The Costa Global Summit, Costa Cruises’ first exclusive event, took place on 11th December at the iconic Allianz MiCo in Milan. The event featured the presence of CEO Mario Zanetti, the company’s leadership team, and a broad representation of employees. Welcoming over 2,500 attendees, including key partners, travel agents, and special guests, the Summit provided the stage to unveil Costa’s 2025 … [Read more...]
Archives for 13/12/2024
Flåm gets state funding for OPS
The Norwegian government have decided to secure state funding of NKr 100 million (€8.5 million) to the establishment of shore power in Flåm. This is made as a follow up to the soon-to-be-expected zero emission regulations for all passenger ships in the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords going into effect for cruiseships from 2032. The Norwegian government intend to accept biogas as a zero emission … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line plans major Lido buffet menu change. The cruise line has faced a lot of criticism over recent menu changes it has made, and more are coming
Even when a cruise line gives passengers more choices, any dining changes will anger some passengers. That happened last year when Carnival Cruise Line overhauled its menu for the main dining room. Unlike the changes made by rival Royal Caribbean, which greatly thinned its nightly offerings, Carnival expanded its nightly menus. That effort was led by the celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, who serves … [Read more...]
Princess Cruises Celebrates End of the Year with Prestigious Industry Honors for Ships, Itineraries and Guest Experience
After a banner year introducing enthusiastic cruisers to the new Sun Princess, the next-level Love Boat named Condé Nast Traveler’s Mega Ship of the Year, Princess Cruises continues to sail off with top honors from some of the most respected travel industry organizations worldwide. Acclaimed for incredible ships, itineraries, dining, travel advisor programs and of course, romance, Princess … [Read more...]
Aroya Cruises launches, marking a milestone for Cruise Saudi
The launch of AROYA Cruises signifies a pivotal moment in Cruise Saudi’s journey to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global cruise destination. This event highlights the dedication to developing the country’s cruise infrastructure and providing world-class experiences for travellers. “The launch of AROYA marks a huge milestone for Cruise Saudi and is a testament to our ongoing commitment to … [Read more...]
Over 70 Cruise Guests Fall Victim to Norovirus on Holland America Sailing
‘Tis the season for the spreading of germs, but passengers aboard a 10-night Caribbean cruise certainly didn’t expect the spread of norovirus ahead of their holidays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed one such outbreak aboard Holland America Line’s 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam. The 82,305-gross-ton ship is on a voyage that departed from Port Everglades in … [Read more...]
Disney Sets Time Limit for Haunted Venue on Newest Cruise Ship
Disney’s Imagineers have a knack for creating immersive spaces that captivate guests, and it appears the new Haunted Mansion Parlor aboard the Disney Treasure is no exception. With its dim lighting, eerie décor, and vintage-inspired touches that create a bar themed around Disneyland and Disney World’s Haunted Mansion, the venue has already attracted an enthusiastic following before … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean's plan to fix the problem with a very popular cruise port
One of the most popular cruise ports in the world is also one of the worst rated among cruise passengers, but Royal Caribbean has a plan.If you think of a warm tropic cruise getaway, The Bahamas is probably what you imagine, and yet cruiser surveys rank it as among the worst places they visit.Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley revealed last year that passengers don't … [Read more...]
Years after Royal Caribbean revolutionized the cruise ship safety drill, it's still the best change in the industry
The cruise industry had a rough go of it in 2020, but one great change that came out of it was a revamped and substantially better safety drill experience.All cruise ship passengers are required by maritime law to understand what to do in the case of an emergency, similar to airline passengers that get a safety drill before takeoff.Known as the muster drill, the process remained the same for … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises Reveals Five Trends Driving Changes In Guest Travel Decisions For 2025 And Beyond
Whether it’s switching traditionally hot getaways for something a little cooler or booking the next trip thanks to the latest hit TV show or film, MSC Cruises is revealing five travel trends that are driving guest holiday decisions into 2025 and beyond. The leading global cruise brand is giving an insight into some important influences that are impacting how holidaymakers are researching and … [Read more...]
Stornoway engages community in creating cruise success
Stornoway Port Authority (SPA) has been working closely with the local community and business groups to ensure constant communication around cruise and what to expect. Kirsty Hutchison cruise manager SPA, explains: “Along with other local partners such as Outer Hebrides Tourism, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the local council, a route to market guide was created for those wanting to know … [Read more...]
Disney Cruise Line Spreads Christmas Cheer in the Bahamas
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 Cruise Line Addresses Trivia Prizes – Lame or Luxe?
Trivia contests are a mainstay activity for most cruise lines, offering guests a fun time to show off their nonsensical knowledge and win a silly prize. Carnival Cruise Line, however, has been called out by a disgruntled traveler over the quality of their prizes – the winner medals as well as the iconic ship-on-a-stick trophies. One recent guest reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise … [Read more...]
