The Lone Star State is hosting its 23rd annual Lone Star Rally motorcycle event in Galveston, Texas, from October 31 to November 3, 2024, with events across the city’s historic Strand District and the Seawall. What does this have to do with cruising? Hundreds of thousands of bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country will descend upon the town of only 53,000 people, and the … [Read more...]
Archives for 30/10/2024
Second Sailing Cancelled for Princess Cruises Ship Due to Technical Difficulties
The problems keep piling on for Regal Princess. The Carnival-owned cruise line has now cancelled a second sailing due to unresolved technical difficulties plaguing the 2014-launched ship. The cruise that would have been in progress now – which was a 7-night Western Caribbean voyage due to set sail on October 27, 2024 – was cancelled two days before embarkation day due to the … [Read more...]
Cruise industry generates US$4,000 million in Caribbean revenue
The cruise industry generated $4.2 billion in revenue across 33 Caribbean destinations between 2023 and 2024, marking a 27% increase compared to five years ago, according to Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA). The Bahamas led revenue with $654 million, followed by Cozumel, Mexico ($483 million) and the U.S. Virgin Islands ($258 million). The Dominican Republic, Saint Martin, and … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Provides Update as Storm Risk Drops
This year’s hurricane season was a devastating and destructive one for Florida, the Gulf Coast, and cruise itineraries. But it looks like it’s finally over. Royal Caribbean’s Chief Meteorologist Craig Setzer has shared a positive outlook for cruising from US ports, highlighting significant hurricane landfalls in the US will likely decrease as cooler temperatures begin to settle in. “While … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Launching Flash Sale on Cruises for Two Days Only
Royal Caribbean, the world’s largest cruise line, is launching a flash sale tomorrow that will last for just 48 hours. Starting on October 31, 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Flash Sale will go live that offers discounts on cruises, kids sail free, and on board credit to spend once you are on the ship. This special sale is good on new bookings only on all of the cruise line’s ships. Details on Royal … [Read more...]
Disney Treasure En Route to Florida, Preparing for Maiden Voyage
And she’s off! The Disney Treasure has officially begun her transatlantic journey from Eemshaven, Netherlands, to her new home in Port Canaveral, Florida, on October 29, 2024. Departing just ahead of Halloween, the vessel will soon be a treat for its 4,000 passengers once it makes a journey of over 4,500 miles. Setting off with a sail-away party that featured Mickey and … [Read more...]
Australia Posts Huge Economic Boost From Cruise Tourism
New South Wales, a state in southeastern Australia that is home to the vibrant cruise port of Sydney, has plenty to celebrate as it looks back at the $4.4 billion industry in 2023-24. It was, according to data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Australian Cruise Association (ACA), the biggest economic boon from cruise tourism that the region has ever … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean is out with an epic cruise to see a total solar eclipse
The first half of Royal Caribbean's deployment plan for a summer European cruise in 2026 is now available to book.A week after the cruise line revealed its Alaska 2026 cruises, a new batch of sailings for Europe are out as well.Royal Caribbean is splitting its European deployment into two segments, so expect more ships to be posted in January 2025.A variety of different itineraries will be offered … [Read more...]
Air Canada Increases Service to China
Air Canada has announced it will resume its daily service from Canada to Beijing (PEK) in early 2025 and will also increase its flights to Shanghai (PVG) beginning in December 2024. Both routes will operate from the airline’s Vancouver (YVR) hub.The announcement comes after Ottawa last week removed restrictions imposed in 2022 limiting flights between China and Canada.Air Canada Increases Service … [Read more...]
Major Grant Will Fund Shore Power Project in Alaska Port
A $45.7 million federal grant will enable the Port of Seward to install shore power technology for cruise ships by mid-2026, moving the facility toward its zero-emissions goal. The grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) means that shore power will be a cornerstone of Seward’s new, $137 million cruise port. The so-called Port of Tomorrow, announced in March 2024, will … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean will have 4 cruise ships in Alaska in 2025. Here's which one is the best choice
2025 is set to be an exciting year for Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises. Four ships will sail in the region from May to September, visiting historic ports and magnificent glaciers throughout the Last Frontier.If you’re considering an Alaska cruise in 2025, it’s helpful to know the ins and outs of each ship sailing to the region. Not all Royal Caribbean cruise ships are created equal, after all. … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Confirms Proof of Veteran Service
Carnival Cruise Line is well known for its tremendous support of veterans, active service personnel, and military families. But what about when a veteran isn’t a veteran at all? The concern about “stolen valor” has been raised and the cruise line has quickly responded about their procedures and documentation requirements. The issue has been raised by a frequent Carnival guest who is a US … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Credits Private Islands for Soaring Bookings
One cruise line is celebrating an increase in bookings as it shares its third quarter results with stakeholders – but the reason for the heightened demand is somewhat surprising. Indeed, Royal Caribbean’s current high book rate seem to be driven more by the innovation happening on land than by the experiences at sea. The cruise line, which prides itself on offering some of the best … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Paying $292 Million to Buy a Popular Port (Will Other Lines Still Be Allowed There?)
