Tag Archive for: Cruise Agency Portage

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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Staterooms on the New Disney Wish

What do you think of when someone mentions Disney Imagineers? You most likely think of the theme parks and the rides. However, Disney also employs imagineers to design their cruise ships, and they have been actively involved with the design of the staterooms on the newest ship, the Disney Wish.

The Wish Tower Suite is the first-ever suite that is in the funnel of the ship (the most iconic feature of a cruise ship, which was initially designed as a smokestack.) This incredible suite, which looks over the upper decks, has two master bedrooms, a children’s room with bunk beds, a library that can be converted to another bedroom and incredible views. It is comparable to the suite in Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom.

You’ll also find a handful of other suites themed after Moana, Tangled, The Little Mermaid and Sleeping Beauty. The four royal suites that celebrate Sleeping Beauty are available as 1- or 2-story suites, all of which include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an extensive living area, open dining room, pantry and hot tub on the private verandah. Seven of the oceanview rooms, with The Little Mermaid theme, have angled floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bow. Those who book one of the 76 concierge staterooms and suites will receive premium service and access to exclusive areas and amenities, including the Concierge Lounge, private sun deck, wading pool, bar and a dedicated pool deck host.

You don’t have to book a suite to enjoy all the magic and whimsy of the Disney stories. Each stateroom has just enough magic while still feeling comfortable, cozy and restful. These peaceful retreats were designed with families in mind, offering roomy closets, storage space under the beds, split bathrooms, and bathtubs for getting the little ones scrubby clean. Some of the staterooms have connecting doors for larger families along with partitions between verandahs that can be opened for a larger balcony. Speaking of verandahs, 70% of the staterooms will have them.

Regardless of which accommodations you choose on the Disney Wish, you and your family will be delighted with the amenities and magical Disney touches that are to be found in every inch of your room.

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

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Vision of the Seas will be sailing from Bermuda

If you are looking to soak up the sun and walk the pink sand beaches of Bermuda and the white sandy beaches of The Bahamas this summer need look no further than Vision of the Seas. Beginning June 2021 and sailing through August 2021, Royal Caribbean will bring more adventure to the tropics with a series of new 7-night cruises from first-time homeport Bermuda. sail on Vision is an overnight to explore Bermuda’s culture, history and cuisine as well as a full day at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination in The Bahamas.  

Sailing with vaccinated crew, the cruises – at this time – will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results. This current health and safety measure, like others, may evolve as they are evaluated on an ongoing basis.

“We are thankful to the government and people of Bermuda for welcoming us to their beautiful island nation with open arms as Vision of the Seas’ new homeport. This is another step in our safe and measured return to sailing beginning in June,”

“Travelers are eager to venture out gradually and start cruising again. By adding a second unique option to sail the Caribbean from a destination as rich and vibrant as Bermuda, we’re offering guests choice in how they can enjoy their well-deserved vacations this summer.”

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International

The pink sand beaches and charming, colorful homes of Bermuda will be where you will start and end your 7-night cruise in paradise, a destination that is also a prime spot to extend your time ashore, before or after the cruise, by staying at one of the island’s world-class hotels and resorts. While Vision is docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard, you can enjoy quality time exploring the island nation’s culture and natural beauty throughout an overnight stay.

Plus, you will have the chance to add to the excitement with a visit to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay. The private island destination is home to a lineup of first-of-their-kind thrills and one-of-a-kind ways to chill, ranging from 13 jaw-dropping waterslides at Thrill Waterpark, including the tallest waterslide in North America – Daredevil’s Peak; Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean; Up, Up & Away, the helium balloon that floats up to 450 feet in the air; and the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas at Coco Beach Club.

Contact me today to book your sailing on Vision of the Seas!

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Royal Caribbean heads to the Mediterranean this summer

This summer you can soak up the Mediterranean sun and explore the captivating coastlines of Greece and Cyprus on all-new 7-night cruises departing from Limassol, Cyprus onboard Jewel of the Seas® 

Starting July 10, Jewel of the Seas will call Cyprus home for the first time and sail to the picturesque shores and ancient ruins in Cyprus, Greece, and the Greek Isles through October. You can visit a combination of culture-rich cities and idyllic islands, including Limassol, Athens, Greece, and the Greek islands of Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Sailing with a vaccinated crew, the cruises – at this time – will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results. These current health and safety measures, like others, may evolve as they are evaluated on an ongoing basis.

“I’m delighted to announce our safe and gradual return to Europe. We know how eager our guests are to enjoy a getaway this summer, and these sailings, which include a mix of fantastic destinations and must-visit islands, make for the perfect getaway.”

“Cyprus is a beautiful island, and we are thankful to the Cypriot government for their support and enthusiasm in making these incredible itineraries possible.”

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International

Guests onboard Jewel of the Seas can enjoy the perfect balance of culture and relaxation, exploring destinations seeped in history, relaxing in small peaceful coves, and sampling delicious local cuisine. Guests can immerse themselves in Greek and Roman history at preserved ancient sites, such as Kourion in Limassol and the Parthenon temple in Athens, then take in the multihued waters and beaches of Mykonos and the waterfront tavernas of Santorini.

Onboard Jewel, you can cool off in the pools and whirlpools, recharge at the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center and dine at their pick of numerous complimentary and specialty bars and restaurants, including guest-favorites Chops Grille and Izumi. Spanning 13 decks, the ship comes complete with a rock-climbing wall, casino, sports court, nine-hole miniature golf course, an outdoor movie screen, and more.

Contact me today to book your sailing on the Jewel of the Seas this summer!

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