CruiseExpertBob

03/05/2025

Passengers aboard a Princess Cruises Ship, the Crown Princess, experienced a tilt as their ship encountered unexpectedly strong winds off the coast of New Zealand. The incident, which occurred last week in the Fiordland region, left 16 people with minor injuries. The tilt also created scenes of chaos as pools emptied and objects went flying across decks and dining areas.

Passengers aboard the Crown Princess experienced a tilt as their ship encountered unexpectedly strong winds off the coast of New Zealand.

03/05/2025

On March 7, the port council for Nice, France will vote on a revised plan for the French Riviera port city’s cruise ship restrictions. Although the new plan will still keep large ships out of the port of Nice, it will allow ships carrying up to 2,500 passengers to visit the nearby port of Villefranche-sur-Mer, according to French media reports. Only one cruise ship per day will be allowed to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer with a maximum of 65 cruise stopovers permitted per year. The port of Nice will enforce tighter limits, only welcoming small ships carrying less than 450 passengers.

A popular summer cruise port is loosening its planned cruise ship restrictions, but not enough to help Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises passengers.

03/05/2025

Santorini residents are beginning to return to the Greek island after a weeks-long earthquake swarm, but the Greek Maritime Ministry’s temporary ban on cruise ship calls remains active. Over the last month, thousands of earthquakes have been shaking Santorini and the Cyclades. Greece declared a state of emergency for the area, and thousands of residents evacuated the island. Since Jan. 26, there have been more than 20,000 tremors, which have caused minor damage.

The earthquake swarm that has been rocking Santorini for a month is starting to decline.

03/05/2025

Disney Cruise Line is now putting the finishing touches on its biggest ship yet, and the company has just released new details on what awaits guests on its maiden voyage later this year. With a gross tonnage of 208,000 and capacity for around 6,000 passengers, the 1,122-foot-long Disney Adventure will feature seven themed “lands” and a few Disney firsts. But US-based travelers hoping to experience the new vessel will have to take a long flight first. Round-trip journeys will embark from Singapore, making the Disney Adventure the cruise line’s first ship to homeport in Asia.

The Disney Adventure will be the brand’s biggest ship when it sets sail in December. But US-based travelers are going to have to take a long flight first to experience it.

03/05/2025

Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offers perks even newly enrolled members can benefit from. For each sailing, all membership tiers receive two 50 percent off vouchers for wine, beer, and soda and two extra 50 percent off vouchers for Johnny Rockets milkshakes on eligible ships. Members also enjoy discounts on drinks, onboard spa services, and rates for future sailings.

The Crown & Anchor Society offers perks that give serious cruisers more bang for their buck.

03/05/2025

Ponant is offering three exclusive itineraries to observe the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. Departing from Iceland and Spain, the sailings are designed for optimal viewing at sea, with onboard specialists guiding guests through the event. As the ship sets sail into the open sea, the captains will position the at the ideal vantage point, away from land and cloud cover. Guests, equipped with observation glasses, will have the opportunity to listen to eclipse specialists as they explain the phenomenon. When totality occurs, the Moon will completely obscure the Sun, leaving only the solar corona visible. The itineraries, off the coasts of Iceland and the Balearic Islands, are designed to offer the best possible observation conditions.

Ponant is offering three exclusive itineraries to observe the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. Departing from Iceland and Spain, the sailings are designed for optimal viewing at sea, with onboard specialists guiding guests through the event. As the ship sets sail into the open sea, the captai...

03/05/2025

“It’s very important that if you are traveling for spring break and you are between 18 and 21 that you call the cruise line or your travel advisor because you will either need to have an accompanied adult with you or you’re going to need to reschedule or cancel”

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have new policies.

02/28/2025

Explora Journeys is a new lifestyle travel brand with two luxury ships sailing global itineraries and offering travelers an Ocean State of Mind. Explora Journeys promises guests their own private yacht, with effortless European elegance awaiting them aboard.

Explora Journeys is a new lifestyle travel brand with two luxury ships sailing global itineraries and offering travelers an Ocean State of Mind. Explora Journeys promises guests their own private yacht, with effortless European elegance awaiting them aboard. Explora Ships Explora Journeys' ships are...

02/28/2025

Oceania Cruises has announced the expansion of its signature Culinary Discovery Tours for 2025, introducing 12 new gourmet excursions to locations across Europe, Asia and North America. The additions bring the total number of these chef-led, immersive culinary experiences to 46. The new tours are available across Oceania Cruises’ fleet, which includes the Marina, Riviera, Vista and the upcoming Allura, set to debut in July 2025. These Culinary Discovery Tours provide an opportunity for guests to explore local markets, acclaimed restaurants and cooking schools, offering an insider’s view of the food culture and traditions of each destination.

How Oceania Cruises elevates foodie adventures in 2025 The 12 new Culinary Discovery Tours allow guests to make knives, explore markets, visit local bakeries, and savour regional cuisines. 50990 0 true 45704 Oceania Cruises has announced the expansion of its signature C

02/27/2025

02/26/2025

A cruise line is set to launch a "women-only" river cruise in August 2025, a departure from its usual offerings. The sailing by Uniworld is being advertised as "designed for women, by women". According to news reports, the eight-day journey through the Burgundy and Provence regions of France on the S.S. Catherine will sail the waters of themed travel, catering specifically to a female demographic.

