Key Aspects: A man received a prison term of 3 years and 10 months after admitting he intentionally suffocated a woman with a pillow. The assault took place on an unidentified cruise in April 2025. The victim survived the attack and is credited with assisting police in their investigation. Cruise ships are meant to be a space for relaxation and escape. A violent incident during an … [Read more...]
Archives for 24/10/2025
MSC Cruises highlights return of Yacht Club to Arabian Gulf for 2025/26 season
MSC Cruises is highlighting the return of its exclusive MSC Yacht Club to the Arabian Gulf for the 2025/26 season, positioning it as a key feature of its regional offering. The cruise line’s premium ‘ship within a ship’ concept offers guests a private sanctuary of comfort and personal service while retaining access to the amenities and entertainment of a large cruise … [Read more...]
Margaritaville at Sea Announces Dining Lineup for Beachcomber
Key Aspects: Margaritaville at Sea is removing the traditional cruise buffet and replacing it with a market-style dining hub on its new Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber. The new High Tide Market with feature five distinct venues serving freshly prepared dishes ranging from barbeque and salads to pizza and desserts. Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber will also introduce several … [Read more...]
Celebrity Cruises takes delivery of Celebrity Xcel, cuts steel for Celebrity Xcite
Celebrity Cruises has taken delivery of Celebrity Xcel at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, while also marking the start of construction on its next Edge Series vessel, Celebrity Xcite. The twin milestones signal continued expansion of the Edge class series for the Royal Caribbean Group-owned brand as it evolves its premium cruise … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean International marks steel cutting for seventh Oasis class mega cruise ship
Royal Caribbean International has marked a key milestone in its ongoing fleet expansion, cutting the first piece of steel for what will become the seventh ship in its groundbreaking Oasis Class. Scheduled for delivery in 2028, the yet-unnamed vessel will continue the evolution of the class that transformed modern cruising when Oasis of the Seas entered service in 2009. The … [Read more...]
VIVA Cruises launches 2027 program with new ships, routes and year-round sailings
VIVA Cruises has announced its most expansive program to date, unveiling its full 2027 river cruise schedule across a fleet that will grow to nine ships. The season will include several standout moments, including the christening and launch of VIVA UNIQUE in Venice, after which it will join VIVA BEYOND in the new VIVA Boutique premium offering. “This is the earliest we have ever launched an annual … [Read more...]
Oceanwide Expeditions 2025-2026 Antarctic Expedition Cruise Season Commences
Oceanwide Expeditions 2025-2026 Antarctic expedition cruise season began today (22 October 2025) with the company’s first voyage of the season departing Puerto Madryn, Argentina, on a Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctica Photographic Special itinerary. All three of Oceanwide Expeditions’ motor expedition vessels, m/v Hondius, m/v Ortelius, and m/v Plancius, will take guests from the shores … [Read more...]
Holland America Line and Pan Am® Invite Guests to Experience the Golden Age of Travel with Epic 28-Day Caribbean Cruise
Two icons of travel—Pan Am® and Holland America Line—announced the launch of the first-ever cruise that will trace original flying Clipper routes across the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America. The 28-Day Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage will immerse guests in the glamor and nostalgia of travel’s golden age as they sail to 18 destinations throughout the region, not only recreating the … [Read more...]
Growing Problem on Royal Caribbean Ships Enraging Guests
Key Aspects: Royal Caribbean guests are getting more and more frustrated at chair hogs taking over poolside loungers and prime seating in the Solarium and other areas. Frustrations were high onboard a recent Ovation of the Seas sailing from Tokyo to Singapore, but that isn’t the only cruise where chair hogs have been a problem. Royal Caribbean’s official policy is that guests cannot … [Read more...]
China’s New Port Charges Could Impact Cruise Lines
A new port charge imposed by the Chinese government is threatening the operation of U.S.-owned cruise ships in the country, according to local media reports. Introduced earlier this month, the policy requires ships linked to the United States to pay a special port fee effective immediately. According to China Economic Review, vessels have to pay 400 yuan (approximately $55) per net ton, an amount … [Read more...]
Norovirus outbreak sickens 75 on cruise ship bound for Boston
A cruise ship headed from Canada to Boston has reported a norovirus outbreak that sickened 75 people on board. The Oceania Insignia, operated by Oceania Cruises, departed from Montreal on Oct. 16, according to CruiseMapper.com. It is making several stops in Canada before docking in Portland, Maine on Oct. 26 and then Boston on Oct. 27. The Centers for Disease Control says that the outbreak was … [Read more...]
