The very latest cruise deals from all lines
Officials have decided to implement a $42 immigration levy that will be charged to every passenger on cruise ships that dock in the country. According to a report by The Associated Press, this decision was voted on by Mexico’s congress last week. – Read More
Atlas Ocean Voyages proudly begins its 2024-2025 Antarctica season, featuring three vessels—each staffed with an expanded team of 17 seasoned polar expedition guides led by expert expedition leaders. Each vessel’s team comprises specialists — naturalists, geologists, marine biologists, and historians— who enrich the journey through engaging lectures, guided Zodiac landings, and onshore hikes. Their insights and personal interactions foster genuine connections with guests, creating a memorable, immersive experience enhanced by the attentive shipboard staff. Atlas’ dedicated team ensures a truly exceptional polar expedition.
“This season, we’re excited to expand the team even further with additional experts on each expedition,” said James Rodriguez, President and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Their knowledge and dedication help us deliver the immersive, top-quality experience our guests expect both on board and ashore, ensuring each polar expedition is truly exceptional.”
Led by Expedition Leader Aaron Strahlke, World Voyager’s expedition team delivers expert knowledge and immersive experiences. With a background in geology and extensive polar experience, Aaron brings a passion for wildlife and exploration. Supporting him is Assistant Expedition Leader Christophe Bassous, who brings expertise in microbiology, sailing, and polar expeditions.
The team aboard World Voyager includes Gabriele Lamartina (Kayak Master); Gino Pereira, Carlos Segura, Jan Tiddo and Alejandro Ursino (Naturalists); Beatriz Camara (Geologist); José Junior (Expedition Photographer); Rodrigo Rocha, Anais Buily, Florencia Juarez (Marine Biologist & Naturalists); Xiuyang “Margarette” Yan, Liya Gu and Ting Gu (Expedition Guides and Translators); Nathalie Ansel (Expedition Historian); and Thomas Silcock (Kayaking Guide and Photographer).
Expedition Leader Jonathan Zaccaria brings over a decade of polar experience to his role. With a background in spectrometry, his career began with research in Antarctica, where he spent months at the remote Dumont d’Urville and Concordia Stations. Since then, he has led more than 170 polar voyages, pioneering new exploration sites and working closely with Emperor penguin colonies.
Supporting him aboard World Navigator includes Christian Garwood (Assistant Expedition Leader); Marcos Sperr (Kayak Master); Fernando Drew (Kayak Guide); Hernán Cabria, Malany Ferrufino, Susan Ellison, Fiona Johnson, Mélanie Magnan, Susannne Polap and Martin Jimenez (Expedition Guides); Ignacio Canepa (Expedition Guide & Photographer); Janel Saydam (Expedition Guide & Ornithologist); Mara Unkefer and Louisa Mooij (Expedition Guides & Marine Biologists); Shao-Wei Peng (Expedition Guide and Interpreter); and Fernando Terapow (Expedition Guide & International Law Expert).
Led by Expedition Leader Ekaterina Uruypova (Katya) aboard World Traveller. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences and extensive experience across the Arctic and Antarctic, Katya brings a wealth of expertise in polar exploration, environmental studies, and leadership.
The expedition team aboard World Traveller includes José Sanchez Martinez, Lizelle Naude (Expedition Guides & Naturalists); Luis Turi (Kayak Master); Mats Erik Svendsen (Kayak Guide & Naturalist); Elsa Ross (Kayak Guide); Olena Bulych (Kayak Guide & Photographer); Sasha Zulas (Expedition Guide & Polar Meteorologist); Eber Gomez Berrade (Expedition Historian); Malcolm Pringle, Alejandro Sanz (Expedition Guides); Fabrice Jonckheere, Sergey Shirokiy, Selby Wilkinson (Expedition Guides & Photographers); Zhang Sicong (Expedition Guide and Translator); Maria Borodavkina (Expedition Guide & Ornithologist); Michaela Tremblay (ORCA Expedition Guide).
Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Polar Expeditions to Antarctica offer guests a seamless and enriching adventure, starting with a pre-expedition hotel night stay and private charter jet service from Buenos Aires or Punta Arenas. Each expedition includes a Cultural Immersion tour—either Tierra del Fuego with lunch from Ushuaia or a Taste of Chile with dinner from Punta Arenas—along with the thrilling Polar Plunge, a complimentary parka, and an eco-friendly water bottle. Optional experiences like overnight camping ashore in Antarctica and kayaking excursions are also available for those seeking additional adventure. While limited space remains this season, a selection of expeditions offer a 10% Bonus Savings.
For information and reservations, call a travel advisor at 1.844.44.ATLAS or visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.
Luxury travel has gone beyond private villas, five-star hotels, or spending time at expensive beach resorts. Nowadays, those looking for luxury also seek experiences, adventures, and stories that they can be part of.
This shift in the luxury travel space has seen immense interest in polar regions. Yes, you heard that right! The land that was once only meant for discoverers has now become one of the sought-after travel destinations for luxury travelers.
The majestic, unspoiled, frozen land of the Arctic and Antarctic fulfills the craving for once-in-a-lifetime experiences with towering icebergs, auroras, and wildlife that’s only found in polar regions.
In a recent travel report by Forbes, tourism in the polar regions have seen a 20% annual growth among luxury travelers. In this article, we will discuss why high-end adventurers are heading to the poles.
Polar travel has now become a new playground for the wealthy ones. After the pandemic many travelers are opting for more open spaces and less crowded destinations that makes polar regions a perfect choice, especially when it is teamed with luxurious and convenient stay with all necessary facilities and experiences.
Think cruises, private yachts, jets, and luxury glamping—all without compromising comfort—and that’s the new world of luxury expeditions in polar regions.
There is an abundance of luxury cruise operators equipped with fine dining with Michelin-starred chefs and private viewing balconies, all this while sailing into the remotest corners of the planet. EYOS luxury Antarctic journey, for instance, offers its guests a rare opportunity to explore Antarctica in a private luxury yacht with every facility you can imagine in a high-end resort.
To think of it, it’s the “extremes of poles.” Places that were once only accessible to handfuls are now like a badge of honor for those who travel to these extreme locations. Since there is limited accessibility to this part of the world and the really strict conservation rules and regulations, only a certain number of people can actually make it to these places every year, and that scarcity adds to the excitement and adventure.
Think rugged, remote, and extreme but with world-class amenities: it sounds like the best gateway for your upcoming New Year’s plans, doesn’t it? Luxury expedition cruise companies are creating itineraries that are not just personal but also unforgettable.
If you like to push the boundaries while traveling but still enjoy the finer luxuries of life, here are some remarkable polar experiences waiting at the end of the world.
Why settle for a regular hotel when you can stay in a luxury dome with panoramic views of Antarctica? Imagine waking up to a white planet with nothing but silence inside your cozy lamp. Combine this with thrilling outdoor adventures like sledging, skiing, and just enjoying your coffee blended with the best of the untouched extremes.
Luxury lodges in the Arctic offer guests heated outdoor tubs—just to see the northern lights. Enjoy locally sourced fish in the traditional sauna treatment while watching the brightest of the auroras, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Expedition companies have started to offer personalized Arctic safaris, including kayaking among the icebergs, observing polar bears, and snorkeling with narwhals in their natural habitat. These private polar safaris can be booked in advance, as they are limited during certain times of the year and to smaller groups. But they are definitely worth the consideration and all the money.
With the advancement in technology, infrastructure within travel industries, and the rise in demand among people to explore the polar area, polar expeditions will continue to grow even further.
Companies are now focusing on bringing innovative experiences such as wellness retreats with polar themes, cruise underwater exploration (which has attracted the interest of some really influential people in that space), and virtual reality experiences for travelers to give them a glimpse of what they would be experiencing in real life.
