Tag Archive for: Cruise Agency Portage

Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise

How long do you think it would take to visit 7 continents, 60+ countries and 11 World Wonders? Two years, five, ten? How about 274 days? What???

Royal Caribbean has just introduced the Ultimate World Cruise, which will debut in December 2023. On this hemisphere-hopping expedition, you can discover diverse cultures and spectacular shores in every corner of the globe as they explore over 150 destinations, from Asia to Antarctica and beyond on the longest world cruise ever. 

On this world cruise, you’ll see11 World Wonders, including the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Talk about a bucket list trip! Your 274-night journey around the world begins and ends in Miami, and sails from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024.

Perhaps you can’t be away from home for 274 days. Royal Caribbean understands that, and they have broken it down into 4 expeditions. You can choose to sail on one or more of them.

  • Round the Horn: Americas & Antarctica: Departs from Miami. Dec.10, 2023 – Feb. 11, 2024, 64 Nights, 36 destinations. Go from postcard-perfect Caribbean shores —including the ABC islands —to viewing abundant wildlife like sea lions, penguins and whales roaming glacier-studded Antarctica as you round Cape Horn. Along the way, discover World Wonders in South America, including man-made marvels and extraordinary natural phenomena. Take in the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Behold the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazú Falls near Buenos Aires. And explore Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic symbols of Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. Then sail up to the Yucatàn Peninsula to discover hidden coves and dramatic rock formations along Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas before exploring Ensenada. 
  • Wonders of Asia & the Pacific: Departs from Los Angeles. Feb 11 – May  9, 2024, 87 Nights, 40 destinations. Sail across the Pacific to explore Hawaii and discover the crystal-clear waters of Mo’orea and Tahiti in unspoiled French Polynesia. Then set out to explore Australia’s Great Barrier Reef — the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Trek from pristine natural beauty in Bali to one of the most iconic man-made World Wonders, the Great Wall of China. Explore South Pacific gems, like Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, for picture-perfect panoramas and distinctive local cuisine. From the unparalleled culture and modern architecture of Tokyo to the natural marvels of the seaside town Kagoshima, endless possibilities await you in Japan. And take in one of the most breathtaking sights in the world — The Taj Mahal.
  • Middle East Treasures & Marvels of the Med: Departs from Dubai. May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 44 destinations. Discover World Wonders left behind by the civilizations of legendary pharaohs and emperors, like The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. And countless renowned ruins across the Mediterranean and Aegean seas —from the Acropolis in Athens to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Colosseum in Rome. Plus lesser-traveled Greek ports like Olympia, which was once the sanctuary site to honor Zeus and the location of the first Olympic games. Then their journey continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like the fortified walls of Split, Croatia and explorations in Valencia, Cannes and Provence.
  • Capitals of Culture: Departs from Barcelona. July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 40 destinations. Discover the heart of Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Família and the whimsical Park Güell. Savor new flavors across continents — like an indulgent lunch in a Parisian bistro and a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco. And roam fascinating museums, theaters and galleries in Saint Petersburg. Next, your clients will get a glimpse into some of the happiest places on the planet in Scandinavia. Go from wandering countless bridges by bicycle in Copenhagen to taking in larger-than-life fjords in Norway. Then get ready to experience another natural marvel — the other-worldly geothermal seawater at The Blue Lagoon in Iceland before stopping in New York on the way back to Miami.

Cruising around the globe is the ultimate travel experience. You spend time bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries. You connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankind’s boundless imagination. These cruises sell out, and with the introduction of this new itinerary, Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise will book quickly. I would love to help you plan your cruise whether it’s for the entire 274-night voyage and for one or more of the expeditions. Contact us today to book your Ultimate World Cruise!

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Royal Caribbean’s 2023 European Sailings

Royal Caribbean has announced their Europe deployment for 2023! From April to October, you can choose from itineraries that visit Norwegian fjords, Iceland and Scotland, Spain and France, Greece and Croatia, the Greek Isles, Italy and Adriatic, the British Isles, Western Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Russia, Greece and Turkey.

From colorful Mediterranean coasts to whitewashed seaside Greek villages, the best way to see Europe is with the cruise line voted Best Overall for 19 years running. Immerse yourself in ancient Greek cultures. Sample the delights of wine-country wonders throughout France, Spain and Italy. And experience unique itineraries from fjord-filled getaways in Norway to trekking across the Arctic Circle. 

