Sailing with Emerald Waterways on the Rivers in Germany

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July 1, 2019

Emerald Waterways operates a fleet of 15 ships that sail itineraries in Europe, France, Portugal, Egypt, Asia and Russia. I sailed on the 182-passenger river ship Emerald Destiny on a “Legends of the Moselle, Rhine and Main” voyage and learned what the line is all about.

I discovered that Emerald Waterways offers its passengers a fun experience with a great variety of activities — all while sailing on a ship that features friendly and attentive service and ample spaces to relax and enjoy the views offered on your journey.

I’ll break down this trip with the key things you should know about a cruise with Emerald Waterways along with information about the destinations you visit while sailing on these rivers in Germany.

A dining room view aboard Emerald Destiny — The ships offer amazing views through plenty of windows, even in the main dining room. This way you can fully enjoy the scenes that unfold along the rivers in Germany.

The Itinerary

We embarked in Bernkastel on the Moselle River. (This small port is reached after a two-hour bus ride from the Frankfurt airport.)

Bernkastel is a quiet little village and a popular vacation spot for Germans in the summer. The town is located in the heart of a respected wine-growing region in the Moselle Valley and features a Medieval Marketplace, historic town center, a picturesque bridge and the Burgruine-Landshut castle ruins (looming high on the hill).

After an overnight, it was time to sail. On this itinerary, the ship visited Cochem on the Moselle before stopping at Koblenz, which sits at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers. This was our lone stop on the Rhine, but we had an overnight visit and a morning of touring the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress before a long stretch of scenic sailing in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This is always a highlight of Rhine cruises. We were fortunate to have sunny weather as we gazed upon vineyards, castles, ruins and steeple-filled villages for miles.

Then, we entered the Main River and Main-Danube Canal portion of the trip, which visited Miltenberg, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Bamberg and Nuremberg, where we disembarked at the end of our voyage.

Cruisers looking at this itinerary should know that once your journey reaches the Main River and Main-Danube Canal, access to the sun deck is severely limited because of the numerous locks and low bridges that the ship must traverse (over the course of three days on my sailing).

Emerald Destiny and the other Emerald Waterways’ “Star-Ships” make this inconvenience tolerable, though, with a few key design elements that I outline in the next section.

The lounge view aboard Emerald Destiny — The main lounge features wonderful views throughout

A balcony cabin view aboard Emerald Destiny — The cabins offer a balcony with floor-to-ceiling window views.

Yoga Class available aboard Emerald Destiny — The EmeraldACTIVE lineup includes yoga classes.

The Ship

The spacious top Sun Deck is the place to be during periods of scenic sailing when the weather and other conditions cooperate. Canopies offer shade, and seating is available the full length of the ship on a soft green turf surface. The Sun Deck also offers putting greens and a walking track (6.5 laps to a mile).

Emerald Destiny is unique among river cruise ships in that is has a large pool (the water is 4.5 feet deep) at the back of Deck 3, and this area offers 270-degree views through floor-to-ceiling glass, a retractable sun roof, dozens of cushioned chairs and loungers and a bar area. This is an amazing place to sit back (or swim up) and watch the world glide by. Additionally, this pool area is converted to a theater (seating up to 24 people) on certain nights to show movies on a big screen.

Inside, Emerald Destiny has a large lounge area with a library nook offering books, games and magazines as well as a bar, coffee machine and dance floor. This is the main hub of the ship where passengers gather to grab a coffee, tea, wine or cocktail and chat or read a book. Regular enrichment and entertainment activities take place here, too, along with the cruise director’s daily port talk. For examples of enrichment, we saw dance and glass-blowing performances on our sailing.

The lounge is designed with glass throughout for constant views of the outdoors, and at the very front of the space, you can sit at a long bar-top surface looking straight out over an outside deck at the bow. Head out to the deck to enjoy the fresh air or an up-close look at the operations within a lock. These main lounge spaces and the pool area at the back offer fine alternatives for when the Sun Deck is closed to passengers.

Standard cabins on Decks 2 and 3 are designed with a flexible indoor/outdoor “balcony” space that converts with the flip of a switch to drop down a large window to a fixed railing. The interior space is comparable to that of most river ships i have sailed on. Closet space is tight, but dressers offer a large amount of drawer space for clothes. Trekking poles and umbrellas are provided. Bathroom space is tight.

Cabins are also available on Deck 1, and the ship features two cabins built specially for solo cruisers. There are 92 cabins in all, for up to 182 passengers.

Wi-Fi service is included in your fare, and service was spotty on our itinerary. The ship has a small fitness center with a recumbent bike, rowing machine, hand weights and yoga mats but no treadmill. Emerald Destiny offers massage treatments and a hair salon.

Activity Manager Harry Jordan aboard Emerald Destiny — Activity Manager Harry Jordan performs during one of his two cabaret nights, belting out a tune by Neil Diamond.

Pilate led by Activity Manager Harry Jordan aboard Emerald Destiny — Harry also led Pilates classes on the Sun Deck.

A long bike ride in Bernkastel with Emerald Waterways — We had a long bike ride in Bernkastel along the Moselle River.

Entertainment and Activities

Emerald Waterways has Activity Managers on their ships as part of their relatively new EmeraldACTIVE program. The position serves as a sort of co-cruise director, and our Activity Manager Harry Jordan oversaw a whole host of fun events that gave passengers a nice mix of things to do onboard and onshore.

