Outside of the city and beyond the canal zone, Panama presents a visitor with surprisingly unspoiled nature. So be sure to hone your listening skills and practice watching for the rustling of trees in the canopy above.The rain forest in Panama covers 63 percent of the country and sequesters 160 tons of carbon per hectare. Offshore, the small country boasts 1,000-plus islands across two oceans, … [Read more...]

‘Cake Me Away,’ a dessert celebration on Holland America Line’s fleet features pastry chefs showcasing their favorite creations. This new event, debuting around National Cake Day on November 26, 2023, offers over 22 five-layer cakes in 16 delicious flavors. The pastry team has also created mini-jar cakes that will be added to the desserts at Sweet Spot in Lido Market.“Our pastry team has some of … [Read more...]

Seabourn has officially shared its “2026 World Cruise – Ring of Fire: Hidden Gems!” The 129-day trip aboard Seabourn Sojourn will take guests to 63 destinations and ports across 14 countries.MORE ABOUT THE ITINERARYSeabourn Sojourn will embark on January 6, 2026, covering approximately 28,000 nautical miles. This adventure includes landmarks such as the International Dateline and … [Read more...]

Theatre producer David Pugh has announced his latest partnership with Cunard. Known for his recent hit “Shirley Valentine” by Willy Russell, Pugh will bring his award-winning shows onboard the brand’s newest ship, Queen Anne!During Queen Anne‘s inaugural season, Pugh will collaborate with Cunard’s creative team to introduce two stage shows that have never been presented on a cruise … [Read more...]

Cunard kicks off the holiday season early with Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions available on select itineraries. From January 2024 through May 2025, set sail on voyages around the world aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Anne.MORE ABOUT THE PROMOTIONSGuests who book a trip from November 16, 2023, through December 4, 2023, will receive up to … [Read more...]

We’ve been writing about cruising — ocean, river, and expedition — for more than 20 years. Our Tauck cruise on the Seine had the most all-inclusive features we’ve ever enjoyed.Tauck, the Connecticut-based international travel company, has been in business since 1925 and clearly knows how to pamper its guests. As soon as we cleared customs at the Paris airport we saw a Tauck driver with our names. … [Read more...]

Prepare to save big this Black Friday with Scenic Group’s mega-deals! Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours have announced deals for both lines for river and ocean sailings. Bookings made between November 15, 2023, and November 30, 2023, are combinable with 2-for-1 fares. MORE ABOUT THE DEALSEmerald Cruises: Up to $4,500 per suite savings on 2024 river sailings. Save … [Read more...]

2023 unfolded as a year of exploration, unveiling new ships, uncharted destinations, and brand-new flavors around the world. Each destination was a chapter in our travel story, leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime.From meeting locals with heartwarming stories to adrenaline-pumping adventures off the beaten path, 2023 was a year filled with remarkable encounters and unexpected … [Read more...]

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has exciting incentives in store for North American Travel Advisors! From November 13, 2023, through December 15, 2023, Travel Advisors will be rewarded a $1,000 gift card for each new 2024 booking!But that’s not all – there’s more to the excitement! Regent Seven Seas is strengthening its partnership with Fabergé, presenting an exclusive opportunity for one lucky Travel … [Read more...]

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has taken delivery of Seven Seas Grandeur in Ancona, Italy. In its construction spanning over two years, the luxury vessel has been designed by the award-winning Studio DADO and crafted by Fincantieri, a premier shipbuilder.  “We would like to thank Studio DADO and Fincantieri for their outstanding collaboration in realizing this incredible new vessel which … [Read more...]

On November 16, 2023, MSC Bellissima will be featured in the premiere of the Netflix film In Love and Deep Water, a new Japanese film that incorporates romance with mystery thriller themes. Filming of the movie was completed on a recreational set of MSC Bellissima. In 2024, MSC Bellissima will feature itineraries in Japan, which may inspire guests to watch the film during their … [Read more...]

Along with its expected debut of Queen Anne in May 2024, Cunard is excited to announce a new gin inspired by Queen Anne, Cunard 4 Queens Gin Collection. The collection will feature the Queen Anne Edition, infused with influences from the British Isles. Merlin Griffiths Showcases Queen Anne Inspired CocktailsMerlin Griffiths, a professional mixologist and TV personality, demonstrates the Queen … [Read more...]

MSC Cruises ordered two LNG-powered ships with French shipbuilder Chantiers de L’Atlantique. The order demonstrates the company’s commitment to buying two world-class ships from the shipbuilder and offers the option to purchase a fifth ship later. World Class 3 and 4, the two new ships, will arrive in 2026 and 2027. “We are proud to continue our 20-year partnership with the Chantiers de L’ … [Read more...]

Oceania Cruises has unveiled its Black Friday Savings! Guests can save up to $5400 per stateroom on over 100 worldwide voyages in 2024. The offer is valid for all bookings made between November 14 – December 5, 2023. More about the Black Friday Deals  The Black Friday Deal includes trips to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America that last between seven to 34 … [Read more...]

As Porthole Cruise and Travel’s CEO, I am thrilled to share that our journey on EXPLORA I has exceeded all expectations. The ship’s extraordinary design and meticulous attention to detail have genuinely astounded us. EXPLORA I embodies a captivating blend of sophistication and elegance that sets an elevated standard in the world of cruising.From the moment we stepped on board, we felt at home in … [Read more...]