Has Greece been on your bucket list? With 227 islands, it can be daunting to put together an itinerary. When you cruise the Greek Isles, all the decisions are made for you. Unpack once and see the best of Mykonos, Santorini, Athens, Zakynthos, Skiathos, Thessaloniki, or, for the first time ever, Olympia. Royal Caribbean has four ships with various itineraries sailing the Greek Isles in 2023.

Perhaps you’re considering a Mediterranean cruise. With Royal Caribbean, you can take a grand tour of all the classics. Indulge in the delicacies of Italy, marvel at famous monuments in France and soak up the sun on the seaside shores of Spain. 

Why do people love cruising in Europe? You get to sample a number of countries and ports without the hassle of checking in and out of hotels, and without eating up precious vacation time moving from city to city. In addition, your cruise fare includes accommodations, all meals and entertainment onboard and (possibly) your airfare. You don’t need to worry about exchange rates or currency fluctuations. And let’s not overlook the incredible experience of cruising – wonderful and attentive service, all the services and activities, the variety of dining options and the overall relaxed shipboard lifestyle. 

With nine ships sailing throughout Europe, you will undoubtedly be able to find the perfect itinerary for your ideal European vacation. In fact, you will probably struggle to decide which itinerary to choose. Don’t worry! Nobody ever said you can take only one cruise. Contact me to book your European cruise today!

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Royal Caribbean’s 2023 Alaska & Hawaii Sailings are Now Available to Book!

Royal Caribbean plans to sail four ships in Alaska for the 2023 season! Now available to book, the weeklong cruises will sail from Seattle, Seward and Vancouver, BC, between May and September. The ships will offer a range of amazing itineraries to see all Alaska has to offer.

Sailings in Hawaii trips bookend the Alaska season.

Discover a wilder way to wander in summer 2023 on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From rugged mountain ranges to the unspoiled wilderness to misty fjords, there are so many reasons to visit Alaska. And the best way to see more of the Last Frontier is with Royal Caribbean. With four incredible ships to choose from, including the two biggest and boldest in the region — Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas — this is sure to be your coolest getaway yet. 

You can also take full advantage of the beauty and wander off the beaten path on one of Royal Caribbean’s signature Alaskan Cruisetours. There’s no better way to complete an Alaskan adventure, and there are Cruisetours that cater to those who prefer the wild side and the mild side.

Quantum of the Seas returns to Alaska with seven-night sailings from Seattle full of memory-maxing experiences — from unbelievable snorkeling in Ketchikan to taking peak-seeking to new heights in the North Star observation capsule — the highest vantage point of any cruise ship.

Back by popular demand, Ovation of the Seas returns to Alaska for summer 2023. Departing every Friday from Seattle, you can take their pick of alpine adventures ashore, scope out majestic views from the panoramic Two70 theater onboard and so much more.

Enchantment of the Seas is gearing up for an adventure of glacial proportions with roundtrip sailings from Vancouver to The Last Frontier. In summer 2023, your can listen for the sound of “white thunder” as icebergs break off towering walls of ice on a weeklong multi-glacier sailing. And that’s just the beginning. You are in for a special Alaska adventure onboard Radiance of the Seas. You’ll be able to glacier-gaze and whale-watch from almost anywhere onboard from more floor-to-ceiling windows than any other Royal Caribbean ship. Plus, add a multi-day land tour to go deeper into the wild.

Get ready for a bigger, bolder Polynesian adventure filled with sunset surfing and evening luaus in the Aloha State. Royal Caribbean returns to Hawaii with limited sailings in summer 2023.

You can savor a fresh roast of coffee grown in the ancient lava fields of Kalua Kona. Grab a board and hang ten as the sun sets over Waikiki Beach on a Radiance of the Seas overnight in Oahu. Or linger longer at a luau in Maui with an overnight stay on Ovation of the Seas.

To get started booking your cruise to Alaska or Hawaii, click here!

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Updates

It has been a difficult 18+ months for everyone in the cruise industry as well as those who love cruising. Royal Caribbean recognizes this, and wants to make your vacations as worry-free as possible so they have just announced some exciting updates.

