Over the weekend, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line became the latest cruise operator to return to service when their ship Grand Classica set sail from the Port of Palm Beach…
We are just two days away from the very first sailing on board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship in 500 days! Norwegian Jade will set sail on a…
After well over a year, Norwegian Cruise Line is all set to return to service on board their ship Norwegian Jade! The ship is scheduled to set…
The very first cruise ship returned to the shores of Scotland yesterday, the first call on the country since the start of the pandemic. With 66 passengers…
Carnival Cruise Line is in the midst of the their operation restart and today they announced that three more ships will resume guest operations in September, and another…
If you were tuned into the cruise industry last week, you no doubt saw the 20-minute video shot by Bronx resident Lauren Angelo as she was being…
Grab your finest flannel and make a quick stop at Tim Horton's....cruising to Canada is back! Well, almost. The Canadian Government announced yesterday that they would lift…
Ready for the best news you'll hear all day? Canadian Minister of Transport the Honourable Omar Alghabra announced this morning that as of November 1, 2021, cruise ships…
In recent years, Dubai has launched to the top of travel bucket lists for cruisers and MSC Cruises is banking on that popularity continuing well into the…
The idyllic Hawaiian Islands have long been a bucket list destination for travelers, but a new hotel tax passed by the legislature means your perfect Hawaiian vacation…
One of the best parts about a cruise vacation is getting up close and personal with one of the most important resources on Earth; our oceans. Cruise…
It’s easy to visit Bali, the Island of the Gods, without encountering any gods. It’s impossible to visit Kangaroo Island without encountering a kangaroo or two, however.…
When you're one of the fastest growing cruise lines in the industry, one of the problems you'll run into is having enough terminals to accomodate new additions…
The Mighty Mississippi has carved an indelible place in the history of the United States, giving life and character to the cities and towns that popped up…
The world is opening up to travel once again and what better way to put a dent in your travel bucket list than with a world cruise…
It's been more than 15 months since Celebrity Cruises brought guests to the serene shores of the Galapagos Islands, but thankfully we won't have to wait any…
Over the weekend, Crystal Cruises became the latest cruise line to resume operation when their ocean vessel Crystal Serenity set sail from the Port of Nassau in…
You all know my MO by now. I’m in a foreign city, hungry and have a hankering for some local food. This time it’s in Athens, Greece.…
The following excerpt appeared in a letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams dated July 3, 1776 regarding the newly minted United States of America's day of independence. …
In last November's election, Key West voters overwhelmingly chose to limit cruise ship calls to the city, including capping the number of people who disembark to 1,500 per…
In 2019, nearly 40 million people traveled to the country of Thailand in Southeast Asia, a new record for tourism. 2020, on the other hand, was not…
Looking over the lounge chairs on Celebrity Edge’s Resort Deck, it feels just like any other sea day. After three days onboard this first cruise from the…
Not only will unvaccinated cruisers have limited access to certain areas of the ship, there are going to be extra costs involved as well. Royal Caribbean International…
Western civilization found its footing in Athens, Greece, and it is in that trailblazing spirit that Philadelphia was originally nicknamed the Athens of America as it set…
You won’t find St. John, USVI on any cruise itinerary and that’s both good and bad. It’s good because you’ll never have to share the island with…
One of the most popular river cruise lines has a new partnership which could help guests learn more about Europe, but also their family history as well!…
Stop us if you've heard this before, but MSC Cruises has another new ship on the horizon! The cruise line held a traditional coin ceremony today for its…
One of the unexpected consequences of the pandemic on the cruise industry was the scrapping of older ships. Carnival Cruise Line sent a handful of their older…
One of the most popular names in expedition cruising has announced new itineraries to one of the world's most sought-after places; The Galapagos Islands. Norwegian expedition cruise…
Every year, Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine asks its most-trusted sources — you, the readers — to vote for the best cruise offerings in our Readers’ Choice…
There's a new option for those looking for a unique summer cruise experience! Popular cruise line MSC Cruises today announced that it will add the North African…
His tips are frosted and his burgers are juicy, and that makes Guy Fieri one of the most popular celebrity chefs on board cruise ships. Carnival Cruise…
In a ruling late Friday, US District Judge Steven Merryday rejected the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's restrictions for cruise lines and granted the State of Florida’s motion…
Happy Friday! The cruise industry restart is in full swing with not just concrete sail dates across most cruise lines, but ships are already sailing in some…
German cruise line AIDA Cruises has announced a new 117-day world cruise onboard their ship AIDAsol. Embarking on October 26, 2022 from Hamburg, Germany, AIDAsol will call at…
Your European summer vacation plans just got the green light from the EU! European Union Ambassadors met in Brussels, Belgium on Wednesday and recommended that their 27…
Today the state of Hawaii officially ended all COVID-19 testing or proof of vaccination for those traveling between the Hawaiian islands. Those arriving in the state from…
Starting with a mere 12 vessels participating in the inaugural race in 1980, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has quickly grown in stature, with a record 284…
The third ship from Virgin Voyages is scheduled to sail in 2022 and the cruise line has released new itineraries to follow the ship's inaugural season in…
Slowly but steadily, cruise ships are returning to operation all around the world with the latest being MSC Splendida. The ship embarked on a 7-night Eastern Mediterranean itinerary…
It's been another week of waiting, but we're just a few weeks away from every major cruise line sailing from the United States again! Some cruise lines…
It's been a quiet year for one of the world's busiest cruise ports, but those who work at Port Everglades have been hard at work in anticipation of…
One of the fastest growing cruise lines is expanding their reaching into the luxury cruise sector and we couldn't be more excited. Explora Journeys is billed by…
AIDA Cruises has taken another step in their gradual restart of cruise operations with the announcement that their ship AIDAstella will resume sailing on July 29, 2021 from Palma de Mallorca with…
Was it a quest calling my name? Was it yearning to do, well, anything in the midst of a pandemic? Was it nostalgia? It’s hard to pinpoint…
Luxury hotel barge cruising operator European Waterways is ready to resume operation on Europe's most famous rivers thanks to the region beginning to reopen to tourists. The…