When you walk onto Swan Hellenic’s newest ship, SH Diana, you are immediately greeted with a sense of elegance and sophistication. That’s not what you might expect from an expedition ship, but the newest member of Swan Hellenic’s fleet captures the essence of high-class exploration. As soon as you step aboard, you’re enveloped by an atmosphere of refinement. ELEGANCE IN ADVENTUREInside Diana, … [Read more...]

MBE Winner Harpreet Kaur “Preet” Chandi Names Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Third Expedition Ship Last night, beneath sunny Ushuaia skies, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager was christened by Harpreet Kaur “Preet” Chandi, the first woman of color to ski solo to the South Pole. Prior to introducing Chandi during the poolside ceremony aboard the 9,934 grt, 198-guest World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages CEO … [Read more...]

Every coffee lover has a favorite. Do you sip only single-origin Colombian or Brazilian? Perhaps you prefer flavored varieties, with vanilla, pecan or hazelnut added. Even if you’ll drink any dang bean that has caffeine, surely you go for one or two grocery-store brands over the others. But have you ever noticed elusive chocolate, caramel, or orange-peel notes in a well-roasted Colombian coffee, … [Read more...]

Celebrity Cruises has taken delivery of the brand’s newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France! Celebrity Ascent proudly takes its place as the fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ evolutionary Edge Series.“Celebrity Ascent is yet another example of innovation driving our mission to provide the best vacations responsibly. The ship continues … [Read more...]

Brightline’s “Bright Friday” deals are here!Explore the best rates of the year for Brightline fares, with one-way adult fares between South Florida and Orlando starting at $59. Additionally, children get to enjoy a discount of 50% off their rides!“Our guests have the benefit of remarkable savings, paired with flexible travel options,” said SVP of Marketing & Commercial Strategy Barbara Drahl. … [Read more...]

Carnival Cruise Line honored more than 150 local veterans with the Houston Veterans Administration (VA) by presenting a tribute reception and luncheon aboard Carnival Breeze in Galveston, Texas. The veterans were presented with a commemorative coin in honor of their dedicated service, and were provided with a 15-passenger van to aid in transportation efforts.  “Veterans and active … [Read more...]

On November 17, 2023, guests can begin shopping with Holland America Line for Black Friday deals until December 1, 2023!Cruise Discounts on Staterooms and Select ItinerariesWhen booking on select cruises in 2025, guests will receive a prepaid stateroom crew appreciation of up to $700 per person. Promotional sailings also feature Black Friday discounts of up to 30% off cruise-only … [Read more...]

The winners of the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards have been revealed! You voted for the best among the top ships, destinations, ports, cuisine, and onboard experiences, and we’re thrilled to announce the winners. For those who are looking to see what is hot in the cruise and travel industry, take a glance at the list below. Also, remember to cast your vote next year for the 2024 Readers’ Choice … [Read more...]

Get ready for a new adventure with Celebrity Xcel, the latest addition to Celebrity Cruise’ Edge Series!  The new ship is set to amplify the popular features of its sister vessels while offering an unmatched premium vacation experience to its guests. The Unveiling of Celebrity Xcel  The announcement occurred  at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, … [Read more...]

After the success of AmaWaterways’ initial Soulful Experience in France this summer, the cruise line has unveiled the 2024 lineup of Soulful Experience river cruise and land packages, commemorating Black history and culture.  The Soulful Experience Lineup for 2024  The 10-night Enticing Douro Soulful Experience sails through Portugal from November 13-23, 2024, and includes a … [Read more...]

Today, EXPLORA I has arrived in PortMiami to begin her inaugural Caribbean and Central America itineraries! EXPLORA I is the first of the fleet of six for the MSC Group! “We take immense pride in introducing our remarkable new ship, EXPLORA I, to the Magic City,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys. “Miami is a paramount destination and important gateway to the Caribbean for ocean … [Read more...]

MSC Cruises will be expanding its kid’s club options and launching a new teen music video dedicated to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve! From November 15, 2023, the Young and Teens Club on all MSC Cruises ships will have extended hours, offer more live entertainment, organized sports activities, and exclusive dinner options for kids of different ages. The cruise line will also present prime-time game … [Read more...]

In honor of Veterans Day, Carnival Cruise Line welcomed approximately 200 local Miami-Dade veterans for a military tribute event and appreciation luncheon aboard Carnival Horizon at Port Miami. During the event, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy presented the Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System with a 15-passenger van, a valuable resource to facilitate the transportation of … [Read more...]

Regal Princess arrived in Galveston, marking the beginning of a milestone cruise season as the largest Princess Cruise ship based in Texas. With a capacity of 3,560 guests, Regal Princess offers roundtrip journeys to the Western Caribbean through March 24, 2024 with an anticipated 75,000 cruisers sailing from this convenient, beautiful Texas homeport. Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer … [Read more...]

Following its debut aboard Silver Dawn in 2022, the Otium wellness program has arrived aboard Silver Nova, the newest ship in the fleet, with a broader array of lavish experiences and amenities. Inspired by the philosophy and traditions of the ancient Roman lifestyle, Silversea’s Otium wellness program was designed to offer guests a uniquely tailored and luxurious wellness experience. Some of the … [Read more...]