The Cruise Web Blog - your source for the latest cruise news and travel advice.

By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Last week, Silversea Cruises revealed to the world the first 7-continent world cruise with the introduction of the luxury line’s Legends of Cruising – 2020 World Cruise. Embarking January 6, 2020, this 140-day itinerary will call in 62 unique ports around the world for a carefully curated collection of shore excursions and expedition-style experiences.

“Our World Cruise 2020 will be quite unlike any world cruise that has ever set sail,” says Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s SVP Strategic Development Expeditions and Experiences. “Our guests will enjoy an enhanced, luxurious onboard experience, which will leave them in want of nothing, as well as a seemingly unending range of unforgettable experiences, as they get closer to the authentic beauty of 32 spectacular destinations around the world.”

[Read more →]

By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Holland America Line recently announced a new live music venue, Rolling Stone Rock Room, created in partnership with none other than Rolling Stone. This new music club at sea will feature a live five-piece band performing everyone’s favorite rock hits.

The Rolling Stone Rock Room will launch in December of 2018 aboard Koningsdam and the upcoming Nieuw Statendam, Holland America’s next Pinnacle-class ship.

“We are so excited to tap Rolling Stone’s incredible expertise to create a new live entertainment venue that will appeal to all our guests,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Innovative and authentic music experiences are at the heart of all our entertainment offerings and is what distinguishes us in the industry. Classic rock appeals to people across generations because the music is universal, and Rolling Stone Rock Room will bring another incredible live music venue to our ships.”

[Read more →]

By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Known by many as “the world’s best shortcut,” the Panama Canal is much more than just a convenient way to get from point A to point B. In fact, travelers that overlook Panama Canal cruises are not only missing out on one of the world’s most incredible man-made marvels, but also some of the most exotic rainforests and wildlife.

The nearly 50-mile Panama Canal, which first opened in 1914 and was recently expanded in 2016, is truly a marvel to behold. Far greater than just a century-old engineering feat, the Panama Canal is critical for global trade, a testament to human willpower and a cruising gateway to the wonders of the Americas. Discover the canal’s history in person, explore colonial cities and enjoy a front row seat to the daily chorus of wildlife singing from the rainforests.

Departing for the Panama Canal

Panama Canal cruises often sail between two cities on opposite coasts of North America. A westbound trans-canal itinerary, for instance, might sail from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Los Angeles, CA. Other possible departure ports include Tampa, Miami, New York, San Diego, San Francisco and Vancouver.

Some cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, even offer roundtrip (partial transit) Panama Canal voyages! Rather than completing a full transit, these unique itineraries typically enter and exit the Panama Canal on the same side (sometimes referred to as a partial transit). It’s also possible—and sometimes required—for world cruises or world cruise segments to transit the Panama Canal while completing select segments of their voyage.

[Read more →]

By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Encore, will feature the artwork of celebrated Spanish artist Eduardo Arranz-Bravo on the hull of the ship. This announcement continues Norwegian Cruise Line’s tradition of having iconic art decorate the hulls of its award-winning ships.

The design will represent Arranz-Bravo’s modern and abstract style with bright splashes of color adorning the hull. It will pay tribute to Arranz-Bravo’s life by the sea in Barcelona and will highlight Norwegian’s signature vibrant guest experience.

“Eduardo’s design will be a perfect complement to the collection of hull artwork within our fleet and is a testament to the dynamic experience our guests will have on board,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.  “We are proud to welcome him to our Norwegian Cruise Line family.”

[Read more →]

By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Carnival Cruise Line has agreed to a new state-of-the-art terminal in Port Canaveral, Florida to accommodate its newest ship. The currently unnamed ship will be the largest in Carnival’s fleet and is scheduled to make her debut in 2020.  Carnival’s decision to homeport the new ship at Port Canaveral continues a decades-long strong relationship and strengthens Carnival’s position as the number one cruise line in Port Canaveral.

“We are very excited about the prospects of homeporting our largest ship at Port Canaveral, a valued business partner for more than 25 years,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “Easily accessible from all over the southeast with excellent facilities and friendly staff, Port Canaveral is one of our most popular and fastest-growing homeports.  This fantastic new ship, coupled with our future plans for Port Canaveral, will provide guests with an unparalleled seagoing vacation experience from the minute they arrive. ”

“The Port and Carnival Cruise Line have worked closely for decades building a successful partnership together. We are proud of our partners at Carnival and eager to begin this new chapter in our business relationship,” said Canaveral Port Authority Port Director and CEO Capt. John Murray. “Carnival’s commitment to Port Canaveral demonstrates their confidence in our ability to support one of the world’s most successful cruise brands.  We’re excited and looking forward to having their largest and newest class of ship homeported here.”

