We recently travelled to the United Kingdom with our family and travelling with children means that typically you can’t sit still for more than a few moments. Our days were filled to the brim with our excited toddler always wondering “what are we doing after this sleep?” As we were on a budget, we were delighted to discover that the UK offers many gorgeous woodlands, well-equipped neighbourhood … [Read more...]
Archives for 25/11/2024
Carnival Cruise Line Asks – Should Ships Have Chapels Onboard?
Cruise ships aren’t always known for their solemn atmospheres and testaments to personal faith, reflection, and communing with one’s beliefs. This may be particularly true of Carnival Cruise Line, which has a party-vibe reputation and has more than once been cited for passengers showing their wild side. But, should cruise ships offer a dedicated chapel space for travelers who do want to have … [Read more...]
Fiery Carnival Guest Sparks Clarification on Early Cabin Access
Long road trips and big expectations can make tempers flare, especially when things don’t go as planned. In a heated letter posted on social media, a Platinum level Carnival guest accused the cruise line of reneging on its promise of early cabin access. “If we are Platinum, you said we can go straight to our room. That is a LIE,” wrote the passenger. “This is … [Read more...]
Carnival Makes Leadership Changes Across Three Cruise Brands
Change is on the horizon for three of Carnival Corporation’s most celebrated cruise lines. In a bold leadership shuffle announced on November 25, 2025, the world’s largest cruise company revealed new presidents for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Seabourn. Starting December 2, 2025, Gus Antorcha will leave his post as president of Holland America Line to take the helm … [Read more...]
Special Offers on Disney Cruise Line Sailings as of November 25, 2024
This week’s special offers from Disney Cruise Line include dates from now through late-March 2025. Currently, there are 67 unique sail dates, available with special offers available across the fleet for sailings from Auckland, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Honolulu, Melbourne, Port Canaveral, and Sydney. The Disney Wish took over the fleet with 27 sailings, Disney Dream arrives with 24, followed … [Read more...]
The 24 Cruise Ships That Scored a Perfect 100 in Health Inspections in 2024
So far this year, 24 cruise ships have earned a perfect 100 score during surprise health inspections by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. 12 different cruise lines have had a perfect health score on one of their ships so far in 2024. Norwegian Cruise Line has come out on top with six cruise ships followed by Royal Caribbean with four. To see the average score from cruise lines across all of … [Read more...]
Channel Island Cruise Port to Begin £150-Million Revitalization Project
It’s a “go” for a big makeover on Jersey Island in the English Channel. The island’s government has officially greenlit a £150-million revitalization project for the harbor, which is adjacent to Jersey’s main town, St. Helier. First introduced in 2022, this proposal’s final signoff on funds gives Ports of Jersey the “A-okay” to begin in late 2025. “The proposals, centered on … [Read more...]
Crew member reveals the truth about tipping on a cruise ship, hiding ducks, and more
Tipping is a controversial topic, especially when it comes to cruise lines, where gratuities are often pre-paid or automatically added to your bill. Instead of getting caught up on the monetary aspect, one crew member took to Reddit to share their thoughts on how you can show your appreciation to those working to make your time onboard so memorable.The crew member, known by their Reddit name … [Read more...]
CIBC Dividend Credit Card Offers: Earn Up to $250 in Cash Back
CIBC has just released its limited-time offers on a couple of Dividend credit cards, letting you earn up to $250 in cash back (all figures in CAD).For this round, the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card and CIBC Dividend Platinum® Visa* Card had their welcome bonus offers decreased from the previous promotion.CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card: Earn Up to $250 in Cash BackThe CIBC Dividend® Visa … [Read more...]
Is Royal Caribbean working on adding a treehouse to its cruise ship or private island?
Royal Caribbean is known for coming up with some wild ideas, so is a treehouse next?Over the years, Royal Caribbean has pushed the envelope not just in big ship designs, but also cabins.When Icon of the Seas launched in 2024, it has a three-deck-high Ultimate Family Townhouse. That's a generation ahead of the Ultimate Family Suite that first debuted on the Oasis Class ships.Now we might be … [Read more...]
Carnival Responds to Platinum Passenger’s Claim that Cabin Should Be Ready Right Away
Embarkation day on a cruise ship is a busy time for everyone. The crew have just successfully disembarked thousands of passengers and must get ready for the next set of cruisers to set sail. One of the biggest jobs for the crew to tackle is making sure each stateroom is ready. Bedding, towels, and the entire cabin are thoroughly cleaned as soon as passengers leave. But getting … [Read more...]
Five-Month Countdown: MSC World America’s Miami Debut
MSC World America is taking shape and will debut in Miami in less than five months! This ship marks a major advancement in MSC Cruises’ World-Class platform, offering a new cruising experience. Next year, guests can look forward to a blend of European style and American comfort across seven unique districts, each designed to enhance their vacation. MSC World America is currently under construction … [Read more...]
Understanding the Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart
Have you ever tried to redeem your hard-earned Aeroplan points and felt lost in the sea of regions, distance bands, and pricing charts?You’re not alone.The Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart might seem overwhelming at first, but once you break it down, it’s actually an awesome tool that can help you unlock significant value for your points.In this post, we’ll dive into the nuts and bolts of the Aeroplan … [Read more...]
I Took a Sneak Peek at the Huge MSC World America While Under Construction
Anticipation is growing for the new 6,762-passenger MSC World America, which is currently in the final stages of construction at the popular Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Cruise Hive got a sneak peek onboard the vessel during the outfitting phase in mid-November, and there is so much to look forward to, especially for those in the US! Before we get into how the … [Read more...]