After many months of waiting, the newest ship from Carnival Cruise Line docked in America for the first time on Friday. Mardi Gras arrived at Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 3…
Ladies and Gentlemen, we made it! For the past year, we've been writing Choose Your Cruise because the future of cruising was so murky. But, thankfully, we're…
The Big Easy is one of the most popular destination cities in the United States and pre-pandemic, Port Nola saw more than 1 million passengers flow through…
Another day, another cruise line approved to begin operating test cruises by the CDC! Disney Cruise Line announced they are good to begin operating test cruises from…
Every island in the Caribbean has a story, but few are as unique as Sint Maarten. The island is so unique, in fact, that it has two…
With the passage of the U.S. Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, luxury cruise line Silversea will position their ship Silver Muse for round-trip sailings from Seattle to Alaska starting July 29. The…
Over the weekend, Carnival Corporation received approval on their port agreements from the CDC to sail from Miami, Galveston and Port Canaveral as they begin the road to…
Stop us if you've heard this one before, but MSC Cruises is working on building another brand new ship! The cruise line has officially opened up bookings…
Pictures of wildlife returning to Venice’s canals, posted on social media during last year’s Covid-19 lockdown, were widely shared around the world. Images of chilled out ducks…
For what seems like an eternity, pandemic related restrictions have reined in the flourishing popularity of cruising and worldwide travel. Regulations may have challenged the possibility of…
Alaska is back! News came in all week of cruise lines gearing up to start sailing to Alaska this summer with calls on all your favorite ports!…
When it comes to luxury brands, Ritz-Carlton is about as name-brand as it gets. The international hotel chain announced in 2018 that they would be entering the…
One of the biggest names in cruising has announced a host of new ship restarts and deployments across their multiple cruise brands. Norwegian Cruise Line and sister…
After more than a year of waiting, it finally looks like the cruise industry is about to be back to normal. Royal Caribbean International became the first…
A popular European river cruise line is getting ready to resume operation on Portugal's Douro River! Riviera River Cruises is planning to restart their ship MS Douro Elegance on…
The country of Turkey is ready for visitors to return in 2021 and they've developed a new system for keeping tourists and citizens safe. The Safe Tourism…
Yesterday was a great day for cruising! First we had Royal Caribbean International hinting that recent conversations have them under the impression that cruising is coming back…
With all the news and surrounding the cruise industry, you may have forgotten that it's about to be hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's Climate…
For the past few weeks, we've been reading and re-reading a document put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called the "COVID-19 Operations Manual…
If you've been dreaming about touring the Colosseum or snacking on gelato on the Spanish Steps, you're in luck! In a Facebook post on May 14, Italy's…
How would you like to spend 46 days cruising the world? Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is giving cruisers the chance to do just that with their new Rivers…
Appearing on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt last night, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy confirmed that the cruise line is working with the CDC on…
Unrest in Israel has forced Royal Caribbean International to cancel summer cruises in the region on board their ship Odyssey of the Seas. The brand new cruise ship…
Another cruise ship in the Costa Cruises fleet resumed operation from the port of Trieste, Italy! Costa Luminosa became the second Costa ship to restart and the first to resume cruises…
UPDATE May 20, 2021: The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 1318: The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act. The bill will now head to the desk of President Joe…
What a week for cruising! The big news of the week was the reveal of Norwegian Cruise Line's new Prima class ships starting with the upcoming Norwegian…
There's great news this morning for cruisers who are fully vaccinated! In last weeks Technical Instructions for Simulated Voyages by Cruise Ship Operators under CDC’s Framework for…
Norwegian Cruise Line has a big announcement this morning! The cruise line is introducing a brand new class of cruise ships for the first time in a…
Those looking to enjoy a vacation overseas this summer are waking up to some good news this morning. The US State Department has lowered their travel advisory…
Over the past 25 years, Gary Bembridge has helped countless cruisers and travelers get the most out of their vacations through his website and YouTube Channel "Tips…
The new Prima Class ships from Norwegian Cruise Line are on the way! In an announcement this morning, the cruise line released some new details about the…
Another week, another CDC update that doesn't really help us at all. Sure, they outlined exactly what needs to happen during a simulated cruise, but the list…
They say that good things come to those who wait and after a year of pandemic patience GREAT things are happening for lovers of ultra-luxury cruising. Starting in July, Seabourn…
Welcome to Phase 2B of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Conditional Sail Order! What is Phase 2B, you ask? It's a set of technical instructions…
In a press conference yesterday attended by the biggest names in cruise news, Holland America Line announced they finally have a date for their restart of operations!…
MSC Cruises was one of the first to return to operation last summer when they began sailing in the Mediterranean. The cruises looked a little different due…
It's been a challenging year for everyone, but for teachers, the shift from in-person learning to virtual class had to have been one of the most difficult…
Wow what a week for cruising! We got the opportunity to check out not one, but TWO brand new ships coming in the near future and the…
Can you tell cruise lines are itching to get back into service? Just yesterday we had a virtual ship reveal for the newest vessel from Celebrity Cruises…
The cruise industry was buzzing last night and this morning with the news that the CDC sent a letter to cruise lines updating and clarifying some of…
Attitude is everything, just ask the people of St. Kitts. In many respects this laid-back island paradise is your quintessential Caribbean island. It’s a place where beach…
While most cruise lines have been sitting idle for the past 13 months, MSC Cruises has proven time and again that cruising can be safe during a…
I’m sitting in Café Papeneiland in Amsterdam, when the feeling of gezelligheid hits me. It’s what this city’s bruin cafés — the Dutch answer to the pub…
In a virtual event today featuring CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo and hosted by TV host and lifestyle contributor Tommy DiDario, Celebrity Cruises introduced the next ship in their…
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed his nation this morning and gave an update on the state of travel to Canada. Though he offered no timetable for…
Travel is no longer as risky as it once was, particularly for those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. As a result, countries all over the world…
