The Alaska Railroad’s Board of Directors greenlit the Seward Company’s purchase agreement for a new cruise facility in Seward, Alaska. Valued at $137 million, the agreement marks the start of construction for the largest turn port facility in the Alaska cruise industry.
The new facility, called the Port of Tomorrow, will include a 68,000-square-foot terminal building and a 750-foot, two-berth floating dock designed to accommodate modern cruise ships.
Upon completion, the Alaska Railroad will purchase the renewed cruise port with a 30-year pier usage agreement with Royal Caribbean Group, which owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.
The company will be able to accommodate its 4,100-passenger Quantum-class ships at the new port following the expansion.
Rendering, Quantum of the Seas at the Port of Tomorrow, Seward Port (Rendering Courtesy: Seward Company)
The agreement grants Royal Caribbean Group preferential berthing rights while allowing the Alaska Railroad to operate the facility as an open dock welcoming multiple cruise lines.
“Large developments are never easy. Today’s greenlit approval was two years in the making,”said Mickey Richardson, CEO of the Port of Tomorrow, representing the Seward Company. “The agreement guarantees cruise ships will continue to serve Seward for the next 30 years and beyond.”
The construction of the state-of-the-art port will begin after the conclusion of the 2024 Alaska cruise season in September. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel will be the final ship arriving at and departing from the port on September 23, 2023.
Foundational work will be completed before winter with pier construction set to commence in fall 2025, ensuring no disruption to the summer 2025 cruise season, which will commence in May when Silversea Cruises’ Silver Moon arrives on the 15th.
The port is expected to be compete in the of spring 2026.
Expansive Growth Amidst Growing Concerns
The new terminal in Seward will be the largest community space in the area with a terminal capable of welcoming travelers and handling provisions for cruise ships.
The 750-foot floating dock will be the largest of its kind and includes features such as freshwater provisioning, fuel supply from a local vendor, and shore power support.
A 150-foot transfer span will connect disembarking travelers directly to an Alaska Railroad train or other ground transportation. The port will also add a parking lot to accommodate 48 cars and 32 bus stalls.
New Seward Cruise Port
Jason Davis, president of Turnagain, the design and build firm for the Seward port, emphasized the significance of the project, saying, “Alaska’s infrastructure growth, and for that matter, the growth of the tourism industry, depends heavily on projects supported by the cruise industry, global travel partners, and Alaskans.”
According to the Alaska Travel Industry Association, the visitor industry is the second-largest private-sector employer in the state, accounting for one in every 10 Alaska jobs and generating an economic impact of over $5.6 billion.
As Seward looks to expand its cruise offerings, other ports across the state are facing growing concerns of overtourism from residents. Juneau, the ninth busiest port in the U.S., recently agreed to restrict cruise guests per day to 16,000, except for Saturdays, which is set to 12,000.
The Port of Tomorrow, Seward Port (Rendering Courtesy Seward Company)
The agreement also limits the number of ships calling per day to five, with residents pushing to have a cruise-ship-free Saturday.
Sitka, Alaska, which welcomes 600,000 cruise passengers annually, is currently seeing residents push to cap its numbers at 300,000.
Currently, the 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel and the 696-passenger Silver Muse and Silversea’s 728-passenger Silver Nova homeport in Seward this season on voyages between it and Vancouver.
Royal Caribbean International’s 2,466-passenger Radiance of the Seas, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer, Crystal Cruises’ 740-passenger Crystal Serenity, Viking Oceans’ 930-passenger Viking Orion, and Celebrity Cruises’ 2,158-passenger Celebrity Summit are also homeporting in Seward.
The Caribbean-vibe cruise line Margaritaville at Sea announced it is expanding its Heroes Sail Free program to include cruises onboard the line’s second ship, Margaritaville at Sea Islander, which began sailing for the brand from her Tampa homeport in June 2024.
The program mirrors one already in place onboard sister ship Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, the cruise line’s first vessel that launched the brand in 2022. The sail-free offer provides a limited number of free fares in double occupancy cabins for guests who meet the Heroes criteria, and a traveling companion.
The Heroes Pass, which the line unveiled in November 2023, is offered to active duty and veteran U.S. military service members, police, firefighters, EMS personnel, nurses, and educators. Those who qualify do not pay a cruise fare but do pay taxes, fees, and port expenses.