In a major move, one popular Caribbean port visited by multiple cruise lines is set to be taken over by one of the biggest players in the entire industry. And at least right now, it’s not clear if many lines will have to adjust their itineraries and sail elsewhere in the future. Costa Maya has grown to a popular stop in Mexico for multiple cruise line. Now Royal Caribbean is paying $292 … [Read more...]
Holland America Adjusts 2026 World Cruise Itinerary
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...]
Halloween Around the World: The Spookiest Traditions
Halloween takes on unique twists around the world. We’ll explore different destinations to discover how they celebrate Halloween, from spooky nights in Dracula’s Transylvania to Mexico’s Day of the Dead, Japan’s Yako Yokai festival, and even adorable pet costume contests.Which tradition would you love to experience? Let us know in the comments below! Appeared first on: Porthole.com … [Read more...]
Cruise Line Changes the Last 54 Days of a Cruise and Adds More Ports
For the safety of their guests and crew, Holland America Line has changed their 2026 World Voyage to bypass the Red Sea and add further exploration of Asia and Central America. Holland America Line also added one day to the 132-day cruise and the voyage will now visit ports in eight more countries than originally scheduled. The last 54 days of the cruise have changed and the updated itinerary … [Read more...]
Croisieurope’s Southern Africa Safari-cruise Winner At The 2024 World Luxury Travel Awards
For the second year in a row, CroisiEurope has been named final winner for its Southern Africa Safari-Cruise at the 2024 World Luxury Travel Awards in recognition of its sustained commitment to excellence and outstanding achievement in the international travel industry. Lucas Schmitter, CroisiEurope’s E-Commerce & Sales Director, comments: “We are delighted to have yet again won this award … [Read more...]
Personal Navigators: Disney Magic 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale – September 30, 2024
Personal Navigators, and other details from the Halloween on the High Seas 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale. The Disney Magic set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on September 30, 2024. There are additional Personal Navigators from other sailings of this same itinerary for comparison. <img fetchpriority="high" … [Read more...]
City of Seward Awarded EPA Grant for Shore Power Project at Port
Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Seward has received its full request of $45.7 million in funding through the Clean Ports Program. This public-private partnership aims to provide shore power for Seward’s new cruise port, advancing the community’s goal of achieving zero emissions. The project brings together the City of Seward, The Seward Company, Royal Caribbean … [Read more...]
Don’t Believe It! – Carnival Continues to Debunk Persistent Rumor
Every cruise traveler wants to be properly prepared for their oceangoing getaway, and that includes having the correct paperwork for checking in and boarding the ship. But what is required? Carnival Cruise Line continues to struggle with rumors about what documentation guests will need to present in 2025. Social media posts, sailing groups, and YouTube videos continue to support the idea … [Read more...]
Princess Mourns Loss of Singer Behind “Love Boat” Theme
Anyone who has sailed with Princess Cruises is very familiar with the “Love Boat” theme. After all, it plays as the ship horns when the vessels arrive or depart from ports and to commemorate special events during the voyages. However, the voice behind the famous theme song, Jack Jones, died on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, in a hospital in Rancho Mirage, California. The Grammy-winning … [Read more...]
Samantha Brown to Host Mediterranean Voyage Aboard Allura
Oceania Cruises has teamed up with travel expert Samantha Brown from the PBS Emmy®-winning show “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love” to host one of Allura’s inaugural sailings next summer. On August 5, 2025, guests can join Brown on a 10-day Mediterranean cruise from Monte Carlo to Athens. This voyage features beautiful destinations, onboard activities, fine cuisine, and cultural experiences. “We are … [Read more...]
New cruise ship orders? They wouldn't be ready until at least 2028
If and when Royal Caribbean orders a new cruise ship to be built, it probably won't be ready until 2028 or later.New cruise ships are just about the most exciting thing in the cruise industry because of all the excitement and hype they generate. It's akin to your favorite sports team signing the next big thing to play for them.Naturally, there's a lot of intrigue surrounding new ships and Wall … [Read more...]
California’s Fairytale Beach Town: Experience European Vibes In This Hidden Gem
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These Are 4 Of The Cheapest Digital Nomad Destinations Worldwide Right Now
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These 2 Culture Rich Japanese Destinations Are Surging In Popularity With American Travelers Right Now
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Should CDC Inspection Results influence your cruise-ship selection?
You’ve read the reviews, scanned the brochures, and devoured every social media post related to the ship you expect to sail on. But have you looked under the bed, peeked into the medicine cabinet, and checked the milk’s expiration date in the ship’s fridge? Fortunately, there’s no need to do those things because CDC (Center for Disease Control) inspections, also known as VSP (Vessel … [Read more...]
Mobile, Alabama Cruise Port Plans to Add Another Cruise Line Next Year
Mobile, Alabama is in talks to bring another cruise line to the southern port as demand is exceeding the terminal’s capacity. Carnival Spirit is currently the only ship that sails out of Mobile, and the terminal has a limitation that city officials want to solve. Carnival Spirit in Mobile, Alabama Adding another cruise ship will require adding parking spaces. The current terminal … [Read more...]