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

By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Carnival Radiance will be undergoing $200 million worth of refurbishments set to debut in 2020. The new on-board restaurant, Big Chicken, is highly anticipated, adapting a land-based eatery owned by Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer, former NBA champion, Shaquille O’Neal.

On what will be the newly redesigned Lido Deck, this restaurant will offer classic fried chicken dishes, a variety of sandwiches, and even breakfast! In fast casual style, patrons will not be kept waiting as they place their order at one end of the counter and pick up right away at the other end. Each dish is named using a clever nickname that O’Neal went by during his NBA career, but the most tantalizing thing about this new restaurant is the price—free!

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By The Cruise Web, Inc.

For those that are looking for a fascinating winter getaway, Viking Oceans has just announced a brand new 11-night itinerary that will allow guests to explore the ancient empire of Greece—and a plus is that it’s during a much quieter season! Starting in January 2021, guests can sail roundtrip from Athens on an itinerary featuring three new ports of call for Viking—Volos, Thessaloniki, and Nafplio. In addition, the cruise will call once again on Ephesus, which marks Viking’s return back to Turkey!

“Our guests are curious explorers who want opportunities for learning while they travel in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Our destination-focused ocean itineraries are built on the same successful principles as our river itineraries – we offer our guests more time in port, enriching cultural experiences, the best-designed ships at sea with no children, no casinos and no nickel-and-diming. With this new itinerary in Greece and Turkey offered during the quiet winter season, we look forward to helping our guests explore such a culturally rich region of the world in ‘The Viking Way.’” [Read more →]

By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Windstar Cruises has recently revealed that they will be adding the Yacht Club Café to Wind Spirit and Wind Star ships over the next few months. This new area will serve as a relaxed and causal gathering space for meeting friends, engaging in conversation, playing games, or curling up with a good book. Guests will also be able to enjoy specialty coffee and snacks for a quick bite.

In addition, Windstar will be transforming the casino to make room for this new café space. This decision coincides with Windstar’s move to discontinue casino operations on all of their Star Class ships. The space that now houses the casino will serve as an extended space of the Compass Rose Lounge and become a wine tasting area.

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By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

If you are searching for a spring getaway next year, look no further! Royal Caribbean is releasing all new 3- to 4-night Caribbean itineraries to mark the new “reimagining” of Navigator of the Seas and all it has to offer on board! The $115 million dollar renovation will include new nightlife and dining venues, the first blow dry bar at sea, and two new water slides.

“Each Royal Caribbean ship brings a new adventure uniquely designed to deliver on our guests’ preferences from A to Z,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “After launching our Royal Amplified modernization program with Independence of the Seas and then redefining short getaways with Mariner of the Seas, we are challenging ourselves to take it to the next level. Every detail matters, and we’ve mapped out an unmatched combination of innovative features and experiences for this top-to-bottom transformation of Navigator of the Seas.”

Continue below for highlights of the reimagined Navigator of the Seas:

New Thrills and Chills!

Royal Caribbean will add to the fun and excitement of the expanded pool area with the longest water coaster at sea, The Blaster, and a head-first mat racer called Riptide. In-water lounges were also added so you can stay cool with your drink in hand from the all new Lime & Coconut Bar. You can also move up a deck to enjoy the breathtaking ocean views from a hot tub!

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By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Being the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar Cruises is selecting world class culinary experts recognized by the foundation to share their knowledge of cuisine on a new collection of cruises for 2019.

Each culinary expert is hand chosen for their knowledge of and love for the culture and cuisine of their given cruise destination, allowing them to bring their passion to the perfect itinerary.

Each cruise will feature the following:

• Hosted dinner with a James Beard Foundation chef and beverage expert, plus wine pairings
• Chef demonstrations of select recipes
• Chef-led shopping excursion at a local market
• Wine, beer and spirit tastings
• Shopping and tours with a sommelier/beverage expert (based on availability)

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By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

By March 2019, MSC Cruises will have eliminated the use of all single-use plastics on its ships under their new Plastics Reduction Program. This is not the first time MSC Cruises has made waves through sustainability efforts. Earlier this year, all plastic straws were replaced on the MSC fleet with environmentally-friendly, biodegradable alternatives. Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, Pierfrancesco Vago praises sustainability efforts as “…yet another step in our overall commitment to conserve and protect our planet’s most precious resource: the seas and the oceans.”

MSC’s newest efforts will phase out the following single-use plastics, given that there are eco-friendly options: plastic shopping bags, spoons, cups, and straws. Other items, for which single-use offers convenience for guests, such as portioned food items, will be effectively recycled.

