Gotta Go Cruises

06/12/2024

Great news for Long Islanders- especially East Enders!

In October, JetBlue will launch three Florida routes from Islip, N.Y.

04/24/2024

It’s official. Know the new rules when you fly. The US government has issued its final rules for flight delays (defined as over three hours on domestic flights and at least six hours for international services) and cancellation compensation.

Airlines are required to provide cash refunds within days for canceled flights and ‘significant’ delays, the Transportation Department said. Customers will be able to opt for the cash refund even if reassigning to another flight or a travel credit is offered.

A similar rule also applies for refunds of checked-bag fees. This kicks in if a bag isn’t delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or from 15 to 30 hours for international flights.

The Biden Administration took action over spiraling complaints over Covid-era refunds and compensation that took many months to process, and often not at all.

04/24/2024

And she has Ted Lasso to thank!

British actress Hannah Waddingham officially christened Sun Princess, serving as godmother during a star-studded naming ceremony in Barcelona. The time-honored maritime tradition took place onboard Sun Princess in the all-new Princess Arena and Waddingham, alongside Sun Princess Captain Craig Street, joyously pronounced: "I name this ship Sun Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her."

Waddington then released the celebratory bottle of Champagne to smash against the ship wishing good fortune to all of the ship's guests and crew sailing to destinations all over the world. "Hannah is globally admired and adored for her immense talent and determination,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Those qualities coupled with her family's deep connection and love for the sea make her the perfect godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess. We are honored that she has joined us for this pinnacle moment, and that she will remain a treasured part of the ship's legacy forever."

Best known these days for playing Rebecca Welton in the hit series "Ted Lasso," Waddingham said being named Sun Princess godmother is a "pinch me" moment as she joins an esteemed group of women, including members of the Royal Family, who have also served as godmothers to Princess ships: Diana, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 1984); Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess 2013); Audrey Hepburn (Star Princess, 1989); Sophia Loren (Crown Princess, 1990); Martha Stewart (Crown Princess, 2006); among many notable celebrities and dignitaries.

Waddingham grew up boating and has fond memories of weekends in Dunkirk. In addition, her grandfather served in the Royal Navy during World War II. "As much as theatre has always rippled through my bloodstream so too has a strong, historic familial connection with the Royal Navy and all things nautical," she said. "I have of course seen over the years the iconic godmothers who have been asked to represent these magnificent ships and looked on in awe. It is therefore such a great privilege to have been asked to act as Godmother to the Sun Princess, first of her class. I can't quite believe it."

Prior to the Sun Princess naming ceremony, Padgett shared a few details on what's ahead for the world's most iconic cruise brand. Notable news included introducing the exclusive, next-level Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess, as the ship prepares to debut this select, all-inclusive oasis in October 2024. Guests reserving in the Sanctuary Collection will enjoy exclusive access to the ship's top-deck retreat area, along with many additional bespoke events and high-end amenities designed to enhance their voyage.

The next Sphere-Class ship, Star Princess, will sail her first full summer in 2026 in Alaska, making it the first of its class to ever sail to the Great Land. Star Princess is currently under construction and scheduled to debut in the Mediterranean in September 2025.

Princess also revealed its newest indulgence—the "Love Line Premium Liquors" collection, crafted in collaboration with celebrities Pitbull, Jason Aldean and Romero Britto. The new premium collection, featuring curated wines and spirits, is currently available aboard Sun Princess, and will roll out the entire Princess fleet throughout the summer.

Waddingham is beloved for her role as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+'s "Ted Lasso," for which she won a Primetime Emmy, Critics Choice Television Award and Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as two individual Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations. She will next be seen in the Universal film "The Fall Guy" opposite Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in theaters on May 3, 2024.

The new 177,882 gross-registered-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess officially started its inaugural cruise season on Feb. 28, 2024, and currently is sailing a series of Mediterranean voyages before debuting in Fort Lauderdale in October for the ship's first Caribbean season.

