Tag Archive for: Cruise Agency Portage

Navigator of the Seas to homeport in Los Angeles

Royal Caribbean will be returning to the west coast after a decade-long hiatus. Navigator of the Seas will home port in Los Angles (at the port in Long Beach) starting in November 2021. The amplified ship will broaden the cruise line’s West Coast offerings, sailing 3-, 4- and 5-night itineraries to Catalina Island, California and Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – plus, select winter holiday 7-night sailings will feature overnights in the popular resort city.

“California was calling us home once again, and what better way to reintroduce Royal Caribbean than to bring our next-level cruise vacations to the City of Angels and make it a year-round adventure starting just in time for summer.”

“We’re excited to return to Los Angeles to add bigger, bolder vacation options along the West Coast. With a ship like Navigator of the Seas, complete with waterslides, activities from day to night and a lineup of restaurants, bars and lounges, friends and families alike are in for a memorable getaway.” 

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International

After a $115 million amplification in 2019, Navigator bringsstar power that will thrill guests with its reimagined Caribbean poolscape anchored by the lively three-level bar The Lime & Coconut; two daring waterslides that cantilever over the edges of the ship – The Blaster aqua coaster, the longest waterslide at sea, and Riptide, the industry’s only headfirst mat racer;the first standalone blow-dry bar at sea, To Dry For; elevated nightlife and dining, and transformed spaces that each are dedicated to kids and teens. The winning combination of these thrilling features and activities alongside Royal Caribbean favorites – against the backdrop of Hollywood Hills – will make for a new short getaway, over the week or weekend, that makes the most of every minute for vacationers of all ages.

Sailings on the Navigator of the Seas are now available to book, contact me to plan your next cruise!

/0 Comments/by

Norwegian Cruise Line sailing in Europe and the Caribbean, beginning in July

Norwegian Cruise Line announced new itineraries sailing in Europe and the Caribbean, beginning July 25, 2021.

Norwegian’s new itineraries will sail with reduced capacities aboard Norwegian Jade, Joy, and Gem.

Norwegian Jade will operate seven-day cruises to the Greek Isles from Athens (Piraeus), Greece from Jul 25, 2021 through Nov 7, 2021.

Norwegian Joy will operate seven-day cruises to the Western Caribbean from Montego Bay, Jamaica from Aug 7, 2021 through Oct 9, 2021.

Norwegian Gem will operate seven-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean from Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic from Aug 15, 2021 through Oct 10, 2021.

NCL’s SailSAFE Program details pre-cruise vaccination requirements, onboard protocols and all of the other information you need in order to sail.

To book your next cruise on Norweigan, contact me today

/0 Comments/by

Celebrity Millennium to sail from St. Maarten beginning June 5, 2021

Celebrity Cruises has annouced its long-anticipated return to cruising as the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium will homeport in the tropical paradise of St. Maarten beginning June 5!

You can now turn your vacation dreams into a dream vacation on one of these new seven-night itineraries departing through August to some of the best-loved Caribbean island destinations. The ship will sail with vaccinated crew and will be available to vaccinated adult guests andchildren under the age of 18 with a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of embarkation.

You can take advantage of special air and sea pricing offering exceptional savings on all Summer 2021St. Maarten sailings starting at $1,999* per person for a veranda stateroom. The offer applies to new bookings and flights must be booked through Flights By Celebrity and prices include airfare and taxes. No
promotional code is needed.

In a statement, Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said, “Returning to the Caribbean after more than a year away is such a significant moment for us. It marks the measured beginning of the end of what has been a uniquely challenging time for everyone. We have been in constant contact with the leadership of St. Maarten these past months to support each other and share learnings and best practices. That we’re able to offer people the opportunity to safely vacation onboard the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium, is incredible, and that we will sail from the magical island of St. Maarten is very special. I am forever grateful for the support and collaboration of the St. Maarten government.”

Celebrity’s new summer season of Caribbean cruises provides a week of indulgence on a luxury cruise ship with world-class dining experiences, thrilling shows and dreamy, stylish staterooms all while basking in the sun, culture and history of some of the most beautiful islands on the planet. Two different itinerary offerings include:

  • Aruba, Curaçao and Barbados – This trifecta of spectacular islands offer plenty of wonder from Aruba’s natural rock pools, caves and volcanic lava formations; to the colorful Dutch colonial-style buildings and the Willemstad City Center UNESCO World Heritage Site in Curaçao; to snorkeling and catamaran sailings in the cool blue waters of Barbados.
  • Tortola, St. Lucia and Barbados – In addition to the many water adventure offerings in Barbados, this itinerary adds in St. Lucia’s lush green landscape and relaxing Sugar Beach; along with one of the British Virgin Islands’ treasures, Tortola, with its mountainous landscape and beautiful sandy coves that are enough to make any beach lover swoon.

