Princess Cruises is celebrating their 60th anniversary by recreating their first ever sailing to the Mexican Riviera later this year.
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Princess Cruises first ever cruise was a voyage to the Mexican Riviera on December 3, 1965 on Princess Patricia. 60 years later, the Love Boat cruise line will offer a 60th Anniversary Mexican Riviera cruise that departs on December 6, 2025.
This 14-day cruise on Royal Princess is open for bookings and it will visit some of the same ports as the cruise line’ first ever cruise.
Princess Cruises also revealed that the legendary Motown group The Temptations will sail on this special 60th anniversary sailing.
The cruise will depart from Los Angeles and have two overnight port visits to Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. The cruise will also visit Loreto, Manzanilla and Mazatlán.
The cruise will also feature special onboard events and guests that will be announced at a later time.
This immersive sailing will be the perfect way for guests to experience the beauty of the Mexican Riviera while celebrating six decades of Princess Cruises’ legacy of exceptional service and innovation in the cruise industry.
Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises, gave the following statement:
“As we prepare to celebrate our 60th anniversary, we can’t help but look back at where it all began with one ship sailing to Mexico.
“This commemorative 60th Anniversary Cruise will not only pay tribute to our rich history but also bring together the joy of cruise travel, music and unforgettable moments. The Temptations’ performance today gives just a glimpse of the excitement and memorable experiences we have in store for this milestone.”
Princess Cruises, known around the world as “The Love Boat,” is celebrating six decades of delivering dream vacations and happiness to millions of cruisers with a special 14-day 60th Anniversary Mexican Riviera Voyage, departing from the Port of Los Angeles on December 6, 2025. On sale now, this milestone cruise onboard Royal Princess will include some of the same ports on the first-ever voyage that set sail on December 3, 1965, on Princess Patricia.
The Temptations
As part of the announcement, Princess revealed that The Temptations, the legendary Motown group behind the classic hit “My Girl,” will sail on the 60th anniversary voyage for a memorable performance. To mark the occasion, The Temptations performed their beloved song live onboard Discovery Princess today, giving guests a preview of the incredible entertainment planned for the milestone cruise and celebrating the 60th anniversary of the release of “My Girl,” making it a double milestone event.
The exciting announcement was delivered by Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan, known for her role as “Vicki Stubing” in the beloved TV series “The Love Boat.” Whelan, who has been a cherished part of Princess Cruises’ legacy, will also serve as the host for the 60th Anniversary Cruise, adding even more nostalgia to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Additional information revealing onboard events and additional special guests will be announced soon.
Celebrating 60 Years Of Sailing
“As we prepare to celebrate our 60th anniversary, we can’t help but look back at where it all began with one ship sailing to Mexico,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises. “This commemorative 60th Anniversary Cruise will not only pay tribute to our rich history but also bring together the joy of cruise travel, music and unforgettable moments. The Temptations’ performance today gives just a glimpse of the excitement and memorable experiences we have in store for this milestone.”
14-day 60th Anniversary Mexican Riviera Voyage
Royal Princess, Leaving Southampton
The 14-day 60th Anniversary Mexican Riviera Voyage aboard the Royal Princess sails from Los Angeles on December 6 and includes two overnight stays in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, plus visits to Loreto, Manzanilla and Mazatlán. This immersive journey is a perfect way for guests to experience the beauty of the Mexican Riviera while celebrating six decades of Princess Cruises’ legacy of exceptional service and innovation in the cruise industry.
In addition to the throwback 60th Anniversary Voyage, Princess will be announcing other anniversary-related activities in the coming months.
Today, Princess Cruises operates 16 stunning cruise ships, sailing to sought-after destinations all over the world. The cruise line will mark another milestone in 2025 – the debut of the all-new Star Princess in October.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.
In honor of Alaska Statehood Day, Holland America Line has several ways to celebrate the Great Land, including a $50-per-person onboard credit and the chance to win an exclusive commemorative pendant necklace inspired by the Alaska wildlife Holland America treasures.
