Holland America Line entices chocolate lovers with Lindt partnership
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Jun 22, 2024
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Guests will find Lindt Lindor truffles in their stateroom after returning from their once-a-cruise Gala Night activities. Photo Credit: Holland America Line
News & Views of the Week
SUMMER 2024:
aRE YOU READY????????
Then lets' get to gettin'/
And when we say GETTIN' we always mean to GETAWAY FROM YOUR EVERYDAY.
It's a great and fun filled time to getaway to just about anywhere.
Keeping in mind that some areas of our world might not be as receptive to us there is still plenty to see and do.
And of course you can see it by land, or by sea.
We are still here for you all week long and all day long so let's share some NEWS AND VIEWS so you can see just what we are atalking about.
Holland America Line is partnering with Lindt to offer sweets to guests at various points during their cruise.
Under the partnership, guests will find Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles or sea salt milk chocolate truffles in their stateroom after returning from their once-a-cruise Gala Night activities.
Guests will also see Lindt chocolate desserts on their dinner menu, such as a tulip-shaped chocolate mousse cake in homage to the iconic Dutch flower, referring to Holland America Line's founding in the Netherlands. The tulip-shaped cake is currently served on the Rotterdam on its Dutch Day dinner menu in the dining room and will be available fleetwide beginning in August.
Other desserts are available earlier this summer. Beginning in July, guests can order a Lindt sundae -- vanilla ice cream served with a Lindt chocolate sauce. Another option is Lindt chocolate tulips. Both will be available one night per cruise in the dining room on the Dutch Day dinner menu.
Holland America will also serve a Lindt flourless chocolate cake made in partnership with Lindt’s master chocolatier, Ann Czaja. The cake will be on the dining room menu for cruises longer than seven days. It will also be featured during the line's "Cake Me Away" program in the Lido market, a new onboard dessert program with more than 22 five-layer cakes in 16 flavors on display. The program occurs once on a seven-day cruise and may occur multiple times on longer sailings.
The partnership comes as HAL invests in its culinary offerings. The line launched a fresh-fish initiative last fall and in 2022 earned a certificate verifying it serves 100% of its fish on Alaska sailings from responsibly managed and sustainably-sourced Alaskan fisheries.
Slowing the roll at Destin's Henderson Beach Resort
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Jun 15, 2024
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The adults pool at the Henderson Beach Resort in Destin, Fla. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst
On my second day as a guest at the Henderson Beach Resort, I was scheduled to go to a morning yoga class. But I wasn't feeling it. Somewhat guiltily, I slipped into a pair of sandals and crossed an empty road to the nearby beach.
The sun was climbing, and the emerald waters were glistening. A family strolled by, the children scaring the birds. A fisherman was tending a trio of rods held by tubes in the sand. A line of blue-and-white umbrellas shaded a regiment of mostly empty beach chairs. I felt relaxed and carefree, ready for the new day.
That, in a nutshell, describes the vibe at the Henderson Beach Resort. With five buildings, three large pools and 170 rooms perched on the Florida Panhandle, the Henderson is big enough to offer morning yoga and a host of other activities, amenities and premium features. But its biggest asset may be the sense of tranquility and easy Southern living it confers on guests.
Whether you're floating down the lazy river, recharging with a massage at the spa or watching the sunset from the Rooftop bar, you're never far from a rejuvenating experience at this resort.
Get Ready for Mardi Gras 2025 With This Helpful Guide
Credit: 2024 New Orleans & Company
Like most people, I had preconceived ideas about Mardi Gras. But it wasn’t until my first time attending that I truly began to understand what makes this annual pre-Lenten celebration so special — and so multifaceted. I also soon realized that it’s possible to plan a Mardi Gras experience for just about any traveler.
“There are so many different aspects to the celebration, [and] it just depends on what you’re looking for,” said Arthur Hardy, founder of the Mardi Gras Guide, one of the go-to sources for anyone interested in the carnival season in New Orleans. “It’s one of the most diverse and inclusive celebrations on the planet, so there’s pretty much something for everyone.”
I also learned some insider tips for making the most of this massively popular carnival season. One of the most important lessons: plan ahead. It’s never too early to start reserving flights, hotels and activities.
It’s one of the most diverse and inclusive celebrations on the planet, so there’s pretty much something for everyone.
When Is the Next Mardi Gras?
