Princess Cruises has launched a new Loyalty Accelerator Program promotion running until December 2024, letting guests fast-track their way further up the Captain’s Circle rankings.
The Captain’s Circle is Princess Cruises’ loyalty programme which rewards guests who sail with Princess Cruises multiple times.
Each tier adds more benefits, up to the top-level tier Elite which offers discounts in onboard shops and on shore excursions, priority tender, complimentary laundry services and more.
As part of the new Loyalty Accelerator Program, any guest sailing on a cruise between 1st August 2024 and 1st December 2024 will gain double points for their cruise, provided they upgrade to either a Princess Plus or Princess Premier fare.
Any guests who already had a booking during this time and who had already paid for Princess Plus or Princess Premier will be given the bonus automatically, but guests who are booked on a standard fare will need to upgrade their fare to qualify.
They also have to do so no later than two days before setting sail. Otherwise, they won’t get the double points.
Guests can move up the tiers either through the number of cruises, or the number of cruise days:
Gold – After one cruise, any length
Ruby – After 3 cruises, or 30 cruise days
Platinum – After 5 cruises, or 50 cruise days
Elite – After 15 cruises, or 150 cruise days
The promotion counts double on both cruises and cruise days – so one 7-night cruise would be counted as two cruises, and as 14 cruise days.
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Disney Cruise Line has revealed a host of exciting details about upcoming cruise ship Disney Destiny, themed heavily around Heroes and Villains.
Across a special three-day reveal event, the cruise line pulled back the curtain on what guests can expect to enjoy onboard Disney Destiny when she makes her debut for the cruise line in November 2025.
The ship will have a first-of-its-kind Heroes and Villains theming which will see many new and returning features onboard the ship with inspiration from Disney, Pixar and Marvel.
And for the first time, it’ll be a Marvel Super Hero that adorns the stern of the ship, with a larger-than-life Spider-Man and his Spider Bots serving as the key decoration.
Each Disney Cruise Line ship has a themed dinner show, and on Disney Destiny that will be Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King. On one of their rotational dinner nights, guests will be able to enjoy live songs and storytelling while they are served their meal.
Other dining venues include the returning World of Marvel, featuring an onscreen adventure with Rocket and Groot from the Guardians of the Galaxy. And guests will be able to enjoy 1923, a restaurant themed around Disney animation with over 1,000 drawings and props on display.
The Grand Hall of the ship will be decorated in a Black Panther colour scheme, with a central statue of the hero. Throughout cruises, guests will encounter a host of heroes and villains in this space and across the ship, including Jafar, Maleficent, Hades and more.
New bar venues include De Vil’s, a piano lounge named and themed after Cruella herself, and the Cask and Cannon, a bar inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean and featuring many ‘acquired’ (pillaged) treasures.
Like sister ships Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, the Disney Destiny will have a version of the AquaMouse attraction at sea. This one will be themed around “Sing a Silly Song”, with Mickey and Minnie encountering several villains from Disney lore and using a silly song to transform each scenario.
Guests can expect the same amazing range of stateroom and suite options, many with split bathrooms for convenience, while the very best suites will be themed around Hercules and The Incredibles, with the Destiny Tower Suite being influenced by Tony Stark/Iron Man.
Cruises on Disney Destiny can be booked from 6th September 2024 for Castaway Club loyalty programme members, and 12th September 2024 for the general public. The inaugural sailing will take place from Fort Lauderdale in November 2025.
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Three passengers are reported to have been struck by lightning during a cruise visit to St Maarten this week, with another two reporting minor injuries.
The storm in question took place on St Maarten on Wednesday 31st July, with three passengers in the sea swimming when the lightning struck, and another two hit on the boardwalk area while holding an umbrella.
First responders were quickly on the scene and transported the three visitors with serious injuries to local medical facilities for treatment. Their current condition is unknown.
The other two guests were treated at the scene and were able to board their ship to continue on their cruise.
According to reported comments from a guest on Carnival Magic, the guests involved were from the other two ships docked at the destination that day, which were Carnival Vista and Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas.
Local media organisation St Maarten News released this footage of the storm:
While there’s a famous story from earlier in 2024 when a cruise ship itself was struck by lightning and caught fire, injuries to cruise passengers from electrical storms are as rare as they are on land, so this is highly unusual.
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Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a range of updates and new features for Norwegian Encore, due later this year.
The ship is scheduled for a dry dock renovation from 18th November to 2nd December, and the cruise line has now announced that she will be given a renovation with more than just a new lick of paint.
“Our guests’ wants and needs are at the forefront of every decision that we make, and enhancing Norwegian Encore with more of the experiences they value showcases our commitment to just that.
“From more space for adults to relax to more opportunities to enjoy their favorite dining options and beyond, we are dedicated to providing our guests with an elevated onboard experience as part of their dream vacation.“
David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line
One of the bigger additions will be Spice H2O, the adults-only outdoor space that’s already available on other ships in the fleet such as Norwegian Escape.
This lounge space will include hot tubs and cooling pools, large day beds, and a bar area. It’s going to replace the current laser-tag area, which may disappoint some younger guests, but the popularity of Spice H2O on other ships suggests more adults will be happier with the move.
