Luxury Cruising Editorial - Luxury Cruising

Viking Kicks Off 2024 River Cruise Season in Europe

March 21, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Diplomacy

Viking, the #1 rated river cruise line, has kicked off their 2024 river season in Europe as their Longships begin sailing cruises on rivers throughout Europe.

Viking will offer river cruises on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle and Elbe rivers in 2024. Their river ships carry 190 or fewer guests and have been built specifically for European waterways.

“With its rich history, culture and scenic regions that are best explored by river, Europe remains our most popular destination,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “As more curious travelers become familiar with river voyages as a seamless method for exploring, we are pleased to begin a new season on Europe’s iconic waterways.”

Carnival Cruise Line Brings Back Statue After Removing It From Another Ship in 2023

March 21, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Diplomacy

Carnival Cruise Line is bringing back a statue that it took off another ship last year.

Carnival Firenze and the Statue of David

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David will once again be featured on a Carnival cruise ship.

The statue has been added to Carnival Firenze, a ship that is currently being transformed after moving over from sister cruise line Costa Cruises. Since the cruise ship is designed and named after Florence, Italy, it’s a perfect match.

Virgin Voyages Bar Tab vs. Traditional Cruise Line Drink Packages

March 20, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise News Cruise Tips Virgin Voyages

This is a guest post by David Todd, Co-Founder and Director of VV Insider

As you prepare for your upcoming cruise with Virgin Voyages, you’ll no doubt be considering how to make the most of the beverage options on board.

With 22 different bars on board each of the Virgin Voyages ships; Scarlet, Valiant, Resilient and the upcoming Brilliant Lady offer a huge variety of alcoholic and specialty soft drinks to match any taste and budget.

One thing to consider though is the cost; unlike most other cruise line brands, Virgin Voyages does not offer a one-cost all-you-can-drink package.

Instead, Virgin offers sailors the option to pre-purchase a type of on-board credit called ‘Bar Tab’.

What is a Bar Tab on Virgin Voyages?

There are two types of on-board credit on Virgin Voyages….

Firstly there is ‘Sailor Loot’ which is a type of promotional credit that sailors can spend on anything on board.

We mean anything – drinks, upcharge food in restaurants, merchandise, shore excursions (called Shore Things on VV) and even tattoos in the ‘at sea’ on-board tattoo parlour!

Secondly, ‘Bar Tab’ credit can exclusively be used on bar purchases. Meaning any beverages purchased on board, including at restaurants, will be deducted from the Bar Tab before eating away at your Sailor Loot or being debited from your onboard account.

You can not use Bar Tab on any alcohol-based event, however.

Benefits of The Virgin Voyages Bar Tab

In contrast with a traditional all-you-can-drink cruise package, there are some advantages to the way Virgin do things with its Bar Tab:

Inclusive

There are no restrictions to what the Bar Tab can be used for, from top-shelf liquor to exclusive alcoholic milkshakes from The Social Club Bar, you are not restricted to selecting from a small selection of options.

Flexibility

Sailors can purchase Bar Tabs up to 24 hours before sailing and even share them with cabin mates, offering flexibility before your sail.

Transparent Pricing

With reasonable drink prices comparable to on-land pricing, sailors can estimate expenses easily and avoid unexpected charges. As with all things Virgin Voyages; tips are included in the price of the drink by default.

Variety

The Bar Tab covers a wide range of beverage options, ensuring there’s something for everyone, from cocktails to cold-pressed juices. Sailors can also use their credit to buy large / premium bottles of wine and spirits, pitchers of sangria and buckets of beers by the pool.

How To Save Money With a Bar Tab

To incentivise sailors topping-up their Bar Tab credit before sailing, Virgin Voyages offer an ‘extra credit’ incentive.

Depending on your loyalty status with the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club, you will receive an extra incentive for purchasing particular chunks of additional Bar Tab.