Alaska Statehood Day
Holland America Line
Holland America Line has a storied history with the Great Land, having explored Alaska longer than it’s been a state. The cruise line offers the most visits to Alaska’s glaciers and more access to wildlife than any other cruise line. With more than 75 years of exploring Alaska, Holland America brings guests through the Inside Passage to iconic cities like Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, while also showcasing the breathtaking wilderness of Denali National Park for guests who join a combined cruise and land Cruisetour.
Holland America celebrates Alaska’s 66th birthday
The Cannery at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska (Credit: Icy Strait Point)
As Holland America celebrates Alaska’s 66th birthday, guests who book a cruise from Jan. 3-5, 2025, will receive a $50 onboard credit per person. This is on top of up to $400 in onboard spending credit available per stateroom during the “Start Your Journey” sale. This offer provides guests who book select spring 2025 through spring 2026 cruises with the “Have It All” premium package a free stateroom upgrade in select categories, reduced fares, free or reduced kids cruise fares and 50% reduced deposits.
The cruise line is also celebrating Alaska Statehood Day with an exclusive giveaway in partnership with Effy Jewelry. Starting Jan. 3, 2025, anyone can enter to win a commemorative blue topaz whale’s tail pendant, valued at $1,500. This piece is available only from Holland America Line, making it a truly unique keepsake. The deadline to enter for a chance to win is Jan. 10, 2025. Guests sailing on Alaska-bound ships in 2025 can also purchase the pendant necklace in the onboard Effy shops.
For more information about Holland America Line or to book an Alaska cruise, visit hollandamerica.com.
With a current fleet of 27 ships, Carnival Cruise Line will be adding two more to the growing family of “fun ships”.
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It was originally announced in June 2024 that Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter of P&O Cruises Australia would be absorbed by Carnival. While P&O Cruises Australia was part of Carnival Corp. & plc, the Australian brand is being closed and folded into the Carnival Cruise Line brand.
These two ships will undergo a refurbishment in a two-week wet-dock which will take place in March 2025.
Shortly after these enhancements and name changes, the ships will begin offering cruises to the Australian market.
Pacific Adventure will be renamed Carnival Adventure, and Pacific Encounter will be renamed Carnival Encounter. Both ships were originally built as Grand-class vessels.
Carnival Adventure
Pacific Adventure will be one of two P&O Cruises Australia ships to be converted over to Carnival Cruise Line
Originally christened as Golden Princess for Princess Cruises before joining P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Adventure will be a 109,000 gross ton vessel with a passenger capacity of 2,600.
The ship is expected to receive technology upgrades along with Carnival rebranding that will operate in concert with Carnival’s Hub app.
Carnival Adventure will homeport in Sydney, Australia, alongside sister ship Carnival Splendor.
Carnival Encounter
Carnival Encounter, which began as Star Princess for Princess Cruises before being transferred to P&O as Pacific Encounter, will continue to serve as a 109,000 gross ton ship with a passenger capacity of 2,600 like her sister Carnival Adventure.
Encounter will receive the same kinds of technology and brand updates as Adventure, and will be homeporting in Brisbane, Australia, offering year-round sailings in the region.
Updates to the ships
Although we don’t have many details about what additions and transformations will be made during the two-week refurbishment, Carnival did reveal a few onboard features for the two ships.
Carnival’s ‘Fun Squad’: The onboard entertainment team will bring the fun with comedy shows, organize lively deck parties, and lead engaging games.
Turtles Kids’ Club: A new childcare option for kids under two, featuring activities like arts and crafts, story time, dancing, and sensory play.
Classic Carnival Fun: Look forward to Build-A-Bear workshops, the Conga for Kids line dance, and ’80s-themed Rock and Glow nights that Carnival passengers are accustomed to.
Despite the rebranding, the ships will retain some beloved P&O Cruises Australia experiences as well.
Guests can still enjoy the Byron Beach Club, Edge Adventure Park, dine at Luke Mangan’s Luke’s Bar & Grill, dine at Angelo’s and Dragon Lady, and be entertained by the Blanc de Blanc show.