Two of the more popular restaurants on the ship will be expanded. Teppanyaki and Cagney’s Steakhouse will take over spaces currently occupied by Coco’s and Los Lobos, so while those will no longer be available, more guests will be able to book into the two bigger restaurants.
Ocean Blue, the seafood dining venue on the ship, will be converted to Palomar, a Mediterranean seafood restaurant already found on the newer ships Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima.
New accommodations will be added too, including 24 new balcony staterooms and 2 new Club Balcony staterooms, with the Observation Lounge being repurposed to allow for the extra space.
And the Premier Owner’s Suites in The Haven are being renovated and changed from two-bedroom suites into three-bedroom suites.
Once the renovations are complete, the ship will sail from Southampton to Miami and then spend the winter sailing around the Caribbean from the Floridian port.
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Princess Cruises has unveiled a new exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept for its leading cruise ships, debuting in October 2024. The new area will be named the Sanctuary Collection.
It will feature on Sun Princess when the ship crosses the Atlantic Ocean and begins her winter cruise season from Fort Lauderdale. The Sanctuary Collection will also open on sister ship Star Princess when she debuts next year.
The benefits of the Sanctuary Collection are only available to guests who book in a Sanctuary Suite, Sanctuary Mini-Suite, or a Sanctuary Balcony.
It includes access to the Sanctuary Club – an adults-only sundeck space with its own custom snack menu, cocktail bar, a quiet pool and outdoor wellness classes. Cabanas are also available to rent here.
Guests can also enjoy the Sanctuary Collection restaurant, which has its own separate dining room with a custom menu offering elevated dining experiences.
There’s a Sanctuary Lounge too, an idyllic indoor space where guests can enjoy a relaxing coffee during the day or a cocktail to kick-off the night’s entertainment and festivities.
All guests booked in a Sanctuary Collection stateroom or suite will automatically get the Princess Premier fare, which includes premium drinks package, premium WiFi and a host of other perks.
And there will be bespoke additional amenities and wellness activities that guests in these rooms will be invited to enjoy too, including little touches that just enhance the overall feel of elegance and luxury.
Guests can book a Sanctuary Suite, Sanctuary Mini-Suite or Sanctuary Balcony now for cruises from October to secure their Sanctuary Collection experience.
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Royal Caribbean has announced that it is offering a new range of solo cruise fares, reducing the solo supplement to just 125% of the regular fare – but only for certain guests, and on select sailings.
While it may seem like great news that a cruise line as big as Royal Caribbean is looking to entice more solo passengers, the fares are only being offered to guests at Diamond Plus or Pinnacle level in the cruise line’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty programme.
And the fares are only being offered on cruises along the Panama Canal, Transatlantic cruises, and Transpacific cruises.
The standard single supplement is 200%, meaning solo passengers essentially have to pay the same price as two guests onboard, minus the cost of daily gratuities for one person.
Guests could enjoy a discounted rate of 150% when in the higher tiers of the loyalty programme, and that will remain in place, but the new 125% discounts will apply to those specific destinations.
Also it’s important to note that the benefits of discounted solo cruises only kick in at 340 loyalty points, which means anyone who has just become Diamond Plus still won’t be eligible.
The Diamond Plus tier starts at 175 points, but guests will only qualify for the discount once reaching 340 points – which means cruising for 340 nights, or 170 nights in a suite.
So it’s only going to apply to the most loyal Royal Caribbean customers anyway – and even then, on sailings which typically don’t sell out as fast as those based in the Caribbean or Mediterranean.
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P&O Cruises is offering any talented musicians the chance to win a cruise and a performing slot onboard with their new Talent of Tomorrow competition.
The winner won’t just get the opportunity to sing on a ship – they’ll also be mentored by Gary Barlow, one of Britain’s most popular singer/songwriters.
Anyone can enter the competition, but they’ll need to provide a YouTube video audition which includes them singing a song and playing an instrument – backing tracks are not allowed.
The song can be an original or a cover, but the YouTube video has to be recent – any uploads prior to 1st June 2024 will not be accepted.
From the applicants, a shortlist of 10 will be chosen to perform in front of a panel of experts, who will select the final three.
Those three will get to enjoy a visit to the ship Iona to be mentored by Gary Barlow, where they’ll be filmed for a final performance. That performance will go to a public vote, with the winner getting to enjoy a cruise of at least 7 nights on either Arvia or Iona.
During that cruise, the winner will get to perform in the ship’s 710 Club in a series of gigs.
Full details of the competition, and the entry form, are all available on the P&O Cruises website. The final day for entries is 11th August 2024.
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More and more people are searching for family cruises, according to data from travel agency Iglu Cruise.
The specialist agency has revealed that searches for the term ‘Family Cruise’ were up 45% in July 2024 compared to July 2023, showing just how much the demand has risen for families looking for a cruise getaway.
This demand is being met by more, bigger cruise ships, such as Icon of the Seas which launched in early 2024.
Dave Mills, the CEO of Iglu Cruise, gave five top tips for any families who are looking to book their first cruise:
1. Book early to avoid disappointment
While there may be a temptation to wait for last-minute deals, typically that’s not the case for family cruises. The best family rooms book up quickly, so the sooner you book, the better chance you have of getting a good deal on a family room.
