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Virgin Voyages Expands Season Pass Due to High Demand

Virgin Voyages News

Lissa Poirot

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Mar 21, 2024

Virgin Voyages Expands Season Pass Due to High Demand

Reacting to a surge in demand, Virgin Voyages announced an extension of its Scarlet Summer Season Pass to include Resilient Lady, offering new itineraries for travelers seeking to blend work and leisure in the Mediterranean.

Resilient Lady Adds Summer Season Pass

Virgin Voyages has responded to an overwhelming interest in its Scarlet Summer Season Pass by extending the program with additional itineraries aboard Resilient Lady, sailing from Athens, Greece. The decision follows a swift sell-out of initial voyages from Barcelona aboard Scarlet Lady.

“Merely two weeks ago we launched our Scarlet Summer Season Pass, an idea straight from the mind of Sir Richard Branson and inspired by his own work/travel adventures,” said a Virgin Voyages spokesperson.

At that time, Branson revealed he was working on a houseboat when he founded Virgin and “never thought of work and play as two different things; it’s all just living.”

Wanting to give others a chance to live like he did, the Scarlet Summer Season Pass was introduced earlier this month, but, as the Virgin Voyages spokesperson noted, “We saw incredible demand – more than 2,000 inquires and voyages selling out in less than 48 hours.”

As a result, Virgin Voyages has added the Summer Season Pass to Resilient Lady, giving more travelers the option to WFH (work from helm) this summer.

Work-From-Ship Experience in the Mediterranean

The Summer Season Pass extension on Resilient Lady, starting at $9,990 per person, double occupancy, caters to those seeking a novel way to combine work responsibilities with the exploration of iconic Mediterranean destinations.

Taking place on Virgin Voyages’ third ship, Resilient Lady, which debuted in May 2023, passengers can select a month-long voyage from June 2 through June 30, June 30 through July 28, or July 7 through August 4, 2024.

Resilient Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Alex Anderson / Maritime Filming UK)

Comprising of four week-long roundtrip segments, the June and July sailings will feature three “Greek Island Glow” itineraries along with one “Adriatic Sea & Greek Gems.” The July sailing will enjoy two “Greek Island Glows” and two “Adriatic Sea & Greek Gems.”

Departing from her homeport of Piraeus (Athens) on each leg, the 110,000-gross-ton Resilient Lady will call on Santorini and Rhodes, Greece, with an overnight in Mykonos, along with a day in Bodrum during its “Greek Island Glow.”

While visiting the Adriatic Sea, Resilient Lady will visit Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; and Corfu, Greece.

The consecutive sailings mean passengers will repeatedly return to the same ports of call but provide an opportunity to have more time to explore each destination.

Passengers will need to request the back-to-back sailings to purchase and will receive Central Sea Terrace accommodations, early access to book onboard dining and Shore Things excursions, and a champagne welcome.

The special also provides cruisers free access to Virgin Voyages’ SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO, featuring 1.5 Gbps WiFi connectivity and complimentary wash-and-fold laundry service. A daily coffee credit for Resilient Lady’s The Grounds Club is also included for specialty brews and teas.

Alongside a dedicated concierge, Summer Sailors receive RockStar status, which includes an additional 24/7 support team and access to Richards Rooftop, the exclusive open-air lounge with daily Moet & Chandon happy hours.

With 17 decks accommodating up to 2,770 passengers and 1,160 international crew members, Resilient Lady features 20 eateries, including five distinctive restaurant options with menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs for a choice of Italian, Mexican, Korean, American Chophouse, and casual dining.

Included in every sailing are more than 200 fitness classes at sea, from yoga to spin to aerial workouts, and guests will also find an onboard barbershop, a blowout bar, a medi spa, and a nail salon to make a month at sea easier to enjoy.

New Findings Reveal the Best Cruise Destinations

Port News

Donna Tunney

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Mar 21, 2024

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New Findings Reveal the Best Cruise Destinations

Tampa, Florida, has been rated the No. 1 cruise destination in the world for 2024, according to a new survey. The city is located on Tampa Bay, in West Central Florida, and is among the state’s smaller ports. The study also looked at search data for “cruises” in general and found robust growth in the popularity of the vacation option.