Margaritaville at Sea also has upgraded the program to enable qualifying heroes to participate in the free fare offer as many times as they wish each year, on 3- to 7-night voyages to the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Previously, program rules allowed heroes to sail free just one time each year and only on 2-night Bahamas cruises aboard Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, which is based in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Additionally, when free fare cabins are fully booked, or if a qualifying hero wishes to book a different stateroom category, the cruise line will provide a 20% fare discount off any cruise sale offer found online.
“Our newest ship, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, has received rave reviews from recent guests, and we want to do everything we can to make sure our Heroes receive an incredibly well-deserved vacation, especially as we expand into the Tampa market, home to several military groups and families,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea.
“By expanding the program to all ships and all destinations, including the all-new Islander, we are reaffirming our commitment to the tens of thousands of Heroes who have sailed with Margaritaville at Sea by giving them even more options to sail with us more frequently,” added Ivy.
Onboard the ship, heroes will be recognized with a Salute to Heroes ceremony once during each sailing, hosted by Cruise Director Zoltina-Jay (Zee-Jay) Medwik-Dailey.
The 2,114-guest Margaritaville at Sea Islander more than doubled the passenger capacity of the cruise line, which launched operations with the 1,300-guest Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.
Newest Ship Launched Following Major Renovations
Margaritaville at Sea Islander entered service in 2000 as Costa Atlantica for Costa Cruises and was sold in 2019 to Adora Cruises before being acquired by the Margaritaville at Sea brand.
The planned expansion of the fleet was announced in December 2023, shortly before the ship entered dry dock for a major renovation before relaunching as Margaritaville at Sea Islander.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander Cruise Ship
Upgrades the ship received at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland, included adding the tropical Margaritaville theme to public spaces, repainting the hull with colorful trees and parrots, and updating various technical aspects.
The ship sailed her maiden voyage from the Port of Tampa on June 14, 2024, and currently operates 4- to 7-night cruises to Western Caribbean ports.
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise was built in 1991 for Costa Cruises and operated as Costa Classica until 2018, when she was sold to Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. The ship was renamed when Bahamas Paradise partnered with Margaritaville Resorts & Hotels to launch the branded cruise line that exists today.
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise sails 2- and 3-day Bahamas cruises from West Palm Beach.
Lately, most of the news coming from Disney Cruise Line has been all about Disney Treasure, the “adventure” themed ship that is due to enter service in December of 2024.
But now it’s time for the second Wish-class vessel to step aside to make way for the third-Wish class ship: Disney Destiny – both of which follow in the wake of the flag-ship of the Wish-class, Disney Wish.
The 4,000-passenger new-build, which is currently under construction at Germany’s Meyer Werft shipyard, will be approximately 144,000-gross tons when she’s completed and ready to begin her career at sea at the end of 2025 – entering service almost exactly one year after the soon-to-be finished Disney Treasure.
The three-day “heroes and villains” themed reveal, which lasted from July 30, 2024, through August 1, 2024, on the Disney Parks Blog, provided the first look at entertainment, dining, accommodations, and decor onboard, as well as details about the new family-friendly ship’s inaugural itineraries.
Here is everything we know so far.
Bringing Disney and Marvel Lore to Life
While all Disney cruise shipshave a similar, classic look, they also each find their own unique identities by taking inspiration from Disney characters and films.
In the case of Disney Destiny, the classic heroes and villains from Disney films and the Marvel cinematic universe – which will help guests unleash the hero within – have inspired the theming for the latest ship.
Marvel on Disney Destiny Cruise Ship
“Onboard, guests will be inspired, encouraged and empowered by heroes and villains alike, universally beloved for their strength of character and distinctive personalities. The ship will be a celebration of the bold, charismatic and driven characters at the heart of the many myths and legends, fairy tales and fantasies from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Disney Parks,”read a statement from the cruise line.
For the first time in Disney Cruise Line history, a Marvel character will adorn the ship’s stern. Spider-Man and his Spider-Bots will have the honor of decorating the ship’s filigree.
The Grand Hall, which is the first area guests see when coming onboard and will a hub for interacting with fan-favorite heroes and villains in the flesh, will also feature a statue inspired by the “Black Panther” movies.
Marvel on Disney Destiny Cruise Ship
For big Marvel fans, this will be an appreciated tribute to Chadwick Boseman, the actor who portrayed T’Challa / Black Panther, who died from cancer in 2020.
More heroic and villainous influences will also be found throughout the ship – from custom artwork in all staterooms to special-themed dining opportunities and family-friendly entertainment.