The next Mardi Gras is scheduled for March 4, 2025, and many events take place in the weeks leading up to that date, starting in January. New Orleans & Company, the city’s tourism office, is one of the best resources for the latest news.
Mardi Gras, indeed, is big business. According to a recent study commissioned by New Orleans & Company with the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Advisory Council (MMGAC) and Toni Weiss, a professor at Tulane University, Mardi Gras’ impact on the New Orleans economy is nearly $900 million, which is more than a 300% surge since 2009.
There are many ways to plan a personalized Mardi Gras experience. Here are some basics.
Credit: 2024 DepartureLevel.com
Understanding the Mardi Gras Krewes
Mardi Gras season is jam packed with activities, thanks largely to the efforts of the “krewes,” which are social organizations that host parades, balls and other events. Among the most renowned are the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, the Mardi Gras Indians, the Krewe of Bacchus, Krewe of Rex and Krewe of Endymion, but there are lots of others, and each has its own distinct style and focus.
Travelers who are especially eager to join in the fun — and perhaps avoid the largest crowds — might want to consider booking a trip to New Orleans in January or February, when multiple parades and parties kick off the season, each organized by a different krewe — including the Funky Uptown Krewe, Phunny Phorty Phellows and Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc.
Sci-fi lovers, meanwhile, might want to time a visit to coincide with the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus parade, which brings all things outer space to the streets on Feb.1, 2025. Krewe du Vieux parade, which usually takes place in January, is widely considered the bawdiest and takes place on Feb. 15, 2025.
Credit: 2024 DepartureLevel.com
How to Join a Krewe for Mardi Gras
It’s one thing to observe a Mardi Gras parade. It’s another thing entirely to be a part of it. My husband and I were lucky enough to ride on a float during the Krewe of Orpheus parade, which this year featured some 42 floats and about 1,500 riders, according to the organization.
Joining a krewe and riding in its parade takes some planning, but it’s well worth the effort for those who crave an immersive Mardi Gras experience. Several krewes offer the option of paying a fee to join the krewe and ride aboard one its colorful floats; the cost varies (and advisors should take note that some krewes are restricted to a specific gender). In addition, riders generally must also pay for their own “throws” — the beads and other items that are thrown to people on the street.
Our experience riding with the Krewe of Orpheus was spectacular. We checked in at the staging area, inside the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, where we donned our costumes, enjoyed lunch and met our fellow riders. We spent several action-packed hours after that onboard a beautiful float (which, by the way, was equipped with bathrooms, as are many of the larger floats).
Gliding down avenues that are packed with revelers yelling “throw me something!” was unforgettable, and we learned some tricks of the trade, including pacing the rate at which we threw out beads and other things at the beginning (to avoid running low toward the end of the parade).
The parade ended back at the convention center, where a massive Krewe of Orpheus party featured live entertainment by Harry Connick Jr. (one of the krewe’s co-founders), Taylor Dayne and other performers. Every year the krewe names a different monarch (this year, it was Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka; 2025 monarchs have yet to be named).
Where to Watch and Celebrate Mardi Gras
Most people don’t ride on a Mardi Gras float, of course, and there are many places and dates for viewing the parades, thanks to the wide variety of parades that take place during the season. For a more relaxed, daytime viewing experience that’s good for families, consider the Krewe of Iris, which stages its parade along St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District during the day (the next date is March 1, 2025).
A number of grand Mardi Gras balls offer clients yet another way to join for joining the excitement. In addition to the Krewe of Orpheus’s celebration that we attended, other large parties are hosted by the Krewe of Endymion (on the Saturday night before Mardi Gras) and the Krewe of Bacchus (on Sunday night). Visitors can purchase tickets to events and should expect large-scale festivities worthy of the Mardi Gras tradition.
In New Orleans during Mardi Gras season, travelers can find parties for just about everyone. My husband and I, for example, enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Krewe of Armeinius ball, which is organized by one of the city’s LGBTQ+ krewes. With its drag queens and other performers, it was a decidedly photo-worthy event.
Where to Stay for Mardi Gras 2025
It’s no surprise that hotels fill up quickly during Mardi Gras season, so reserving early is key, and staying close to the parades and events — but far enough away that noise levels are low — is also a good idea. We spent our first two nights at the Virgin Hotels New Orleans, a hip-and happening property with an excellent restaurant, bar and rooftop pool/bar area. On the day we arrived, vendors in the lobby were selling Mardi Gras paraphernalia, and the hotel also featured a Mardi Gras cocktail menu and special events including a “headpiece class.”
