MSC Splendida is the largest cruise ship ever to homeport in South Africa, and as she respositions from Durban to Cape Town for the remainder of her SA cruise season, she’s bringing traffic to a stop in the Mother City. MSC Splendida stops traffic with her immense size not only because the general public travel to Table Bay Harbour to get a look at her, but also because her 3,900 passengers … [Read more...]
Archives for 02/04/2024
NCL passengers left in Africa highlight value of cruise line excursions
A group of eight cruise passengers were stranded in the African island nation of Sao Tome and Príncipe after their independant shore excursion arrived late at the port. The group of US and Australian passengers, which includes a pregnant woman and a paraplegic guest, booked a private shore excursion in Sao Tome when the ship docked on March 27th, and did not make it back to the port in time … [Read more...]
Norwegian Viva to Undergo Renovations During Transatlantic Voyage
Less than nine months after debuting, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship Norwegian Viva will be undergoing some renovations during its transatlantic crossing this month. In an email to booked guests and travel agents, the line said “As part of our commitment to continuously offer extraordinary vacation experiences for our guests around the world, and to uphold a consistent world-class product … [Read more...]
American Queen Voyages’ iconic river fleet acquired by American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines has purchased the classic river fleet of American Queen Voyages following parent company’s debt restructuring earlier this year. American Cruise Line purchased four classic paddle-driven riverboats at auction for around $4.5 million according to a court filing. The acquisition ensures that the river vessels American Queen, American Empress, American Countess and … [Read more...]
Op-Ed: Seattle Advocates Rally Against Polluting Cruise Ship Industry as Alaska Season Launches
Opening day of another Alaska cruise season offers no cause for celebration to anyone who loves the Pacific Northwest and wants to see our communities healthy, thriving, and economically sustainable. Regional decision makers need to look beyond the glossy ads and public relations hype to ask how, in a little over two decades, we have allowed the Port of Seattle to impose on us a form of tourism … [Read more...]
American Cruise Lines Purchases American Queen Voyages’ River Fleet
In late February, U.S. based small-ship cruise line American Queen Voyages announced that it was shutting down. “American Queen Voyages has made the difficult decision to shut down and all future cruises have been cancelled. Guests and customers should expect to be fully refunded for cancelled cruises,” a message from the cruise line said. Employees were told that the shut down was due to … [Read more...]
Once Popular Luxury Cruise Ship Sold to Growing Accommodation Market
Canada-based Bridgeman Services Group acquired a former cruise ship to expand its service of “floatel” accommodations and to meet growing demand from sectors such as LNG, mining, and renewable energy. The purchase of the ship best known as the Song of Flower and later Le Diamant is the second for Bridgeman in less than a year and expands to six the large vessels the company has to offer for … [Read more...]
New: Wonders of the Himalayas Tour – Pandaw Cruises
Pandaw is extremely happy to announce the latest addition to our Land & River Tours – The Wonders of the Himalayas. This unique and breathtaking new tour takes intrepid travellers high into the Eastern Himalayan mountain range via land, river and rail through this lesser-visited natural and cultural hotspot. Combining a six-night discovery tour of Bhutan, Pandaw’s Brahmaputra river expedition … [Read more...]
Another Norwegian Ship Guest in Africa Returns to US – How?
A great deal of attention has been paid to eight cruise passengers from Norwegian Dawn who did not return to the ship on time and were therefore left in port in São Tomé and Príncipe and the challenges they have endured to try to rejoin the ship. Another guest, however, also left the ship at the same port visit and did not return, but has been given much different assistance and has already … [Read more...]
American Cruise Line News: ACL Purchases American Queen Voyages’ River Ships
American Cruise Lines’ river fleet is set to expand with the addition of four vessels acquired from former cruise line American Queen Voyages. ACL agreed to purchase the river ships American Duchess, American Countess, American Empress and American Queen plus other assets. American Queen Voyages ceased operations on Feb. 20, 2024. Hornblower Group, the former cruise line’s parent company, filed … [Read more...]
Personal Navigators: Disney Fantasy 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral – March 23, 2024
Personal Navigators, and other details from the 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral. The Disney Fantasy set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida on March 23, 2024. 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 Michele … [Read more...]
Port of Dover wins third EcoPort PERS certification – Cruise Britain
Port of Dover has won a third certification through the EcoPorts’ environmental management standard (PERS). The port is recognised in the field of clean energies both for shipping and port operations, biodiversity and monitoring pollution. PERS (Port Environmental Review System) is the only port-specific environmental standard. The last five years have seen important increases in its recognition … [Read more...]
Carnival Corporation EVP Joins International Initiative to Reduce Food Loss
Carnival Corporation announces that Jan Swartz has joined Champions 12.3, an international initiative to reduce food loss. In recognition of the company’s food waste management leadership, Jan Swartz, executive vice president of strategic operations for Carnival Corporation & plc joins the powerhouse ranks of Champions 12.3 – the international coalition of nearly 40 leaders across government, … [Read more...]
