MSC Cruises launched a new “Open Booking” program Monday, allowing guests to make a future cruise reservation during their current sailing without the need to commit to a particular vessel, itinerary or sailing date.
The Open Booking program gives guests the option to pay a reduced deposit of $100 per person and receive a certificate allowing them up to 12 months to choose their next sailing vacation. Guests will receive up to $200 of onboard credit per cabin if they select their ship and departure date within 60 days of making the onboard open booking. Alternatively, they can book within one year and still enjoy up to $100 in onboard credit.
The open booking can also be used as a gift for family members or friends, providing the flexibility for them to choose the ship and sail date that best suits them.
“We want to offer our guests more flexibility in choosing their next ship and sailing date, and the Open Booking program gives guests onboard up to a year to make that decision while earning future credit for their next vacation at sea.” said, Koreen McNutt, SVP of Sales & Trade Engagement and Commercial Sales Officer, MSC Cruises USA.
Guests who make a new future booking onboard can also enjoy an extended ‘best price guarantee’ timeframe and greater flexibility in choosing a sailing date prior to final payment, choose from the best selection of cabins and suites, and enjoy the ability to combine the open booking with most promotional offers. Members of the MSC Voyagers Club, the line’s loyalty program, can continue to earn double points and stack their booking discount with other offers in most cases.
Guests onboard MSC Cruises’ ships have access to itinerary information and best offers through dedicated Future Cruise teams. Every new future cruise booking will generate an email confirmation to the guest’s original travel agent. Travel agents who made the original cruise reservation will also benefit from the Open Booking program by receiving full commission once the ship and sail date are selected.
Full details of both the Open Booking and Future Cruise programs are available at MSC Cruises’ website and through MSC Book for travel agents.
Join us LIVE with Viking cruise expert Michael Consoli, who will share more information about Viking’s NEW China itineraries. We will also cover some February Specials.
Next, we’ll be answering your questions during our live Q&A and Member Check-In. Set your clocks and tune in on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has announced that it has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to order a seventh Oasis Class ship for delivery to its Royal Caribbean International fleet in 2028.
Royal Caribbean Orders New Oasis Class Ship
Royal Promenade – Deck 5 Midship
Wonder of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International
“While we eagerly anticipate the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas this summer, we’re already dreaming up her sister ship and the next installation in the brand’s extremely popular Oasis Class,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Across our three brands, we are focused on continuously challenging ourselves to deliver the ultimate vacation experience.”
This announcement follows Royal Caribbean Group’s recent introduction of three new ships including Silver Nova, Celebrity Ascent and Icon of the Seas.
“These are exciting times for Royal Caribbean, and we have an incredible partner in Chantiers de l’Atlantique to bring to life the lucky seventh Oasis Class vessel of what is a remarkable class of ships,” added Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
The amplified Oasis of the Seas
Since the 2009 introduction of the original gamechanger, Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class has delivered memorable vacations to millions of families and adventurers of all ages. The renowned ships revolutionized cruising with innovations, from the debut of the neighborhood concept to the first-ever split superstructure design and entertainment across air, ice, water and stage, and the next in the lineup will continue that legacy with the latest combination of bold revolutionary, evolutionary and signature experiences.
“This order signals Royal Caribbean Group’s continued confidence in our partnership that has delivered some of the most innovative ships at sea,” said Laurent Castaing, general manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “We look forward to building upon this relationship as we help bring this ship to life.”
This order is contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed later this year.
Recently the JAXPORT Board of Directors unanimously approved a four year agreement for a three-year cruise operation with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to provide passenger cruise service from Jacksonville, Fla., beginning in November 2025. The 2,394-guest capacity Norwegian Gem will homeport in Jacksonville, Fla. from November to April every year through 2028, offering seasonal cruises to The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean.
Norwegian Cruise Line Sailings From JAXPORT
When Norwegian Gem arrives at JAXPORT in November 2025, it will mark the first time NCL homeports in Jacksonville, Fla. The city is a growing drive-to cruise market, with more than 98 million consumers living within driving distance of the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal.
“Today marks a new milestone in the relationship between Norwegian Cruise Line and JAXPORT,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We look forward to Norwegian Gem’s arrival to Jacksonville in November 2025, and welcoming guests from the area, as well as neighboring cities and states, on board to deliver them an exceptional vacation. Thank you to the entire JAXPORT team for the partnership and welcoming us into your city!”