For the final two nights, we stayed at the Ace Hotel New Orleans, a boutique property nearby that is also well placed for walking to Mardi Gras events; the hotel is slated to drop its Ace Hotel brand affiliation this summer, but a new name and brand had not been announced as of press time.
Wherever you stay in New Orleans during carnival season, it’s hard not to be enveloped in the celebratory vibe. After nearly a week’s worth of memorable experiences, I learned a lot about the fascinating traditions — including the fact that it’s impossible to see and do everything Mardi Gras related in just one visit. Perhaps that’s one reason why so many people go back, again and again. I know I’ll be doing the same.
Southern Ocean Lodge Is Open Again on Australia’s Kangaroo Island
Credit: 2024 Baillie Lodges
Helmed by James and Hayley Baillie, the Baillie Lodges portfolio consists of seven luxury properties in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Each one is a setting for “premium experiential travel,” according to the company, from Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Canada’s Vancouver Island to Huka Lodge on New Zealand’s North Island.
And the latest news is that Southern Ocean Lodge is once again welcoming guests to its spectacular clifftop location on Kangaroo Island, following the devastating bushfires on the island in 2020.
We spoke with Craig Bradbery, chief operating officer of Baillie Lodges, to hear more about Southern Ocean Lodge’s rebuild, and why it’s an incredible fit for clients seeking a luxurious adventure.
Credit: 2024 Baillie Lodges
How do you describe Kangaroo Island to travelers unfamiliar with it?
One of the ways we describe it is “Australia's zoo without fences.” It is where you can have all the iconic Australian wildlife experiences, seeing kangaroos, koalas, platypuses, seals and sea lions. It has all of that and more.
Southern Ocean Lodge is on the south coast of the island, and the next landfall is Antarctica; you really are on the edge of the world.
I think the vastness of the island surprises people. It’s almost the same size as Bali in Indonesia, as an example. But Bali has 4 million people, and Kangaroo Island has 4,000 people. It’s a place to experience space and sky and landscape and wildlife. And then there’s the wild and incredible Southern Ocean lapping on the beaches. Southern Ocean Lodge is on the south coast of the island, and the next landfall is Antarctica; you really are on the edge of the world.
Once clients arrive at the property, what can they expect?
We are an all-inclusive property, so from the moment you land on Kangaroo Island at the airport, everything is included and everything is taken care of. Our team meets you at the airport; it's about a 50-minute drive to the lodge, where all your dining and beverages are included. We have a 24-hour open bar, too, if that's your thing.
We also have a series of four signature experiences included, so guests get to do all of those on a stay. If they want to do more, there are bespoke experiences that they can add on.
Credit: 2024 Baillie Lodges
What are the signature experiences like?
The signature experiences make sure you get to see the highlights of the island. You get to see the wildlife, the landscape and the ocean, and then you come back to the lodge after each experience and have really incredible local food and local wines — Australia has premium wines, and that's something people often don't know. The island even has its own vineyards. It's all part of getting that sense of place.
One signature experience is called The Wonders of Kangaroo Island. It's a four-hour excursion and we go into the Flinders Chase National Park and stop at a number of points, including remarkable rocks on the edge of the land overlooking the ocean, and a place called Admirals Arch, which is another incredible formation on the coast and home to a colony of seals. We stop at the Cape Kudu Yelick Lighthouse for a touch of history — the island is well-known for shipwrecks, and each of the lodge’s guest suites is named after a different shipwreck on the island.
RELATED: How to Best Tour Kangaroo Island in South Australia
Other experiences include a coastal cliff top walk; a sundowner event with wine and canapes in a reserve where kangaroos hop around; and a “gourmet trail” experience, which takes guests to wineries and some of our food producers.
And the lodge itself is a sight unto itself. Since it was rebuilt after the 2020 fires, what should clients know about the property today?
The lodge itself is spectacular, from the architecture to the views. You are in a structure right on the edge of the world, watching this wild ocean. The fire is going, and you've got beautiful red wine and great food. We try to make sure guests can totally disconnect.
The lodge reopened last December, and probably 90% of guests those first weeks were return guests who were eager to get back and have a look at it. When the fires came through, the lodge was 12 years old, but it was timeless in its original design, so we had a great template to start with. We certainly knew that there were things we could do better, so the new lodge is a wonderful combination of that.
