, shared her … [Read more...]
Carnival-Owned Line Begins Year With Record-Breaking Sales
P&O Cruises has reported the best every January in the cruise line’s booking history, with record-breaking sales volume through the month across a variety of destinations. This continues to demonstrate confidence in cruise travel and demand for getaways, along with the value present in a cruise vacation. Fantastic Sales for P&O Cruises Many cruise travelers take advantage of wave … [Read more...]
Bergen shares its path to shore power – Cruise Europe
In 2018, Bergen had its biggest cruise year with around 600,000 passengers spread over 336 calls, but behind the facade there were concerns both regarding the number of tourists and, at the same time, the emissions that cruiseships were contributing to the city centre. “After that season, there were political discussions about what measures the city could take to better control the growing cruise … [Read more...]
Cruise Line Expands River Fleet by Announcing New Ship
A British cruise line that specializes in voyages for those 50 years and older has announced it’s adding a new vessel to its fleet of river ships. Spirit of the Moselle will be Saga Cruises’ fleet of European river ships when completed in 2025. Saga Cruises Grows River Fleet with New Ship Saga Cruises has ordered a new river ship to join its fleet. Construction of Spirit of the Moselle began … [Read more...]
How to Use Technology On A Cruise
The Internet and cell service are not just necessities at home; they’re also necessities on vacation. Technology on a cruise vacation can be complicated for some. In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about using technology in a simple, seamless way while sailing the seven seas. Phone Service & WiFi Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash Let’s start … [Read more...]
Resorts World One First to Homeport in Jakarta, Indonesia – Resorts World Cruises
Resorts World Cruises is excited to celebrate a new milestone as the first international cruise line to homeport in Jakarta, Indonesia during the local school holiday from 16 June – 1 July 2024, offering four round-trip 6 Day / 5 Night cruises from Jakarta to vibrant cities of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang). Cruise fares start from IDR 10 million per guest based on twin sharing and … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Upping Efforts Against Onboard Problem
One of the biggest problems that leads to guest complaints on cruise ships is the infamous chair hog situation, when inconsiderate guests attempt to claim prime poolside lounge chairs for hours without actually using them. Carnival Cruise Line has renewed its efforts to crack down on this problem and encourage “chairing is caring” with strict enforcement of its no-saving-chairs policy through … [Read more...]
Santorini wreck a ticking time bomb, residents warn
The wreck of a cruise ship, which ran aground near the popular tourist destination of Santorini in April 2007 and sank the next day, has remained an ecological bomb at the bottom of the island’s caldera. That is in according to the coordinating committee of the Santorini Association for the Salvaging of the Sea Diamond Wreck in a letter it sent to Parliament’s Special Standing Committee for … [Read more...]
Saga expands their purpose-built river fleet with announcement of Spirit of the Moselle
Saga, the UK’s leading specialist provider of services and products tailored for people over 50, has announced the expansion of its river cruise collection with the addition of a new ship, Spirit of the Moselle, joining the fleet from July 2025. Continuing its drive to bring exceptional experiences to guests, Saga’s latest announcement further strengthens its river cruise offering, and signals … [Read more...]
P&O Cruises reports record booking for beginning of Wave period
P&O Cruises has reported its strongest January ever, with record-breaking sales volume during the month. The most popular destinations booked were the Caribbean, the Norwegian fjords and the Atlantic Islands, while P&O Cruises Iona, has seen the most interest. In addition, P&O Cruises has seen a longer average booking lead time during this period. P&O Cruises president Paul … [Read more...]
AIDA Cruises has launched the largest modernization program in its fleet
With AIDA Evolution, AIDA Cruises has launched the largest modernization program in its fleet. It is the most extensive in the company’s history. The first phase of the program will be a major overhaul of the Sphinx ships AIDAdiva, AIDAbella and AIDAluna in 2025 and 2026. The focus will be on a new interior design of the ships. In addition, technical equipment and systems will be updated. All … [Read more...]
