Archives for 2025

Staying safe while traveling is always a concern, especially for cruisers who may be visiting multiple foreign countries. All cruise lines provide safes for passengers to store their valuables, but how “safe” are the safes, really? The concern was brought to the attention of Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, who not only noted that the safes are indeed secure, but that the … [Read more...]

It isn’t exactly a BOGO — a buy-one-get-one deal, but it’s as close as Virgin Voyages has ever come to offering a freebie.  The cruise line from pioneering UK entrepreneur Richard Branson is getting in on the Wave Season action with a two-part promotion featuring a cruise fare discount and a free drinks incentive. The deal is valid on any existing itinerary, including those aboard the … [Read more...]

With more and more awareness of terrorist acts, gang activity, and dangerous situations worldwide, cruise travelers can be understandably aware of and concerned about the potential risks of visiting certain cruise ports. This is especially true when the US Department of State issues travel advisories urging caution or even suggests that travelers completely reconsider or avoid traveling to … [Read more...]

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has once again firmly noted that any type of gambling onboard Carnival cruise ships is not permitted outside the casino. This comes after another inquiry about the popular game, Left-Center-Right, which is often played for a cash pot. Heald’s clarification is in response to an inquiry from an upcoming guest who will be sailing aboard Carnival … [Read more...]

Portsmouth International Port, a growing cruise destination on England’s south coast, will see a record 94 ships call at the facility in 2025, including several maiden visits by luxury cruise ships. The port, located about 20 miles west of Southampton, will reach another milestone in 2025, when its shore power system launches in the spring, enabling up to three cruise ships to plug-in at the … [Read more...]

Do not try this at home!  A professional high diver named Ginni Van Katwijk gave her 84.9 thousand Instagram followers a taste of what it’s like to jump from a 55-foot diving board into a pool onboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas. The dive took place inside the Oasis-class ship’s AquaTheater, which is designed for extreme stunts and water theater.  Although the … [Read more...]

In 1984, Carnival became the first cruise line to launch a national television advertising campaign. As part of that campaign, Kathie Lee Gifford famously sang “Ain’t We Got Fun” while promoting the original “Fun Ships.” Not only is Gifford’s performance still considered iconic decades later, but that commercial was groundbreaking for the cruise industry and really helped to establish … [Read more...]

Guests setting sail aboard Hurtigruten’s MS Polarlys have been informed of cruise and port cancellations at the last minute as severe winter polar storms threaten the western coast of Norway. Due to the cancellations, travelers are being offered the opportunity to rebook their sailing or opt for a full refund. The impacted sailings are from Thursday, January 2, 2025 through the morning of … [Read more...]

A new Fleet Cruise Director is set to make his mark on future cruise directors for Carnival Cruise Line, as popular cruise director Leon Smith has announced his amazing new promotion just as the new year begins. Smith has been with Carnival Cruise Line for almost a decade, having joined the fleet of cruise directors in October 2015. Now, he is moving up the ranks to Fleet Cruise Director and … [Read more...]