By topping up $100 you get a bonus of $10
By topping up $200 you get a bonus of $25
By topping up $300 you get a bonus of $50

(As of March 2024)

How To Get The Most Out Of The Virgin Voyages Bar Tab

As this is a fairly innovative way of introducing a drinks package, working out exactly how much money you can save is fairly complex. It comes down to how many ‘chunks’ of bar tab you should buy.

VV Insider have built a Bar Tab Calculator that helps work out exactly how much Bar Tab you should pre-purchase to make your money go further.

For other cruise line drinks packages, Cruise Mummy has put together a great comprehensive breakdown of drinks package calculators.

Drawbacks to The Virgin Voyages Bar Tab

There are certainly some upsides to the traditional all-you-can-drink packages offered by other cruise lines, the VV Bar Tab falls short in a few areas:

Tracking your balance

Sailors must keep track of the amount left on their Bar Tab throughout the cruise, as any overspending will be debited from Sailor Loot or your onboard account / credit card.

Exclusions for alcohol-related events

Currently, the Bar Tab cannot be used for alcohol-related events like Grog Walk, Shot for Shot, or Mix it Up. This limitation is a disappointment for sailors who want to try these onboard activities without the additional expenses.

Use-it-or-lose-it policy

The Bar Tab operates on a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy, meaning any unused portion of the package expires at the end of the voyage and cannot be refunded or transferred. This can lead to pressure for cruisers to consume more drinks than they otherwise would, potentially resulting in wastage or overindulgence.

Extra costs

If you would normally drink enough to get the very most out of a traditional all-you-can-drink beverage package, it’s likely that you will spend more on drinks on Virgin Voyages than you might on other cruise lines, despite the extra credit offers.

Pros of Traditional Cruise Line Drink Packages

Convenience

One of the most significant advantages of traditional drink packages is the convenience. With a pre-paid package, cruisers can enjoy their favourite beverages without worrying about individual prices at the bar.

Value for Money

For cruisers who drink a lot, a drink package can offer significant savings compared to purchasing drinks individually. By paying a flat fee upfront, travellers can indulge in a variety of beverages throughout the voyage without the fear of overspending or exceeding their budget.

Variety

Traditional drink packages allow cruisers to sample different drinks and flavours without additional costs.

Cons of Traditional Cruise Line Drink Packages

High prices

Despite offering value for money for heavy drinkers, traditional drink packages can come with a hefty price tag, especially for cruisers who may not fully utilise the package during their voyage. This high upfront cost can deter some travelers or those who prefer to consume drinks sparingly.

Limitations

While traditional drink packages offer a variety of beverage choices, they may also come with limitations on available options. Some packages may exclude premium brands, top-shelf liquors, or speciality cocktails, limiting the variety and quality of drinks available to cruisers.

Hidden costs and fine print

While traditional drink packages promise convenience and savings, they may also come with hidden costs and fine print. Additional fees, service charges, or restrictions on when and where the package can be used may diminish the perceived value of the package for some cruisers.

Soft drinks

Although some cruise lines offer soft drink packages it is often required that everyone sharing a cabin must buy an alcohol package if only one is needed regardless of what they drink. This could mean that non-drinkers or sober guests are forced to pay for an alcohol package that they do not want to use.

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Conclusion

It’s refreshing to see a different approach being made to drinks packages on board cruise ships. Although some guests that are heavy drinkers may find their money doesn’t stretch quite as far under Virgin’s Bar tab system, the benefits lie in its overall flexibility.

VV Insider’s Bar Tab Calculator is the best way to save money on your Virgin Voyages drinks costs.

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Heroes & Villains Of The High Seas

March 20, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise News Disney News

Disney Cruise Line has revealed the first details of its new cruise ship, set to be called Disney Destiny.

Disney Destiny will be the sister ship to Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, and will draw inspiration from beloved heroes and villains from the Disney, Pixar and Marvel universes.

