GerryBarker

MIAMI, June 10, 2019 – In true Royal Caribbean International fashion, Spectrum of the Seas will once again raise the bar in the Asian cruise market as the revolutionary ship plans new overnight stays in Tokyo, Japan in summer 2020. Built to deliver great vacation experiences, the first Quantum Ultra Class ship boasts the cruise line’s first private enclave for suite guests, innovative dining concepts, and stunning features and adventures – many of which have never before been seen at sea. In summer 2020, Spectrum of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas will each sail two special cruises into Tokyo’s brand-new cruise terminal, Shinkyaku Pier, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience to take in the city’s vibrant energy as it comes alive during this exciting time. Spectrum will depart on July 25 and August 2 from Shanghai, China to Tokyo, and Voyager will offer itineraries beginning July 26 out of Hong Kong and August 2 from Tokyo, each staying overnight. Adding to the excitement, Quantum of the Seas will begin sailing from Singapore in 2019, and with both Spectrum and Quantum sailing from Singapore this year, this marks the start of Royal Caribbean’s Double Quantum Year in the region. “Our ships are designed and created to deliver unforgettable vacation experiences to our guests, and we are proud to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience in Tokyo next summer,” said Bert Hernandez, President, Royal Caribbean China. (Gerry Barker is a freelance travel writer who has covered the cruise industry for 10 years, formerly with The Palm Beach Post. He and his wife Pam maintain a Cruise Blog on NorthPalmBeachLife.com) View full article

CELEBRATION, Fla. (June 6, 2019) – In fall 2020, Disney Cruise Line will enchant guests of all ages with Halloween and winter holiday celebrations on sailings departing from New York, California, Texas and Florida. The 2020 fall season offers a range of itineraries that will visit a variety of tropical locales, with most sailings featuring that extra-special Disney holiday sparkle. Halloween on the High Seas returns to Disney Cruise Line in September and October 2020 with spooky good times for the entire family. On select sailings across the fleet, guests are treated to a “mouse-querade” costume party, lively entertainment, ghoulish food and beverage delights, trick-or-treating, seasonal kids’ activities, a villainous party just for adults and a ghostly ship takeover with elaborate décor and a magical pumpkin tree. From early November through December, the Disney Cruise Line fleet is decked from bow-to-stern with holiday cheer and entertainment during Very Merrytime Cruises. Holiday adventures are unwrapped for the whole family with merry parties, a tree lighting ceremony, festive activities, special food and beverage surprises, favorite characters in their finest holiday attire, a winter wonderland ball with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a flurry of “Frozen” snowfall. Bookings open to the public June 13, 2019. More details on 2020 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2020 page of disneycruise.com. Sailings to Bermuda and Canada from New York The Disney Magic returns to New York in October for sailings to Bermuda and Canada, all featuring Halloween on the High Seas. Three five-night cruises offer two days in Bermuda, giving guests extra time to indulge in the island’s famous pink-sand beaches, abundant water activities, stylish shopping and distinctive blend of British and Caribbean culture. One five-night cruise will visit Canada’s charming seaport cities including Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada’s oldest incorporated city, which is home to outdoor activities and an impressive natural phenomenon called the “reversing falls rapids.” Guests on this sailing will also visit Halifax, the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. Rich in maritime history, Nova Scotia boasts Victorian-style public gardens and one of the world’s largest natural harbors. Baja and Mexican Riviera Voyages from California The Disney Wonder sets sail from San Diego in September, with Halloween on the High Seas cruises to Baja and the Mexican Riviera. Baja itineraries of two, three, four and five nights highlight the region’s famous beaches and water activities with calls on Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. One seven-night Mexican Riviera cruise, with additional stops in Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, completes the southern California sailings. On Nov. 6, the Disney Wonder departs San Diego for a 14-night Panama Canal crossing. Bahamas and Caribbean Cruises from Texas From late November through December, the Disney Wonder will make Galveston, Texas, its homeport for Very Merrytime Cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas, with four-, five-, six- and seven-night sailings. Caribbean itineraries include stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico and Grand Cayman. Bahamian cruises feature stops at Nassau, Bahamas and Key West, Florida, as well as Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. Tropical Island Vacations from Florida In fall 2020, the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will sail to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida. Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises will delight guests on most sailings. The Disney Fantasy will sail Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries ranging from three to eight nights, and the Disney Dream will sail three- and four-night Bahamian cruises to Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay. Each of these cruises includes a day of fun in the sun on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent. (Gerry Barker is a freelance travel writer who has covered the cruise industry for 10 years, formerly with The Palm Beach Post. He and his wife Pam maintain a Cruise Blog on NorthPalmBeachLife.com) View full article