New Survey Data Reveals Best Cruise Destinations

Avanti Travel Insurance, a UK firm, released a report that shows Tampa is the best cruise destination in 2024. Tampa had the highest cruise index score, 74, with the top score being 100. The destination also was ranked highest as being the “most family friendly,” and came in second in the category “suitability for seniors.”

The destination sits on Tampa Bay, an arm of the Gulf of Mexico, and is about 85 miles from Orlando, the theme-park capital of the Sunshine State. Eight ships from five cruise lines homeport at the Port of Tampa, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Margaritavile at Sea.

Carnival Cruise Line has two ships sailing from Tampa, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Pride, which was the line’s first ship to homeport from the destination following the pandemic. Other ships based in Tampa include Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas, and Celebrity Cruises’ Constellation of the Seas.

Tampa is on target to welcome 1.1 million-plus cruise arrivals in 2024, according to Florida’s Seaport Mission Plan, and while the number is robust, it is far lower than competitor ports in Florida, such as PortMiami, with 7.3 million, and Port Canaveral, with 6.8 million recorded in 2023.

Aerial View of Tampa (Photo Credit: Robert Miller Online)

Cozumel, Mexico, came in second place in the overall rankings, followed by Barcelona, in third place. Their index scores were 71.9 and 71.8, respectively. Both Cozumel and Barcelona scored high in the “most romantic destinations for couples” ranking, with scores of 17.2 and 20, respectively, out of a total of 20.

“Barcelona continues to be one of the most popular cruise destinations as they have the largest cruise port in Europe and fourth in the world. Barcelona is full of attractions suitable for everyone including sightseeing, incredible restaurants and nightlife,” said Sara Young, revenue manager for Carnival Cruises UK.

The study also ranked the best river cruise destinations in Europe. Barcelona took the lead as the top river cruise destination, with a score of 14.4 (out of a total of 20), likely from much smaller local tour sailings. Lisbon, Portugal, came in second place, followed by Vancouver, British Columbia.

Cruises Set To Be ‘All the Rage’ in 2024

A huge upswing in online searches for “cruise destinations” in the UK was identified, with a spike of a whopping 105% from January 24, 2024 to February 24, 2024.

“Cruises are set to be all the rage this year and there’s a reason why they’ve grown in popularity. There’s nothing quite like a cruise. That’s part of what makes them special, but for the uninitiated, it can be quite overwhelming when it’s time to book,” said Kelly Johnstone, of Avanti Travel Insurance.

Cruise News Update — cruise Ship in Miami (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)

She advises future cruisers to look at various destinations and consider a ship’s personality before selecting a shortlist of cruise ships and cruise lines. And as more cruise lines have entered the market in recent years, such as Virgin Voyages and Ritz Carlton, the choices for vacationers continue to widen.

“The demographic for cruises is definitely changing as we are seeing more disrupters entering the market such as the Ritz Carlton, who’ve launched their first cruise ships, with more coming in 2024,” noted Young, the Carnival Cruises UK revenue manager.

The methodology included collecting cruise port data and assessing Trip Advisor reviews for each cruise ship. The reviews and data were used to create “cruise hotspot indexes” that ranked best cruise holiday destinations for couples, families, seniors, food and wine enthusiasts, and budget travelers. They also ranked the best river cruise destinations.

Cruise Line Marks Launch of River Cruise High-Season

Cruise News

Donna Tunney

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Mar 20, 2024

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Cruise Line Marks Launch of River Cruise High-Season

With the arrival of spring comes the return of the busy river cruise high-season in Europe, and Viking’s Longship fleet is celebrating the launch of itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, and other scenic rivers.

From Amsterdam and Avignon to Salzburg and Vienna, river cruisers can crisscross the continent on the Longships, each with capacity for under 200 guests.

Itineraries Span Eight European Rivers

When it comes to river cruising in Europe, the name Viking is a familiar one, not only for its reputation as a good value but for its market share —there are 55 Longships at last count, each providing spacious staterooms and suites with balconies, indoor and outdoor dining venues, eco-friendly hybrid engines, free WiFi, and more.

