Hitting the jackpot just got a whole lot easier for cruise passengers on Carnival Corporation ships. Maybe. Casino table games developer Galaxy Gaming has announced its Galaxy Operating System (GOS) is now available on over 50 vessels, featuring advanced jackpot programs that grow as players place bets, creating larger potential winnings. The new system also features nebula sensors to … [Read more...]
Archives for 22/11/2024
Boston Reports Record Cruise Passengers Numbers
At the harbor renowned for its infamous tea party, Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) officials gathered to celebrate Boston’s historic cruise season, in which over 480,000 passengers arrived at Flynn Cruiseport Boston in 2024. The passenger count – a 29 percent increase over 2023 – occurred across 167 cruise ships calling in Boston during its season, representing another uptick … [Read more...]
One of Carnival’s Most Popular Cruise Directors Is Retiring
One of Carnival Cruise Line’s most popular cruise directors, Mike Pack, has announced he is retiring. Mike Pack was Carnival Cruise Line’s Fleet Cruise Director after serving several years as a Flagship Cruise Director. The last couple years, Pack would hop from one Carnival ship to another filling in and helping cruise directors. Pack, who has over 32,000 followers on Facebook, posted the … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Arrives for First Season in Asia
Anthem of the Seas officially dropped anchor in Asia on November 21, 2024, kicking off its inaugural season with a splash. The 168,666-gross-ton Royal Caribbean ship is now on her first Asian voyage, a 4-night cruise to Penang, Malaysia, and Phuket, Thailand, in the first of a series of roundtrip itineraries through April 13, 2025. While not the first time the cruise line has … [Read more...]
My friend got burned by booking non-refundable cruise fare. I now advocate these 5 cruise booking tips
After a friend wanted to try a Royal Caribbean cruise because he knew of my love for it, he ended up losing money when he changed his mind later on.I felt bad for my friend, partially because I felt somewhat responsible for not doing a better job explaining the pros and cons of cruise fares, and what to consider when you're booking a cruise more than six months in advance.He didn't blame me one … [Read more...]
EXPLORA II Arrives at PortMiami
EXPLORA II, the second ship in Explora Journeys’ luxury fleet, arrived at PortMiami today, marking its first visit to North America and the start of its inaugural Caribbean season! Launched in September 2024, the ship features nine dining options, wellness facilities, five heated pools, and several bars and lounges. It will operate seven to 14-night journeys to destinations such as St. Barths, … [Read more...]
Dover Cruise marks the end of a busy year-round 2024 season
AIDALuna kick-started and closed another successful year for Port of Dover Cruise, leaving earlier this month for Spain, before spending the winter in the Caribbean. AIDA Cruises visited Dover six times as a port of call throughout 2024, joining 20 other cruise lines sailing there this season as a destination or turnaround hub. Highlights included inaugural calls from Viking Saturn, Compagnie … [Read more...]
MSC World America To Offer 19 Different Cabin Options – With Something For Every Type Of Holidaymaker. New flagship will feature 19 different cabin types
MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, MSC World America, will offer a world of choice with 19 different cabin types, so that every guest can choose comfortable accommodation to meet their needs. These range from super luxurious over 150m2Owner’s Suites in the MSC Yacht Club and Duplex Suites with a dedicated entertainment space, to beautiful balcony cabins with ocean views and interior cabins that offer … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Sailing in New Region for the First Time
A Royal Caribbean cruise ship started sailing the first of 30 cruises from Asia, the vessel’s first deployment to the region. Anthem of the Seas is now offering cruises out of Singapore for the first time on three- to 10-night cruises to Thailand, Malaysia and Bali. The cruises include three-, four-, and five-night sailings to Malaysia and Thailand that visit Penang and Phuket. An … [Read more...]