P&O Cruises update after Ventura sickness outbreak
P&O Cruises have given an update after an outbreak of sickness on board Ventura that saw passengers advised not to gather in large groups. The cruise company has said that ‘effective and extensive’ cleaning continues on the ship after a passenger told the Echo that those on board were warned of a the sickness outbreak on December 4. The sickness is believed to be gastroenteritis, an infection … [Read more...]
Oceania Cruises Offering 4-Category Cabin Upgrades During New Year Sale
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...]
Atlantic Canada Hits Record-Breaking 2024 Cruise Season
Cruise ports across Atlantic Canada posted a banner year in 2024, surpassing predictions and setting new records for cruise ship and passenger arrivals. Calling the cruise season exceptional, the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA), pointed to a record 675-plus ship calls and 1 million-plus cruise guests during the April to November timeframe. The numbers reflect a nearly 30% rise in … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Crew Make Unique Christmas Decorations from Towels
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the Lido deck of Carnival Sunshine! While Carnival’s housekeeping teams are famous for delighting guests with fun towel animals, the crew members on Carnival Sunshine truly outdid themselves with a Christmas display on the Lido deck. Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald shared a photo of the sizable display on his public Facebook page – … [Read more...]
Atlantic Canada Sets Cruise Passenger Record During 2024 Season
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...]
Royal Caribbean Ship Forced to Skip Port for a Third Time
There’s a common phrase that says “third time will be the charm.” Unfortunately, this doesn’t hold true for Symphony of the Seas’ next planned visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico – which will have to be skipped for the third time in a row. Until work is completed and inspected on Pier 3, the San Juan Cruise Port will unfortunately be unable to welcome a ship as large as the Oasis-class vessel … [Read more...]
Beautiful Coastline And Renowned Vineyards! This U.S. Destination Named One Of The Best For 2025 Travel
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Escape The Winter Blues! Here Are 5 Of The Hottest Digital Nomad Destinations Right Now
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Historic U.S. City Named Best In The South By Travel Experts
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Undiscovered Mediterranean Country Named Among Top Destinations For 2025
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Royal Caribbean reveals behind-the-scenes secret to how cruise ships make their own water
With Royal Caribbean's largest ship able to accommodate nearly 10,000 passengers and crew, have you ever wondered how there's always enough water for everyone onboard? Icon of the Seas, for example, boasts seven pools, along with a record-breaking waterpark featuring six slides and an indoor AquaTheater home to high-diving performances. On top of that, it's important to remember that guests … [Read more...]
7 New Changes Being Made by Virgin Voyages in 2025
Virgin Voyages, an adults only cruise line, is making seven new changes in 2025 to make their cruises even better. Virgin Voyages’ CEO, Nirmal Saverimuttu, sent a letter to First Mates (travel agents) about different ways the cruise line will make their cruises even better in 2025. Here are the seven changes being made by Virgin going into next year. Pricing Virgin Voyages is ditching dynamic … [Read more...]
Review: Veligandu Maldives Resort Island, The Maldives
Take a look at any league table on travellers’ aspirational destination and the Maldives are up there. Crystal clear seas caressing sugar white beaches, across an archipelago nation of almost 1,200 islands. The Maldives will always appear as one of the world’s dream destinations: pristine Robinson Crusoe landscapes meet contemporary luxury living. Veligandu Maldives Resort … [Read more...]
Why Johor should be your next luxury golf vacation
Johor is located in the southeast of peninsular Malaysia and has more than 25 golf courses to choose from, each providing a unique experience for the seasoned golfer. With excellent transport links to Singapore, the rest of Malaysia, and further afield, it has become the chosen golfing destination for many who love the variety, quality and value for money that is on offer from the regions courses. … [Read more...]
Caribbean Port Receives Five Cruise Ships and Shatters One-Day Record
December 10, 2024, turned out to be an extraordinary day for the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia. The nation witnessed the arrival of five cruise ships at two different ports, collectively bringing over 8,000 passengers to St. Lucia – a record one-day high. The bustling activity saw Oceania Cruises’ 30,277-gross-ton Insignia, Silversea’s 28,258-gross-ton Silver Shadow, Celebrity … [Read more...]
Mykonos Celebrates Record-Breaking Cruise Season
Visiting the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea is often a dream come true for cruise ship passengers, and it appears those dreams broke records on the island of Mykonos in 2024. In its 2024 season, Mykonos saw 768 cruise ship arrivals, bringing over 1.29 million passengers to its shores. The milestone marks an increase from 2023, which recorded 749 ship arrivals and 1.19 million … [Read more...]
Discovering Paradise Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula
All about the landscape, history, and wildlife of Paradise Bay, a popular photo spot to visit on an expedition cruise in Antarctica! Nestled within the majestic landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula lies Paradise Bay, a hidden gem often referred to as Paradise Harbour. This serene and breathtaking harbour is a fascinating place where colossal icebergs and towering glaciers meet the rhythm of … [Read more...]