Bar Harbor voters reject looser cruise ship limits

After an unexpected surge in bookings for its 2026 sailings to Japan, Windstar Cruises has decided to open its bookings for spring 2027 earlier than expected. The move comes after the cruise line’s announcement of its 2026 Grand Japan itineraries aboard the new Star Seeker in June 2024 generated near sell-out levels of interest within months. “The combination of our return to … [Read More...]

Windstar Cruises has experienced an unprecedented demand for its 2026 sailings in Japan aboard its newest ship Star Seeker, which joins the small ship company’s fleet in December of 2025. In response, Windstar is now opening up spring 2027 bookings for Japan earlier than planned, and adding an extra fall date, in order to meet customers’ requests for more bookable sailings in this coveted region. … [Read More...]

The 115-night Celebrity Cruises Grand Voyage, calling on 58 destinations across 15 countries, went on sale today for the first time. This is among the big news from Celebrity as the brand is heading into Wave season by unveiling one of its biggest sales yet. Starting today, guests can save up to 75% on their second guest, with additional savings of up to $600 per sailing. From holiday gifting to … [Read More...]

Half Moon Cay, the highly-rated and award-winning exclusive destination known for beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters in The Bahamas, is being renamed “RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay” in support of its enhancements and the experience guests can expect as they are immersed in this tropical paradise. The announcement was made today jointly by Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. The two … [Read More...]

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., a global leader of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, today announced two key executive appointments: Natalya Leahy will join as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Jan. 1, 2025, and Rick Goldberg has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective Dec. 31, 2024. “As Lindblad Expeditions moves into its 46th year, I am delighted … [Read More...]

Sarah Bretz, ContributorSarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015, and in that time has taken a dozen cruises and counting. Her favorite onboard activities include trying the casual dining options, spending time in the spa’s thermal suite, and attending the love & marriage show. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB.See all author posts Source: … [Read More...]

Cruise Critic has named the winners of its 16th annual cruise awards in its new Cruise Critic Best in Cruise Awards – naming the best cruise lines and destinations of the year, based on expert insight and traveler ratings. This year’s awards are the site’s most comprehensive to-date, combining the highly coveted editor-selected awards with the site’s popular consumer-led Cruisers’ Choice awards, … [Read More...]

Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas has become the standard all other cruise lines compare their beach days to, and it's clear Carnival is taking notice.Ever since Royal Caribbean overhauled CocoCay, it seemed to leap all the other private islands by going well beyond a beach and BBQ lunch offering.Carnival announced on Tuesday its plans to upgrade Half Moon Cay, which is shared with … [Read More...]

A vacationer from Louisiana became the 1.5-millionth cruise guest to transit the Port of Galveston in 2024, as the growing port careens toward welcoming a record 1.6 million cruise guests before the year turns. On December 6, 2024, the port received Katrular Buchanan and her family, hailing from Amite, Louisiana, at Cruise Terminal 28, where they were ready to board Disney Cruise Line’s Disney … [Read More...]

Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas will be renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, to reflect recent enhancements announced by Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. “Holland America guests have loved Half Moon Cay for its natural beauty since it opened as a port of call in 1997,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “The south side of the island, where Holland America has … [Read More...]