The keel laying ceremony has taken place at the Meyer Werft shipyard, and Disney has released a beautiful video to celebrate this momentous event:

The ship has been designed by the cruise line and the Walt Disney Imagineering teams, with the central focus being the duality of light and dark that the iconic heroes and villains encapsulate.

Guests will be able to encounter famous heroes and villains on the ship, including those from The Lion King, Hercules and One Hundred and One Dalmatians.

Captain Minnie will adorn the bow of the ship, this time striking a valiant pose in her heroic outfit with cape waving majestically in the sea breeze.

The Disney Destiny will celebrate our most legendary Disney stories and characters, bringing them to life in new and exciting ways exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. As we continue to expand our fleet, the Disney Destiny will further strengthen our position as a leader in family cruising as we offer even more ways for families to experience Disney magic and world-class service at sea.

Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line

2025 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for Disney Cruise Line – Disney Destiny will be joined by Disney Adventure, a second new cruise ship for that year, based out of Singapore.

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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.

MSC Cruises To Host Naming And Celebratory Sailing For MSC World America In Miami – CruiseMiss.com

March 20, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Diplomacy

MSC Cruises To Host Naming And Celebratory Sailing For MSC World America In Miami

MSC Cruises will host the naming ceremony for its newest flagship – MSC World America – on the evening of April 9, 2025 at the company’s new PortMiami terminal.The ceremony will honour MSC Cruises’ investment in Miami and its commitment to the North American market, with the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle and a slate of immersive onboard events highlighting everything Miami’s newest ultramodern ship has to offer.

Guests attending the naming ceremony will be among the first to discover a new world of cruising when they set sail on a celebratory sailing that will see MSC World America call at the cruise line’s private island—Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. The celebratory sailing’s itinerary calls for an overnight stay at Ocean Cay featuring the island’s signature evening lighthouse show and beach party. Guests will continue to enjoy Ocean Cay the next morning, followed by spending the afternoon at sea to experience the ship’s long list of unique and exciting on board activities and amenities.

The remarkable MSC World America will be MSC Cruises’ first ship in the U.S. market to be powered by LNG. MSC World America is the second of the line’s groundbreaking World Class ships and is specially designed with the North American guest in mind, featuring unique restaurants, bars and experiences that seamlessly blend European design with American comfort. Spanning 22 decks, measuring more than 47 metres wide and featuring 2,614 cabins, MSC World America will be the centerpiece of the Miami skyline when she is named in 2025.

The launch of MSC World America at MSC Cruises’ new PortMiami terminal, coupled with MSC Cruises’ upcoming $100 million U.S. headquarters in downtown Miami, underscores the Company’s unwavering dedication to South Florida. The PortMiami facility is poised to revolutionise the cruising experience for up to 36,000 guests each day. The terminal will support MSC Cruises’ continued growth at PortMiami.

Following the naming ceremony, MSC World America will set sail for her inaugural season on 12 April 2025. She will sail alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries with stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Isla de Roatan, Honduras; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas.

MSC World America is carefully designed to help reduce her impact on the environment. The ship runs on LNG, a lower-emissions fuel, and is ready for renewable energy sources. Shore power connectivity, where available, reduces emissions by allowing the ship’s engines to be switched off in port. Smart technology is used throughout the ship to ensure guests can travel in comfort while keeping energy and water use low. A robust onboard recycling program minimizes waste, and even the propellors are designed to reduce noise and avoid disturbing marine life.

About MSC World America

MSC World America will create an eye-catching silhouette against the Miami skyline when she enters service in April 2025. The ship’s blend of American comfort and European design will provide guests with a truly memorable cruise experience, whether they’re searching for a relaxing tropical escape or an action-packed vacation.

