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Holland America Releases West Coast Cruises With Five Ships

Holland America Line News

Emrys Thakkar

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Apr 10, 2023

Holland America Releases West Coast Cruises With Five Ships

Holland America Lines’ 2024-2025 Pacific itineraries are open for bookings, promising once again unforgettable luxury experiences from Vancouver, Canada, to Hawaii and the Panama Canal!

Based out of San Diego, California, and Vancouver, British Columbia, five Holland America ships will offer 42 different sailings of the Pacific Coast, Hawai’i, the “Mexican Riviera,” and even a Panama Canal Cruise from September 2024 through May 2025: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Westerdam, and Zaandam.

Holland America Opens West Coast 2024-25 Cruises

These one-way and roundtrip cruises vary in length, from four-to-five-night “Pacific Coastal” and “Pacific Northwest” itineraries to a 31-day back-to-back Panama Canal Collectors’ Voyage that will take Guests from Hawai’i through the Panama Canal to the Eastern Caribbean and ending in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“Holland America Line continues to cultivate our North America homeport cruises to offer a diverse range of destinations without the need for long-haul air,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer.

“Our West Coast departures are a rich collection of close-to-home itineraries, and by offering the ability to book back-to-back cruises in different regions our guests can check off more of their must-do travel experiences in one vacation.”

Holland America’s Hawaii Cruises

Holland America Lines confirmed that Koningsdam and Zaandam will be tasked with the roundtrip Hawai’i itineraries from both San Diego and Vancouver.

Holland America Line Cruise Ship — Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line

On the 16-to-18-day “Circle Hawaii” cruises, passengers will experience Lahaina, Hilo, Kona, and Nawiliwili, as well as an optional overnight stay in Honolulu and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico.

Holland America’s Panama Canal Cruises

Holland America’s Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Zaandam will each complete a Panama Canal transit departing from Vancouver, Seattle or San Diego, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Ranging from 14 to 21 days, the voyage includes a daytime transit of the world-famous canal with open deck commentaries. Ports of Call along the way can include Aruba, California, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Turks and Caicos, and a stop at Holland America’s private destination in The Bahamas, Half Moon Cay.

Pacific Coast and Pacific Northwest Cruises

All five of Holland America Lines’ Pacific Coast ships will participate in the Pacific Coast and Northwest Pacific sailings. These four-to-seven-night sailings are available as both roundtrip out of San Diego and Vancouver, as well as one-way trips from either homeport.

Worth Reading: Cruise Line Opens New Pacific Voyages, Details Very Rare Itinerary

“Pacific Coastal” cruises will sail between San Diego and Vancouver, visiting Avalon or Santa Barbara, California, as well as San Francisco.

The seven-night “Classic California Coast” cruises feature a stop in Avalon, and Ensenada, Mexico, and an overnight stay in San Francisco.

Koningsdam in San Diego (Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line)

There is also a “Wine Country and Pacific Northwest” option that includes three overnight stops in San Francisco; Astoria, Oregon; and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

There are also several one-day preview sailings available between Vancouver and Seattle, as well as four-day roundtrip sailings that visit Seattle and Victoria from Vancouver.

Holland America’s Mexico Cruises

Meanwhile, the Koningsdam and Zaandam will also be tasked with Holland America’s Mexico itineraries. The seven-to-eleven-day roundtrip cruises from San Diego offer the chance to visit the Mexican Riviera, Baja Peninsula, and the Sea of Cortez, including ports of call at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, La Paz, Loreto, Manzanillo, and Cabo San Lucas.

Holland America also announced that for a limited time, those Guests who book any of these newly-announced cruises with the “Have It All” package will receive shore excursions, specialty dining, Surf Wi-Fi, and a Signature Beverage Package included as the standard option, along with complimentary prepaid Crew Appreciation and free upgrades to Premium Wi-Fi and the Elite Beverage Package.

Holland America’s Mariner Society loyalty members who book before June 22, 2023, will also receive onboard credit of up to $400 per stateroom.

The announcement of Pacific Coast, Hawai’i, and Panama Canal cruises comes shortly after Holland America announced its 2024-25 South America season, which will take passengers to Peru and the Chilean Fjords, through the Drake Passage, across Argentina, as well as down the Amazon River and even further south to Antarctica! Click here to learn more about those sailings.

How to Find Cruise Volunteer Opportunities

First Time Cruisers

Emrys Thakkar

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Apr 10, 2023

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How to Find Cruise Volunteer Opportunities

Everyone wants to work in the cruise industry, but there’s another option if you want to make your way on board: volunteering.