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (June 5, 2019) - Following the U.S. government's renewed restrictions on travel to Cuba, the U.S. Virgin Islands government is working closely with the cruise lines to help them as they race to rework their itineraries. The State Department announced this week that the United States will no longer permit visits to Cuba via passenger and recreational vessels, including cruise ships and yachts, nor on private and corporate aircraft. Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism Designee, said that since news of the policy shift, the Ports of the Virgin Islands has reached out to the cruise lines to offer inconvenienced passengers the opportunity to visit the Territory, including the less busy cruise destination of St. Croix. "We have been in contact with the lines about making calls to both St. Croix and St. Thomas," said Commissioner Designee Boschulte, who let executives know that the Territory's ports can accommodate diverted vessels on short notice. "We have the capacity and are encouraging the lines to experience St. Croix especially - an emerging tourism destination steeped in rich culture and heritage and whose stakeholders are prepared to provide a welcoming experience for cruise ship passengers," he said. Commissioner Designee Boschulte said the Ports of the Virgin Islands will closely monitor the impact of the new policy and explore solutions with cruise lines at next week's Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association's Platinum Associate Member Advisory Council Conference, taking place in St. Maarten. (Gerry Barker is a freelance travel writer who has covered the cruise industry for 10 years, formerly with The Palm Beach Post. He and his wife Pam maintain a Cruise Blog on NorthPalmBeachLife.com) View full article

CALABASAS, CA – (June 5, 2019) – Completing an exciting season of inaugural sailings, AmaWaterways celebrated the debut of AmaMora on the Rhine River on Monday, June 3. Embarking on her maiden voyage from Amsterdam to Basel, the 156-guest ship is the third of a trio of new ships introduced by the luxury river cruise line in 2019 – a record-breaking achievement since the company’s inception in 2002. AmaWaterways fleet now numbers 23 modern ships following the launch this spring of AmaDouro on the Douro River and AmaMagna on the Danube River. “We are always excited to introduce new ships to our innovative fleet, but this season has been especially rewarding, and significant, for us,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “We’re thrilled to introduce AmaMora to the Rhine River and look forward to continue exceeding our guests’ expectations with a luxurious onboard experience, enriching shore excursions, exquisite dining venues and of course, the AmaWaterways touch that turns an interesting voyage into an unforgettable personalized experience.” Like her sister ships AmaLea and AmaKristina, AmaMora offers 78 staterooms, almost all of which feature AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies. On board, guests can experience the line’s renowned cuisine including exquisite regionally-inspired dishes paired with hand-selected wines at the Main Restaurant and the intimate Chef’s Table Restaurant, as well as an all-day tapas menu, afternoon tea, complimentary daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, and a 24-hour coffee station. Designed to meet the needs of discerning travelers, AmaMora features a wide range of amenities including connecting staterooms well-suited to meet the growing demand from multigenerational families. Guests looking to stay active even while on vacation can take advantage of the ship’s Wellness Program, featuring group fitness classes led by a dedicated Wellness Host and a well-equipped fitness center and Sun Deck walking track. As the newest member of the river cruise line best suited for active travelers, AmaMora carries a fleet of complimentary bicycles and organizes guided hiking and biking tours for guests to explore each incredible destination while cruising through The Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. For the more leisurely traveler, there is plenty of room to lounge by the heated Sun Deck pool, which features a swim-up bar; as well as enjoy massage and hair salon services. In addition, the ship features complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and in-room Entertainment-On-Demand. Guests looking to immerse themselves in the local culture will enjoy an extensive line-up of up to 20 complimentary tours to choose from during a seven-night cruise. Highlights include the spectacular Rhine Gorge lined with 40 castle ruins and special interest tours like the unforgettable Lahneck Castle visit by candlelight. AmaMora will be blessed by her Godmother, Co-President of Ensemble Travel Group Libbie Rice, alongside AmaWaterways’ executive team and local dignitaries during a christening ceremony in Lahnstein, Germany the week of July 15, 2019. Sailing between Amsterdam and Basel, AmaMora will offer the seven-night Enchanting Rhine and Captivating Rhine itineraries, and the festive Christmas Markets on the Rhine itineraries between November 25 and December 23. In addition, returning guests will be recognized with a special Christmas Markets on the Rhine sailing on board AmaMora, departing November 24 as part of the company’s first-ever Loyalty Appreciation Month. “We are very honored to have a river cruise company like AmaWaterways at the Port of Amsterdam,” said Monic van der Heijden, commercial manager of cruises at the Port of Amsterdam. “AmaWaterways is an example of an exceptional partner for the port due to important factors like their sustainable practices and disciplined captains.” (Gerry Barker is a freelance travel writer who has covered the cruise industry for 10 years, formerly with The Palm Beach Post. He and his wife Pam maintain a Cruise Blog on NorthPalmBeachLife.com) View full article