Air Canada Announces US Flight Expansion from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Air Canada has unveiled its most significant expansion at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in 35 years, introducing new daily transborder flights to four major US cities and enhanced domestic service to key Canadian destinations. Starting in spring 2026, Air Canada will launch non-stop service to New York (LGA) four-times daily, Boston (BOS) three-times daily, Chicago (ORD) … [Read more...]
What is noctourism? The travel trend changing cruising
What is noctourism? … [Read more...]
Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau Day Pass Review
During one of our cruise stops in Nassau, we purchased a day pass to the Margaritaville Beach Resort, a vibrant oasis just a short walk from the cruise port. I included a brief overview of our experience in a trip report, but this place deserves a deeper dive into nearby retreat. <img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" … [Read more...]
I sailed on Royal Caribbean's newest giant cruise ship. These were my 8 favorite amenities.
Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Star of the Seas, is poised as the best family vacation out there, and there's plenty to see and do while onboard.The 1,198-foot-long, 250,800 gross-ton floating resort offers just about everything you'd want or need over the course of a week-long sailing. There are over 40 restaurants and bars, and each has its own draw to as to why you'd want to go there.I … [Read more...]
Star of the Seas (Finally!) Makes Inaugural Call to St. Kitts
Key Aspects: Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, celebrated her maiden call to St. Kitts and Nevis on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The ship was originally scheduled to call at St. Kitts during a cruise that departed Port Canaveral on September 28, 2025, but Tropical Storm Imelda prompted the cruise line to revise that itinerary away from the Eastern Caribbean. Star … [Read more...]
How To Find A Guide For Omo Valley, Ethiopia
Traveling to Ethiopia’s Omo Valley is an unforgettable adventure, but the most important decision you’ll make for your trip is choosing the right guide. This Omo Valley travel guide explains why a knowledgeable and trusted guide is essential for navigating remote villages, tribal communities, and the region’s unpredictable logistics. This article may contain affiliate links where we make a small … [Read more...]
Americans Can Fly Nonstop To These 3 Underrated European Cities 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...]
The 15 Most-Loved European Cities This Year (And A 30-Second Quiz To Find Your Favorite)
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;}Europe has always held a special place in travelers' hearts, a continent rich with history, culture, and endless charm. But in a region … [Read more...]
US Embassy Issues Security Alert For Popular Latin American City
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...]
Virgin Voyages CEO Spills the Secrets about Brilliant Lady
Porthole Cruise and Travel Since the early 2000s, Porthole.com has been the go-to digital destination for cruise news, travel updates, and inspiring stories from Porthole Cruise & Travel Magazine. The site delivers breaking industry news, ship reviews, destination spotlights, travel tips, and exclusive interviews for both seasoned travelers and those dreaming of their next voyage. Porthole.com … [Read more...]
Personal Navigators: Disney Dream 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale – September 27, 2025
Personal Navigators, and other details from the Halloween on the High Seas 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale. The Disney Dream set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on September 27, 2025. There are additional Personal Navigators from other sailings of this same itinerary for comparison. During this cruise, the ship was under the control … [Read more...]
Royal Princess named Worlds Best Culinary Cruise Ship
Julie Bouchner Julie Bouchner is the Marketing Lead for Porthole Cruise and Travel. She has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Syracuse University. When she is not writing, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, baking, and playing with her Siberian Husky named Ellie. Appeared first on: Porthole.com … [Read more...]
These were the 4 cleanest Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year, according to the CDC
Cruise ships are regularly inspected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to make sure they're offering paying passengers and crew members a healthy and safe environment. And this year, four Royal Caribbean ships earned a perfect score. These inspections aren't limited to Royal Caribbean, either. All cruise lines, ranging from Carnival to MSC, Norwegian, Virgin, Celebrity, … [Read more...]
Copenhagen named Europe’s Leading Cruise Port 2025 for the second year in a row
At a ceremony in Sardinia on October 22, Copenhagen was announced as Europe’s Leading Cruise Port 2025 by the World Travel Awards. The award, based on votes from qualified individuals within travel and tourism as well as consumers, is a testament to Copenhagen as an amazing all-year destination and regional cruise hub, with excellent cruise facilities and logistics. Furthermore, the prize … [Read more...]
Virgin Voyages Simplifies Names for 17 Caribbean Itineraries
Key Aspects: Virgin Voyages’ is renaming its Caribbean itineraries in an effort to simplify the cruise booking process and make it easier to understand what different sailings entail. Three itineraries have new names as of October 23, 2025, and 14 more itineraries will have new titles before the end of the year. Some cruise fans are not happy about the change and think that it’s … [Read more...]