Earth’s polar regions are not only the ultimate travel regions, but their existence plays a significant role in the planet’s environmental balance. With a very sensitive ecosystem, these remote and pristine regions have been untouched for centuries for a reason: because of their fragility. Traveling to these places offers an understanding and deep sense of urgency in conserving these lands.
Celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, who is known for his environmental advocacy, joined an Antarctic expedition and described it as “a humbling and transformative experience.” Such travels from influential people have fueled interest in remote polar locations.
Travelers are overwhelmed by transformative experiences such as thunderous cracks of larger-than-life glaciers, beautiful and expansive aurora borealis, and the haunting calls of humpback whales echoing in remote lands.
Experiences like these foster a deeper sense of attachment to nature, inspiring travelers to gain a new perspective and become advocates of conserving these places.
Changes in ocean temperature, ice sheets, and wildlife migrations are signals of growing global warming. Witnessing these movements helps us understand climate science better, and that is why poles matter. Traveling to these regions not only checks off our bucket list but also combines adventure with education and an added sense of appreciation for life and Earth.
As a final thought on this interesting piece on redefined luxury for Poles, these regions undoubtedly represent the pinnacle of a transformative life experience.
Challenging, inspiring, and rewarding- that’s what these polar expeditions are all about.
As the world draws closer, the desire to explore uncharted territories with fewer people will only continue to grow, making Antarctica and the Arctic the ultimate frontrunners in the luxury travel segment.
To conclude, luxury has genuinely been redefined and begins at the ends of the Earth. So, pack your warmest clothes, book the finest cruise, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime—where the landscapes are otherworldly, the experiences unforgettable, and the stories priceless.
“We’ve turned into an amusement park,” says Karla Hart, trying to be heard over the constant noise of helicopters flying in. “I can sense them coming before I even see them.” She glances at her phone to check a site that keeps track of air traffic and the operators. Hart wants to know if the pilots are sticking to the legal flight paths. – Read More
A small group of passengers on a luxury cruise to Antarctica is currently on a hunger strike, expressing their frustration and disappointment after mechanical issues forced the early termination of their journey to the southernmost continent. It’s understandable that these travelers, eagerly anticipating a once-in-a-lifetime experience, feel let down by this unforeseen circumstance. – Read More
Owning a yacht is a symbol of luxury and freedom, offering unique access to open waters and experiences few hobbies can match. However, the financial commitment goes well beyond the initial purchase. Before diving into yacht ownership, it’s essential to understand the ongoing costs required to keep a yacht safe, functional, and enjoyable. Many buyers are surprised by these recurring expenses, which vary depending on yacht size, type, location, and usage. For those in Hong Kong, Simpson Marine Hong Kong offers expert guidance on managing these costs, helping you make informed decisions about your investment.
The primary cost of owning a yacht is its purchase price, which can vary widely based on the yacht’s type, size, age, and brand. New yachts can cost from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars, and even used yachts can be pricey. The price also depends on features like navigation systems, luxury furnishings, and custom designs. While some buyers go for smaller, more affordable options, others invest in larger, more luxurious yachts with higher maintenance costs. It’s essential to remember that the initial purchase is just the start; ongoing expenses will follow.
Maintenance for a yacht is an ongoing expense that varies with the yacht’s size, age, and usage, covering both scheduled and unexpected repairs. Like a car, a yacht needs regular care, including engine servicing, part replacements, cleaning, polishing, and safety checks, which may be required annually or every few months, depending on its specifications. Larger yachts tend to have higher maintenance costs due to their complex systems. Unexpected repairs can also arise from weather, accidents, or wear and tear, so having an emergency fund is wise. Yacht owners generally budget around 10% of the yacht’s yearly purchase price for maintenance, though this can vary with the yacht’s condition.