Norwegian Gem Sailings
Norwegian Gem will sail immersive tropical getaways each year, offering three 12-day and two 11-day roundtrip Eastern Caribbean sailings from Jacksonville, Fla. calling to the tropical destinations of Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas and St. John’s, U.S. Virgin Islands; Antigua; Basseterre, St. Kitts; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and more. The ship will also sail a series of four- and five-day cruises to The Bahamas, calling to Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, and Nassau, Bahamas.
Sailings are now available to be book on ncl.com.
“Expanding our popular cruise program provides passengers throughout the Southeast U.S. and beyond with even more reasons to choose Jacksonville for their next vacation,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. “We thank Norwegian Cruise Line for their partnership and look forward to working with them to attract more tourism, and the jobs and economic impact it supports, to our community.”
The cruise industry in Jacksonville, Fla. is responsible for nearly 800 jobs and more than $187 million in annual economic impact for Northeast Florida, according to a 2019 study. Sixty percent of travelers surveyed cited easy access to the port as the primary reason for cruising out of Jacksonville, Fla. And more than three-quarters of passengers surveyed said they would be “very likely” to return to Jacksonville, Fla. for a future vacation.
Norwegian Gem’s amenities include a magnificent spa, pool with panoramic views, a variety of award-winning specialty restaurants and bars, world-class entertainment, an arcade and casino, Splash Academy, NCL’s complimentary youth program, and more. To provide travelers with the best value at sea, Norwegian’s Free at Sea offer provides guests with six free perks including free unlimited open bar, free companion airfare and more. NCL has an endless number of sailings for cruisers to choose from across its 19-ship fleet as the Company sails to 450 destinations around the globe including Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean and more.
JAXPORT is a full-service international cargo and cruise seaport in Jacksonville, Fla. In addition to a passenger cruise terminal, the port also owns, maintains, and markets three cargo terminals and two intermodal rail yards along the St. Johns River. The JAXPORT Cruise Terminal is located just minutes from major interstates, including I-10 and I-95, with fast access to and from Jacksonville International Airport.
For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line’s award-winning 19-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
Carnival’s New Celebration Key will feature five unique portals
Honoring the natural beauty and culture of Grand Bahama, Celebration Key will deliver endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation across five distinct areas called portals, featuring the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean*, a breathtaking white sand beach, an exclusive adult-only private club, spaces designed to maximize family fun and a variety of dining venues and libation stations all in one breathtaking place. A special Celebration Key video, which can be seen here, offers a glimpse into the fun in store for guests beginning in July 2025.
The Welcome Portal is the point where guests are first immersed in the beauty of the destination and greeted with information to help guide them toward their own kind of fun. As live music fills the air, a much-larger-than-life sandcastle stands tall in the center of Celebration Key as the embodiment of all that is fun in the sun.
The Family-Friendly Portal is the place for families with kids of all ages to enjoy their time at Celebration Key. The day can include swimming in the large freshwater lagoon, alongside a splash pad with a shallow pool, two exciting racing waterslides in the large sandcastle, sports courts, spaces designed for kids and teens to enjoy, a beautiful beach with all types of beach loungers and a variety of cabana rentals, including beach cabanas, villas with personal slides into the lagoon and floating cabanas. There are not only activities for the whole family, but also a variety of dining options and cuisines, that will appeal to all taste buds.
The Adult-Friendly Portal is designed for adults looking to spend their day enjoying the freshwater lagoon or at the beach lounging on the warm white sands and splashing around in the Bahamian waters to kick back and relax. Guests can also find their favorite cocktails at a large swim-up bar while they enjoy a high energy vibe curated by a talented DJ. A variety of cabana rentals, including beach cabanas, villas with personal slides into the lagoon and floating cabanas are available. There are also several dining venues, including a full-service restaurant that will offer a variety of cuisines, including local Bahamian flavors.
The Private Club Portal is a premium experience curated for those who are seeking a relaxing and luxurious day in paradise. The private club is an adult-only retreat, with a stunning infinity pool, overlooking the best views of the Bahamian waters, with loungers swaying beneath palm trees and vibrant foliage. A dedicated section of the beach provides premier and private access, along with elevated dining experiences.
The Retail Portal will showcase Bahamian culture, featuring a backdrop of beautiful murals painted by Bahamian artists and shopping that will include authentic Bahamian artisanal goods and local Bahamian retailers, along with Duty-Free stores. As they explore this portal, guests will also find several food and beverage options serving Bahamian flavors.