  • Cruise With Confidence – This program has been extended to reservations confirmed on or before December 17, 2021 and sailing through April 30, 2022. This means that guests with qualifying reservations can choose to cancel up to 48 hours prior to the sail date in exchange for a 100% Future Cruise Credit.
  • Best Price Guarantee – Qualifying guests are also eligible to take advantage of the Best Price Guarantee up to 48 hours prior to the sail date, ensuring they get the best deal!
  • COVID-19 Assistance – This program has also been extended. Vaccinated guests and children not yet eligible to be vaccinated who are sailing on or before April 30th, 2022 will have the following COVID-19 Assistance at no extra charge.
    • 100% cruise fare refund for you, and your Traveling Party, if any of you tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to the cruise or at the boarding terminal.
    • Pro-rated cruise fare refund if your cruise is cut short for reasons related to COVID-19.
    • If you test positive for COVID-19 during the cruise, Royal Caribbean will cover the costs of COVID-19 related medical treatment onboard, any required land-based quarantine, and travel home for you and your Traveling Party.
  • Final payment deadlines – These deadlines may be fast approaching for those sailing in the beginning of 2022, and some passengers may want a bit more time and flexibility. Therefore, the final payment due date on sailings departing through March 31, 2022 will now have until 30 days prior to sailing to submit full payment.

To get started booking your next cruise, click here!

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Wonder of the Seas to set sail in March 2022!

Royal Caribbean International has announced the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, will debut in the U.S. and Europe beginning in 2022. The highly anticipated ship will set sail from its home in Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean on March 4, 2022, before making its way to Barcelona and Rome to kick off summer vacations in May.

At the heart of every Oasis Class ship is a combination of unmatched signature features and experiences found from one neighborhood to the next, including the tallest slide at sea, The Ultimate Abyss; the newly designed, dedicated kids and teens spaces at Adventure Ocean, Social100 and The Patio; the FlowRider surf simulator, twin rock-climbing walls and the ten-decks-high zip line. From riding the carousel in the family favorite Boardwalk neighborhood – inspired by renowned boardwalks like Coney Island – to fine dining in Central Park, and the variety of restaurants and showstopping entertainment in between, no day on board will be the same.

What to expect on this brand new ship:

  • Suite Class Neighborhood – The eighth neighborhood, only found on Wonder, offers Royal Suite Class guests an elevated Suite Sun Deck in a new location, complete with a plunge pool, bar and plenty of loungers and nooks to kick back; along with favorites such as Coastal Kitchen, the private restaurant, and the Suite Lounge. Plus, the grandest Ultimate Family Suite yet for a family of 10.
  • Wonder Playscape – Joining the lineup of next-level thrills for kids, the underwater-themed play area is a whole new adventure with slides, climbing walls, games, an interactive mural activated by touch and puzzles that will make them wonder if any playground will ever be the same.
  • The Vue – The happiest of happy hours can be found at this new cantilevered bar. The Vue offers panoramic ocean views from high above on the pool deck all day, and after sunset, it shines bright with a colorful mosaic canopy overhead.
  • Pool deck experience – The Lime & Coconut is at the center of the Caribbean vibes, with two poolside bars and live music; while the trio of high-speed waterslides, The Perfect Storm, and kids aqua park Splashaway Bay, keep the young and young at heart Casitas, in-pool loungers and more make for a variety of great places to kick back, especially to catch a movie under the stars at the largest poolside movie screen in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

The action-packed Wonder of the Seas will deliver multiple ways to adventure with 7-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, visiting tropical destinations like Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico, and more. No matter the itinerary guests choose, every sailing will visit Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, for a day of thrill and chill unlike any other. May will see an early start to summer family vacations when the wondrous Oasis Class ship heads for the Mediterranean to take center stage for its inaugural European season. From Barcelona and Rome on 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises, travelers have memorable vacations in store as they sail to the sparkling shores of Europe’s most iconic and historic destinations, such as Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Capri, Italy.

Wonder of the Seas 2022 Caribbean and European sailings are now available to book.

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It’s time! Princess Cruises Alaska 2023 season now on sale!

It has been a long wait but the cruise ships are back and sailing to Alaska. The Alaska season was canceled in 2020 and shortened in 2021. With such high demand for Alaska, 2022 cruises are selling out, which is why I’m excited that Princess has released their Alaska cruises for 2023. They went on sale August 18 and the demand is off the charts!

Princess has been named the “Best Cruise Line in Alaska” 14 straight years by Travel Weekly, one of the most influential news resources for the travel industry. Every year, more guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line. Why Princess?

Four departure ports. You can sail out of Anchorage (Whittier), Seattle, San Francisco or Vancouver, British Columbia.

More time ashore. Princess stays in some of the ports until 9pm or later. When you’re sailing in the Land of the Midnight Sun, this means you have more time for sightseeing.

