Crystal Cruises has announced its return with a new shorter name, ‘Crystal,” a new website, and new itineraries. Its first sailing is on the Crystal Serenity for a 12-day voyage from Marseille, France to Lisbon, departing on July 31, 2023. The Crystal Symphony’s first voyage will depart Athens, Greece, on September 1, 2013, for a 7-day cruise to Istanbul. ……
When it comes to choosing a cruise vacation, there are many different options to consider. Two of the most popular types of cruises are river cruises and ocean cruises. While both types of cruises offer unique experiences, there are many differences between them. ……
UPDATE: Celebrity "Always Included" offering includes beverages, WiFi, and gratuities but ADVERTIZED rates don't include those perks Celebrity has changed its pricing once again and it is confusing buyers. After introducing its "Always Included" program several years ago, which included its Classic Beverage package, Wifi, and gratuities. Celebrity is now promoting bare-bones fares which do not include anything - no Classic Beverage package, no WiFi, and no pre-paid gratuities. (Suite guests receive the Premium Beverage package and premium WiFi, and pre-paid gratuities unless they select a bare-bones rate.) Celebrity's guests have come to expect the "Always Included" perks in ......
Many people may think that traveling alone is not the best way to go. In reality, a solo trip can be more fun and less stressful than you would imagine! For those who are traveling on their own, there is a special kind of freedom that can be found when you book as a single traveler. Solo travelers have access to not only more space but also greater personal service from staff members and crew members alike! Plus, on a cruise ship you rarely find yourself alone. More often you are surrounded by others wherever you go. ......
After years of protests and discussion, the Italian government has issued its bans on cruise ships sailing through Venice’s Giudecca Canal. These ships dwarf the ancient city and create waves that erode underwater walls & undermine the supports holding up the city. Cruise ships have long been sailing through Venice on the Giudecca Canal passing St Marks Square and several historic cathedrals. Ban on most cruise ships starts August 1 Starting August 1, 2021, cruise ships will be banned from using the Guidecca Canal. Instead they will traverse a southern lagoon and dock near the mainland at the port ......
You may have noticed a significant rise in the price of cruise fares recently. We’ve been watching them rise since the resumption of sailing began over the last couple of months. There are several reasons for this increase and we’ll cover them all below. 1) Increased demand For most of us, its been nearly 18 long months of no cruise sailings and no vacations. This absence of cruises & vacations has caused demand to skyrocket as we are all ready to get out and start sailing again. Demand pushed up cruise line bookings by 30 – 40% this year ......
Updated: January 11, 2021 How recently a cruise ship has been refurbished is an important factor to many seasoned cruisers, especially if you are investing a significant amount in your cruise vacation. It can be very disappointing to find a ship with stained or worn carpets and beat up furnishings. Many cruisers prefer a ship that is no more than a few years from its last refurb. So here is a guide so you can be better informed on how recently a ship has been updated & upgraded. This list will be continually updated: ......
As 2020 sails into the sunset, we all look forward to 2021 when we can begin to start cruising again. As many of you know, "Wave Season" start the end of December and runs into March. During "Wave Season" the cruise lines offer some of their best deals. With cruise lines shut down for a year, demand is high. Its even higher than the same time in 2019. The reason? People are have cooped up at home and they all want to get out and get back on the seas. We will post the various offers on this page ......
Oceania's Marina Norwegian Cruise Line today announced a partnership with AtmosAir Solutions to install continuous disinfection air purification systems across its 28 ship fleet for its three brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The new air filtration system technology will feature continuous active COVID disinfection through bi-polar ionization in the air and on surfaces, an all-natural solution with no harmful chemicals, radiations or by-products. One of the advantages of the bi-polar ionization process is that it allows air purification to occur within the desired space, treating a larger volume of air, instead ......
COMPONENTS OF A CRUISE FARE When you receive a quote or purchase a ticket for a cruise, there normally up to 5 components to the price: 1) Room or Voyage fare (the cost or fare for the stateroom/cabin) 2) Non-commissionable fees (NCF) 3) Governmental taxes and fees 4) Gratuities (optional, but depends on the cruise line) 5) Travel insurance (optional) WHAT DOES NON-COMMSSIONABLE FEES MEAN? The most confusing component is “non-commissionable fees.” What does “non-comm,” “non-commissionable,” or “NCF” fees mean? They are called “non-commissionable fees” (NFC) because the travel agent is not paid a commission on those fees. So ......