Shanghai, June 3, 2019 – Spectrum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, made its highly anticipated debut in China today. The first Quantum Ultra Class ship sailed into Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Shanghai after completing a 46-night Global Odyssey that spanned 17 cities. In honor of Spectrum arriving to her new home, the cruise line held a grand naming ceremony with Chinese celebrities and Royal Caribbean brand ambassadors, Xiaoming Huang and Angelababy, in attendance. Honored with the lifetime role of Godparents, the popular couple were on hand to name the ship and bestow a blessing of safekeeping over all those who sail on her. Spectrum’s historic milestone is on the heels of Royal Caribbean’s 10th anniversary in China. Building on years of success with Quantum and Ovation of the Seas, the arrival of the largest and most expensive cruise ship in Asia will continue to raise the bar and lead the Chinese cruise industry into a new era. “Royal Caribbean has always been known for innovating and pushing the boundaries, and Spectrum of the Seas is a great example of this,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Spectrum brings to life the best of Royal Caribbean along with curated experiences for our Chinese consumers.” Custom built for the Chinese market, Spectrum of the Seas features bold and unexpected experiences, including the cruise line’s first private enclave for suite guests, new stateroom categories, innovative dining concepts, and stunning features and experiences – many of which have never before been seen at sea. Transformational Spaces Spectrum features a two-level, 2,809-square-foot Ultimate Family Suite, accommodating up to 11 guests. The three-bedroom suite features a master bedroom and a bathroom that extends over the side of the ship for unparalleled ocean views, along with two additional suites for grandparents and other family members. Kids have their own kid-friendly space on the upper level, complete with an in-suite slide that will transport them to the living area below. Everyone in the family can enjoy time together in the recreation room, featuring surround-sound equipment for a night of karaoke, movies or video games. Glowing on the aft of the ship is Sky Pad, a virtual reality (VR), bungee trampoline experience, where guests can strap in, don a VR headset and be transported to another time and planet with three new games: Jump Rally, Sugar Leap and Bass Bouncer. The out-of-this-world experience is for guests of all ages and can be enjoyed without headsets, for those who prefer to look out over the ocean as they leap toward the sky. Exclusive Suite Club The Suite Club on decks 13 through 16 offers Royal Caribbean’s first exclusive suites-only area, which features 36 Golden Suites and 106 Silver Suites. The Golden Suites and Silver Suites have exclusive access, elevator, as well as a private restaurant and lounge. In addition to a range of amenities, Gold Suite guests may access The Balcony, a private outdoor space with the best views of the sea; and The Boutique, which can be reserved for private shopping, intimate parties and wine tastings. Travelers in suites are also provided with a dedicated team of Royal Concierges who provide excellent value-added services, including concierge services, Royal embarkation, enhanced food and beverage experiences, and exclusive room service. Diverse Dining Options On board Royal Caribbean’s newest ship are 33 dining options to meet the diverse preferences of its guests. The lineup includes innovative dining concepts such as: Sichuan Red, a brand-new restaurant debuting on Spectrum that features authentic cuisine from the Sichuan province of China; a traditional tea room and café parlor known as Leaf and Bean, where guests can enjoy a range of authentic Chinese teas, classic coffee drinks as well as freshly baked Chinese and Western desserts and pastries; Teppanyaki, offering authentic oriental flavors cooked in Japan’s traditional teppanyaki style; Splashaway Café, near the kids’ pool area; and the Noodle Bar, which serves up freshly made noodles and live chef demonstrations. Introduced on the Quantum Ultra Class, the main dining room has been combined into one awe-inspiring, three-level dining room with 1,844 seats. The complimentary venue also serves a variety of Chinese and Western a la carte options that rotate every day of an itinerary. Vacationers looking for a more casual dining venue, the Windjammer Marketplace on Spectrum has been designed to be 20% larger than those on Quantum Class ships. The laidback option offers a wide selection of Chinese and Western dishes. Multidimensional Entertainment Experiences Three new production shows developed in-house by Royal Caribbean – The Silk Road, The Effectors, and Showgirl! Past. Present. Future. are taking the stage. Each full-scale production features unrivaled talent, immersive technology and unparalleled special effects to create spectacular entertainment experiences. The entertainment doesn’t end on stage. Spectrum offers guests a thrilling lineup of activities including Battle for Planet Z, an epic glow-in-the-dark laser tag adventure for the whole family; Star Moment, a lively and energetic karaoke venue where family and friends can sing like stars; Expedition Two70, where guests can test their adventuring skills in four fully immersive augmented reality (AR) games; SeaPlex, the multipurpose indoor sports and entertainment complex that offers activities from various parts of the world including various indoor ball games as well as fencing and archery – activities never before seen at sea in the Asia market. Cutting-edge Technology Spectrum of the Seas features a bold lineup of new digital experiences, from digital room keys and automated stateroom controls, to immersive AR games. The Royal Caribbean mobile app is also available for the first time for guests in China and supports both Mandarin and English language. Designed to seamlessly deliver unprecedented vacation experiences at sea, technology is prevalent throughout the ship, substantially increasing guest convenience and efficiency while offering new experiences that entertain and amaze. Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 73 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 16 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. Photo: Spectrum of the Seas arrives in Hong Kong. (Royal Caribbean) View full article