The EmeraldACTIVE program replaces some of the traditional fare that we have seen over the years on river cruises, primarily the piano player in the main lounge. Instead, Harry, a trained singer and dancer, gave thrilling cabaret performances of classic songs by Neil Diamond and members of the Rat Pack during performances on two separate nights. He also led dance classes and yoga, stretching and Pilates classes.

Passengers are also able to jump into the pool for water aerobics or take part in golf putting competitions and games of soft petanque on the Sun Deck or trivia in the lounge. Our cruise culminated with an epic Disco Night, with more than 70 passengers sharing the dance floor when DJ Harry spun especially popular tunes from that era.

Shore excursions included the traditional city tours to see the castles, fortresses and visit wine cellars in our destinations. But the EmeraldACTIVE options offered more challenging hikes, bike rides (the ship carries a fleet of cycles) or walks in some of these spots, including a morning nine-mile ride followed by an afternoon hike to Burgruine-Landshut in Bernkastel to see the amazing views over the Moselle Valley.

Cuisine aboard Emerald Waterways — The chef and his team on Emerald Destiny prepared a four-course meal for the passengers each night.

The Food

Emerald Destiny offers an early-risers and late-risers light breakfast, as well as a lighter lunch option in the main lounge. The main dining room features a buffet breakfast and lunch. Lunch also includes a selection of daily specials and everyday menu items (seafood, steak, chicken and vegetarian) that can be ordered from the kitchen. Lunch was my favorite meal because of the live cooking station that served up fresh pasta (it offered omelets at breakfast) and the fresh-made ice cream available every day.

Dinner is a seated and plated meal ordered from a menu in the open-seating venue. The chef and his team prepared four-course meals that included items like beetroot carpaccio and veal meatballs as appetizers and Chateaubriand and sliced duck breast and leg as main courses. Each dinner also offered a fish and vegetarian dish.

The same everyday items also available at dinner, and I really enjoyed the steak and fries when nothing appealed to me among the main menu choices.

Emerald Waterways cruise fares include beer, wine and sodas during lunch and dinner in the main dining room. Drinks ordered elsewhere are charged to your account. Drinks packages are available.

The Bottom Line

Emerald Destiny offers cruisers a good value proposition, with a casually elegant feel (not luxury) in sleek and attractive spaces that connect you well to the outside views. The best part of my cruise was the fun vibe that emanated throughout the week as passengers — a mix of North American, U.K. and Australian cruisers — quickly bonded over a range of fun activities. The friendly crew played a big part in creating the proper mood for fun as we explored Germany.

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Honfleur Cruise Port: A Picture-Perfect Port for River and Ocean Voyages

By

John Roberts

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June 21, 2019

Honfluer marina — The pretty port of Honfleur in the Normandy region of France can accommodate river and ocean ships.

Honfleur is a small coastal town in northwestern France that can be reached by cruisers coming by both ocean and river ships. The ocean ship pier sits on the Seine, and the smaller ships on Seine river cruise itineraries in France can navigate right into the center of the coastal town through the Morelle Canal that reaches the ancient Norman port area.

The quaint village in the Normandy region sits at an estuary where the Seine connects to the English Channel. Honfleur also is across the waterway from Le Havre and is a wonderful cruise destination because of it small-port charm and 1,000 years of history on display.

Here is our guide for your cruise visit to Honfleur, France.

A Postcard-Worthy Port

Honfleur has more than 1,000 years of history and is known for its Medieval architecture, cobbled alleys and the half-timber, slate-covered homes that line the Old Port, the Vieux-Bassin. The city inspired legions of impressionist painters, including Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin, who each came to document the unique beauty of the city.

Gateway to Normandy

This port offers a gateway to the beaches at Normandy. Cruise excursions from here take about nine or 10 hours to go there and back, but this stop offers travelers the chance to visit the sites and learn the history of the D-Day invasions just up the coast that turned the tide for the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II.

Who Goes There?

Both ocean and river ships call at Honfleur, so you can pick your preferred style. Crystal Cruises, Silversea, Azamara, Windstar and Ponant are luxury lines that visit regularly. # and CroisiEurope offer Seine river cruises that pull right into Honfleur’s Old Port.

Honfleur promenade — A wide promenade follows the Seine toward the beaches in Honfleur.

The Plage du Butin beach area at the end of the promenade.

Walk or Run to Town (and the Beaches)

The ocean cruise pier has a well-marked path that guides visitors right into the town. It’s a less than 25-minute walk until you reach the Vieux-Bassin. This old Norman port is notable by the marina filled with yachts and the tall narrow buildings surrounding the quays. You can continue to walk or run to town and right on through to the promenade that leads all the way to the beach area. If you’re a runner, you will enjoy the easy two miles to get to the beach as it goes along the city canal, the Seine and past the Jardin des Personnalites on the way to Plage du Butin and Honfleur Beach.

Normandy Bridge in Honfleur — The Normandy Bridge connects Honfleur and Le Havre.

Don’t Miss

You actually can’t miss the Normandy Bridge, a stunning white span that reaches more than a mile across the Seine to connect Le Havre and Honfleur. The Normandy Bridge is an icon of the region.

St. Catherine’s Church is the most popular attraction. The 15th century Catholic cathedral is the largest and oldest wooden church in France. The double-roofed structure is a rebuild after the original church was destroyed in the 100 Years War. The town’s shipbuilders constructed the cathedral from wood gathered at a nearby forest.

Notre Dame de Grace is a lovely chapel that dates to the 17th century. Inside, decor includes lovely paintings and ship models. The esplanade outside the chapel offers panoramic views of the Seine.

