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...]

7 Beyond Capricorn has announced Tracing the Transpacific: A Pan Am® Journey by Private Air, a 20-day private jet trip departing April 2026. The program follows the company’s inaugural Tracing the Transatlantic journey in June 2025. The itinerary begins in San Francisco and includes Tokyo, Siem Reap, Singapore, Darwin, Sydney, Auckland, and Fiji, with travel aboard a custom Boeing 767. Guests will … [Read more...]

1 The out-of-the-box thinkers at Hurtigruten continue to make progress in their quest to create the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship. The cruise line, always on the cutting edge of sustainable sea travel, has just completed a series of tests to improve the ship’s design. They’re testing, among other innovations, retractable sails, large battery packs, contra-rotating propellers and an … [Read more...]

Princess Cruises is debuting an all-new Spellbound by Magic Castle aboard Star Princess, immersing guests in a speakeasy world of magic, illusions, and storytelling at sea. “Spellbound has quickly become one of the most talked-about experiences at sea, and we’re thrilled to take it to the next level aboard Star Princess,” said Lorna Warren, Princess Cruises Vice President Hotel … [Read more...]

2 Seabourn announced its 2027 summer ocean and 2027–2028 expedition itineraries, with new voyages to Alaska, Japan, Antarctica, and beyond.  The season will include 111 departures, 72 itineraries, and visits to 369 destinations across 71 countries aboard Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn Venture, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Quest, and Seabourn Ovation.  The collection features the new 94-day … [Read more...]

11 From the moment I stepped onto the gangplank, I could feel it: This wasn’t just a port facility — it was a portal into Istanbul’s story. With the Bosphorus shimmering at my side and the Galata Tower rising over the historic neighborhood of Karaköy just steps away, I felt as though I was already in step with the local rhythm. Galataport is one of the most innovative cruise terminals on the … [Read more...]

No wonder Oceania Allura surpassed expectations on her maiden voyage through Adriatic and Mediterranean ports. Sure, when Oceania Cruises’ newest vessel, twin to the luxurious 1,200-passenger Vista, launched in May 2023, the ship amused guests with rich amenities, from her beautiful pool deck to the secluded spa terrace with thalassotherapy waters to the Artist Loft and sports-deck pickleball … [Read more...]

Princess Cruises’ second Sphere-Class ship, Star Princess, has completed her final sea trials and is set to welcome guests on October 4, 2025, on a Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona! During final sea trials from August 9–12, Star Princess sailed from Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, into the Adriatic Sea, testing steering, navigation, and propulsion. The LNG-powered ship features two … [Read more...]

Steve Leland As a former cruise director, Steve has been cruising the world for the past forty years. Bringing a new dimension to cruise journalism, he continues to spin the globe searching for off the grid cruise adventures and unplugged destinations to share with Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine readers. Appeared first on: Porthole.com … [Read more...]

1 Carnival Cruise Line has opened reservations for Carnival Festivale, its new Excel-class ship debuting in 2027, featuring music-themed entertainment and family-focused experiences. The ship’s maiden 15-day transatlantic voyage departs Southampton, England, on May 2, 2027, visiting La Coruña and Vigo, Spain; Funchal, Madeira; Tenerife, Canary Islands; and Grand Turk before arriving in Port … [Read more...]

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...]

Too often, travelers breeze through Nice en route to their cruise ship, treating it as little more than a place to drop their bags before setting sail. But this sun-drenched city deserves more than a quick overnight. As the capital of the French Riviera, Nice has a rhythm all its own—one that invites you to slow down, settle in, and soak up the Mediterranean way of life. Within 20 minutes of … [Read more...]

Crystal today announced its new partnership with Abercrombie & Kent, combining Crystal’s luxury cruises with A&K’s expertise in curated land adventures. This collaboration expands the traditional cruise experience by offering guests exclusive, culturally immersive excursions both onboard and ashore across destinations from Africa and Asia to the Mediterranean and the South Pacific. … [Read more...]

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...]

Swan Hellenic has announced its first cultural expedition cruises in the Asia-Pacific, marking the return of SH Minerva and completing the company’s fleet! In 2026, travelers can choose from seven curated cruises across two seasons—five in April and May, and two in September—that can be combined into longer voyages. After completing her Antarctic season, SH Minerva will depart Honiara, Solomon … [Read more...]