Spectrum of the Seas, the first in the Quantum Ultra class, was designed and built for unforgettable vacation experiences. The ship features the global cruise line’s first private enclave for suite guests, new stateroom categories, and innovative dining concepts, along with stunning features, experiences and technology – many ofwhich have never been seen before at sea. The first in the Quantum Ultra class of ships, Spectrum will homeport from Shanghai starting June 2019. View full article

MIAMI – June 3, 2019 – The newly modernized Celebrity Equinox is officially ready to revolutionize the way travelers experience the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean. The dramatic transformation — part of THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION — makes Celebrity Equinox the third ship to be “revolutionized” as part of Celebrity Cruises’ $500 million investment in ship-wide upgrades and breath-taking reimagined spaces, taking the brand’s fleet to the Edge. “Celebrity Equinox holds a very special place in the hearts of everyone at Celebrity Cruises, and also for our guests; this one-of-a-kind ship continues to be the most awarded in our entire fleet,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “Now, emerging from her dramatic modernization, our guests are going to love the new, ‘revolutionized’ Celebrity Equinox even more. There is no better way to experience the Caribbean year-round than on board this stunning ship.” On the transformed Celebrity Equinox, Caribbean cruisers will enjoy enhancements that include: The addition of The Retreat for suite guests, including The Retreat Sundeck, an exclusive sun-soaked hideaway, and The Retreat Lounge (formerly Michael’s Club) The awe-inspiring Qsine (formerly Silk Harvest) will feature both the brand-exclusive Le Petit ChefTM and Friends and the original Le Petit ChefTM, two amazing dining experiences developed in partnership with TableMationTM and SkullmappingTM that bring the tabletop to life using innovative 4k technology A completely reimagined Passport Bar, perfect for mixing and mingling before and after dinner An exciting new creation, Craft Social (formerly Gastrobar), a casual spot featuring more than 40 craft beers, wine and cocktails on tap, mouthwatering comfort food favorites, flat-screen TVs, and inviting leather seating Refreshed staterooms and suites ship-wide with stunning enhancements designed with guest comfort in mind, now all featuring Celebrity’s exclusive eXhale bedding collection with luxurious king-sized Cashmere mattresses The launch of an exciting new partnership with the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, featuring S.T.E.M.-focused activations and unique, first-at-sea programming offered as part of the popular Camp at Sea for young cruisers The interactive programming focuses on two science topics – one on the identification of and solutions related to microplastics and another on the importance and diversity of plankton to the Earth’s oceans and the environment Impressive digital enhancements across the ship, such as the addition of RFID lock technology and pervasive Xcelerate Wi-Fi Guests will also now be able to experience the brand’s industry-first facial recognition technology with the implementation of the Celebrity Cruises app, which enables smooth port arrival and expedited boarding, plus additional features including guest-to-guest chat and digital room keys Unique new treatments and products offered at The Spa by Canyon Ranch, including three new Signature Couples’ treatments, Dyson Supersonic blow-outs at the Canyon Ranch Blow-Out Bar, Mink and Rapid Lash services, and new customized facials by Reveal Machine, among others World-class retail offerings, including John Hardy Boutique, Kate Spade, and a new watch boutique featuring Shinola, Hublot and other Swiss watch brands Celebrity Equinox’s bow-to-stern modernization began on May 4, 2019, in Cadiz, Spain. There, the ship spent a total of 29 days in the skilled hands of more than 500 engineers, architects, artisans, designers, contractors, shipyard employees, and the newbuild and Celebrity teams. Celebrity Equinox is just the third revolutionary revitalization for the brand. Celebrity Silhouette is next, scheduled for completion on January 31, 2020, with five more ships to be modernized by 2023. To learn more about THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION, visit www.celebritycruises.com/revolution. View full article