After 148 years of cruising, it's safe to say Holland America Line has it down to a science. The cruise line is one of the most popular…
Carnival Corporation today announced they are contracting Bureau Veritas, a worldwide testing, inspection, and certification company, on the safe restart of cruise operation. Carnival, the world's largest travel and…
There was plenty of news this week about cruise lines adding new itineraries to their summer restarts and we couldn't be more excited! Cruising is on the…
One of the most underrated aspects of cruising is the pre-and post-cruise stay. Along with cruising, South Florida is home to some of the best outdoor activities…
In preparation for their summer cruise season, Costa Cruises has announced new Summer 2021 itineraries in the Mediterranean on four ships with sailings to Italy, France, Spain and Greece, and itineraries accessible from…
No offense to Mars, but it will never be Earth. Our planet is by far the most special in our solar system because it's home to a…
Would you take a vacation if you didn't know where you were going beforehand? That's exactly what Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is offering with their very first…
The demand for river cruising has never been higher according to AmaWaterways. The river cruise line announced they've opened up bookings for 2023 Europe river cruise itineraries thanks…
Cruises are set to return to the Bahamas in a matter of weeks, so of course the CDC issued an upgraded warning for travel to the islands.…
Spring is in the air! As the snow melts and the white and yellow daffodils start popping up, we find ourselves very close to a return to…
Matryoshka dolls are an instantly recognizable symbol of Russia. They can take on many forms, but are always a series of wooden dolls of decreasing sizes that…
As more and more cruise lines lay out their plans for a return to operation, it means that popular island destinations across the Caribbean are gearing up…
St. Thomas had a deep-rooted seafaring heritage long before I plied its waters.As a cruise director for many years, I visited the small, quaint island every Tuesday.…
After 20 years with Cunard and 30 in total with Carnival Corporation, Captain Christopher Wells is retiring and being awarded the rank of Commodore for his outstanding service.…
One of Florida's most popular local cruise lines is coming back soon! Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced today their plans to resume operation from Port of Palm…
The newest Disney Cruise Line ship is another step closer to completion! The cruise line celebrated a major milestone in the life of a cruise ship today with…
Just one day after cancelling their summer cruise season from Miami, Virgin Voyages is joining other cruise lines in offering select sailings from the United Kingdom for…
Eventually we'll write a story about Virgin Voyages that includes details about our time on board the ship, but unfortunately we're going to have to wait a…
With the news that cruise lines will begin sailing from St. Maarten in just a few months, cruisers all over America are booking their flight to the…
It's been a long time since Norwegian Cruise Line carried passengers on a cruise vacation, but we finally have a date for the company's restart. Beginning July…
In a classic Friday afternoon news dump, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an update to their conditional sail order with a number of new…
Cruising is back! We promise that's not an April Fool's Day prank, cruises are actually back and we are absolutely thrilled about it! Pretty much every major…
You've cruised the high seas, now Windstar Cruises is aiming to give guests an exclusive look underneath the waves thanks to a new $500 million submarine initiative.…
Another cruise line has made the decision to require a COVID-19 vaccine for passengers when they resume operation. Windstar Cruises made the decision based on the best health…
Prior to 2020, there wasn’t another travel industry in the world changing as quickly as cruising. Long gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all vacation, instead cruise…
Perhaps the most famous of all the United Kingdom's cruise lines, Cunard recently announced they would position their ship Queen Elizabeth in the United Kingdom between July and October…
At a roundtable discussion at Port Canaveral today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. called…
Cruise lines received some much-needed good news earlier this month when the United Kingdom announced cruise lines would be able to resume operation starting in May. UK-based…
This was a wild week in the cruise industry. CLIA and the CDC went back and forth about the Conditional Sail Order and several more cruise lines…
When Neil Palomba departed his role with Costa Cruises last summer, he left some pretty big shoes to fill. We now know who will be filling those…
When it comes to cruising, nobody knows more than CLIA. The Cruise Lines International Association is the world's largest cruise industry trade association which represents 95% of global ocean-going cruise capacity.…
U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte shared some encouraging tourism numbers about the islands compared to the rest of the Caribbean. While the region as a…
There's some excellent news to report from Celebrity Cruises this morning! Celebrity President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo announced this morning that the cruise line would return to…
The United Kingdom has been in the news lately for a number of reasons. Cruisers may have been following the quarrels of the Royals, but we bet…
Who could have possibly known that when the original Mardi Gras embarked on March 11, 1972, it and its sister-ships would revolutionize the onboard experience, propel an…
Unfortunately, St. James Gate at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin will remain closed this St. Patrick's Day, but what about the rest of the country? The Emerald…
In a statement issued this morning, Norwegian Cruise Line announced they would be extending the suspension of operation through June 2021. They also temporarily halted bookings for…
It's been a busy morning for Virgin Voyages President and CEO Tom McAlpin. In a statement released to USA Today, McAlpin announced COVID-19 vaccinations would be mandatory for…
For the first time in over a year, a cruise ship departed from an American port with passengers onboard. American Cruise Lines resumed service over the weekend…
It was exactly one year ago today that Princess Cruises and Viking Cruises announced they'd be pausing operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's truly unbelievable but…
For the first time in over a year, Alcatraz Cruises will resume ferry service operations to Alcatraz Island beginning March 15, 2021. Alcatraz, an island in San Francisco…
The Last Frontier, otherwise known as Alaska, has always maintained a certain mystique to those in the Lower 48. One of the least populated and visited states…
Anyone in and around the port of Corfu, Greece today saw something very unsettling, a cruise ship on fire. Black smoke and flames could be seen billowing…
It's never too early to start planning for the future so if you're looking for the ultimate return to cruising, do we have a European river cruise…
Specialty dining is all the rage in cruising these days and MSC Cruises has announced two new specialty dining concepts featured on board their new flagship MSC Virtuosa.…