Cruises can have volunteers on board for a variety of reasons – whether they volunteer on the ship or at port. It’s a great way to participate in a meaningful experience while traveling the world. There are even cruises that are specifically for charitable purposes.

Interested in embarking on this journey? Keep reading to learn how to find cruise volunteer opportunities so that you can give back at sea.

In This Article…

What Are Cruise Volunteer Opportunities?
Types of Volunteer Opportunities
How to Find Cruise Volunteer Opportunities
FAQs
Conclusion: Volunteering at Sea

What Are Cruise Volunteer Opportunities?

Volunteering on a cruise fits the umbrella of voluntourism, which sees volunteers travel to different places and give back to the local communities. Voluntourism has increased in popularity in recent years, and that popularity has extended to cruises.

Cruise volunteer opportunities are twofold – you can volunteer onboard, often for charitable organizations, or you can volunteer at port as part of your shore excursion. Some opportunities even see you doing both.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities

There are several ways in which you can volunteer on cruises. You typically have three options: volunteering on board, in port, and on charity cruises. Let’s take a closer look at all three options.

Volunteering on Board

There are several causes that make their way to cruise ships for fundraising purposes. Therefore, there may be cruise volunteer opportunities if you volunteer with a particular organization.

Cruise Ship Volunteering — Photo Credit: Maridav / Shutterstock

What’s more, some cruise lines have their own organizations with which you can participate. An example is the Holland America Line Foundation, whose efforts to fight cancer can be found on board their ships with On Deck for a Cause.

This cause involves a 5k fundraising walk on each sailing. On the special day, participants are invited to join in a 5k walk around the ship’s wide teak decks.

Volunteering in Port

Volunteering in port is a great option if you’re looking to volunteer onshore in the local community you’re visiting. Some cruise lines will have volunteer opportunities set up as options for passengers.

What you’ll do when volunteering in port may vary. You may find yourself helping the community, participating in environmental efforts, and volunteering with wildlife.

In the past, Carnival Cruise Line had a social-impact-themed cruise called Fathom with volunteer opportunities in the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Crystal Cruises also had a volunteer cruise called “You Care, We Care” which allowed passengers to volunteer at certain ports of call.

You don’t necessarily have to choose a cruise with volunteer options in order to give back during your voyage. Alternatively, you can set up your own volunteer opportunities at different ports throughout your cruise as excursions.

Charity Cruise

Our last option for cruise volunteer opportunities is to participate in a charity cruise. Some organizations charter out cruise ships for charity-themed cruises. The way this works is that portions of the proceeds from your cruise ticket go toward a charitable organization. There are also other opportunities for giving back on board.

An example of a current charity cruise includes the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer. This cruise features former Ohio State players with whom passengers can interact. Passengers can participate in auctions and donate money towards fighting cancer.

You can try to volunteer for these particular charity cruises as they come up. By simply attending the cruise, however, you will be participating in a worthy cause. Cruises often even have charitable events that you can participate in.

Now that you know the possible cruise volunteer opportunities out there, let’s discuss how to find the right opportunity for you.

How to Find Cruise Volunteer Opportunities

Whether you’re volunteering on the ship or in port, there are a variety of opportunities to give back while sailing the world. The key is to find the right opportunity for your interests and capacity.

When considering cruise volunteer opportunities, there are several factors to consider. Some common factors to keep in mind include:

Length of trip: You should have an idea of how much time you can dedicate to volunteering beforehand. Volunteer opportunities can vary from one week to several weeks, depending on what you’re doing.
Location: The location is especially important if you’re looking to volunteer at a port of call. Consider the specific communities and causes that you’d like to volunteer for.
Type of volunteer work: Volunteer work can range from participating in environmental clean up to helping children. Consider the type of work you’re interested in.
Cost: While you can’t put a price on what you gain from volunteering, most cruise volunteer opportunities come at a cost. Consider how much you’re willing to spend to volunteer. Alternatively, you may be able to find volunteer opportunities on cruise ships where the majority of costs are covered.

FAQs

Are there age restrictions for cruise volunteer opportunities?

The age restriction for cruise volunteer opportunities depends on what exactly you’re doing on the ship. If you’re volunteering on the ship itself, chances are that you’ll need to be at least 21. If you’re volunteering at port, the age restriction is much more flexible. There may even be family volunteer opportunities so that your kids can join in!

Is experience necessary to participate in a cruise volunteer opportunity?