We think St. Maarten has done a great job of making visitors feel welcome. Let's hope all the islands get spared the wrath of any hurricanes this year.

Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, the new adult-by-design cruise ship setting sail in 2020, has already booked voyages with sailors from all over the United States… except South Dakota. The average full-time employee in South Dakota uses only 26% of their vacation days to travel. In fact, about 73% of South Dakotans have left over days each year! To rally some South Dakotans to come sail with Virgin Voyages and use those vacation days, the brand has put out a call for sailors encouraging them to book with clever billboards around the state. To give them even more of a nudge, Virgin Voyages is offering the first lucky South Dakotan who books a cruise a prize package that includes: $605 in Sailor Loot to use on-board the Scarlet Lady 2 first class tickets from the 605 to the 305 One-night hotel stay in Miami Limo transfer to the ship in Miami ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Additionally, Virgin's Richard Branson, ever the master marketer, published this letter as a full-page ad in today's New York Times. As of 1 pm Thursday, still no bookings! View full article

Boston, MA – May 29, 2019 – Ocean Explorer, Vantage’s first ocean going small-ship, is booking its first 11 itineraries of uniquely-curated travel experiences, launching with its inaugural voyage Essential Asia: Hong Kong to Singapore Adventure Cruise in 2021. The Ocean Explorer will circumnavigate the globe with a roster of exciting new expeditions that will bring guests to the hidden gems in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, the British Isles, Scandinavia and beyond. For more information or to book an itinerary, please visit www.vantage.cruises. Marking a major milestone in Vantage Deluxe World Travel’s history, Vantage Cruise Lines recently announced the expansion of its fleet of world-class cruise ships with two ocean-going vessels, the Ocean Explorer and sister ship, the Ocean Odyssey, which is set to launch in 2022. “At Vantage, our goal is to provide the ultimate in small-vessel luxury experience,” said Henry R. Lewis, Founder & Owner, Vantage Deluxe World Travel. “The Ocean Explorer will offer a completely unique experience for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture of faraway lands and truly experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, while enjoying the incredible service and amenities of an intimate environment.” Guests who book the following eleven itineraries will be the first to experience this luxury expedition small-ship ocean cruising vessel for the cruising season: Essential Asia: Hong Kong to Singapore East Asia Adventure: Malaysia, Sri Lanka & Beyond Around the Arabian Peninsula: Dubai, Oman, Egypt, Jordan and Israel Across the Indian Ocean: India and the Best of the Emirates Eastern Mediterranean Crossing: The Holy Land, Greek Islands, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt & the Suez Canal Mediterranean Delights: Greece, Italy, France, Monaco, and Spain Spain & the Portuguese Coast: A Cruise Around Iberia Lisbon to London: A Coastal Odyssey Pearls of Northern Europe & the North Sea Jewels of Scandinavia & the Baltics Beauty of the British Isles For those who believe there can never be a true synergy between luxury travel and expedition cruising, the five-star Ocean Explorer defies expectations. In its inaugural season, the Ocean Explorer will navigate worldwide with 20 itineraries beginning in Asia, through Europe, a transatlantic passage to North America, down to Central and South America, and make its way down to Antarctica. Fine dining, small passenger-to-crew ratio, spa amenities and services await onboard — along with adventures like small-group wildlife viewing, biking, kayaking and paddle-boarding offshore. Multiple stateroom and suite options are available, walk-out balconies offer private panoramic observation opportunities, and unique TriLuxe Suites with the option for adjoining rooms will enhance family and group experiences. The Ocean Explorer will accommodate up to 170 guests with 77 cabins and a landmark 15 solo cabins. Breathtaking views abound on the ship’s top deck observation lounge and lobby. Guests will enjoy curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events held in the multilevel lounge, relax by the swimming pool, or catch a movie on the outdoor movie screen. The onboard Concierge will cater to every need, both pre-trip and during the cruise. What’s more, the Ocean Explorer features the latest satellite and navigation technology, including ULSTEIN X-BOW® technology, allowing for smoother sailing and deeper exploration into packed ice, enhancing comfort as guests traverse the world’s seas. Additional amenities include: Culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating region fare All beer and wine included with dinner Health and wellness options including: onboard spa, swimming pool, and gymnasium Expert cultural lecturers’ and nightly curated performances Knowledgeable expedition staff by region Small passenger-to-crew ratio Separate, intimate space for all of your group’s private dining needs (available upon request) Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption Dynamic positioning technology State of the art safety technology Polar Code 6 compliant, fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising, Rolls Royce stabilizer system “Safe Return to Port” technology Multiple launching platforms to allow for easy and quick loading of expedition landing craft, kayaks, standup paddleboards Onboard medical doctor Boutique About Vantage Cruise Lines: Vantage Deluxe World Travel, is an award-winning, world-renowned deluxe river cruising tour operator named by Travel + Leisure as ‘One of the Best River Cruises in the World’ in 2018, recognized by Conde Nast Traveler’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Award for the sixth consecutive year as one of the top river cruise lines in the world, and voted the Best Solo Cruise for River Travelers by The Solo Traveler. The Vantage family of brands also includes Vantage Cruise Line and Vantage Adventures. The company owns and operates its own fleet of luxurious river cruise ships that sail the Rhine, Danube, Main, Moselle, and Seine rivers; and also charters ships in Portugal, the Mediterranean, Russia, Asia, North America, Central America, and South America. To see more from our vantage point, check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. To start creating your journey, call 1-888-514-1845 or visit www.vantage.cruises. Photo: Artist rendering of Ocean Explorer View full article