With cruise vacations beginning and ending in St. Maarten, guests have plenty of time to experience this island’s fusion of Dutch, French and Caribbean culinary classics, stunning beaches and renowned snorkeling and diving options.

Celebrity will offer a range of curated tours for all interests and price points at every port of call. Private Journeys and Small Group Discovery Tours will also be available for those guests preferring to explore the destinations with only members of their family or traveling companions.

From bow to stern, Celebrity Millennium has undergone one of the largest re-imaginings in history to ensure an unparalleled new luxury experience for guests. The ship now boasts brand new staterooms, freshly appointed restaurants and lounges; and a redesigned spa offering guests unparalleled ways to relax and recharge. At the all-exclusive The Retreat, guests enjoy a private sundeck and redesigned lounge offering complimentary beverages, gourmet bites, live entertainment, and around-the-clock butler and concierge service.

Some of the additional onboard enhancements include:

  • Completely redesigned, contemporary staterooms and suites inspired by award-winning British interior designer Kelly Hoppen’s designs for Celebrity Edge and featuring Celebrity’s eXhale bedding with its luxurious Cashmere™ mattresses
  • Stunningly reimagined restaurants, bars, and lounges where guests can enjoy unparalleled culinary experiences in captivating environments
  • New boutiques featuring the hottest designer names
  • Celebrity’s Advanced RFID lock technology with digital key access to every stateroom door

The company’s first priority is the health and safety of guests, crew, and the people in the places that its ships visit. Celebrity Millennium will sail with comprehensive, multilayered health and safety measures developed with expert guidance from parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s Healthy Sail Panel and Global Head of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer; and local health and government authorities. These measures, including vaccination requirements, will evolve in keeping with current public health standards. Details on all health and safety measures across the entire Celebrity Cruises vacation experience can be found at https://www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea. In addition, guests must meet St. Maarten’s travel requirements, which currently include presenting a negative PCR test taken within 72-hours of arrival to the island.

Simplifying the luxury vacation experience, Wi-Fi, drinks and tips are now ‘Always Included’ on every Celebrity cruise. And, Celebrity’s “Cruise with Confidence” program provides flexible cancellations and best price guarantees.

For more information on Celebrity Cruises’ new St. Maarten cruise offerings, contact me today!

/0 Comments/by

Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea Returns to Disney Cruise Line in 2022

Two epic adventures at sea return to Disney Cruise Line in 2022 – Marvel Day at Sea (Disney Magic) and Star Wars Day at Sea (Disney Fantasy). 

Marvel Day at Sea – Disney Magic

You can combine the excitement of a Disney cruise to the Caribbean and Bahamas with the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series for an action-packed, day-long celebration of the Marvel Universe on the following special 5-night Disney Magic sailings out of Miami, Florida:

Sail DateItinerary
January 8, 20225-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
January 17, 20225-Night Bahamian Cruise
January 22, 20225-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
January 31, 20225-Night Bahamian Cruise
February 5, 20225-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
February 14, 20225-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
February 19, 20225-Night Bahamian Cruise
February 28, 20225-Night Bahamian Cruise
March 5, 20225-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Star Wars Day at Sea – Disney Fantasy

Guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during a day at sea on the following 7-night Disney Fantasysailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Caribbean and a galaxy far, far away:

Sail DateItinerary
January 8, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
January 15, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
January 22, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
January 29, 20227-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
February 5, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
February 12, 20227-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
February 19, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
February 26, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
March 5, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Let’s get started planning your Star Wars Day at Sea or Marvel Day at Sea cruise now!

/0 Comments/by
,

Adventures by Disney Announces First-Ever Dedicated Expedition Cruises

Journey to some of the world’s most wondrous and sought-after destinations when they set sail on all-new Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruises. With voyages to Antarctica beginning in late 2021 and to the Galapagos Islands in 2022, you will embark on exhilarating adventures across breathtaking, remote landscapes while enjoying a leisurely voyage with family-focused activities curated by the travel experts at Disney.

Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruises

With the introduction of the Antarctica Expedition Cruise, Adventures by Disney now offers family vacation experiences across all seven continents. Scheduled for 2021 and 2022, two 12-day, 11-night Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruises will sail with PONANT, a leader in luxury polar expeditions.

Buenos Aires Escape

Your Clients can add even more adventure to their Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise with the Buenos Aires Escape. This four-day, three-night guided group experience will highlight must-see attractions as well as the hidden gems of Argentina’s capital.

Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise

On the Adventures by Disney Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise, families will island-hop from one extraordinary adventure to the next with five nine-day, eight-night sailings aboard the boutique expedition ship, the Galapagos Legend. Three routes are schedule for this adventure.

On all Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruises, your Clients will relax and play together aboard an intimate expedition ship as a team of Adventure Guides lead engaging programming for adults and Junior Adventurers alike. Special presentations by naturalists will further immerse travelers in the stories of the ecosystems around them, and on select sailings, Disney animal and photography experts will host conversations and hands-on workshops about wildlife, conservation and travel photography.

More Opportunities for Families to Sail in 2022: River Cruise Departures Return

In addition to launching its brand-new Expedition Cruise itineraries, Adventures by Disney’s popular river cruise vacations return once again to Europe with three itineraries along the Danube, Rhine and Seine. New for 2022, specialty National Geographic Photography Sailings along the Seine will offer photo-driven excursions with National Geographic photographers. Sailing with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, these all-inclusive voyages are filled with active and immersive experiences in enchanting European destinations.

Contact me today to book your Expedition Cruise with Adventures by Disney!

/0 Comments/by

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas sails from the Bahamas starting June 2021!

Beginning in June 2021, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas will homeport in Nassau, Bahamas. Offering weeklong getaways, vacationers can enjoy a day in Cozumel, Mexico, as well as an island-hopping sampler of popular Bahamian ports — including Grand Bahama Island and two consecutive days at Royal Caribbean’s very own private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

These exciting new itineraries will set sail June through August 2021, inviting fully vaccinated guests 18 years of age and older, as well as children under the age of 18 with proof of negative COVID-19 test results. Rest-assured, the well-being of the guests and crew remains a top-priority as Royal Caribbean looks forward to a gradual and safe return to cruising. Details on additional health and safety measures will be announced at a later date.

Sailing go on sail March 24, 2021. Contact me today to book your next cruise!

/0 Comments/by

Bucket List Travel: Antarctica

A couple of years ago I watched the movie Where’d you go Bernadette? and immediately became obsessed with the idea of going to Antarctica. I later found out that the scenes that are supposed to be in Antarctica were actually filmed in Greenland, but that hasn’t waivered my need to visit Antarctica!

Anyone who knows me is well aware that I am the least outdoorsy person you will ever meet, so I know me wanting to go on thiss trip is going to be a surprise to many.

But look at this…

Iceberg, Lindblad Cove, Antarctica aboard National Geographic Explorer. January 2011

I want to go there and see this…

An explosion of gentoo penguins alongside makes this kayaking experience doubly extraordinary.

Antarctica is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. It is said that a voyage to Antarctica is one of the most exhilarating adventures the planet offers, and one of the most life-enhancing travel decisions any traveler can make.

There are a number of cruise lines that venture down to Antarctica. One that I have my eye on is with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions.

Lars-Eric Lindblad, considered by many to be the “father of ecotourism,” founded Lindblad Travel in 1958. In 1966, he brought the first group of “citizen explorers” to Antarctica. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have joined forces to further inspire the world through expedition travel.

Together they are good stewards to the earth and encourage greater awareness and understanding of issues impacting the regions where they travel.

National Geographic Orion, Lemaire Channel, Antarctica

The 148-guest National Geographic Explorer and 126-guest National Geographic Endurance are purpose-built Antarctic expedition ships designed to safely explore Antarctica—the most remote, wild place on the planet. They are fully stabilized, ice-class vessels with ice-strengthened hulls strong enough to push through the Antarctic ice. Their construction and the caliber of their Icemaster Captains and veteran expedition teams are your assurances of safety.

It’s in the early season (Oct.-Nov.) when the Captain can adroitly “park” National Geographic Explorer, allowing guests to disembark directly on the ice.

Every expedition sails with a veteran expedition leader and a team of eight naturalists, many of them polar veterans, of a variety of specialties: zoology, biology, ornithology, geology, polar history, and more. Other members of the 15-person team include an undersea specialist, a National Geographic photographer, plus a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and a wellness specialist. Together, they provide you with a greater understanding and appreciation for this exceptional place.  

Hikers, Neko Harbor, Antarctica

 

Who’s ready for this amazing adventure?

My Bucket List

Amawaterways Christmas Market River Cruises

/0 Comments/by

Royal Caribbean to homeport in Bridgetown, Barbados

Get ready for sun-soaked adventures to captivating southern Caribbean isles onboard Grandeur of the Seas®, sailing from the newest Royal Caribbean® home port — beautiful Bridgetown, Barbados.

