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 Top 6 U.S. Destinations Right Now According To Google
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Delta To Launch New Flight To This Spectacular Asian City For The First Time Ever
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American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that their 61-Day Great United States and 35-Day Civil War Battlefields cruises have sold out for 2024
American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that their 61-Day Great United States and 35-Day Civil War Battlefields cruises have sold out for 2024. Both new itineraries were just announced earlier this year, with the 61-Day Great United States cruise representing the longest U.S. River cruise itinerary in history. Demand for domestic itineraries, especially longer experiences, remains strong. … [Read more...]
Win Gruening: Juneau Assembly decision to reduce cruise ships risks sending taxes higher
During a Nov. 6 Committee of the Whole meeting, Juneau Assembly members voted informally on whether the city should pursue cruise passenger reductions. The resulting 6-3 vote favoring cutbacks was unofficial and formal action has yet to materialize, but it’s an indication of the Assembly’s direction. Paradoxically, the Dec. 4 Juneau Empire story reporting on a recent statistically valid community … [Read more...]
Task Force searches for magic number to cap cruise tourism in Sitka
Sitka has seen huge growth in cruise tourism, to nearly 600,000 passengers in 2023 – about a three-fold increase over what would have been considered a big summer before the pandemic. This figure has been in the news a lot lately. But there’s another, more important number that residents haven’t settled on: What is the right amount of cruise tourism? Full story Task Force searches for magic … [Read more...]
The Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line 2024
The Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line for 2024 is now available with updated information on what cruisers may need to know in order to plan for an upcoming Disney Cruise. The 2024 edition sails in with updates and new information including a significant expanded coverage on the Disney Wish as well as the Disney Treasure. Additionally, there is information to get you up to speed on … [Read more...]
Head-to-Head: TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card vs. WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard
In this edition of Head-to-Head, we’ll take a look at two of the primary mass-consumer credit cards for Air Canada and WestJet: the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card and WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard. Despite the card similarities between the flagship co-branded credit cards of Canada’s two largest airlines, we’ll also look at the important differences to determine which card ultimately comes … [Read more...]
6 things I loved and 3 things I hated about my Brilliance of the Seas cruise
Today’s mega cruise ships are packed with the latest thrills, from zip lines to indoor skydiving, but what is it like sailing on one of Royal Caribbean’s older cruise ships?I recently cruised on Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, a Radiance Class cruise ship built in 2002. During my exotic ten day sailing to the South Pacific—my longest cruise thus far—I relished the opportunity to enjoy a … [Read more...]
I Just Took a Tour of Princess Cruises’ New Ship That is Under Construction, Sun Princess
Princess Cruises’ largest ship, Sun Princess, is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. This week, the cruise line invited me on board to take a tour of this new ship that is scheduled to debut in two months. Here are some of the photos that I took of Sun Princess. I will note that some areas look like there’s still a lot of work to be done, but many … [Read more...]
Free drinks package or on board spend offer and dedicated solo savings unveiled in Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines sale
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced its new Cruise Sale, with sailings starting from just £799 per person, with a choice of additional savings. Guests who book before 31st January can enjoy either a free drinks package or on board spending on sailings throughout 2024 and 2025 on its fleet of smaller-sized ships Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral. The offer includes more than 100 sailings with … [Read more...]
Port of San Diego to Further Enhance Cruise Ship Shore Power Capability, Improve Air Quality
The Port of San Diego is adding more shore power connectivity at its B Street cruise ship terminal to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on and around San Diego Bay. At its meeting on December 5, 2023, the Board of Port Commissioners awarded a $676,273 equipment purchase and consulting service agreement contract to Watts Marine LLC. (formerly Cochran Marine). The additional … [Read more...]
Hilton Honors Winter 2024 Promotion: Earn Up 2,500 Points Per Stay
Hilton Honors often runs interesting promotions for its members to earn more points and qualifying nights on stays. We’ve just learned the details of the Winter 2024 “Points Plus” promotion, through which you can earn up to 2,500 points per stay from January 1–May 1, 2024. As a reminder, the Fall 2023 “Multiply Your Points” promotion is ongoing, and members can earn up to 3x points on eligible … [Read more...]
The port of La Spezia signs the tender contract for the construction of the new cruise pier at Calata Paita
Go ahead with the construction of the new La Spezia waterfront. The tender contract for the construction of the new cruise pier on Calata Paita was signed today (December 5, 2023). Total amount of the works 48,437,296.55 euros. Estimated duration of the works 710 days. President Sommariva: “A new page is starting for the future of the city and the port.” The contract for the construction of the … [Read more...]
AIDA Cruises launches its new annual advertising campaign with an emotional start around Christmas season
[embedded content] Mit anderen Augen sehen l Erlebt Euch anders A stressed elderly gentleman is about to travel with his wife. At check-in, he nervously looks at his watch. When he finds a pair of children’s glasses and looks through them, his perception changes for the better: he sees the world differently – more colorful and cheerful. With this modern interpretation of Charles Dickens’ … [Read more...]
Viking Expanding With 10 More River Cruise Ships
Viking is once again expanding their fleet, and they will be adding 10 more of their award-winning Longships by 2026. Five of the ships will begin offering cruises in 2025, with the other five debuting in 2026. Eight of the ships will offer cruises on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers while the other two will sail cruises in France from Paris on the Seine River. A keel-laying ceremony was held at … [Read more...]