Us too. Royal is planning to open several more "Perfect Day" island experiences in the years ahead. Like you noted, great for families and thrill seekers -- just make sure you offer something for those who just want to relax by a shady palm.

When we visit St. Maarten, we always go via Water Taxi to Philipsburg and enjoy spending time at the waterfront. Here's some photos of our last visit on MSC Seaside. What's your favorite thing to do there?

MIAMI (May 23, 2019) – Following a $200 million dry dock that is already generating raves from guests sailing on its first cruises out of Norfolk, the transformed Carnival Sunrise was officially named today by godmother Kelly Arison – daughter of Carnival Corporation & plc Chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine – in an elegant and memorable ceremony at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City. As a Carnival godmother, Kelly Arison carries on a family tradition – her mother, Madeleine was godmother to the ship when it first entered service in 1999, and her grandmother Lin Arison served as godmother to Carnival Sunrise’s sister ship, Carnival Sunshine, in 2013. “To be a part of Carnival Sunrise’s official naming is more than I could have ever imagined and an experience I’ll never forget,” said Kelly Arison. “The ship is absolutely beautiful, and I’m so honored to not only carry on my family’s legacy as godmother but to also use this opportunity to raise awareness for a well-deserving organization, the Ehlers-Danlos Society.” In a unique twist, the naming of Carnival Sunrise was commemorated with Arison “uncorking” a custom-made, four-foot-high confetti-filled champagne bottle sculpture designed by world-renowned and Miami-based artist Romero Britto. The one-of-a-kind bottle features Britto’s signature vibrant colors, bold patterns and elements of cubism, pop art and graffiti, as well as Carnival-inspired designs. Smaller versions of the bottle will be sold onboard with proceeds benefiting the Ehlers-Danlos Society (EDS), an organization dedicated to serving those with joint hypermobility spectrum disorders, of which Arison is a strong advocate. Carnival also made a donation to the organization as part of the naming festivities. Kathie Lee Gifford, who has had a longstanding 35-year relationship with Carnival, took a moment to address the crowd and extend her best wishes to Arison as godmother, a role that Gifford served for two Carnival ships, Celebration in 1987 and Ecstasy in 1991. The event included a video featuring players from the Miami Heat, of which Micky Arison is a managing general partner. In the video, Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning, as well as former Miami Heat player and Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal, congratulated Arison. “The planning for this project began more than two years ago and involved 7,000 people who worked together to deliver this amazing transformation. We are so excited to welcome Carnival Sunrise to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet – she is already winning over our guests and providing so many new ways to Choose Fun,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “It has also been such a special and unique opportunity to have Madeleine Arison, who served as godmother at the original delivery of this vessel 20 years ago, pass the honor of serving as godmother to her daughter Kelly during our official naming ceremony today.” As part of a fleetwide $2 billion ship enhancement program, Carnival Sunrise features all of Carnival’s popular branded food, beverage and entertainment innovations with new offerings such as Guy’s Burger Joint and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, in collaboration with Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri; The Chef’s Table fine dining experience; cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar; a new WaterWorks aqua park; SportSquare recreation area; and a Serenity adults-only retreat, among many others. Carnival Sunrise will spend the summer in New York operating four- to 14-day voyages before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for a winter schedule of Caribbean and Bahamian cruises beginning in October. Carnival Sunrise then heads back to New York for another season of cruises beginning in spring 2020. View full article

