Family-friendly Disney Cruise Line has launched a new program aimed squarely at little girls and young women who dream of a life at sea. The collection of…

Attention all Marvel fans: Book a Marvel Day at Sea theme voyage aboard Disney Cruise Line immediately! It doesn’t matter if your penchant is for the Marvel…

When cruise lines pioneered private islands as ports of call on Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries decades ago, they were an instant hit. They’ve been upgraded with new…

The Monthly Mantra Just a Tease … Just a Tease … Just a Tease … It’s not possible to do everything there is to do aboard Carnival…

News Briefs - Mar. 2, 2018 American Cruise Lines has begun construction on the sister ship to their “modern riverboat” American Song, which will make its inaugural…

By Arlene Satchell As a journalist covering South Florida’s powerhouse cruise industry for nearly a decade, I’ve explored the ins and outs of countless cruise ships and…

By Heidi Sarna Let’s face it. Most teenagers aren’t dying to go on a river cruise. But this mom of teen sons likes small-ship cruising and I’m…

I JUST WANT TO BE ALONE! For parents everywhere, Greta Garbo said it best. A cruise would seem to be just the ticket (and well deserved) to…

Cruise News - Jan. 25, 2018 Some of the world’s most famous cartoon characters will set sail on their very own cruise ship, Cartoon Network Wave. This fully…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Dec. 1, 2017 This week, Puerto Rico welcomed over 7,000 cruise visitors from Freedom of the Seas, Carnival Conquest, and Disney Magic…

Disney Debuts “Beauty and the Beast” on Disney Dream and Announces Updates to Disney Magic Cruise News - Nov. 15, 2017 “Beauty and the Beast,” a brand-new…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs - Oct. 13, 2017 Guy Fieri, whose burger joints are already big hits on 19 Carnival Cruise Line ships, is opening something different…

Royal Caribbean Reveals Features for Symphony of the Seas Cruise News - Oct. 11, 2017 Royal Caribbean International has announced onboard features for its upcoming Symphony of…

Carnival Cruise Line Coaches Kids in Kindness, Compassion with Dr. Seuss Cruise News - Oct. 10, 2017 Carnival Cruise Line and Dr. Seuss Enterprises have teamed up to offer a…

Cruising Characters From Mickey to Shrek, who will you meet on deck? By Carrie McLaren Every cruise is filled with characters of all kinds. From the stars…

Carnival Updates Cruise Ship Exhibit at Miami Children's Museum Cruise News - Jul. 18, 2017 Carnival Cruise Line and the Miami Children’s Museum unveiled a newly renovated…

Disney Cruise Line Announces Seventh Ship, Nearly Doubling Fleet Cruise News - Jul. 17, 2017 During the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt…

4- and 6-year-old Siblings to Complete 180-day World Cruise Cruise News - Jun. 30, 2017 Oceania Cruises has recognized its "Youngest World Cruisers," 4-year-old Lorenna D'Amore Nogueira…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs – May 19, 2017 Bookings are open for the Premiere Voyage and 2018-19 inaugural Caribbean cruise season of Holland America Line’s ms Nieuw…

Disney Wonder Becomes First Passenger Ship to Transit New Panama Canal Locks Cruise News - May 1, 2017 On April 29, 2017, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder…

Porthole's 5 Faves Bored on Board? Not a Chance! Five Fun-Ship Activities Beyond the Kids' Club They say the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.…

Carnival Horizon to Feature Dr. Seuss–Themed Water Park Cruise News – Apr. 20, 2017 Carnival Cruise Line has announced that its newest ship, the 133,500-ton Carnival Horizon,…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Mar. 31, 2017 The renovated Carnival Glory celebrated its new WaterWorks aqua park on Deck 12 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week.…

Beauty and the Beast to Become a Brand-New Stage Spectacular Aboard Disney Cruise Line Cruise News - Feb. 9, 2017 A tale as old as time gets…