For many volunteer opportunities, there’s no experience necessary. However, if you’re volunteering for something that needs a particular skill, you may be required to fulfill some qualifications.

Can I earn credit for college by participating in a cruise volunteer opportunity?

As a student, you have the option of participating in the Semester at Sea program, where you spend a semester on a cruise ship traveling and learning. Many volunteer passenger opportunities are part of the program. This is a great opportunity to receive college credit while traveling and volunteering on a cruise.

Conclusion: Volunteering at Sea

Volunteering on a cruise is a fulfilling experience that can see you making a difference in the lives of different communities.

Opportunities on volunteer cruises always pop up, whether it’s with specific cruise lines or on shore. So it’s worth keeping an eye out for cruise volunteer opportunities to make the most out of your next cruise.

Carnival Drastically Increases Private Island Rental Prices

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 10, 2023

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Carnival Drastically Increases Private Island Rental Prices

Carnival Cruise Line has quietly increased prices for cabana and beach villa rentals on its private island in The Bahamas, Half Moon Cay. Guests booked on upcoming cruises who are planning their time ashore have noted dramatic increases in recent months for both types of private beachside retreats.

Beach Rental Prices Increase

The rentals in question include both “beach villa” and “cabana” rentals on Half Moon Cay, Carnival Corporation’s private island destination in The Bahamas.

The “beach villa” is a 2-story beachside retreat, with unobstructed ocean views and a private sun deck. The air-conditioned rental has a 5-person hot tub, refrigerator, mist shower, and dining area. Snacks, water, and soda are included in the rental price, as well as water floating mats and snorkel gear. Up to 8 guests can share the villa for one excursion price.

In comparison, the “cabana” rental is a smaller option, able to accommodate only 4 guests for a single excursion fee, and only one story rather than two. Cabanas are still air-conditioned and come with the same amenities – snacks, water, soda, water mats, and snorkel gear. Cabanas do not have any hot tubs.

Half Moon Cay Cabana (photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)

Currently, the price for a beach villa is listed as beginning at $999.99 (USD), while cabanas rent for $699.99. Both types of rentals are for the whole day, and guests can come and go as they please.

Previously, prices for both the villas and the cabanas were dramatically lower. Villa prices in late November 2022, for example, were just $649.99, while cabana prices were $449.99. Looking even further back, villas were priced at $599.99 in January 2022, while cabanas were $359.99 in January 2022.

By these prices, both villas and cabanas have increased by 50% in just over a year’s time, an incredible rate change that may be startling to many cruisers who enjoyed the rentals last year but may find them too pricey this year.

A third private option, the “Private Oasis” that can accommodate up to 12 guests and includes such luxuries as an 8-person hot tub, personal chef, private butler, and more in a 1,620-square-foot cabana perched partially over the water is even pricier at $1,999,99. In January 2022, the private oasis was priced at $1,595,99 – still a dramatic price increase, but not as substantial as the other increases.

Why Such Increases?

Carnival Cruise Line can increase prices on such private rentals however they choose, and there has been no announcement about why the rates have changed so dramatically.

This follows with other recent price increases, such as upping the price of bottled water in November 2022, and price increases for gratuities and Wi-Fi service jumping as of April 1, 2023.

Many cruise travelers enjoy the private luxury of villa and cabana rentals, and the popularity of the rentals, as well as how limited they are, can easily drive the price up.

Half Moon Cay Villa — Photo Credit: Eric Glenn / Shutterstock

Carnival may be seeing the price increases as an opportunity to capitalize on exclusivity and appeal to travelers with bigger budgets who are willing to pay for even more privacy on the private island.

Improved amenities may also be part of the pricing strategy, if the cruise line opts to upgrade the services and benefits provided to those who rent the retreats. There is no evidence that this has been done, however, but it may be a possibility for justifying the price.

Guests noting the dramatic price increase are also speculating that the company’s debt burden as it recovers from the pandemic-related industry shutdown could be a cause behind the high prices. So long as guests are willing to pay the higher prices and the villas and cabanas are still selling out, prices will undoubtedly remain high and provide a nice profit margin for the cruise line.

Other Options on Half Moon Cay

Ships from both Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line visit Half Moon Cay, which is located 100 miles (161 kilometers) east-southeast of Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas and another popular port of call.

The destination is widely popular among cruise guests because the private island is not as crowded as other tourist ports that may have multiple ships from different lines visiting at once.