Those hoping to visit the Land Down Under as their first post-pandemic vacation will have to wait a little longer. This week Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the…
The Caribbean island of Jamaica tightened up their COVID-19 travel restrictions for visitors, reducing the time frame in which travelers need to get tested for the virus.…
Since August 2020, MSC Grandiosa has carried more than 40,000 passengers on cruises from Italy and the cruise line announced they'll be adding another ship to the region. Beginning…
Time flies when you're having fun! And trust us, there's nowhere better to have fun than onboard a cruise ship. Porthole Cruise Magazine is proud to celebrate…
It's Friday! And it's also the last weekend in February. That's a big deal because it means the 1 year anniversary of the cruise stoppage is only…
As talk in America turns from preventing COVID-19 infection to administering the COVID-19 vaccine, all eyes are on cruise lines to see what their policy will be…
Along with their Carnival Corporation brand sister line Holland America, Princess Cruises was forced to cancel select Alaska, Canada, New England and Pacific Coast cruises in 2021.…
When Canada banned cruise ships from visiting their ports until 2022, it created a whole host of headaches for cruise lines. We're now starting to see the…
Some more not-so-great news for cruisers. Carnival Cruise Line has announced a pause in operations until June 2021. The full press release from the company including a quote…
Just because it's been nearly a full year since cruise ships last called on the island of Antigua doesn't mean the people there haven't been preparing for…
As we count down the days until cruise ships can sail from the United States once more, cruisers are turning to other getaways to satisfy their wanderlust…
In the age of social distancing, cruisers are turning to private yacht charters as a way to fulfill their wanderlust and still adhere to the social distancing…
One of the most common questions we get asked these days is will passengers need a COVID-19 vaccination to sail when cruise lines resume operation. There wasn't…
Another week, another slew of cruise line's pushing back their start date. Most are numb to the thought now when just a year ago cancelled cruises sent…
Newly-elected Mayor of Miami-Dade County Daniella Levine Cava has made clear she cares deeply about the well-being of her county and perhaps it's most important industry; cruising. Today,…
The past year (year!) has been difficult for everyone involved in the cruise and travel space. Empty planes, empty cruise ships and for travel agents, empty bookings…
Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that they've suspended all cruises until June 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global travel climate. The news also applies to…
German cruise line AIDA announced today that they plan to resume cruise operations beginning March 20, 2021 on board their ship AIDAperla. The first sailing will visit Spain's Canary…
There's been plenty of cruise news lately, but one of the most significant news breaks came in January when Royal Caribbean Group announced they'd sold their small…
Due to restrictions on cruise ships by size that are popping up around the world, this edition of choose your cruise is going to focus on small…
Is there someone special in your life who deserves a free cruise? After the disaster of a year that was 2020, Virgin Voyages has decided to gift…
When MSC Virtuosa was delivered to MSC Cruises earlier this month, company chairman Pierfrancesco Vago hailed the ship's technological advancements, including the world’s first humanoid bartender at…
Ladies and gentlemen, we have good news! Royal Caribbean International today announced they will be extending Singapore season for their ship Quantum of the Seas following a successful restart…
We'll have to wait a few more months before Holland America Line's newest ship is delivered, but the cruise line announced the senior staff officers who will…
Just because you won't be able to cruise with your Valentine this February 14th doesn't mean you can't start planning for an epic experience next year! Norwegian…
Oh, Canada. By now you've probably heard that our neighbors to the North have taken extreme measures against the cruise industry, banning all cruise ships over 100…
As cruisers wait patiently for their chance to sail once again, a spokesperson for the Florida Ports Council has expressed doubts that the industry will see significant…
The ancient Incan warrior-priest, unmoving and in the shadows, remains unnoticed until he brandishes his long-handled battle-ax at us. My companions and I are in a cozy…
Would I be alone in sharing that over the past ten months of travel isolation, I’m tired of the ritualistic trip to the supermarket, the daily perusal…
The big game is just a week away and for NFL fans, the championship match is one of biggest gambling days of the year. In fact, the…
There's a lot to love about a cruise vacation, but at the top of the list for most people is the fabulous dining options found on today's…
Yes, we're still America. That's the message from U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte to travelers worried about the new COVID-19 restrictions put in place…
MSC Cruises' prolific run of new ships continued today as the cruise line welcomed an 18th ship to their fleet. MSC Virtuosa is billed as one of the most environmentally-conscious…
On a sunny, cool morning in Miami, cruise industry leaders, port officials and a host of local and national media joined Carnival Cruise Line for a groundbreaking…
Happy Friday everyone! It's been a wild week in terms of cruise news with former Holland America President Orlando Ashford announcing his employment with the recently sold…
One of the best parts about a cruise vacation is the incredible entertainment found on board. From musicians and singers to dancers and even magicians, there's always…
It wasn't a long hiatus from the cruise industry for Orlando Ashford. The former President of Holland America Line stepped down from the company in May of…
Raise your hand if you've had a cruise cancelled in the past 10 months. Since March 2020, excited cruises have been booking months in advance only to…
IMPORTANT: As of January 26, 2021, the CDC requires all air travelers to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of boarding all airlines RETURNING TO THE…
Need something positive to help you break free from the doldrums of January? MSC Cruises has resumed operation in the Mediterranean on board their flagship MSC Grandiosa after a…
Cruise lines have made it clear throughout the pandemic that when they restart operation, it will be a phased approach. Today, Carnival Cruise Line released new details…
Happy Friday! We're cruising into the weekend with a few awesome trips you can book for 2021 and beyond. Next week, MSC Cruises is restarting operation in…
Cruise fans have been eager for good news. And there’s a lot of hope hanging on the brand-new way many major megaships are managing the muster. The…
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism reminded visitors from the mainland United States that they must to use the Travel Screening Portal at usvitravelportal.com to submit the…
In a surprising move this morning, Royal Caribbean Group announced it had reached an agreement to sell luxury cruise brand Azamara to Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm…