The new World Class ship’s signature plumb bow will rise vertically from the waterline and her Y-shaped aft will open onto the impressive outdoor World Esplanade. Overall, MSC World America will span 22 decks, measure more than 47 metres wide, feature 2,614 cabins, contain more than 40,000m of public space, and offer top-of-the-line features and facilities, including:

A re-imagined outdoor World Esplanade, where unique dining, lounging and entertainment options are paired with stunning ocean views and unmatched LED light shows
The indoor World Galleria—lined with bars, restaurants, shops and boutiques—topped with a state-of-the-art LED and kinetic light ceiling
13 restaurants:
- Six specialty restaurants, featuring two NEW concepts alongside guest favourites like Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos and Cantina
- Four main restaurants serving globally inspired cuisine and familiar American favourites
- Two buffets offering ample choices for casual dining
- Luna Park Pizza & Burger: Complimentary casual fast-food spotlocated next to Luna Park in the World Galleria offering quick snacks around the clock
20 bars and lounges, including:
- NEW! Sports Bar: New for MSC World America, this warm and inviting venue combines sports memorabilia, technology, and entertainment in a space where guests of all ages will feel welcome. Guests can grab a beer or soft drink and watch the game on one of the many screens while enjoying popular bar food like wings and sliders. Games like darts and foosball will be available, too.
- NEW! Comedy Club: New for MSC Cruises, the Comedy Club is a place where guests can come to kick back and enjoy some laughs. Evenings begin with an interactive and comical dueling pianos experience that friends of all ages can enjoy. The laughter will continue with sets from amazing comedians that will rival some of the best shows in NYC & Chicago.
- The Gin Project: Offering an extensive choice of craft gins with classic cocktails expertly prepared by gin-tenders.
- Elixir – Mixology Bar: Expert mixologists creating handcrafted concoctions, featuring an outdoor terrace to enjoy pre- and post-meal cocktails while enjoying spectacular ocean views.
- Masters of the Sea: MSC Cruises’ classic British pub comes complete with a full-scale micro-brewery making MSC Signature beers on board.
- Coffee Emporium: A sleek and modern coffee house that is any coffee connoisseur’s dream, offering some of the world’s best coffee beans and a selection of brewing and serving styles including French, Italian, Turkish and Moroccan.
- Jean-Phillipe Chocolate shop and Café: Offering custom chocolates, coffee and other treats in a relaxed café atmosphere.
- More NEW concepts on the way!
A striking 11-deck-high dry slide made of stainless steel, giving guests a fun way to reach the lower decks in style.
Six pools and 14 hot tubs, including a spacious indoor pool with retractable roof and twin adults-only Zen pools at the aft of the ship.
Expansive water park with water slides that include a VR experience.
Kids Clubs featuring dedicated facilities for age groups ranging from infants to 17 years old.
Three entertainment venues with all-new live entertainment and theater shows.
Stylish and comfortable staterooms and suites, including Infinite Ocean View cabins, balconies that overlook the outdoor World Promenade and connecting family staterooms.

The MSC Yacht Club, featuring spacious suites, dedicated lounge and restaurant, private pool and sun deck facilities, and 24-hour concierge and butler service as well as spacious, luxurious suites.

Renewable Energy

At launch, MSC World America will be one of the most energy-efficient cruise ships in the world, surpassing all design requirements under the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). The ship’s latest-generation engines will reduce greenhouse gases emissions (GHG) by up to 20 percent, along with an 85 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions and a nearly total elimination of sulphur oxide and particulate emissions. The ship is capable of running on Bio-LNG and Synthetic Renewable LNG, either of which would achieve greenhouse gas emissions reductions of up to 100 percent.

Clean Water

Wastewater is treated to a very high quality that exceeds the standards in place at many shoreside municipal wastewater treatment systems worldwide and meets the strictest international IMO standards, including the so-called Baltic standard.

Waste Reduction

The ship is fitted with advanced waste management systems to reduce, reuse, and recycle the waste generated on board.

