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Carnival Venezia Sailings From Port Canaveral Open for Late 2024

Carnival Venezia
Carnival Venezia

As Carnival Cruise Line prepares to debut its new ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style’ experiences on its latest addition to the fleet, Carnival Venezia, the cruise line is opening future sailings for the ship that include a series of departures from Port Canaveral, Fla. as the ship heads south for winter of 2024-25 like millions of other Northeasterners, before returning to New York in the spring of 2025.

“The sailings we’re opening today will allow us to share this new signature fun with more guests and bring another truly dynamic offering to one of our most popular homeports,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Carnival Venezia’s seasonal operation in Port Canaveral will bring our deployment there to five vessels and give our valued Carnival guests another great option when sailing from Central Florida.”

Carnival Venezia will reposition from New York with a 12-Day Southern Caribbean Carnival Journeys Cruise that departs on Dec. 6, 2024 and visits St. Thomas; St. Croix; Aruba; Curacao and Grand Turk and arrives to Port Canaveral on Dec. 18, 2024. The ship will embark its first guests from Port Canaveral on the same day and depart for a four-day Bahamas cruise, visiting Nassau and Freeport, to kick off its winter series. It will then operate 15 seven-day cruises, rotating itineraries and visiting a variety of popular destinations, as well as sailing two special 14-day Carnival Journeys cruises. After its seasonal deployment in Florida, the ship will return to New York in the spring of 2025.

To see Carnival’s wide range of sailing options offered from Port Canaveral, click here.

The following itineraries are examples of the sailings now open for sale on Carnival Venezia from Port Canaveral:

Week-Long Sailings from Port Canaveral

  • Seven-Day Exotic Eastern Caribbean Cruise departs Dec. 22, 2024 and visits Grand Turk; San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. Similar cruise itineraries are also available on five additional departure dates between February and April in 2025.
  • Seven-Day Exotic Eastern Caribbean Cruise departs Jan. 5, 2025 and April 27, 2025 and visits Amber Cove; San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas.
  • Seven-Day Exotic Western Caribbean Cruise departs Dec. 29, 2024 as well as Jan. 26, 2025 and March 23, 2025 and visits Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; Belize and Cozumel, Mexico.
  • Seven-Day Western Caribbean Cruise departs Feb. 9, 2025 and March 9, 2025 and visits Nassau, Bahamas; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
  • Seven-Day Western Caribbean Cruise departs April 6, 2025 and April 20, 2025 and visits Nassau, Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

Special Carnival Journeys Cruises from Port Canaveral

  • 14-Day Southern Caribbean Cruise departs Jan. 12, 2025 and visits St. Thomas; Antigua; Dominica; Grenada; Barbados; St. Maarten; St. Kitts and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  • 14-Day Southern Caribbean Cruise departs Feb. 23, 2025 and visits Grand Turk; Aruba; Curacao; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Limon, Costa Rica and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

The 5,000-guest Carnival Venezia will soon embark its first guests on a 15-day Carnival Journeys transatlantic sailing May 29, 2023 from Barcelona and arrive to her new home at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City. The ship’s first cruise from New York, a four-day cruise to Bermuda, is set for June 15, 2023. From its New York homeport through December 2024, the ship will operate 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.

Carnival Venezia is currently undergoing an enhancement project in Spain and will be the first ship to showcase ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style.’ It will debut a slate of fun concepts and experiences influenced by the ship’s Italian design, since it was originally built under Carnival’s sister brand, Costa Cruises, and boasts beautiful architectural features inspired by Venice, Italy that make the ship a unique addition to the Carnival fleet. Guests will find the same warm hospitality on Carnival Venezia that Carnival is known for fleetwide.

Guests will also find many Carnival mainstays they know and love on board, including Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint, the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki and the Chef’s Table, along with Lido Marketplace, Seafood Shack and Pizzeria del Capitano, Piano Bar 88 and Heroes Tribute Lounge. In addition, the ship will bring several new dining and beverage offerings into the fleet, including the new specialty restaurant, “Il Viaggio,” which promises a culinary journey with a menu curated to offer guests the best regional dishes and drinks from several regions of Italy. Guests can also expect the high-energy entertainment they know and love fleetwide on board Carnival Venezia, with several Playlist Production shows set to take the stage and special programming developed for children and families.