AmaWaterways Adds 2025 “Latin Touch Christmas Markets Cruise”
AmaWaterways’ “Latin Touch” program offers a special sailing dedicated to Spanish-speaking travelers every year. Due to its continued strong growth, the cruise line is adding a second itinerary for 2025—the “Swiss Alps & Rhine & Castle Christmas” cruise, which joins the previously announced Latin Touch’s “Enticing Douro.” Departing Basel, Switzerland on December 15, 2025, this eight-day … [Read more...]
Anthem Of The Seas Takes The Stage In Singapore With Unforgettable Adventures. Making its Asia debut, she is set to deliver a memory-making season with destinations throughout Southeast Asia
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas marked a mic-drop moment with its highly anticipated arrival to Singapore for its first-ever season in Asia. Holidaymakers and their families have more ways to adventure with the ultimate lineup of vacations on Anthem to the most sought-after destinations across Southeast Asia, combining both new experiences with many of the signature favourites travellers … [Read more...]
Canadian Cruise Port Wraps Up Alaska Season With 43 Ship Calls
Prince Rupert Cruise Port, a small but growing port featured on many Alaska cruises, wrapped up its 2024 season after welcoming 43 cruise ship calls and is looking ahead to a busy 2025. The port, located about midway between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Juneau, Alaska, received just under 60,000 cruise guests during the April-to-October season. The total reflects a healthy jump from … [Read more...]
SSA Marine Expands South Florida Cruise Operations with Royal Caribbean Contract and New General Manager
SSA Marine, one of the world’s leading independent marine terminal operators, announced that it has been appointed as stevedore for Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) at the Port of Miami and Port Everglades, deepening the company’s partnership with RCG and SSA Marine’s presence in South Florida. This agreement coincides with the appointment of Robert Moroney as general manager for SSA Marine’s cruise … [Read more...]
Captain Kate McCue Gives Inside Look at Crew Lifeboat Drills
In the unlikely event of an emergency at sea, time is of the essence. This is why the crew members on all cruise ships frequently practice safety drills – usually at least once a week – so they are prepared to respond appropriately in a crisis. The 1,415 crew members currently working on Celebrity Beyond under the leadership of Captain Kate McCue are no exception – and the famous captain shared … [Read more...]
Readers’ Choice Award-Winners for 2024
“Our readers are the real experts when it comes to judging the best of the best in the cruise industry! Here’s what they had to say for 2024.” — Bill Panoff, Editor-In-Chief Check out who’s left your fellow cruisers impressed … and see what might inspire your next great vacation. Editor’s Note: Due to an excess of personal research, the winning signature cocktail was given the wrong name in the … [Read more...]
Holland America Line Sails Into Savings with Black Friday Offer That Includes Fare Discounts, Free Crew Appreciation, and More
Holland America Line is launching a Black Friday offer leading up to the biggest shopping day of the year. Running from Nov. 21 through Dec. 1, 2024, travelers can shop for their dream vacation and choose from over 800 cruises included in the sale departing through October 2026. Guests who book a qualified cruise during the Black Friday offer will receive up to 25% off the cruise fare, free … [Read more...]
Fire ignites on former cruise ship in Tianjin, China
Authorities in China report that a former cruise ship now operating as a permanently moored floating attraction suffered an onboard fire in the northern city of Tianjin on Monday, November 18. The 1967-built Orient Princess, which previously sailed as a cruise and gambling ship until its seizure in 2003, was in the process of being overhauled for continued future operation when a blaze ignited on … [Read more...]
Additional 2025 European Sailings Added for the Disney Fantasy
This week, Disney Cruise Line quietly added two 7-night sailings on the Disney Fantasy in September 2025 from Southampton in a previously itinerary gap between September 15th and October 19th. The new Norwegian Fjords and Western European sailings are bookable right now with the itineraries and opening day pricing show below. 7-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise from SouthamptonSouthampton • At Sea … [Read more...]