Entertainment For All Onboard Disney Destiny
Disney cruise ships are often described as theme parks at sea, and Disney Destiny will set sail with plenty of new and improved opportunities for fun.
Just to name one example, guests will be invited to write their own vacation legends at Saga – a central hub for family-friendly activities by day and an adult-exclusive hang-out by night. The two-story venue will be inspired by Wakanda (from “Black Panther”) and be home to activities like interactive game shows.
Disney Destiny AquaMouse
In terms of family-friendly entertainment, the pool decks will feature the latest rendition of the AquaMouse water ride, which first debuted on Disney Wish and will now feature a unique story on all Wish-class vessels.
The 760-foot-long attraction, which is essentially a theme park ride at sea, will feature a new story titled “Sing a Silly Song.”
“The new show will exemplify the signature silliness of Mickey Mouse animated shorts as Mickey and Minnie lead guests on a seemingly ominous trek to the peak of Villain Mountain. When faced with some of the most fearsome villains of Disney Animation lore, the duo will employ a silly song — and a bit of pixie dust — to transform each chilling encounter into a wacky surprise,” read a preview from Disney Cruise Line.
The Walt Disney Theatre, which is home to Broadway-Caliber entertainment fleet-wide, is also bringing back two fan-favorite shows: “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” and “Disney Seas the Adventure.”
At De Vil’s piano lounge
Additionally, every cruise will feature a Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party (an updated version of the current pirate night at sea), the Hero Zone (home to free-play sports and family-friendly competitions), and Disney Uncharted Adventure (an interactive quest that uses guests’ mobile devices to complete missions around the ship).
And for couples traveling solo or parents who need a break from their kids, there will be plenty of adult-only spaces onboard, such as De Vil’s piano lounge, the pirates-themed Cask and Cannon pub, The Dr. Strange-themed Sanctum, and the Haunted Mansion Parlor, which will first debut onboard Disney Treasure later this year.
New Dining Options to Tantalize Taste Buds
Additional reveals highlighted several new dining experiences that will only be found onboard Disney Destiny, which includes Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, Worlds of Marvel, 1923, and Edna Á La Mode Sweets.
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King will be a one-of-a-kind, immersive dining experience, during which guests will enjoy their meals as they listen to the classic songs performed by live musicians and watch performers tell the story on a special stage.
Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King on Disney Destiny
Worlds of Marvel will, of course, be a Marvel-themed dining experience. As families enjoy gourmet dishes, a story will unfold on screens around them starring Rocket and Groot from the cast of “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
1923 is extra special, as it is named for the year that The Walt Disney Company was founded by Walt Disney. The company’s more than 100-year legacy will be celebrated with more than 1,000 drawings, props and other tools of classic Disney animation on display.
Last but not least, the all new Edna Á La Mode Sweets, which is inspired by Edna from “The Incredibles,” will be a can’t miss dessert spot. A selection of handmade gelato, ice cream, cookies, candies, and specialty treats will all be on the menu.
Family-Friendly Accommodations on a Heroic Scale
As Disney is one of the top family-friendly cruise lines, it only makes sense that the staterooms have been designed to cater to the needs of families, all of which will be decorated with custom artwork depicting the epic journeys of beloved Disney heroes.
“Disney Destiny will offer spacious, comfortable and functional staterooms that uniquely meet the needs of families. Most staterooms will feature Disney Cruise Line’s signature split-bath concept, and many will offer the option of a connecting door that adjoins staterooms to accommodate larger groups,”said DCL.
Disney Destiny Verandah Stateroom (Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line)
For guests looking to splurge on their future sailings, the ship will offer concierge suites, which will include access to a private lounge and sun deck for suite-guests only. These accommodations will be inspired by “Fantasia” and “The Incredibles.”
There will also be eight extra luxurious “Hero Suites” – four of which will be inspired by “Hercules” and four of which will be inspired by “The Incredibles.”
Disney Destiny Tower Suite
Last but not least, the biggest and most exciting suite onboard – called the Destiny Tower Suite – is inspired by Iron Man.
The Marvel-themed penthouse, which will be located within one of the ship’s iconic funnels, will be nearly 2,000 square-feet, and will feature amenities like a full kitchen, and a private elevator.
While the details of her maiden voyage that will officially begin her career haven’t been released yet, DCL announced that it is anticipated to take place in November of 2025.