When you walk in, the big, rusty doors swing open and the Great Room reveals itself and the view far beyond that — that is a jaw-dropping moment that every guest remembers. And you would not know it's a different room now. It's been recreated. James and Hayley Baillie spent a lot of time tracking down the original furniture makers and artists. And the restaurant is exactly as it was, which is really wonderful.
Credit: 2024 Baillie Lodges
Did guest accommodations change much in the rebuild?
The guest suites are where there are changes. There are 21 suites that feed off the main lodge, and we took the opportunity to alter the way they are laid out. One of the main things was to open up the views (and they were already really spectacular).
Now when you're in bed, you can look out and see the ocean or you can see the stars at night.
The beds were towards the back of the suites before, so they've been re-angled. Now when you're in bed, you can look out and see the ocean or you can see the stars at night. We have also added features; for example, we put bathtubs in all the suites, because our sustainability initiatives have allowed us better water storage. The lounge areas are also different. So, when you walk into the suites, they are a blend of the new and the old.
Were any other significant alterations made?
The spa has been changed. It used to have the best position on the property, perched on a clifftop with spectacular views. But when you're in a spa, you are normally face down, so you're not looking at the views. So on that site, we created the four-bedroom Baillie Pavilion instead. It can be divided into two, two-bedroom suites. And it’s about 620 square meters — or six or eight New York City apartments, I like to say. As for the spa, it’s been moved to face the wilderness. We’ve also expanded that facility at the gym, made a new pool deck with hot and cold plunge pools and a sauna.
Credit: 2024 Baillie Lodges
How does Southern Ocean Lodge usually figure into a client’s larger Australia itinerary?
Australia is a long way from the U.S., but I think one of the things that a lot of our U.S. clients don't realize is that once they arrive, it's really easy to travel around Australia. We are a big country, but we don't have as many destinations or cities as the U.S. does, so there's a lot more direct flights between locations.
We want guests to leave with something, whether it's a better understanding of the local culture, more knowledge about the flora and fauna or some wine or food they've never tried before.
The key places that many of our guests want to visit are really accessible. They generally land in Sydney or Melbourne in the morning; they can spend two or three nights in the city, or they can get straight on a connecting flight and be on Kangaroo Island that same day.
Most guests to Australia will visit Sydney, which is certainly the No. 1 destination, with Melbourne very close behind it. But for remote destinations in Australia, Kangaroo Island is highly sought after for the wildlife experience, and the Red Center or Uluru is probably the second or equal in demand, but for its desert landscape (and we've got a property out there, too, Longitude 131).
Then the third or equally sought-after destination is the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest (where we have another property, Silky Oaks Lodge. Combining some of these makes a great itinerary.
Our properties offer soft adventure — you might be in a little discomfort, whether it's out on the reef or in the Red Centre and it’s hot and you're a little bit sweaty — but just at the right time there's someone there with a drink or a snack, or you come back to this beautiful lodge for some pool time or a spa treatment. And at the same time, we’re giving guests that authentic sense of the place. We want them to leave with something, whether it's a better understanding of the local culture, more knowledge about the flora and fauna or some wine or food they've never tried before. That’s very important to us.
How does Baillie Lodges work with travel advisors?
The U.S. and European markets are vital to our job. So many people dream of coming to Australia, but it's then really important that travel advisors are able to convert that dream. The distance to get here, the size of the country, and a client’s lack of understanding of the destination lead them to their travel advisors.
We work really closely with the trade in the U.S. Our in-market representative is active on the road, and in Los Angeles and Texas and Florida every other month. The majority of our business from the U.S. comes through travel advisors.
Delta Air Lines to Launch New Service to Caribbean
Image: Delta Air Lines plane (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:50 AM ET, Fri June 21, 2024
Delta Air Lines will fly its largest selection of flights from Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) to the Caribbean and in Latin America this winter, with new routes to Aruba and St. Maarten, as well as expanded service to popular destinations including Grand Cayman and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
This winter, Delta will begin offering new flights from MSP to Oranjestad, Aruba (AUA) on Fridays and Saturdays. The new flights from MSP to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten will be on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Flights will be operated on the Boeing 757-200 offering First Class, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin options.
Additionally, Delta is adding one weekly flight to Grand Cayman and two more weekly flights to San Juan from MSP. It also recently announced its first-ever flights to Mazatlán, Mexico, which will also begin this winter.