“Some cruise lines also offer lower deposits when you book early, meaning you’ll be able to secure your cabins at a lower rate. This is also sometimes refundable, meaning that if for any reason your plans change, you’ll be able to get it back.“
2. Check the daily cruise schedule
Modern ships are packed with different family-friendly features to enjoy, but there’ll also be a ton of activities going on during your cruise – so make sure you check the daily schedule onboard each day. Be aware that spaces for shows and activities can be limited, so be prompt in booking if you need to.
“Sometimes a schedule can be found on the cruise line app before you embark, and you may be able to book seats for an event or show on your cruise. It’s therefore a good idea to download the app ahead of your voyage.“
3. Do some cabin research
Plan ahead when deciding which cabin you want to book. Don’t just think about the type of cabin, but think about the location too. You might want to be closer to the kids’ clubs or the pools, or you might prefer to be a little further away from the action for some peace and quiet.
“Have a browse for the type of cabin you’d like and if you aren’t sure which cabin is right for you, an expert cruise agent will be able to help you choose the best cabin at the best value.”
4. Plan onshore activities
You can book shore excursions before you set sail, so you’ll be able to plan in advance to know what you’re going to do when you’re in port. There are always child-friendly shore excursions, including exciting activities like kayaking or snorkelling depending on the ports you’re visiting, or maybe museums that are interactive.
“On the other hand, you may wish to not partake in many excursions at all. The ships are usually quieter when docked in a port, and some families enjoy using this time to make full use of the ship’s fantastic facilities such as the pool or games room. Either way, make sure you plan ahead.”
5. Pack appropriately
You’ll want to think carefully about what you take with you on your cruise. Make sure you plan for the itinerary and the time of year – take layers if it’s colder destinations, or pack lighter items for warmer ports. Flexible outfit options are always good if you’re not sure what to expect, weather-wise!
“Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking during shore excursions, especially if you have older children…(and) don’t forget to pack any essential toiletries, including a high-factor SPF sun cream.”
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SeaDream Yacht Club has revealed its early 2027 cruise season, highlighting an exclusive selection of luxury small-ship cruises in the Caribbean.
These newly announced voyages offer the crème de la crème of SeaDream’s most coveted yachting experiences in the region.
SeaDream’s two yachts, each accommodating just over 100 guests with a 1-1 guest-to-crew ratio, will both sail in the Caribbean for the winter 2026/27 season.
The newly unveiled cruises (of which there are 28) will include 7-day itineraries that showcase the pristine beauty of the US and British Virgin Islands, the idyllic beaches of Anguilla, and the vibrant culture of the French West Indies.
“We have listened to our guests and will give them more of what they want and more of what they love. This is simply put the best of the best of Caribbean yachting”
Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club
Some voyages will venture further south to islands like Guadeloupe, Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Barbados.
Each itinerary includes at least one overnight stay, predominantly in the glamorous St Barths.
Guests can look forward to the Champagne & Caviar Splash® beach party on every cruise, complete with a luxurious beachside barbecue.
And of course, they can enjoy the ships’ marinas, offering a range of activities including kayaking, paddleboarding and the only water slide that plunges directly into the sea.
The majority of SeaDream’s spring 2027 Caribbean voyages will depart round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, or St. Thomas, with select departures from St. Martin and Barbados.
SeaDream’s itineraries are designed so that ships can use slower speeds to help lower fuel consumption, significantly reducing emissions compared to traditional cruises.
The new 2027 Caribbean voyages will cut fuel consumption and emissions by an estimated 15% from 2025 to 2027 alone, showing that the cruise line intends to keep innovating and pushing for environmental change within the industry.
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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.
Two passengers were unable to board Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 last week after failing to complete all of the necessary documentation in time.
Anne Conway was planning to board the ship with her 15-year-old granddaughter Leila, but was under the misconception that she only needed an ESTA for herself.
This was incorrect, and so the pair were unable to board their ship for the return cruise to New York.
“I knew I needed an ESTA but I thought I read somewhere that children under 16 didn’t need one if they’re traveling with an adult. But I obviously got that wrong… Both of us were just sobbing. I was so disappointed for Leila. She was so excited… To get within yards of the boat, it was devastating. I cried all the way home and all night,“
Anne Conway
It is possible to get an ESTA within a few hours, but there’s no guarantee and it’s recommended to do it as soon as possible.
Once the duo realised they couldn’t board, they did try to get Leila’s ESTA processed in time, but confirmation only came through at 5.04 pm, which was a few minutes after the ship had set sail.
While there was no way for the pair to immediately fly out to the ship – the cruise was a Transatlantic one – they have been able to raise funds through a GoFundMe which means they’re able to fly out to New York and at least join the ship for the return leg home.
ESTAs are visas that UK residents can use to visit the US for periods of up to 90 days, avoiding the need for a full visa. Most UK residents are eligible, but they are required for all travellers, including children.
Guests will be notified of any travel documents they need to arrange when they book a cruise, and are advised to carefully check well before the sailing date.
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