Category: Cruise News

New Enhancements to Holland America Line’s Westerdam

Chris Cardona

Holland America Line’s Westerdam completed a 12-day dry dock in April and she emerged with several major new spaces, including two firsts for the line. Explorations Central, or EXC, in the Crow’s Nest and Rijksmuseum at Sea. Westerdam also received the popular Music Walk venues Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard, the intimate Gallery Bar, a reimagined Lido Market and The Retreat area with private cabanas. Additional upgrades and modifications included suite upgrades, enhancements to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, renovations to youth areas Club HAL and The Loft, and…

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Cruises to Cuba will continue from United States

Chris Cardona

Following President Trump’s announcement today regarding new policy changes for U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba, many cruise lines collectively breathed a sigh of relief as they can continue to operate their Cuba cruise programs for the foreseeable future. Royal Caribbean, who operates the Empress of the Seas to Cuba from Florida stated: Norwegian Cruise Line, who operates the Norwegian Sky to Cuba from Miami stated: Carnival Cruise Line, who operates the Carnival Paradise to Cuba from Tampa stated: While cruises to Cuba may continue to operate out of the United…

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Norwegian Joy Finishes First Preview Cruise

Chris Cardona

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest and first purpose-built cruise ship the Asia market, Norwegian Joy, has completed her first preview cruise. David Herrera, President of NCLH China said: Norwegian Joy also features some firsts for a cruise ship, including the first race-track at sea. The two-level track located on decks, 18 and 19, runs 750 feet and features a viewing platform, covered pit lane, workshop, storage room, timing system and floodlights. This isn’t a watered-down version of a go-cart track, as the three speed selections from beginning to expert can have…

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Carnival Picks Senior Officers for Carnival Horizon

Chris Cardona

Carnival Cruise Line has appointed three experienced maritime professionals as senior officers for their newest cruise ship, Carnival Horizon. The three dedicated senior officers with a combined 60 years experience with Carnival Cruise Line, will lead a team of over 1,400 dedicated crew that will join the ship for its inaugural voyage on April 2, 2018. Carnival Horizon’s senior officers will include: Captain Luigi De Angelis – A 22-year veteran of Carnival Cruise Line, De Angelis joined the company as a deck cadet aboard the Carnival Imagination in 1995 and…

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Royal Caribbean to Start Non-Refundable Deposit Program

Chris Cardona

Royal Caribbean will begin offering a new non-refundable deposit program starting on July 1, 2017. In North America, it has widely been the standard that cruise booking deposits are 100% refundable up until final payment dates. There have been some exceptions to this particularly when booking higher level accommodations such as suites, where cancellation penalties may occur before final payment. Royal Caribbean’s new program, that will roll-out fleet wide, includes some key features and benefits for guests. Guests have the option to book a traditional or the new non-refundable fare…

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