“The continued surge in international travel has been a key trend for MSP in recent years, and we are excited to see Delta add this new service,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP Airport. “With the addition of these new flights, Upper Midwest travelers now have their largest-ever range of options to Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s a great time to start planning that winter escape.”
Delta has seen a remarkable interest in international flights this summer. In its second-quarter predictions, it expects to see record profits, due in large part to the popularity of international travel. The airline will fly its largest transatlantic schedule this year.
It also recently announced its largest winter ski schedule yet, flying to popular destinations including Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Bozeman and Vail from its hubs.
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Image: (Courtesy of Virgin Voyages)
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Carnival Cruise Line is Hosting Brazilian Carnival-Themed Voyage
Image: Carnival Conquest departs PortMiami. (Photo by Theresa Norton)
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:55 PM ET, Thu June 20, 2024
Ready to experience a little Brazilian culture while sailing the open ocean?
Carnival Cruise Line will be hosting a Brazilian carnival-themed cruise next year, complete with samba music, dancing and other activities.
The three-night CarnaBrazil Cruise, which is being offered on board Carnival Conquest, is scheduled to depart from PortMiami on February 7, 2025. It will sail to Nassau, Bahamas, before returning to Miami.
The voyage is a partnership between Rose Tours, which organizes music-themed cruises, and Brazilian Nites, a production company specializing in events that celebrate Brazilian culture.
Guests who book the sailing can expect a full schedule of lively, carnival-inspired offerings.
Musical guests include Zeca Pagodinho, Roberta Sá, Diogo Nogueira, Pretinho da Serrinha and Monobloco. Travelers can also participate in percussion workshops, pool parties, samba classes, DJ sets and more.
Princess Cruises Unveils Accelerator Program for Loyalty Club Members
Image: Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess. (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:10 PM ET, Thu June 20, 2024
Princess Cruises is rolling out a new accelerator for its Captain's Circle loyalty program.
Members of Captain’s Circle can now earn double cruise credits when they buy Princess Plus and Princess Premier inclusive packages on voyages embarking between August 1 and December 1.
Those packages include add-ons like WiFi, fitness classes, crew gratuities and drinks.
"Princess Premier and Princess Plus are the best way to experience Princess and offer the best value in the vacation business," says John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "The Loyalty Accelerator Program gives our most valued guests even more reasons to sail with our industry-leading bundles."
The program should help guests reach new tiers within the loyalty program, starting with gold, moving up to ruby and platinum, and topping out at elite," Padgett continued. "Guests can enjoy special perks in each tier, including early booking offers, discounted internet packages and spa treatments, priority boarding and a stateroom mini-bar."
Carnival Details Its New Private Destination: Celebration Key
Credit: 2024 Carnival Cruise Line
This article was originally published on Feb. 17, 2024. It was last updated on May 21, 2024.
When Carnival Cruise Line’s upcoming new private destination — Celebration Key — opens in July 2025, it will feature five enticing “portals” for cruisers to enjoy. The port will be located on Grand Bahama and include the biggest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, according to the line, not to mention its own white-sand beach, family-friendly zones, adults-only club, dining venues and other bars.
“No one does fun like Carnival, and we are designing Celebration Key, and its five portals, with endless ways for our guests to unlock their own kind of fun in this incredible paradise that also celebrates the beauty of Grand Bahama,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Celebration Key is uniquely positioned to bring an island experience to our diverse range of guests, in a way that lets them choose their slice of ‘paradise.’"
The private destination will be featured on more than 500 itineraries from nine U.S. homeports onboard 18 Carnival vessels. Here’s what we know about each of the five portals.
Celebration Key is uniquely positioned to bring an island experience to our diverse range of guests, in a way that lets them choose their slice of ‘paradise.’
Paradise Plaza
As its name implies, the Welcome Portal will be the entry point to Celebration Key, with a towering sandcastle structure beckoning guests as live music plays and information is gathered to maximize time at the destination.
Credit: 2024 Carnival Cruise Line
Family-Friendly Portal
Ideal for families will be a pair of racing waterslides descending from a central sandcastle, as well as a splash pad, a shallow pool and a large fresh-water lagoon for swimming.
Plus, there will be sports courts, areas for kids and teens to have fun and, naturally, a beach complete with loungers and cabanas. For rent will be beach cabanas, villas with their own private slides into the lagoon and even floating cabanas. This area will also be serviced by several drink and dining options.