Sun Princess debuts new experience venues including The Dome, a groundbreaking geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. Guests are enveloped with expansive ocean views and an open concept, inspired to deliver the desired lifestyle of relaxed indoor and outdoor living.

Sun Princess also offers a not-to-be-missed culinary, entertainment and luxury accommodations, including 30 restaurants and bars with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences, including:

Spellbound by Magic Castle: Blending the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary and mixology to create an extraordinary, innovative and immersive dining experience, steeped in magic and adventure.

Makoto Ocean: Reshaping traditional sushi with a creative approach, the Master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa, brings his 25 years of experience with a new concept crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes paying tribute to Japanese traditions.

Love by Britto: A high-end boutique restaurant with the most romantic view from the ship celebrating love and art from world-renowned artist Romero Britto.

The Butcher's Block by Dario: A new specialty pop-up restaurant from the world's most famous butcher Dario Cecchini where guests enjoy perfectly prepared beef and steak, including Cecchini's signature cuts.

The Catch by Rudi: An exceptional dinner concept from renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin showcasing delectable treasures from the sea.

Good Spirits at Sea with Rob Floyd: Destination-inspired, one-of-a-kind cocktail creations from celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd.

Sun Princess also features a three-story main dining room, Horizons, with aft views and favorites like Crown Grill, Sabatini's and Crooners.

The Princess Arena is the most technologically advanced theater at sea, offering showstopping and original productions, including performances in the round. At night, The Dome entertains audiences with acrobatic Cirque Éloize performances while the Piazza offers a retractable stage and immersive Champagne Waterfall.

Sun Princess also features the cruise line's largest casino, a two-story Lotus Spa, and an expanded retail environment with more than 200 premium brands. The retail space also includes several firsts a sea, such as an upscale showroom dedicated to luxury horology showcasing TAG Heuer and Breitling, and more than 25 new brands, including Italian handbag brand P***o and athleisure favorites Beyond Yoga and Varley.

With more than 1,500 cabins with balcony views, Sun Princess' re-imagined staterooms include exceptional suites and new Cabana Mini-Suites with extra space for secluded outdoor relaxation.

Sound inviting? Give us a call and we’ll help you get onboard!

03/15/2024

So many sales right now! If you’re thinking about doing a Viking cruise again, this one is for you! Just give us a call or visit us on line at GottaGoCruises.com ❤️

03/05/2024

A tiny sample of the magical Key West Butterfly Conservatory. And a gentle nudge to pay a visit if your cruise stops in Key West!

03/05/2024

Everybody loves to travel! Howard especially loves the snacks.

03/05/2024

What’s so great about a cruise? A moment like this…

04/03/2023

With the first 3-year World Cruise just announced, it's fascinating to look back on the first that lasted 100 days.

A century ago, the world's first continuous world passenger cruise concluded its 130-day voyage. The SS Laconia counted among its passengers twentysomething American sisters, Eleanor and Claudia Phelps, who kept detailed scrapbooks of their experiences

03/24/2023

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced "Beetlejuice-The Musical” as the headline production aboard its newest ship, Norwegian Viva, debuting August 2023. Norwegian Viva is the twin of Norwegian Prima, which launched last year.

Marking the first time the Tony Award-nominated musical will be performed at sea, the 90-minute Broadway adaptation of Tim Burton’s iconic 1988 film narrates the story of the Deetz family as they attempt to remodel an uproariously haunted house. The musical’s paranormal antics will be heightened by NCL’s three-story multi-purpose Viva Theatre & Club and its immersive special effects and cutting-edge lighting and audio.

Oh boy! And here’s a preview…

Norwegian Viva, the newest Prima-class ship, is welcoming Beetlejuice: The Musical! The hit Broadway show about everyone’s favorite undead guy is coming on b...

10/20/2022

Whaaaat is this? A LEGO creation? A Birthday Cake at sea? A…. Um… Run out of guesses? It’s clearly the most colorful, multi-leveled, featured cruise ship to ever be built. Will YOU want to sail?