Easter Cruise Passengers Left Behind Due to Overbooking
Guests eagerly anticipating their Easter cruise from Singapore onboard the Genting Dream, a cruise ship operated by Resorts World Cruises, were left disappointed and stranded after they were unable to embark on their weekend getaway. The cruise line had overbooked the cruise, leaving almost 50 guests stranded. While overbooking is a practice not unheard of in the cruise industry, the likelihood … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises Achieves Record-Breaking Season in Brazil
MSC Cruises announced a record-setting achievement for the 2023-2024 season, witnessing more than 670,000 passengers on its cruises embarking from and visiting Brazil. The company also unveiled plans for an even more ambitious 2024-2025 season in the region, featuring the return of MSC Grandiosa. Celebrating a Historic MSC Season In an impressive end-of-season celebration, MSC Cruises … [Read more...]
Record 2023 season confirms industry recovery for Britain – Cruise Britain celebrates 15 years with 500% rise in transit guests since 2009
The cruise sector successfully bounced back for ports and service providers around the UK in 2023 with record guest and call numbers from north to south, east to west. Landmark figures for guest and call numbers have toppled previous pre-pandemic records. 2499 calls were welcomed across the year, pushing the previous 2019 record into second place. Growth rates for guests were extremely marked with … [Read more...]
Cruise calls to Norfolk ‘an economic shot-in-the-arm’ for city
Passengers saying Norfolk call was smooth, businesses looking at influx of people. The unexpected changes in cruise ship schedules are an economic shot-in-the-arm for Norfolk. Sunday, passengers who had to divert from Baltimore because of the bridge collapse said it was smooth sailing. And now, even more ships are heading to Hampton Roads. Full story Cruise calls to Norfolk ‘an economic … [Read more...]
Celebrity Cruises Ship Rescues Stranded Boat in the Caribbean
While sailing near Cuba en route to Belize on Monday, April 1, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex rescued seven migrants from a small boat signaling distress. All seven individuals were brought safely onboard the cruise ship and have been given appropriate care, and they will be turned over to the authorities at the earliest opportunity. Celebrity Apex Rescues Migrants Celebrity Apex was … [Read more...]
How early should I pack for my cruise?
Many cruise tips and hacks cover what to pack on your cruise. You probably already know to bring essentials like sunscreen, swimsuits, formal clothing, and medication.But an equally practical question also arises as you’re planning ahead: when should you pack for your cruise?The answer depends on multiple factors, such as the weather and length of your cruise, and personal preferences.It’s … [Read more...]
Inside Royal Caribbean's luxury Royal Loft Suite, which start at almost $5k a night
On one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, you'll find a giant suite that has more space and amenities than you ever thought possible on a cruise ship.Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas has an entire neighborhood dedicated to just suites, and it's where you'll find some of the largest cabins on any cruise ship.The Royal Loft Suite is one of the biggest suites on the ship, and also one of … [Read more...]
Holland America Line Will Have Their Newer Ships Sailing Longer Caribbean Cruises in 2025-2026
Holland America Line has announced nearly 30 different cruises in 2025-2026 that will offer longer voyages to the Caribbean on their three newest ships. Each of these cruises will also visit the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas, Half Moon Cay. The cruise line’s Pinnacle class ships, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam, will all offer cruises to the Caribbean from Florida. The … [Read more...]
UK Cruise Tourism Celebrates Remarkable Rebound
Great Britain’s cruise data from 2023 is officially in, and the results show a full and powerful recovery, with ship calls and guest arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. At ports across the UK, records were broken for embarkations as well as for daily transit port calls. Cruise Arrivals Break Pre-Pandemic Records Cruise Britain issued a cruise tourism status report on April 2, 2024, … [Read more...]
Holland America Details 2025-2026 Caribbean Season
Holland America Line will offer nearly 30 different Caribbean itineraries between October 2025 and April 2026. New to the season is the addition of Miami as a homeport, as well as the return of Koningsdam to the region. This will put all three of its newest Pinnacle-class ships in the Caribbean. In addition to weeklong voyages, Holland America will offer longer nine to 14-night sailings that … [Read more...]
Norwegian Offering Further Assistance to Stranded Guests in Africa
Difficulties have continued for eight guests who missed the all-aboard time for Norwegian Dawn while visiting São Tomé and Príncipe on March 27, but Norwegian Cruise Line is helping with expenses as the travelers work to rejoin the ship as soon as possible. Due to weather conditions, the impacted guests were unable to rejoin the ship in Gambia as expected on Monday, April 1, and instead had to … [Read more...]
These Are 4 Affordable South American Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas
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5 Reasons Why You Should Visit The Paris Of The Baltics On Your Next Trip To Europe
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These Are The 10 Best Beaches In The World, And 2 Are In The U.S.
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Competition: Win a river cruise with Riviera Travel
Moon river, wider than a mile / I’m crossing you in style some day... Two drifters, off to see the world / There’s such a lot of world to see.... sang the actress Audrey Hepburn in the classic 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Hepburn was right – there is such a lot of world to see. And if, like Hepburn, you’ve always dreamt of drifting down a river in style, then you may be in luck as Riviera … [Read more...]
Why Travelers Are Flocking To This Stunning Italian Destination In Record Numbers
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Why Late Spring Is The Best Time To Visit This Iconic U.S. City
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