A cruise line is set to launch a "women-only" river cruise in August 2025, a departure from its usual offerings. The sailing by Uniworld is being advertise

02/26/2025

Captain Kate McCue announced on her Instagram that she is leaving her post at Celebrity Cruises. “I’ve spent the last 22 years on 11 ships in the Royal Caribbean Group, from 2nd Officer to Captain,” said the American captain. “I have seen some of the most beautiful places, met inspiring and wonderful people, and had opportunities to live my 12 year-old dream out loud! She said that she recently had some big life changes, and her decision to leave Celebrity was part of that, according to the Instagram post. “Are my sailing days over? Absolutely not! I’ve got too much salt in my veins to leave the sea behind. So consider this…the start of the Captain’s Log: New Seasons!”

Captain Kate McCue announced on her Instagram that she is leaving her post at Celebrity Cruises. “I've spent the last 22 years on 11 ships in the Royal Caribbean Group, from 2nd Officer to Captain,” said the American captain. “I have seen some of the most beautiful places, met inspiring…

02/26/2025

Although I had sailed with Celebrity Cruises before, I had never considered splurging on the cruise line’s more all-inclusive fare, known as the All Included package pricing. Instead, I preferred to book only the cruise fare to save money. As a budget cruiser, spending thousands of extra dollars for drinks and internet access didn’t seem worthwhile. All Included is a pricing package offered by Celebrity Cruises that bundles cruise fares with the Classic Beverage Package and Basic Wi-Fi Package. Celebrity states these are the most popular amenities for cruise guests, and the All Included pricing allows cruisers to save money by bundling the two together.

Last fall, I cruised with my family on Celebrity Solstice for a port-intensive repositioning cruise from Sydney to Singapore. The 15-night cruise...

02/26/2025

Dressed for the coldest conditions, I step out of the zodiac and place my feet on the White Continent for the first time. I feel a little awkward, because I’m still finding my way in this Antarctic armor. I’m wearing four layers on top, including three jackets, all of their hoods over my head. Thick winter gloves cover my fingers. In my pocket is, of all things, a bag of ashes, which adds to the bulk. I can feel the bump it makes on the right side of my jacket as I bend over and secure my snowshoes. I brought the bag because, like many travelers, I thought spreading Dad’s ashes somewhere special would be a nice tribute. This June will be 10 years since he died, and it would have been special to share this trip to Antarctica with him. Maybe a ceremonial offering, such as the spreading of his ashes, could suffice.

Will McGough thought he’d scatter his father’s ashes in Antarctica for a special tribute. But once there, he learned that wouldn’t work as planned in this special, delicate environment.

02/26/2025

When it comes to retirement, many boomers will downsize and invest in over-55 or retirement communities where they can simplify their lifestyles. Others go much more adventurous. Count Debra Kilgore, 63, among the adventurous. She bought a $1.9 million home on a cruise ship that will perpetually sail the world, with residents voting on where to go next, and she will live on it alone.

Kilgore, who lives in Parker, AZ, on the Colorado River, has been fascinated by the idea of living on a cruise ship ever since a friend of hers bought a unit on the first residential cruise liner, …

02/26/2025

Cruise industry experts have reported that Carnival Cruise Line has implemented a new policy restricting passengers under the age of 21 from sailing alone, a change that took effect on February 1, 2024. The decision, which aligns more closely with existing Royal Caribbean regulations, is expected to have a significant impact on younger travelers, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 20 who previously had more flexibility when booking their trips. The updated rule mandates that all guests under 21 must travel with a guardian or relative who is at least 25 years old, although the guardian does not necessarily have to be a legal guardian. This shift marks a departure from the previous policy, which allowed 18-year-olds to book cabins independently.

Carnival and Royal Caribbean have enforced stricter age policies, requiring passengers under 21 to sail with a guardian. This could impact young travelers and cruise tourism.

02/24/2025

For a limited time, Avalon Waterways is offering a free two-night Paris extension on select 2025 Bordeaux river cruises. That means travellers can enjoy an extra taste of French culture and romance at no additional cost—because, let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as too much France!

If you have clients dreaming of a luxury cruise through France’s famed wine regions, now is the time to book! Starting from $4,242* per person, Avalon Waterways' exclusive offer is available for new bookings made by 18 April 2025.

02/24/2025

Almost three years after Crystal was acquired by A&K Travel Group, a company with deep roots in luxury tours, Crystal's passengers will be offered branded Abercrombie & Kent experiences. Starting this month, passengers on select 2025 sailings will have access to pre- and post-cruise tours and mid-cruise overland tours from A&K. More options are planned for 2026 and 2027.

Starting this month, passengers on select 2025 Crystal sailings will have access to pre- and post-cruise tours and mid-cruise overland tours from sister brand Abercrombie & Kent.