Commitment to net zero GHG emissions by 2050

MSC Cruises has reduced the intensity of its ship operations by 33.5 percent since 2008, and the company will achieve a 40% reduction ahead of the IMO 2030 target. Far beyond simply finding further operational efficiencies, MSC Cruises is embracing new technologies and identify paths for switching to non-carbon and renewable fuels, while working with fuel providers and other partners on using Bio-LNG and Synthetic Renewable LNG in the near term.

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Onboard Entertainer Sues Major Cruise Line After Assault During Performance

March 20, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News News Royal Caribbean

A cruise entertainer is suing Royal Caribbean after being assaulted by a guest during one of their performances.

Quantum of the Seas sailing in the ocean

Ben Murphy, an Australian magician, was performing a magic show on Quantum of the Seas in March 2023 when a member of the audience tackled him, causing him to hit his head on the stage.

While the incident took place over a year ago, it’s now emerged that Murphy has filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Group, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and against the man who assaulted him.

The lawsuit has requested a jury trial, and is progressing towards a court date.

As part of the lawsuit, Murphy is seeking $75,000 USD for damages.

During the show, Murphy was sitting on the edge of the stage with a female guest, performing a trick, when a man rushed the stage and pushed him over. It’s not clear whether the man and the female guest knew each other.

Murphy did continue that performance and performed again multiple times during the rest of the cruise, though it isn’t clear whether he continued to perform for Royal Caribbean.

While not confirmed, several guest reports claim that the man was permitted to continue his cruise, and was not arrested by the security staff onboard. Murphy did comment on this, stating that he felt the guest should not have been allowed to continue on the cruise.

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Special Offers on Disney Cruise Line Sailings as of March 19, 2024 • The Disney Cruise Line Blog

March 19, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise News Cruise Special Offers Disney Cruises

This week’s special offers from Disney Cruise Line arrives a day late simply because I was focused on verifying the Summer 2025 itineraries and working on making maps for the new itineraries. Anyway, this week’s special offers include sail dates from late-March into October. Currently, there are 16 unique sail dates, available with special offers available across the fleet for sailings from Civitavecchia, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Honolulu, Port Canaveral, Southampton, and Vancouver.

The Disney Dream features the most sailings at 8, the Disney Magic follows with 6, along with the Disney Wonder with 4 sail dates, and Disney Wish with 1 date. Currently, there are no offers listed for the Disney Fantasy, or the Disney Treasure.

Special rates for Florida Residents held at 3 sail dates, and the US Military Personnel rate dropped 5 to 7 cruises. The Canadian Resident dropped 6 to 9 sail dates.

In terms of general special offers, the IGT, OGT, and VGT offers valid on new bookings for up to 25% off prevailing rates for 2024 Disney Dream European sailings starting with May’s 13-night Eastbound Transatlantic remains available with multiple sail dates available across Europe this summer.

Last but not least, the general domestic offer for select sailings with savings up to 25% off the prevailing rate remains available for select voyages.

The special offers listed below are available to book today while inventory lasts.

Special Offers for U.S. Military Personnel

Special Rates for U.S. Military Personnel (MTO) are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. To take advantage of military cruise rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide Proof of Military Service. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Valid for new bookings only.

Disney Dream

11-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) Ending in Barcelona
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy • At Sea • Chania, Greece • Piraeus (Athens), Greece • Kusadasi, Turkey • Mykonos, Greece • At Sea • Valletta, Malta • Catania (Sicily), Italy • Naples, Italy • At Sea

12-Night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland Cruise from Southampton
Southampton • At Sea • Mekjarvik (Stavanger), Norway • Olden, Norway • Alesund, Norway • At Sea • Reykjavik, Iceland • Reykjavik, Iceland • Ísafjörður, Iceland • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea

13-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise from Fort Lauderdale ending in Barcelona
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal • At Sea • Lisbon, Portugal • Cádiz, Spain • Cartagena, Spain • Valencia, Spain

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Grand Cayman • At Sea • Castaway Cay