At Half Moon Cay, both Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line plan their visits carefully so only one ship is docked at once, ensuring a true private island experience.

Guests can enjoy many of the island’s amenities, including beach lounge chairs, island games and activities, beachside lunches, and more without any extra fees. Snorkeling and watersport equipment is available for rental, and a variety of shore tours are offered, such as kayaking, horseback riding, tram tours, and bike tours.

Carnival Cruise Line Hints at Loyalty Program Overhaul

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 10, 2023

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Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has acknowledged the need for an overhaul of the line’s loyalty program, and asked for guest feedback about options.

While no immediate changes are forthcoming, there are a variety of choices the cruise line might make to reward returning guests.

Loyalty Program Changes Coming?

Loyalty programs are a great attraction for frequent cruisers as they build up points, days, or other means of tracking their specific level of loyalty to earn exclusive benefits. Carnival Cruise Line’s “Very Important Fun Person” (VIFP) loyalty program is based on days, with every day aboard earning guests more credit to advance to higher loyalty levels more quickly.

The line’s official ambassador, John Heald, recently acknowledged the possibility of changes coming to how loyalty credit may be accrued, after being asked why only days – and not type of stateroom or onboard spending – earns loyalty.

Carnival Cruise Line VIFP — Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

“The whole loyalty program is being looked at by very smart people and while I have zero news to share on what will or will not happen I know that the program needs a massive refresh so we can do a better job in thanking people for their loyalty and to keep that loyalty alive,” Heald said.

Heald went on to ask whether or not the guests feel the money spent onboard should help advance loyalty levels.

Guest response was mixed, with many guests believing Carnival Cruise Line should stick with just the number of days cruised to determine loyalty, while others agree that onboard spending should have some influence on VIFP levels.

Days of Loyalty

Right now, Carnival’s VIFP program operates on a days cruised basis, with each day equal to one point in the program. All guests are automatically enrolled in the “Blue” level from their very first cruise, receiving members-only offers and an emailed newsletter.

From a guest’s second sailing and through 24 points earned, guests are “Red” level, while 25-75 points is “Gold,” 75-199 points is “Platinum” and 200+ points qualify the most loyal guests as “Diamond” status.

At each successive tier, benefits increase and ultimately include such premium perks as priority embarkation and debarkation, free logo gifts, priority spa and restaurant reservations, complimentary laundry service, and more.

Carnival VIFP Pins (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

While this method of loyalty – counting days cruised – is a fair method that rewards guests for the more time they spend onboard Carnival cruise ships, it does not account for other factors, such as their spending patterns onboard.

It should be noted, however, that counting days is a distinct improvement over Carnival’s former policy, which counted cruises only. For example, guests would not reach “Gold” status until they had sailed five times, no matter what the length of cruise – a guest who had sailed only four week-long cruises (28 days total) would have a lower loyalty status than a guest who had sailed five weekend cruises (15 days total).

The change from individual cruises to total days counted for loyalty was implemented in 2012. After more than a decade, is another change overdue?

Spending Influencing Loyalty

To add an onboard spending component to guest loyalty status would permit guests to advance through Carnival’s VIFP tiers more quickly based on certain purchases.

For example, the stateroom category may factor into loyalty points earned. Guests booking more expensive cabins, such as suites, might earn extra points on top of the days of the cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line Ship — Photo Credit: 4kclips / Shutterstock

Money spent in the ship’s casino could also influence loyalty, with high rollers earning more loyalty points and benefits more quickly than casual casino guests or passengers who do not gamble at all.

It is not typically possible to use all onboard spending to influence cruise line loyalty status, however. Retail purchases, spa treatments, and shore tours will not usually be applicable, for example, as that spending is for retail partners and not directly to the cruise line.

Other Loyalty Options

There are other options Carnival Cruise Line might consider to help determine guest loyalty status. It could be possible, for example, to offer guests additional loyalty points for more frequent cruises, such as bonus points for cruising multiple times in one year.

Specific destinations might also be used for extra loyalty points, such as rewarding guests for booking a cruise to Alaska or for sailing a longer Journeys cruise.

Carnival might also use even more creative options for encouraging loyalty, such as bonus points for sailing on a brand new ship, or special sailings – such as the popular “FFS” cruises with John Heald – qualifying for extra points.