Where to Cruise this Summer... Festivals & Events in Europe: This summer, the special events and festivals offered by Azamara will make this season one you won’t forget. This July, history buffs can relish in a night full of fireworks at the Festa Del Redentore in Venice, which celebrates the end of the plague in 1576. Golf enthusiasts can set sail on Azamara’s 12-night voyage to the British Isles and attend the 148th Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Another shore-excursion Azamara’s guests can book while on Azamara’s 10-night Northern Capitals Voyage is to the Edinburgh’s Royal Tattoo, which is one of the world’s greatest spectacles that honors the symbol of Scottish pride and passion. Set Sail to America’s 49th State… For the first time ever, Azamara Quest will set sail to Alaska this summer, with a total of 11 ports of call including larger ports such as Juneau and Skagway and smaller ports including Hubbard Glacier and Ketchikan, which Azamara is able to access due to its smaller ship size. During these sailings, Azamara’s guests will be able to explore Alaska through the exclusive-to-Azamara Destination Immersion-focused program AzAmazing Evenings, which are complimentary signature evening shore excursions designed to connect guests to the local culture of a destination. AzAmazing Evenings include performances from Sitka’s native Alaskan dancers, Naa Kahídi Tlingit and Russian folk dancing group, the New Archangel Dancers. Aside from the signature AzAmazing Evenings, Azamara also offers other experiences for guests including a ride on the Wilderness Express, off-roading in a Tomcar Kart through Ketchikan’s expansive outdoors, dog sledding in Skagway, and boarding The Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau.” What’s New – 2021 and 2022 Itineraries… Amani, Japan and Arica, Chile to Fraser Island, Australia and Tema (Accra), Ghana are among the 10 maiden ports Azamara has added to its 2021/2022 voyages. Guests can expect over 140 overnight stays around the world as well as deepen their discovery of Eastern Europe with expanded itineraries to the Black Sea and Turkey, including overnights in Istanbul and a chance to explore hidden gems, Antalya and Sinop. Highlights of the Azamara shore programming include touring Seville’s Alcazar and Palacio de Duenas — two sumptuous Moorish style palaces constructed in the 1300s, which housed some of Spain’s most important kings and aristocratic figures — as well as Antalya, aboard the 15-Night Ancient Wonders Voyage to discover the famous Greco-Roman amphitheater, Aspendos — one of the world’s most well-preserved theaters, which can hold over 15,000 people and is still used today. New Culinary Delights Aboard Azamara… Azamara Club Cruises has officially released the brand’s first-ever vegan menu, with wholesome, healthy options for all Azamara guests to enjoy. The vegan menu’s tasty dishes such as the “Tofu Satay with Nasi Goreng” and “Peking Seitan Duck Pancake Rolls,” are carefully crafted and prepared by the esteemed Azamara culinary team, who are committed to bringing the same high-caliber menu to the ship’s vegan and vegetarian community. Further, specialty dining restaurant, Aqualina — which serves fine-dining Italian cuisine aboard all three Azamara ships — also launched a new menu. Azamara’s culinary team will infuse the restaurant's existing menu with more authentic Italian options such as the “Gnocchi con Salsiccia” — a homemade gnocchi with grilled Italian Sausage, zucchini, and marinara sauce and “Aragosta con Linguine al nero di seppia e Frutti di Mare” — lobster tail with squid ink pasta, shrimp, calamari, scallops, and light-garlic lemon jus. View full article