This portal will also include the freshwater Starfish Lagoon, complete with activities including the pink Flash Flamingo and blue Mach III Marlin, 350-plus-foot waterslides that will race down from the 10-story tall Suncastle.
Just for toddlers will be Guppy Grotto and its coral reef-themed splash pad and shallow wading pool near an ice cream shop. The Game Pavilion will further encompass foosball, ping pong and corn hole, and the Sports Court will feature volleyball, basketball and pickleball. Plus, there will be a dozen "AquaBanas," floating private cabanas for family rental and use (up to eight people) serviced by their own bar. (The Swim Up Bar will supply drinks to adults only). Further punctuating the lagoon will be hammocks, sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as the ability to build sandcastles along a beach.
Calypso Lagoon
Just for adults will be an Adult-Friendly Portal in the form of a club off the lagoon and beach. A dedicated swim-up bar will mix up cocktails while a DJ spins tunes, and the full array of cabana rentals will also be available. Additionally, a full-service restaurant featuring Bahamian cuisine will be on-hand for guests 18 years and older.
Private Club Portal
If guests are seeking even more exclusivity, the Private Club Portal will offer adults a premium experience with elevated amenities, including an infinity pool with scenic views, relaxing loungers among the palm trees, a dedicated beach and enhanced dining options.
Lokono Cove Portal
Retail therapy will be available at the destination’s last portal, surrounded by Bahamian murals and shopping. The portal will feature Bahamian items to purchase from duty-free shops. Extra food and beverage offerings will serve Bahamian flavors, as well.
A community naming competition resulted in the winning submission of "Lokono Cove" to be the name and design of the destination’s retail area. "Lokono means 'the people' and is derived from the Lucayans, who were among the first to call Grand Bahama home,” according to the line. Besides showcasing local products, music and culture, the portal will also serve as the entry for independently (or via shore excursion) exploring and touring Grand Bahama itself beyond Celebration Key.
Celebration Key will be able to dock two Carnival ships simultaneously when it launches, and future expansion is expected to extend to an additional waterpark and zipline course.
Future Expansion
Carnival has already unveiled Phase 2 expansion plans for Celebration Key, as well. Come 2026, the pier berths will be doubled to the tune of $100 million more, with the capability to accept four Excel-class ships at once. The cruise line projects close to 4 million visitors annually to the private destination by 2028.
“As is fitting for our plans for Grand Bahama island, our vision for Celebration Key is quite grand, and we’re already thinking about the next phase of expansion and development,” Duffy said. “Building the second pier now allows us to implement growth plans and build itineraries with certainty, and signals to the local community just how important this development is to Carnival Cruise Line and the future of the island.”
Plus, a new map rendering further shows room for additional growth on the island itself for Phase 2 expansion. The line explains that the destination’s footprint has been carefully plotted out with spaces and attractions to accept extra expected guests in 2027.
Short Cruises Are Trending — Here Are Some to Share With Clients
Credit: 2024 Royal Caribbean International
Clients are clamoring to cruise again, as evidenced by world voyages available as far out as 2027 — but that’s not to say shorter sailings are not also in vogue. In fact, sailings shorter than a week are available now and into the coming years from several mainstream lines.
Here are a few to consider booking for clients.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line still offers its year-round sailings from Long Beach, California, with two- to six-night (and even seven- and 14-night) cruises onboard Carnival Radiance and Carnival Firenze.
Carnival Breeze will sail from Galveston, Texas, on a mix of four- and five-night departures to Mexico. During the same period, Carnival Legend will leave from the Texan homeport to Cozumel and sometimes Progreso, Mexico, on four- and five-night cruises.
Carnival Valor will sail four- and five-day cruises to Progreso and Cozumel, as well as Costa Maya, from New Orleans.
Carnival will deploy Carnival Horizon, Carnival Magic and Carnival Sunrise all from Miami to the Caribbean on long-weekend getaways, several of which will showcase the brand’s new Celebration Key private island. Carnival Paradise will sail from Tampa to Celebration Key and more on four- to six-day sailings.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore will sail five-night cruises from Los Angeles to Los Cabos and Ensenada through 2026. Sailing from New York, Norwegian Joy (in 2024) and Norwegian Aqua (in 2025) will head out on a four-day cruise to Bermuda.