In a statement this morning, Norwegian Cruise Line announced they've made the difficult decision to further suspend their cruise operations through April 2021. Following in the footsteps…
It’s inconceivable how the vibe of two neighboring regions could be more disparate than the tequila-induced debauchery of Cancún and the upscale chic of the Riviera Maya.…
It was a tough week for cruisers as more cruise lines pushed their start dates back until the Spring, but there's plenty of positivity surrounding the industry…
A fresh layer of snow covered the ground at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland today as Costa Cruises held a float out ceremony for their newest ship. Costa Toscana is…
In Jules Verne's epic adventure story, it takes protagonist Phileas Fogg 80 days to circumnavigate the globe. Oceania Cruises wants to take cruisers on a similarly epic…
One of the most important milestones in shipbuilding took place at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland today. Construction on Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Celebration is now underway for the…
On a cool, overcast day at PortMiami, a row of bright red shovels waited diligently, their blades stuck in white limestone gravel, for the ceremony to start.…
After more than 30 years at the helm of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, it's safe to say chairman and chief executive officer Richard D. Fain is one of…
Most cruisers are familiar with Quintana Roo. Mexico's Eastern-most state is home to some of the most popular cruise and travel destinations in all the Caribbean, including Cozumel…
Welcome to 2021! We are going to be able to cruise this year, but the vaccine rollout is going to be a major part of when that…
On election day in November, the citizens of Key West passed a ballot initiative that would limit cruise ships over a certain size from calling on Mallory…
UPDATE 1:51pm: Carnival Corporation sub-brands Holland America Line and Princess Cruises have also pushed back their restart date. HAL will now resume operation in April of 2021…
One of the world's most recognizable skin care brands is teaming with Atlas Ocean Voyages to establish Luxury SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE on board their ship World Navigator when…
It won't be long now until we're sipping wine on board a luxurious river cruise and to help with the anticipation, AmaWaterways has released a new list…
The popular Asian river cruise line Pandaw has something for guests to look forward to in 2021; brand new double-size suites on board their P Class ships…
When the ball drops in Times Square this New Year's Eve, make sure you're tuned in to watch. It's going to be a little bit different this…
Something is happening in the Caribbean. Across the islands, people are getting ready for tourists to once again flock to the pristine beaches, lush jungles and scenic…
April 17, 2019 was an important date for India’s Jalesh Cruises. It was the first time passengers set foot onboard the recently purchased Karnika for a cruise…
For those of you counting down the days, we're just a week away from 2021! From all of us here at the Porthole Cruise network, we hope…
When cruise does come back, at least we'll have some brand new ships to enjoy! Costa Cruises officially took delivery of their newest ship Costa Firenze from Fincantieri's Marghera…
After nine months of travel lockdown, 2020 hindsight takes on new relevance as we grapple with how things could have been done differently, but then again who…
There’s a lot people miss about cruising. From exploring new ports of call to the impeccable service that makes you feel like royalty, cruising is an experience…
We've been hearing about this ship for a long time, now we're another step closer to getting on board! Mardi Gras, the highly anticipated new ship from Carnival Cruise…
We're smack dab in the middle of the holiday season and if you're still looking for a last-minute gift for that special someone in your life, do…
When former Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford stepped down earlier this year, Carnival Corporation decided to promote from within, naming Carnival Cruise Line COO Gus Antorcha…
Barbuda may very well be the most untouched island in the whole Caribbean, but if Robert De Niro and other wealthy investors have their way, the island…
Mardi Gras, the newest ship from Carnival Cruise Line, had a special guest this week as the ship prepares for delivery at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. Jolly…
Heavy metal fans aren’t going to let a worldwide pandemic stand in the way of their fun. With cruising at a virtual standstill, Monsters of Rock, which…
In my 10 years of weekly visits to St. Thomas by cruise ship, it had never entered my mind that a food tour would be an excursion…
The cruise industry took a step back this week with the news that more cruise lines are pushing back their start date well into the spring. But…
Have you ever seen the shows where the CEO of a major company goes undercover and spends the day working like one of the regular employees to…
Cruise aficionados, film lovers, and Meryl Streep–worshippers alike all got a pleasant 2020 surprise today with the release of Let Them All Talk, HBO Max’s new film starring Streep, Candice Bergen,…
“Day after day, day after day, We stuck, nor breath nor motion; As idle as a painted ship Upon a painted ocean.” The Rime of the Ancient…
December 25th is rapidly approaching and if you’ve been procrastinating your holiday gift shopping, it’s time to get up and get going. From stocking-stuffers to gifts that…
Is it January 2022 yet? That's how long cruisers will have to wait before they can sail on board the newest yacht from Emerald Cruises. We…
Did you miss out on the awesome Black Friday cruise deals last week? Never fear! We're back with a new edition of Choose Your Cruise and there…
As cruise lines prep for a return to service, new details continue to emerge about what life on board will be like for cruisers. Princess Cruises, who's…
When she was first hired as Carnival Cruise Line President back in 2014, Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald called Christine Duffy “one of the most respected and…
There’s something beautifully consistent about a river. A living embodiment of water’s never ending journey through our ecosystems, rivers provide life in ways no other body of…
Citing passenger safety and the current global environment as the reason, Norwegian Cruise Line announced this morning that they had cancelled all cruises through February 2021. They…
Carnival Corporation announced today that several prominent members of their leadership team would be moving to new roles within the company. Stein Kruse, the former CEO of…
‘Twas the night before cruising and all through the ship, the team at Royal Caribbean was stirring to make it a great trip! The masks were all…
The not-so-good news is that we’ll likely be wearing facemasks for the foreseeable future. The good news: Face coverings can be fashionable! Months after we considered ourselves…
Cruising has always fueled the imagination with dreams of far-flung destinations, and 2020’s unimaginable pause in cruising has amplified those dreams tenfold. It is very likely that…
Need something to look forward to? 2021 is almost here and it's bringing with it a total solar eclipse! On December 4, 2021, the moon will fully…
Cruise lines continue pushing back their restart date as they work their way through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new framework for conditional sailing. The…