Le Jardin des Personnalites is a gem at the port of Honfleur

Garden of Personalities in Honfleur — The garden is full of interest statues of painters, artists and navigators.

Le Jardin des Personnalites (the Garden of Personalities) is an exquisitely maintained city park filled with sculptures honoring significant people who have lived in our spent time in Honfleur. These personalities include Monet and other painters, artists, navigators and historical figures. The park is located at the edge of town and along the promenade. It offers a great place for a picnic on a sunny day and is an ideal spot to have a walk around and escape the crowds when the town is bustling with visitors.

Other Highlights

Honfleur boasts a fine culinary scene, with Michelin-star restaurants and scores of delightful creperies, cafes and wine bars. The town also features art galleries, museums and plenty of shops to buy items such as Calvados, an apple or pear brandy indicative of the Normandy region.

Staying overnight? Try one of Honfleur’s jazz clubs.

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Cruise Luggage Tags (8 Pack) FREE Give Away

By

John Shallo

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June 13, 2019

We are excited to offer our first FREE Give Away! You can enter to win this (8) Pack of Cruise Luggage Tags by clicking here or the link below. We recently used these same luggage tags on our cruise. I was so impressed by them I wanted to share them with you all. Just enter our give away today! You can enter multiple times!

Cruise Luggage Tags – Zip Seal – (Clear) Etag Holders & Steel Loops (8 Pack) by Shacke

Contains 8pk Cruise Ship Luggage Tag Holders 7.25 x 3.5 in. Size & Heavy Duty Metal Wire Strap Cruise
Use them for Princess, P&O, Norwegian, Costa, and Holland America cruises. Whether you’re going to the Bahamas, Europe, Mexico or South America Your bags will be safe.
Made from Thick Clear PVC Plastic – Soft, Flexible, and Durable
Zip Top Seal – Protect Your Paper from Rain or Falling Out
Stainless Steel Metal Loop To Prevent Your Tag From Detaching

You can enter by clicking HERE!

Good Luck!

Carnival Cruise Line And Thrillist Partner To Create “Island Hoppers”

By

John Shallo

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June 13, 2019

Carnival Cruise Line And Thrillist Partner To Create “Island Hoppers”

New Digital Series Features Aspiring Comedians Vying for a Coveted Spot at Carnival’s Punchliner Comedy Clubs

Carnival Cruise Line and Thrillist have teamed up to launch “Island Hoppers,” a first-of-its-kind comedy competition show at sea, aiming to find the cruise line’s next comedy star to perform at its shipboard Punchliner Comedy Clubs.

The mobile-first series is hosted by award-winning actor James Van Der Beek and was filmed during a recent Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Horizon. Over seven episodes, Van Der Beek takes viewers on a journey as three up-and-coming comedians compete in entertaining challenges, judged by longtime Punchliner Comedy Club veterans Billy D. Washington, Jodi White and William Lee Martin. “Island Hoppers” will air June 11, on Thrillist’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter channels.

Hilarity ensues as the challengers show their creative cocktail-making skills at Carnival Horizon’s Alchemy Bar while having to perform a comedic act and offer their best one-liners as they traverse the heart-racing Mystic Mountain Jamaican bobsled ride during a call in Ocho Rios.

“I’m not really a host, and I’m definitely not a standup,” said Van Der Beek. “But this show is so unique I feel like that worked in our favor. As a writer and actor, I have a huge appreciation for what it takes to get up in front of a room full of strangers and make people laugh, so it was a joy to jump in and play with a group this talented and hilarious. Plus, we all got to be on the Carnival Horizon, which just made everything fun.”

“Entertaining 5 million guests across 26 ships is not an easy job. We’re always looking for top talent to add to our roster, so finding the perfect comedian is quite the task,” said Chris Nelson, Carnival’s vice president of entertainment. “That’s why we’re really excited to partner with Thrillist on this new and creative way to bring new comedians to our comedy club roster. Our guests love fun – comedy is part of our DNA – so we’re particularly thrilled that we are able to showcase incredible talent on every sailing.”

“Travel and fun is at the heart of what we cover every single day at Thrillist and ‘Island Hoppers’ is a perfect extension of that. We’re excited to bring this new series to our audience and offer them an entertaining and unique view of all of the fun that can be had aboard a Carnival ship,” said Thrillist President Ocean MacAdams.

Carnival’s Punchliner Comedy Clubs are the largest purveyors of comedy in the world with 27,000 shows annually across the line’s 26-ship fleet. Boasting more comedy performances than any land-based comedy club in the world, the Punchliner Comedy Clubs feature a lineup of top-notch talent who perform 30-minute shows, including family-friendly and adults-only sets, multiple times each voyage. All performances are offered on a complimentary basis.

To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com. For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL.

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MSC Cruises Expanding Guest Technology Aboard MSC Grandiosa

By

John Shallo

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June 13, 2019

Digital signage around the ships provides information (1) — ATL USAGE ON REQUEST; NO ALTERATIONS OF THIS IMAGE ARE ADMITTED. Any photo retouch requires prior authorization, please contact MSC Mediagrafica.

MSC Cruises is set to launch the Company’s sixth connected cruise ship later this year, MSC Grandiosa. To be christened in the Port of Hamburg on November 9, the ship will also introduce next-level MSC for Me features, brand new for 2019.

MSC for Me is a multi-channel digital program that enables guests to interact with the ship and crew members to better serve their needs, save them time and really get the most of their cruise. Since its introduction on board MSC Meraviglia in 2017, the digital innovation program has been expanded to four more ships — MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Splendida and MSC Bellissima, each time adding more features to improve guest experience.