Disney Wish

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea • Castaway Cay

Disney Wonder

10-Night Hawaiian Cruise from Vancouver ending in Honolulu
Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • Nawiliwili, Hawai’i • Nawiliwili, Hawai’i • Kahului (Maui), Hawai’i • Hilo, Hawai’i

15-Night South Pacific Cruise from Honolulu ending in Sydney
Honolulu, Hawai’i • Kahului (Maui), Hawai’i • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • Pago Pago, American Samoa • International Date Line (Lose Day) • At Sea • Suva, Fiji • At Sea • Nouméa, New Caledonia • At Sea • At Sea • Sydney, Australia

Special Military rates are available to all retired and active U.S. Military personnel (or spouse), including U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Department of Defense personnel. Active and retired members (or spouse) of the U.S. military must provide valid identification at time of check-in. This offer is limited to a maximum of one stateroom per military member (or spouse), per sailing. A U.S. Military service member (or spouse) is required to sail to take advantage of this offer. Activated members (or spouse) of the U.S. National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve must also show active duty orders (active duty papers must be dated as of January 1st of the previous year to qualify).

Government taxes will vary by itinerary and are in addition to the below rates. Third and fourth Guest prices valid with 2 full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Rates may vary by sail date and category. Other restrictions may apply. Other categories and sail dates may be available. Valid for new bookings only.

Special Offers for Florida Residents

Special Rates for Florida Residents (FLR) are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Valid on new and existing reservations.

Disney Dream

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Grand Cayman • At Sea • Castaway Cay

To take advantage of Florida residency cruise rates, proof of Florida Residency for at least one adult in each stateroom must be presented at time of check-in. Guests unable to show proper proof of Florida residency at check-in will have their cruise re-priced and the balance must be paid before being allowed to sail.

Proof of residency must be valid at the time of sailing, and includes the following: •Florida Driver’s License
•Florida Identification Card

If you do not have one of the IDs indicated above, then you must provide one of the following—dated within the past 2 months—verifying a Florida residential address and your name, along with a corresponding, valid government-issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, state identification card):
•Monthly mortgage statement
•Renter’s lease agreement
•Current automobile registration, insurance policy or bill
•Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
•Current utility bill (power/phone/cable/water)
•Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings or investment account statements
•Mail from a federal, state, county or city government agency
Note: property deeds and P.O. boxes are not considered acceptable proofs of residency.

Children’s rates are also available to Guests ages 3 through 12 that are traveling with 2 adults in the same stateroom.

Canadian Resident Rates

Special Rates for Canadian Residents with savings on prevailing rates as quoted on Disneycruise.com for non-concierge Verandah, Oceanview, and Inside Staterooms on select cruises. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. Proof of residency is required an you must mention the special offer code CAN when booking. NOTE: Offers may be applied to existing bookings if requested when calling in. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts, or onboard credits.

Disney Dream

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay

Disney Magic

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
Galveston, Texas • At Sea • Progreso, Mexico • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea

Disney Wonder

7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea

The Canadian Resident rate excludes suites and categories with restrictions (VGT, OGT, and IGT). Proof of Canada residency will be required at time of check-in. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses are not included. If booking through Disney Cruise Line’s Contact Center, you must mention code CAN. Offers may be applied to existing bookings if requested by caller. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts, or onboard credits. Offer valid for new and existing reservations.

Please note, the offers listed are not to be taken as official quotes. Prices and availability can change at any time without notice. More importantly, the deals listed above are a snapshot in time based on DCL’s online cruise search tool.

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Hurtigruten Expeditions Redefines Expedition Experience Launching All-Inclusive Offering – CruiseMiss.com

March 19, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Diplomacy

Hurtigruten Expeditions Redefines Expedition Experience Launching All-Inclusive Offering

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), the global leaders in expedition cruising, have announced plans to further enhance their onboard guest offering. As part of a phased approach, starting with Antarctica & Galápagos expeditions departing in October 2024, they will be introducing an ‘all-inclusive’ offering as standard across the whole fleet from November 2024, covering all destinations.

