A new sailing route in Indonesia offered by AdventureSmith Explorations, the leader in small-ship adventure cruising, is giving expedition travelers more opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in Indonesian culture and its distinct wildlife experiences. Aboard either the 24-guest Ombak Putih or 12-guest Katharina traditional Indonesian sailing vessels, the 9-day trip sets sail from and … [Read more...]
The ecological crisis no one is talking about – IAATO
Unless you’ve you been tuning in to some of the more erudite media channels, you probably have no idea about the crisis unfolding in polar and sub-polar regions. The cruise companies certainly are not talking about it. So, what am I talking about? It’s avian influenza caused by the circulating H5N1 subtype of the virus, aka High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), first reported in the wider … [Read more...]
Cruise Line Makes Entire Fleet All-Inclusive
In an ambitious move to redefine the cruising experience onboard its expedition ships, HX has announced the introduction of an all-inclusive offering across its entire fleet. The change aims to elevate the onboard experience for guests by eliminating the need for them to book or pay for extra services, aligning HX with the offerings of ultra-luxury expedition cruise lines like Silverseas … [Read more...]
Cruise Port Amsterdam builds energy hub – Cruise Europe
The construction phase of the energy hub for the Passenger Terminal is progressing steadily, according to Monic van der Heijden, commercial director Cruise Port Amsterdam (PTA). In collaboration with PowerCon and subcontractor BAM Infra, work is currently underway on the foundation, which is expected to be completed by the end of April. The structural construction of the building will begin in … [Read more...]
Cruise Planners Achieves Record-Breaking Booking Week
Cruise Planners the nation’s largest home-based franchise host travel agency, proudly announces a historic achievement as the company reaches an unprecedented all-time high in sales for a single week. Celebrating a remarkable WAVE season, Cruise Planners recently hit their highest booking week ever in the history of the company for the week of February 19th. This achievement underscores the … [Read more...]
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) Redefines the Expedition Experience Launching All-Inclusive Offering Across Its Fleet
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), the global leaders in expedition cruising, have announced plans to further enhance their onboard guest offering. As part of a phased approach, starting with Antarctica & Galápagos expeditions departing in October 2024, they will be introducing an ‘all-inclusive’ offering as standard across the whole fleet from November 2024, covering all destinations. Since … [Read more...]
I rented a $2,000 cabana at Royal Caribbean's adults-only area of CocoCay. It was totally worth it, especially with a private pool
I've rented plenty of cabanas at Royal Caribbean's private destinations in the Caribbean, but its latest creation is my favorite yet.Perfect Day at CocoCay is an island in The Bahamas for its passengers to enjoy, and there's plenty to see and do without spending extra.Around Perfect Day at CocoCay are cabana rentals you can choose to reserve for an extra cost to provide privacy, extra service, … [Read more...]
Holland America Line’s 2025-2026 Mexico and Pacific Coast Seasons Offer Rare Great Bear Rainforest Itinerary and Sea of Cortez Cruises
Holland America Line opened its 2025-2026 Mexico and Pacific Coast seasons, including longer calls at unique ports like Mexico’s Loreto and Topolobampo, and a new seven-day Great Bear Rainforest itinerary — a rarely cruised route that reveals the beauty of British Columbia, Canada. Cruises run from August 2025 to May 2026 and range from one day up to a 29-day Collectors’ Voyage. Holland America … [Read more...]
First International Cruise Line Resumes Sailings From Mainland China
MSC Cruises becomes the first international cruise line to return its ships to mainland China and begin home port operations since the pandemic as MSC Bellissima arrives in Shanghai for her maiden call. A Historic Return to China MSC Cruises has achieved a significant milestone by being the first international cruise line to resume operations from a mainland China home port … [Read more...]