Her inaugural season will then include a mix of 4 to 5-night sailings to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean, including calls on Castaway Cay, Disney’s original private island, and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney’s new private destination that just opened in summer of 2024.
Initial bookings will open to Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Members – which is the name of the DCL loyalty program – on September 6, 2024. Bookings will open to the general public on September 12, 2024.
Despite frequent and numerous requests, Carnival Cruise Line will not be raising the total number of alcoholic beverages included under its popular Cheers! drink package.
The confirmation comes from the cruise line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, following comments and criticisms of the total drinks allowed with the package.
Cheers! is Carnival Cruise Line’s drink package that permits guests to enjoy up to 15 alcoholic beverages per 24-hour period for a flat daily rate. Heald frequently gets requests and even demands that the total be raised for cruisers to have even more drinks during one day.
“The 15 drinks a day maximum on your drink package is for amateurs,”one person recently commented.“I’m a professional so can we please get an upgrade.”
While that particular post may be made in jest or with a healthy shot of sarcasm, there are many commenters to Heald’s popular Facebook page who are less-than-polite about the drink package and the limits it imposes. Heald, however, is firm about the cruise line’s policy.
“We are not changing anything despite the barrage of requests I have every week,”he said. “We will stay at 15 drinks in a 24 hour period (unlimited non-alcoholic drinks) and despite requests like this I wanted to save you the trouble of writing to me and say again we will not be changing anything.”
Many commenters agree – or at least are not bothered by – the limit, noting that it can be difficult to reach such a total of alcoholic beverages, depending on what drinks one is choosing.
“I’ve TRIED to hit my 15, closest I got was 12, and I was pretty well done.”
“I can reach the 15 from time to time but I only drink hard liquor. When I do it’s barely. I do have many friends who are beer drinkers that could have 15 beers and barely be tipsy. … There is a very large difference between bourbon and beer as far as the amount of alcohol is concerned.”
“In all of my cruises, I have only hit the 15 mark a few times. And that was mostly because I abandoned (lost) my drink a few times throughout the day.”
Other commenters do note that not only is there a difference between types of alcoholic drinks, but also in how different individuals handle their own alcohol intake.
Many people are aware of their own limits and behave accordingly, but some may go too far and could engage in poor or unwelcome behavior because of the influence of too many drinks.
The Cheers! package includes spirits and cocktails, beer, and wine and champagne by the glass, all of which with a $20 (USD) or lower price. Also included are all non-alcoholic beverages (except freshly squeezed juice, which is an extra charge), milkshakes, energy drinks, and bottled water.
The non-alcoholic beverages are not limited, nor are they tallied in the 15-drink limit of the Cheers! package.
The cost of the Cheers! package is $70.74 per person, per day when purchased prior to sailing for cruises 6 nights or longer, or $82.54 per person, per day for shorter sailings. If purchased after embarkation, the cost is $76.64 for longer cruises, or $88.45 for shorter cruises.
Changes More Guests Want
While guest opinions are divided on whether or not the 15-drink limit should be raised on the Cheers! package, there are other changes many Carnival cruise fans would like to see.
The most common request is for the package to be available to just one traveler in a stateroom. At the moment, all guests 21 years or older are required to purchase their own Cheers! package if cruising in the same stateroom as a preventative against sharing.
Carnival Cruise Line Atrium Bar (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)
Many guests do not have the same alcoholic preferences (or tolerances!) as their traveling companion and would prefer not to purchase the package.
There is also great interest in a more limited program that may have a lower cap on the number of drinks, but still offering the convenience and savings of pre-paying for drinks at a flat rate. A package with either 5 or 10 alcoholic drinks total per day, with a correspondingly lower price, would be welcomed by many travelers.
Guests are also interested in a true non-alcoholic, all-inclusive drink package that would include milkshakes, specialty coffees, juices, and soda.
In addition to Cheers! Carnival Cruise Line only offers the Bottomless Bubbles program, which covers soda and juice, but no other non-alcoholic beverages (milkshakes, coffee, tea, etc.) are included.
The famous characters from Disney’s Marvel Universe will play big roles onboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny, set to debut in 2025.
The announcement came as part of the cruise line’s three-day reveal event that began on July 30, 2024, and confirms that Marvel’s heroes and villains will inspire new venues and entertainment onboard the 4,000-guest ship, the third in the line’s Wish-class.
The ship, under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, will sport a “Heroes and Villains” theme and be based at Florida’s Port Everglades.