Itineraries of varying lengths are offered on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle, and Elbe rivers, typically from 8 to 15 days.

“With its rich history, culture, and scenic regions that are best explored by river, Europe remains our most popular destination,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.

“As more curious travelers become familiar with river voyages as a seamless method for exploring, we are pleased to begin a new season on Europe’s iconic waterways,” added Hagen.

Here’s a look at some of Viking’s popular voyages and the sights guests can expect to see along the way:

The 8-day Rhine Getaway sails from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, past terraced vineyards, castles and castle ruins, cathedrals, and medieval villages. The area, known as the Middle Rhine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Viking River Ships (Photo Credit: Tito Slack)

The 8-day Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise, roundtrip from Paris, explores the countryside north of the City of Light and into Normandy. While docked in the center of Paris, guests can tour highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, and once in Normandy can view the Gothic architecture of Rouen, Claude Monet’s home and gardens, and learn about the region’s art and culture.

Guests looking for a wider exploration can choose the 15-day Grand European Tour, cruising from Budapest to Amsterdam on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. Along the route, see Austria’s Wachau Valley and stop for a treat in Budapest’s popular Café Gerbeaud.

Other featured destinations include Portugal’s Douro River, plus there are several Christmas cruises that include shopping at the holiday markets that dot the riversides. The Danube Christmas Delights cruise, for instance, is an 8-day sailing from Budapest to Passau, Germany. Guests can tour cultural capitals and small villages, dine on Austro-Hungarian specialties, and stroll through the area’s many Christmas markets, which offer goods made by local artisans.

Viking Adds a Second Winter Itinerary in 2024

Viking also has announced a new winter itinerary that will kick off in December 2024. The cruise line in 2023 revealed it would become the first river line to offer year-round itineraries through the winter seasons.

Viking River Cruise (Photo Credit: Jordan Tan)

It launched the new program with one cruise, “Treasures of the Rhine,” and promoted the voyage as a way to experience the river without summer crowds and with better access to landmarks for touring.

The new, 2024 cruise is a 10-day “Treasures of the Danube,” which will operate between Budapest and Passau through early March 2025. Port calls will feature Gyor, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Vienna, Grein, and Linz, Austria.

The “Treasures of the Rhine” will be repeated in winter 2024-25 as well. It calls at Breisach, Heidelberg, Cologne, and Mainz, Germany, plus Strasbourg, France. In the Netherlands, guests will explore Arnhem and Amsterdam.

Construction Milestone and Name Announced for New Disney Ship

Disney Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 20, 2024

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Construction Milestone and Name Announced for New Disney Ship

Disney Cruise Line has revealed the name of the third Wish-class ship on the same momentous day that the keel has been laid for the new vessel, planned for delivery in 2025.

The new ship will have a “Heroes and Villains” theme and will be named Disney Destiny, bringing amazing Disney imagineering to every guest and making all travelers the superheroes of their own cruise vacations.

Disney Destiny Announced and Construction Begins

The cruise line announced on March 20, 2024, that the newest Disney ship and what will be the third ship in the updated Wish class—sister ship to Disney Wish and the upcoming Disney Treasure—will be known as Disney Destiny.

This is the same day that the keel has been laid for the vessel, now officially under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The ship is projected to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet in 2025, though her deployment and itineraries have not yet been announced.

Ceremonial coins have been laid under the keel in a time-honored maritime tradition, with the hopes of bringing good fortune to the vessel’s construction. Portfolio Project Management Executive Philip Gennotte and Project Management Executive Mike Davie from Walt Disney Imagineering Germany laid the newly minted coins.

More Details Revealed

In addition to announcing the name of the new ship, Disney Cruise Line has also revealed that “Hero Minnie” will adorn the bow in the ship’s filigree detail. The classic character is posed in a valiant superhero stance, ready to take on the world with Disney Destiny, and is wearing a new superhero outfit complete with monogram, cape, and gloves.

This complements the ship’s overall design theme of “Heroes and Villains” and sets the tone for an adventurous ship filled with the legends and lore of decades of the company’s most popular heroes and most lovable, love-to-hate villains.