To see all sailings currently open for sale on Carnival Venezia, click here. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Icon of the Seas Construction Tour: Sneak Peek

Construction on Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas is progressing ahead of its highly anticipated debut in January 2024. On an exclusive construction tour, the world’s best family vacation takes shape from bow to stern across eight neighborhoods, including the home to the largest waterpark at sea – Thrill Island – and Surfside, the first neighborhood designed for young families from end to end.

Icon of the Seas Construction

What’s in store on Icon is the first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation. From the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure, the revolutionary ship delivers every kind of family and adventurer their version of the ultimate family vacation. 

Thrill Island
Adventurers on Icon of the Seas are in for the ultimate thrill at the largest waterpark at sea, Category 6. Thrill Island’s six record-breaking slides reach new heights: Pressure Drop, the industry’s first open free-fall slide; Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft slides with four riders per raft; and Storm Chasers, cruising’s first mat-racing duo.

The new ship features an all-encompassing lineup of firsts and next-level favorites across eight neighborhoods, making it the perfect getaway for adults and parents, kids and grandparents alike. Between the adrenaline-pumping thrills at the new Thrill Island and unrivaled ways to chill at neighborhoods like the new Chill Island and the luxurious four-level Suite Neighborhood, vacationers bonding with their families or getting away with friends will have all the ways to stay and play their way.

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas Construction
Icon of the Seas will debut the first Ultimate Family Townhouse. Spanning three levels, the perfect home away from home for families features an in-suite slide, a cinema space, karaoke, a spacious balcony, a private entrance to the ultimate family neighborhood, Surfside, and more.

Icon will sail year-round, 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas, and a mix of destinations like Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Basseterre, St. Kitts. More details about Icon are available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Icon.*

Princess Cruises Names Second Sphere Class Ship STAR PRINCESS

Star Princess
Star Princess

Princess Cruises, recently revealed the name of its second, sensational Sphere Class cruise ship – Star Princess, which will sail an inaugural season of Mediterranean voyages when she debuts in August 2025.

Second Sphere Class Ship STAR PRINCESS

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, Star Princess joins Sun Princess as the largest ships ever built for Princess at 175,500 tons and carrying 4,300 guests. The new ship is built on a platform that is distinctly different and unique to Princess, designed to simultaneously embrace the Princess heritage while celebrating the romance of the sea by offering more dynamic, outward views.

While 20 percent larger than any of the line’s existing ships, Star Princess design retains the more intimate settings Princess is known for, with a number of new and incredibly ground-breaking spaces such as:  

  • The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini;
  • the next-level Piazza featuring a glass sphere
  • the “see it to believe it” Princess Arena, a configurable, technologically-advanced main theater that allows Princess to produce a variety of innovative entertainment concepts; and
  • a majestic dining room positioned aft of the ship to deliver unforgettable wake views.

This second Sphere Class ship will also offer a number of spectacular features with an array of exciting new food and beverage concepts; a magnificent, expanded casino; a two-story Lotus Spa; and mesmerizing entertainment headlined by Cirque Éloize. 

Guests also will love the expanded accommodations options with luxurious staterooms and suites, including the new Reserve and Signature Collections. 

Star Princess also will showcase the exclusive Princess Medallion service that extends Princess’ leadership position in delivering exceptional personalized experiences.

The new ship will be the second in the Princess fleet to be powered by LNG fuel technology and also is being built with the most advanced sustainable innovations available.

Star Princess debuts August 4, 2025, sailing a nine-day Inaugural Italy & Greece roundtrip voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia), featuring the destinations of Corfu, Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini and Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), followed by a variety of 9- and 10-day cruises sailing from Rome, Athens or Trieste (Venice) that visit idyllic coastal ports. Star Princess cruises go on sale with the larger Europe 2025 program release on June 1, 2023.

“There’s much to be admired about Star Princess – her sleek, eye-catching design, spacious interiors, and of course, the remarkable views of the sea and sky, just like the features found on Sun Princess that have prompted cruise lovers to snap up inaugural year bookings,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “We’ve carefully designed these ships to feel familiar to our guests yet significantly advanced with lots of exceptional new and expanded experiences to embrace and explore.” 