5 glaciers. Choosing the right itinerary for Alaska is important for maximizing your glacier experience. Princess cruise itineraries include 85 sailings to Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Itineraries also include Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Tracy Arm Fjord, Endicott Arm or Dawes Glacier.

Enrichment program. The North to Alaska program immerses you onboard and ashore in all things Alaska. You’ll meet local Alaskans, feast on fresh Alaska seafood and even meet sled dog puppies in the ship’s Piazza.

MedallionClass Experience. You will fall in love with this technology, exclusive to Princess, that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating your loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever you need, delivered.

If you really want to create the ultimate Alaska experience, Princess offers amazing Cruisetours, where you’ll spend three or more nights in the Alaska wilderness, either before or after your 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. These trips include scenic rail travel, stays at Princess-owned wilderness lodges, and visits to Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park. People visit Alaska to see glaciers, mountains and wildlife, and you can see it all on a Princess Cruisetour!

These cruises and Cruisetours will sell out. Let’s connect to find the perfect itinerary and ship for you.

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Disney Cruise Line sailings to resume in August!

The Disney Dream will kick off their long-awaited return to cruising from the U.S. on August 9th with tropical voyages to the Bahamas departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. The three and four-night cruises will visit Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, for an unforgettable vacation at sea.

As always, the ship will be overflowing with magic—from beloved character encounters to enchanting Broadway-style musicals and a spectacular fireworks display at sea. And, you’ll be pleased to know that Disney has come up with new and exciting ways to create memories together—tailored to our times and presented with all the care you’ve come to expect from Disney Cruise Line.

Here are the procedures that are being implemented for the well-being of our Guests and Crew Members:

  • All Guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test (at the Guests’ expense) taken between 5 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date.
  • All guests will be required to take a COVID-19 rapid test provided by Disney, in the terminal prior to boarding and comply with other health and safety requirements. The $65 test fee will be charged to the folio of all Guests 12 years and older.
  • For cruises departing from Florida through December 31, 2021, guests 12 years and older must provide proof of a valid travel insurance policy
  • Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination in order to be exempt from pre-trip and embarkation testing requirements (unless arriving from outside the United States) and travel insurance requirements.
  • Guests ages 2 and older are required to wear a face covering on the ship and at our terminals , except in designated areas and situations
  • Certain onboard venues, experiences and other offerings will be modified or unavailable, will have limited capacity and availability and may be subject to advance reservations. 
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Brand-New Spa, Salon and Nightlife Experiences for Adults Coming to the Disney Wish

Disney has announced brand-new ways for adults to pamper and play, sip and swim, escape and indulge aboard the Disney Wish, which is being purposefully designed with adults’ vacation needs in mind – including more relaxation, more variety, more accessibility and more storytelling than ever before!

Outdoor Oasis at Senses Spa

For the first time aboard a Disney ship, Senses Spa will feature a dedicated outdoor relaxation space! This open-air oasis is a brand-new extension to the signature Rainforest experience – which is a real treat! This area has been reimagined for the Disney Wish to provide even more ways to relax and rejuvenate. The Rainforest will introduce the fleet’s first ice lounge, allowing you to combine thermal therapies, which promotes both physical wellness and tranquility. It will also include favorite elements like heated ergonomic loungers; sensory spa showers; and sauna, steam and dry chambers.


Untangled Salon

At Untangled Salon, you can let their hair down (and have it styled any way you want) in a light and airy environment that is perfect for pampering. Inspired by Rapunzel, this chic, high-end salon will be adorned in shades of purple and gold, decorated with floating lantern light fixtures and outfitted with custom cut-metal privacy screens depicting Rapunzel’s own paintings. One side of the space will even gleam and glow with the golden light of a signature chandelier that evokes the iconic flower that gave her hair its magical qualities! In addition to haircuts and styling, the menu of services at Untangled Salon will include manicures, pedicures, teeth whitening and skin treatments.

Hook’s Barbery

Hook’s Barbery will be a unique twist on a traditional European men’s salon, offering cuts, shaves, and nail and skin care. Decked out in dark woods, handsome leather chairs and ornate golden mirrors, the space will brim with narrative details inspired by its namesake, Captain Hook: an inlaid wooden map of Never Land, a hidden pocket watch and — of course — a hook, to name a few. A trio of seemingly nondescript lanterns will occasionally come to life with lighting and audio effects to signify Tinker Bell jumping from one fixture to another.