“The Disney Destiny will celebrate our most legendary Disney stories and characters, bringing them to life in new and exciting ways exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line.

Inspired by the dynamic duality of both classic and modern Disney tales, heroes and villains will be found throughout the vessel in artwork, venues, activities, entertainment, and more. Such popular Disney stories as “The Lion King,” “Hercules,” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” will all be present on Disney Destiny.

Undoubtedly, the ship’s spaces will also include popular Marvel characters and other superheroes found throughout the company’s large body of work, such as the ever-popular Incredibles family.

More Expansion for Disney Cruise Line

After a 10-year gap in new cruise ship construction, Disney Cruise Line began expanding in 2022 with the launch of the amazingly popular, 144,000-gross-ton Disney Wish, the largest ship in their fleet, and the next few years will see amazing growth for the cruise line.

“As we continue to expand our fleet, the Disney Destiny will further strengthen our position as a leader in family cruising as we offer even more ways for families to experience Disney magic and world-class service at sea,” said Siskie.

Up next will be Disney Treasure, slated to debut in December 2024 and homeported from Port Canaveral, offering 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Disney Adventure – the former Global Dream cruise ship – is scheduled to debut in spring 2025 and at 208,000 gross tons will be the largest ship in the fleet. She will homeport from Singapore, offering magical Disney cruise vacations in an entirely new region.

Finally, Disney Destiny will join the fleet in 2025, though exact dates have not yet been confirmed. It is possible the ship will be delivered in late 2025 but may not welcome guests until early 2026, depending on her construction timeline and any potential delays in the next year.

Ultimately, however, it will be the ship’s destiny to bring outstanding cruise vacations and Disney oceangoing magic to eager travelers, no matter where the ship may sail.

Royal Caribbean Cancels at Least Another Month of Labadee Visits

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 20, 2024

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Royal Caribbean Cancels at Least Another Month of Labadee Visits

Royal Caribbean International has begun reaching out to guests booked on further upcoming visits to their private destination in Haiti – Labadee – to inform them that their itineraries have changed and the port of call has been removed.

This is in addition to recent cancellations of the port that were being evaluated on an individual basis, and now appears to affect sailings at least for the next month.

Labadee Visits Continue to Be Cancelled

With tensions in Haiti not appearing to ease in the near future, Royal Caribbean International is making the bold move to preemptively cancel calls to its private destination of Labadee at least a month in advance.

This gives the cruise line ample time to arrange alternative ports of call as well as to notify impacted guests so they can adjust their travel plans if desired. While changing any itinerary on short notice is not ideal, the safety of guests and crew members is the top priority.

All ships sailing to Labadee – which is a popular port of call on nearly all of the cruise line’s Eastern Caribbean itineraries – are impacted. Depending on the ship, sailing date, and cruise route, a variety of alternatives are being confirmed.

It should be noted that these itinerary changes are being made “in an abundance of caution” and not because of any direct violence reported in Labadee.

Royal Caribbean Ship in Labadee, Haiti (Photo Credit: Solarisys)

It is always the cruise line’s goal to keep everyone safe as well as to offer fulfilling port experiences. With the “evolving situation” in Haiti, this is not possible in Labadee at the moment. Royal Caribbean had previously cancelled a wide range of shore excursions to keep guests closer to the port area, and such a visit does not offer much for visitors to choose from.

Various Alternatives Offered

Instead of Labadee, Royal Caribbean is arranging different options that will have minimal impact on guests’ cruise itineraries. These options vary for different ships and sailing dates, and must factor in port berth availability, sailing time, and other considerations.

Explorer of the Seas‘ 5-night cruise from Miami departing on March 31, for example, will now call at Grand Cayman in lieu of Labadee, and will also enjoy a longer visits to Falmouth, Jamaica. Meanwhile the ship’s April 14 departure will also have extra time in Jamaica but will be visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay rather than Labadee.

Likewise, Independence of the Seas‘ April 4 departure from Miami – which was only supposed to visit Labadee, with no other ports of call – will now visit Grand Turk, while the rest of the time at sea is not affected.