Introducing Sun Princess® Next Generation Ship

STAR PRINCESS History

Princess’ first Star Princess ship initially launched in 1988 as Sitmar Fair Majesty. With the merger of Sitmar Cruises into Princess, she then entered service as Star Princess in 1989, and was christened by legendary actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn. The second Star Princess launched in 2002, as the third Grand-Class vessel playing an instrumental role in the evolution of the brand with popular offerings like Anytime Dining, the only dining program in the industry at the time to give guests freedom to dine where, when and with whom they wish. 

Further details about Star Princess including dining, entertainment, onboard amenities and future itineraries will be shared in the coming months. Ship information and images can be found at https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ships/st-star-princess/.

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 www.princess.com.

American Cruise Lines Introduces 35-Day Civil War Battlefields Cruise

American Cruise Lines Civil War Battlefields Cruise Map
American Cruise Lines Civil War Battlefields Cruise Map

American Cruise Lines has announced a new cruise that visits nearly every major battlefield of the Civil War. The all-new Civil War Battlefields Cruise departs May 4th, 2024, from New Orleans, LA, and concludes on June 6th in Gettysburg, PA. Along the way, this 35-Day itinerary spans 13 states and all three major theaters of the war. Each day will highlight battlefields and events from Fort Sumter and Shiloh to Vicksburg and Antietam.

35-Day Civil War Battlefields Cruise

The onboard experience will be curated to bring context to each day’s exploration and provide a larger understanding of the War as a whole. Dedicated onboard Civil War experts will join guests for the entirety of the experience to discuss the motives, strategies, and personalities that drove each side of the War.

The Civil War Battlefields Cruise will be led by Bertram Hayes-Davis, the great great grandson of Jefferson Davis, an American politician who represented Mississippi in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and served as the president of the Confederate States from 1861-1865. Bertram Hayes-Davis is a unique scholar of Civil War history, able to offer both his extensive knowledge and rare personal perspective on the events and battles that divided our country, but ultimately helped forge a more perfect Union.

“This cruise is one of the most wholistic views of the Civil War ever offered. Guests will experience the people, places, and events of the war, as they visit the battlefields and stand where history was made,” said Bertram Hayes-Davis.  “This is a unique opportunity to see the entire scope of the battles of the Civil War and put them in context to each other and the entire conflict.”

Three Ships and Much More

The cruise takes place on three ships and sails the Mississippi River, the Tennessee River, the Potomac River, the East Coast Intracoastal Waterway, and the Chesapeake Bay. Please see the Day-by-Day itinerary overview below.

An Epic Journey

This epic journey includes: Complimentary Pre-Cruise Stay in New Orleans, daily excursions & entertainment, all meals and beverages including beer & wine with lunch and dinner, and a daily cocktail hour. Complimentary WIFI, hotels and transportation between cruise segments, as well as Tips, Gratuities & Port Charges are all included in the cruise fare.

The price per person begins at $24,700 (depending on stateroom selection). Deposit of $5,000 per person is due upon reservation. Reservations for this unparalleled exploration of the U.S.A. are open to book now.

American Cruise Lines – Celebrating 50 Years of Cruising America

Get To Know American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines offers river cruising and small ship cruising in the U.S.A. American continues to launch the newest U.S. built ships for Cruising Close to Home®. On all American’s cruises, guests discover the history, spirit, and culture of the United States aboard a sophisticated fleet of American riverboats and small cruise ships. In 2023, American will operate 17 ships, each accommodating just 90-180 passengers, which cruise more than 50 domestic itineraries in 35 states. American offers domestic Flat-Rate Airfare for all its U.S. cruises and Complimentary Pre-Cruise HotelStays in cities across the country.

For more details and information about this itinerary, and other new longer U.S. cruises from American Cruise Lines, please visit: American Cruise Lines Extended Cruises.

Early Feedback is Positive as Holland America Line Installs SpaceX’s Starlink

Holland America Line guests and crew have begun using next generation internet with the introduction of SpaceX’s Starlink on its Pinnacle Class ship Koningsdam, now sailing in Alaska. The technology was installed during an April drydock and has been operating for four weeks.

