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

By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Traveling with children can be a stressful endeavor for any family but traveling with children on the autism spectrum adds an extra challenge. For many families, vacation is a time to let loose and have fun – but for many children with autism, the change in scenery and routine makes it difficult. April is World Autism Awareness Month, making this the perfect opportunity to highlight some of what Royal Caribbean does to help children with autism – and their families – have amazing vacations.

Royal Caribbean is the first Autism-Friendly Cruise Line and has developed a comprehensive program with products and services specifically for children and families living with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities.
Some of the autism-friendly products and services Royal Caribbean offers are:

• Priority check-in, boarding, and departure to help children avoid standing in long lines.
• Special dietary accommodations which includes gluten-free and dairy-free.
• Flexible grouping by ability for children 3 to 11 years old in the Adventure Ocean children’s program.
• An exception to the toilet-trained policy for the Adventure Ocean program.
• Pagers or phones for parents of children in the Adventure Ocean program.

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By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn will introduce a new dining experience when its newest ship, Seabourn Ovation, makes her debut in May 2018. Earth & Ocean at The Patio is an a la carte dinner venue designed to delight Seabourn guests with candlelight seating, sweeping views of the sea, and a sophisticated menu that celebrates the flavors from around the world.

Earth & Ocean at The Patio is designed to be a culinary experience like never before at sea. Seabourn worked closely with consulting chef Anton Egger to develop the concept, and the result is an innovative dining experience. Guests can look forward to an array of fresh, innovative dishes from around the world served underneath the twinkling stars.

“Earth & Ocean at The Patio continues the evolution of dining experiences across the Seabourn fleet, offering guests a culinary voyage to far-flung regions of the world served in a remarkably welcoming and relaxing open-air space,” said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. “The new concept, which has some really unique service elements, will be one of many highlights for guests to savor with the launch of Seabourn Ovation, and we look forward to expanding it to all of our ships in the year ahead.”

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By The Cruise Web, Inc.

The latest ship from Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Horizon, will offer her guests fantastic retail therapy when they sail. The traditional approach to onboard shopping has been revamped on Carnival Horizon – where she will feature a two-deck high, mall-style space featuring some of the world’s best known brands, including Victoria’s Secret, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, LeVian, and more.

“We’ve significantly upgraded our retail choices and spaces in recent years and with Carnival Horizon we’re raising the bar with our biggest and best shopping experience yet,” said William Butler, vice president of retail services at Carnival Cruise Line.

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By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Uniworld’s sister brand, U by Uniworld, is debuting its newest ship – The A! The A will be sailing the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers in Europe, while her sister ship, The B, currently sails the Seine River in France.

Although U by Uniworld recently removed their age restriction, it is the first river cruise line designed for the millennial generation. The A is sleek and sophisticated; a floating boutique hotel which travels seamlessly through Europe. She offers everything that the young – and young-at-heart – travelers want in a river cruise.

To experience the best view on the ship – head to the Rooftop; it’s perfect for hanging out with friends while listening to the guest DJ. It even has a glass room that rises from the floor to create a casual dining venue with an incredible view. Relax and unwind in the U Lounge and then head to Mugs to get an excellent cup of coffee, or grab a cocktail or local craft beer and wine at one of the two bars on board.

You can even keep up with your fitness routine while sailing on The A. The gym on board features treadmills, yoga mats, free weights, and more. You can also take your workout outside by grabbing a bike or arranging a hike in your gorgeous destination.

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By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Cunard Line will be partnering with the Greatest Generations Foundation to honor the service of World War II veterans during the July 20, 2018 transatlantic sailing on Queen Mary 2.

Guests on this 7-night voyage will have the opportunity to meet several WWII veterans and hear their first-hand stories about fighting in the war. The veterans will participate in discussions and Q&As about their experiences and give a personal look into the human elements of war.

“Last year our guests were spellbound by the veterans’ moving personal accounts of their wartime service, resulting in standing ovations every day,” said Josh Leibowitz, senior vice president, Cunard North America. “Cunard prides itself on offering one-of-a-kind, world class entertainment and enrichment programs, and we are honored to welcome back The Greatest Generations Foundation on the July 20th Transatlantic Crossing.”

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By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Carnival Paradise is returning to year-round service from Tampa Bay following a month-long dry dock that saw the addition of new features – including a fantastic waterpark, 38 new staterooms, 98 balconies added to existing accommodations, and plenty of new food and beverage concepts.

Some of the few features on Carnival Paradise include:

Guy’s Burger Joint – a complimentary poolside venue created from the partnership between Carnival Cruise Line and Food Network personality Guy Fieri. Guests will enjoy hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries in a venue inspired by Guy’s California roots and his love of car culture.

BlueIguana Cantina: Another complimentary poolside menu serving authentic, fresh-made burritos and tacos.

Camp Ocean: A marine-inspired play area designed for kids ages 2-11 that engages them in the wonders of the sea through more than 200 ocean-themed activities and science-orientated programming.

