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...]

3 For visitors to Florida looking for ways to preserve our precious planet, here are some eco-friendly hotels suggested by Wallace Cortazar, a noted Miami advocate of sustainability: *THE GABRIEL SOUTH BEACH HOTEL limits the use of plastic and has omitted the use of paper products in its rooms. *THE GATES HOTEL SOUTH BEACH is a Tier-2 member of the plastic-free 305 program. Management has … [Read more...]

4 Explora Journeys will mark the holiday season with Caribbean sailings aboard EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, offering 7- to 17-night itineraries during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s! Onboard, guests can expect seasonal décor, festive meals, gingerbread house-making, wellness sessions, live music, mixology classes, and movie nights under the stars. The “Currents of Connection” theme focuses … [Read more...]

4 Holland America Line is elevating its onboard entertainment with exciting enhancements—from expanded live music offerings and a reimagined entertainment team structure to all-new World Stage productions and enriched cultural programming. The cruise line has already begun implementing the changes on six of its ships, with plans to expand the new programming fleetwide over the next year.  … [Read more...]

For 800 years, the belfry in Bruges has stood as a sentinel looking down at the city’s comings and goings. Its long shadow caresses the intricate brickwork buildings and Gothic architecture surrounding the Market Square. The clock face quietly marks the passing of time, while the chiming bells are the proud symbol of the city’s power and prosperity. Last year, an incredible 8 million visitors … [Read more...]

MSC Cruises is raising the bar for onboard fun with its upcoming flagship, MSC World Asia, launching December 2026 in the Mediterranean. With more entertainment venues than ever, there’s something for everyone—from families to solo travelers—to enjoy day and night. As the third ship in MSC’s World Class series, MSC World Asia showcases subtle nods to Asia’s rich culture and landscapes, blending … [Read more...]

Norwegian Cruise Line has released its spring and summer 2027 deployment, featuring more than 500 voyages across 20 ships. Cruises will depart from nearly 30 homeports, including Miami, Seattle, New York City, Southampton, and Rome (Civitavecchia). Sailing from April through October 2027, the itineraries cover over 150 ports in 59 countries and include more than 170 overnight stays in … [Read more...]

5 The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is offering a two-night pre- or post-voyage resort stay at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands in December! Two new itineraries will take guests aboard the 226-suite Luminara, Ritz-Carlton’s newest ship, between Mauritius and the Maldives or the Maldives and Singapore.  Guests can enjoy a pre- or post-voyage stay in an Ocean Pool Villa with private … [Read more...]

2 Virgin Voyages is launching its first True Crime Voyage, a five-night Caribbean cruise with true crime storytelling.  The specialty cruise sets sail Oct. 10, just in time for Halloween, and departs from Miami. Programming includes live podcast recordings, “How to Podcast” workshops, exclusive meet-and-greets with famous true crime podcast hosts, special giveaways and food and cocktails … [Read more...]

8 I’d cruised the rivers of Europe before, but something about the 7-day itinerary of CroisiEurope’s Douce France jumped out at me. It was a round-trip sailing out of Vienna, one of my favorite cities in all of Europe. This would be our third trip with the company in just 6 months, yet boarding this vessel caught me off guard.  SPOILER ALERT! … I LIKE IT.  This cruise’s casual simplicity … [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...]

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...]

The history books tell of Spanish explorer Juan de Bermudez’s discovery of Bermuda in 1505 and how, in 1609, the English ship Sea Venture’s shipwreck led to the island’s colonization. But those of us with a real thirst for Bermuda history can find it in a glass. Three glasses, actually: the dark ‘n’ stormy, the Bermuda rum swizzle, and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club cocktail. When it comes to … [Read more...]

CroisiEurope will debut a new wine-focused river cruise along the Rhône and Saône in 2026. The seven-night sailing showcases some of France’s most celebrated wine regions, including Beaujolais, Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie, Tain l’Hermitage, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The cruise also features visits to cultural landmarks such as the Papal Palace in Avignon, Arles (linked to Van Gogh), the medieval … [Read more...]

14 Oceania Cruises is debuting a Gérard Bertrand Food and Wine Pairing lunch aboard Oceania Allura during its inaugural season, beginning July 18.  The six-course lunch includes premium dishes paired with wines by Gérard Bertrand, the renowned South of France winemaker celebrated for sustainability and the Art de Vivre.  Guests are invited to explore new flavor profiles through expertly … [Read more...]