With its idyllic pink-sand beaches, warm clear seas and gentle tropical breezes, and emerald hills and valleys, Barbados is an unforgettable destination in its own right. But there’s so much more to this tropical Caribbean paradise. From botanical gardens to caves, a visit to Barbados will be unforgettable. As the birthplace of rum, a stop at one of their distilleries for a tasting is a must. Historical Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where your clients can enjoy the charm of the city as well as the famous Bajan cuisine.

There are three different itineraries, including two separate 7-night sailings and a 14-night sailing with stops in St. Lucia, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent, Grenada, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and more. The 14-night itinerary visits the ABCs with an overnight in Aruba and includes destinations like Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Cartagena, Colombia and Colon, Panama. By departing from Barbados, Royal Caribbean can reach more of the less explored ports and offer more back-to-back port days versus days at sea.

The adventure begins in Barbados, Winter 2021. As your personal travel advisor, I’m here to ensure your journey is hassle-free and expertly planned!

/0 Comments/by
,

Bucket List Travel: Amawaterways Christmas Market River Cruises

I get asked a lot, “Where would you go?” and that’s a hard question to answer. My list is long. I have the privilege of seeing so many amazing destinations and experiences all over the world. Every once in a while, something comes across my desk that makes me stop and daydream for a second.   

One such trip came over a few months ago and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. So, I decided to start a new blog series…’Bucket List Travel.’ Here I will share one trip that is on my bucket list. 

Many places are off-limits for now due to COVID and political unrest. Some options are on my list because they are places clients are asking about and I’ve never been. They are within reach, I just need to find the time to go. Others are my true bucket list trips. They are the once in a lifetime trips that I have my heart set on. 

While cruising wasn’t possible this last Christmas, I thought this month was the right time to share the Christmas Market River Cruises that Amawaterways offers. Their Iconic Christmas Markets River Cruise takes you down the Danube through Austria, Germany, and Hungry. I’ll be honest, I would go on any of them! 

Christmas Markets on the Danube lets you experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in five countries—Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Let iconic capital cities—Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna—decked in holiday finery with glittering Christmas trees illuminated by thousands of lights, bells pealing from cathedral towers and children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols, dazzle you. Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including Regensburg and Salzburg, shopping for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the fragrance of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Cherish all the glory and magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Danube during this festive time of the year.

Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets on the Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. Warm-up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the “Capital of Noël,” Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world’s largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neo-classical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

Throughout this dreamlike journey, an overflowing of good tidings and magical Christmas markets come alive on the Magical Christmas Markets River Cruise. A winter wonderland awaits at Prague’s Christmas markets brightly decorated with wooden huts stocked with handicrafts and delicious scents flavoring the air. Be spellbound by the medieval atmosphere of Nuremberg’s main Christmas market, and sample its renowned gingerbread. Stroll through Regensburg’s romantic Christmas market at the Thurn and Taxis Castle, savoring fresh dumplings with vanilla sauce. Get caught up in the magic of Salzburg’s Christmas markets at both Hellbrunn Palace and at Christkindlmarkt, located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and around the venerable cathedral, which is a feast for the senses, from the warm aroma of mulled wine and Austrian pastry delights, to the sights and sounds of holiday performances, to the colors and textures of traditional handcrafts. And while in Vienna, visit enchanting Christmas markets from the regal Schönbrunn Palace to Vienna’s charming Maria Theresa markets.

2021 and 2022 Christmas Market River Cruises are now available to book!

/0 Comments/by

Cruise with Confidence on Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence has been enhanced to more flexibility than ever! You can now choose an option that is most suitable to your needs.

  • Previously announced on March 6, 2020, the flexibility to cancel up to 48-hours prior to sailing in exchange for a 100% Future Cruise Credit will continue, though the eligible sailing window has been extended to now include all sailings through April 2022 (all open deployment as of May 6, 2020).
  • Lift & Shift for those guests simply wishing to move their existing booking to next year. Eligible for rebooking between now and August 1, 2020, guests can protect their original price and promotional offering simply by selecting a future sailing on the same itinerary type, sailing length, stateroom category, and within the same 4-week period of their original cruise date same-time-next-year.
  • Keep your reservation as is and you are eligible to take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Best Price Guarantee up to 48-hours prior to your cruise vacation start date, ensuring the best rate and/or promotion. Price variances will result in a rate adjustment if requested outside of final payment or an Onboard Credit when inside the final payment period.
  • If desired, guests wishing to cancel prior to final payment can absolutely do so for a full refund of all monies paid to-date, and all nonrefundable deposits returned in the form of a Future Cruise Credit. After the final payment, the standard cancellation penalties apply for those guests not interested in taking advantage of the Cruise with Confidence policy.

Please note that to be eligible, the reservation must be an active booking (not previously canceled) with no other cancellation offers previously accepted.

Contact me today to start planning your next cruise vacation!

/0 Comments/by