Guests staying in elevated staterooms onboard Disney Cruise Line ships may be paying a bit more for the elite privilege as the cruise line has increased the recommended gratuity for concierge staterooms and suites. Now, the suggested gratuity is $23.50 per person, per night, up from $15.50 just over a year ago. This is a significant 52% increase and can add substantial charges to a family’s … [Read more...]
Archives for 18/10/2024
Cruise Line to Return to Alaska for First Time in 7 Years
The last time Azamara Cruises visited Alaska was prior to the pandemic. But eager sailors who want to join the cruise line’s small-ship experience in the Frontier State will finally get their chance again when Azamara returns in 2026. Beginning in May 2026, the 702-passenger Azamara Pursuit will set sail on a series of eight 10- to 13-day voyages through Alaska’s scenic … [Read more...]
What Airports Are Near Port Canaveral Cruise Port?
Located along Florida’s Space Coast, Port Canaveral Cruise Port welcomes around 7 million passengers annually, with many visitors relying on nearby airports for their journeys. Of the dozen international airports in the state, there are four that are within driving distance of Port Canaveral: Orlando International Airport (45 miles away), Melbourne Orlando International Airport (27.5 … [Read more...]
SS Tilawa Foundation to hold commemoration of sinking in Durban for first time
The S.S. Tilawa Foundation, in collaboration with Tilawa 1942, will commemorate the 1942 loss of the passenger liner in Durban for the first time on November 23rd, 2024. The 3rd commemoration of the ill-fated SS Tilawa will also mark the 83rd anniversary since her sinking on November 23rd, 1942, when she was struck by two torpedoes fired from a Japanese Imperial Army submarine during World … [Read more...]
Resorts World One to Homeport in Keelung from 30 Apr – 9 Nov 2025. 6 Day Cruises to Osaka (via Wakayama) and Kochi in Shikoku Island
After a successful deployment in 2024, Resorts World Cruises will return to homeport in Keelung with the Resorts World One from 30 April to 9 November 2025, doubling the capacity offered in 2024. The 1800-cruise passenger ship will have popular and new itineraries to Japan for its 3, 4 and 6 Day Cruises to Okinawa, as well as to the main islands of Kyushu, Honshu and Shikoku. Resorts World One … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Ship Becomes First in the Fleet to Visit Manila
Carnival Panorama sailed into Manila, on October 18, making Carnival Cruise Line history as the first ship in the fleet to visit the Philippines’ bustling capital city. Once a key trade hub during the Spanish Colonial period, the city boasts one of the world’s largest and busiest ports. 4,008 passengers and 1,450 crew aboard the newly renovated vessel were greeted at the port by the lively … [Read more...]
AdventureSmith Explorations, Discovering the Wonder of Baja California by Small-Ship Just Got Easier. Exciting new itineraries and direct air service make Baja travel even better this season
Two new itineraries, seasonal deals and new air service into La Paz, Mexico are offering even more incentive to visit Baja California by small ship. AdventureSmith Explorations, the global leader in small-ship adventure cruises, reports it’s not too late to make plans to explore Baja California during the peak of the region’s marine life viewing season (November through April). “Travelers are … [Read more...]
5 Dollar Tree Items Cruisers Should Stock Up on Before Their Sailing
Preparing for an upcoming cruise is one of the most exciting aspects of the planning process. Before any trip, I run last-minute errands to stock up on anything that I might need for my vacation.While I typically run to Target for my pre-cruise shopping spree, I decided to visit my local Dollar Tree before my recent cruise. I was shocked at how many inexpensive cruise essentials were available for … [Read more...]