Three ships will sail from Florida to the Bahamas this year: Norwegian Sky will leave from Miami on three- and four-night sailings; Norwegian Jade will sail from Port Canaveral on three-and four-night voyages; and Norwegian Joy will sail three-night cruises from Miami. Plus, Norwegian Epic will depart from Port Canaveral on a three-night itinerary.
Next year, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Getaway will sail to the Bahamas from Miami. Joy and Norwegian Gem will sail two-night cruises from Miami.
Gem will also sail three- and four-day cruises from Miami and some from Jacksonville into 2026. In 2025, Norwegian Jewel and Aqua will offer four-day cruises from Tampa and Miami, respectively. And Jade will also head out on four-day Bahamian jaunts from Miami.
For 2026, Norwegian Breakaway will sail from Port Canaveral on three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas, and Joy will also sail on four-day departures to the Bahamas.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is leading the charge with abbreviated getaways from 2024 to 2026. For 2024-2025, the line has eight ships sailing quick trips. In Florida, Allure of the Seas will feature three- to four-night cruises from Port Canaveral and Miami to the Caribbean. Independence of the Seas will sail five-night Western Caribbean and four-night Eastern Caribbean routes, many of which highlight Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Seasonally, Enchantment of the Seas will deploy from Tampa on four- or five-night cruises. Grandeur of the Seas will sail from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale on four- or five-night cruises; Liberty of the Seas will depart from Fort Lauderdale on three- and four-night getaways; and Voyager of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral on four- and five-night itineraries.
Royal Caribbean will also embark in Galveston, in 2024-2025 on four- and five-night escapes to destinations such as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, onboard Mariner of the Seas.
Navigator of the Seas will continue its three- and four-night journeys to Catalina Island and the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles.
By 2025-2026, Royal Caribbean will pivot with its new Utopia of the Seas, which will sail from Port Canaveral on short three- and four-night weekend getaways to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. Wonder of the Seas will leave on its own three- and four-night circuits from Miami to the same destinations.
Rounding out the line’s Florida departures will be Freedom of the Seas from Miami on three- and four-night runs; Liberty and Jewel of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale on three- and four-night cruises; Explorer of the Seas from Port Canaveral on four- and five-night jaunts; and Enchantment from Tampa on four- and five-night voyages.
Meanwhile, Mariner will continue to sail from Galveston on four- and five-night vacations to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Roatan, Honduras. And from Los Angeles, Navigator will extend its three- to six-night options, while Quantum of the Seas will introduce three- to six-night getaways to Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas.
Then from Bayonne, New Jersey, Royal Caribbean will send Liberty on a series of four- and five- night and longer journeys to the Eastern Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England.
What's Trending in European Rail Travel
Image: Train at Prague's main station. (Photo by Scott Hartbeck)
by Scott Hartbeck
Last updated: 2:05 PM ET, Tue June 18, 2024
Offering a captivating mix of quintessential European experiences and romantic travel moments you'll savor long after you leave the continent, rail is very arguably the most rewarding way to explore Europe.
As the peak summer travel season picks up steam, now is the perfect time to step back and take stock of what's trending in European rail travel.
From which destinations are proving especially popular to reasons why travelers are hopping on the train in the first place and some news about new routes and city connections, read on to get up to date on the state of European rail travel in 2024.
Traveler at a train station in Europe. (Photo via Eurail)
The Eurail View
You can't discuss trends in European trains without getting some perspective from the folks at Eurail, the iconic rail pass as synonymous with European rail travel as the tracks themselves. I recently received an update from the brand about what it's seeing in 2024.
First and foremost, Eurail has documented an increase in distributor sales in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2024 (year on year), showing that the U.S. market is robust. While shorter passes remain popular, Eurail has also seen a notable shift in the first quarter of 2024 toward the three-month Eurail Pass, meaning that many Americans are choosing to stay longer in Europe, perhaps heeding the call to embrace a slower travel pace and take a deeper dive into the local cultures.
Regarding trending destinations, Eurail has identified some slightly off-the-beaten-track locations that saw spikes in popularity during the first quarter of 2024: Appenzell in Switzerland and Limoges in France. When combined with the previous information about Americans taking longer trips, this data could suggest a growing interest in exploring lesser-known (and less crowded) destinations, which shouldn't be a surprise in the current climate of overtourism.
According to Eurail, the top five country destinations in the first quarter of 2024 were Switzerland, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Austria.