“No one does FUN like Carnival and we are designing Celebration Key, and its five portals, with endless ways for our guests to unlock their own kind of fun in this incredible paradise that also celebrates the beauty of Grand Bahama,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Celebration Key is uniquely positioned to bring an island experience to our diverse range of guests, in a way that lets them choose their slice of ‘paradise.’”
Carnival ships will dock at an adjacent cruise pier that can accommodate up to two of the cruise line’s largest ships simultaneously and will allow guests direct access to the destination. Celebration Key will also include an events pavilion that is dedicated to hosting weddings, vow renewals and other special celebrations.
Carnival plans to share more details for each of the portals over the coming months, and with the development underway, there are also plans for future expansion, including a waterpark and zipline course, to give guests more reasons to return and enjoy the destination for years to come.
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.
* Based on publicly available data of surface area measurements as of Jan. 22, 2024.
Princess Cruises, known for its integral role as the ocean-going co-star in the iconic “The Love Boat” series, has officially unveiled a second themed cruise, reuniting cast members from the original show. Following the tremendous success of the inaugural Love Boat cruise in 2022, fans of the popular show can sail along with Doc, Gopher, Isaac and Vicki Stubing as they cruise roundtrip from New York to Canada & New England aboard Enchanted Princess, August 31-September 7, 2024.
Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan (aka Vicki Stubing) will join fellow Love Boat cast members including Bernie Kopell (Doc), Fred Grandy (Gopher), and Ted Lange (Isaac). Ezra Freeman, the bartender from the recently aired The Real Love Boat on CBS reality dating series, will join the cast, along with other surprise guests to be announced.
Highly anticipated Love Boat-themed activities, include:
Sailaway party introducing the cast
Meet-and-greet photo and signing opportunities
The Love Boat-inspired guest activities with prizes
Cocktail demonstration hosted by Ezra Freeman and Ted Lange – practice the finger point!
Symbolic renewal of vows ceremony, officiated by the cast, with commemorative certificate
Cast Q&As sharing favorite memories of the show and stories of their careers
The Love Boat episodes airing on Movies Under the Stars and in staterooms
The Love Boat trivia with the Cruise Director
The Love Boat inspired menus and specialty cocktails
Themed décor, photo backdrops and merchandise
“We had such a blast connecting with fans on our theme cruise in 2022, so bringing it back in 2024 feels like it was meant to be, especially with the addition of some surprise guests,” said Jill Whelan, Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises. “Sailing with our fans brings us so much joy and this cruise will undoubtedly be a special reunion, taking us back to where it all began – on a Princess Cruise.”
Love Boat VIP Package
Super fans may opt for a special Love Boat VIP Package, featuring an invitation to an exclusive cast cocktail party, reserved seating for the cast Q&A in the Princess Theater, front-of-the-line access for autographs and photos, dinner at the Captain’s Table, plus a themed cruise t-shirt and mug. More details on cost and how to book coming soon.
The seven-day Canada/New England Love Boat theme cruise aboard the 3,660-guest Enchanted Princess sails roundtrip from New York City and visits Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Rockland, Maine; Saint John, Canada (for Bay of Fundy); and Halifax, Canada.
The Love Boat is credited with bringing cruising to the masses and showcasing the romance of the sea, taking Hollywood’s biggest stars to sought-after destinations as story lines always ended on a happy note. In the fall of 2022, Princess was featured again as the setting of The Real Love Boat on CBS and Paramount+, reality dating adventure series where three real-life Princess crew members and 12 singles looking for love joined hosts Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell onboard Regal Princess sailing through the Mediterranean.
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.
Holland America Line is elevating its award-winning Alaska Cruisetours in time for the 2024 season with room upgrades at McKinley Chalet Resort and a new, included tour in Dawson City, Yukon. Alaska Cruisetours combine an Alaska cruise with an overland tour to Denali, and Holland America Line is the only cruise line that extends those tours into the Yukon.
Balconies will be added to 28 river-view rooms at McKinley Chalet Resort — Holland America Line’s hotel property at Denali National Park — upgrading them to the Denali Suite category. In addition, a new Deluxe category of non-balcony rooms with suite amenities is being introduced. For the excursions, guests on select Denali and Yukon Cruisetours will have a new “Klondike Gold Tour” that expands on the region’s famed gold rush experience. The tour visits the original discovery claim site that launched the gold rush and Gold Dredge 4.
“We are consistently evolving our Alaska Cruisetour product by adding new amenities that will enhance the overall experience and opportunities to learn more about the destination,” said Dan Rough, Holland America Line’s vice president of revenue management. “Increasing the balcony rooms at McKinley Chalet Resort offers even more visitors the opportunity to take in the incredible views, and adding the Deluxe category allows additional guests to have an elevated stay at the property.”