Circle C: Ideal for 12-to 14-year olds, this colorful space allows them to chill and connect with kids their own age, as well as, dance parties, video games, and more.

WaterWorks Aqua Park: This thrilling waterpark is for all guests and features an enclosed 300-foot-long Twister slide, two 82-foot-long racing slides, and a splash zone for kids.

New Staterooms and Enhancements: 38 brand new staterooms have been added; including two Grand Vista suites, 22 junior suites, 2 scenic oceanview rooms, and 12 interior rooms. In addition to the new staterooms, private verandahs have been added to 98 existing staterooms – creating new spacious 230-square-foot balcony staterooms. All staterooms have been redesigned with island-inspired décor.

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By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Last month, as the 2018 Winter Olympics captivated the world, we found ourselves intensely drawn to the striking landscapes and fascinating cultures of South Korea – not to mention the jaw-dropping athletic feats. While it’s tempting to just sit back and envy the globe-trotting exploits of the world’s best athletes, it’s much more rewarding to find inspiration in their actions, and to use this to embark on adventures of our own!

Inspired by the sights and sounds of PyeongChang, we decided to spotlight cruising to South Korea with special attention given to the ports of Busan, Seoul, Jeju and Yeosu. In addition to the remarkable mountainscapes and ski resorts you probably saw during TV coverage of the Olympics, South Korea is also home to vibrant cities dotted with ancient temples and stunning palaces. Just beyond the bustling district life, you’ll discover breathtaking beaches, soothing hot springs, giant craters and towering volcanoes. In writing, the cityscapes and natural beauty come across like opposite worlds, one out of place near the other. In reality, however, you’ll find that the blending of new and old, synthetic and natural, is essential in crafting the unique beauty and complex charm of South Korea.

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By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Cunard Line will be offering a very special look into the past for guests sailing on the November 4-11, 2018 transatlantic crossing. Guests aboard the luxury cruise line will be teaming up with Ancestry.com to discover their family history while sailing on the elegant Queen Mary 2.

Four genealogists will be onboard to assist guests in learning where their family came from and their history. In addition to discovering their family origins, guests will learn how to sort through census and military records, and even determine their ethnic mix through AncestryDNA.

The sailing has a special connection to Cunard’s role in the immigration movement of the late 1800s. One in five immigrants who came through Ellis Island arrived on a Cunard liner, and this sailing offers guests the unique opportunity to trace the footsteps of their ancestors.

“Cunard has a deep history with immigration to the US,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “Cunard’s partnership with Ancestry.com for the November transatlantic crossing will be an extraordinary experience for our guests to learn about their ancestors as they retrace their passage to the US, sailing into New York on a Cunard liner.”

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By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Royal Caribbean’s private island, CocoCay, is getting some exciting new features in fall 2018! Royal Caribbean will be investing $200 million to create “Perfect Day at CocoCay”, bringing brand new activities and thrills.

Some of the exciting new attractions include:

Thrill Waterpark: This 13-slide waterpark offers thrilling slides for adrenaline seeking cruisers and family-friendly attractions. One of the slides, the 135-foot-tall Daredevil’s Peak, will be the tallest waterslide in North America when it debuts. For those not seeking thrills, there will be plenty of slides for the entire family.

Up Up and Away: You’ll have the view of a lifetime on this tethered helium balloon when it takes you 400 feet above CocoCay.

Coco Beach Club: This exclusive beach club takes the perfect beach day to another level offering an oceanfront infinity pool, upgraded dining, and the only overwater cabanas in the Bahamas.

Splashaway Bay: This complimentary attraction will be perfect for the entire family! It includes five waterslides, two huge drench buckets, and more!

Captain Jacks: This new restaurant will be the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after all the excitement has worked up an appetite. Enjoy live music, delicious chicken wings and crispy steak fries, and then relax in a rope swing seat with a drink from the rowboat bar.

Oasis Lagoon: The Oasis Lagoon will feature the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, complete with a family-friendly sloping entry, swim-up bar, and plenty of coves and islands for lounging.

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By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Carnival Cruise Line recently announced accomplished musical artist and actress, Queen Latifah, will be the godmother of the line’s newest ship, Carnival Horizon.

Carnival’s President, Christine Duffy, said, “With her fun-loving spirit and positive, can-do attitude, Queen Latifah embodies our brand and knows how to ‘Choose Fun’ in everything she does.”

Queen Latifah will participate in Carnival Horizon’s official naming ceremony, and a Lip Sync Battle: Horizon showcase during the Carnival Horizon Gala in New York City on May 23, 2018.

The Gala will also recognize Carnival Cruise Line’s longtime partner, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, with a check presentation donating funds raised from various activities and events. In addition, the artwork created by more than 30 St. Jude patients will be unveiled. This artwork will appear on the Dreamscape – a beautiful three-deck-high LED sculpture in the ship’s atrium.

For more information about Carnival Horizon, and all other Carnival ships, call The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 to speak with one of our friendly cruise consultants.

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