Fuel is a significant ongoing cost for yacht owners and can vary greatly depending on the yacht’s size and usage. Larger yachts use more fuel, especially on long trips, with smaller yachts needing only a few hundred dollars for a weekend and larger yachts consuming thousands for a single long-distance voyage. Most yacht owners budget for fuel costs annually, based on how often they plan to use the yacht and the distances they’ll cover. Some yachts are more fuel-efficient than others, particularly newer models with hybrid or electric systems, so researching fuel efficiency is key for managing long-term costs.
Insurance is a necessary and often high cost for yacht owners, with premiums based on the yacht’s value, size, location, and usage. Insurance covers damage, liability for accidents, and loss from theft or weather. Typically, owners pay 1-2% of their yacht’s value annually, meaning a $1 million yacht might cost $10,000 to $20,000 per year in insurance, with costs rising for luxury yachts. It’s also essential to consider deductibles and coverage details, as these impact your expenses if you need to make a claim.
Docking and storage are significant ongoing costs for yacht owners, with fees varying widely based on location. Marinas charge docking fees ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on yacht size and location, with higher costs in busy areas. You may also face storage costs for winter or when the yacht is not in use, especially if kept in a marina or dry dock, where additional maintenance and security fees may apply. If you plan to move your yacht by land or sea, transport fees are another expense to budget for to avoid unexpected costs.
If you have a larger yacht or plan to use it extensively, you may need to hire a crew to handle navigation, maintenance, and hospitality. A full-time crew for a luxury yacht, including a captain, deckhands, engineers, and chefs, can be costly, with salaries for senior members ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 annually. Crew costs also involve recruitment, housing, and other employment expenses. Smaller yachts may not require a whole crew, but you might still need seasonal staff for extended trips or guest hosting. Yacht management companies can help with crew hiring and oversight, adding to overall costs.
Yacht owners are responsible for various taxes and fees, which vary by location. In some places, yachts incur annual property taxes or registration fees based on their value. Additional costs may include permits and licenses, with specific fees for navigating protected areas, international travel, or commercial use. Knowing the local tax laws and licensing requirements is crucial to avoid fines, and consulting a yacht broker or legal expert can help clarify these obligations.
In addition to significant costs, yacht owners should budget for minor expenses like upgrades, cleaning, and entertainment. Upgrades may include new equipment or furnishings; fees vary based on the work needed. Routine cleaning and laundry services, especially with a crew or frequent guests, can add up. Many owners also invest in entertainment options like sound systems, water toys, jet skis, or diving gear, which come with additional costs.
Beyond the initial purchase, expenses like maintenance, fuel, insurance, and docking add up annually. Careful planning and budgeting help ensure that owning a yacht remains enjoyable and manageable. Whether buying for personal use or as an investment, seeking expert guidance from companies like Simpson Marine Hong Kong can simplify yacht ownership and help protect your investment.
Port Everglades bested its own cruise passenger record with a preliminary count of 4,010,919 guests embarking and disembarking during Fiscal Year 2024, which ended September 30, 2024. The new record is expected to be short lived, however, as 4.4 million guests are anticipated during FY2025.
“We expected to do well with the addition of Disney Cruise Line to our fleet and a mix of short and week-long cruises throughout the summer. As the year progressed, it became evident that a near-record 4 million guests was within reach,” said CEO and Port Director Joseph Morris. “Cruising is in high demand, and our cruise line partners are poised for greater gains with new itineraries and a variety of sailing dates.”
In just one year, from FY2023 to FY2024, cruise passenger counts grew 39% and cruise ship calls rose 23% as the cruise lines fully recovered from the pandemic. The turnaround port’s original record was set in FY2014 with 3,880,033 guests. In 2014, it took 887 cruise ships calls to set the port’s passenger record compared to 648 calls setting the new record this year because the ships are larger.
Port Everglades offers everything under the sun from Caribbean cruises to world voyages to fast ferry getaways — all from the vacation paradise of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Port Everglades’ enviable location in the heart of South Florida and the neighboring Caribbean, makes it one of the three busiest cruise homeports in the world.