Holland America Line announced the return of its popular behind-the-scenes ship tours today. Guests can now book guided access to areas typically reserved for officers and crew, including the ship’s galley, bridge, engine control room, recycling center, and main laundry. The tour also includes the opportunity to meet the crew members who keep these vital operations running smoothly, as well as a … [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...]

The stage is set for something new! When Star Princess makes its debut on October 4, Princess Cruises will introduce a next-generation entertainment program featuring original theater shows, candlelit concerts, and performances by a 24-country cast. Entertainment will span the ship, from large-scale productions in the high-tech Princess Arena to live music in The Dome and surprise performances in … [Read more...]

HX Expeditions will expand its Antarctic kayaking and camping program in October with new gear and activities, making it the largest and most diverse in the cruise industry. The program will increase kayaking capacity by 188% increase in and double camping spots to accommodate up to 60 guests per night. HX Expeditions will maintain environmental sustainability and follow IAATO guidelines, which … [Read more...]

30 Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Liberty resumed sailings from New Orleans on Sunday following a dry dock that included updates to the Cloud9 Spa, the addition of a WaterWorks aqua park, and a new bar and lounge.  Carnival Liberty’s first guests since the dry dock are enjoying a week-long cruise to the Caribbean. Sister ship Carnival Valor also underwent a renovation and resumed sailings … [Read more...]

20 Today, Margaritaville at Sea announced that it will launch its largest ship yet, Beachcomber. The ship’s design is inspired by sister ships Islander and Paradise, featuring a color palette of nautical blues, sunlit yellows, and warm beachy tones. “With Beachcomber, we wanted to create a design that captures the spirit of fun, warmth, and relaxed adventure,” said Martha Brabham, Head of Design … [Read more...]

I am sitting on a crushed velvet settee in an elegant piano lounge, sipping a gin-based cocktail poured from a bejeweled teapot into a Turkish tea glass.  Inside recessed nooks are cozy booths, behind which are sepia-toned murals of tropical foliage. The walls beyond are painted a deep burgundy, and on them hang family portraits framed in hunter green and gold. If you aren’t looking … [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...]

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...]

Today, Windstar Cruises announced Wind Spirit’s upcoming debut in the Canary Islands, with a season of 9-night sailings from November 2026 to January 2027! The updated itineraries highlight lesser-known ports, refreshed onboard spaces, and new marina access for easy ocean entry. The itineraries include first-time visits to Porto Santo (Portugal) and El Hierro (Spain), two lesser-known islands … [Read more...]

In Cherbourg and Brest, you’re much more likely to be enjoying that cuisine alongside actual French people instead of tourists. The château belongs to — and is still partly occupied by — the French Navy, making it the oldest castle in the world that’s still in military use. I grew up on England’s south coast and family vacations often involved a ferry crossing to France. Cherbourg was one of the … [Read more...]

Royal Caribbean has officially taken delivery of Star of the Seas, the next ship in its Icon Class, after nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The ship is set to debut this August from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. More than 1,250 crew members and partners gathered in the ship’s AquaTheater to mark the handover. Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO … [Read more...]

Bill Panoff Bill Panoff is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Porthole Cruise and Travel magazine. A former cruise industry entertainer and cruise director, Bill spent decades at sea and is one of the world's foremost experts on all things cruise and travel. Appeared first on: Porthole.com … [Read more...]

I recently sailed on MSC World America and packed a lot into one trip—great food, good coffee, spa time, and plenty to explore.  While there’s no shortage of things to do on board, these five experiences stood out and are well worth making time for. For first-timers or frequent cruisers alike, here’s what NOT to miss! 1. Relax and Rejuvenate at the MSC Aurea Spa MSC Aurea Spa | Photo: MSC … [Read more...]

Oceania Cruises has officially taken delivery of its eighth ship, Oceania Allura, a 1,200-guest vessel built at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Genoa. Allura is the second ship in the line’s Allura Class, following sister ship Oceania Vista, which debuted in May 2023. “Oceania Allura is our most innovative and luxurious ship to date. She represents our bold vision for an entirely new generation of … [Read more...]