On Saturday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their travel advisory for cruise ships to level 4, meaning that there was a “very high”…
It's almost Thanksgiving! While some people look forward to a heaping pile of mashed potatoes and gravy, those of us savvy shoppers are looking ahead to the…
On the heels of Carnival Cruise Line cancelling all cruises until February 2021, their sister line Princess Cruises has decided to push back their restart as well.…
When the first few notes of “Conquest of Paradise" from Greek composer Vangelis began playing, it was almost (almost!) like being on board the newly renovated Star…
It's been an up and down week for the cruise industry. News of effective vaccines had people excited, but cruise lines aren't even close to taking on…
In October 2019, when the New Kids on the Block announced their 11th annual cruise —on the chartered Carnival Conquest from Miami to Half Moon Cay —…
Windstar Cruises is making the most exclusive cruise destination in the entire world more available than ever before! When the cruise line resumes operation in March 2021,…
Silversea Cruises took delivery of their brand new ship Silver Moon just a few weeks ago and to celebrate, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer Barbara Muckermann hosted a…
As friends cried out to me “are you crazy?”, I briefly contemplated that they might be onto something. With a pandemic raging throughout the world, why would…
Here's a fun fact: Friday the 13th will happen in any month that starts on a Sunday. Whether you're superstitious or not, watch out for black cats, mirrors…
When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifted the no-sail order last month, you could probably hear the collective cheer from the cruise industry from outer…
Face masks are going to be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean you have to hide your personality along with…
In normal years, cruise lines would be preparing for a Thanksgiving Day on board full of fantastic cuisine and festive cheer! From the first appetizer to the…
Lobster pad Thai. Raw vegetable juice spiked with immune-boosting spices. Lavish dinners paired with France’s most famous bubbly. Few cruise lines hit such high, diverse culinary notes…
Depending on your personal perspective or inclinations, the trendy playground of Los Cabos, Mexico can either be party time central or ultra luxury paradise. It’s swank and…
A COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech SE is showing some promising results and that's great news for the prospect of cruising again! In a study,…
It's Friday! That means it's time for what we assume is the most important decision you had to make this week - choose your cruise! Now that…
I’m always hungry. Hungry for travel, knowledge, friendship and it goes without saying, food! If presented with an à la carte menu of excursions or adventures, a…
Back in October, the cruise industry came together for an event called Seatrade Cruise Virtual. The event provided a forum for cruise lines, executives, journalists and travel…
This election was important for any number of reasons, but for Key West, cruise ships were at the forefront of the voting. Residents of the popular vacation…
What better way to embark upon 2021 than by preparing for actually getting out into the world? (Particularly with something that’ll help you toast to 2020’s departure.)…
Cruisers were thrilled last Friday when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chose not to renew their no-sail order that had been in effect since March.…
What's the difference between a cruise ship and an amusement park these days? One floats. Modern cruise ships are nothing short of engineering marvels complete with water…
Love is a beautiful thing. Sharing a vacation experience with someone special is wonderful for any relationship. Cruise lines understand that romance is alive and well on…
The CDC announced this afternoon they would let the no-sail order expire, but in it's place they've instituted a conditional sail order with plenty of hoops cruise…
There's nothing scary about tomorrow for cruisers! Sure, the streets of America will be filled with ghosts, goblins and probably a ton of people riding skateboards and…
Earlier this summer, the cruise industry saw a return to cruising in Europe as an overwhelming positive. Now, four months later, both France and Germany have announced…
Italian cruise line Costa Cruises has announced they will deploy Costa Favolosa and their new flagship Costa Toscana in South America for the 2021-2022 cruise season. Embarkation…
One of the newest cruise lines to join the industry, with a ship design unlike any other, Virgin Voyages was scheduled to sail from Miami for the…
Perched on the central plateau of the Guanajuato Mountain Range, there are very few destinations that can compete with the color, culture and character of San Miguel…
The CDC has updated a level 3 warning to avoid nonessential travel, citing cruises in particular as a known spreader of COVID-19. The update on the CDC…
Halloween is right around the corner and the scariest thing cruisers can think of is spending a full nine months on land. Knock on wood, we're at…
One of the world's foremost luxury cruise lines is giving their guests the confidence to book a cruise vacation with an updated booking confidence program. Crystal Cruises…
As cruise lines continue beefing up their offerings for 2021, Holland America Line announced a renewed focus on Alaska with a full lineup of cruises and land excursions…
Lake Kariba, a watery wilderness sandwiched between Zambia and Zimbabwe, stretches nearly 140 miles long, and expands 25 miles at its widest point. Dubbed Africa’s Inland Sea,…
Although the ‘no sail’ mandate may be loosening its suffocating grip, cruising’s self imposed extension lingers with ships motionless at anchor or tightly tethered to their docks.…
Perhaps the most well-known feature of cruising is the extravagant and abundant food options available all day, every day. Recently, cruise lines have been adding even more…
In honor of Halloween, here's the most terrifying story you can tell in four sentences. The door slowly creaks open. Blue light from the computer screen illuminates…
It feels like everyday we're inching closer and closer to a return to cruising. While some are focused on booking for the next couple of months, Disney…
He might be the most important man in cruising. Who could that be, you ask? Why, the President of the United States, of course. The one thing stopping…
How often have you heard the phrase "Going Green" or something similar? From reducing plastic waste to fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles, everywhere you look people are trying…
One of the most difficult parts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been social distancing. It’s vitally important to prevent the spread of the virus, but it’s challenging…
The writing was on the wall, we just didn't want to read it. Carnival Cruise Line, the last holdout for cruising in November, has officially cancelled all…
Meyer Werft shipyard played host to a special moment on Friday when P&O Cruises officially took ownership of Iona, their newest ship. P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow was on hand for…
According to Vice President Mike Pence's Daily Guidance and Press Schedule, today is a big day for cruisers. At 2pm this afternoon, the Vice President will lead…