Starlink is the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology aimed at providing faster and more reliable Wi-Fi on a global scale. This is particularly important for internet access on ships in Alaska where weather interference and blockage from structures and mountains can challenge traditional technology.

Holland America Line Installs SpaceX’s Starlink

“For our guests and our team members, maintaining the connectivity they are accustomed to at home is an important part of the cruise experience,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “Added bandwidth means our guests can share the joys of exploring Alaska in real time and our team can stay in touch with their loved ones back home.”

Since receiving the new technology, Koningsdam has sailed an 18-day cruise roundtrip from Vancouver to Hawaii and has begun sailing its 7-day Alaska Inside Passage voyages from Vancouver, including Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

“While it’s early in our usage, the feedback from guests and team members has been very positive so far,” said Kathleen Erickson, vice president of technology for Holland America Line. “We’re hearing from guests that emails and social media are performing well, and team members tell us that internet calls home to loved ones are much stronger. That’s a connection that means a lot.”

SpaceX’s Starlink

“High-speed, low-latency internet is critical to our modern lifestyle. We’re excited that Holland America Line is seeing strong results in Alaska,” said Jonathan Hofeller, vice president of commercial sales for Starlink. “And we look forward to helping Holland America Line and other Carnival Corporation ships continue to bring the connectivity experience for their guests and crew into the modern age.”

Koningsdam sails with the Starlink internet capability this summer on over 20 voyages from Vancouver to Alaska’s ports. Further ships will add the technology later this year with the goal of Starlink being available across the full Holland America Line fleet.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Princess Cruises Debuts First-Ever Summer Colonial Heritage Voyages

Princess Cruises Debuts First-Ever Summer Colonial Heritage Voyages Featuring Yorktown, Va., Plus New Departures from Boston as Part of Expanded 2024 Canada & New England Season

For the first time ever Princess Cruises will offer a series of Colonial Heritage itineraries featuring Yorktown, Va., part of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, along with stops at charming and history-rich Charleston, S.C., Boston and Halifax aboard Island Princess sailing round-trip from New York next summer.

Expanding Popular Canada & New England Voyages

In addition, The Love Boat is expanding its popular Canada & New England cruise and cruisetour program offering guests a chance to witness regal trees boasting rich shades of red, purple, orange and yellow, plus colonial history, stunning lighthouses, fresh seafood enjoyed in quaint seaside villages aboard Emerald and Enchanted Princess in 2024.  Select cruises also feature stops in three Greenland ports, home to stunning landscapes including magnificent fjords and unique and varied wildlife.

Colonial Heritage Voyages

Debuting in 2024, Princess’ new summer Colonial Heritage itineraries from New York City are highlighted by the cruise industry’s first-ever stops in Yorktown, a historically significant and picturesque town that serves as the gateway to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.   The voyages are a perfect lead up to Sestercentennial celebrations marking the 250th birthday of the United States making this can’t-miss sailing for history buffs.  Charleston, Boston and Halifax are also included in Island Princess’ 10- and 11-day itineraries which take place in June 2024.  These voyages go on sale on May 25, 2023.

Princess is also offering a number of “firsts” on its 2024 Canada & New England sailings, including a unique 17-day itinerary aboard Emerald Princess that combines the best of the East Coast with three day-long visits to ports in incredible Greenland, with opportunities to view massive glaciers and experience interesting cultural and sightseeing opportunities.  These sailings complement the line’s leading fall foliage departures that attract “leaf peepers” the world over with roundtrip seven- to 17-day cruises sailing from Boston, on sale now.   

The upcoming 2024 Canada & New England cruise and cruisetour program is highlighted by the debut of new summer Colonial Heritage voyages with visits to Yorktown and Cruises sailing in and out Boston,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “We know history buffs and seafood enthusiasts are going to love this collection of enticing voyages that tell the story of our American and Canadian history.”

The 2024 Canada & New England cruise and cruisetour season includes 27 total departures from Boston, New York, Québec and Ft. Lauderdale, visiting 25 destinations with 11 itineraries, sailing on three cruise ships – Emerald Princess, Enchanted Princess and Island Princess. Voyages include:

Colonial Heritage Voyages
I Love This!

