The World's Greatest Vacations

On a shipyard tour, the Norwegian Prima shows its artistic side

2022-03-15

VENICE, Italy — I stepped over creaky plywood boards and bundles of electrical cords as I made my way through the Norwegian Prima. The buzzing of construction equipment — there were 2,300 people working on the ship — was incessant. But the ship, the first in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima class, is far enough […]

Holland America Line makes special effort to highlight Alaska culture

2022-03-15

In recognition of its 75th anniversary of sailing in Alaska, Holland America Line is introducing a new line of programming to deepen guests’ understanding of cultural, culinary and shoreside experiences. The “Alaska Up Close” program will feature local experts leading workshops and lectures, multimedia talks revealing the stories of real Alaskans, tours highlighting the importance […]

Ukraine war having little impact on most Europe bookings, Travel Leaders Network says

2022-03-08

As of the end of last week, the war in Ukraine was largely just affecting bookings to Eastern Europe, not the rest of Europe, according to Roger Block, president of Travel Leaders Network. Speaking Monday on a webinar with VisitBritain’s Gavin Landry, Block said the network conducted an informal poll a few days prior. There […]

‘We stand for peace.’ Carnival Corp. will drop Russia from itineraries

2022-02-28

Carnival Corp. became the first cruise company to come out against Russia, declaring “We stand for peace.” The comment, made on Twitter Saturday, came with an announcement that Carnival Corp.’s brands will modify their itineraries this week “in light of recent attacks by Russia in Ukraine.” While other lines — including Norwegian Cruise Line, Atlas […]

Advice For Planning Your Next Cruise

2022-02-21

If you, like me, have decided to book your dream cruise vacation to sail in the wide-open sea, that’s terrific! Cruising comes packed with once-in-a-lifetime adventures and new experiences to enjoy with your friends and family. It’s natural to feel eager about your new vacation and excited to get out there to explore that big, […]

Major lines opt in to CDC’s voluntary Covid program for cruising

2022-02-21

One hundred and ten cruise ships from 18 cruise lines, including the three largest U.S. brands, officially enrolled in the CDC’s voluntary Covid-19 Program for Cruise Ships operating in U.S. waters, the agency reported late on Jan. 18. Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean Group both opted in, while Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings reconfirmed its Jan. 14 […]

‘Ultraluxe,’ the tip-top of luxury travel, expands as travelers seek exclusivity

2022-02-15

Private planes. Resort buyouts. Whole-ship charters. It’s the upper end in the world of luxury travel, something Virtuoso calls “ultraluxe,” and it’s been growing in popularity. “What really tipped us off was all the increase for private villas,” said Misty Ewing Belles, Virtuoso’s managing director of global public relations. “Villas were the first piece of […]

Returning cruisers continue to spend aboard ships like never before

2022-02-07

The revenue train has not slowed down onboard cruise ships. During Royal Caribbean Group’s fourth-quarter earnings call on Friday, executives said that revenue per passenger cruise day was up 10% from record 2019 levels, driven by strong onboard revenue. Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings both began reporting unexpectedly high onboard spending trends […]

Puerto Rico drops testing rule for vaccinated U.S. visitors

2022-02-02

Effective Feb. 2, Puerto Rico is eliminating the Covid-19 testing requirement for entry for vaccinated visitors traveling from the U.S. who are age 5 and older. Unvaccinated travelers still have to present a negative Covid test result (molecular or antigen are accepted) taken within 48 hours of travel. Unvaccinated visitors who do not present a […]

Carry-On Luggage Sizes: Size Restrictions by Airline

2022-01-31

Every airline has a strict set of rules to follow when it comes to carry-on luggage. These days, it’s rare for airlines to allow passengers to check bags for free – at least in economy class. So, the best way to avoid those fees is to stick to carry-on luggage. That said, you’ll usually need […]