If you're itching to cruise like the rest of us, Carnival Cruise Line did you a favor and opened up booking for their upcoming ship Carnival Celebration!…
Did you hear the news? Royal Caribbean International got the go-ahead from the government of Singapore to resume cruise operations from the city on December 1! The…
Symphony of the Seas For those booking a cruise on the brand new Symphony of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean, you’re about to sail on the…
Have you been dreaming about relaxing on a tropical beach with the sun shining overhead and your toes in the sand? Then this column is for you.…
One of Asia's most popular cruise lines is preparing to sail again on November 6th, but it will look a little different than the cruises we're used…
One of the joys of traveling is the ability to immerse oneself in different cultures. From food to architecture and everything in between, cultures provide an array…
When George Bernard Shaw first saw the ancient walled city on the Adriatic, he was smitten. “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik,” declared…
In a statement on their website this morning, Norwegian Cruise Line has cancelled all cruises embarking in November as well as all sailings on Norwegian Star, Norwegian Spirit,…
With the provocative civilization of the Maya on eminent display at the ancient ruins of Coba, Tulum and legendary Chichen Itza, Mexico’s Riviera Maya is awash with…
Earlier this week, the cruise industry had it's first piece of good news in a long time when news came down that the Centers for Disease Control…
Cruisers, we have an announcement. At some point today, representatives from the cruise industry will meet with members of the Trump Administration's Coronavirus task force, including Vice…
As the warm, sunny days of summertime come to a close, many are looking to tailor their trip destinations to something a bit more Fall-focused. Just like…
CruiAs we reported yesterday, the rumor flying around the cruise world was that the Trump Administration, Vice President Mike Pence specifically, was planning on overruling the Centers…
Summer may be coming to an end, but that’s all the more reason to dust off your bartending skills and make your favorite tropical cocktail at home!…
One of our reader's favorite small ship cruise lines has a new President. Christopher Prelog will be tasked with leading Windstar Cruises forward in a post-COVID world. Prelog…
What’s the difference between a cruise ship and a yacht? For family-owned SeaDream Yacht Club, just about everything. Their slogan - It’s Yachting, Not Cruising - is…
When Seatrade Cruise Global 2020 in Miami Beach was cancelled, it disrupted the plans of thousands of attendees just weeks before the show. There's a great saying about…
Cruise lines are starting to realize that when they are allowed to sail again in America, people aren't going to be as keen to hop on an…
When the first members of the Algonquin nation settled along the jagged coastline of Maine long ago, they spotted a lonely island sitting in the fog off…
Cruise ship atriums have long been used as a way to make a first impression on passengers. From the Swarovski crystal staircases found on MSC Cruises ships to…
Already renowned for luxurious accommodations and signature butler service (voted best onboard enrichment and service in our 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards), Crystal River Cruises can trumpet that…
“I’ll take 2020 Travel Potpourri for $200 Alex” Answer: In 2020 ‘’It’ brought the travel industry to a standstill. Question: What is COVID-19? “2020 Travel Potpourri for…
Happy Monday, everyone! It's a particularly special Monday for those who love reading 65-page documents outlining on board health and safety protocol upgrades. That's right! Norwegian Cruise…
We've been busy for the past few weeks interviewing some of the top names in the cruise industry and travel media. Nobody is entirely sure when cruising…
Considering she's been with Princess Cruises for nearly two decades, it's safe to say there's nobody better to give us the latest cruise news than President Jan…
Throughout my entire corporate career, nothing was more important to me than providing answers or, when definitive answers were elusive, regular updates that informed and enlightened my…
One of the countries hardest hit by the Coronavirus is looking to reopen their borders by next week. According to Colombian Minister of Transport Angela Maria Orozco,…
Today isn't a normal Friday. It's September 11. Nearly two decades ago, America was attacked by those who see freedom and democracy as the enemy. Since that…
Nibble the finest caviar, then tuck into 24K gold-flecked consommé, fresh lobster in pea puree, and a towering Grand Marnier soufflé. What makes this repast so extraordinary…
When it comes to travel, few come close to the knowledge and experience of Emmy award winning investigative reporter and travel editor for CBS News, Peter Greenberg. …
Speaking to the Bahamian people in a national address on Monday, Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D'Aguilar announced additional details of the forward-looking recovery and reopening…
One can hardly visit Germany without being tempted by its smorgasbord of iconic delicacies—many of which have been brought over and are now enjoyed throughout the United…
Say do you remember, dancing in September? Earth, Wind & Fire's most famous tunes is a staple at weddings, galas and more and now is the best…
Like countless other Caribbean islands, the economy of Barbados is centered around visitors from all over the world. When the COVID-19 pandemic first began, Barbados lost both visitors…
Yesterday morning, AmaWaterways made the difficult decision to suspend operation until November for all but one ship. The river cruise company pioneered the industry return to cruising…
UPDATE: A representative from AmaWaterways has confirmed that the pause until October does NOT apply to the newly restarted AmaKristina in Europe. It DOES however, apply to…
How much do you really know about South America’s famed Amazon river? More than 4,000 miles long and home to an abundance of life, the river isn’t…
Earlier this week, we profiled Holly Johnson, the President of Wings Airways & Taku Lodge in Juneau, Alaska. Holly and her staff are struggling to get by…
Cruise news to cheer! Sailing suspensions. Cancelled cruises. Refund delays. Scrapped ships. Nasty comments from journalists who consider themselves qualified to slam the entire industry despite never…
One thing we’ve heard a lot of lately is that small ship cruise lines will have an easier time returning to full operation following the COVID-19 pandemic. Aqua…
In a Facebook Live video this morning, popular Carnival Cruise Director Matt Mitcham stunned the cruise world by announcing his retirement. He was set to be the…
After considering the opinion of experts from the fields of health and science, Costa Cruises has implemented a COVID-19 testing protocol for all passengers embarking on Costa…
I’m pretty sure that we all glossed over the chapter on the rules for pandemic survival in the master plan of life. Regardless of our innocence and…
It seems like it's been forever since we had good news to report in the Caribbean, but thankfully today is the day! The U.S. Virgin Islands are…
It’s been a busy few weeks for MSC Cruises. First, they released a comprehensive health and safety plan for all ships and crew. Then they announced their…