Seven-Day Cruises

NEW!: Canada & New England – Emerald Princess – Seven Days: Roundtrip from Boston, visiting Halifax, Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) and Portland. Cruises depart July 14, 21, 28; August 4, 2024.

Canada & New England – Enchanted Princess: Roundtrip from New York, visiting Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor (for Acadia National Park), Halifax and Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy – only on select cruises). Cruises depart August 24, 31; September 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024.

10-17-Day Cruises

NEW! Colonial Heritage – Island Princess – 10/11 days: Roundtrip from New York visiting Charleston, Boston, Halifax, Newport (on select cruises) and Yorktown. Cruises depart June 4; June 14; June 25, 2024.

NEW! Classic Canada & New England – Emerald Princess – 10 days: From Boston to Québec (More Ashore overnight) with stops in Portland or Rockland, Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy), Halifax, Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) and Saguenay. Cruises depart August 28; September 17; October 7, 2024.

NEW! Classic Canada & New England – Emerald Princess – 10 Days: From Québec (More Ashore overnight) to Boston, visiting Saguenay, Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Halifax, Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy) and Portland. Cruises depart September 7, 27, 2024.

NEW! Classic Canada & New England – Emerald Princess – 11 Days: From Québec (More Ashore overnight) to Boston, visiting Saguenay, Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Halifax, Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy) and Portland. Cruise departs July 3, 2024.

NEW! Canada & Colonial America – Emerald Princess – 14 Days: From Ft. Lauderdale to Québec (More Ashore overnight) visiting Charleston, Yorktown, New York City, Newport, Boston, Sydney (Cape Breton Island) and Saguenay. Cruise departs June 19, 2024.

NEW! Canada & Colonial America – Emerald Princess – 14 Days: From Québec (More Ashore overnight) to Ft. Lauderdale, visiting Halifax, Portland, Boston, New York City, Yorktown and Charleston. Cruise departs October 17, 2024.

NEW! Greenland & Canada – Emerald Princess – 17 days: Roundtrip from Boston visiting three ports in Greenland – Nuuk, Qaqortoq and Nanortalik – plus Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Corner Brook, St. Anthony (Newfoundland) and St. John’s (Newfoundland). Cruise departs August 11, 2024.

Options for guests wishing to spend more time exploring historic cities and monuments include two in-depth cruisetours, combining a scheduled 2024 cruise with multiple days on land, including: 

Historic America Cruisetour

With seven nights on land guests visit U.S. Capital Washington D.C., Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, Colonial Williamsburg, Independence Hall in Philadelphia and the Gettysburg Battlefield.

The Maple Explorer Cruisetour 

Brings guests to beautiful Niagara Falls; exciting cities like the capital of Canada, Ottawa, and French-flavored Montréal with guided tours of the Canadian Museum of Civilization, dazzling cathedrals and the historic 19th century Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Princess delivers the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising featuring world-class dining, award-winning entertainment, casinos, pools, fitness centers, and spas, all elevated by exclusive Princess MedallionClass service.

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 www.princess.com.

MSC Euribia’s Naming Ceremony Details Revealed

MSC Euribia
MSC Euribia

With less than one month to go, MSC Cruises has unveiled details of the Naming Ceremony for the launch of the line’s most environmentally advanced ship to-date, MSC Euribia, which will take place on June 8 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Scandinavian capital was chosen as the launch location for the ship due to its rich maritime heritage and dedication to sustainability. MSC Euribia is symbolic of the line’s vision for a sustainable future and a deep respect and commitment to protect and preserve the marine environment.

MSC Euribia’s Naming Ceremony

MSC Euribia is “Built for the Future” – she is the most energy-efficient cruise ship design ever. The vessel is the second ship in MSC Cruise’s fleet to be powered by LNG, the cleanest and most efficient fuel currently available commercially at scale. She will feature additional state-of-the-art environmental technologies, including advanced onboard wastewater treatment systems, waste management handling, energy efficiency measures, and innovative underwater radiated noise management systems to reduce the potential impact on the marine environment.

An Evening To Remember

MSC Cruises will invite guests to the Naming Ceremony of this innovative new ship, bringing together local dignitaries, key travel partners, international media, and various household names, including Hollywood icon and Oscar-winning actress, Sophia Loren. Madame Loren holds a long-standing personal relationship with the line and will carry out her role as Godmother for her 19th MSC Cruises ship.