Carnival Corporation Announces Executive Leadership Changes for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn
Carnival Corporation & plc today announced important moves within its global leadership team for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn. Gus Antorcha, currently president of Holland America Line, has been named president of Princess Cruises, effective Dec. 2, 2024, replacing John Padgett, who is stepping away from the business in mid-February 2025. … [Read more...]
Hannah Waddingham Stars in New Princess Cruises Ad
Princess Cruises has launched a new global advertising campaign, “Love Boat by Hannah,” featuring Emmy-winning actress and musical theater star Hannah Waddingham. Waddingham revives the iconic theme song from the original Love Boat series (1977-1986) with a modern twist, honoring Princess Cruises’ legacy. “Hannah Waddingham brings something truly special to one of the most recognizable theme … [Read more...]
Tourism Trinidad Limited preparing for future cruise growth
Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL), in partnership with senior government and industry leaders, recently made a striking impact at the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA) 30th Anniversary Cruise Conference in St. Maarten, held from Oct. 21–25, 2024. Representing Trinidad and Tobago’s unique selling proposition, T&T’s delegation hosted a series of high-level meetings with executives from … [Read more...]
MSC World America on schedule for North America debut in 2025
MSC Cruises has provided an update on the construction progress of its newest ship, MSC World America, which remains on track to launch in less than five months. MSC World America represents an important evolution for MSC Cruises’ successful World Class prototype, with re-imagined venues and concepts for North American guests sailing to the Caribbean. She will offer MSC Cruises’ … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises Marks Five Month Countdown To MSC World America Launch With A Sneak Peak Into The Latest On The Ship’s Construction
With less than five months until the launch of MSC Cruises’ new flagship, MSC World America, the cruise line has shared a unique look into the ship’s construction. MSC World America represents an important evolution for MSC Cruises’ successful World Class prototype – ushering in a new world of cruising with re-imagined venues and concepts to deliver the ultimate guest experience in the Caribbean, … [Read more...]
Astoria Grande Makes Grand Arrival at Alexandria Port
Alexandria Port Authority, headed by Rear Admiral Ahmed Hawash, warmly welcomed the luxurious cruise ship Astoria Grande on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, at 6:30 AM. This marked the third visit of the ship to Alexandria in 2024, making a special voyage from Turkey to Egypt. Sailing under the Palau flag and represented by the Gulf Agency Egypt, the Astoria Grande (Ex AIDACara) docked at … [Read more...]
Carnival Details Holiday Events Onboard to Celebrate the Season
There is no doubt that a Christmas cruise is something special, a wonderful way for friends and family members to share special days and make fantastic holiday memories. But these seasonal sailings go far beyond just the fun of a cruise vacation with the extra glitter and sparkle of themed decorations. Carnival Cruise Line has detailed just what limited time activities and events will be found … [Read more...]
Regional meetings are back on the agenda at Cruise Europe
On the 24th October 2024, Liverpool hosted the first full Cruise Europe regional meeting, in over 14 years. John Mawer, chair CE UK & Ireland and general manager Liverpool Cruise port, hosted the event which took place in the historic Municipal Hotel. The one-day meeting was attended by 24 regional members. “As a true testament to the value that members see in Cruise Europe, we welcomed … [Read more...]
South America’s Budget Beach Haven: 400 Miles Of Coastline Awaits Digital Nomads This Winter
img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; … [Read more...]
Carnival Corporation appoints new presidents for Seabourn, Princess and Holland America
Carnival Corporation has announced significant leadership changes, appointing new presidents for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Seabourn Cruises. These appointments mark a strategic reshuffle within the corporation as it focuses on driving growth and enhancing guest experiences across its brands. Gus Antorcha, currently President of Holland America Line, will assume the role of … [Read more...]
Brightline Reveals Thanksgiving Savings
Brightline is offering new limited-time savings starting Thanksgiving Day! Enjoy $19 fares for children and $49 fares for adults, available for locals, visitors, and returning winter residents. Look out for additional discounts on rides and new Brightline Gift Cards around Bright Friday (November 29), Cyber Monday, and Travel Tuesday (Dec. 2). Plus, the new Brightline City Guide is now available … [Read more...]
Americans Can Fly Nonstop To Europe’s Most Stunning Winter Destination
img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; … [Read more...]
Cruise Planners Wins Top Honors from Scenic Group at Night of the Stars Gala
Cruise Planners, the nation’s largest home-based travel advisor network, was honored with multiple top awards from Scenic Group at the “Night of the Stars” gala, held at The Deck at Island Gardens in Miami. This exclusive celebration welcomed industry leaders, travel advisors, media, and loyalty members for a day filled with extraordinary experiences onboard Scenic Eclipse, followed by an … [Read more...]
I went to the controversial cruise ship activity to see if its reputation is as bad as I've read
If there's one activity on a cruise ship I've heard the most negative comments about, it's the art auction.While some cruisers seem to enjoy the art auctions, it's hard to overlook the lawsuits and negative comments surrounding how the auctions are conducted.Multiple lawsuits and employee turnover on vessels have given the dealer a less-than-sterling reputation.According to Bloomberg Business, the … [Read more...]
Move Over Austin! Travelers Are Flocking To This Diverse Texas Metropolis In Record Numbers
img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; … [Read more...]
Neuroscience study aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 reveals cognitive benefits of slow travel at sea
For over 180 years, Cunard has championed the restorative power of ocean travel. New ground-breaking research conducted on Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, confirms that just five days at sea can positively impact various cognitive abilities, such as memory, logical reasoning, perceptual abilities and problem solving, demonstrating that Cunard’s Transatlantic Crossing significantly benefits mental … [Read more...]