Cunard has reported its highest ever number of guest bookings over the Black Friday period. The luxury cruise line has seen strong booking momentum across 2024 and 2025 sailings, with Queen Anne’s European itineraries proving to be particularly popular with guests. Cunard President Katie McAlister said: “Following a record start to the year with our strongest Wave campaign in ten years, we have … [Read more...]

Many cruise travelers enjoy feeling connected to the ocean when they set sail, but one family sailing aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas got more connected than they ever could have imagined when they helped rescue a beached basking shark in Napier, New Zealand. The cruise guests, local police, and other beach walkers successfully helped refloat the juvenile shark, a … [Read more...]

On October 26, Cesar Diaz was named the new chairman at the Port of Santander. A couple of weeks later, on November 17, a plaque exchange took place as Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette made her first call, but the last call of the season to the Spanish port. Up until March of this year, Santander’s Passenger Terminal was used for both cruise and ferry but, starting this season, cruise traffic … [Read more...]

If your cruise ship is visiting Cozumel, Mexico than there's a good chance you're interested in visiting Paradise Beach.For over a decade, Paradise Beach was one of my top spots to visit while in Cozumel because it offered a white sand beach and pool, at a good price. I think most people that are looking for a beach day in any port want somewhere that has good amenities, conveniently located, … [Read more...]

Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, is now sailing from Port Everglades. After a few short cruises, the ship is now sailing a couple trade cruises for media and travel agents so they can get a first hand look at this 4th Edge class ship from Celebrity. I am currently sailing on the first of these two night sailings as a guest of Celebrity and here are my first impressions of the … [Read more...]

Elixir Boutique Cruises is expanding its offerings with the acquisition of the M/Y Gemaya, building upon the achievements of its popular Elysium ship. With individual suite bookings available, this yacht presents an excellent opportunity to experience the luxurious world of yacht cruising without the hefty price tag. Now, anyone can indulge in the lifestyle of the rich and famous without the need … [Read more...]

In a region that’s almost as famous for its car culture as it is for Hollywood, there has been a huge change in how people get around Los Angeles… and it’s great news for cruise passengers. Services like Uber or Lyft are ideal for getting you to and from a cruise in Los Angeles or Long Beach. Years ago, your options to getting to the cruise ports in Los Angeles or Long Beach were … [Read more...]

Every time Le Bellot calls in Hafnarfjörður, in Iceland, the engines are switched off and the ship plugs into the port’s electricity network. Since being fitted end of 2022, the PONANT Explorers series has reduced her atmospheric emissions at shoreside. “We are exploring numerous options to achieve the goal of cutting our CO2-per-sailing-day emissions by 30% by 2030[1] and becoming carbon neutral … [Read more...]

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has concluded an integrated travel campaign in China to boost inbound tourism to the Kingdom.  The initiative reached more than 500 million people in China and achieved a 277% increase in bookings to Saudi Arabia, according to a press release.  The campaign, featuring a week-long exhibition and films … [Read more...]

Carnival Cruise Line has completed the delivery of over six tons of school, recreational and health supplies donated by Rotary International Districts for children in the Merida and Progreso, Yucatán communities. To celebrate the arrival of the items, Carnival welcomed local dignitaries, including Yucatan Undersecretary of Tourism Raul Paz and Progreso Education Director Daniela Nuñez, and Rotary … [Read more...]

The holiday season is off to a roaring start for Princess Cruises as the brand experienced its most prolific sales period ever for the week of Thanksgiving including Black Friday and Cyber Monday (Nov. 20-27). Princess kicked off the Black Friday promotion early to give guests the best opportunity to take advantage of the great savings on the tremendous selection of cruises all over the … [Read more...]

The new Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban will boost the domestic cruise market in South Africa, while also enhancing the country’s appeal as a fly-cruise destination, according to the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA). TGCSA expressed excitement at the potential the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal presents South Africa’s cruise tourism … [Read more...]

In a partnership with Rotary International Districts, Carnival Cruise Line has delivered more than six tons of school, health, and recreational supplies to two top cruise port communities in Mexico: Merida and Progeso. This collaboration highlights the cruise line’s dedication to supporting the port communities it visits, which Carnival has demonstrated in a number of ways at many different … [Read more...]

As the busiest shopping days of the year officially get underway, Princess Cruises is already having a very happy holiday season with amazing booking records ever in the cruise line’s history for Thanksgiving week, including Cyber Monday. This bodes well for a profitable holiday season and high demand for cruises into 2024, 2025, and beyond. Princess Cruises Sets Booking Records In the week … [Read more...]

As the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season draws to a close, it has been a year marked by significant disruptions due to an above-normal storm season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported an active year with 20 named storms, including seven hurricanes, of which three were major hurricanes.  This activity ranks fourth in the number of named storms since 1950 and … [Read more...]

Key West is currently at the center of a significant decision regarding a request by the cruise piers owner for expansion of cruise ship operations, a request that has sparked intense debate among residents, environmentalists, and politicians.  The decision to allow larger and more cruise ships to come to Key West now rests in the hands of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The Governor’s … [Read more...]

Viking and the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy marked a major milestone in the construction of the cruise line’s newest ship, Viking Vela, when she was floated out on November 30, 2023, and touched water for the first time. The ship, the 10th in the Viking fleet, is slated to launch in December 2024. Viking Vela Celebrates a Maritime Tradition Viking’s 998-guest Viking Vela was floated out of … [Read more...]

Celebrity Cruises and its luxury retail partner are set to unveil several exclusive shops and services aboard the line’s newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, a vessel poised to enter service following her December 1, 2023 christening ceremony. The ship is the fourth in the line’s popular Edge class. High-end Brands Will Entice Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Known for its “Modern Luxury” marketing … [Read more...]

New Orleans has a lot to look forward to in 2024, from an early Mardi Gras to The Rolling Stones headlining Jazz Fest for the first time ever. You may be looking for a vacation though, far away from our city’s nonstop celebrations — and you’re in luck. Cruise lines are set to sail out of New Orleans next year, giving travelers a chance to explore places outside of not only the city but the … [Read more...]

The cruise line won the accolade for Best Business Transformation Strategy and was runner up for Best Customer Centric Strategy at the Engage Awards 2023 recognising innovation and excellence across the entire spectrum of customer and employee engagement. Judges were impressed with the company’s strategy for 2022/23 and beyond, creating a distinct guest profile that embraces everything it stands … [Read more...]