Master of Ceremony, Sarah Grünewald

Sarah Grünewald, a well-known Danish television host, actress and model will serve as the Master of Ceremony. Guests can expect the time-honored tradition of breaking a bottle of champagne over the bow of the vessel, a beautiful gala dinner, as well as live entertainment and performances, including a special DJ set to top off the night from world-renowned French DJ and record producer, Bob Sinclar.

After the event, MSC Euribia will commence sailings in Northern Europe this summer with 7-night sailings from Kiel, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark to the captivating Norwegian Fjords including Geiranger, Ålesund, and Flaam.

To find out more about MSC Cruises’ northern Europe itinerary options, please click here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtQSNR7u_sM
MSC Euribia – Our promise to sustainable cruising

Get to Know MSC Euribia

This unforgettable occasion will offer guests a first glimpse to discover more about the innovative ship’s exceptional features, amenities and varied onboard experiences.

Some key highlights include:

  • NEW! Experience the artwork, Street. 2023, by renowned British artist Julian Opie in l’Atelier du Voyageur bar. The artwork, commissioned specifically for MSC Euribia, is an expansive 11 x 2 m purpose-built LED screen featuring walking figures in Opie’s distinctive style.
  • NEW! Located in the aft of the ship, The Carousel Lounge is reinvented with a new layout, offering even more stunning panoramic ocean views, allowing guests to relax during the day or participate in a range of leisure activities. Here, they can also enjoy a variety of live music every evening including the Big Band at Sea.
  • A revolutionary kids’ area will feature 7,534 square feet of interior space entirely dedicated to kids and teenagers with seven rooms, each catering to different age groups from 0 – 17 years old. For the first time, it will include the NEW! MSC Foundation Lab – offering a brand-new kids area and program of activities dedicated to educating children and teenagers on environmental subjects.
  • NEW! Guest can choose between 10 dining venues, which include five specialty restaurants with the brand-new Le Grill, a stylish French bistro meets steakhouse, as well as Kaito Sushi & Robatayaki, a staple specialty restaurant of MSC Cruises that will feature a Robatayaki for the first time.
  • An impressive array of five pools and the ship’s very own coral-themed Ocean Cay AquaPark, one of the largest and most elaborate waterparks at sea, with three water slides for endless fun.
  • The 945-seat Delphi Theatre offers world-class live entertainment every evening with a full seven-day program of big-production shows.
  • The ship offers 21 bars and lounges with five outdoor and 16 indoor areas to meet the needs and preferences of everyone on board.
  • Guests will have the opportunity to explore and connect at Galleria Euribia, featuring the longest LED Dome at sea, with a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment to discover.

To find out more about MSC Euribia, please click here.

Princess Cruises Salutes Tuskegee Airman For 100th Birthday

Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises President John Padgett, center, presents retired Lt. Colonel James H. Harvey III a cake on Discovery Princess to celebrate his 100th birthday

With a patriotic salute and special celebration, Princess Cruises today welcomed one of the few surviving Tuskegee Airmen onboard Discovery Princess in Seattle as he arrived for his celebratory cruise to Alaska, marking an early commemoration for his 100th birthday. Lieutenant Colonel James H. Harvey III, retired United States Army Air Corps and Air Force officer (USAF), shattered racial barriers in the military as a part of a group of African American pilots who served their country with legendary distinction during World War II.

Princess Cruises Salutes Tuskegee Airman

To honor Harvey, the McChord Field Honor Guard welcomed him and his family aboard Discovery Princess with a USAF traditional display of presenting colors. Topping out the festivities, the Discovery Princess crew presented Lt Col Harvey with a birthday cake while hundreds of the ship’s company joined in wishing him a happy birthday.

Princess Cruises

“It’s our sincere honor to celebrate the 100th birthday of Lieutenant Colonel Harvey III, a trailblazer, hero, and real ‘Top Gun,’” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “His life and legacy should remind everyone the power of courage, determination, resilience and the American spirit. From all of us at Princess Cruises, we salute Lt. Col. Harvey and wish him a very happy 100th birthday!”