UK Port Welcomes Upmarket Cruise Ship’s Maiden Call
The 2024 cruise season at the UK’s Port of Dover is coming to a close, however, a few cruise ships are still calling at the destination as autumn takes hold, including Oceania Cruises’ Sirena, an upscale ship that made her inaugural visit on October 15, 2024. The 684-guest ship called at Dover at the tail-end of a 22-day voyage to Amsterdam that departed Stockholm on September 26, … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Reveals New Eurovision Song Contest-themed Holidays For 2025
The hottest ticket of summer 2025 is here. Royal Caribbean is inviting Eurovision fans of all ages to the encore of encores: two exclusive experiences where fans can both celebrate the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest and explore a lineup of Europe’s top destinations. Whether from Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia, Italy, or Southampton, England, holidaymakers are in for a memorable experience with … [Read more...]
Windstar Cruises Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Ship Meetup and Special Event in Ephesus
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...]
MSC Cruises Offers The Ultimate Winter Escape To The Caribbean’s Most Idyllic Destinations. Five ships sailing to the Caribbean this 2024/2025 winter season
Guests looking for the ultimate sunshine-filled winter escape need to look no further than MSC Cruises’ vast array of Caribbean itineraries, which showcase some of the most idyllic destinations the region has to offer. With its pristine white sand beaches, clear turquoise water, tropical weather and rich cultural heritage, the Caribbean continues to grow in popularity as a holiday destination, and … [Read more...]
Goldbelt, Royal Caribbean plan new cruise ship port on Juneau’s Douglas Island
Goldbelt Incorporated and Royal Caribbean Group announced a partnership on Wednesday to develop a new cruise ship port on the backside of Juneau’s Douglas Island. Juneau city officials, including Mayor Beth Weldon, said they felt blindsided by the news. “Royal Caribbean’s announcement of a dock on the backside of Douglas Island is a slap in the face — we are very unhappy with both Royal … [Read more...]
Azamara Cruises Announces Return to Alaska After 7 Years
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...]
Recommended Concierge Gratuity Increased Across the Fleet
Recently, Disney Cruise Line has recently updated the recommended gratuity for Concierge Guests. Across the fleet, the recommended gratuity for guests staying in Concierge accommodations is now $23.50 USD per night, per stateroom guest. Guests staying in Concierge Staterooms and Suites are recommended a gratuity amount of $23.50 USD per night, per stateroom Guest. This includes gratuity for … [Read more...]
Representatives of the Port of Huelva, Huelva Provincial Council and Huelva City Council hold a meeting with the leaders of Alma Cruceros
The aim is to promote the destination of the city of Huelva and the province in an Andalusian cruise itinerary. The president of the Port of Huelva, Alberto Santana, accompanied by the mayoress of the city, Pilar Miranda, and the president of the Huelva Provincial Council, David Toscano, have held a meeting with the executive president of Alma Cruceros, Elisardo Sánchez, and the co-founder and … [Read more...]
The Many Faces Of Omo Valley, Ethiopia – A Photo Essay
This article may contain paid links where we make a small commission for purchases you make from links that you click from this article. By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support ❤️. For more details, read the disclosure page.Going to Ethiopia, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. When you think about Africa, you conjure up images of … [Read more...]
I’ve Taken 27 Cruises. Here Are My Biggest Complaints I Wish Could Be Fixed
I took my first cruise more than a decade ago. Since then, I’ve created an entire career about cruising. That includes this website, a YouTube channel with 100,000 subscribers and millions of views, and being quoted in major publications like The Wall Street Journal. Cruises are tons of fun, but after more than two dozen trips, there are some things that I wish could be improved to make the … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Details 2026-27 Schedule For NOLA and Long Beach
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...]
A Guide to Spa Services on Cruises
Cruise vacations offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation and pampering, and one of the best ways to rejuvenate while at sea is to indulge in spa services on board. Keep reading for key offerings and tips on how to enjoy the spa on your cruise. What You Can Expect from Cruise Spas Most modern cruise ships feature well-equipped spas that provide a wide range of services to help you unwind. Here … [Read more...]