Marvel on Disney Destiny Cruise Ship
Marvel characters will be front and center in various ways onboard the vessel, including in the design of the Grand Hall, which will be inspired by Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” movies.
Described as a living theater, the Grand Hall is where heroes and villains will interact with guests during performances featuring unique lighting and stage effects.
An entertainment parlor called The Sanctum will present the sorcerers and mystical elements from “Doctor Strange,” as characters attempt to protect the world. Features from Doctor Strange’s New York Sanctum will include a circular mirror modeled on the building’s famous window.
Another new space, Saga, will be a two-deck area serving as a hub for family activities during the day and for adult-focused entertainment at night. Its architecture is inspired by Wakanda, from the Marvel Universe.
Marvel on Disney Destiny Cruise Ship
Marvel characters will not only be visible inside the new ship. For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will make a Marvel Super Hero the stern character on a ship. The stern design typically reflects the theme of a ship and in this case, the character will be Spider-Man and his Spider-Bots.
“The heroes and villains theme of the Disney Destiny provides the perfect platform for us to collaborate with Disney Cruise Line on all-new, Marvel-inspired experiences guests won’t find anywhere else on land or at sea across the multiverse,” said Brian Crosby, executive of Marvel Experiences Development.
Disney Cruise Line’s final reveal involves the Destiny Tower Suite, a Marvel-inspired penthouse accommodation based on Iron Man. Its design will feature armor-style elements offset by soft finishes.
Disney Destiny Tower Suite
The suite, which is not offered on any other Disney ship, will offer 2,000-square feet of space that includes views of the ship’s top deck, a large, two-story window, sleeping accommodations for eight people, a kitchen, and a private elevator.
Guests booking the suite will enjoy premium amenities and services, such as access to the Concierge Lounge and a private sun deck.
All Disney Destiny Cabins to Feature Custom Artwork
Disney Cruise Line’s earlier announcements from the three-day reveal event detailed other stateroom offerings. Every stateroom and suite on Disney Destiny will showcase custom artwork depicting the adventures of famous Disney legends.
The exclusive Concierge Lounge will showcase artwork inspired by Disney Animation’s “Fantasia,” using watercolor-style illustrations to capture the film’s color palette.
Seven VIP ocean-view rooms will be located above the bridge and decorated with iconography from Pixar’s “The Incredibles.” Also, four royal suites will celebrate the heroes depicted in “The Incredibles” as well as Disney Animation’s “Hercules.”
Other just-announced onboard features include a unique dining venue inspired by the Disney classic “The Lion King.” The experience, dubbed The Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, will have a savanna theme that will use lighting and special effects to bring animal depictions to life. A window across the venue’s back wall will change from sunrises to sunsets during meals.
Dessert lovers can check out a new confectionary venue called Edna Á La Mode Sweets, inspired by Disney’s “Auntie Edna” short film. Two new cafes, Cafe Megara and Cafe Merida, will serve coffee, tea, and other beverages, plus snacks. The venues are named for the heroine of Disney Animation’s “Hercules” and the heroine of Pixar’s “Brave,” respectively.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore will receive extensive updates, including new adult-only areas and expanded dining options.
The cruise line announced today, August 1, significant upgrades for the 116,116-gross-ton Norwegian Encore. The ship, originally delivered in 2019, will undergo a two-week dry dock from November 18 to December 2, 2024, where various enhancements will be made.
Savvy travelers had already noticed the ship did not have any itineraries planned during that period, and that more cabin options were available on 2025 bookings.
Spice H2O Norwegian Encore (Rendering Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Now confirming the upcoming renovations, the cruise line revealed extensive updates will include new adult-only areas, expanded dining options, redesigned suites, and additional balcony staterooms.
“Our guests’ wants and needs are at the forefront of every decision that we make, and enhancing Norwegian Encore with more of the experiences they value showcases our commitment to just that,”said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
He continued, “From more space for adults to relax to more opportunities to enjoy their favorite dining options and beyond, we are dedicated to providing our guests with an elevated onboard experience as part of their dream vacation.”
Currently sailing roundtrip voyages from Seattle, Washington, to Alaska through October 13, 2024, a key update to Norwegian Encore will be the introduction of the Spice H2O adults-only outdoor area found on other Norwegian ships, including Breakaway, Epic, and Escape.
Designed by Studio Dado, the new lounge will feature hot tubs, large day beds, cooling pools, and a large bar. The complimentary area replaces the current laser tag arena and will be a relaxing escape for guests aged 18 and over.