MSC Details Naming for New Ship at World’s Largest Cruise Terminal
MSC Cruises has announced plans to welcome their newest ship, the upcoming MSC World America, into the fleet next spring with a naming ceremony at what will be the largest cruise terminal in the world. This will demonstrate and solidify the cruise line’s commitment to the North American market in a large and spectacular way, bringing MSC Cruises to eager travelers from the Cruise Capital of the … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises to Host MSC World America Naming Ceremony in Miami
MSC Cruises will hold the naming ceremony for its latest ship, MSC World America, on April 9, 2025, at PortMiami!The event marks MSC Cruises’ dedication to Miami and the North American market with onboard activities and a champagne bottle-breaking tradition.“There is no better place to welcome MSC World America than the cruise capital of the world,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, President of MSC … [Read more...]
Greece Unveiled: Sail Away With Windstar Cruises
Traveling to Greece can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the optimal way to explore this remarkable country is undoubtedly by small ship. Embarking on a journey aboard a Windstar yacht offers an unparalleled experience, from the decadent cuisine to the extraordinary excursions. The 5-masted Wind Surf stands out among the fleet, which also includes Wind Spirit and Star Legend. On … [Read more...]
The worst months to cruise to Alaska
Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations, but what are the worst months to book a cruise to the state?From picturesque glaciers to charming small towns, cruising to Alaska is a dream for many. Over 1.5 million tourists visit the state by cruise ship each year, so each month of the short cruise season sees an impressive amount of visitors.Even so, not every month will offer the same … [Read more...]
Celestyal adds more 2025 departures due to demand
Celestyal Cruises has added two Heavenly Adriatic departures in March 2025 and three Desert Days sailings in February and March 2025 onboard the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey.The additional round-trip seven-night Heavenly Adriatic cruises will depart from Piraeus, Greece, on March 22 and 29 2025 with fares starting from £499 per person. The cruise will call at Kefalonia (Greece), Dubrovnik … [Read more...]
Norwegian Escape Cruise Ship: Overview and Venues
A relatively new cruise ship, Norwegian Escape entered service in 2015 as a Breakaway Plus-class ship. Even with its young-ish age, the ship has already received a refurbishment in 2022, with another dry dock slated for 2025. Overall, this is a ship that’s been kept up nicely, ensuring you can still thoroughly enjoy all the stand-out features that were considered unique and … [Read more...]
Entertainer Sues Cruise Line Over Passenger Action On Stage
A year after a passenger tackled an entertainer onstage aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas, the entertainer is now suing the cruise line and Royal Caribbean Group for damages. The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court, Southern District of Florida on December 19, 2023, and is progressing toward a court date. Magician Files Suit Against Royal … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean News Round-up March 17, 2024
This was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.Royal Caribbean has canceled all visits to Labadee, its private peninsula in Haiti.In recent weeks, Haiti has made global news for gang violence and a mass prison break. The US Embassy has advised American citizens to leave Haiti. For guest safety, … [Read more...]
Swiss cruise line relaunches Shanghai port – MSC Cruises
Switzerland-headquartered MSC Cruises relaunched its home port operation in Shanghai along with its flagship MSC Bellissima on Saturday, becoming the first international cruise line to resume sailings from Chinese mainland after the pandemic. “This marks an important milestone in the global cruise industries’ recovery. The restart of the international cruise operation from China sends a strong … [Read more...]
Join The 2024 Crystal Grand Challenge: An Exclusive Invitation For Travel Advisors
Crystal is celebrating its triumphant return to the seas by launching the 2024 Crystal Grand Challenge. With $450,000 in awards, this contest is designed to honor and reward the dedication of top travel advisors and welcome newcomers to the exceptional world of Crystal. The challenge extends an invitation to travel advisors in the United States and Canada to participate in one of two races: the … [Read more...]
ASTA Breaks Records With Third River Cruise Expo
On March 13, 12 river cruise ships across nine brands docked side-by-side in Amsterdam, serving as a home base for the travel advisors and supplier partners headed to the city for the American Society of Travel Advisors’ (ASTA)River Cruise Expo. Now in its third year, the expo has seen tremendous growth since its debut in 2022, when it welcomed 500 attendees in Budapest, Hungary (this year’s event … [Read more...]