How do you think Carnival could revamp the VIFP program? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

Princess Cruise Ship Cancels Port Calls Due to Severe Weather

Princess Cruises News

Robert McGillivray

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Apr 7, 2023

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Princess Cruise Ship Cancels Port Calls Due to Severe Weather

Due to severe weather conditions, Majestic Princess has been forced to cancel two of its scheduled port calls in New Zealand. Steady winds of 35-40 miles per hour, with gusts up to 50-60 mph, are expected in the region. Cruise line officials informed guests of the changes via a letter from the ship’s captain.

The change is painful for Princess Cruises and the guests onboard, especially those on the 5-night seacation cruise from Sydney, as they will now have no port calls during their voyage.

High Winds and Swells Force Cancellations

Majestic Princess is currently on a five-night Australia Seacation cruise. This cruise can be combined into a 32-night crossing to Vancouver, Canada. The cruise sailed from Sydney, Australia, on April 4.

The original first section of the itinerary included stops at the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, on 7 April, Tauranga, New Zealand, on 8 April, and Auckland, New Zealand, on 9 April.

However, steady winds of 35-40 miles per hour, with gusts up to 50-60 mph, are expected in the region. Additionally, swells are forecasted to reach heights of 15 to 16 feet on April 7 and April 8.

Majestic Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: RickDeacon / Shutterstock)

It has led to the point where Princess Cruises has decided to prioritize the safety of its guests and crew. As a result, the cruise line decided to cancel the planned port calls to the Bay of Islands on April 7 and Tauranga on April 8.

The ship will now sail directly to Auckland, New Zealand, where it will anchor outside the port to avoid the worst of the weather system. While the vessel may still experience some rough seas, this change should provide guests with the most comfortable cruise possible.

Majestic Princess is expected to arrive in Auckland on 9 April at 8:30 AM as scheduled. With the recent cancellations, all port calls in New Zealand, except for homeport Auckland, have been cancelled.

Captain Tony Draper of the Majestic Princess expressed his regret for the necessary changes to the itinerary.

Captain Draper wrote in the letter to guests: “We realize the cancellation of a port of call, regardless of the reason, is disappointing. When we create itineraries, we look forward to taking our guests to the destinations they expect to visit. When unexpected issues occur, and we must make the decision to change our itinerary, we share in your disappointment.”

Majestic Princess Summer 2023 Cruises

Following the call to Auckland on this current voyage, the ship will begin her Pacific Ocean crossing, including stops to Papeete, Tahiti; Lahaina, Honolulu, and Kailua Kona, Hawaii; Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; Victoria, British Columbia; and Vancouver, Canada.

The Pacific crossing means the beginning of the Alaska cruise season for Majestic Princess is nearing. Starting May 5, the ship will sail an eight-night Inside Passage cruise, including stops in Ketchikan, Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka, Alaska; and returning to her homeport Vancouver, Canada, on May 13. Majestic Princess is scheduled to sail in Alaska through October 3.

The 144,216 gross tons, 3,560-guest Majestic Princess, is a Royal-class cruise ship built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, Italy. She is the third Royal-class ship in the fleet and made her debut in April 2017.

Majestic Princess was purpose-built for the Chinese market. Although she did sail in China for a short while, since the Chinese market collapsed following the cruise lock-down, the ship has been operational in Australia and on the US West Coast.

Carnival Cruise Line Planning Busiest Alaska Season Ever

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 6, 2023

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Carnival Cruise Line Planning Busiest Alaska Season Ever

Carnival Cruise Line is getting ready for its busiest season ever in Alaska, with three ships deployed to the Last Frontier for a total of 49 different sailings.

Along the way, guests will get to enjoy new and unique shore excursions, carefully curated children’s programs, and all the signature fun of an amazing Carnival cruise.

Three Carnival Ships in Alaska for 2023

Three Fun Ships will be sailing Alaska itineraries this summer, and all three ships are the popular Spirit-class vessels: Carnival Miracle, Carnival Spirit, and for the first time in North American waters since joining the fleet, Carnival Luminosa.

Carnival Miracle will be the first to set sail for Alaska when she leaves Long Beach on April 23 for a 14-night roundtrip sailing up the California coast to visit Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm Fjord, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert, before returning to Long Beach on May 7.

The ship will then reposition to San Francisco for alternating 10-night Alaskan sailings and 4-night Baja Mexico cruises, a unique blend of opportunities for sailing from the Golden State. In September, Carnival Miracle will again return to Long Beach after another 14-night Alaska cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line in Alaska — Photo Credit: Jim Lambert / Shutterstock

Carnival Spirit will return to Alaska beginning on May 2, after a 16-night repositioning cruise from Miami to Seattle. From Seattle, the ship will offer 7-night roundtrip Alaska cruises for the season, with stunning visits to Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, until her last Alaska sailing departs on September 12.