In addition to the new lounge, the enhancements will include the expansion of two popular dining venues. Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki will increase their capacity by taking over the spaces currently occupied by Los Lobos and Coco’s, which will be removed from the lineup.
Meanwhile, the ship’s Ocean Blue seafood dining area will be converted to Palomar, currently a feature of Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima and offering Mediterranean seafood cuisine.
Changes Expanding Norwegian Encore Offerings
Norwegian Encore’s dry dock will also see significant changes to The Haven by Norwegian, the ship’s exclusive, keycard-access-only complex. Here, the Premier Owner’s Suites with a Large Balcony accommodation will be expanded from two bedrooms to three, as was the case in sister ship Norwegian Joy’s February 2024 dry dock.
The suites will receive a fully renovated living room and master bedroom, along with new balcony furniture. The suites with three and a half bathrooms will also add a new separate dining room.
Haven Suite Lounge Norwegian Encore (Rendering Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Also similar to Norwegian Joy’s transformation, further additions on Norwegian Encore include 24 new balcony staterooms and two club balcony rooms on Deck 15 to grow the vessel’s from 2,043 staterooms to 2,067.
The additional space will result from repurposing space in the ship’s Observation Lounge and allow the ship to increase its capacity from 4,004 passengers at double occupancy to 4,052.
Norwegian Encore’s family-friendly amenities will remain, including a 1,100-foot-long Speedway racetrack, the Aqua Park with multi-story waterslides, and the Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality complex.
Norwegian Encore will begin dry dock following its repositioning cruises along the North American coast and across the Atlantic. Upon competition, the ship will embark on another transatlantic repositioning voyage from Southampton to Miami, Florida.
From there, the ship will offer 7-day roundtrip Caribbean sailings through March 2025, with stops at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
In summer 2025, Norwegian Encore will shift to 7-day roundtrip cruises to Alaska from Seattle.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced an exciting retreat for its upcoming private port of call on Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key.
The destination will now feature Pearl Cove Beach Club, a premium option for guests aged 18 and older, with a variety of amenities and features to help everyone relax and enjoy an amazing day at the beach.
The new beach club will be at the westernmost point of the destination, well separated from louder and more boisterous family-friendly areas to ensure peace and exclusivity.
The secluded entry will open to expansive views of the 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, which also features a swim-up bar and water loungers.
The pool area will be surrounded with ample seating and loungers with pops of tropical color in pink-striped umbrellas and mosaic countertops.
The tropical vibes will be spread with tunes from the resident DJ, though music will be adjusted to ensure relaxed lounging and socializing, rather than a party-like atmosphere. A nearby private beach will offer another lounging space, with beachside food and drink service available.
Carnival’s Pearl Cove Beach Club
“Celebration Key will give our guests elevated options and experiences across its five portals and we’ve specifically designed Pearl Cove Beach Club as the perfect place for adults to lounge, unwind or relax in their own paradise,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Pearl Cove Beach Club is not included in one’s cruise fare and there will be an extra charge for access to the exclusive area. The “Access Only” day pass permits one into the club with a rum punch welcome drink for a price of $99.99 per person. No other drinks or food are included, but can be purchased as desired.
The “Open Bar” option includes club access and up to 10 drinks, including rum punch, draft domestic beer (regular and light beer), house red and white wine, all well drinks, frozen strawberry daquiris, and pina coladas. Pass prices start at $139.99 per person. Guests will be able to purchase additional drinks or food if they wish.
Carnival’s Pearl Cove Beach Club Swim Up Bar
The most expensive pass is the “All Inclusive” option at $179.99 per person, which includes Pearl Cove Beach Club access, up to 10 drinks, and a “premium lunch.” Guests will be able to purchase more drinks or food if preferred. At this time, no menu details for the Pearl Cove restaurant have been released, nor is it known if there will be any free dining options available.
Pass prices are always subject to change and may vary depending on visit date, which ship a guest is sailing on, and overall popularity.
Reservations for the adults-only beach club are now open and available for sailings through January 2, 2026. Later voyages will undoubtedly be opened as departure dates draw closer.
Many Villa Options Now Available to Reserve on Celebration Key
Even if travelers aren’t interested in the Pearl Cove Beach Club, a private cabana, villa, or daybed can be a great way to relax and make the most of a visit to Celebration Key.
Carnival Cruise Line has now opened reservations for eight different types of private spaces for all sailings through January 2, 2026.