This blend ensures a mix of new Carnival flair with classic Australian cruise elements.
Carnival’s presence in Australia
Even though Carnival Corp. has closed the chapter on P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Cruise Line is picking up where the former cruise line left off.
Carnival expects to welcome over 600,000 cruise passengers on its ships in Sydney and Brisbane in 2025 alone.
With these ships, Carnival Cruise Line will have four ships serving the South Pacific market. This includes Sydney-based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa sailing seasonally from Brisbane, in addition to the newly rebranded ships being added to its fleet.
The 2025 wave season is here and travelers are flocking to cruise ships to escape the winter blues. New data from Squaremouth, the nation’s leading travel insurance marketplace, reveals the top trends for this year’s wave season, along with expert tips for travelers setting sail in 2025.
Travel Insurance is Trending
Travelers are jumping at the chance to set sail this season, and they’re opting to do it carefree. Of the travelers planning to cruise this wave season and beyond, an impressive 74% are insuring their trips—up from just 38% in 2024.
Cruisers’ top concerns for 2025 include illness or injury while at sea, trip cancellations, and medical evacuation coverage.
More R&R, Less Adventure
While 2024 was the year of adventure travel, 2025 is all about rest and relaxation. Only 23% of cruisers plan to engage in adventure activities such as jet skiing, snorkeling, or scuba diving—down from 42% in 2024.
Warm Destinations & Bargain Hunting
Warm destinations continue to top cruisers’ bucket lists, but in 2025, more travelers are focused on finding great deals than on reaching their dream destinations. Nearly 49% of cruisers say that scoring a bargain is their primary goal for this year’s wave season.
Top budget-friendly cruise destinations for 2025 include Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic, which have average trip costs of $3,591, $3,800 and $4,123, respectively.
Tips for Wave Season Cruisers
If you plan on cruising this year, Squaremouth recommends the following travel insurance tips:
Take Advantage of Wave Season Pricing: While travel costs are expected to remain high, Wave Season offers exclusive cruise deals that travelers can take advantage of over the next few months.
Protect Your Trip Costs: From missing your ship’s departure due to a delayed flight to your itinerary being impacted by inclement weather, cruise insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection from major travel disruptions.
Get Overseas Medical Coverage: Most domestic healthcare plans don’t offer coverage outside the US. Travel insurance can provide Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation benefits in case of an emergency during your cruise. Due to the increased cost of medical care at sea, Squaremouth recommends getting at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.
Stay Organized: In the event you need to file a claim with your insurance provider, you will need to provide specific evidence and documentation, including travel details, receipts, booking confirmations, and travel supplier communications.
For more travel insurance tips for cruise travel, wave season and beyond, visit Squaremouth’s travel advice blog.
For a limited time, Carnival Cruise Line is offering cabin upgrades for just $1. This is just one of five special perks the cruise line is currently offering in their Bonus Upgrades Early Save Sale.
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Up until midnight tonight, you can get an upgrade on your next Carnival cruise for just a buck. Carnival is known as America’s Cruise Line because they offer cruises from more homeports in the U.S. than any other line.
They are currently offering a special Bonus Upgrades Early Save Sale on cruises that depart through April 2027.
This special sale from Carnival Cruise Line includes the following:
Upgrades starting at $1
Up to $50 in instant savings
Up to $50 in onboard credit to spend on the ship
Deposits reduced to just $50 per person for most sailings
Cabin upgrades are automatically assigned at booking and are based on availability.
$50 per person deposit is applicable for two- to nine-day sailings (Excluding all Alaska, Europe, Celebration, Mardi Gras, and Jubilee sailings).
$99 per person deposit is applicable to cruises on Celebration, Mardi Gras, and Jubilee. $149 per person deposit applies to 10+ days, all Alaska and Europe sailings.
For complete terms and conditions of this special sale from Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com or contact you preferred travel agent.
Holland America Line is offering a special offer on cruises to Alaska in honor of Alaska Statehood Day.