After the Alaska season, Carnival Spirit will reposition to Mobile via a 16-night one-way cruise from Seattle to New Orleans, and from Mobile she will offer a selection of sailings to The Bahamas and the Western Caribbean.

Carnival Luminosa will join her sister ships in Alaska for the first time, bringing Italian flair and Carnival fun to the Last Frontier. Currently homeported in Brisbane, the restyled ship will depart on April 13 for a 21-day sailing between Brisbane and Seattle, calling at ports in New Caledonia, Fiji, French Polynesia, and Hawaii along the way.

“I can’t wait to welcome our guests on board our stunning Carnival Luminosa, as she joins her beautiful sisters, Carnival Spirit and Carnival Miracle, for this year’s Alaska season,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“There’s no better way to see the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Alaska than by cruise ship, and we anticipate making that happen for more than 100,000 guests this year.”

Carnival Luminosa in Australia — Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

From Seattle, Carnival Luminosa will offer primarily 7-night roundtrip sailings, though the June 15 departure is a 6-night cruise and the June 28 departure is an 8-night voyage. Carnival Luminosa‘s cruises will visit Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, though itineraries on the two special departures do vary slightly.

After the Alaska season ends, Carnival Luminosa will return to Brisbane via an epic 31-night cruise, visiting ports in Alaska, Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia as she heads down under.

New Immersive Shore Excursions

No matter which ship guests choose for their fun Alaska sailings, Carnival Cruise Line has prepared unique and authentic tours.

In Prince Rupert, guests will have the opportunity for a full-day wildlife viewing adventure through Canada’s only grizzly bear sanctuary, or taking a jet boat through the temperate rainforest to enjoy a meal of fresh wild salmon cooked over a campfire at the base of 4,000-foot cliffs.

In Juneau, guests can enjoy up close wildlife viewing via high-speed expedition vessels and guided tours of Mendenhall Glacier, while in Skagway, the Ultimate Yukon and White Pass Railroad Adventure offers a picturesque tour of the Yukon River with tales of the Klondike Gold Rush.

In Ketchikan, a top tour is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, a fun event for all ages that showcases real lumberjack skills and gets the audience involved in rooting for their favorite competitors.

In every port, guests will have additional tour options for wildlife adventures, hiking, historical sightseeing, shopping for authentic Alaskan crafts and artwork, and much more.

Family-Friendly Fun

While the ports of call are don’t-miss destinations in Alaska, Carnival guests don’t have to leave their ships to explore Alaska during their sailing. New Alaska-specific programming has been carefully designed for children and families, including the Great Alaskan Deck Party.

Local naturalists will be visiting Camp Ocean, Club O2, and Circle C on all Alaskan sailings, offering fun programs such as overviews of Alaskan wildlife, photography lessons to capture every view, square dancing with an Alaskan vibe, and Alaska-themed crafts.

Fun family competitions will also be part of the activity schedule, including an ice fishing challenge and a lumberjack challenge sure to get every family member involved in making once-in-a-lifetime memories on their once-in-a-lifetime Alaska cruise.

With so much to offer, the Last Frontier is sure to be the Fun Frontier with Carnival Cruise Line this summer.

Holland America Line Prepares for Biggest Event in Its History

Holland America Line News

Robert McGillivray

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Apr 6, 2023

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Holland America Line Prepares for Biggest Event in Its History

Holland America Line is all set to celebrate its 150th anniversary with several historical events in its founding city of Rotterdam on April 18, 2023.

The cruise line’s newest cruise ship, Rotterdam, will arrive on April 18 in its namesake city Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and join local dignitaries, port officials, and guests in marking the milestone.

Meanwhile, another Holland America Line cruise ship, Zuiderdam, will be stationed in Amsterdam to host an evening gala party for Grand World Voyage guests.

A Celebration of Heritage and History

After many months of preparations, and many different events and happenings, Holland America Line will officially celebrate its 150th birthday in the cruise line’s official home, Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The company’s newest cruise ship, Rotterdam, will be front and center of the celebrations on April 18.

Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha will lead the celebrations, which will also be attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Rotterdam’s godmother; Ahmed Aboutaleb, mayor of Rotterdam; and descendants of two founding families of Holland America Line.

Rotterdam Sea Trials — Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line

Gus Antorcha, Holland America Line President: “Holland America Line is a company that takes deep pride in our heritage and respects the role we played in history, so our 150th-anniversary events honor our tradition while recognizing the brand we are today.”