Pier at Labadee, Haiti (Photo Credit: kanndibimbam)

Odyssey of the Seas‘ March 24 departure from Fort Lauderdale will now visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic – 110 miles (178 kilometers) east of Labadee, across a heavily guarded international border between the countries. At this time, no cruise lines are adjusting visits to the Dominican Republic, as the border is secure and those destinations are not impacted.

Where alternative ports are not feasible, particularly on longer sailings that may already include CocoCay and other nearby ports, the cruise may instead substitute a day at sea or a second day at CocoCay. This is the case for Oasis of the Seas‘ March 31 departure from Miami, a 7-night cruise that is already visiting Nassau, CocoCay, and Jamaica. The ship will now enjoy two full days at CocoCay.

Regardless of the alternatives, all pre-paid Royal Caribbean International shore tours booked for Labadee will be automatically cancelled and refunded to guests’ onboard accounts. These credits will be fully refundable and returned to the card on file if there is any amount remaining after the cruise.

Undoubtedly Royal Caribbean will be closely monitoring the situation and will reinstate visits to Labadee as soon as it is safe and feasible to do so. Any travelers with port visits to Labadee in the coming months will want to stay in touch with the cruise line for updates affecting their sailing, and remain flexible with their travel plans and expectations.

Familiar Face Confirmed Aboard Upcoming Carnival Ship

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 19, 2024

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Familiar Face Confirmed Aboard Upcoming Carnival Ship

Carnival Cruise Line has released the first photos of the ongoing refurbishment of Costa Firenze into the upcoming Carnival Firenze, and a familiar face has appeared!

The replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David has been installed on the ship, ready to welcome guests with an authentic touch of Italian art and culture as they enjoy the ship.

Famous Statue Onboard Carnival Firenze

Costa Firenze is currently in Cadiz, Spain undergoing her extensive renovation that will transform the ship into Carnival Firenze. Now, just days after the ship’s registry was changed to Panama in a step that brings her closer to her Carnival debut, a familiar statue and piece of Carnival history has appeared onboard.

The famous replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David—a pivotal piece of Italian Renaissance sculpture—is now aboard Carnival Firenze and showcased in the ship’s Michelangelo Restaurant.

Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald had previously hinted at the statue’s planned reappearance aboard Carnival Firenze when sharing photos of President Christine Duffy aboard Costa Firenze over the holidays.

“Now, take a look at the photo and the Christmas Tree because when the ship becomes Carnival Firenze there will be something else standing where that tree is now. It’s an old friend from another ship. Can you guess what it is that will have pride of place there?” he said.

It is particularly appropriate for the statue to have a place of honor aboard Carnival Firenze, as the ship’s namesake city – Florence, Italy – is the home of the original 17-foot marble masterpiece, which can be seen at the Academia Gallery.

David’s Former Home

The occasionally controversial statue was a focal point aboard Carnival Pride for nearly 20 years, showcased in the ship’s specialty steakhouse, David’s. In May 2023, however, Carnival Pride underwent a dry dock renovation that included rebranding the steakhouse, and the statue was removed at that time.

Now, the near-replica will be a great meeting spot for guests onboard Carnival Firenze when she debuts from April 25, 2024 for the first of two inaugural sailings to celebrate her addition to the fleet.

Carnival Pride Cruise Ship — Carnival pride Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mario Hagen / Shutterstock)

Cruise guests familiar with Renaissance sculptures will note that the cruise ship replica statue isn’t quite the same as the original, and sports a delicately positioned fig leaf to keep the anatomically-correct statue family-friendly. This type of addition is commonly made to Renaissance artwork when different cultural mores shift.

More to Come Onboard Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze will bring more than just a statue for guests to enjoy with each sailing. The 135,156-gross-ton, Vista-class ship will feature top Carnival favorites, including the adults-only Serenity Retreat, the Cloud 9 Spa, the exciting SportSquare, a top-of-the-line casino, and delicious dining such as Bonsai Teppanyaki, Pizzeria del Capitano, and the Seafood Shack.