Four wins for Saga Cruises at The British Travel Awards 2024
A huge triumph for Saga Cruises at The British Travel Awards – as voted for by consumers. And the winners are…Saga Cruises Best Cruise Line for Luxury Holidays (Gold) Best Cruise Line for River Cruise Holidays (Bronze) Favourite Company for Radio Advertisements (Silver) Favourite Company for Print Advertisements (Gold) The travel industry’s great and good assembled on 19 November 2024 for the … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line to Salute America’s 250th Birthday on 10 Sailings. America’s Cruise Line Will Unite Ships for Special Meetups Featuring Patriotic Entertainment, Food and Drink
Carnival Cruise Line is unveiling details about 10 special sailings for 2026 commemorating America’s 250th birthday that will bring guests together for ship meetups and unique patriotic experiences. The cruises include a variety of itineraries that range from three to eight days and sail from six different homeports: Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, New York City, Long Beach and San … [Read more...]
5 Places to Visit in Morocco
Morocco is a beautiful country filled with rich culture, intricately designed architecture, and delicious cuisine. It’s one of my favourite countries to visit, and I’ve been there three times over the last few years.Because it’s one of my favourite destinations, I’ve put together a list of the best places in Morocco you should visit, featuring both famous cities and underrated gems.General … [Read more...]
My $1,800 stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas has the worst shower curtain, but the balcony was perfect
Do staterooms on Brilliance of the Seas still hold up to the Royal Caribbean standard?Launched in 2002, Brilliance of the Seas remains a fan favorite.The Radiance-Class vessel has a capacity for 2,543 guests, with a total of 1,075 staterooms onboard.I recently sailed on Brilliance for a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, calling upon Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Yucatan … [Read more...]
Popular Carnival Fleet Cruise Director Announces Retirement
Over the course of 13 years, Mike Pack became one of the most beloved Carnival cruise directors – and continued to gain popularity once he was promoted to fleet cruise director in 2022. But of course, all good things must come to an end – and Pack has decided that it’s time to retire from his role at Carnival. The news was formally announced during a celebration commemorating the … [Read more...]
This Lesser Known Caribbean Island With No Crowds Wants More Americans To Visit This Winter
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Alaska Airlines Launches First Nonstop Flight From LA To Popular Mexico Beach Destination
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9 Destinations You Should Not Visit In 2025, According To Travel Experts
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MSC Musica arrives in Durban, signalling start to 2024/25 cruise season
MSC Musica has arrived in Durban, signalling the start of the 2024/2025 cruise season, with her first departure of the season scheduled for Friday. The three-night roundtrip cruise to Portuguese Island is a staple of the season, with the vast majority of these roundtrip itineraries from Durban visiting either Pomene Bay (four nights) or Portuguese Island off Maputo. MSC Musica is a … [Read more...]
Norwegian Cruise Line cancels 2025/26 Cape Town season among other itineraries
Norwegian Cruise Line has cancelled all 11 of the Cape Town cruise departures it had planned aboard Norwegian Dawn for the 2025/26 cruise season. The cancellation of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Cape Town programme comes along with the cancellation of 27 further cruise itineraries aboard Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Star in the Caribbean and South America. The cancellations affect all … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Reassures Guest Over Revealing Open Deck Activity
For guests hoping to return from their cruise with a new tan, catching the rays from the pool deck is typically the way to do it. But while some guests aren’t afraid to mingle with their fellow cruisers while scantily clad in tiny bikinis and speedos, the key is that they are at least wearing something. As with many of the mainstream cruise lines, Carnival prohibited topless – or nude … [Read more...]
Italy’s Emilia Romagna in seven luxurious tastes
Foodies talk of Emilia Romagna‘s produce with religious awe. Cathedrals of cheese. Heavenly wine cellars. God-given truffles. Tastes that have endured for centuries, sometimes millennia: balsamic vinegar, prosciutto, parmigiana reggiano, lambrusco, pasta, tomatoes and truffles. A gourmet’s directory of 26 food museums, 24 DOC wines, plus numerous festivals of prosciutto, truffles and … [Read more...]