Virgin Voyages has announced that it is expanding its Status Match program for three days only from today, April 24th through Friday, April 26th, to include not only other cruise lines, but hotel and airline loyalty programs as well. During those dates, the cruise line will open up its Sailing Club Status Match to honor airline and hotel loyalty programs. Frequent travelers that rank in one of … [Read more...]
Three Sailings Changed for Norwegian Cruise Ship, Port Dropped
Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to travel agents and booked guests to alert them to itinerary changes for three upcoming sailings of Norwegian Breakaway. Every port of call on each of the 7-night itineraries has been adjusted, and one port has been removed from the schedule altogether. Itinerary Changes for Norwegian Breakaway Three upcoming cruises for Norwegian Breakaway have had … [Read more...]
Olden and Maloy, Norway, make a winning and sustainable team – Cruise Europe
Olden and Maloy may be just two hours apart by road (four hours by sea) but they offer two entirely different experiences for just one port arrival fee. With slow steaming becoming more popular, cruiselines can offer passengers both coastal and fjord shore experiences, with the added benefit of both ports gearing up for onshore power. Maloy only entered the cruise market in 2022 but this year … [Read more...]
First call of the expedition cruise ship Exploris 1 at the Port of La Palma
On the 22nd of April, La Palma Port hosted the handing over of the metope to Captain Eric Saint Plancat, of French nationality, on the first call of the expedition cruise ship Exploris 1, with 37 passengers (maximum capacity 110) and 95 crew members. Exploris 1 after sailing regularly in the area of Patagonia Argentina, Magellan Strait and Ushuaia, has crossed the Atlantic, passing through Cape … [Read more...]
Holland America Implements Progressive Cruise Check-In Schedule
With the Alaska cruise season ready to begin in earnest and the region preparing for its busiest season yet, some logistical challenges will need to be tackled. Holland America Line has begun informing guests of a new embarkation procedure that will be tried for at least one Koningsdam sailing out of Vancouver, and booked guests have also started receiving the newly updated procedure for … [Read more...]
Gdansk, Poland and Baltic Gateway Group to showcase what the city and region has to offer both operationally and touristically
The Port of Gdansk Authority, together with tour operator Baltic Gateway Group, were on hand at Seatrade Cruise Global to showcase what the city and region has to offer both operationally and touristically. In addition, a long-term plan to invest in a fourth generation passenger terminal was presented. This will be equipped with the facilities and conveniences necessary to handle cruiseships and … [Read more...]
Former Braemar Sails from Scotland Ahead of Villa Vie Debut
The former Braemar has sailed from Scotland ahead of debuting for Villa Vie Residences. After spending almost four years docked in Rosyth, the 1993-built vessel left the port under its own power on Tuesday morning. Set to be renamed Villa Vie Odyssey, the cruise ship is now on its way to the Harland & Wolff Shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where it is expected to arrive on April 25. Full … [Read more...]
Malaga, Spain, to host the international Seatrade Cruise Med in September
The Malaga delegation reminded industry professionals gathered at Seatrade Cruise Global that in September it will host the international cruise fair in the Mediterranean. The cruise industry met at the most important fair in the sector, Seatrade Cruise Global, where over 10,000 professionals attended to learn about market trends. Following this prominent meeting, Malaga will be the next important … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Skips Two Ports Due to Propulsion Trouble
Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas will be skipping calls to Astoria and Victoria on its North American West Coast voyage due to propulsion issues.Radiance of the Seas is facing propulsion issues as it sails on the West Coast of the U.S.Photo 28868446 | Radiance Seas © Lawrence Weslowski Jr | Dreamstime.com According to a statement from the cruise line, a technical issue with one … [Read more...]
Disney Reveals All Character Outfits for New Private Destination
Disney Cruise Line has revealed a full range of new outfits for Mickey Mouse and friends, crafted specifically for their adventures at the highly anticipated private retreat Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The new outfits are infused with the spirit of the local Junkanoo festival. New Fashion Revealed for Disney Characters at Lookout Cay Disney Cruise Line (DCL) has unveiled … [Read more...]
