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...]
Archives for 26/11/2024
Port of Galveston Reveals Huge Growth and Economic Impact
The new economic impact numbers have been released from Port of Galveston, and it’s tremendous news and excellent outlooks for cruising from the Lone Star State. From improved revenues to hundreds of sailings and outstanding support for jobs and businesses, not to mention more options for eager travelers, the news is all bigger and better. The 2023 numbers indicate spectacular growth for … [Read more...]
Mega Ship MSC World America to Feature 19 Different Cabin Types
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...]
Kool & The Gang to Perform Ahead of 150-Night World Cruise
Guests sailing Regent Seven Seas’ World Cruise in 2025 will have a “Celebration” like no other when Kool & the Gang headline its gala. The exclusive event aboard the 48,075-gross-ton Regent Seas Mariner will take place in Miami on January 7, 2025. Newly inducted into the 2024 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the iconic band known for hits like “Get Down on … [Read more...]
My favorite hack for a cruise ship shore excursion just went on sale for Black Friday
Now is a great time to take advantage of Black Friday sales to save money on shore excursions.While Royal Caribbean has already discounted shore excursions as part of its Black Friday sale, I've found extra savings on the my go-to beach day idea.When I'm on a Caribbean cruise and want a beach day, I usually book a day pass to a resort instead of taking a taxi or booking a traditional shore … [Read more...]
Southwest Airlines Adds New Cruise Options Just in Time for the Holidays
Cruisers who are fans of Southwest Airlines received an early holiday gift this year when the airline announced a new partnership with World Travel Holidays, the largest cruise agency in the US. The new collaboration introduces Southwest Cruises, allowing guests to book cruise vacations directly through its new website, powered by World Travel Holdings. Members of Southwest Rapid … [Read more...]
Carnival to Offer 10 Special Cruises Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday
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...]
Enchantment of the Seas 5-night Western Caribbean Cruise Compass – November 18, 2024
Intro TextHave our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise State of residence State Which ship? What type of cabin would you like? Where are you interested in cruising? Appeared first on: Royalcaribbeanblog.com … [Read more...]
Costa Cruises Opens More Sailings Across Six Ships
Costa Cruises opened scores of voyages for bookings between April and November 2026, offering a diverse roster of itineraries across six ships in its fleet. The line is also expanding its seasonal Greece-Turkey voyages aboard Costa Fortuna due to growing demand for both destinations. Cruise offerings by Italy-based Costa Cruises, one of nine Carnival Corporation brands, run the gamut … [Read more...]
Oceanwide Expeditions announces successful return to Snow Hill Island, with guests able to visit the iconic emperor penguin colony
Expedition cruise vessel m/v Ortelius has successfully entered the Weddell Sea again, delivering guests by helicopter to the iconic emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island, marking them out as champions of the Weddell Sea. Oceanwide Expeditions, a 30-year veteran of polar expedition cruises, has announced the second successful landing of guests at Snow Hill Island amid challenging ice … [Read more...]
Major Cruise Lines Ranked Worst in Latest Environmental Report
The environmental 2024 Cruise Ship Report Card has been released, and it’s not good. The annual report, released by Friends of the Earth, reveals that five cruise lines, all under the Carnival Corporation umbrella, received failing grades, while another eight cruise lines were rated with D’s. The highest accolades, a B+, were awarded only to Hurtigruten and Hurtigruten … [Read more...]
What 21 Cruise Lines Are Offering for Black Friday 2024
Just about every cruise line is once again offering Black Friday Cruise Deals this year that range from discounted cruises to free perks like drink packages and WiFi. Here is a rundown of what each cruise line is offering for Black Friday. Note: This list will continually be updated as we get closer to Black Friday. 2024 Black Friday Cruise Deals MSC Cruises – MSC, a cruise line with a growing … [Read more...]
Windstar Marks Float-Out of New-Build at Portugal Shipyard
Boutique luxury line Windstar Cruises is celebrating the float-out of its new-build, the 224-guest Star Seeker, at the West Sea Shipyard in Portugal. The ship was moved out of her construction bay on November 25, 2024 and touched water for the first time — a maritime tradition that signals the start of a vessel’s interior design. Star Seeker, set to become the seventh ship in the … [Read more...]
Carnival Planning July 4th Meetup of 10 Ships for America’s 250th Birthday
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of America’s founding — the USA’s semiquincentennial if you want the official word for it. And while there will be major celebrations across the country, at least one cruise line is taking the celebration to sea for tens of thousands of passengers. To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Carnival has 10 sailings during July 4th that … [Read more...]
Windstar Cruises’ Newest Ship Marks Major Construction Milestone
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...]
Carnival Removing Upside Down Pineapple Door Decorations
Many cruise travelers enjoy decorating their stateroom doors with whiteboards, magnets, and themed designs, but one certain theme is no longer permitted aboard Carnival cruise ships. In response to a request for singles meetups and one commenter’s suggestion for a specific decorative accent, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald has confirmed that upside down pineapple decorations … [Read more...]