MSC Cruises CEO, Gianni Onorato, commented: “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at MSC Cruises, and technology does not stand still. Since launching our industry-leading digital innovation program MSC for Me in 2017, we continued to research and implement the latest technologies that are specifically designed to enhance our guest experience, ensuring that they can make the most of the rich array of services, activities and facilities that we offer on board our ships.”

As an expansion of the program, MSC Cruises first introduced ZOE, the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant, on board MSC Bellissima in March. ZOE is a ground-breaking AI voice activated technology that will also launch on MSC Grandiosa later this year.

Alongside ZOE, MSC Cruises has introduced a number of new guest-centric digital innovations to its industry-leading connected guest experience for 2019. The new features introduced this year offer guests the chance to better plan everything they want to experience before they even set foot on board as well as during the cruise. These services include the option to book packages through the MSC for Me app and add them already to their personal agenda. Meanwhile, new onboard services such as the Friends & Family Locator and the MSC for Me Chat, help guests to stay connected with the people they are traveling with. All these innovations are designed to save valuable time for the guest that they can spend more time enjoying their vacation.

Plan Before Your Cruise

To help guests plan their cruise prior to departure, they can download the MSC for Me app and begin booking services simply and easily. Before embarking, guests can benefit from the following MSC for Me features:

NEW! Guests can plan their time aboard by adding selected pre-booked experiences to their pre-cruise personal agenda, whether it be excursions, specialty restaurant reservation or that exciting Cirque du Soleil at Sea show.

NEW! Pre-registering of a credit card through the app prior to the cruise is then one less thing that guests need to do when they embark, giving them more time to enjoy their cruise once on board.

Make The Most Of Your Time Onboard

NEW! Friends and Family Locator. This new paid-for service means friends and family traveling together will never get lost. Guests can purchase a special MSC for Me wristband with Bluetooth, Low Energy technology, and find their loved ones at any time on the ship map shown on their MSC for Me app. This new feature is being introduced in addition to the Kids Locator service launched in 2017, where parents can keep track of and see their kids’ location on board.

NEW! MSC for Me Chat. Guests are now able to message each other directly through the MSC for Me app, without the need for an internet package. To begin chatting, guests simply scan the QR code on their friend’s app and begin chatting. The chat feature makes meeting up simple, like where to enjoy a pre-dinner drink or afternoon cocktail together.

NEW! ZOE, developed in partnership with HARMAN and Samsung Electronics, is MSC Cruises’ industry leading voice-enabled artificial intelligence (AI) found in every stateroom on MSC Bellissima, and coming soon on MSC Grandiosa. Speaking seven languages, she can answer hundreds of questions about the cruise, provide information about onboard facilities, offer guidance and suggestions, and help book services.

NEW! A handy ‘what to eat’ feature has been added to the MSC for Me app to give guests insight into the local must-eat ingredients or dishes to try in port as they cruise from destination to destination. For example, in Barcelona, try “LA BOMBA”, one of Barcelona’s most iconic tapas dishes, a potato croquette served with two different sauces: a white garlic aioli and a rich and spicy tomato sauce.

Besides the new features introduced this year, MSC for Me continues to offer:

Mobile check-in to save time on embarkation day for a simple transition from shore to onboard
Navigating the ship with an interactive map on the MSC for Me app helps guests get around the ship quickly and easily with step-by-step instructions
Guests can plan their cruise in real time, browsing through daily events, activities, and highlights on the app, in-cabin TV and interactive screens throughout the ship
NFC wristbands will connect guests to the ship’s services so they can book services through the interactive digital screens, open their stateroom door and more

MSC Grandiosa Will Be The Largest Ship In The Fleet

MSC Grandiosa is the third ship of the innovative Meraviglia generation and the first of the Meraviglia-Plus class. She will become the fifth new next-generation ship MSC Cruises has launched in just two and a half years.

Marvell generation ships have been designed to meet every need of the modern cruise guest. The extraordinary design, wide array of facilities and entertainment make these ships ideal for the whole family. Designed for all seasons, they can call at most of the world’s international cruise ports.

MSC Grandiosa will become the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet with further enriched facilities, more staterooms, more public space and new features.

The Company’s new flagship will be christened on November 9 in the Port of Hamburg. Following the glamorous event, she will sail the winter season in the Mediterranean, calling at iconic destinations including Barcelona, Palermo, Marseille and Valletta in Malta.

For more information about MSC for Me or MSC Grandiosa, please visit www.msccruises.com.

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Carnival Corporation’s Brands Lead Cruise Industry with Sailings to Panama Canal

By

John Shallo

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June 13, 2019

Six global cruise lines from world’s largest leisure travel company have 26 ships and over 70 voyages scheduled to sail guests to the Canal, one of most spectacular engineering marvels of all time

Carnival Corporation & plc has established its position as the leader in Panama Canal cruises, with more ships sailing to and through one of the world’s greatest marvels than any other cruise provider. Six of Carnival Corporation’s global cruise line brands will sail partially or completely through the Panama Canal during its upcoming peak season, which will run from fall 2019 through spring 2020. This will be the third full cruise season since the Canal’s historic 2016 expansion.

Collectively, Carnival Corporation’s brands visiting the region – Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises and Seabourn – have 26 ships currently scheduled to enter the expanded locks connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, representing roughly one-quarter of the corporation’s global fleet. Just in the upcoming Panama Canal cruise season, Carnival Corporation has over 70 cruises planned to make partial or full visits.

