Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is tempting cruisers with an offer of free drinks on certain voyages in 2024 and 2025, including a holiday season vacation-at-sea in the Canary Islands. All three of the line’s ships are participating in the offer — Bolette, Borealis, and Balmoral, on 5- to 22-night itineraries that feature destinations from the Azores to the Mediterranean, the Norwegian fjords, … [Read more...]
Archives for 06/09/2024
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Debuts Second Ship, Ilma
There’s officially a new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessel on the sea: Ilma. The cruise line’s second luxury superyacht embarked on her seven-night maiden voyage on September 2nd from Monte Carlo. “It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome Ilma to our growing fleet,” said Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “Since Evrima’s debut, we have … [Read more...]
9 outfits you'll want to wear on a cruise to Mexico
Ready for that cruise to Mexico, but not sure what you'll need to wear during the trip?Between the places in Mexico you'll visit, plus the events onboard your cruise ship, there's a need for different clothing.While you can count on warm weather in Mexico, you'll need to plan to bring clothes needed onboard and in port. Not to mention if your ship will visit more than one port in Mexico, you … [Read more...]
Speculation Heats Up: Clues “Might” Point to Icon of the Seas’ Next Homeport
For a cruise port, being the homeport for the world’s largest cruise ship is a fairly big deal. It shows not only that the port can handle such a large vessel, but it also makes for great branding in a heated competition among U.S. cruise ports. Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International Recent discoveries on the Port of Galveston website have driven speculation about Icon of the Seas … [Read more...]
Expedition Cruise Line Details 2026 Season to Asia, the Arctic, and Beyond
Aurora Expeditions has released its new 2026 Arctic and Beyond season, including its first-ever voyages to southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic coast. Every sailing will also include dedicated solo cabins. The season features 42 departures, including new expedition voyages to Indonesia and Borneo, an opportunity to view the 2026 solar eclipse from Greenland on the popular ‘Jewels of … [Read more...]
7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for Kids (2024)
Royal Caribbean leads the cruise industry as one of the best cruise lines for kids because its ships are packed with the things families love.From pools, outdoor movie screens, waterslides, and enormous kids clubs, there is no shortage of fun things for children's activities. There's also rock climbing walls, laser tag, ice skating rinks, carousels, and much more. While primarily it's the … [Read more...]
12 Ways to Get the Best Out of Your First Cruise
If you’re planning and looking forward to your very first cruise, you may have an idea of how you’d like it to all to go down. You’re imagining yourself standing on the deck watching the islands pass by, drink in hand. You’re plotting out how you’ll spend your port and sea days. You’re envisioning spa treatments and fine dining, shore excursions and days by the pool. However, to ensure it all … [Read more...]
Mundy Cruising launches new cruise and rail collection
Mundy Cruising is launching a new range of itineraries combining luxury cruises with the world’s “most iconic” rail journeys. The cruise specialist agency said it was creating the new train-cruise programme due to “skyrocketing demand for luxury rail travel”. Options include combining the new La Dolce Vita by Orient Express train service in Tuscany with a cruise along Italy’s coastline or pairing … [Read more...]
Ritz-Carlton’s Ilma Sets Sail on Maiden Cruise
The Ilma officially kicked off its maiden season for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection earlier this week. After being delivered by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in mid-July, the 456-guest vessel received its first paying guests on Sep. 2, 2024. On that day, the Ilma departed from Monaco for a seven-night cruise to France and Italy that is set to end in Rome. The open-jaw itinerary … [Read more...]
Should You Buy Carnival’s ‘Faster to the Fun’ Deal? Here’s When It’s Worth It
If you’re booked on a Carnival cruise, then you’ve no doubt been tempted with offers for the cruise line’s Faster to the Fun (FTTF) package. Of course, you’ve likely also wondered just what it is and if it’s actually worth the cost. With Carnival’s Faster to the Fun program, you pay a fee and receive a ton of benefits designed to reduce waits and make your … [Read more...]
Athens Airport launches off-airport check-in for cruise passengers
The service has been created in collaboration with the ground handling operators Swissport Hellas and Skyserv, as well as the Piraeus Port Authority. The off-airport check-in process connects Athens International Airport with the cruise terminal at the Port of Piraeus. With cruise passenger traffic numbers on the rise, especially in the last two years, this service is expected to speed up and … [Read more...]
What is it Really Like to Be a Cruise Director on Embarkation Day?
Aside from the ship’s captain, who is responsible for navigating the vessel safely, the cruise director might be the most important crew member onboard a cruise ship, especially when it comes to embarkation day. It’s this person’s responsibility to coordinate with various department heads to organize activities and social events – while also serving as the face of the activities and … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Issues Another Round of Itinerary Changes
For the third time in two days, Carnival Cruise Line has alerted booked guests that their itineraries have been altered, to varying degrees. Such changes are not unusual, since itineraries are typically created up to two years ahead of departure date and many factors can prompt adjustments. This latest batch of altered routes and port times, revealed on September 5, 2024, impacts cruises with … [Read more...]