New Balcony Suites and Deluxe Rooms Added at McKinley Chalet Resort
Holland America Line’s McKinley Chalet Resort, nestled at the entrance of Denali National Park, is adding balconies to 28 existing river-view rooms. The property will now offer 84 Denali Suites — giving more guests stunning balcony views of Denali National Park or the Nenana River. Holland America Line also will upgrade 45 non-balcony rooms to feature all the suite amenities, creating a new Deluxe room category.
Special Deluxe and Suite amenities include a s’more kit to enjoy at Denali Square, Pendleton blankets, premium bathrobes and a Keurig coffee machine. Standard rooms are included in the Alaska Cruisetour fare, and Deluxe and Suite room upgrades are available to book for an additional fee.
The new Klondike Gold Tour is complimentary for all guests on select Alaska Denali and Yukon Cruisetours that include Dawson City. Guests will visit the Discovery Claim National Historic Site that started the Klondike Gold Rush and enjoy time at Gold Dredge 4, a preserved wooden-hulled dredge once used to mine gold in the Klondike River Valley. A Parks Canada guide shares the history of gold dredging in the area and about the first discovery of gold in the Yukon.
“The Yukon Territory is where the Klondike Gold Rush began, and we’re excited to include this new tour to Gold Dredge 4 that will give our guests a first-hand encounter with an important part of North American history and in-depth insight into this era,” added Rough. “Holland America Line is the only cruise line that shows the beginning and end of the Klondike trail, from Skagway all the way to the Yukon.”
Guests can delve deeper into the Klondike Gold Rush on an Alaska cruise or Cruisetour on additional shore excursions in Skagway, including visiting the Gold Rush Training Camp and panning for gold, taking the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad to Liarsville Gold Camp, and visiting the Gold Rush Cemetery and Historic Skagway Inn (the largest brothel in Skagway during the gold rush era).
Holland America Line is the only cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon.
Yukon and Denali Cruisetours range from nine to 18 days and include either a three- or four-day Inside Passage cruise on Koningsdam or Zaandam, or a seven-day Glacier Discovery cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam or Noordam; a two-or three-night stay at Denali; a journey into the Yukon and additional city visits.
Yukon and Denali Cruisetours feature one or two nights in Dawson City, affording guests more time to relive gold rush history.
Highlights of 2024 Alaska Cruisetours
Alaska Cruise Vacation – By Land & Sea
Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam offer Denali Cruisetours from nine to 14 days.
All Denali Cruisetours include a seven-day Glacier Discovery cruise featuring Glacier Bay, plus either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier (depending on the direction), Inside Passage, up to three nights at McKinley Chalet Resort, and additional city visits.
Every Cruisetour includes a stay at the McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park. The property is Holland America Line’s 68-acre hotel on the Nenana River. The resort features a reception hall, dining facilities and guest rooms.
Centrally located between the McKinley Chalet Resort and riverfront guest rooms, Denali Square is a gathering area with restaurants, an amphitheater, fire pits for keeping warm or making s’mores, outdoor seating, retail shops offering local goods and more. Walking paths in and around Denali Square show off the property’s mountainous landscapes and beautiful setting.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Guests aboard MSC Cruises’ 2024 World Cruise will be discovering the world through gastronomy alongside three celebrity chefs, the line announced Wednesday. The renowned culinary experts will join MSC Poesia during the second leg of the three-month adventure, which is set to span 52 destinations and 31 countries in total.
MSC Cruises 2024 World Cruise
MSC World Cruise 2024 on board MSC Poesia
Those sailing on this year’s World Cruise will enjoy enhanced menus crafted by the lineup of award-winning chefs, ranging from three to four courses and showcasing the very best of the chefs’ respective cuisines from around the world. The celebrity chefs include:
South African celebrity chef, restaurateur and media personality Reuben Riffel will serve a menu inspired by local flavors, giving guests a chance to taste authentic cape spiced pickled fish, peppered Karoo lamb, and malva pudding.
Veteran Brazilian chef and restauranteur Allan Vila Espejo will serve up a menu including authentic Manioc soup, Bahia-style fish stew with vegetables and coconut milk, and a traditional Brazilian chocolate coconut cake.
Michelin-starred Swedish chef, TV personality and author Niklas Ekstedt will serve dishes inspired by natural ingredients and his farm-to-ocean ethos, including dishes such as poached lobster and confit salmon.