“Cruising is all about providing our guests with extraordinary experiences at an exceptional value, and since our cruise vacations to the spectacular Panama Canal are considered the best way to appreciate such a stunning engineering phenomenon, it is no surprise we continue to earn rave reviews from our guests,” said Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation. “We are proud to offer travelers so many options for visiting the Canal, one of the world’s fastest growing tourist destinations.”

Carnival Corporation and its brands have a rich history in the Panama Canal. The corporation’s Princess Cruises brand, the fastest growing international premium cruise line, was the first cruise line to take guests through the Panama Canal in 1967. Fifty years later, the brand marked another major milestone with the first large cruise ship, Caribbean Princess, to traverse the newly expanded “Neo-Panamax” Locks.

Carnival Corporation brands offer the largest selection of Panama Canal sailings with various lengths ranging from eight to 112 days, departing from more than a dozen ports throughout the U.S., Canada, South America and Europe, including Los Angeles; New York; Miami; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Rio de Janeiro; Southampton (England); Vancouver and more.

Carnival Cruise Line continues to expand its itinerary offerings with longer length Carnival Journeys cruises visiting some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Carnival Journeys offer unique local culinary and entertainment experiences, as well as special activities, including photography, cooking, arts and crafts, and celestial navigation on the brand’s Panama Canal transits.

Following an extensive $200 million renovation that added a variety of dining and entertainment innovations as well as stateroom upgrades, Carnival Sunrise’s inaugural season from New York includes a 14-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal cruise, highlighted by a partial transit of the canal along with local culinary and entertainment experiences and unique shipboard activities.

Carnival Cruise Line offers full and partial transits of the Panama Canal, departing from nine ports around the U.S., including Los Angeles; San Diego; Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; Mobile, Ala.; Tampa, Fla.; Miami; Baltimore; and New York. Each itinerary includes calls on a variety of ports, providing guests with unforgettable opportunities to take in architecture, landmarks and attractions, as well as shopping, dining and cultural experiences.

Carnival Corporation’s Cunard brand recently unveiled its Oceans of Discovery voyage program for November 2020 through May 2021, featuring Queen Victoria’s World Voyage – a westbound circumnavigation through the Panama Canal in 2021, which can be taken as a roundtrip from Hamburg or London, or a one-way voyage starting in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Full World Voyage will feature scenic cruising through the Panama Canal, as well as calls to 34 ports in 24 countries, including overnight stays in San Francisco, Honolulu, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore and Cape Town.

Guests who cannot wait to sail through the Panama Canal on the iconic brand can set out this summer on a 19-night voyage aboard Queen Elizabeth, departing Los Angeles on July 5. The itinerary features ports of call in Mexico and the Caribbean before visiting Fort Lauderdale, and then arriving in New York.

Expecting another robust Panama Canal season, Holland America Line is looking to build on the success of its previous season when the brand carried 40,500 guests through the Panama Canal. Seven ships and 32 cruise voyages are set to welcome another record-breaking season, with full transits ranging from 14 to 23 days and 10- or 11-day partial explorations. Each cruise provides more ways for guests to experience the Panama Canal.

Throughout the cruises, EXC programming brings the Panama Canal region’s local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life onboard. Guests who want to learn more about the region can attend an EXC Talk or head to an EXC Port to Table cooking demonstration or wine pairing event. The Dining Room and Lido Market also will showcase the flavors of the region. During the transit, a local expert is on board providing commentary on the history and building of the Canal. Exclusive culinary-themed Shore EXCursions in partnership with FOOD & WINE magazine showcase the regions’ food scenes from a local perspective.

P&O Cruises (UK) offers a 99-night world tour in January 2020 that includes a Panama Canal complete transit aboard Arcadia, one of its adults-only ships, as it takes guests to 26 destinations in the Caribbean, Central America, Hawaii, South Pacific, Southeast Asia and Australia before returning to Southampton in April 2020.

Princess Cruises carries more guests across this engineering marvel than any other cruise line. This year the line offers three ways to experience the Panama Canal – roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, roundtrip from Los Angeles, or full transit options that sail between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles or San Francisco and Vancouver. The 2019-20 lineup – the cruise line’s largest deployment ever to the Panama Canal – features five ships, with 10- to 21-day options, also visiting culturally rich ports in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America.

Each Princess Cruises transit of the Panama Canal includes live narration from the bridge offering a glimpse into the history and insight that went into its engineering feat, and a day of scenic cruising through Gatun Lake. Beyond the Canal, guests can enjoy the diverse cultures of Central and South America, the rainforests and wildlife of Panama and Costa Rica, and some top-rated beaches of the Caribbean.

For the upcoming 2020-21 season, five Princess Cruises ships will sail the waters of the Panama Canal, with 28 departures and nine unique itineraries. New for this season, two 15-day ocean-to-ocean voyages are offered sailing between Fort Lauderdale and the new homeport of San Diego, and Crown Princess sails on 10-day cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, bringing the Princess MedallionClass vacation experience to the region.

In July, Crown Princess will have the Medallion Class experience and in 2020 the experience will expand to Emerald Princess (August 2020) and Coral Princess (October 2020), enabling three MedallionClass ship to sail in the Panama Canal next year. Powered by OceanMedallion, the most advanced wearable device in the global hospitality industry, MedallionClass ships deliver a hassle-free, personalized vacation that gives guests more time to enjoy their precious vacation time. It also features MedallionNet, the best Wi-Fi at sea offering fast, affordable, reliable and unlimited internet service to stream shows, post photos and video chat.