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Holland America Line’s Koningsdam visit Glacier Bay
Holland America Line has been offering cruises to Alaska since before the territory became a state. With over 75 years experience in sailing to Alaska, they know what guests are looking for when cruising to the 49th state.
For all cruises to Alaska on Holland America Line ships, you will receive a $50 on board credit per person if booked by January 5, 2025. This is in addition to the cruise line’s $400 on board credit that is currently available through HAL’s latest Start Your Journey sale.
The cruise line’s Start Your Journey sale is good on cruises in the spring of 2025 through the spring of 2026. It includes a free stateroom upgrade in select categories, reduced fares, free or reduced kids cruise fares and 50% reduced deposits when booking the Have It All package.
The Have It All package makes Holland America’s cruises nearly all-inclusive.
In addition to the on board credit, Holland America Line is celebrating Alaska Statehood Day with an exclusive giveaway in partnership with Effy Jewelry.
A Holland America Line ship visiting Alaska.
Starting January 3, 2025, anyone can enter for a chance to win a commemorative blue topaz whale’s tail pendant, valued at $1,500. This piece is available only from Holland America Line, making it a truly unique keepsake.
The deadline to enter for a chance to win is January 10, 2025. Guests sailing on Alaska-bound ships in 2025 can also purchase the pendant necklace in the onboard Effy shops.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ flagship ship, Bolette, will feature in an upcoming episode of Susan Calman’s Cruise of a Lifetime, airing later this month on Channel 5.
The episode will showcase an eight-night voyage to Norway’s breath-taking fjords, offering viewers a glimpse into the natural wonders and unique experiences available on Fred. Olsen’s smaller-sized ships.
Presenter Susan Calman embarked on her adventure from Liverpool, sailing to ports including Olden, Ålesund, Åndalsnes, and Geiranger, while enjoying scenic cruises through Nordfjord, Geirangerfjord, and past the iconic Seven Sisters Waterfall.
Calman’s journey was a celebration of Norway’s friluftsliv – or “open-air life” – as she explored the Briksdal Glacier, kayaked through the Brosundet canal, and conquered her fear of heights via the Loen Skylift and Romsdalen Gondola.
The presenter also enjoyed one of Europe’s most scenic train rides, travelling aboard the Golden Train on the historic Rauma Line.
Onboard Bolette, Calman participated in behind-the-scenes tours, joined formal night festivities, and relaxed in the ship’s spa.
Fred. Olsen CEO Samantha Stimpson expressed her excitement about the episode, noting the cruise line’s deep connection to Norway:
“We are incredibly excited to see Bolette make her Channel 5 debut. Norway is at the heart of our heritage, and our smaller ships allow us to access fjords that larger vessels simply cannot reach. To share this experience on such a platform is truly special.”
Fred. Olsen CEO Samantha Stimpson
Upcoming fjordland cruises
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a variety of Norwegian Fjord itineraries in 2025, offering similar awe-inspiring landscapes and activities:
Bolette’s eight-night ‘Mountain Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords’ departs Liverpool on 29th May 2025. Highlights include cruising Romsdalsfjorden and Innvikfjord, exploring Åndalsnes, and witnessing powerful waterfalls.
Bolette’s nine-night ‘Glaciers, Mountains and Fjords of Norway’ departs Liverpool on 9th July 2025. Guests can enjoy the scenic railways of Flåm and Rauma and marvel at glaciers like Briksdal and Nigardsbreen.
Balmoral’s seven-night ‘Mountains and Fjords of Norway’ departs Rosyth on 7th August 2025. Activities include kayaking, hiking, and travelling the legendary Atlantic Ocean Road.
Balmoral’s seven-night ‘Mountainous Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords’ departs Newcastle on 8th September 2025. Guests can experience the Hardangerfjord apple harvest and explore the fjordlands via rail, cable car, and winding roads.