Crew members aboard any of MSC’s fleet are dedicated to the reduction of marine pollution through strict adherence to MARPOL guidelines and CLIA sound environmental principles. Environmental Officers for MSC monitor and implement the vision of the company across the fleet to ensure effectiveness of programs.

For more information about MSC Cruises, please call The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 to speak with an expert cruise consultant.

The Cruise Web, Inc.
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By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Since 1958, Ralph Lauren has been a pioneer in the fashion industry. In 2018, the brand not only celebrated their 50^th anniversary in fashion, but their seventh year on water. Partnering with Ralph Lauren Home, Oceania Cruises plans to remaster the Owner’s Suites on their luxury yachts, Riviera (2019) and Marina (2020).

With the help of Trevor R. Howells Interior Design, Oceania aims to capture the essence of home through intricate design elements, such as baby grand pianos, quartzite counter tops, and mahogany trim. From paint colors to accent pieces, every detail in the suite was carefully selected to showcase Ralph Lauren’s love for travel and adventure.

As a luxury cruise line, ensuring amenities are up to par with the expectations of their guests can sometimes be a challenge for Oceania. Formally trained on-call butlers, Ralph Lauren Home interior and exterior furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows with a captivating ocean view turn each suite into a luxury hotel on water.

For more information on Oceania’s Riviera or Marina, and to learn more about their future itineraries, please call The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 to speak with one of our expert consultants.

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

By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Silversea Cruises, a leader in luxury cruising, has come up with a brand new set of itineraries for Cuba. This is the first time the cruise line will embark from the United States to this exciting and intriguing destination. In total, 17 new Cuba voyages will be available for Silversea guests to choose from that will immerse you in the culture and beauty of Cuba.

“Since opportunities have opened for Americans to enjoy travel to Cuba, we have eagerly awaited this moment,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s CEO. “Cuba is a remarkable island and we are delighted to offer our guests the opportunity to discover the most authentic sights, sounds and flavors of its culture, as they connect with its people on thoughtfully orchestrated voyages.”

Mark Conroy, Silversea’s managing director for the Americas, says: “We are thrilled to announce the addition of Cuba to our 2019 and 2020 voyage collections. Cuba is arguably the fastest growing destination in the Caribbean, and one that many luxury travellers are eager to explore, knowing that they can be uniquely enriched by a fresh perspective on the people, traditions and natural wonders of this island nation.”

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By The Cruise Web, Inc.

There is no other place on earth like the Galapagos, and nothing but cruising lets you experience this unique destination to its fullest. The ultimate bucket list adventure, a photographer’s paradise, a snorkeler’s theme park, a nature lover’s wonderland—the Galapagos Islands are many things to many people, but most are drawn in by the wildlife, scenery and exclusivity, and all return astounded.

The Galapagos Islands are a remote collection of volcanic islands and rocky islets located in the Pacific Ocean, almost 600 miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador. This Ecuadorian archipelago is perhaps best known for its role in Charles Darwin’s research on evolution and natural selection, and—thanks to much of the islands belonging to the protected Galapagos National Park—it still offers an opportunity to experience the stunning ecology that Darwin would have seen when he landed in 1835. Strictly regulated to protect the unique landscape and ecosystem, Galapagos National Park allows a very limited number of cruise ships and visitors—making this the type of vacation opportunity you grab when you have a chance!

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By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Cruising is an amazing way to see the world, especially when working your way down a river in the heart of Europe. No matter where you travel, much of what you see is in the pristine condition it is due to the efforts by companies such as Uniworld Boutique Cruises and their continued efforts to preserve the planet. Reflecting their dedication to positive social and environmental impact, Uniworld has introduced two new sustainability initiatives: WE Charity and One Tree Planted.

As a part of new sustainability initiatives, Uniworld has partnered with WE Charity.  WE Charity is dedicated to providing clean water all over the world. In partnership with Uniworld, WE is shedding light on other issues involving clean water, such as cooking with water and bathing. A main pillar WE stands on is empowering communities with fresh water so they can drink, eat, and live healthier lives.

Another new partnership is allowing Uniworld passengers to make a difference as well. Working with One Tree Planted, Uniworld has given their passengers the option to receive all pre-cruise information digitally. When passengers select this option, a tree is planted in honor of them and on behalf of Uniworld.

These two new sustainability initiatives join Uniworld’s current efforts, including:

• TreadRight Foundation, to provide carbon offset programs and help eliminate the use of single-use plastics across all operations
• ME to WE, to create immersive, transformational travel experiences in India

If you’re interested in seeing the world and saving the world, call The Cruise Web at 1-800-377-9383 to learn about our Uniworld river cruise options!

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