Tag Archive for: cruise vacations

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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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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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!

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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

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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!

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