As Hurricane Milton continues its frightening path toward Florida, the entire state is bracing itself for impact and expecting the worst. The dangerous Category 4 hurricane may have weakened slightly from peak winds of 180 miles per hour to sustained wind speeds of 155 miles per hour, but evacuations and closures are taking place across the state, including landlocked Orlando. With … [Read more...]
Archives for 08/10/2024
First Royal Caribbean Ship Returns to Labadee After Suspension
Five months after suspending port calls to Labadee, Royal Caribbean is once again visiting the private destination on the north coast of Haiti. The 3,800-guest Adventure of the Seas called at the port on October 8, 2024 during her 6-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral. The ship’s itinerary features two private destinations — Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay, along with Puerto … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean restarts cruises visiting its private beach in Haiti
After six months on pause, Royal Caribbean is now cruising to Labadee, Haiti again.In March 2024, the cruise line cut visits to its private beach due to internal strife within Haiti.Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach area, is a walled-off, exclusive beach on a peninsula in northern Haiti. Located 130 miles north of the capital, Port-au-Prince, Labadee has been closed out of "an … [Read more...]
Personal Navigators: Disney Fantasy 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral – September 14, 2024
Personal Navigators, and other details from the Halloween on the High Seas 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral. The Disney Fantasy set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida on September 14, 2024. There are additional Personal Navigators from other sailings of this same itinerary for comparison. During this cruise, the ship was under the control … [Read more...]
Cruise Cabin Check: 11 Things to Do Before You Empty Your Suitcase
After waiting in the cruise terminal with your carry-on bags in tow, you’ve finally boarded your cruise ship made it to your cabin. Your home away from home for the next few days. You’ll probably be tempted to throw your bag down, run out the door and head straight to the pool. Maybe you want to check out the daily drink specials before the lines get too long. Before you rush out into the … [Read more...]
Carnival Expanding Cruises From Miami in 2026-2027
Carnival Cruise Line has announced more cruises from Miami in 2026-2027 by expanding the schedules of two ships, Carnival Magic and Carnival Sunrise. These two Carnival ships will join Carnival Celebration and Carnival Horizon in offering sailings from PortMiami in 2026-2027. Carnival Magic and Carnival Sunrise will both visit the cruise line’s new port that is currently under construction in … [Read more...]
Asyad Ports plans major overhaul of cruise terminal at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat
Asyad Ports has announced plans to redevelop its cruise terminal in Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, with bids now open for contractors. The port operator said the redevelopment is intended to meet the needs of an increasing number of tourists from all over the world calling in Muscat and enhance their experience at one of the major gateways to the Sultanate of Oman. “Asyad Ports is seeking … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Increasing Gratuities on November 1
The controversial topic of tipping on cruises is about to go viral again as Royal Caribbean has announced it is increasing its gratuity rates for the second time in a year. Taking effect November 1, 2024, the new rates will see an increase of $0.50 per guest per day, applicable across various stateroom categories. “For standard inventory, new gratuity guidelines will nominally increase … [Read more...]
Carnival Adds New Cruises for Two Ships From PortMiami
As it continues to reveal upcoming sailings for 2026 and into 2027, Carnival Cruise Line has now announced even more options from PortMiami with two more vessels, Carnival Magic and Carnival Sunrise. Both ships will offer unique and exciting options for eager cruise travelers, with itineraries ranging from 4-8 nights visiting top ports of call throughout the Bahamas and the … [Read more...]
How Much Money You Need to Earn to Take a Cruise
How much income do you need to afford to take a cruise? Cruises — such as this one from MSC — can start at just a few hundred dollars, but can also run well into the thousands. So how much income do you need to afford to sail? It’s likely less than you think, but we wanted to put a specific number to the answer. The result is that a person with a relatively average should have no … [Read more...]
Silver Shadow makes maiden call at new Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal
Silver Shadow has made her maiden port call at the new Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal off the city’s iconic JBR and Palm Island, becoming the eighth cruise vessel to do so since September last year. More than 120 passengers on board the ship received a warm traditional Arabian welcome with officials from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Dubai Ports, Customs … [Read more...]
Carnival Adds More 2026-2027 Sailings From Miami to the Bahamas & Caribbean
Sarah Bretz, ContributorSarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015, and in that time has taken a dozen cruises and counting. Her favorite onboard activities include trying the casual dining options, spending time in the spa’s thermal suite, and attending the love & marriage show. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB.See all author posts Appeared first on: … [Read more...]
It’s Official: Norwegian Cruise Line Partners With Hockey League
Sports industry partnerships with cruise lines have gained steam in recent years, as prominent cruise brands look to broaden their exposure to prospective guests. In the latest alliance, Norwegian Cruise Line revealed it has been tapped as the Official Cruise Line of the National Hockey League. In an announcement by the cruise line on October 8, 2024 — which is the opening day of the National … [Read more...]
Disney Wish 10/11/2024 Sailing Cancelled Due to Hurricane Milton
Today, Disney Cruise Line made the decision to cancel the October 11, 2024 Disney Wish sailing from Port Canaveral due to the expected impacts of Hurricane Milton at Port Canaveral. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="897" height="736" data-attachment-id="69214" … [Read more...]
A-ROSA’s end-of-season highlights for the spontaneous. Themed and festive cruises spice up river cruising’s shoulder season
Spending the colder seasons aboard the A-ROSA fleet promises unique entertainment highlights, such as diverse themed sailings and cosy Xmas markets cruises. Tempting last-minute offers of up to 30 per cent savings on 2024 departures are still available until the end of October. In autumn, A-ROSA guests can enjoy Special and Event Cruises featuring shows, workshops, and talks from expert hosts on … [Read more...]