Porthole's 5 Faves Cruiser Friendly, Kid Approved! Five favorite onboard activities for children Today is Take Your Child to Work Day and mom is insisting it is…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Jan. 27, 2017 Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Horizon, will debut in April 2018 with a series of European voyages, followed…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Jan. 13, 2017 Six different Carnival Cruise Line ships have added private destination Princess Cays to their itineraries beginning in May 2017.…

Princess Cruises Offers More to Younger Cruisers Cruise News – Jan. 12, 2017 Princess Cruises is expanding its Discovery at Sea program with new youth center designs…

Marvel's Mightiest Save the Day on Disney Cruise Line Cruise News - October 21, 2016 Disney Cruise Line is assembling the heroes and villains of the Marvel…

Porthole’s Five Faves At Sea, In Session Back-to-school excitement doesn’t have to be wasted on the youth … or on land for that matter! As the kiddies…

Carnival to Serve As “Official Seagoing Headquarters” for Cat in the Hat’s Presidential Campaign Cruise News - Aug. 8, 2016 Carnival Cruise Line announced it will serve…

Carnival Cruise Line Brings Build-a-Bear Workshop to Sea Cruise News - July 26, 2016 Carnival Cruise Line and Build-A-Bear Workshop have entered into an exclusive partnership that…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Jun. 17, 2016 * The American Queen Steamboat Company has announced a series of 9-day holiday sailings on the Lower Mississippi, which…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs - Jun. 3, 2016 Disney Cruise Line has announced some of the enhancements awaiting Disney Wonder during the ship’s refurbishment this fall, including…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs – May 27, 2016 Travelers aboard Crystal Esprit’s voyages in the Seychelles will now be able to extend their vacations with an “Extended…

Carnival Cruise Line Takes Delivery of Carnival Vista Cruise News - Apr. 28, 2016 At a traditional maritime handover ceremony held earlier today at the Fincantieri shipyard…

MSC Cruises Reveals More Modern Details of MSC Seaside Cruise News - Apr. 21, 2016 MSC Cruises has marked an important milestone in the building of MSC Seaside with the celebration…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs - Apr. 8, 2016 * Princess Cruises has reached an agreement with Fincantieri to build two new ships, entering into service in 2019…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs - Mar. 18, 2016 Japan’s largest cruise organization, Peace Boat, introduced the world’s most sustainable cruise ship, Ecoship, at the Seatrade Cruise Global…

Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Harvest Caye Cruise News - Mar. 16, 2016 Norwegian Cruise Line today revealed details of its upcoming destination Harvest Caye, a development designed…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs - Mar. 11, 2016 * Art lovers will be flocking to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ luxury ship Europa2 this September and in 2017 for “art2sea”…

Porthole's Five Faves At the Helm For International Women’s Day, We’re Celebrating 5 Women Cruise Line Presidents! Today is International Women’s Day — a day to “celebrate…

Disney Cruise Line to Build Two More Ships Cruise News - March 3, 2016 The Walt Disney Company announced plans today to build two additional cruise ships…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Feb. 26, 2016 Actor, singer, and cruiser Carlos PenaVega is celebrating the opening of the hit Broadway musical Grease on Harmony of…

Disney Introduces New Dishes to Palo Menu Cruise News - Feb. 25, 2016 Disney Cruise Line’s signature adults-only restaurant, Palo, will soon feature new menu items that…

Carnival Magic Gets New Restaurants and Bars Cruise News – Feb. 23, 2016 As part of a multimillion-dollar renovation, the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic will be adding new…

Down by the Seaside A guide to cruising the California coast with kids. By Suzanne Carmel The sun beat down steadily in the middle of what was…

Carnival Cruise Line Kicks Off Yearlong Wheel of Fortune Celebration Cruise News - Feb. 16, 2016 Carnival Cruise Line and International Game Technology (IGT) have partnered to…

Porthole’s Five Faves Chocolate Indulgences If your Valentine deserves something sweet this year, consider these at-sea options for showing your love in a big way. Your average…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs - Feb. 12, 2016 Cruisers aboard Hurtigruten’s MS Midnatsol will have spectacular photo opportunities, thanks to complimentary photography and digital media classes while…