Both beach and water daybeds will be available, and these plush two-person loungers have pillows and privacy curtains for a true relaxing retreat ideal for couples.
The daybeds are found in both Calypso Lagoon and Starfish Lagoon with prices starting at $119.99 to $149.99 for both guests, depending on location.
Cabanas are great for adults or families and are spread through several locations so guests can choose the exact spot for their private Celebration Key space.
Up to four guests are permitted at each cabana with prices from $599.99 for the entire space, with fresh fruit and snacks included. Even larger cabanas – which can accommodate up to six guests – include more space and lunch delivery for $899.99.
Carnival’s Pearl Cove Beach Club Infinity Pool
Over-the-Lagoon cabanas are being offered at both the Calypso and Starfish Lagoons. These spaces are the same as the private cabanas but also add a sun-shelf and ceiling fan. Prices start at $739.99 for four guests.
Guests who want to be as close to the water as they can get will want to check out the exclusive AquaBanas, floating cabanas for up to eight guests. The rental price starts at $449.99 for the space. At this time, AquaBanas are only available at Starfish Lagoon.
Supervillas are the largest cabana offerings available at Celebration Key, with space for 10 guests. Lounge seating, a dining table, ceiling fans, hammocks, fresh fruit, snacks, lunch delivery, and more are all included in the space.
Only eight supervillas are available – two over the Calypso Lagoon, two over the Starfish Lagoon, and four on the beach (two family-friendly and two adults-only).
Supervilla prices start at $1799.99 for the beach options and $1,999.99 for the over-water options. The price is for all guests (up to the space limit) and rents the space for the entire day so guests can come and go at their leisure.
All prices are subject to change, but these private spaces are sure to sell out quickly and interested travelers who are already booked on sailings to Celebration Key should make sure make reservations to guarantee their own private piece of tropical Bahamian luxury.
As the climate changes, it’s important to protect the world’s natural treasures from potential damage and pollution – and Antarctica and the Arctic are no exception.
The famous polar regions – and the animals that live there – are at particular risk due to the catastrophic damage that could occur from the melting ice, which has the potential to raise global sea levels by hundreds of feet because of global warming.
This is why authoritative organizations – namely the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) – are enforcing caps to limit the number of tourists that can visit.
The rules state that only 100 passengers can disembark at one time and that ships carrying more than 500 passengers may not make landings anywhere in Antarctica.
Small-ship cruise lines like Aurora Expeditions, which specializes in Antarctic voyages, are more than happy to comply with any rules that preserve the natural beauty and sustainability of the Polar regions.
In fact, all future Polar expeditions onboard Aurora’s three small, purpose-built vessels will carry no more than 130 guests.
“With passenger landing limits in Antarctica and some areas of the Arctic, we wanted to reinforce our commitment to providing the small ship experiences our passengers know us for, with more time off ship and more immersive activities. This change solidifies our position as one of the most intimate small ship offerings in our class for the polar regions,”said Aurora Expeditions’ CEO, Michael Heath.
“We also recognize our responsibility to protect and preserve the remote places we travel to, and we are proud to be one of the few companies visiting Antarctica and the Arctic with under 150 passengers. We remain steadfast in our commitment to responsible travel and our vision to be the global leader in sustainable expedition travel,”continued Heath.
This limit works perfectly for the cruise line’s two operating ships: Greg Mortimer, which entered service in 2019, and Slyvia Earle, which joined the fleet in 2022. Capacity for both vessels already maxes out at 130 passengers.
Douglas Mawson, a new-build that isexpected to join the fleet in 2025, will be slightly bigger than her predecessors – with the ability to accommodate up to 154 guests per sailing.
An Exciting Antarctic Season Ahead
Aurora Expeditions’ annual Antarctic season will kick off in just a couple months – beginning in October and running through early April 2025.
The short season takes place during the region’s summer months, when temperatures average between 10 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit – which is the only time it’s considered safe to operate Polar voyages.
In the winter, the even colder temperatures (averaging below 50 degrees Fahrenheit) lead to the formation of sea ice that even purpose-built expedition vessels can’t always push through safely – and the Antarctic peninsula is known to have extremely fierce storms.
Aurora Expeditions intends to make the most of the 2024-2025 Antarctic season – such as by introducing new embarkation ports to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea from Hobart, Australia, and Dunedin, New Zealand, for select expeditions.
