Norwegian Epic will no longer be making at least 17 ports of call in Corfu, Greece for the 2025 sailing season.
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Norwegian Epic. Photo credit: Cruise Fever
According to local news reports in Greece, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship will visit Katakolo and Argostoli instead of Corfu this spring, while the rest of the ship’s itinerary will be mostly unchanged.
Some itinerary visits to Corfu have been replaced with a day at sea.
While no specific reason was given for cancelling visits to the Greek island, Norwegian has stated that itineraries are sometimes modified because of port congestion, pier maintenance, and other unforeseen factors.
Norwegian Epic is now scheduled to visit the following ports in Greece between May and October 2025:
These dates and destinations are subject to change, and any cruise passengers impacted should inquire directly with Norwegian Cruise Line.
Other ports included on these 9- to 12-day itineraries will be Malta, Messina, Naples, Livorno, and Cannes.
Norwegian Epic is currently offering 7-day cruises to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral.
The ship will reposition to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy in May of this year, where it will homeport until being moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico in November 2025.
The Nassau Cruise Port had more cruise ship visitors than ever before in 2024 when 5.6 million cruise passengers visited the port.
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Nassau, Bahamas. Photo credit: Cruise Fever
Nassau Cruise Port is the most visited port in The Bahamas and they just completed a second consecutive year of record-breaking growth.
The 5.6 million passengers that visited Nassau was up from 4.4 million in 2023. In 2022, the port had 3.2 million visitors arrive via a cruise ship.
The port has an ambitious plan to further expand and improve the port.
New developments that are expected to enhance the cruise visitor’s experience include enhanced facilities to facilitate transport of guests to areas of interest throughout New Providence, recreational family-oriented experiences and dining options.
The port, which is operated by Global Ports Holding, recently completed a $300 million renovation that included expanded ship berths, a new marina, ferry terminal, and over 60 retail and food/beverage outlets.
The port also has a new Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo and a 3,000 person amphitheater.
Mike Maura, Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port, gave the following statement:
“We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone for the second year in a row. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our talented team, our valued partners, and the Bahamian people.
“We could not have reached this point without the unwavering support of our stakeholders, including the Government of The Bahamas, our cruise line partners, local businesses, and the community at large. Together, we are shaping the future of Bahamian tourism, and I am excited to see the continued growth of Nassau Cruise Port as a gateway to The Bahamas and a source of opportunity for all.”
Forbes Travel Guide has announced that they will begin to rate cruise ship restaurants with the ratings being announced on February 12, 2025.
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This will mark the first time that Forbes Travel Guide has rated cruise ship restaurants. Up until now, they have only rated cruise ships.
Restaurants on seven cruise lines will be eligible for ratings. They are:
Celebrity Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Seabourn Cruise Line
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Viking
Forbes Travel Guide will rate more than 2,000 hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships in 2025. They issue Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended awards.
Every Star Rating is earned through FTG’s in-person, incognito inspections based on hundreds of objective standards. No one can buy a rating, and no fees, commissions, or business relationships are required.
Amanda Frasier, President of Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide, gave the following statement:
“The evolution of dining on cruise ships reflects the changing expectations of discerning travelers. Restaurants aboard the world’s finest cruise ships today feature innovative menus designed by world-renowned chefs, exceptional ingredients, diverse global cuisines, and thoughtful, attentive service.
“We are delighted to be the first rating guide to celebrate restaurants aboard Star-Rated cruise ships that meet our exacting criteria for service excellence and culinary distinction.”
Forbes Travel Guide will announce their 2025 Star Ratings on February 12, 2025.
Cruise Fever will have a list of all ship restaurants that earn a Star Award from Forbes when they are announced.
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.”
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.
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.
Royal Caribbean is not only the world’s largest cruise line with more ships in service than anyone else, but they are also building new private destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas just for their passengers.
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The first of these new private destinations from Royal Caribbean is opening later this year on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas.
The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be an all-inclusive beach/pool day that will have the world’s largest swim-up bar.
The cruise line recently released the following sneak peek video giving us a glimpse of this new club that is currently under construction.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be divided up into three zones: Family Beach, Chill Beach and Party Cove.
The entry fee to this 17-acre paradise will include all food and drinks. Royal Caribbean will run a short water shuttle from the cruise pier to the beach club.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is scheduled to open in December 2025 and is the first of three new port projects from Royal Caribbean.
Following the opening the club in Nassau, the cruise line will open Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in 2027.
AmaWaterways has made over 20 land packages complimentary on hundreds of river cruises that depart in 2025 and 2026.
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The complimentary land package can be added on pre- or post-cruise on river cruises in Europe. They range from two-, three-, and four-nights long and allow guests a deeper connection to the destinations that they visit.
Cruisers who are unable to add on a free land package can chose to take up to $2,000 off the price of their cabin.
This new offer from AmaWaterways runs from January 1 through March 31, 2025. It’s good on 69 different itineraries on 230 cruises in 2025 and 460 cruises in 2026.
Four of the land packages that are available are:
Brittany, France – available on Impressions of the Seine & Paris
Lisbon, Portugal – available on Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain
Prague, Czech Republic – available on several Danube, Main and Moselle itineraries
Amsterdam, Netherlands – available on several Dutch, Rhine and Moselle itineraries
The land packages include a stay at a world-class 4- or 5-star hotel in the heart of the city, enabling cruisers to explore locally during tours as well as shop and dine during their own leisure time.
In addition, every AmaWaterways land package includes daily breakfast at the hotel and enriching city tours and excursions, convenient transfers and luggage service between guests’ hotel and river cruise ship.
This offer from AmaWaterways is combinable with AirPlus, the cruise line’s fixed-price airfare offer, allowing travelers to enjoy Economy Air starting at $899, Premium Economy Air at $2,299 or Business Class Air at $4,299 per person from all major U.S. gateways.
After 14 years of offering cruises out of Charleston, South Carolina, Carnival Cruise Line is sailing one last time out of the popular southern cruise port today.
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Carnival Sunshine in Charleston with the iconic Ravenel Bridge.
Today’s 5-day cruise on Carnival Sunshine will mark the end of an era for the cruise line. After this sailing the vessel will reposition to Norfolk, Virginia where it will offer 6- and 8-day sailings to the Eastern Caribbean and The Bahamas.
Carnival Fantasy was the first Carnival ship to sail out of Charleston, and the now retired Carnival Ecstasy also sailed out of the port for a time.
Charleston has been trying to end its contract with Carnival Cruise Line for years now. While there was a glimmer of hope that Carnival would be able to extend its contract or move to a nearby port, in the end the city officials got what they wanted.
In 2022, it was announced that Carnival’s contract with the city would not be renewed.
Desires to redevelop the Union Pier Terminal for other uses in addition to traffic congestion on sailing days were some of the biggest factors in the city’s decision.
Many port workers and regular cruisers in the southern U.S. states fought to keep the cruise line local.
In mid-2024 there were efforts to move the cruise ship to Mount Pleasant, just across the water from Charleston.
But the town council eventually voted to confirm that no passenger vessels would be allowed to use Patriot’s Point in Mount Pleasant.
Without a cruise port in South Carolina, local residents will have to drive at least 200 miles to Jacksonville, Florida or another 270 miles to Port Canaveral to take a cruise.
The New Year holiday cruise on Carnival Sunshine will arrive back in Charleston on January 4, making it the last time Carnival cruise passengers will disembark in the historic city.
The smaller port was not able to accommodate modern mega ships of today, but the 102,853 gross ton Carnival Sunshine was a perfect fit as it carried 3,000 passengers at a time to vacations all over the Bahamas and Caribbean.