Cruise Deals of the Week – Feb. 5, 2016 DEAL #1: Until February 29, Viking River Cruises is offering a reduced single traveler supplement starting at 25…

Brigadier General John I. Pray Jr. and Carrie Underwood Carnival and Carrie Underwood Join Forces with Operation Homefront to Support Troops Cruise News – Jan. 28, 2016…

Porthole's Five Faves May the Force Cruise with You Five Things to Geek Out Over During a Star Wars Day at Sea Disney Cruise Line has just…

Porthole’s Five Faves Classic Cruise Commercials It’s easier to pardon the show interruptions when they’re this aspirational. With its latest brand campaign called “Feel Free,” Norwegian Cruise…

Monday Mantra Promises … Promises … Promises … Cruising Considerately in 2016 Resolutions for a year of bon voyages! Happy New Year! A new year means a…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs Dec. 11, 2015 Jimmy Buffett has opened his first Margaritaville restaurant in the Bahamas. The open-air, waterfront-concept environment has been established on Paradise…

Porthole’s Five Faves Cruising For Christmas How to get in the seasonal spirit when you’re at sea When your winter travels include not just being away from…

Porthole's Five Faves Cruise into 2016 Five new ships to look forward to in the new year. Year after year, there never seems to be a shortage…

Grease to Headline on Harmony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas Cruise News - Dec. 1, 2015 Royal Caribbean International has announced that Broadway’s hit musical Grease will…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs - Nov. 20, 2015 As part of their extensive expansion, Crystal Cruises is taking to the skies under the name Crystal Luxury Air.…

Cruise Deal of the Week - Nov. 20, 2015 [sf_iconbox image="ss-star" character="" type="left-icon-alt" title="Porthole’s Featured Cruise Deal of the Week!" animation="fade-in" animation_delay="100"] DEAL: Celebrity Cruises is offering…

Tangled at Sea Disney's Rapunzel comes to the stage — just for cruisers! Cruise News - Nov. 12, 2015 Fairy-tale twists and thrilling adventure take the spotlight…

MSC Cruises partners with Cirque du Soleil Cruise News – Nov. 10, 2015   The legendary entertainers of Cirque du Soleil have teamed up with MSC Cruises…

Disney Dream Emerges with New Enhancements Cruise News - Nov. 3, 2015 Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream has returned from a three-week drydock with several new enhancements,…

Kids’ Cuisine By Janice Wald Henderson ’Tis the season to eat well, which, of course, makes you feel jolly. Children, especially, do jolly well. They’re amped up…

Norwegian Epic Receives Shipwide Enhancements Cruise News - Oct. 20, 2015 Norwegian Cruise Line’s second-largest ship, Norwegian Epic, re-entered service yesterday following a three-week dry dock where…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs Oct. 9, 2015 Famous for cultivating the first lawns at sea, Celebrity Cruises is adding more outdoor spaces to its fleet – a…

Carnival Reaches $5 Million Fundraising Goal for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Cruise News - Sept. 17, 2015 After reaching its $5 million fundraising goal for St.…

What to Expect at the Brand-New Amber Cove Cruise Port Cruise News - Sept. 4, 2015 It’s been five years and $85 million in the making, but…

Costa Cruises Makes Junior Cruisers “Captains for a Day” Cruise News - Aug. 27, 2015 Costa Cruises has created a new “Captain for a Day” experience that gives…

All in the Family A multigenerational cruise will keep the whole group happy. By Cindy O'Neil Q: My family has been thinking about a family reunion and…

Harmony of the Seas to Debut Aquatic Adventure Park Cruise News - Aug. 18, 2015 When Royal Caribbean International introduces Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest…

Princess Cruises Debuts The Voice of the Ocean Cruise News – Aug. 4, 2015 TV’s popular singing competition is coming to the high seas as Princess Cruises…