Susan Calman’s Cruise of a Lifetime featuring Bolette will air on Channel 5 on Friday, 17th January 2025, and will be available on demand via My5 after its initial broadcast.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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MSC Cruises has announced it will serve as the title sponsor for three key races in the 2025 Formula 1® World Championship, strengthening its global partnership with the prestigious motorsport.
The races held in Austria, the USA and Brazil will carry the cruise line’s name, highlighting the collaboration between these two world-class brands.
This marks the first time MSC Cruises’ branding will be featured in the official titles of these Grand Prix races, in addition to its trackside presence as a Global Partner since 2022.
The sponsorship reflects both the global expansion of Formula 1® and the growing appeal of cruising as a premier holiday choice.
MSC Group’s luxury travel brand, Explora Journeys, will also join the excitement with the docking of its new ship, EXPLORA II, at Port Hercule during the Monaco Grand Prix, providing an ultra-luxurious hub for race fans and exclusive events.
The events in question…
FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX 2025: Taking place from 27-29 June 2025 at Austria’s Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, this thrilling mid-season race features 71 laps of high-octane action.
FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2025: Scheduled for 17-19 October 2025, this race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, is a favourite among fans, blending state-of-the-art facilities with a vibrant atmosphere.
FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES GRANDE PRÊMIO DE SÃO PAULO 2025: A highlight towards the season’s end, this race will unfold at Brazil’s iconic Interlagos track from 7-9 November 2025, known for its unpredictable weather and dramatic finishes.
In May, the luxury EXPLORA II will dock at Port Hercule during the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2025.
Guests onboard will enjoy unparalleled views of the race and a series of exclusive events, ensuring a lavish experience at one of Formula 1’s® most glamorous venues.
MSC Cruises’ partnership with Formula 1® underscores the synergy between two industries focused on delivering world-class experiences.
With 2025 marking this significant step, fans can look forward to unforgettable races paired with the sophistication of MSC’s luxury offerings.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Carnival Cruise Line has reiterated its strict policies regarding gambling outside of its onboard casinos, following questions from guests about popular games like Left-Center-Right (LCR).
Brand Ambassador John Heald recently addressed the topic after a passenger inquired about playing the game for cash during an upcoming sailing on Carnival Radiance.
The query centred around whether Carnival would permit LCR – a dice game often played for money – during a 14-night Hawaii cruise.
The guest pointed out that other cruise lines allow the game, but Carnival has confirmed its stance on prohibiting all forms of gambling outside the designated casino areas.
Carnival’s rules explicitly prohibit gambling, including cash-based games like LCR, outside of the casino. Heald confirmed that this policy applies across the fleet.
The game itself, however, is not banned. Guests are free to enjoy LCR as long as there is no exchange of money or betting involved. Heald suggested playing for fun or using non-cash alternatives such as small candies or prizes, saying:
“We do not allow gambling outside of the casino in any way, shape, or form. There are very strict rules about this.
“You can play for fun or mini Twix bars but not money. Thank you for your understanding.”
John Heald
Carnival has previously addressed similar concerns, such as when a large group was found playing for money on the Carnival Luminosa in April 2024.
Why Carnival enforces this policy
The prohibition stems from legal obligations and compliance with international gambling laws. Carnival Cruise Line must adhere to regulations governing betting and gaming, which vary depending on the ship’s itinerary and the countries visited.
The policy is not a for-profit measure but rather ensures the cruise line complies with legal definitions of gambling.
Carnival also provides dedicated spaces for guests who wish to enjoy games in non-dining areas, ensuring a pleasant experience for all passengers.
Heald explained that card-playing tables are often set up in quieter areas, such as the upper level of the main dining room or in lounges, to accommodate such activities without disrupting other guests.
For guests looking for alternative ways to enjoy games onboard, Carnival ships offer a variety of spaces for activities, including empty lounges, libraries (on select ships), and seating along the promenade.
These locations provide a relaxed environment for board games, puzzles, and card games without violating the cruise line’s policies.
While Carnival Cruise Line strives to ensure all guests have a fun and engaging cruise experience, rules like these are in place to create a safe and lawful environment for everyone on board.
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