New member: Figueira da Foz, Portugal – Cruise Europe
Joining the Cruise Europe family, and a newcomer to the sector, is the Port of Figueira da Foz (PFdF), located between Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, both of which have international airports. The city of about 60,000 inhabitants welcomed passengers on three calls last year – two from Swan Hellenic Cruises’ Diana – and is keen to expand the cruise business. Cruiseships of 140m length and 5.5m … [Read more...]
Santa Cruz de Tenerife welcomes National Geographic Endurance, Viking Sky and Celebrity Ascent on their first calls
The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife celebrated the presentation of the metope to the cruise ships National Geographic Endurance, Viking Sky and Celebrity Ascent on their first calls, consigned by Miller y Cía, S.A.- Boluda Corp. Marítima, Pérez y Cía. and Hamilton y Cía. respectively. The presentation of the corresponding metope to the scientific vessel, icebreaker category, “National Geographic … [Read more...]
Crystal Commemorates The 80th anniversary of D-Day. An Immersive Voyage Tracing The Path Of The Allied Forces
Crystal announces a special voyage tracing the path of Allied forces during World War II, marking the 80th anniversary year of D-Day. Set to sail aboard the elegant Crystal Symphony from Sept. 18 to 26, 2024, this immersive journey brings together a remarkable group of special guests and lecturers, offering exclusive insights into one of the most significant events in modern history. Departing … [Read more...]
Virgin Voyages opens status match to hotel & airline loyalty programs
Starting Wednesday (April 24), and through to this Friday (April 26), Virgin Voyages will open up its Sailing Club Status Match to honour other airline and hotel loyalty programs. Travellers part of Marriott Bonvoy, American Airlines’ AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles and Hilton Honours (among many others) will gain access to Virgin Voyages’ “Blue Extras,” with things like one free bag of laundry, … [Read more...]
5 Reasons I Check Cruise Ship Deck Plans Before Picking a Cabin
After 50 cruises, I’ve been in some less-than-ideal cabin locations. Most of the time, cabins with excessive noise and weirdly positioned balconies could have been avoided if I just checked the deck plans. After I learned that deck plans give way more insight into what I could expect from my home away from home on a ship, I now check them before ever selecting my stateroom. There are 5 very … [Read more...]
Baltimore Harbor Reopening Update – What About Cruise Ships?
Port of Baltimore has issued an update on reopening plans for different channels that are being made available to marine traffic, less than one month after the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge. While different channels are now being opened to accommodate some of the port’s maritime operations, it is unlikely that cruise ships will be able to operate from the Port of Baltimore for … [Read more...]
Disney Dream Converting Select Staterooms Concierge Level Staterooms – Now Bookable as GTY for 10/20/2024 and Beyond
Following the Disney Dream’s European season, several category 4A Deluxe Family Oceanview staterooms with Verandah staterooms will be converted to concierge level 3A staterooms. These soon to be converted staterooms are currently bookable for sailings beginning on October 20, 2024, the Disney Dream’s 13-night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale as Concierge … [Read more...]
The Top 5 Most Commonly Forgotten Items When Packing for Your Cruise
Embarking on a cruise is an exciting and memorable experience, but ensuring everything is packed before setting sail can sometimes be challenging. To help you avoid any last-minute stress, we have compiled a list of five essential items that people often forget to pack for their cruise:1. Power Strip/Surge ProtectorWhen cruising, your stateroom’s access to power outlets may be limited. Packing a … [Read more...]
A look at ALL the New Character Outfits for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Today, the Disney Parks Blog shared a look at the Junkanoo inspired outfits your favorite characters will be wearing at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="900" height="506" data-attachment-id="65465" … [Read more...]
Two Cruise Passengers Reported Missing in the British Virgin Islands
Two cruise guests who arrived in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands aboard Norwegian Sky on Friday, April 19 have been reported missing, as neither man returned to the cruise ship for departure. Local authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating the missing men, and have noted that neither one has departed the territory in any legal means that would involve their paperwork being … [Read more...]