[Read more →]

By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

The Cruise Web was recently honored at the 2018 World’s Leading Cruise Lines Excellent Awards, where Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line recognized some of the top travel agencies. The Cruise Web proudly accepted the Eastern Region Excellence Award from Holland America Line.

“Travel agents play a most critical role in helping their clients who become our guests choose the right cruise line and even the right ship and itinerary through listening to where they want to go, what types of experiences they want from their vacation and what best resonates with them concerning the many things that help create those experiences,” said Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation. “I am honored to join our three largest North American cruise brands for the Excellence Awards, which recognize the travel partners who help us exceed our guests’ expectations through their understanding of their clients and through their loyalty, hard work, dedication and creativity.”

From left to right: Joe Slattery, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and Sales, Holland America; Michelle Sutter, Director of Sales, Strategic Accounts, Holland America; Karolina Shenton, Vice President, The Cruise Web; Arnold Donald, President and CEO, Carnival Corporation; Eva Jenner, Sales at Holland America Line and Seabourn.

[Read more →]

By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Princess Cruises announced the name of the newest addition to its 2020 Royal-class, Enchanted Princess. Set to debut on June 15, 2020, Enchanted Princess will be fifth in line for the Royal-class ships that will bring new features while still providing style and luxury.

Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises stated the reason for picking the name. “The name Enchanted Princess is captivating and conveys the elegance and grace of our new ship which will introduce more travelers to the pleasures and value of cruising,” said Swartz. “We are certain Enchanted Princess will exceed the expectations of our guests, ensuring they have the most memorable cruise holiday.”

Summer season of 2020 will be open for booking starting on November 8, 2018. To book your trip on the Enchanted Princess, please call The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 to speak with an expert cruise consultant.

The Cruise Web, Inc.
reply@cruiseweb.com
1-800-377-9383

By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Celebrity Edge, the newest ship from Celebrity Cruises, will raise the bar to a new level for modern luxury travel, and the entertainment onboard will be just as revolutionary as the rest of the ship. Guests onboard Celebrity Edge will experience Celebrity’s innovative theater, which will feature the most production shows of any Celebrity ship, the largest cast of world-class performers and more venues than ever before. After all, this is the ship that is leading The Celebrity Revolution, and guests have high expectations.

“With Celebrity Edge, we have created our biggest and most comprehensive lineup of entertainment to date. We’ve truly taken entertainment to the edge,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “Entertainment on Celebrity is daring and bold, dynamic and refreshing, surrounding you at every turn. It makes every moment of your vacation an unforgettable journey, and the entertainment on Celebrity Edge takes this philosophy further than ever before. We are changing the future of our entertainment – just as we are with everything we are doing on Celebrity Edge.”

[Read more →]

By The Cruise Web, Inc.

In June of 2018, Royal Caribbean completed its remarkable $120 million refurbishment of Mariner of the Seas. In fact, this “refurbishment” was so extensive, that it’s more appropriate to consider the updated Mariner of the Seas a brand new ship! By way of our latest cruise ship infographic, meet the new Mariner of the Seas and discover the exciting dining and entertainment options now available, including an escape room, a virtual reality trampoline experience, laser tag and more.

CLICK HERE to view the full-size version of The Cruise Web’s Mariner of the Seas infographic:

Embed this image on your site! Simply copy and paste the code below into your website:

[Read more →]

By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Oceania Cruises recently announced its new OceaniaNEXT initiative, which will see four ships reimagined with enhancements that will elevate every component of the guest experience. A $100 million re-inspiration of Oceania’s 684-guest ships, Regatta, Insignia, Sirena and Nautica, will result in four better-than-new-ships. When the re-inspiration is finished, each ship will feature 342 brand new designer suites and staterooms, as well as stunning new décor in the restaurants, bars and lounges – all inspired by Oceania’s 450 ports of call. Insignia will debut in December 2018, then Sirena in May 2019, followed by Regatta in September 2019 and Nautica in June 2020.

“OceaniaNEXT will be the most extensive and comprehensive suite of product and guest service enhancements that we have ever undertaken,” said Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “Our Regatta-Class ships are like second homes to our loyal guests and travel partners. They don’t build ships like these anymore, which is why this re-inspiration project is such an important milestone in our company’s 15-year history. We are maintaining the intimate surroundings and personal attention that our guests love, while at the same time setting a new standard of style and elegance for small ship cruising. We have opened a new chapter, innovating in every way as we look to the future and the way our guests want to travel. We can’t wait for our ‘new’ ships to launch.”

[Read more →]