Speaking of Switzerland, there are some exciting developments for Eurail travelers in 2024 too as several lines in the Jungfrau region are now fully included in the Eurail Pass. This news means travelers no longer have to pay an extra fee to explore beyond Interlaken in this naturally stunning section of the country. Destinations that are now easier to reach include Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen and the mountaintop village of Mürren.
To sum up, Silvia Festa, Senior Business Development Manager at Eurail told me that "The first quarter of 2024 marked a positive growth in distributor sales, particularly among U.S. travelers. As the demand for a more meaningful way of travel continues to grow, we look forward to welcoming U.S. travelers to explore Europe with a Eurail Pass."
Taylor Swift performing a show as part of her Eras Tour. (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Paolo Villanueva)
Making Tracks to Events
People traveling for events isn't just a trend stateside, as more and more European travelers are traveling for sports and concerts, with these events being woven into the fabric of the European travel culture in 2024. When it comes to specifics, the continent will host some of the most sought-after events on the global sports calendar this year, from annual events like Wimbledon, Monaco Grand Prix, Italian Grand Prix and Tour De France to special happenings like the Summer Olympics and European Soccer Championships.
Leading rail booking platform Trainline has discovered that sports & event tourism is experiencing a true boom in 2024, with one of their recent surveys revealing that a whopping 88% of travelers would prefer to travel by rail to events such as concerts or competitions. The brand feels so strongly about this trend that it has co-curated a resource of the top European sporting destinations and outdoor experiences that are reachable by rail with Olympic diver Tom Daley.
A young woman enjoying her trip to the Castle of Budapest (Photo Credit: Spectral-Design/Adobe Stock)
New Routes Debut
New connections are making an impact on the European rail world in 2024, and the following are some of the most notable.
Belgrade and Budapest are two of Europe's most exciting capital cities, but a proper rail connection has been severely lacking for a while now. A new cross-border train route connecting Subotica in Serbia to Szeged in Hungary has been running throughout 2024, filling in a glaring hole in the network and making it possible to travel between the two cities by rail.
Elsewhere, more frequent service will connect the towns of Alba (famed for its truffles) and Asti (renowned for its local wine) in the Piedmont region of Italy this summer, making it easier to put together a food & wine-focused rail adventure in a corner of Italy that is perennially underrated.
A new rail service has been launched on the opposite side of northern Italy by Slovenian Railways. It connects Villa Opicina on the outskirts of Trieste, Italy to Rijeka on the Croatian coast. Along the way, the train stops in the Croatian resort town of Opatija, famed for its grand hotels and glorious sunshine. The service runs through September.
Two Eurostar trains at St. Pancras station in London. (Photo via kitmasterbloke / Flickr)
Future Tunnel Vision
For a relatively short transport tunnel (32 miles if you're wondering) between Britain and France, there's been a good amount going on this year regarding rail service through the Channel Tunnel.
First came news that several upstarts have their eye on giving Eurostar some competition on routes across The Channel, with both Dutch and Spanish companies throwing their hat in the ring.
While these upstarts still have multiple hurdles to clear before they take to the tracks, Eurostar—the only rail company currently running service between London and the continent—announced aggressive expansion plans earlier this year. Fresh off a successful 2023 that saw Eurostar carry over 18 million passengers between London and the continent, the company announced that it plans on purchasing up to 50 new trains. The high-speed trains will be rolled out in the early 2030s when Eurostar hopes to be carrying 30 million passengers per year.
Greece Plans to Limit Cruise Ships at Popular Islands
Image: Santorini in Greece (Photo Credit: Adobe)
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:15 PM ET, Mon June 17, 2024
Greece will limit the number of cruise ships that can visit some of its most popular islands, including Mykonos and Santorini, reports Bloomberg.
In an interview with the publication, Greece’s prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he plans to enact a cap on cruise ships sometime “next year.” He did not reveal the exact details, but said ships might have to bid for berths; he is also considering a restriction on the total number of berths.
The move is an effort to address overtourism on the islands. Last year, roughly 800 ships with 1.3 million guests stopped at Santorini, while nearly 750 vessels visited Mykonos.
“There are people spending a lot of money to be on Santorini and they don’t want the island to be swamped,” Mitsotakis told Bloomberg. “Plus, the island can’t afford it, even in terms of security.
Greece is not the only destination to reconsider cruise ships in recent years. Juneau, Venice, Amsterdam, Barcelona and other locales have all enacted bans or limitations on vessels.
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