Cepsa commences supply of biofuels to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings at Barcelona
Archives Archives Search contents since March ’10 (Tags associated with a post are searched as well) SHIP REVIEWS Search contents since March ’10 (Tags associated with a post are searched as well) Appeared first on: Latecruisenews.com … [Read more...]
Are Cruise Ship Visits to Grand Cayman at Risk?
As cruise ships become larger, the number of ports they can visit gets smaller. Not only do ports have to have a deep enough draft or no bridge barring their entry, they need to have docking facilities for this big ships. Tendering some 7,000 passengers back and forth just isn’t feasible. Ports that don’t fit these requirements might find themselves losing cruise ship visits as more and more … [Read more...]
Ship Review: Queen Anne
When you first catch a glimpse of Queen Anne, her Cunard livery immediately grabs your attention — and sets expectations. But the introduction of the 114,188-grt Pinnacle-class ship has seen many aspects of the Cunard experience reimagined. Porthole contributor Chris Frame traveled aboard Queen Anne as a guest lecturer during her maiden voyage, May 3-10, 2024. Though not a fare-paying … [Read more...]
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines welcomes Doug Glenwright to newly created Guest Experience Director role
Putting the guest at the front and centre of absolutely everything; that’s the goal of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ new Guest Experience Director. Doug Glenwright, who brings 20 years of travel experience, has joined Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in this brand-new role, to lead in improving guest experience across all elements of the business. Doug said: “I am incredibly excited to join the fantastic team … [Read more...]
Cruise industry annual environmental technologies and practices data shows continued progress toward environmental sustainability goals – CLIA
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, today released its annual Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report, showing continued progress by the sector in advancing its environmental and sustainability agenda, including investments in ships and technologies for the uptake of transitional and alternative … [Read more...]
Which Credit Cards Have Mobile Device Insurance?
Smartphones are often one of the more expensive things you’ll own and as many of us unfortunately know, they’re way too easy to damage or lose. With them coming with us everywhere we go and living near constantly in our hands, it’s no wonder they fall or get lost.Given these factors, getting some sort of insurance coverage for your mobile device can bring a degree of financial peace of mind.When … [Read more...]
Explora Journeys Announces Godmother For Explora II. Renowned marine environmentalist Rosalba Giugni
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, announced Rosalba Giugni will be the godmother of EXPLORA II, at the new ship’s official naming ceremony on 15 September 2024 in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy. EXPLORA II is the latest addition to the Explora Journeys fleet and reflects the brand’s commitment to offering unparalleled luxury ocean travel experiences. The … [Read more...]
Move Over Asheville! This Laid-Back City Is Being Hyped As North Carolina’s Next Travel Hotspot
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Mexico’s Best-Kept Secret: This Safe Destination Has Authentic Culture & Ancient Ruins
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Why Fall Is The Perfect Time To Visit These Hugely Popular Mediterranean Islands
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Southwest Launches 3 New Nonstop Routes To Popular Beach Destinations
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When will Royal Caribbean release new sailings for 2026?
Royal Caribbean cruises are bookable through early 2026, but when will more cruises in 2026 and 2027 be available to book?Summer 2026 cruises are not open to book yet, along with anything beyond April 2026.While it may seem strange to book vacations more than 2 years in advance, booking a cruise that far ahead can net some of the best prices.Booking a cruise early could get you a great room, a … [Read more...]
First Impressions of a Virgin Cruise in Europe
I am currently on a seven-night cruise with Virgin Voyages that is part of the cruise line’s Virgin Celebration Cruises. This roundtrip cruise out of Barcelona has special guests with appearances that include Sir Richard Branson and Boy George. After spending a few days on board, here are my brief first impressions of the cruise. Virgin Voyages invited me onboard for this special sailing and it … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Ship Hits Drifting Ice in Alaska
No doubt many cruise passengers have heard of the Titanic and that tragic moment when the iconic ocean liner hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean. It’s something most think of when it comes to movies, but yes, even modern cruise ships can hit pieces of floating ice, and that’s the case with one Carnival cruise ship. Carnival Cruise Line confirmed to Cruise Hive that while the Carnival … [Read more...]
Nassau Cruise Port: Piers, Getting Around and What’s Nearby
Nassau Cruise Port, recently given a $300 million facelift, serves as the gateway to the Bahamas. Welcoming over 3.5 million passengers per year, the cruise port sits in the heart of Nassau, the capital city. It’s also just minutes away from beaches and attractions, making it the ideal starting point for your adventure! In This Article: Nassau Cruise Port Location and Address Nassau … [Read more...]