Swan Hellenic Unveils its May and June 2024 Celts and Vikings Cruises
Cultural expedition cruise pioneer offers three unique itineraries across the British Isles and Iceland for curious minds to delve deep into the fascinating histories and cultures of the Celts and Vikings, immersed in the extraordinary wild nature in which they lived. Swan Hellenic is offering voyagers three expert-curated cultural expedition cruises, designed expressly to immerse them in the … [Read more...]
First International Cruise Ship to Homeport at Indonesian Port
Jakarta will get its first homeported ship this summer when Resorts World Cruises sends one of its vessels to the Indonesian Port for a series of 6-day voyages. Guests sailing from Jakarta will visit Singapore and Kuala Lumpur during their cruises, which begin June 16, 2024, and continue through July 1, 2024. Resorts World One Homeports in Jakarta for Summer Cruises Resorts World One, one … [Read more...]
Photos show the cabin a dog lives in on the world's largest cruise ship
Did you know a dog lives on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship?Icon of the Seas has many innovative firsts in the cruising industry including a furry, four-legged friend named Rover!Rover, a golden retriever puppy, has been chosen to permanently live onboard Icon of the Seas as the Chief Dog Officer. Her only job on the ship is to bring joy, love and happiness to guests sailing on the world’s … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Voted Best Ocean Cruise Line In USA Today’s ’10best’ Readers Choice Awards For Second Consecutive Year
Carnival Cruise Line was once again a big winner in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, taking home the top honor of Best Ocean Cruise Line for the second consecutive year. Carnival Celebration, one of the cruise line’s most recent additions to its fleet, was also voted the best cruise ship in both the dining and entertainment categories. “To win the ‘The Best Ocean Cruise Line’ award for a … [Read more...]
One of Carnival’s Cruise Lines Announces Extensive Modernization to Three Ships
One of Carnival Corporation’s nine cruise lines has announced their most extensive modernization that will happen to three of their cruise ships. AIDAbella, one of three AIDA cruise ships that will be completely modernized. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever AIDA Cruises has announced their largest modernization in their history. The first phase of the program will see the three Sphinx class ships … [Read more...]
Last Chance to Transfer HSBC Rewards to Airline Partners
By the end of March 2024, RBC will have finished its acquisition of HSBC Canada, which includes transitioning HSBC cardholders to RBC products. As part of the transition, HSBC Rewards points will be converted into RBC Avion points. RBC has yet to confirm the ratio it will use to convert HSBC Rewards to RBC Avion, although we’re hopeful that we’ll learn more about it in the very near … [Read more...]
Worth It? Complete Guide to MSC Cruises Drink Packages
Sailing on MSC and ready to really go on vacation? Then you might start with a drink package. Instead of worrying about the price of your bar bill, you can pay one set daily fee and get your drinks included for the entire cruise. MSC Divina docked at Ocean Cay. Drink packages allow you to have your fill on the ship, but also extend to the cruise line’s private island. On the surface, the MSC … [Read more...]
Unique Carnival Ship Makes Maiden Call to Popular Caribbean Port
Carnival Venezia has made her first-ever visit to Antigua, an inaugural call that was marked with a traditional plaque exchange and goodwill between port officials and the ship’s master, officers, and crew. The ship is enjoying a Southern Caribbean itinerary, and joined three other ships from three other cruise lines in port for the momentous occasion. Carnival Venezia Visits Antigua for the … [Read more...]
Special Offers on Disney Cruise Line Sailings as of February 19, 2024
This week’s special offers from Disney Cruise Line arrive with sail dates from early-March into late July. Currently, there are 11 sail dates, available with special offers available across the fleet for sailings from Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Port Canaveral, and Southampton. The Disney Dream features the most sailings at 9, the Disney Fantasy follows with 4, the … [Read more...]
Digital Nomads Can Live In These 5 Latin American Cities For Less Than $1,500 Per Month
img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; … [Read more...]
Why This Affordable Country Is One Of The Top Destinations To Visit For 2024
img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; … [Read more...]
4 Sunny Destinations Where You Can Cruise Without A Passport
img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; … [Read more...]
This New Train Route Will Visit 7 Of The Most Beautiful European Cities This Spring
img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; … [Read more...]