Most voyages typically embark from Chile or Ushuaia, Argentina – taking cruisers to the Antarctic Peninsula by way of the Drake Passage or sailing to the Sub-Antarctic Islands of the Falklands or South Georgia before continuing on to the bottom of the world.
The expert expedition company offers a variety of itineraries, which typically range from 9 to 34 days.
On the shorter side, a 13-night sailing operated by Sylvia Earle will embark from Chile on March 13, 2025 – and will visit the Chilean Fjords, sail through the Drake passage, and spend 4 days in the Antarctic Peninsula.
On the longer end of the spectrum, Greg Mortimer will sail a 20-night voyage out of Ushuaia. This itinerary includes the Drake Passage, 3 days in the Antarctica Peninsula, calls on Elephant Island and South Georgia, and will pass through the Weddell Sea and the Scotia Sea.
Holland America Line has released its 2026 European season for booking, with itineraries ranging from 7-night sailings to a whopping 42-night extravaganza.
Four different ships are offering a diverse season of options, including transatlantic crossings, Canary Island getaways, Mediterranean explorations, and Northern European adventures.
All the new itineraries are now available for booking, with substantial discount savings through the Have It All premium package and a variety of free upgrades.
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
The cruise line’s loyalty program, the Mariner Society, also offers an early booking bonus with up to $400 in onboard credit if travelers book by October 29, 2024.
Four ships are included in the 2026 European season – Oosterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, and Zuiderdam.
Homeported from five cities along a classic Mediterranean route, the 82,305-gross-ton, Vista-class Oosterdam will offer itineraries from 7-14 nights. Discerning travelers looking for even more options can combine routes for a more immersive experience, with routes up to 21 nights with no repeat ports of call.
Oosterdam will offer homeports from Lisbon, Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Venice (Trieste). Of special interest will be the ship’s August 9, 2026 departure from Lisbon, a 13-night Solar Eclipse voyage with an overnight call in Barcelona and debarkation in Athens.
“There’s so much to see throughout the Mediterranean region and by creating itineraries from multiple homeports we’re giving our guests the opportunity to explore more ports and countries in an exciting way we haven’t offered before,”said Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of revenue planning and deployment.
“The range of options we’ve put together really allows travelers to choose their own, ideal Mediterranean adventure.”
Grigsby also notes that guest feedback has been instrumental in developing the 2026 itineraries, including popular ports of call – such as the cruise line’s first return to St. Tropez, France in more than 15 years.
For travelers interested in northern destinations, both Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam – Pinnacle-class ships at 99,863 gross tons – will be offering departures from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Nieuw Statendam will also offer select sailings from Dover for convenience from that UK homeport.
“We’re excited to see both Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam returning to homeport in our historic home,”said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer.“Aboard the two ships, guests can experience over 80 ports across 20 countries, as far west as the Canary Islands in Spain, and as far east as Finland and the Baltic States.”
Itineraries will include the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, and the Baltic and Scandinavian capital cities. Four brand new ports of call are also part of the various itineraries: Aberdeen, Scotland; Kalundborg, Denmark; Odda, Norway; and Portsmouth, England.
Meanwhile, Zuiderdam will offer an astonishing 35-night “Voyage of the Vikings” that is part of the cruise line’s Legendary Voyages series.
Departing Boston, Massachusetts on July 18, 2026, the roundtrip sailing is a special itinerary for the total solar eclipse on August 12. Ports of call will include destinations in Maine, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Ireland.
In total, the four ships will offer six “Celestial Cruises” with opportunities to see the northern lights, the summer solstice above the Arctic Circle, or the total solar eclipse.
Impressive Numbers in Europe for Holland America Line
With more and more travelers eager to explore Europe via cruise ship, Holland America Line is offering impressive numbers in 2026. A total of 11 departure cities across eight countries will be available, including US departures from Boston and Fort Lauderdale.
The ships will visit 20 countries through the season, with more than 80 ports of call. In 12 of those ports, overnight visits will allow travelers to truly experience all the destination has to offer, including such iconic cities as Alexandria, Naples, Istanbul, and Oslo. Furthermore, 19 cities will feature late night departures, including Belfast, Halifax, Dubrovnik, Liverpool, and Mykonos.
A total of six transatlantic sailings are also available in the season with both eastbound and westbound cruises aboard Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Oosterdam.
With such impressive numbers, Holland America Line cruisers will be hard-pressed to choose just one European sailing to enjoy in 2026!