Onboard, guests will enjoy the ship’s unique Italian-inspired architecture and themed artwork, along with exclusive options such as Amari, Frizzante, and Rococo for Italian-inspired cocktails.

Carnival Firenze will be homeported year-round from Long Beach, California, offering a selection of 4-, 5-, and 7-night Mexican Riviera and Baja Mexico itineraries. Depending on the sailing date and cruise length, the ship will visit vibrant and lively ports of call such as Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, and Catalina Island.

More details about Carnival Firenze are sure to be released in the weeks leading up to the ship’s debut, including milestones of her renovation, a special naming ceremony to celebrate her rebranding, and more.

Virgin Voyages Announces the Return of Onboard Festival

Virgin Voyages News

Lissa Poirot

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Mar 19, 2024

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Virgin Voyages Announces the Return of Onboard Festival

Virgin Voyages is relaunching its celebrated Eat & Drink Festival this July, introducing first-ever experiences alongside returning favorites for a month of culinary exploration.

Culinary Exploration at Sea

Relaunching its passenger-favorite Eat & Drink Festival across its fleet, Virgin Voyages will offer a series of unique, month-long onboard activations designed to celebrate the culinary arts and cocktail crafting. Taking place in July 2024, the festival will introduce several first-at-sea experiences, such as the fleetwide Asian Night Market, where guests can explore the vibrant flavors of Eastern street food.

Additionally, in collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Matt Lambert, a new six-course menu will debut across each ship’s Test Kitchen, Virgin’s unique dining concept that is designed as part cooking school and part restaurant.

Popular events like the Seven Seas Sippers, a cocktail ship-wide treasure hunt, are also making a comeback across the fleet.

Charles Steadman, director of Food & Beverage Experiences and Strategic Partnerships at Virgin Voyages, said, “This year’s Eat & Drink Festival is a celebration of epic innovation, creativity, and passion for exceptional gastronomic experiences.”

With more than 20 special activations planned, including wine pairings, hidden speakeasy pop-ups, spirited dinner series, culinary demos, and dedicated food and drink happenings aboard each ship, Steadman claims the event will be “the most immersive F&B experiences for our Sailors.”

A Festival of Firsts and Favorites on Virgin Ships

The Eat & Drink Festival’s extensive lineup includes the fleetwide “Shhh…” where Sailors can enjoy an immersive, phone-free experience. This event will feature top bartenders from cities like Miami, Barcelona, and Athens who turn the pop-up experience into an intimate cocktail space.

At Virgin Voyages signature eateries, guests will be treated to “Amuse Bouche,” featuring inventive small bites prepared by the chefs in Virgin Voyages’ Culinary Collective. Meanwhile, the “Spirited Dinner Series” at The Wake, the fleet’s signature aft-located steakhouse, will feature a four-course meal crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. The latter’s exclusive dining event will also feature a pairing of fine spirits, beers, or wines.

Outside the dining rooms, passengers will find the “Afternoon Tea Cocktail Extravaganza” at Sip, combining traditional British tea with innovative mixology. This fleetwide offering includes tea-infused cocktails and a whiskey and chocolate pairing.

Chocolate will also feature in the “Let’s Get Choco-Lit” event, which will take place on Scarlet Lady. Catering to chocolate lovers, the event will offer a culinary demo focused on the art of making chocolate pralines and Rocher treats.

Additionally, passengers will find the “Meat & Cheese, If Your Please” culinary demo on board Valiant Lady, which teaches how to make the perfect charcuterie board, and the “Acai What You Did There,” which will promote customizable acai bowls aboard Resilient Lady.

For drink enthusiasts, Virgin Voyages will offer a number of special programs around wines and cocktails. The “Master the Art of Wine” sessions, for example, will delve into the nuances of white, red, or rose wine, varying by ship. At the same time, “Shot for Shot,” only on Resilient Lady, will provide a blend of cocktail crafting and photography skills.

Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: EQRoy)

Besides the special offerings, Virgin Voyages’ fleet features five signature restaurants, including Razzle Dazzle for casual dining, breakfast, boozy brunch, and dinner; Pink Agave for shareable Mexican cuisine; Gunbae for a lively Korean BBQ experience; and Extra Virgin, which offers homemade Italian fare.