Review: DoubleTree by Hilton Metropole Brighton, Sussex, UK
When the red-brick Metropole opened in 1890, such was its allure that special trains were laid on to deliver guests to the 700 room hotel. Sir Winston Churchill enjoyed pheasant and chocolate gateau in the restaurant in 1947, whilst later on Princess Margaret, Margot Fonteyn, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor all checked-in.Now, after a £26m refurbishment, the DoubleTree by Hilton Metropole … [Read more...]
RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com Cruise aboard Independence of the Seas
Join the RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com staff and fans aboard Anthem of the Seas!8-night Norwegian fjords cruise on June 21, 2025 from Southampton, UK.Sailing from Southampton, England and visiting Oslo, Copenhagen, Hamburg, and Rotterdam.Want to Join us? Ready to Book? Get a free, no-obligation quote from MEI Travel HERE. Call 425.396.7505 provide your info & we’ll have a planner call you … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Changes Photo Perks for Loyal Guests
Royal Caribbean International is adjusting one of its loyalty perks for members of the Crown & Anchor Society, adding new discounts and free photos depending on guests’ loyalty levels. The new benefits take effect from Saturday, December 9, 2023, for all guests at the Platinum or higher levels of the loyalty program. New Discounts for Crown & Anchor Society Members Royal … [Read more...]
Review: The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius
During a trip to Mauritius, my wife Ashley and I stayed at three Marriott Bonvoy properties on the island nation. To wrap up our Marriott tour, we spent a night at The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius. Located in the Balaclava region on the northwest coast of Mauritius, The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa is in a location that’s particularly known for its breathtaking … [Read more...]
Costa Cruises Unveils Festive Fares for Holiday Sailings
Costa Cruises has launched a Christmas Sale, offering an enticing opportunity to explore Europe and South America at highly competitive fares onboard the Costa Cruises ships for those in North America. The seasonal promotion includes select sailings in the Mediterranean, northern Europe, and South America. The booking window remains open until December 21, 2023, presenting a perfect gift option … [Read more...]
The Best Ways to Book Independent Hotels
There are many scenarios in which using cash for a hotel stay makes more sense than redeeming points. In fact, there are many properties around the world at which using points isn’t even an option. These include independent properties, boutique hotels, or hotel chains without a loyalty program that offers its members points. In these situations, it’s important to know that you can still save money … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean announces new photo perk for its loyalty program members
Royal Caribbean is adding a new souvenir photo benefit to most of its loyalty program tiers.Members of the Crown and Anchor Society received an email on Thursday notifying them of the program change.Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program has many benefits for repeat cruisers and the photo benefits have been updated.Read more: Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program info, tips & … [Read more...]
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Increases Award Pricing on Many Delta Flights
For the second time this year, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has increased the cost of redeeming Virgin Points on one of its partner airlines without warning. As of December 7, 2023, the cost of many Delta award flights booked with Virgin Points has increased. This represents the loss of a few sweet spots, especially for economy flights within North America, and a sizeable shift in the overall … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises Revises Summer Itineraries for Two Ships
MSC Cruises has announced a shift to its summer plans for two vessels following recent cancellations in Israel. The cruise line began adjusting its routes on October 11, reflecting a cautious approach to the volatile situation. MSC Cruises Adapts Itineraries for Two Ships Initially, MSC Cruises responded to the escalating situation in Israel by canceling cruises departing from … [Read more...]
Moss Hills of Oceanos fame named Cruise Director for 2024 Silversea world cruise
Silversea has named Moss Hills as Cruise Director for its 132-day Far East-West World Cruise 2024 aboard Silver Shadow. Hills is a veteran Cruise Director who first joined Silversea in 2014 and has since sailed to all seven continents with the cruise line, but is best known in the industry for his leadership of the rescue operation aboard the cruise ship Oceanos in 1991. Hills … [Read more...]
The 21 Best Day Trips From Salt Lake City, Utah (2023 Guide)
If you’re looking for the best day trips from Salt Lake City, here’s our list of the 21 best Salt Lake City day trips! Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is a vibrant metropolis framed by the towering peaks of the Wasatch Range. Full of fun things to do, Salt Lake City can entertain travelers for days on end. From religious monuments to outdoor adventures, to cultural events and a delicious food … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Confirms One Food Rumor, Debunks Another
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has addressed a pair of food-related rumors recently, confirming one and debunking the other. The rumors relate to buffet service onboard all Carnival ships, as well as the options for customized omelettes available both at the buffet and during the popular Sea Day Brunch. Is Carnival Buffet Service Changing? The first rumor is related to … [Read more...]
Aeroplan Elite Status: Targeted Buy-Up Offers for 2024
As we approach the end of the year, Air Canada is sending out targeted offers to purchase Aeroplan Elite Status for 2024. This type of paid status upgrade has been offered in years prior, and seems to have been sent out to passengers who have made some progress towards qualifying, but who may not reach the required thresholds by the end of the year. Air Canada Offers Targeted Paid Status … [Read more...]
Cruise Line Reaches Record Sales in the UK and Plans to Keep It Going
The luxury cruise line Azamara has just reached a big milestone. As 2023 wraps up, the cruise line is celebrating its most successful sales year to date in the UK, with plans to keep the momentum going well into the new year with savings of up to 20% off select sailings in 2024. A Record Sales Year For Azamara The small-ship cruise line announced that 2023 was its most successful … [Read more...]