Cruise
NCL Homeports in Amsterdam for the First Time
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is celebrating its first season of cruises from the Netherlands, Amsterdam with the European debut of Norwegian Pearl, growing the brand’s presence to six ships in the region for the first time. On June 8, Norwegian Pearl’s Captain, Paul von Knorring, and the ship’s officers were honoured with a plaque and key to the city of Amsterdam from local officials from the Port of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cruise Port and Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, as part of the maritime tradition. On May 11, the 2,400-passenger Pearl embarked on its first summer season in...
USVI Working With Cruise Lines Following Cuba Restrictions
Following the US 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 develop alternative itineraries. 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....
Crystal Eliminates Plastic Straws
As of June 8, all plastic straws have been eliminated across the entire Crystal fleet. The company announced the initiative as the latest part of its Crystal Cares program, which comprises a broad spectrum of environmental efforts and sustainable practices. Paper straws will be available throughout the dining venues aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity as well as aboard the company’s yacht, Crystal Esprit, and the Crystal River Cruises fleet. New ships will never carry plastic straws. The move coincided with the annual observance of World Oceans Day, also on June 8,...
NCL’s Winemaker Series On Tap
The 2019/2020 season of Norwegian Cruise Line’s popular “Meet the Winemaker” series is available on the brand’s latest and most innovative ships and will feature accomplished experts including Gerard Bertrand of Languedoc Roussillon; Juan Munoz of Columbia Crest; Bob Bertheau of Chateau Ste. Michelle; and Master Sommelier and three-time James Beard Award-winner, Andrea Robinson. The experience will be available on select cruises aboard Norwegian Joy, Norwegian’s latest ship in North America; sister ships Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape and soon-to-debut Norwegian Encore; as...
Cruise Lines Altering Caribbean Itineraries
In keeping with the U.S. Administration's recently announced changes to regulations regarding travel to Cuba – basically restricting Americans from visiting there (there are a few exceptions) – cruise lines are quickly modifying itineraries that previously included Havana (pictured) as a port of call. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has ceased all calls to Cuba and are modifying previously scheduled sailings. “We share your disappointment and frustration caused by this unexpected change. Like you, we were surprised by this sudden modification to policy,” NCL said in a statement....
Do Your Thing To Help Honour World Oceans Day
Everyone knows that our oceans cover more than 70% of the earth’s surface, and there’s no arguing that they play a huge role in global ecosystems and human well-being. But it may surprise you to learn there’s also nearly 500 dead zones and more than five gyres of plastic polluting our seas and marine wildlife, because the truth is, oceans are still largely a mystery to most of us. Outer Shores Expeditions, which leads small-ship sailing expeditions along Canada’s pristine Pacific Coast, includes their guests in conversations about our fragile ocean environment and gently...
UPDATED: Troubled Waters
Cruise lines were reacting today to the United States government's announcement of new travel restrictions to Cuba. Under the new rules, U.S. travellers are now prohibited from going to Cuba under the previous “group people-to-people educational” travel authorization and the U.S. will no longer permit visits to Cuba via passenger and recreational vessels, including cruise ships and yachts, and private and corporate aircraft. In a statement. the U.S. State Department said in a statement: “The United States holds the Cuban regime accountable for its repression of the Cuban...
Riviera Expands Solo Itinerary Options
Riviera River Cruises has added three new solo traveller itineraries in France, Germany and the Netherlands next year, as well as 2020 departure dates for four existing solo itineraries. On these cruises dedicated entirely to solo travellers, guests can Riviera’s five-star ships, fine culinary experiences and expert-led excursions without paying a single supplement. “As interest in solo travel has grown in recent years, we’re proud to be the only European river cruise line offering departures exclusively for guests who are on their own – on these cruises, that means single...