Carnival Welcomes Newest Dr. Seuss with Celebrity Readings Cruise News – Aug. 4, 2015 Carnival Cruise Line teamed up with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to celebrate the release…

Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Global Expansion Cruise News - Aug. 3, 2015 Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the addition of new and unique itineraries for its Fall/Winter…

Kung Fu Panda Noodle Shop Debuts on Quantum of the Seas Cruise News - July 30, 2015   Royal Caribbean International and DreamWorks Animation recently celebrated the…

Golf and Cruise aboard Europa 2 Cruise News - July 2, 2015 If you have a passion for teeing off, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa 2, offers the best…

Norwegian Cruise Line ends agreement with Nickelodeon Cruise News - July 1, 2015   Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that its agreement with Nickelodeon, which provides Nick-themed…

Silversea Cruises Announces a New Ship to Debut Spring 2017 Cruise News - July 1, 2015  Silversea Cruises has announced their new flagship, Silver Muse, will be…

Carnival Vista to debut with first-of-its-kind family features Cruise News - May 26, 2015 When Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Vista debuts in May 2016, it’ll offer families…

Disney Cruise Line Returns to New York, Miami, and Galveston in 2016 Cruise News, May 18, 2015 In fall 2016, Disney Cruise Line will offer new itineraries…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs May 8, 2015   Clear Lounge, a new attraction Puerta Maya in Cozumel, is being billed as the world's first underwater oxygen bar.…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs Apr. 24, 2015 When Disney Dream heads to a 20-day dry dock in the Bahamas in October, the ship will get updates including…

Disney leaps into river cruising Apr. 17, 2015 Disney's tour company arm, Adventures by Disney, will launch a series of one-week river cruises on the Danube next…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs - Apr. 3, 2015 MSC Sinfonia is the latest MSC Cruises ship to be cut in half and enlarged as part of the…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs Mar. 27, 2015 Royal Caribbean International says it is sending its third Quantum-class ship, Ovation of the Seas, to China, strengthening its commitment…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Mar. 6, 2015 The new 604-passenger Seabourn Encore, to be delivered in December 2016, sold out its debut voyage in two days.…

Carnival goes big in Texas Cruise News — Feb. 20, 2015 Martina McBride helped Carnival Cruise Line launch Carnival Freedom from its new homeport of Galveston, Texas.…

Porthole's Five Faves Are We There Yet? Five essential must-packs for traveling with kids We all know that when traveling, less is usually more, especially when traveling…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Feb. 13, 2015 Disney Cruise Line guests can celebrate the Star Wars saga during a brand-new, day-long celebration aboard eight special sailings…

Royal Caribbean's fourth Oasis-class ship under way Cruise News – Feb. 6, 2015 A steel cutting marked the official start of building for the fourth of Royal…

Get your Frozen fix on Disney Cruise News — Jan. 30, 2015 Okay girls and boys, scream with delight. Disney Cruise Line is bringing Frozen to the…

Porthole's Five Faves Idyllic Escapes Cruise lines’ private islands offer perfect beach days — and so much more.   The Caribbean has always been, and probably always…

RedFrog Sails West Cruise News – Jan. 9, 2015 “Fun Ship 2.0” enhancements are coming to Carnival Miracle. The ship will undergo an extensive refurbishment that includes…

Porthole’s Five Faves Cruise Ship Re-Creations Shipyards will probably continue to use steel and teak wood, but not all cruise-ship builders fall back on the standbys. The…

Five Faves Five Favorite Stories from 2014’s Cruise News A fond look back at the year’s top cruise trends. New ships Norwegian Getaway, Regal Princess, and "smart…

Huge Waterpark, Ninja Turtles coming to Norwegian Escape Cruise News – Dec. 19, 2014 In an announcement that may cause an adrenaline rush for active adults and…

Miami Flavor Norwegian Getaway brings the excitement of the Magic City to the high seas. By Fran Golden Check out the hot highlights of Norwegian Getaway’s christening…

Porthole’s Five Faves   Unique Stores At Sea Not all ship shops are stocked with brand-stamped hats and duty-free booze. In honor of Black Friday, we highlight…