Since rebranding to HX last December, this product evolution is one of many new initiatives that seek to combine their renowned exploring heritage with the modern-day guest experience. The ‘all-inclusive’ offering ranges from including expert-led daily expeditions, access to a whole series of science-led activities both on board and out in the wild, to alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and even professional photographs. These changes look to enhance the guest experience onboard, part of a larger project aimed at crafting the ultimate expedition cruise experience, but importantly simplify the product offering for trade.

Alex Delamere-White, HX Chief Commercial Officer, states: “Expedition cruising can be a complex product for agents to sell, given the unique destinations we visit and varying experiences by operator. We’re confident that by including so many elements as standard in the price, we can simplify life onboard and enhance our trade-friendly focus.”

“We want our guests to fully embrace being curious travellers when they’re with us. By making things as easy as possible, they can focus on exploring remote parts of the world and learning from our expert team. We believe adventure should be all-inclusive, which is why our daily expeditions, talks and access to the science centre come at no extra cost, alongside delicious food and drink.”

“In direct response to guest and partner feedback, this product evolution marks one of many initiatives to establish our new brand identity and enhance the guest experience. We have been the experts in expedition since 1896, now our team are focussed on strengthening our position as the global leaders in expedition cruising by providing pioneering experiences, unmatched itineraries and great value.”

For guests booking a HX expedition, starting with Antarctica & Galápagos expeditions in October 2024, their regular grade cabin will now include:

Daily expeditions and activities such as hikes, community visits, talks and more
Full board dining, including breakfast, lunch and dinner with house wine and beer
Wine, beer, spirits and cocktails available across the day and evening
All-day coffee, tea & soft drinks
Free Wi-Fi
Gratuities
Our interactive science programme, Science Centre and activities both on and off the ships
Access to sauna, hot tubs, fitness room and more
Professional photos from the onboard photographer
Opportunities to engage with and support local communities and environmental initiatives through Hurtigruten Foundation.
Take home expedition gear and reusable water bottle

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See The World In All-Inclusive Style

March 19, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise News Hurtigruten News

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), one of the best-established expedition cruise lines in the world, has made a major announcement – later in 2024, the cruise line will be switching to all-inclusive cruise fares.

Starting with Antarctica and Galapagos sailings in October 2024, cruise fares will become all-inclusive as standard, enhancing the overall guest experience onboard and ensuring that cruise fares are as transparent as possible.

The change will be rolled out across the fleet and will feature on all sailings from November 2024.

We want our guests to fully embrace being curious travellers when they’re with us. By making things as easy as possible, they can focus on exploring remote parts of the world and learning from our expert team. We believe adventure should be all-inclusive, which is why our daily expeditions, talks and access to the science centre come at no extra cost, alongside delicious food and drink.

Alex Delamere-White, HX Chief Commercial Officer

The new fares will include everything guests need for a memorable cruise experience, including:

Full board dining, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
House wine and beer during meals, along with wine, beer, spirits and cocktails throughout the day and evening
All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks
Free WiFi internet access
Gratuities
Daily expeditions and activities, such as hikes, talks, community visits and more
The interactive science programme, Science Centre, which includes activities on- and off-ship
Professional photos from the onboard photographer
Access to facilities on the ship including the sauna, fitness room and more
Opportunities to engage with communities and initiatives through the Hurtigruten Foundation
Expedition gear and reusable water bottle to take home and keep

HX was first formed in 1896 and now takes guests on cruises to over 250 destinations across 300 countries. The company rebranded to HX in December 2023, and this move to all-inclusive fares is part of a wider programme to combine the heritage of the cruise line with a more modern guest experience.

