General

Athens International Airport (AIA) has introduced an off-airport check-in service specifically for cruise passengers, in collaboration with ground handling operators Swissport Hellas and Skyserv, as well as the Piraeus Port Authority.This initiative links Athens International Airport with the cruise terminal at the Port of Piraeus (Greece), offering a streamlined experience for passengers.As cruise traffic has surged in recent years, the service aims to expedite the check-in process while enhancing convenience for passengers. On the day of departure, travelers will have the opportunity to explore Athens or nearby Attica before heading to the airport, contributing to a more positive[...]

Ready for that cruise to Mexico, but not sure what you'll need to wear during the trip?Between the places in Mexico you'll visit, plus the events onboard your cruise ship, there's a need for different clothing.While you can count on warm weather in Mexico, you'll need to plan to bring clothes needed onboard and in port.  Not to mention if your ship will visit more than one port in Mexico, you may need additional outfits.Cover-ups, swimsuits, tshirts, shorts, are the sort of thing to bring for your visits around Mexico.  You'll also want to prepare for onboard activities—whether[...]

The inaugural Cruise Xperience Innovation Summit Europe (CXIE) will take place at ExCeL London, UK, on 4th-5th December 2024.Registration is now open for the 2-day event, which will be held in conjunction with Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe (CSI Europe) and will focus on the technological innovations shaping the guest experience onboard cruise ships.The conference program is specifically designed for guest experience teams, offering a range of discussions, workshops, and product demonstrations. Key topics will include the impact of design decisions on guest experience and how to create designs that reflect a cruise line's brand identity.Exhibitors include[...]

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) announced the successful naming and launch ceremony of the LNG-fueled ferry Sunflower Pirka on September 4th, 2024, at the Naikai Zosen Corporation shipyard. The launch was supported by the LNG-fueled tugboat Ishin, operated by MOL Group’s Nihon Tug-Boat Co., Ltd., marking another milestone in MOL's ongoing efforts to promote low-carbon shipping solutions.Sunflower Pirka joins MOL's growing fleet of LNG-powered vessels, which includes Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, both operational on the Osaka-Beppu route since 2023, and the upcoming Sunflower Kamuy, slated to enter service on the Oarai-Tomakomai route in early 2025. With these[...]

Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise will end on Tuesday, September 10, and one passenger onboard the 9-month cruise has taken to social media to share their thoughts about returning to land. TikTok user Dr. Jenny (@drjennytravels) is one of the most well-known social media stars on the world cruise, and she's spent the last 9 months documenting her time onboard. She has over 164,000 followers and has amassed over 1.9 million likes on her videos. With less than one week until Royal Caribbean's first-ever world cruise concludes, Dr. Jenny shares her feelings about what it's like to see this once-in-a-lifetime[...]

Oceania Cruises, known for its culinary and destination-focused voyages, has introduced a new brand promise called Your World Included, enhancing the guest experience with a revised range of included amenities. This initiative strengthens the company's existing Your World. Your Way philosophy by simplifying what is offered to all passengers globally.Under Your World Included, gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining staff will now be automatically covered in the cruise fare for all guests. Previously, these gratuities were selectively included based on factors like loyalty status or regional offers. This update is in response to guest feedback requesting more[...]