Carnival Shows off Pride in Tampa Cruise News - Nov. 14, 2014 Fresh from a $75 million redo, Carnival Pride has started its winter schedule from Tampa,…

Calling All Cat Lovers Board a Meow Meow Cruise and share your feline fervor. By Clark Norton Anna Conway, a Sarasota, Florida–based travel agent, loves cats —…

Aqua Adventures Hit the water for some of the Mexican Riviera’s best at-sea experiences. By Christy Woodrow Born and raised in California, I’ve always considered Mexico to…

Porthole Cruise News Briefs of the Week Cruise News - Oct. 31, 2014 Costa Diadema, the brand-new flagship of Costa Cruises, left Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard in Venice and will reach…

Porthole’s Five Faves Five Fave Fearfully Fun Photos Halloween Thrills on Disney Cruise Line Celebrating the spooky season at sea can be sensational - especially if you're…

Cruise News - Oct. 17, 2014 Norwegian Jewel Debuts in Houston Houston, we've got a new ship. The recently updated Norwegian Jewel began sailing this week from…

Porthole’s Five Faves Culinary Keepsakes Five favorite dining experiences at sea Ask any cruiser and chances are they will admit that food is key to their overall shipboard…

Porthole’s Five Faves   Coldest Cruises to Beat the Heat Cure the summertime blues in these cool destinations Christmastime in the Caribbean is warm and wonderful. There’s…

Cruise News - July 25, 2014 Norwegian Updates Cuisine With cruise passengers increasingly moving into the "foodie" category, Norwegian Cruise Line is updating its culinary offerings—part of…

Porthole’s Five Faves   Favorite Beers to Cheers Lift a glass (or more) to the best suds at sea!   There's the bubbly you tip back with…

Cruise News - June 27, 2014   Viking Star Floats Out in Italy Viking, known for its river cruises, celebrated the float-out this week of its first…

Porthole’s Five Faves   Enjoy the Show Five Favorite Performances at Sea There’s something about that moment when the lights go dim, the audience hushes, and the…

Cruise News – May 23, 2014   ‘NEXT’ for Norwegian: $250 Million Upgrades Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that it will spend $250 million through 2015 for…

Porthole’s Five Faves   Belly Up! Cheers to these five favorite onboard spots to grab a drink. There’s no denying that the themed bars, chic lounges, and…

Brand-new treats on both Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are geared toward an adults-only audience. On Disney, the indulgence is desserts. Exclusively on Disney Fantasy, a…

Kids on Carnival ships will soon be making penguins out of Oreos, playing marine animal trivia, crafting their own sailboats, and designing their own aquariums in Camp…

It’s time to picture Mickey Mouse in his cute Viking-horns outfit. That’s because Disney Cruise Line has announced its newest destination: the Norwegian fjords. Cruises to the…

When Disney Cruise Line launched its Alaska cruises in 2011, the family market took notice. Suddenly there were kids doing the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that had before been geared mostly…

Just in time for spring break, you’ll find cruise lines going after the family market big time. The major enticement? Kids cruise free!   Bring the kids…

Passengers in inside staterooms aboard Navigator of the Seas cruising from Galveston, Texas, have something new to crow about – virtual balcony views courtesy of high-tech wizardry. On the…

As cruise executives let their creative juices flow in terms of finding ways to enhance their product, it brings impressive new cruise ships and a number of…

  Just as in years past, 2013 brought some great innovations and unique enhancements to the cruise experience. Here’s a look at some of the highlights. The…

Ship Review: DISNEY DREAM Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship grants all cruising wishes. By Jodi Ornstein If you’ve never seen a cruise ship christening, this is pretty…

It’s About Time See how cruise ships have changed and evolved since you first started reading Porthole.   By Fran Golden   If you’ve been a cruiser…

Cruise Ship Review: Norwegian Epic Big Ship. Epic Achievement Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest and greatest is in a class all by itself. By Jodi Ornstein Epic, as…