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3 Best Slots To Accompany Your Cruise Adventures

March 19, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Uncategorized

Based on the 2018 American Gaming Association report, the revenue of the casino industry amounts to more than $41.6 billion a year. Therefore, it is no wonder that more and more tourists are interested in including a little bit of gambling in their holiday destination.

This article will explain the top 3 slot games that you must try while on your cruise journey. From beloved classics to the newest hits, these online slot games are guaranteed to keep you engaged and may open up a chance for a lucky jackpot. So, let’s prepare to take you through the universe of online ocean-themed slots for your cruise adventures:

Crystal Waters

Crystal Waters is a slot game that can bring peace to your cruise journey. It is one of the best ocean-themed online slots available on the internet. The game is a 20-payline progressive slot machine that visually takes the players to the lower parts of the ocean, allowing them to explore different sea creatures as slot game characters while aiming for a life-changing jackpot.

It has a dolphin for a wild symbol that multiplies its player’s win with an overall RTP of 96%. The wild symbol is quite remarkable because it could aid players to have winning combinations more frequently, increasing the probability of hitting a big jackpot.

Crystal Waters provides players with various bonus rounds and the high and the low bets of a slot game, which adapts itself to the needs of different players when there is risk. The progressive slot element is another cool gaming feature, as it builds up over time with the chance of winning when hitting a specific combination of symbols is achieved in the game.

The peaceful ocean sound effects and enchanting graphics of Crystal Waters are of top-notch quality, making a subversive ocean-themed virtual gambling experience, where players can easily immerse themselves in bets online – perfect for when they are on a cruise ship. The symbols of the game’s theme, for example, seaweed, starfish, and many different fish species, will transport you into the deep mystery of the ocean.

Ocean Treasure

Ocean Treasure from Bovada carries a player to the exciting ocean depths that are crammed full of adventures and mysteries along with an RTP of 95.99%. This online video slot game comes with 15 pay lines and 5 reels that also push gambling boundaries with outstanding graphics and a thematic focus on treasure hunting and exploration. The game not only has ordinary wild symbols but also stacked wilds which gives more chances for big winnings.

You can find slot icons like diving equipment, sea creatures, and treasure chests are the elements in this game. One of the special features this slot game has is that it comes along with a Free Spins feature round which players can activate after hitting symbol combinations on the reels. Generally, these free spins not only prolong the game itself but also ensure the possibility of increased winnings without the need to place more bets.

Through a perfect combination of exciting gameplay, good RTP, an ocean theme, and bonus features, the Ocean Treasure slot game is full of all the components of an immersive and winnable game. Whether you are an experienced online slot player or a total beginner to the game, this game can give you a fascinating blend of fun and excitement as you embark on your cruise journey.

Shark School

Shark School’ is another slot game that has an ocean-inspired design and provides players with an exciting underwater-themed journey. This 50-payline and 5-reel online slot game is powered by Realtime Gaming, and it promises a 95% RTP rate, making this game a great option for gamers who are looking for an enjoyable cruise gambling experience.

The game’s main idea is a school of fish getting bullied by enemy sharks, where players will need to rescue the fish to earn slot game prizes. The unique story-like approach in the game can make the experience more interesting and enjoyable for gambling fans.

Shark School also has a different array of features and symbols that involve scatters, bonus games, multipliers, free spins, and wilds. The multipliers can make winnings big, while the scatter symbols and wilds can easily land combinations to make you a winner. A bonus round game and free spins can allow a player to land more wins without placing more bets.

Generally, Shark School by Bovada gives you an entertaining and special underwater-themed gambling experience, where you can win life-changing prizes. With its high RTP rate, many features, and engrossing theme, this slot game has a unique ambiance that can keep the players thrilled for hours on their cruise ship journey.

Conclusion

Because of the rise in online casino gambling, there has also been an increase in gamblers playing during their cruise ship journey. So with these best ocean-themed slots, you can consider yourself set throughout your cruise adventure for winning exciting jackpots.

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