“All of the festivities we have planned carry special meaning, and we’re excited to celebrate with so many individuals who have been a part of our story throughout the years, alongside our guests, team members, and the people of the Netherlands.”

The 150th-anniversary celebrations will begin at the famous Hotel New York, which once was Holland America Line’s headquarters. A ship bell will be gifted to the hotel, symbolizing the company’s maritime history. Following Holland America Line’s custom, Princess Margriet will bless the bell before it is presented to the hotel.

A unique Holland America Line share will also be donated to a collection housed in Rotterdam’s city archives. The Dutch postal service, PostNL, will reveal a limited edition 24-carat gold-foil collectible stamp in honor of the 150th anniversary, with only 1,000 copies available for purchase across the Netherlands.

In Amsterdam, the Holland America Line cruise ship Zuiderdam will host an evening gala party on board for Grand World Voyage guests.

Following a Gala Dinner on board Rotterdam and Zuiderdam, the celebrations will move to the Lido pool area with live music and a toast to the special day. Anniversary-themed parties will also be held on the nine other ships in Holland America Line’s fleet.

Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing Pays Tribute to Dutch Heritage

To honor its 150th anniversary and Dutch roots, Holland America Line has curated a unique experience for guests on the special Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing aboard the Rotterdam.

Departing from New York City on April 7 and arriving in Rotterdam on April 18, the cruise pays tribute to the company’s rich history and heritage.

Guests will be treated to a selection of cuisines from previous Holland America Line voyages dating back to the 1920s, enjoy a “Throwback Happy Hour” with drink prices as low as 75 cents, and a traditional Dutch High Tea will be served.

Classic Rotterdam — Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line

Guests will also be treated to a unique gastronomic experience; a Rijsttafel pop-up will be hosted in the Tamarind restaurant. Rijsttafel, meaning “rice table” in Dutch, is a traditional Indonesian meal with an elaborate spread of Indonesian dishes.

Besides the celebrations in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, and onboard Rotterdam, Holland America Line is celebrating in many more ways, including a unique look back into its history.

The cruise line has digitized passenger list archives detailing guests who sailed with the company between 1900 and 1969. The digitized archives include each guest’s name, port of departure, and departure date. The archives reveal a wealth of information about early Holland America Line guests, including Albert Einstein and Winston Churchill.

An Anniversary Sale will also be available on select sailings from summer 2023 to spring 2024. Guests who book eligible sailings can receive up to 45% off cruise fares, up to $150 onboard spending money per person, reduced deposits, and much more.

Celebrity Ship to Sail Real Housewives Fan Cruise

Celebrity Cruises News

Emrys Thakkar

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Apr 6, 2023

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Celebrity Ship to Sail Real Housewives Fan Cruise

Calling all Real Housewives fans! The ultimate fan experience–and series crossover event–is about to go down in International Waters with the help of Celebrity Cruises, and all of the important details have finally been released.

Orchestrated by Flip Phone Events and Prysm Management, “WIVES AT SEA: A HOUSEWIVES FAN CRUISE” promises to be “the ultimate girls trip” in the Caribbean Sea.

With four days and nights of events and three different housewives, each representing a different spinoff of the obsessed-over reality television series.

Joining the fans will be Whitney Rose from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Ashley Darby from The Real Housewives of Potomac, and Dolores Catania from The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Come Celebrate Onboard the Celebrity Silhouette

The Housewives Fan Cruise will set sail on board the luxurious Celebrity Silhouette. Departing Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on January 11, 2024, celebrities, passengers, and crew will embark on a 4-night cruise through the Caribbean to Cozumel, Mexico.

According to Celebrity Cruises, this itinerary includes two sea days in International Waters, during which the ship will be filled with a variety of activities from game shows to drag shows and a slew of bar crawls and dance parties in between.

The resident Housewives will also participate in the games, meet and greets, Q&A panels, and dance workshops.

One of Celebrity’s most-beloved Solstice-Class ships, the Silhouette offers a modern and elegant cruising experience featuring culinary experiences crafted by MICHELIN-Starred and world-renowned chefs, a variety of unforgettable bars and lounges, as well as a plethora of other amenities from the Spa and Persian Gardens to the Quasar Nightclub.

Sitting at 122,400 tons and boasting 1047 ft and 16 decks, the Celebrity Silhouette cruise ship has room for nearly 3,000 passengers ready to celebrate The Real Housewives.

