Royal Caribbean Adding Brand New Port to Multiple Sailings
Cruise travelers are always eager to enjoy a brand new port of call, and many experienced cruisers seek out itineraries that feature different destinations so they can visit new places. Royal Caribbean International is now satisfying that urge for many travelers by adding Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic to several existing cruise itineraries. The new port of call – which just opened to travelers in January 2024 – is in Pedernales on the Dominican Republic’s southwestern coast. The port is just northwest of Jaragua National Park, which includes the largest protected area of marine habitats in all of the[...]
Tried A Free Cruise Shore Excursion, Worth It
Can a free tour really compete with a shore excursion offered by the cruise line?My 7-night Anthem of the Seas cruise would take me to the Spanish town of La Coruna, and I was looking at ideas for what tours to book.Usually I book a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean or simply explore on my own. Before I could pick one of these options, one of our readers, Leeor, emailed me with an alternative."I thought you might want to try a free walking tour for Bilbao and Coruna," he wrote in his email after hearing about my cruise[...]
MSC Cruises Extends 2024 Mediterranean Season Through Winter
Imagine trading in chilly winter winds for the warm Mediterranean sun. MSC Cruises is making that dream a reality by extending its 2024 Mediterranean sailing season well into the cooler months. From October through December, travelers can soak up sunshine and mild temperatures across a variety of Mediterranean hotspots, with the cruise line revealing, “Weather data for some of the cruise line’s Mediterranean destinations throughout October, November, and December shows that guests can expect to enjoy temperatures up to 82 degrees.” It added, “With up to 295 hours of sunshine per month and no chance of rain!” One of the notable additions is MSC[...]
Royal Caribbean updates: Upgraded benefits for top tier members, free internet in Alaska, Beach Club update & more
Royal Caribbean has announced some exciting changes and updates this week.From a free WiFi initiative to environmental monitoring at Paradise Beach Club, we have a look at everything you need to know.Updated Pinnacle specialty dining benefitsAn email sent out to Pinnacle members this week announced an update to the top tier specialty dining benefits.Members of the Crown and Anchor loyalty program who’ve reached the highest level—the Pinnacle—are rewarded with a $25 specialty dining coupon on sailings 5 nights and longer.These cruisers can use the coupon at any specialty dining venue during 5+ night sailings on Oasis and Quantum[...]
Upgrades Detailed After Carnival Splendor Completes Dry Dock
Carnival Splendor is the latest ship in the Carnival fleet to complete an extensive dry dock upgrade, and she’s showing off in full style as she returns to Sydney, Australia. The ship spent August 5-23, 2024 in dry dock in Singapore, but is now en route back to her Down Under homeport with all the latest bells and whistles. The very first glance of the updated ship revealed her new hull livery colors and special hull art paying tribute to the Southern Cross. Carnival Splendor is – for now – the only ship in the fleet with the[...]
Six Holland America Cruise Ships Will Sail Alaska in 2026
Holland America Line has opened for sale its ambitious 2026 Alaska season, offering guests opportunities for glacial cruising, wildlife sightings, and cultural programming aboard a choice of six ships. Among the new itineraries for 2026 is a Seattle departure of the line’s popular “Great Alaska Explorer” cruise, previously offered only from Vancouver, British Columbia. Three ships will operate the 14-day itinerary. The 1,972-guest Noordam will sail from the Port of Seattle on August 23, 2026 while the 2,000-guest Westerdam will depart Vancouver on September 13, 2026. Both itineraries are roundtrip and call at Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Sitka, and Valdez, plus Prince Rupert, in British[...]
Cruise travelers are always eager to enjoy a brand new port of call, and many[...]
Can a free tour really compete with a shore excursion offered by the cruise line?My[...]
Imagine trading in chilly winter winds for the warm Mediterranean sun. MSC Cruises is making that dream[...]
Royal Caribbean has announced some exciting changes and updates this week.From a free WiFi initiative[...]
Carnival Splendor is the latest ship in the Carnival fleet to complete an extensive dry[...]
Holland America Line has opened for sale its ambitious 2026 Alaska season, offering guests opportunities[...]