Azamara Returning to Alaska in 2026 With Extended Port Stays
Azamara, a premium small ship cruise line, has announced a return to Alaska in 2026 with port visits lasting 10 hours or more. Azamara Quest in front of Alaskan glaciers When Azamara Pursuit visits Alaska in May 2026, it be the first time in seven years that the cruise line has visited the 49th state. Beginning in May 2026, Azamara Pursuit will embark on a series of 10- to 13-day cruises with … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Fined for Waste Disposal Record-Keeping
Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD, the parent company of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, and a part owner of TUI Cruises, was found to be in violation of rules requiring the specific documentation of waste disposal practices at the Port of Galveston, in Texas. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on October 10, 2024 that the cruise company must pay … [Read more...]
Dover celebrates the inaugural call of Oceania Cruises’ luxurious small ship Sirena
The 2024 Dover Cruise season continues into autumn, as the Port welcomed Oceania Cruises’ luxurious small ship Sirena® for the first time this week. She left Dover on Tuesday evening after guests spent the day exploring the Garden of England. Moored in front of Dover’s iconic Castle and White Cliffs, Sirena was a beautiful sight on Dover’s vibrant waterfront. Guests enjoyed various day excursions … [Read more...]
Azamara Cruises Returns to Alaska in Summer 2026
Azamara Cruises is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated return to the breathtaking landscapes and rugged wilderness of Alaska in the summer of 2026. After a seven-year hiatus, Azamara Cruises will once again offer its signature, intimate voyages to one of the world’s most unspoiled destinations with reputable onshore excursions and experiences that bring guests closer to the heart of … [Read more...]
Windstar Cruises Kicks Off 40th Anniversary Celebration with Two Sister Ships Meeting in Kusadasi. Largest Windstar Dinner Event Ever held at Ephesus
Windstar Cruises has officially kicked off its ruby anniversary sailing season, marking 40 years since the company’s founding and its exemplary small ship cruising style with a beloved crew that’s more accurately described as “shipboard family.” The milestone celebration brought together two of Windstar’s iconic vessels—a Star Class motor yacht and Wind Class sailing yacht—last night in the port … [Read more...]
Sun Princess Arrives at Port Everglades
Sun Princess, Princess Cruises’ newest ship, debuted this week in Fort Lauderdale after a successful Mediterranean season. Introduced in February 2024, the ship can accommodate 4,300 guests. Actress Hannah Waddingham served as the godmother during the naming ceremony in Barcelona in April. From October 14 to early April 2025, Sun Princess will offer seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, … [Read more...]
Sun Princess Makes Highly Anticipated North American Debut for First Caribbean Season
The stunning Sun Princess – the newest, next-level Love Boat from Princess Cruises – debuted in North America this week, arriving in Ft. Lauderdale after a successful inaugural Mediterranean season. A true engineering marvel, the new 177,882-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess was first introduced in the Mediterranean in February 2024. Award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham officially … [Read more...]
Havila Polaris named in Hammerfest. The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, served as the godmother
The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, served as the godmother when the coastal route ship Havila Polaris was named in Hammerfest on Tuesday. Tuesday marked a historic day for the coastal route, as according to Ola Johannessen, a history enthusiast and employee at Hammerfest Port, it was the first time a ship on the Bergen – Kirkenes coastal route was named in … [Read more...]
How (and when) to upgrade your Royal Caribbean cruise ship room
Getting a better cruise ship cabin is a fun way to make your vacation even more exciting, in part, because you'll get more space and maybe even more amenities.I will often book a cruise in a certain category room, but as the cruise gets closer, reconsider my cabin choice. Moving up to a better cabin might be a reflection of extra cash to splurge, a lower-than-expected price, or a change in … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Continues Rollout of 2026/27 Cruises with New Orleans and Long Beach Sailings. Carnival Valor and Carnival Liberty Sail from New Orleans to the Caribbean; Carnival Panorama Cruises to Mexico from Long Beach
Carnival Cruise Line is extending the schedules of Carnival Liberty and Carnival Valor from New Orleans, as well as Carnival Panorama from its homeport of Long Beach. The new cruises widen Carnival’s array of vacation options, available throughout 2026 and into early 2027. Both ships offer a variety of sailings connecting New Orleans with popular destinations in the eastern, western, and southern … [Read more...]