The chefs will also greet the guests in person as they taste their delicacies in the ship’s main restaurants.
Guests who want to sail around the world in 2025 can book cabins aboard MSC Magnifica for the 2025 MSC World Cruise, which features a stunning new itinerary that includes 50 amazing destinations in 21 countries. The ship will navigate the Mediterranean, Africa, South America, New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the Red Sea before returning to Europe via Jordan and Egypt.
For guests looking to book further down the line, sales for the 2026 MSC World Cruise on board MSC Magnifica are now open. When the ship sets sail in January 2026, it will visit 47 stunning destinations in 32 countries. guests will have the chance to discover some of Europe’s most renowned cities before crossing to the Caribbean and Central America. From there, the ship will make her way to the USA West Coast before crossing the Pacific Ocean and exploring Asia. Guests will then return home via Greece.
For more information on the 2026 MSC World Cruise, please click here.
Guests will travel in style and comfort on board MSC Poesia, the ship once again chosen for the MSC World Cruise. On board, they will enjoy the spectacular foyer waterfall, the Zen Garden Japanese Sushi bar, and the opulent MSC Aurea Spa wellness center with a steam room, a sauna, and a range of tempting treatments. For the more active traveler, there is a basketball and tennis court, a shuffleboard area, a state-of-the-art gym and a mini golf course. Guests can also enjoy three swimming pools, four whirlpools and a giant poolside cinema screen.
Royal Caribbean International has revealed the next in its lineup of 2025-2026 adventures. For the summer and winter, seven favorites will cruise from seven U.S. cities in Florida, Northeast, Puerto Rico and Texas on 5- to 12-night vacations. Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members can be the first to book on Royal Caribbean’s website starting today, ahead of the official opening on Thursday, Feb. 15.
The highlights in store for every type of family and adventurer include Odyssey of the Seas’ second consecutive winter season in the New York area and game-changing Oasis Class vacations to the eastern and western Caribbean with Allure of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Galveston, Texas, as well as Symphony of the Seas from Bayonne, New Jersey, and Miami.
Plus,travelers looking for more time in the picturesque northern Atlantic coast can have their pick from Brilliance, Jewel, Liberty and Vision of the Seasacross a combination of Boston; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Bayonne; and Baltimore, Maryland.
From the pristine shorelines to turquoise waters and vibrant cultures in the southern, eastern and western Caribbean, and The Bahamas, the tropical destinations on the horizon have adventures of all kinds.
Vacationers can island hop to spots like Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; Cozumel, Mexico; Castries, St. Lucia; St. Johns, Antigua; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Royal Caribbean’s marquee private destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Labadee, Haiti.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
With thrill and chill at Perfect Day at CocoCay’s two towersof adrenaline-pumping waterslides and the island’s first adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach, plus Labadee’s five stunning shorelines, a vibrant local artisans market and the world’s longest overwater zip line, everyone can make memories in more ways than one.
And for adventurers looking to venture up the East Coast, there are memorable destinations to explore in New England and Canada, including Portland, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada; andmore.
2025-2026 Northeast & Caribbean Highlights
Bold Quantum Class Experiences
With a bold lineup of thrilling experiences and signature adventures that vacationers know and love, Odyssey features experiences for all ages, including the deck-defying RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, the North Star all-glass observation capsule, and a vibrant resort-style pool deck inspired by the Caribbean. Plus, there are more than 25 restaurants, bars and lounges like Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Teppanyaki and Wonderland; as well as one-of-a-kind entertainment in high-tech venues like Two70 and the Royal Theater.
Odyssey of the Seas – From Bayonne Following its second consecutive summer in Europe, Odyssey will call the New York area home once again. Vacationers looking to beat the winter blues can escape on 7-night vacations to The Bahamas, including the top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, The Bahamas.
The original game-changers, Oasis Class ships feature a combination of ways to make memories across signature neighborhoods. Popular experiences include the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide, The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, full-scale entertainment across four stages: air, ice, water and theater; a nine-deck-high zip line, twin FlowRider surf simulators; and more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges – from American steakhouse Chops Grille to Izumi, with Japanese-inspiredflavors and more.
Symphony of the Seas – From Bayonne and Miami This Oasis Class favorite is back in the Northeast for the summer to visit Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, and Perfect Day at CocoCay ahead of returning to Miami in October 2025. On 7-night eastern and western Caribbean vacations, travelers can island hop from Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee; Falmouth, Jamaica; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and more.