1 Royal Caribbean’s new Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, arrived Saturday in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, ahead of its first sailing in one week. More than 2,000 crew members welcomed the ship to its new homeport. The season will officially launch with a naming ceremony featuring godmother Diana Ross. Star offers activities for all ages, including five signature shows—such as Back to the … [Read more...]

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...]

Princess Cruises announces the addition of Makoto Ocean specialty sushi restaurant to Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess starting this fall. Guests sailing to Antarctica, Southeast Asia, and Japan will soon enjoy the bold, authentic flavors of Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi aboard these two beloved diamond-class ships. First introduced on Sun Princess in 2024 and set to debut on Star … [Read more...]

Wake up to breathtaking views of ancient cities, fishing villages, and the Adriatic Sea aboard the luxury cruise ship Explora I. From Athens to Zadar, explore historic landmarks, enjoy live jazz in stunning marble atriums, relax in charming coastal cafés, and experience unforgettable Mediterranean sunsets, the turquoise glow of Melissani Cave, and the unique sounds of Zadar’s Sea Organ. Discover … [Read more...]

6 Tucked along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast, this city is not as instantly famous as Dubrovnik or Split — and that’s exactly why it feels like discovering a secret. Zadar blends ancient history with modern creativity on a coastline so gorgeous it feels like the impossibly blue sea has been painted there. From the moment I stepped off the ship, Zadar felt alive. The sun was warm but gentle, … [Read more...]

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...]

Lola Méndez Lola Méndez is an Uruguayan-American freelance journalist. She writes about sustainability, travel, culture, and wellness for many print and digital publications such as CNN Travel, Lonely Planet, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, SELF, and more. Appeared first on: Porthole.com … [Read more...]

9 MSC Cruises is gearing up for its most expansive Caribbean deployment yet. The world’s third-largest cruise line will expand its U.S. presence during the Winter 2026-2027 season, deploying a record four ships from Miami and offering new itineraries from Galveston and Port Canaveral. “More and more people are choosing to say ‘Let’s Holiday’ with MSC Cruises, whether they’re longtime cruisers or … [Read more...]

22 Celebrity Cruises today announced details of its 2027–2028 season, featuring more than 175 sailings to over 180 destinations worldwide, with itineraries across Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, Japan, Canada and New England. Seven ships, including three Edge Series ships — Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Ascent, and Celebrity Apex — will be sailing to over 90 iconic European destinations in 25 … [Read more...]

20 Culturally curious travelers will have expanded options in 2027, as AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys announced 42 new departures for immersive, enriching voyages along the rivers of Europe and Southeast Asia. The collaboration includes two brand-new itineraries for 2027: a 15-day journey through France’s Seine, Saône, and Rhône rivers, and a 17-day land-and-river experience along the … [Read more...]

3 The newly formed nonprofit organization Out Scuba is giving LGBTQIA+ divers an opportunity to unite with likeminded adventurers to explore the wonders of the sea. The Fort Lauderdale-based group of gay, lesbian, and trans scuba enthusiasts offers group dives, training programs, and social events. Their aim is to provide a welcoming space for diving enthusiasts of all skill levels and any sexual … [Read more...]

In keeping with our “Summer of Somewhere Else” travel, we found ourselves cruising through the serpentine waterways that wind their way through the islands of the Coiba National Park off the northwestern coast of Panama. It’s only natural to relate cruising in Panama to transiting the canal, but I couldn’t have imagined an adventure into an unspoiled paradise like this. We had experienced Kontiki … [Read more...]

Norwegian Cruise Line will open a nearly six-acre waterpark on its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in summer 2026. The new Great Tides Waterpark will feature over 19 waterslides, an 800-foot river, a splash zone, and the cruise industry’s first cliffside jumps. At its center: the 170-foot Tidal Tower with eight slides.  About the Updates Tidal Tower will feature racing, body, and … [Read more...]

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...]

13 It’s just another road. It’s just another road. That’s as good a mantra as any when you find yourself facing unusual circumstances along the Alaska Highway: Maybe it’s a herd of bison that have planted themselves across both lanes, or “just” the long, tumbling drop that occasionally beckons from one side or the other of the narrower, windier sections of blacktop. But that thinking goes straight … [Read more...]