Bookings for the first Icon Class ship will open next week ahead of the vessel's debut in January 2024.

10/02/2022

Today, boys and girls, we’re going to learn all about buying and using airline tickets! Buckle up!!

So what's the best way to buy airline tickets? From phoning a travel agent to clicking an airline site, there are many ways to book.

07/17/2022

Advice from a flight attendant…

Travel is good for the soul. It revitalizes us, and allows us to re-center. Sometimes you need to feel sand under your toes, smell fresh pine trees or immerse yourself in the sounds of a new city just to remind yourself you are still alive. But the key this summer is to travel smart. Take as much of the stress out of travel as you can by planning ahead and being prepared. Here’s the best advice from a woman who has spent two decades working at 30,000 feet.

Go early If you are going on a cruise, leave the day before. Count it as part of your vacation. Stay in a hotel in a new city and explore. Have a nice dinner and a glass of wine and enjoy yourself. Wake up slowly, have some coffee and pancakes, and leisurely head to your boat. The extra money is worth the peace of mind. (Buying travel insurance is not a bad idea either.)

Always fly direct That way if you are delayed, you don’t need to worry about making your next flight. If you can’t avoid connecting, don’t book the shortest layover, because you’ll be building in stress and the possibility of missing your flight. A one-hour layover is not enough anymore. Thirty minutes, not a chance. In most cases, three hours is safe.

Fly as early in the day as possible The first flights of the day rarely cancel. Thunderstorms build as the day gets warmer, flight crews reach their duty limits later in the day and traffic builds at busy airports. Yes, that might mean a 3 a.m. alarm, but if your early flight does happen to cancel, there will be more options to rebook a different flight.

Download the app of the airline you are flying These apps have valuable information. They will keep you from having to wait in impossibly long lines or to try and get someone on the phone if things go wrong. You can track your bag, your incoming plane, and in some cases you will know a flight is canceled before the flight crew even knows. The app can also guide you in rebooking a new flight if needed.

Think twice about the cheapest fares. Flights are full. If you buy the cheapest seats you may not be able to sit with your family. It says so when you purchase your ticket. Flight attendants aren’t there to rearrange the whole plane just so you can sit together because you tried to save money on a third party website. Also, be aware that if a flight is oversold, and no one volunteers to give up their seat, the first to be bumped will be the family that saved a few dollars by using a bargain website.

Bring patience Be nice. Our goal at all airlines is to get you to your destination. Stay positive, at least you aren’t at work.

04/08/2022

Fans of Betty White! Sail the Queen Mary 2 this August along with an amazing collection of memorabilia including the original director's chair from "The Golden Girls", scripts from "The Golden Girls" pilot, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," and "Hot in Cleveland,” gowns, jewelry and more. The momentos will be on display during the ship's Aug. 4 transatlantic crossing, before going up for auction. Guests will have an opportunity to bid on select items before the three-day auction at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills and online from Sept. 23 through 25.

03/07/2022

As Yoda says, “Over, the long wait to board the Galactic Starcruiser.”
And sounds like it was worth the wait.

While it is technically a hotel, Disney describes Galactic Starcruiser as an "experience."

03/02/2022

Take a look at some of these photos from RCCL's new Wonder of the Seas. What do you think???

02/25/2022

In case you were looking for a reason to visit Hawaii... https://spamjamhawaii.com/

Welcome

02/12/2022

Be our guest for an evening cruising the Nile! No cost💰, no ✈️ … just sign up. 🛳🏞🇪🇬

Ever since we launched our Splendors of Egypt & the Nile river cruise, it's been one of our most beloved itineraries. And it's only gotten better with our recent launch of a second luxury ship ...

02/04/2022

Interesting mini-doc ‘The Happiest Guy in the World” follows a guy who has been cruising non-stop for 20 years. Beautiful views, but maybe he’d be happier if he was sharing the experience… https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2018/05/11/happiest-guy-world/