Not only will Hook’s Barbery provide salon and barber services, but it will also boast the ultimate toast to a pirate’s life: a hidden bar! This (not-so-secret) treasure trove of pre-Prohibition bourbons, vintage whisky and port, aged rum and premium spirits will be a liquor enthusiast’s paradise, ideal for low-key hangouts, romantic date nights, hosted tastings and special evening events. 


Keg & Compass

Keg & Compass is a pub that celebrates the adventure and romance of the sea, designed in the rustic architectural style of a late 1800s Norwegian sailor’s map room and drawing inspiration from the rich folklore of Norse seafaring. Spanning the entire ceiling will be a grand, fantastical map in old maritime style that features, among other references to ocean lore, a homage to Disney characters and stories related to the sea. In addition to such characters as Ursula and Moana (appearing in the geographically accurate locations of their stories), the map will call out important locales related to The Walt Disney Company and, specifically, the design and construction of the Disney Wish.

This casual setting will be the perfect place to kick back and watch live sports, news and major broadcast events while sampling a specialized selection of beers, including three custom craft brews available exclusively aboard the Disney Wish, along with an assortment of liquors, wines and cocktails.

Nightingale’s

Nightingale’s is a refined piano bar inspired by Cinderella’s lyrical rendition of “Sing Sweet Nightingale” in the 1950 film, offering an extensive menu of fine wines, bubblies and hand-crafted cocktails. Classically modern with a soft metallic palette, the predominant design feature will be a glittering chandelier perched above the piano — a swirl of pearlescent bubbles and music notes displaying the titular song’s melody meticulously crafted out of shimmering rose gold. This vibrant lounge will be a thematic extension of the fairytale-inspired Grand Hall from which it stems, with large doors that allow the twinkling tunes to spill out across the atrium, inviting passersby to stop and stay for a while.

The Bayou

If Guests are looking for New Orleans-inspired good time aboard the Disney Wish, they’ll want to go down to The Bayou, an informal lounge themed to “The Princess and the Frog.” Flourishing with magnolia blossoms, lily pads and a canopy of twinkling fireflies overhead, this space will evoke the magical marsh where Tiana and Naveen take refuge in the film. This centrally located venue will offer creative cocktails, specialty coffees and signature beignets in a lively, social atmosphere complete with live entertainment and musical performances.

Are you ready to book your next cruise on the Disney Wish to experience these amazing spaces for yourself?

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Dining on the New Disney Wish

The new Disney Wish cruise ship is taking dining to a whole new level. You will find places to grab a bite in the three themed districts with everything to quick casual fare to a smoothie bar to a poolside bar and chic café.

However, the true magic happens at dinner. The Wish will debut three new dining concepts that incorporate dinner into various Disney stories. There’s a reason they are called dining concepts – they go way beyond dining in a restaurant and instead offer an entertainment experience along with world-class
cuisine.

The first is Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. This first-ever Frozen-themed dining experience features all your favorite characters – Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf – in an immersive show while you enjoy a menu influenced by Nordic dishes.

The second venue, Worlds of Marvel, will appeal to Avengers fans as you play an interactive role in this cinematic adventure. The menu will feature worldly items inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The third experience, 1923, is named for the year that The Walt Disney Company was founded. Imagine
a celebration of this golden age of animation while choosing from a menu of fresh California-inspired
cuisine.

Each of these three new concepts promises to deliver its own unique experience with something to offer everyone in the family.

If you want to experience the new Disney Wish and these amazing staterooms, contact me today.

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AquaMouse – Only Available on the New Disney Wish!

The Disney Wish, the newest ship with Disney Cruise line, will begin sailing in 2022, and in the usual Disney fashion, they are pulling out all the stops.

The AquaMouse, a two-seater aqua coaster, is the first Disney attraction at sea. It wouldn’t be a Disney ride without a story line, and on AquaMouse, Mickey and Minnie have started their own seaside excursion company named Port Misadventures.

At the beginning of the ride, you’ll cruise through a tunnel while enjoying an animated short with sea creatures, Disney characters, music and 60+ water effects.

Don’t get too comfortable! At the end of the tunnel, you’ll blast out for a ride around the upper decks, including a funnel with lighting effects, a quick dash through a dark tunnel, and up and down a series of speed blasters. Finish up with a loop over the edge of the ship (yes, you will see the ocean below you) and a splash landing with a parting message from Mickey and Minnie.

The AquaMouse promises to be a fun adventure for the entire family!

Book a cruise on the Disney Wish to experience AquaMouse for yourself!

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