For casual bites, passengers will find Lick Me Till… Ice Cream; Mediterranean-inspired bites at The Dock; from-scratch personal pizzas at The Pizza Place; fun, carnival fare at The Social Club; and a food court dining concept called The Galley, with create-your-own salads, a pastry shop, bakery, burger grill, panini shop, taco shack, and 24-hour American-style diner.

Passengers who book now will receive up to a $200 Bar Tab to be used on specialty drinks, Seven Seas Sippers, and “Shake for Champagne,” Virgin Voyages unique app tool that allows users to receive a glass of Moet & Chandon anywhere on board with just a shake of the phone.

Norwegian Ship Itinerary Impacted Due to Worsening Conditions

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 19, 2024

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Norwegian Ship Itinerary Impacted Due to Worsening Conditions

Lately, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing aboard Norwegian Getaway. After getting a late start to a cruise to Bermuda on Sunday, March 17, 2024, the Breakaway-class vessel had to make a last-minute itinerary change due to stormy conditions.

Norwegian Getaway Will Miss First Day In Bermuda

Despite embarking on St. Patrick’s Day, Norwegian Getaway’s 7-night Bermuda sailing has been experiencing a lot of bad luck.

First, embarkation from New York City was delayed by several hours due to a mechanical issue on the previous sailing. Now, only one day into the cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that the ship’s itinerary had been altered due to bad weather.

The itinerary originally included four days in the Royal Naval Dockyard, the largest cruise port in Bermuda, beginning on March 19. Instead, cruise guests will be spending an extra day at sea and will arrive in the port on March 20 at approximately 8 a.m. local time.

According to local weather reports, the region is predicted to experience thunderstorms and up to 36 mph winds on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, when the 145,655-gross ton vessel was originally due to arrive in the port. While large cruise ships can handle high winds and rough seas with little issue at sea, the windy conditions make docking in the cruise port dangerous.

“Due to worsening weather conditions forecasted in Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, on March 19, 2024, preventing us from entering the port safely, our call has been delayed,” read a letter from Norwegian Cruise Line.

The Bermuda cruise port can host up to two ships at one time between two piers. Norwegian Getaway is meant to dock at King’s Wharf, while Oceania Cruises’ Vista is scheduled to be nearby at Heritage Wharf from March 19 to March 20. However, Oceania has not announced any weather-related itinerary changes of its own as of the time of publication.

Norwegian Getaway Cruise (Photo Copyright: Wojciech Wrzesien)

In an effort to make up for the lost time, Norwegian Cruise Line delayed the ship’s scheduled departure time from 7 a.m. on March 22 to 2 p.m. to give guests more time to explore the port on the backend.

“In an effort to provide you with the best experience possible, despite the weather conditions that are outside of our control, we are happy to share that we have extended our call to Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, on March 22, 2024. We will now depart at 2 p.m. local time; affording you an additional seven hours to explore all this fascinating destination has to offer,” continued the letter.

In an acknowledgment of the inconvenience caused by the multiple delays, cruise guests onboard the 3,963-passenger vessel will also receive a $100 credit per stateroom to use during the remainder of their sailing.

Norwegian Getaway Plagued By Technical Difficulties

Cruise lines work hard to keep their ships in good condition. But even with the best maintenance, things can still go wrong.

Prior to Norwegian Getaway’s current sailing to Bermuda, the almost 10-year-old ship experienced technical difficulties on a 10-night Bermuda and Caribbean itinerary that was also out of New York. The cruise embarked on Thursday, March 7, and concluded in New York on March 17 – albeit several hours later than planned.

Norwegian Getaway Departing New York (Photo Copyright: Mariusz Lopusiewicz)

The vessel, which joined Norwegian’s fleet of 20 ships in 2014, experienced a maintenance issue that impacted her speed. This caused the ship to arrive in New York about 4 hours later than expected, which also resulted in a delayed departure for her current Bermuda cruise.