Carnival Corporation’s ultra-luxury Seabourn brand offers two sailings through the Panama Canal for the 2019-20 season. Seabourn Sojourn’s October itinerary departs Los Angeles and calls in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Jamaica, before concluding in Miami, all centered around the daylight transit of the Panama Canal.

Additionally, during fall 2019, Seabourn Quest offers a 22-day voyage of the Panama Canal and Inca Coast from Miami to Santiago, Chile – sailing south along the western side of South American ports with overnight stays in Manta (Quito), Ecuador and Callao (Lima), Peru.

Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com, www.princess.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.seabourn.com,www.pocruises.com.au, www.costacruise.com, www.aida.de, www.pocruises.com and www.cunard.com.

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Princess Cruises Offering Free Beverage Packages for All

By

John Shallo

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June 13, 2019

For a limited time, Princess Cruises is once again offering its Sip + Sail promotion, serving up an incredible value with free beverage packages to all guests booking select cruises and cruisetours. Running through July 16, 2019, guests can choose from worldwide destinations on sale such as Alaska, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia & Russia, the British Isles, Caribbean and Japan, departing January 2020 to May 2021.

The Sip + Sail offers guests booking balcony, mini-suite, or suite staterooms a free Premier Beverage Package for two people. Guests booking oceanview or interior stateroom will receive a free Premier Coffee & Soda Package. Plus, a free Premier Coffee & Soda Package for third and fourth guests in the stateroom is also included.

Select ships during this promotional period are MedallionClass ships, enabled by OceanMedallion, a complimentary wearable device that elevates the guest experience by delivering enhanced experiences and personalized service resulting in high guest satisfaction scores.

Examples of Sip + Sail cruise deals per guest include:

Alaska cruise — 7 days: $739 (interior), $1,699 (balcony)
Alaska cruisetour — 10 nights: $1,539 (interior), $2,519 (balcony)
Caribbean cruise — 7 days: $929 (interior), $1,399 (balcony)
Mediterranean cruise — 7 days: $1,364 (interior), $1,929 (balcony)
British Isles cruise — 12 days: $2,159 (interior), $3,049 (balcony)
Scandinavia & Russia cruise —11 days: $2,159 (interior), $2,749 (balcony)
Japan – 9 days: $1,739 (interior), $2,769 (balcony)

The Premier Beverage Package includes beer, wine by the glass and cocktails $12 and under, non-alcoholic beverages including bottled water (500ml only), fountain sodas, fresh juices, specialty coffees and teas, Gong Cha items, Frappes at Coffee & Cones, milkshakes, and energy drinks.

The Premier Coffee & Soda package includes all specialty or premium coffees and teas, hot chocolate, fountain sodas, fresh juices, Gong Cha items, Frappes at Coffee & Cones, mocktails, and smoothies as per the menu, energy drinks and Milk Shakes. The package includes one souvenir tumbler (based on availability and while supplies last).

All bottles of wine, one-liter bottles of water, canned soda and bottled juices can be purchased at 25 percent discount from the menu price.

The Premier Beverage Package retails for $59.99 per guest/per day and the Premier Coffee & Soda Package retails for $19.99 per guest/per day. More information on beverage packages can be found here.

Guests can also take advantage of a refundable, reduced deposit of 10 percent of the cruise fare per guest. Additional information about the Sip + Sail can be found at www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/.

All cruise prices are per guest, based on double occupancy. The Sip + Sail promotion runs through 11:59 p.m. PST on July 16, 2019and is available to residents 21 years of age and older of the United States & D.C., Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Bermuda.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com.

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Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates “Decade of fun” at Port of Baltimore

By

John Shallo

-

June 13, 2019

Over 1 Million Carnival Guests Have Sailed from Baltimore Since Launch of Year-Round Cruise Service in 2009

Carnival Cruise Line and the Port of Baltimore celebrated a historic milestone with a “Decade of Fun” celebration aboard Carnival Pride to mark the 10-year anniversary of Carnival’s year-round cruising from the port.

Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates "Decade of fun" at Port of Baltimore | 18 — In this photo released by Carnival Cruise Lines, the Carnival Pride emerges from under the Francis Scott Key bridge en route to the Port of Baltimore Monday, April 27, 2009, in Baltimore.

Carnival launched Baltimore’s first year-round cruise program in 2009 and over the past decade the line as carried more than 1 million guests.

The festivities were highlighted by a reciprocal exchange of maritime gifts with Carnival President Christine Duffy presenting the Cruise Maryland’s General Manager Cynthia Burman with a ship’s bell while Burman presented Duffy with a maritime international clock.

Carnival Pride offers a wide range of attractive cruise options from Baltimore including week-long voyages to tropical ports throughout the Bahamas and Bermuda as well as 14-day Carnival Journeys cruises visiting Caribbean destinations and partial Panama Canal transits.

Guests sailing aboard Carnival Pride enjoy a variety of features, including a Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub, Bonsai Sushi serving authentic Asian delicacies, and Guy’s Burger Joint developed in tandem with Food Network star and longtime Carnival partner Guy Fieri. The ship also boasts nearly 700 balcony staterooms – perfect for viewing the passing scenery – as well as a massive water park highlighted by Green Thunder, a drop-down slide that’s among the fastest and steepest at sea.

“Baltimore is an important part of our homeport deployment strategy and the port has been a great partner for the past 10 years,” Duffy said “Our cruises from Baltimore on board Carnival Pride continuously earn high marks from guests who appreciate the ease of sailing from this convenient and centrally located port,” she added.

