We have sailed to Alaska six times, twice with Norwegian Cruise Line. While we’ve enjoyed our cruises with the brand, an Alaska cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line isn’t right for everyone. So, before you put down that deposit, you need to know the pros and cons of Alaska cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line. Armed with all the details, you can pick the correct ship, and your Alaska cruise will be smooth … [Read more...]
Saudi Arabia aims to preserve historic Jeddah attractions amid cruise boom
Saudi Arabia is putting in place plans to better accomodate international visitors, particularly cruise tourists, in its historic areas, such as Jeddah Historic District. Jeddah Historic District, within Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s primary cruise port on its west coast on the Red Sea, is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites that recognise the city’s rich history and cultural … [Read more...]
AROYA Cruises confirms December launch in Red Sea despite security crisis
AROYA Cruises has comitted to its December launch date in the Red Sea, despite the ongoing security crisis in the region that has prompted many cruise lines to sail around southern Africa instead. During the Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai, Turky Kari, Executive Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at AROYA Cruises, said once its first ship sets sail in December, it will … [Read more...]
Celebration Key construction empowers Grand Bahamian workforce: Over 85% of contracted companies working on site hail from Grand Bahama
As work progresses on Celebration Key, a transformative project set to redefine the landscape of Grand Bahama, Carnival Corporation & plc has disclosed that over 85% of the companies contracted to work at the construction site are Grand Bahamian, a reflection of the company’s commitment to local empowerment and fostering sustainable partnerships with the community. To date, more than 180 … [Read more...]
Cruise deployment down due to Red Sea crisis, but Dubai set to bounce back
Cruise deployment to the Middle East is down by around 30% due to the ongoing security crisis in the Red Sea, but cruise tourism officials at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai expressed optimism in future growth given the region’s proven resilience. All grand voyages and repositioning itineraries between Europe and Asia that used to call in the Middle East, using Dubai as a key … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Salutes Military Women as Part of Inaugural Fleet Week in Miami. Carnival Conquest Hosts Special Tribute at PortMiami
To cap off the first ever Fleet Week festivities in Miami and kick off Mother’s Day weekend, Carnival Cruise Line showed its support and appreciation for the military by saluting more than 150 women military members on Carnival Conquest today (May 10, 2024). During the program, U.S. Naval Academy graduate Vera Lannek, vice president of strategic sourcing for Carnival Corporation, shared heartfelt … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean News Round-up May 12, 2024
Happy Mothers Day! All the moms out there deserve a big hug, thank you, and hopefully a new cruise booking too.The next new Royal Caribbean cruise ship is on her way to completion.Utopia of the Seas began her sea trials this week, which is a major milestone in the construction of any cruise ship.On May 7, Utopia of the Seas departed from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France for a 5-day … [Read more...]
Style & Design: MADE with PRIDE
What we love, by people who love what they are.Everyone’s got a reason to be proud, and Porthole’s proud to help these creators represent. We always showcase the most stylish designs from all kinds of makers’ brands, but this issue, we’re sharing the pride with LGBTQIA+-owned, native and indigenous-owned, and Black woman-owned studios.LGBTQIA+-owned SUAY SEW SHOPSuay is Thai for “beautiful.”This … [Read more...]
Catalina on a Cruise: What to Know, Do, and See During Your Visit
If you live in the Los Angeles area, then there is a good idea that you know about the gem that is Catalina. If you’ve never visited, however, you’re in for a treat when you stop during your cruise. The town of Avalon is where your cruise will visit during your trip to Catalina. Here’s what to know about the island, town, weather, and more. Having visited ports all around North … [Read more...]
Carnival Crew Member Falls From Ship During Emergency Drill
Crew members aboard Carnival Venezia smoothly handled an emergency situation that coincidentally happened during an emergency drill. The incident happened while the ship was docked in St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands on Friday, May 10. St. Thomas was the first port of call on the ship’s current sailing, an 11-night Eastern Caribbean voyage from New York. Carnival Venezia departed the Big … [Read more...]
What Are the Best Cruise Lines for Couples?
If you’re a couple considering booking a cruise in the near future, and you’ve never cruised before, you need to keep something in mind as you decide which cruise line you’d like to sail with: Not all cruise lines consider couples as a priority. And this is fine! Some cruise lines are more geared toward families or those looking for a great time on the high seas with a posse of their friends. … [Read more...]
Crew Member Falls Off Cruise Ship During Emergency Drill [VIDEO]
Emergency drills are common practice on any cruise ship. It helps keep the crew ready for any kind of situation. These drills are often done on port days when cruise passengers are mostly off the ship. But one such drill turned into an actual emergency on Friday when a crew member fell into the water. The incident happened on Carnival Venezia while the ship was docked in St. Thomas … [Read more...]
Can you upgrade your room after final payment on my cruise?
Can you change or upgrade your room on a Royal Caribbean cruise if you're past the final payment date?It seems as though when you reach the final payment date for your sailing, everything is more or less "written in stone" for the purposes of your reservation. You'd incur penalties for changing or cancelling your cruise reservation, but are you definitely stuck with the cabin selection you've … [Read more...]
Cruise Passenger with Service Dog Shares Personal Story: “They Will Never Bother Anyone”
Following a recent Carnival Celebration cruise specifically designed for visually impaired passengers, Carnival Cruise Line Ambassador John Heald revisited the topic of service dogs on board.Carnival Celebration hosted 40 guests who were accompanied by service dogs on a recent sailing. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever This comes after a guest raised concerns about allergies and the presence of 40 … [Read more...]
Elevate Your Cruise Experience: How to Secure Specialty Dining Reservations
Embarking on a cruise is not just about the destinations you visit or the activities you partake in – it’s also about the dining experiences that elevate your trip from ordinary to extraordinary. Cruise ships are known for their excellent cuisine, and one way to take your culinary journey to the next level is by booking specialty dining experiences. These exclusive restaurants offer unique menus, … [Read more...]
I went on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and saw why the surging hype is real
You've probably heard lots about Icon of the Seas by now, but what makes the ship so highly celebrated?I sailed on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship this month on a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing.I wanted to see exactly why this ship has been so hyped over the past few months, and if all the praise is deserved.Initially, I expected the ship to feel like a bigger version of an Oasis-Class … [Read more...]
Mariner of the Seas 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day Cruise Compass – April 18, 2024
Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise State of residence State Which ship? What type of cabin would you like? Where are you interested in cruising? Source: Royalcaribbeanblog.com … [Read more...]
Odyssey of the Seas 14-night Transatlantic Cruise Compass – April 21, 2024
Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise State of residence State Which ship? What type of cabin would you like? Where are you interested in cruising? Source: Royalcaribbeanblog.com … [Read more...]
Mariner of the Seas 5-night Western Caribbean Cruise Compass – April 27, 2024
Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise State of residence State Which ship? What type of cabin would you like? Where are you interested in cruising? Source: Royalcaribbeanblog.com … [Read more...]
Adventure of the Seas 8-night Southern Caribbean Cruise Compass – April 26, 2024
Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise State of residence State Which ship? What type of cabin would you like? Where are you interested in cruising? Source: Royalcaribbeanblog.com … [Read more...]