Guests enjoy the port’s proximity to three international airports including rapidly growing Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) less than two miles away. For pre- and post-cruise stays, Port Everglades is a short drive to sweeping beachfronts, a vibrant art scene, world-class restaurants, craft breweries, entertainment, shopping, casinos, and family-friendly activities — including the area’s namesake, the Florida Everglades. View details on the latest cruise offerings at PortEverglades.net
All United States State Department travel advisories are not created equally. The agency, for example, has given Haiti its highest-level travel advisory, a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning. – Read Full Article
Casinos often serve as the backdrop of action movies starring James Bond or as sites for heist plots; however, cruise ship casinos provide one notable exception.
Gambling on a cruise ship can add excitement and adventure to any vacation, but be mindful that the odds may often be worse than on land.
As in Vegas, cruise ship casinos usually don’t provide free drinks when gambling (unless a certain level of loyalty has been reached – usually cost-prohibitive). Instead, guests have four ways to gamble – bingo, scratch-off tickets, arcade games such as coin pushers (such as coin pusher machines), casino tables, and slot games such as slots or tables available to them. Unlike Vegas, however, most cruise ship casinos usually don’t provide this benefit (unless one reaches a specific loyalty level requiring substantial funds).
Minimums across the board are affordable, making this an excellent place for novice players to test out some table games without breaking their budget. And some of the platforms even combine VR with other hobbies. For instance, online casino site BD can also generate ideas for game strategies that utilize the probability and decision-making skills which are important in both sports and games. It’s for this reason that the present crossover demonstrates how development is precipitated by technology, given that it presents different possibilities.
Many ships also feature exclusive Casino Lounges offering high-profile acts and premium benefits to loyal casino players. Check your voyage’s calendar of events to see what awaits you, but remember: earning enough points can earn discounts or free cabins on future voyages – sweet rewards indeed! Who wouldn’t enjoy trying their luck at gambling?
As experienced gamblers or novices alike can appreciate, cruise ship casinos provide something for all kinds of gambling experiences – experienced or not! From tabletop games like blackjack and poker to slot machines with low minimum bets for casual gamers.
Cruise ship pools are the perfect place for guests looking to escape from casino life and relax. They offer ocean views as they do so while offering comfortable lounge chairs with whirlpools for optimal relaxation.
Cruise ships provide plenty of activities beyond pools to keep passengers busy on board, such as wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, astronomy lectures, and interactive games.
Though it might seem daunting, cruise ships operate similarly to land-based casinos in that people lose money there too. Some ships even provide their passengers with their own dedicated casino bar where winnings can be exchanged for cash (or sometimes directly into onboard credit).
Many cruise lines also provide loyalty programs for slot players aboard their ships, rewarding them with onboard credits or discounted cruises at relatively low status levels. More information about new technologies in sports can be obtained on MelBet Instagram.
Other cruise lines also provide bingo, scratch cards, arcade coin pushers, different forms of entertainment, and slots and tables. Most of these offerings can be found all day on sea days, while tables may only have staff during designated hours.
Cruise ship casino gaming etiquette and rules differ considerably from those in Vegas, although security cameras and pit bosses remain on board for extra monitoring. Although 21 is the minimum gambling age allowed on board a cruise ship, you can play numerous forms of casino gaming such as blackjack, poker, roulette, slot machines, and mini-craps, among others – you may even take lessons or enter tournaments!
All cruise lines provide loyalty programs to reward regular patrons with special perks. Like an airline rewards program, loyalty points earned can be redeemed for free or discounted cruises depending on how much money is spent and your tier-level achievement. Some lines allow casino loyalty credits to carry over between cruises. In contrast, others have annual expiry and earning limits, so you must carefully read through any fine print when deciding what cruise line suits your needs.
The very latest cruise deals from all lines