“We are very proud to recognize 10 years of year-round cruising with Carnival Cruise Line,” said Maryland Port Administration Executive Director James J. White. “Many Maryland families and those in other states have sailed from the Port of Baltimore on Carnival Pride and have had the vacation of their lifetimes. We are very happy to have Carnival here in Maryland and look forward to many more years of seeing their beautiful ship at our port.”

Baltimore is an integral component of Carnival’s ship deployment strategy in which the line positions ships near large U.S. population bases along the East and West Coasts and the Gulf of Mexico. Including Baltimore, Carnival sails from 20 different North American homeports providing a cost-effective means for guests to get to and from their cruise. It’s estimated that roughly half of the U.S. population is within a day’s drive of a Carnival homeport.

Carnival launched Baltimore’s first year-round cruise program in 2010 and the departures attract guests from across the Northeast and other regions. Carnival and other cruise operators generate $204 million in direct expenditures and account for over 3,100 jobs and $175 million in wages toward the Maryland economy.

To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com. For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL.

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Virgin Voyages Appoints Captain Wendy Williams as Master of Scarlet Lady

By

John Shallo

-

June 13, 2019

Tom McAlpin, Captain Wendy and Sir Richard Branson

Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages President and CEO Tom McAlpin announced the appointment of Captain Wendy Williams as Master of Scarlet Lady. When Captain Williams takes the helm of Scarlet Lady in spring 2020, she will become the first Canadian woman to be captain of a ship for a major cruise brand. The company also announced a brand-new lineup of itineraries for their premier 2020 season.

“Captain Wendy’s extensive maritime background makes her an excellent choice to lead the Scarlet Lady, but it is her spirit and drive to approach life at sea differently that make her the perfect fit to join the Virgin Voyages family,” said Tom McAlpin, president and chief executive officer for Virgin Voyages.

Originally from the coastal city of Sept-Îles, Quebec on the Northeastern coast of Canada, Captain Williams now lives on her hobby farm on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Captain Williams has over 28 years of experience working on ships at sea. Her extensive background includes more than a decade as a deckhand in commercial fishing off the western coast of Canada and working as a ferryboat captain. Although she has spent over 15 years working on the bridge of mega cruise ships, her role with Virgin Voyages will be her first promotion to Master of a cruise ship.

“I have salt water in my veins and nothing brings me more joy than being at sea,” said Captain Wendy Williams. “It’s a dream come true to be working with Virgin Voyages, a company that is focused on creating an incredible experience not only for our Sailors but for our Crew as well; while also taking action to minimize our footprint on our oceans.”

Just last year, Virgin Voyages announced its Scarlet Squad program, an initiative dedicated to bridging the gender gap in leadership roles across the maritime industry, where women represent less than three percent of the workforce. The program aims to recruit, support and mentor female shipboard talent, and to grow opportunities for leadership roles in marine, technical and hotel management positions on board.

While Virgin Voyages is still in the early stages of the crew for Scarlet Lady, the company has already recruited Captain Williams and nearly a dozen other female officers, including Jill Anderson as hotel director, Christin Wenge as safety officer, Lindsay Kerber as environmental officer, among other talented female engineers and second and third officers.

Virgin Voyages’ intention is to create an onboard environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.

New Voyage Offerings

In response to the U.S. government’s new restrictions on travel to Cuba from the United States, Virgin Voyages has also developed an exciting lineup of new itineraries featuring destinations that its Sailors asked about exploring while on a voyage aboard Scarlet Lady.

Continuing the company’s mission to provide its Sailors with epic day and nighttime experiences, the all new itineraries will feature multiple late-night sail aways, including a midnight departure on all new sailings.

Virgin Voyages will now offer five-night Riviera Maya sailings to Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Cozumel and Playa del Carmen offer opportunities for Sailors to experience some of the world’s best diving, as the area is home to 26 coral species. Sailors will also explore ecological and archeological treasures, including Mayan ruins, or even opt to explore neighboring Tulum, the elevated Bohemian sanctuary with picturesque beaches and diverse nightlife.

For those who just want a quick getaway, Virgin Voyages’ four-night sailings will now become Fire and Sunset Soirées including a sunset departure from Key West and a midnight departure from Bimini. Sailors will experience the cultural and boating paradise of Key West, paired with a day of rejuvenation in Bimini, Bahamas that’s topped off by an exclusive late-night beach bonfire soiree. This celebration under the stars is exclusive to these sailings, and the artistic fire installations draw inspiration from the fireball sculptures on Branson’s Necker Island and the alluring communal nature of a traditional beachside bonfire.

In response to Sailor demand for longer voyages aboard Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages has developed special seven-night sailings for the 2020 festive holiday season. Those looking to get a jump start on their holiday planning can opt for the all-new Holidaze and Nights and New Year’s Ahoy voyages, which fall over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays respectively, and feature stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and late-night sail aways in both Bimini, Bahamas and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

All voyages will feature a stop in Bimini, Bahamas, home to The Beach Club, a private club for Virgin Voyages Sailors while Scarlet Lady is on the island.

For more information on Scarlet Lady, future Sailors and First Mates (travel partners) are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com.

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MSC Meraviglia Will Offer Two Unique Sailings From New York In October

By

John Shallo

-

June 13, 2019

MSC Meraviglia will arrive in North America for the first time this October. Not only will MSC Cruises guests be able to discover two brand new, select itineraries, but also welcome the stunning ship to North America before she makes her way to her new homeport in Miami.