It’s unclear what exactly went wrong with the 1,600-crew vessel, but the cruise line clarified that it’s not related to the ship’s navigation, safety systems, or maneuvering. No further announcements have been made about the technical hiccup, but it can likely be assumed that the issue has been addressed by the ship’s skilled engineers.

As of now, Norwegian Getaway’s next sailing, which is another 7-night Bermuda cruise sailing to and from New York beginning on March 24, has not been impacted by the technical or weather delays. This sailing will also include a 4-day port call to King’s Wharf in Bermuda.

Celebrity Cruises Ship Gets Updated Venues and New Suites

Celebrity Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 18, 2024

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Celebrity Cruises Ship Gets Updated Venues and New Suites

Celebrity Infinity has returned from refurbishment with new upgrades in the ultimate luxury, perfect for pampering guests as the vessel heads around Europe with top Mediterranean and Greek itineraries in the months to come.

The ship spent more than two weeks in January in dry dock, with upgrades to her public areas and top luxury features that guests will love.

Updated Luxury on Celebrity Infinity

Just in time for exploring Europe in style, Celebrity Infinity is fresh from her January dry dock that not only refreshed public areas and did general maintenance, but also upgraded and enhanced her luxury areas. This includes the Retreat Lounge and other exclusive areas as well as adding more suites onboard.

“We strive to exceed guest expectations – from elevated service onboard and thoughtful amenities through to interior spaces designed to make guests feel at home in their surroundings,” said Keith Lane, Celebrity Cruises Senior Vice President Hotel Operations.

“The enhancements to Celebrity Infinity, particularly the transformation of The Retreat Lounge, epitomizes our commitment to providing an unmatched experience for our guests, ensuring that every journey with Celebrity Cruises is memorable.”

Of special note is that the exclusive Luminae restaurant for guests of The Retreat has been expanded, offering more space to accommodate travelers with the most sumptuous of meals. Signature dishes are curated by Chef Daniel Boulud, ensuring exquisite tastes on the modern eclectic menu.

The Retreat Lounge on Celebrity Infinity

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In addition to the attention paid to the ship’s luxury areas, all public areas have been refreshed with new carpeting and wall coverings, new furniture, updated lighting, refreshed decking, and new whirlpools. These type of dry dock updates also include a variety of behind-the-scenes technical updates to ensure the ship’s most efficient operation.

New Suites Added

To offer even more luxury to discerning travelers, the ship’s aft Ultra Deluxe or Family Veranda staterooms have been converted to Sunset Suites, offering extra-large private balconies for phenomenal sunset views. These exclusive views will be especially sought after for the ship’s European itineraries, where sweeping vistas offer unending looks at local culture and history.

Guests staying in the new Sunset Suites will also enjoy the exclusive amenities of The Retreat, such as dedicated butler service, access to The Retreat Lounge, and dining in Luminae if they prefer.

Now Sailing in Europe

Celebrity Infinity is already back in service and welcoming travelers after her refreshment. The 91,000-gross-ton vessel can host 2,170 passengers per sailing at double occupancy, and is also home to approximately 1,000 international crew members.

The ship is currently homeported from Piraeus (Athens), Greece, offering a range of Greece itineraries including ports of call not only around the Greek Islands but also in Turkey and Cyprus. Santorini, Mykonos, Hydra, Kusadasi, and Rhodes are just a few of the amazing ports on offer, depending on itinerary length and sailing date.

Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: RoxTravels / Shutterstock

When originally scheduled, Celebrity Infinity‘s summer cruises were to have included port visits in Israel and Egypt as well, but the itineraries have been altered due to ongoing tensions in the Red Sea.

Celebrity Infinity will move to Barcelona in early November, offering a short series of 12-night roundtrip cruises to the Canary Islands, with visits to Morocco on each itinerary.

The ship will then return to Piraeus (Athens) in early February 2025, with more Greek Island options for guests eager to explore the rich and diverse Aegean region.

One of the oldest ships in Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, Celebrity Infinity first debuted in March 2001. Still sailing strong after her recent refurbishment, the ship offers unparalleled luxury with the intimacy of a smaller vessel, the perfect way to sail the Greek Isles and a wonderful option for discerning travelers.