Are you nearly ready for Christmas? The holiday season is not only a time for joy and togetherness, but only one of delicious indulgence. And with Christmas in particular comes an array of culinary traditions that make it even more special. Whatever should grace your festive table this year, be sure to take a look at our round-up of special suggestions to make this Christmas that little bit more … [Read more...]
Archives for 09/12/2024
20 luxury food and drink treats to enjoy this Christmas (2024) – UK & Europe edition
As well as being a time of celebration, Christmas offers a wonderful opportunity to get together with family and indulge a little. And, with that in mind, here’s our round-up of some delectable treats to give your Christmas a tasty twist. From savoury selections to indulgent desserts – along with a few favourite tipples – these items are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your loved … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises Confirms Generator Room Fire on Upper Deck of Ship
Guests on their first night of a 7-night cruise to the Caribbean and the Bahamas experienced a scare when emergency crew began to appear. Taking to social media, passengers on MSC Cruises’ MSC Seashore reported seeing smoke on the 170,412-gross-ton ship in the late hours of December 8, 2024, while traveling from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the cruise line’s private Ocean Cay resort in … [Read more...]
Cruise Month drives a surge in consumer engagement – CLIA Australasia
October’s new-look Cruise Month campaign has delivered its best-ever results in Australasia, attracting record levels of travel agent involvement while creating a surge in consumers looking to connect with agent members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). With an expanded social media campaign and digital advertising program, this year’s Cruise Month initiative resulted in more than … [Read more...]
Explora I Arrives at Tenerife Ports as the Last European Stop Before the Caribbean
The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife welcomed the Explora I yesterday, a true masterpiece of navigation belonging to the luxury brand Explora Journeys, part of the MSC Group. The ship docked in Tenerife’s capital city with 260 passengers and 646 crew members on board. This remarkable vessel, measuring 248.86 meters in length, 32.6 meters in beam, and with a gross tonnage of 63,621 GT, stands out … [Read more...]
CruiseAberdeenshire launched to promote the region
CruiseAberdeenshire, a new partnership between VisitAberdeenshire and Port of Aberdeen, has been launched with the goal of promoting the region to the international cruise market and securing business for future years. The partnership – funded by Opportunity North East, Aberdeenshire Council and Aberdeen City Council – aims to highlight the expanding opportunities for cruise lines and shore … [Read more...]
Why I Loved Disney’s Castaway Cay as a Childless Adult
One of my fondest memories from my childhood was going on a Disney cruise with my parents. I fondly remember spending the day in Castaway Cay – which is located in the Bahamas in the South Abaco district, near Great Abaco Island. While my parents explored the private island, I spent much of my time in the Scuttle Cove kid’s club – where I vividly remember going on an exciting expedition to hunt … [Read more...]
World’s Only Motorcycle Rally Cruise Includes Free Drinks and WiFi
The world’s only motorcycle rally cruise, High Seas Rally, will set sail in November 2025 on a seven-night cruise to the Caribbean from Tampa, Florida. High Seas Rally will take place on Margaritaville at Sea Islander cruise ship and will visit Cozumel, Roatan, Belize City and Costa Maya. The cruise will depart on November 2, 2025. All guests who book the cruise will receive the … [Read more...]
Princess Cruises Reports Record-Breaking Black Friday through Cyber Monday Weekend Booking Period
Princess Cruises today announced record-breaking bookings over the 4-day period covering the Black Friday through Cyber Monday period, fueled by strong demand for upcoming sailings in 2025 and beyond. The unprecedented performance saw bookings increase 32% over the same period in 2023. Cyber Monday, in particular, shattered expectations, with bookings surging 136% compared to the prior … [Read more...]
Tauck Adding New Christmas Market River Cruise on the Seine. New-for-2025 Trip is Company’s First-Ever Holiday Cruise in France
With the holiday season upon us, Tauck has announced a new 2025 river cruise celebrating the traditional Christmas markets and other holiday happenings along the River Seine in France. The Seine: Holiday Magic begins in Paris, where guests will board Tauck’s ms Sapphire riverboat and enjoy three nights and two full days in the city. Highlights in Paris will include visits to the city’s Christmas … [Read more...]
How much is a Royal Caribbean drink package? (2025)
Royal Caribbean has three drink packages, as well a couple of drink bundles you can buy for your cruise.Getting unlimited drinks on a cruise is a very appealing option, given how many people that go on a cruise ship are looking to relax and not worry about bar bills later on. They're a popular choice because you can enjoy beers, wine, cocktails, mocktails, and soft drinks for a fixed price, … [Read more...]
Hurtigruten announces new leadership structure in APAC. Damian Perry confirmed to lead a dedicated Hurtigruten APAC Team
Hurtigruten, renowned for its iconic Norwegian coastal voyages, is strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region by establishing a dedicated team for sales operations. This move follows the recent announcement of an ownership change and Hurtigruten’s transition to full independence from HX in January 2025. Damian Perry will lead the Hurtigruten team in APAC and will continue to … [Read more...]
Chile for the discerning traveler
Ridiculously thin and unreasonably long, Chile stretches from the bellybutton of South America down to its big toe. Extending over 2,600 miles (4,200 km), this land of contrasts offers plenty of choices. Chile’s breathtaking landscapes come in every taste, from the aridness of the world’s driest desert to the frigidity of Patagonian glaciers, from timeless lowland valleys to temperamental … [Read more...]