The Bravo-based reality franchise began with The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2006 and has expanded to become an international phenomenon showcasing the lives of wealthy and drama-drenched housewives in Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Dallas, Dubai, Miami, New Jersey, New York, The Potomac, and Salt Lake City.

There is little doubt that Celebrity Cruises and Flip Phone Events will struggle to sell out this once-in-a-lifetime fan experience.

Proven Party Cruise Professionals!

This is not the first time Flip Phone Events has put on a show at sea for television fans. Famous for producing drag shows across the country, this organization was also responsible for the Golden Girls-themed “Golden Fans at Sea” cruise, as well as the Schitt’s Creek-themed “Moira’s Party Boat,” which was also on a Celebrity cruise ship.

For their latest sailing adventure, Flip Phone Events partnered with Prysm Management, the full-service talent agency that represents the Real Housewives stars.

Disney Cruise Line Introduces New Wearable Device for Guests

Disney Cruise Line News

Robert McGillivray

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Apr 6, 2023

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Disney Cruise Line Introduces New Wearable Device for Guests

Disney Cruise Line intends to introduce a wearable called the DisneyBand+ to its cruise ships this summer. The wearable is already used in the Disney Theme Parks and will have various uses onboard the Disney cruise ships.

The cruise line will test the wearable on select cruises onboard Disney Wish in the coming weeks before its official launch later this year.

Hands-Free Convenience Onboard the Disney Cruise Line Ships

Following in the footsteps of Princess Cruises’ OceanMedallion, MSC Cruises’ MSC for Me, and Royal Caribbean’s WOW Bands, Disney Cruise Line is jumping onboard with next-gen technology in the form of its wearable, the DisneyBand+.

Disney has been using the technology for wearables in its parks for over ten years and is finally bringing the technology to its cruise ships.

The line will try out the wearable onboard the 144,000 gross tons, 5,555-guest Disney Wish on select sailings over the following months before the official launch later this year. The cruise line’s newest cruise ship is currently sailing short Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral.

DisneyBand+ allows guests to enjoy the hands-free benefits of wearable technology while cruising onboard Disney ships. Available in three Disney Cruise Line-exclusive designs, the intelligent features of DisneyBand+ promises to make the cruise experience more enjoyable.

Disney wouldn’t be Disney if it didn’t provide some unexpected magical surprises throughout the cruise. The cruise line promises that guests will be able to have new experiences with the DisneyBand+, which is only available for those wearing it, so they should keep their eyes peeled for extra moments of magic.

The DisneyBand+ also enables guests to unlock their stateroom doors, make payments for snacks and souvenirs, and even grant access to onboard kids’ clubs. The bands are designed to be worn while swimming or participating in various water activities, including at the line’s private island of Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

Not limited to cruise vacations, DisneyBand+ technology can be used at Disney Parks and Disney Resort hotels, making it a versatile accessory for guests who want to combine a cruise onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship and a visit to one of the parks.

For Disney, these are exciting times, and there is no surprise that the cruise line is introducing the wearable DisneyBand+ now. The cruise line is introducing a new private island destination at Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera, in The Bahamas, in the summer of 2024.

Disney Cruise Line’s second Triton class LNG-powered cruise ship, the Disney Treasure, reached an important milestone recently, and will be launched in 2024 as well.

Finally, Disney also took possession of the former 208,000 gross ton Global Dream, which is scheduled to start operations in 2025. All of these new acquisitions together provide a great basis to start offering the new wearable DisneyBand+.

Cruise Lines Embrace Next-Gen Wearable Technology

As faster internet technology becomes more common onboard ships, the cruise industry moves towards incorporating advanced technology. Over the last couple of years, several cruise lines have introduced wearable devices for passengers.

Princess Cruises’ OceanMedallion is a great example of how a company thinks outside the box to use technology to improve the cruise experience while also collecting vast amounts of data on its guests.

OceanMedallion is a wearable, casino chip-sized disc that serves as an access point to a passenger’s “digital identity,” allowing them to personalize their onboard experience. The Medallion is scanned by thousands of sensors on the ship, enabling automatic cabin door unlocking, payment for purchases, and more while tracking guests’ movement onboard.

These wearables offer various functions, such as serving as a door key, it can be used as an onboard credit card, and facilitating check-ins. Additionally, guests can enjoy on-demand food and beverage service anywhere onboard, onboard navigation, and even gaming experiences.

As technology continues to develop, we can expect more cruise lines to adopt such wearables, enhancing the cruise experience for passengers.