Norwegian Cruise Line marked a significant construction milestone as Norwegian Aqua, the first ship of the expanded Prima Plus Class, floated out of its dry dock at the shipyard in Marghera, Italy! “We are excited to celebrate another milestone with our partners at Fincantieri, who are integral to the Prima Class journey and supporting us in evolving the amazing experience we design and deliver for our guests,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Building upon the guest-favorite features of the award-winning vessels of this class, the 10% increase in space pr ..read more

The Porthole Cruise Party 2024 was a spectacular event that offered guests an unforgettable night of luxury, entertainment, and excitement. Attendees enjoyed lavish accommodations, a lineup of top-notch entertainment, and a variety of thrilling activities. The opportunity to rub shoulders with industry leaders and influencers made the event even more special, as guests danced to the hottest music and savored delicious food and drinks. See below for Highlights or click here for the entire Porthole Party 2024 gallery Make sure to mark your calendars for next year’s event and secure your spot e ..read more

Cruises are popular for many travelers looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation experience. However, some people may have concerns or fears about going on a cruise, whether due to safety concerns, seasickness, or the unknown. In this article, we will explore why you should be bold and go on cruises and why they can be a fantastic vacation option for everyone. First and foremost, cruises are a highly regulated industry with strict safety protocols in place. Cruise ships undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and security of all passengers on board. Additionally, c ..read more

Princess Cruises will introduce the Sanctuary Collection on Sun Princess and Star Princess, creating a luxury oasis for relaxation when these new ships launch in early 2024. “Our new Sanctuary Collection offers guests those ultra-private, tucked away spaces that rival any high-end resort and surpasses the offerings of comparable cruise lines featuring similar ship-within-a-ship amenities,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “With spacious and well-appointed accommodations, along with an array of premium extras and its exclusivity, our new Sanctuary Collection delivers the ultim ..read more

On April 8, 2024, Captain Gianluigi Aponte, Diego Aponte, and Don Stephens signed a deal to build a new hospital ship in Africa by collaborating with MSC Group, MSC Foundation, and Mercy Ships International. The project is set to provide free surgery and training to thousands annually. “I spent part of my childhood and early years in the shipping industry in the Horn of Africa, it is a region close to my heart,” said Captain Aponte, founder of the MSC Group, said. “I saw firsthand the challenges faced by many local communities there and this shaped my conviction that impro ..read more

Cruising is a popular way to travel, but it can also significantly impact the environment. With the rise of eco-conscious travelers, many are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying the luxury of a cruise vacation. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a cruise sustainably. Pack Light When packing for a cruise, try to bring only what you need to minimize your carbon footprint. Consider packing versatile clothing items that can be worn in multiple ways to reduce the amount of clothing you need to bring. Additionally, try to bring reusable toiletry containers to mini ..read more

Norwegian Cruise Line launched its 2024 Europe travel season on April 19, 2024, with the arrival of Norwegian Epic in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, before setting off on a 10-day Greek Isles and Italy voyage! During the summer, guests can choose from 101 itineraries to 140 ports across various regions. Some itineraries offer overnight stays in cities like Istanbul, Florence, and Reykjavik. NCL will have nine ships in the region, including departures from New York City, Le Havre, and Oslo. “As we return to Europe for this season, our goal remains consistent-curating unmatched and ..read more

Today, Queen Anne officially became the latest addition to Cunard’s fleet during a handover ceremony in Italy. Cunard received the ship at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, where master shipbuilders constructed it.  The ship is now on its way to Southampton for its seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon on May 3, 2024! MORE ABOUT THE CEREMONY Dignitaries such as Adolfo Urso, the Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, and Luca Ciriani, the Italian Minister for Relations with Parliament, graced the event with their presence. Also in attendance were  Katie ..read more

Planning a cruise vacation means packing your bags and booking excursions, but also preparing your skin for the elements it will face at sea. Keep reading to hear our skincare recommendations for your cruise. Mario Badescu LIP MASK Mario Badescu Lip Mask | Photo: Stephanie Davies Using Mario Badescu lip mask on a cruise helps to hydrate, protect, and repair your lips in the dry, windy, and harsh environmental conditions onboard. The nourishing ingredients in the lip mask will keep your lips feeling soft and smooth throughout your cruise. Plus, the convenient packaging makes it easy to apply ..read more

Holland America Line introduces “Glacier Day” and new Alaska-themed programming in the onboard “We Love Alaska” experience, featuring Alaska Up Close presentations and culinary and beverage experiences, starting the 2024 season on April 27 from Vancouver and May 4 from Seattle. “Holland America Line continues to focus on bringing regional and local experiences on board every cruise, with our Alaska sailings leading the way in authentic programming, localized cuisine, and now special events like ‘Glacier Day’,” said Beth Bodensteiner, the chief commercial officer of Holland America Line. “We c ..read more