Born in Montclair, New Jersey on July 13, 1923, Harvey is a former fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Groups 99th Squadron, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen, “Red Tails,” one of 1,007 documented pilots trained for aerial combat during World War II. He is best known as the first African American USAF jet fighter combat pilot to fight in the Korean War and flew 140 missions from 1949 to 1950. Harvey, along with every member of the Tuskegee Airmen, received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2006.

In addition, Harvey won the USAF’s very first “Top Gun” competition in 1949, when he and his team lead a grueling 10-day event comprised on aerial gunnery at 20,000 and 12,000 feet, dive bombing, skip bombing, rocketing firing and panel strafing. 

After serving a combined 22 years (1943-1965) in the United States Army Air Corps and the United States Air Force, Harvey retired and joined Oscar Mayer as a corporate salesman and settled his family of four girls in Denver, where he still resides.

During the voyage Harvey will share insights from his storied service and remarkable life experiences with other guests as part of a scheduled onboard discussion. Discovery Princess is currently sailing on weeklong, roundtrip cruises from Seattle to Alaska, departing every Sunday through September.

Carnival Dream Assists In Ocean Rescue

Carnival Dream’s crew helped rescue 17 people stranded in the Belize Channel Wednesday, after the group’s boat capsized. Carnival Dream was heading for Cozumel, Mexico, when the ship’s officers spotted the capsized boat and the group in distress.

Carnival Dream

Carnival Dream Captain Francesco Fiorentino’s officers and crew immediately alerted the Belize Coast Guard, lowered one of its shipboard tenders into the water in conjunction with local Belize tenders, and helped to safely recovered all 17 people.

Each member of the group rescued was in good condition before a transfer with the Belize Coast Guard was coordinated.

Carnival Dream resumed its voyage, continuing on to Cozumel as scheduled. The ship departed Galveston, Tex. May 14 for a six-day sailing, and returned May 20.

Seabourn Installs SpaceX’S Starlink Wi-Fi

Seabourn Starlink WiFi
SEABOURN INSTALLS SPACEX’S STARLINK WIFI TECHNOLOGY ON BOTH EXPEDITION SHIPS, SEABOURN VENTURE AND SEABOURN PURSUIT

Seabourn, has announced that its two purpose-built expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, will be equipped with next generation Wi-Fi connectivity with SpaceX’s Starlink, the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology. The upgraded technology will provide Seabourn’s expedition guests with faster service, greater connectivity and more reliable Wi-Fi wherever Starlink’s services are available.

Seabourn Starlink WiFi

Installs SpaceX’S Starlink Wi-Fi

Seabourn Venture is the first ship in the Seabourn fleet to offer Starlink’s Wi-Fi technology beginning with its May 12, 2023 voyage, just in time for the ship’s second Arctic season. The line’s second expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit, will be equipped with the enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity after it launches in the summer of 2023. Seabourn’s expedition ships will offer the best available Wi-Fi experience, allowing guests to stay connected with loved ones as they explore some of the most interesting and remote destinations in the world.

“We are committed to providing the best ultra-luxury expedition experiences at sea, and the Starlink partnership will offer a significantly enhanced connectivity experience during our expedition journeys,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “From the polar regions to Australia and the South Pacific, our guests will experience a more reliable connection, allowing them to share those special moments and experiences with their loved ones as they sail on Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.”

“Starlink offers Internet capabilities and functionality to meet growing service demands globally, and I am so pleased that guests and crew members on both of our expedition ships will benefit from this innovative technology,” added Kathleen Erickson, Seabourn’s vice president of technology.

Seabourn Venture

Beginning May 12, 2023, guests sailing on Seabourn Venture will have access to the enhanced Wi-Fi service on board from the Arctic to Antarctica. The ship will sail on two voyages to British Isles and Ireland in May before kicking off its second season in the Arctic. Between June and August 2023, the ship will sail on a series of 14- and 15-day voyages to Greenland and Iceland, as well as a 23-day adventure through the Northwest Passage. The ship will then head down the West Coast of the Americas before reaching Antarctica, where it will sail between November 2023 and February 2024. In late February 2024, Seabourn Venture will cross the Atlantic, sail up the West Coast of Africa and Europe to be in position for the 2024 Arctic season. 

For reservations or more details, please contact a professional travel advisor; call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.