When Do Carnival Crew Know if Guests Have Pre-Paid Gratuities?
Gratuities are always a hot topic among cruise travelers and can be quite controversial. From pre-payment, adjustments, removals, and extra cash, to how much to offer to whom and when – every discussion can create strong opinions among both new and experienced passengers. Cruise lines can also be very closed about how gratuities are handled with respect to crew members’ salaries and other … [Read more...]
Princess Cruises Partners with Kylie Minogue to Add Zero Alcohol Sparkling Rosé to Celebrity-Curated “Love Line Premium Liquors Collection”
Princess Cruises is celebrating life’s moments with a splash of pink, as the cruise line introduces music icon and entrepreneur Kylie Minogue’s award-winning No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé to its exclusive “Love Line Premium Liquors” collection. This delightful, alcohol-free sparkling wine, with its vibrant notes of fresh strawberries, is the latest addition to the impressive lineup of celebrity fine … [Read more...]
Kylie Minogue’s No-Alcohol Sparkling Rosé Joins Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is expanding its exclusive Love Line Premium Liquors collection with Kylie Minogue’s No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé! Since its launch in 2020, Minogue’s No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé has sold over 17 million bottles, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. “At Princess Cruises, we are dedicated to creating exceptional experiences that delight every guest, and our collaboration … [Read more...]
Windstar Cruises marks float out of Star Seeker newbuild in Portugal
Windstar Cruises has marked the float out of its first Star class newbuild at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. The float out marks the end of hull assembly of the vessel and she will now be moved to a wet dock where final fit out and finishing will be done. The float out ceremony for Star Seeker was attended by Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros of Mystic Invest and John … [Read more...]
San Juan Issue Causes More Changes for Royal Caribbean Ship
Symphony of the Seas will be setting sail on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean voyage on December 1, 2024 – but it won’t be the itinerary that her up to 5,518 guests originally booked. The round trip sailing – which is based out of Miami, Florida – was supposed to call on San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and CocoCay, Bahamas. But, due to an ongoing problem at the San Juan Cruise Port, … [Read more...]
Christmas 2024: The List
Affection Nothing brings joy like a new member of the family — and ASPCA research shows that adopting a shelter pet for the holidays (once you’re ready to share the love) actually works out best for the animals and their new humans. Competition If you’ve wondered what all the pickleball hype is about — or you’re ready to take your game to the next level — take a swing at the Eden … [Read more...]
Windstar Cruises Hires Jess Peterson as Director of Destination Experience & Itinerary Planning as Fleet Expands, New Cruise Regions Added
With an expanding fleet of small ships and cruise regions around the world, Windstar Cruises has announced the hire of Jess Peterson as the award-winning cruise line’s director of destination experience & itinerary planning. With an impressive background in travel planning and a deep passion and understanding for creating unforgettable guest experiences, Peterson will oversee the development … [Read more...]
Cheaper Stays & Festive Streets: One Of America’s Most Charming Cities Is The Perfect Winter Escape
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...]
These Are The 3 Most Popular Destinations To Visit In Colombia For 2025
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...]
Iconic U.S. City Named One Of The Best Destinations To Visit In 2025
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:100.125%; … [Read more...]
Hurtigruten Ranked Number One in Friends of the Earth’s 2024 Cruise Ship Report Card
Hurtigruten has been ranked the top operator in the 2024 Friends of the Earth (FoE) Cruise Ship Report Card, earning a B+ rating – the highest score awarded this year. This recognition underscores Hurtigruten’s dedication to advancing environmentally responsible maritime travel and its leadership in setting new standards for the industry. The 2024 Cruise Ship Report Card evaluates 21 global … [Read more...]
AmaWaterways’ “Tulip Time” Cruises Offer Far More Than Tulips. Windmills, chocolates, fairytale villages, bicycles and more plus fare savings of up to 20%
From March through May, the Netherlands dazzles with its annual display of millions of tulips and other flowers, making it worthy of inclusion for any bucket list. AmaWaterways’ Tulip Time itinerary will satiate any flower lover, but also goes well beyond the blooms, offering guests an authentic experience of all that is offered in this fairytale country. From the medieval architectural … [Read more...]
New Class of Cruise Ships Float for the First Time
A brand new class of cruise ships, which will debut late next year, touched water for the first time this week when the first vessel was floated-out. The float-out for Windstar Cruises’ new ship, Star Seeker, took place at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. A ship’s float-out marks a significant construction milestone as the exterior of the vessel is completed. The interior … [Read more...]
Personal Navigators: Disney Dream 13-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Southampton ending in Fort Lauderdale – October 20, 2024
Personal Navigators, and other details from the 13-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Southampton ending in Fort Lauderdale. The Disney Dream set sail from Southampton on October 20, 2024. During this cruise, the ship was under the control of Captain Zvonimir Vidak. The Cruise Director during the sailing was Anthony Youngblut. <img … [Read more...]