Allure of the Seas – From Fort Lauderdale and Galveston Vacationers looking for winter getaways from Fort Lauderdale can choose from alternating 6- and 8-night eastern and western Caribbean adventures to Charlotte Amalie, San Juan and The Bahamas’ historic capital of Nassau,plus each eastern Caribbean getaway will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.To close out the adventure-packed season, Allure will return to Royal Caribbean’s first zero-energy terminal in the Lone Star State for 7-night getaways to the western Caribbean, which will visit Roatan, Honduras, and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.
Vacationers can enjoy the amplified experiences on Liberty of the Seas. Highlights include thrills like The Perfect Storm dual-racing waterslides and the FlowRider surf simulator, and restaurants serving up everything from sushi and sashimi at Izumi to Tuscan classics at Giovanni’s Table. Plus, there’s original entertainment and ways to go for a night out on the town – whether it’s dancing, bar hopping or watching a movie under the stars on the pool deck.
Liberty of the Seas – From Bayonne Returning to the Northeast, Liberty brings a varied combination of 4-, 5- and 9-night adventures to the eastern Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England. Vacationers can have their pick of short escapes or longer getaways to Halifax and Sydney in Canada, Royal Caribbean’s Labadee, San Juan and Philipsburg.
The Vision Class and Radiance Class ships feature pools, views and experiences made for memory-making from day to night. Whether kicking back on the pool deck or at the adults-only Solarium, finding Zen at the Vitality Spa, adventuring to new heights on Royal Caribbean’s signature rock climbing wall or breaking bread over prime cuts at Chops Grille or five courses at Chef’s Table, vacationers can make the most of their getaway every minute of the day.
Brilliance of the Seas –From Boston and San Juan Vacationers can enjoy coastal adventures up north when the beloved Radiance Class ship returns to Boston after a decade, sailing 7-night adventures to Portland Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax; and more. In the winter, Brilliance will call San Juan home for the first time since 2013. Vacationers can set their sights on visiting a variety of southern Caribbean destinations like Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao; Tortola, British Virgin Islands;and for the first time, Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago.
Jewel of the Seas – From San Juan In the winter, Jewel will set sail on 7-night Southern Caribbean getaways to picture-perfect beaches like St. Croix; Roseau, Dominica; Philipsburg; Charlotte Amalie; and Bridgetown, Barbados.
Vision of the Seas – From Baltimore The year-round Baltimore resident makes its way to Bermuda, Perfect Day at CocoCay or Canada on 5-and9-nightvacations for the summer. The winter will bring another lineup of adventures to the table, including 8-night getaways to The Bahamas and 12-night sailings to destinations in the southern Caribbean like St. Croix, Roseau and Philipsburg.
More ways to see and explore the Caribbean will be revealed. Vacationers can book the new and upcoming adventures by visiting Royal Caribbean’s website.
Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates Valentines Day With Fleetwide Vow Renewal Event
Carnival Cruise Line is celebrating Valentine’s Day in a big way this year by inviting couples sailing on its ships to take part in its largest-ever vow renewal at sea. Virtually officiated by Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal, the fleetwide ceremony is even bigger than last year – since two new ships – Carnival Venezia and Carnival Jubilee – are giving even more guests the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to each other.
An onboard reception follows each ceremony, including a DJ and a champagne toast to celebrate the newly renewed couples. And to add to the fun, there is an onboard kiss-cam spotlighting couples on the big screen of the Seaside Theater.
“People meet, get engaged and get married on Carnival cruise ships and our Valentine’s Day vow renewals are an extension of how couples love to cruise with Carnival, and we’re delighted to offer this ceremony to more guests than ever before,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Love and fun go hand in hand, so a vow renewal or wedding ceremony is even more special when it’s part of a Carnival cruise. We have a team of experienced planners who make it their mission to ensure unforgettable celebrations between loved ones and their friends and families.”
Carnival gives thousands of guests the opportunity to sail away with love by offering a variety of ceremonies at sea or on beautiful destinations through the Weddings by Carnival program. Last year, more than 1,220 weddings and vow renewals took place. Whether guests want to plan an engagement, wedding, honeymoon or vow renewal, Carnival offers a wide selection of personalized packages and itineraries to make this an unforgettable moment. For more information, click here.
Building on an already large portfolio of options for hosting special celebrations, Carnival also recently announced its upcoming exclusive destination Celebration Key will include an events pavilion that is dedicated to hosting weddings, vow renewals and other special events.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