MSC Meraviglia’s two itineraries from Manhattan to New England and Canada will embark on October 8 and 18.

October 8, 2019: 10-night sailing visiting Canadian ports of call including Sydney, Nova Scotia; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Québec City, Quebec for an overnight stay. Prices start at $1,229 per person for a balcony stateroom.
October 18, 2019: 10-night sailing visiting New England and Canadian ports of call including Bar Harbor, Maine; St. John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Portland, Maine; and Boston, Massachusetts. Prices start at $1,169 per person for a balcony stateroom.

IDYLLIC CANADIAN DESTINATIONS

Guests sailing on board both the October 8^th and 18^th sailings will visit several highlights of eastern Canada through Nova Scotia, Quebec, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. Cruisers will take in the natural beauty of these Canadian hotspots right as the leaves turn to their magnificent fall colors. Destinations and shore excursion opportunities include:

Sydney, Nova Scotia: As the gateway to Cape Breton Island, the area is known for the beautiful natural scenery as well as its rich Gaelic culture. Cruisers can explore the area through the eyes of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, by visiting his former home and museum. Or, guests can sail across the Great Bras d’Or, the world’s deepest channel, learn about the area’s strong Scottish culture and spot local wildlife.

Corner Brook, Newfoundland: The city is surrounded by some of the most beautiful wilderness in the world, along with spectacular ocean and mountain views. Visitors can walk along the Corner Brook stream through rolling boreal landscapes and follow in the footsteps of 18^th century Captain James Cook. For an appetizing experience, savor local flavors of locally caught, fresh fish while learning about the native cultures that shaped Newfoundland.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island: As the capital of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown is a city with a vibrant history, including a magical connection to the literary classic, Anne of Green Gables. Visitors can opt for a drive along the southern shore and admire the rolling landscape, enjoy a mouthwatering lobster lunch, or take in the history on a horse-drawn trolley.

Québec City, Quebec: As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Québec City draws visitors worldwide to its innate charm. In Old Québec, guests will discover a world seemingly taken from a European painting. The streets lined 17th- and 18th-century buildings are riddled with bakers, bistros and boutiques, with breaks of cobbled squares filled with cafe tables. Cruisers can also journey to the countryside for quintessential tea with scenic views and a stop by the majestic Montmorency Falls for a photo. Those looking for adventure can even take an 8-mile bike ride to the falls, passing the Québec Yacht Harbor, crossing the Saint Charles River, and more.

St. John, New Brunswick: There is plenty to explore in one of Canada’s oldest incorporated cities, including a unique phenomenon called the Reversing Falls, a set of rapids where the water of the Saint John River flows backwards when the adjacent Bay of Fundy is at high tide. Guests can also stroll through the Old City Market, Canada’s oldest farmer’s market and the ultimate foodie haven, or learn the art of landscape photography along the shore of the Bay of Fundy.

Halifax, Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia’s picturesque capital is a bustling business center with a flourishing public garden and waterfront boardwalk. Visitors can enjoy easy access hot spots like Peggy’s Cove, a small rural community located on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay, and Cape Breton Island. MSC Cruises guests can immerse themselves in the area’s history, Victorian-era landscaping and tales of 18^th century pirates. Guests can also visit Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the area’s distinctive architecture and craft stores, or join a local pub tour in true maritime tradition.

CHARMING NEW ENGLAND PORTS OF CALL

MSC Meraviglia’s itineraries from Manhattan will also stop in several New England hotspots along the east coast of the U.S. Cruisers will enjoy the charm and vibrant city centers of these coastal towns, while dining on New England favorites.

Bar Harbor, Maine: As the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of America’s most visited national parks, Bar Harbor is a charming seashore town with a mountainous landscape, lined with sea-facing cliffs and crashing ocean waves. Cruisers can delight in one of the area’s delicacies, Maine lobster, for a special tasting, or take in the Victorian-style cottages in the quaint town. With several tours of Acadia National Park, guests have plenty of opportunity to see the local wildlife and incredible natural landscape.

Portland, Maine: With fishing wharves and converted warehouses full of restaurants and shops, the charming waterfront town is one of New England’s bucket list destinations. Cruise guests will have plenty to do, including a guided tour of the area with a boat trip and lunch, a dedicated foodie walking tour to experience the area’s down-home cooking, a drive through the area’s most famous lighthouses, and more. Guests can even board a lobster boat and sail off to Casco Bay to learn about the famous Maine lobster.

Boston, Massachusetts: The buzzing city and capital of Massachusetts is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Guests can learn about the area’s history and role in the founding of the U.S. by land or sea. Cruise guest can embark on a harbor cruise, sailing past key landmarks. Drive through Boston’s cityscape, with highlights like Copley Square and the Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea Party began. Those looking to venture out of the city can opt for a tour of Cape Cod, where the Atlantic Ocean meets a shoreline dotted with cottages, sailboats and quaint fishing villages.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE CARIBBEAN

After MSC Meraviglia’s two round-trip sailings from New York, she will take a 13-night journey through the Caribbean to her new homeport in Miami. Embarking from Manhattan on October 28, 2019, the ship will visit Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Fort de France, Martinique; Bridgetown, Barbados; Saint George, Grenada; Willemstad, Curaçao; Oranjestad, Aruba; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island destination opening in November 2019. Prices start at $1,559 per person for a balcony stateroom.

For more information and to book a cruise on board MSC Meraviglia visit www.msccruises.com.

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