Special Offers on Disney Cruise Line Sailings as of December 9, 2024
This week’s special offers from Disney Cruise Line include dates from now through late-March 2025. Currently, there are 62 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 lead with 30 sailings, Disney Dream arrives with 25, … [Read more...]
Princess Cruises’ Bookings Skyrocketed Through Major Period
It looks like Princess Cruises served up deals so enticing that would-be passengers scarfed them up like Thanksgiving leftovers, breaking booking records in the process. The cruise line reported a surge in bookings during the Black Friday to Cyber Monday sales period, November 30 through December 2, 2024, that was 32 percent greater than the same period in 2023. Cyber Monday alone saw a 136 … [Read more...]
Storm Darragh Delays Another Cruise Ship Until Early Hours
Storm Darragh has caused flooding, crashing waves, and high winds to many coastal areas of the UK, which has impacted multiple cruise ships. Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience is doubly impacted, as the vessel was late returning from her most recent voyage and subsequently delayed departing on her next sailing. Fortunately, the small British cruise line is taking great care to reach out to … [Read more...]
Everything You Need to Know for Disembarkation Day
Disembarkation day can be hectic. After days of relaxation and exploration, it’s time to bid farewell to your cruise. With proper preparation, you can make this final phase of your trip smooth and stress-free. Here’s what you need to know for disembarkation day. Understand the Schedule Most cruise lines provide a detailed schedule for disembarkation. Be sure to check for specific times for your … [Read more...]
Experts share which cruise line and ship are the best, and it's no surprise to us
A new set of cruise rankings are out, and it's clear Royal Caribbean is doing something right.This year's Cruise Critic Best in Cruise Awards have been announced, and Royal Caribbean came away with a few important wins.This is the 16th annual awards, and it's a reflection of rankings based on Cruise Critic’s editors and best-reviewed cruise lines of the past year "from real cruisers".While there … [Read more...]
Mexico Decides to Delay New Cruise Tax Fee
Cruise passengers heading to Mexico in early 2025 can breathe a sigh of relief – albeit a short one – as the nation’s government has announced its new Federal Law of Rights tax will be delayed by six months. The “non-resident” fee, which has been in effect since 1999 but exempted cruise travel, was set to begin charging guests of cruise ships disembarking in Mexican ports $42 (860 Mexican … [Read more...]
26 Miles Of White Sand Beaches: Escape Winter To This Affordable Florida Paradise
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4 Peaceful Beach Destinations In Mexico That Are Very Safe This Winter
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Royal Caribbean changes policy on how it serves beverages, cruisers say
Did Royal Caribbean make a change to how you are served a can of soda or beer?Over the weekend, cruisers posted on social media that they were told a new policy is in place related to how bartenders can give out a canned beverage when ordered.There's been a few posts on Facebook indicating you can no longer order a can of soda with your loyalty benefits and have it served unopened.When you order a … [Read more...]
These Are The Top 10 City Destinations In The World According To Travel Experts
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Spring break cruise on Royal Caribbean (2025)
Whether you are in college or taking your school-aged kids, spring break is a popular time to take a cruise vacation every year.Spring break is the first major opportunity since the New Year holiday to go on vacation for more than just a weekend, and spring break is a popular time for many families and young people to take a cruise.A getaway on a spring break cruise is probably more popular with … [Read more...]
Mexico delays huge new tourist tax
Cruisers can breathe a sigh of temporary relief in regards to a new tax that would have gone into effect soon.The Mexican government approved a new tax last week that would target cruise ship passengers visiting the country. However, there's been a temporary reprieve.Thanks to pressure applied by a number of cruise lines through the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the new tax … [Read more...]
Oasis of the Seas 8-night Southern Caribbean and Perfect Day Cruise Compass – November 30, 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...]
New Cruise Port Tax Delayed for Six Months
A huge increase in port taxes and fees that was scheduled to go into effect next month for all cruises to Mexico has been delayed for six months. Last week, Mexico announced that port taxes and fees that cruise ship passengers have to pay for visiting ports in the country was going to triple from $20 to $62 per person. This would make ports in Mexico 213% more expensive than the average … [Read more...]
Swan Hellenic ship SH Diana back in action after hunger strike cruise out of Cape Town
The SH Diana of Swan Hellenic is back at sea after mechanical failures on a cruise from Cape Town, South Africa proved so controversial that some passengers staged a hunger strike and onboard demonstrations. SH Diana was forced to cancel the Antarctica leg of its sailing last week due to problems with the ship’s propulsion motor, and while partial refunds and cruise credits were offered, … [Read more...]
Celebrity Cruises Makes History at Port Canaveral. Celebrity Equinox Launches Week-Long Sailings from its New Homeport to Top Caribbean Destinations
Celebrity Equinox arrived at Port Canaveral last week, making history as the first Celebrity Cruises ship to sail from the popular Central Florida Port. The 2,850-passenger Celebrity Equinox becomes Port Canaveral’s 15th vessel to call the world’s second busiest cruise port home. Celebrity Equinox arrived at Port Canaveral last week, making history as the first Celebrity Cruises ship to sail from … [Read more...]
Greece approves higher tourism taxes
New legislation passed by lawmakers in Greece will introduce higher daily taxes for short-term rentals and hotel stays, while also implementing a new fee for cruise-ship passengers. As climate change brings more extreme weather events across Greece, including floods and forest fires, the country is introducing the new revenue measures to help address the economic challenges caused by natural … [Read more...]