Heckling Guest Removed From Carnival’s Punchliner Comedy Club
It’s not the first time a cruise passenger has taken offense to the onboard comedian, and it certainly won’t be the last. The occurrence is so frequent on Carnival Cruise Line’s ships, especially during the late-night adult-only performances, that Brand Ambassador John Heald has outwardly encouraged guests not to attend the shows if they think they might not like the content. But … [Read more...]
Norwegian Named Official Cruise Line of the National Hockey League
Sarah Bretz, ContributorSarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015, and in that time has taken a dozen cruises and counting. Her favorite onboard activities include trying the casual dining options, spending time in the spa’s thermal suite, and attending the love & marriage show. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB.See all author posts Appeared first on: … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean is quietly raising the daily gratuity charges
Less than one year after their last gratuity increase, Royal Caribbean is set to increase gratuities for passengers once again.Starting November 1, 2024, the cruise line will raise the daily gratuity rate by 50 cents per day, bringing the new rate for standard cabins to $18.50 per person, up from $18.00, and suites to $21.00 per person, up from $20.50. It is the same amount for all passengers, … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Adds Select Cruises from PortMiami
Carnival Cruise Line is adding more sailings for Carnival Magic and Carnival Sunrise from PortMiami in 2026 and early 2027! Both ships will visit destinations in The Bahamas, including Celebration Key and other Caribbean locations. “These sailings build on our strong deployment plan from the Cruise Capital of the World for 2026/27,” said Fred Stein, vice president of itinerary planning for … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises Provides Hurricane Milton Update, Ships Affected
Hurricane Milton continues to intensify as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast, bringing with it the threat of catastrophic damage. After reaching peak intensity of 180 miles per hour winds on Monday, October 7, 2024, the storm remains a powerful Category 4 as of the morning of October 8. Positioned about 545 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, Milton is moving east-northeast at 12 miles per … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Increasing Daily Gratuities in November
Royal Caribbean, the world’s largest cruise line, is raising their daily gratuities (tips) starting on November 1, 2024. Royal Caribbean is raising daily gratuities by 50 cents per day on November 1, 2024, less than the last increase of $2. However, if you booked your cruise prior to this date, you can prepay gratuities at the current rate as long as you do it before your cruise. If you wait … [Read more...]
Azamara Cruises Unveils RezA: an Enhanced System for Seamless Travel Advisor Bookings. Designed to provide advisors with a more efficient and user-friendly platform to sell Azamara Cruises with ease
Azamara Cruises is excited to introduce a revamped global reservation system, RezA, aimed at enhancing the booking experience for travel advisors. The new system is part of Azamara’s broader commitment to improving relationships with its travel partners through its “Listening, Learning, and Linking” initiative. RezA promises to make it easier for advisors to manage reservations and streamline the … [Read more...]
Transcend Cruises’ New Website Focuses on Group Experiences
New global charter-only river cruising company Transcend Cruises has launched a new website to showcase its upcoming river cruise ship and unique group travel service model. The site is designed for travel advisors booking private social occasions as well as meetings, incentives, and event planners. “The Transcend team is comprised of the best and brightest from the cruise, luxury travel and MICE … [Read more...]
Norwegian Named Official Cruise Line of the NHL
Norwegian Cruise Line and the National Hockey League have agreed to a multi-year partnership marking the first time that NCL has partnered with a professional sports league. The partnership will begin immediately and Norwegian will gain national exposure when games are shows on ESPN and TNT through Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards. NCL will be advertised during the regular season as well as the … [Read more...]
Norwegian Cruise Line® Named Official Cruise Line of the National Hockey League
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and the National Hockey League (NHL®) today announced a multiyear U.S. partnership, naming Norwegian Cruise Line the Official Cruise Line of the NHL. The milestone new venture marks the first time in NCL’s company history that it is partnering with a professional sports league and the first time the NHL is partnering with a cruise line. The new partnership provides … [Read more...]
Sun Princess Unable to Complete Inaugural Crossing Due to Milton
A new cruise ship’s first transatlantic crossing is a major milestone, particularly when the ship itself is a record-breaking, first-of-her-kind vessel. Such is the case with Sun Princess, the largest ever ship built for Princess Cruises. After her debut in February 2024, the ship is currently sailing her first crossing, but her inaugural arrival to the US is now delayed by Hurricane … [Read more...]
4 Incredible Digital Nomad Destinations In Europe That Will Not Be Freezing Cold This Winter
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Carnival Cruise Line Raising Money for Hurricane Relief
Carnival Cruise Line is raising money for hurricane relief in a unique way after their president, Christine Duffy, accepted a challenge to tandem skydive on October 19, 2024. The jump will be part of a celebration with the first-ever Special Forces Legacy Initiatives (SFLI) cruise. The cruise will depart will place on Carnival Paradise and depart on October 19. The cruise is a full ship charter … [Read more...]
Move Over Paris! The Most Romantic Destination Is Now In The U.S.
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Cruise Potential Gains Momentum – Gladstone Port, Australia
Senior Executives from Royal Caribbean conducted a whirlwind tour of the Capricorn coast and Gladstone regions last week, specifically interested in the opportunities presented by Gladstone Port for future shore visits by the Quantum of the Seas (5,000 capacity cruise liner based in Brisbane). After networking at the Australian Cruise Association’s annual conference last month, Royal … [Read more...]