It was a big day for MSC Cruises at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The cruise line watched their latest megaship float out for the first…
UPDATE: We have our name! Carnival Celebration is set to sail in 2022 and we can't wait to get on board! The video reveal was a lot…
Another Caribbean nation is gearing up for a return to normalcy and it's especially good news for cruisers! The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis announced in…
Road trips are a national pastime of America - pairing a network of open highways with a cultural love affair of cars breeds plenty of notable stops…
Silversea Cruises’ first-ever destination specific ship, Silver Origin, is one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships ever built. But while its voyages prioritize the protection of…
Cruising has been through a lot in the past six months, but so too have the many nations who rely on tourism to keep their economies moving.…
‘Pivot’ might just be the word of the year for 2020. Countless small businesses and retailers pivoted to online sales. Grocery stores pivoted to home delivery services.…
The sky was falling if you listened to media outlets from all over the country. UnCruise Adventures had only been back in action for less than a…
Does it feel like summer is flying by? Pretty soon we'll start to wake up with a crisp September chill in the air and you'll know it's…
Everybody dance now! Not too long ago, a get-down, get-funky night of dancing to popular music was nearly unheard of linaboard a cruise ship. A disco, if…
Just a week after announcing protocols for health and safety on board their cruise ships, MSC Cruises has a concrete start date for sailings in the Mediterranean. MSC Grandiosa and MSC…
It's not easy to get by for a lot of people these days and when it comes to sacrificing to make ends meet, usually vacations are the…
With 17 cruise ships and more on the way, MSC Cruises continues to surprise and delight guests with the “European feel” on their ships, the lush spreads…
In a move that was not unexpected, but certainly disappointing, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International joined Norwegian Cruise Line in cancelling all cruises through the…
We've been waiting for a few months now as the Centers for Disease Control continue to push back their no-sail order for cruises from US ports. Even…
When Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Royal Caribbean Group entered into a collaboration they called the Healthy Sail Panel, their goal was to make cruising safer for…
No one needs an actual excuse to push the reset button on personal well-being. Lifestyle brand goop, the brainchild program of celebrity Mediterranean , is joining Celebrity…
Sometimes—even during a pandemic—a girl needs to immerse herself in a turquoise sea, feel powder-soft sand between her toes and have some crispy, deep-fried conch fritters for…
While most of us here in America were still asleep, MSC Cruises’ CEO Gianni Onorato took the podium at a press conference in Italy to reveal the details…
When Norwegian Cruise Line President Harry Sommer took over for departing president Andy Stuart in December of 2019, everything was looking up for the cruise line and…
Holland America Line announced today that it is changing the name of its newbuild from Ryndam to Rotterdam and designating it the new flagship of the fleet. The ship will be…
What started as a single cruise ship on the Douro Rivers has evolved into Mystic Invest, one of Portugal’s premier tourism brands thanks to company founder and…
Welcome to the Thursday rumor mill! Today we have some juicy rumors about Carnival Corporation brands and a spokesperson for the company calling them false. Let’s dive…
Norwegian Cruise Line has updated the cancelled sailings page on their website and unfortunately it's more bad news. The cruise line has suspended sailings through the month…
Carnival Corporation, in conjunction with the World Travel & Tourism Council, hosted a virtual summit yesterday which included a series of panels focusing on critical areas of…
Just because you can’t be on board a Disney Cruise Line ship at the moment doesn’t mean you and the whole family can’t enjoy the stellar entertainment.…
“Their kids must be sleeping in.” Another couple is having breakfast next to us. It’s eerily quiet. Lian disagrees. “Kids don’t sleep in.” His South African accent…
Congratulations to the 1,200 people who set sail for the Norwegian fjords on board TUI Cruises Mein Schiff 2, you’ve reached a major milestone in cruising’s return…
Cruising is back in some parts of the world, but the rest of us will have to wait a little longer until we can cruise again. Cruise…
After a record-breaking number of visitors to the Cayman Islands in 2019, the islands seemed poised for a bright future. But after the COVID-19 outbreak, those working…
In a press release this morning, Carnival Cruise Line released news about their fleet and itinerary changes, plans for an upcoming ship and a homeport shake up…
Citing the continued COVID-19 virus pandemic, Princess Cruises made the difficult decision to extend their pause in cruising operations for voyages in Asia, Caribbean, California Coast, Hawaii,…
As if we didn’t have enough problems right now, Tropical Storm Gonzalo is knocking at the door. The tropical storm officially formed in the Atlantic Ocean this…
Sometimes a feeling is all we humans have to go on. — Captain Kirk The organizers of Star Trek: The Cruise V had to make a difficult,…
One of the first places to see a return to cruising was the coast of Norway and now we have the full details as to how it’s…
In a land far, far away — from Porthole HQ, at least — lies the down under continent of Australia, flanked on the southeast by New Zealand…
It could be a while before cruisers are back on board their favorite ships, so one cruise booking service decided to do something about it. Cruise.com, a…
With most cruises on hold around the world, you might be wondering what is happening with Royal Caribbean cruises today, and what to expect going forward. Despite…
In an address to his nation yesterday, Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced that the islands would be closed to American tourists beginning Wednesday due to surging…
Cruisers woke up to some not-so-great news this morning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their no-sail order, pushing the date back to October 2020.…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention struck another blow to anxious cruisers who were hoping to be on board a ship for the end of summer.…
Like most businesses across the world, cruise lines are in an all out effort to reduce their operating costs as their usual income is no longer rolling…
CruisinSit down with anyone who has worked on a cruise ship and you will inevitably hear stories about 7 day work weeks and long hours. On the…
Imagine waking each morning to the incandescent glow of the vibrant sun, the tranquil sound of the sea, and the fresh scent of the ocean air wafting…
What a vacation it would be. No lines at the water slides, no waiting to tender and certainly no mad scramble to secure the last open deck…
The latest cruise line to go above and beyond when it comes to the health and safety of their guests is not only improving their air filtration…
He's been Carnival Corporation's chief strategy officer and senior vice president of Cunard North America. He's been a partner at a global business management company and has degrees…
The year was 1969. Thanks to the development of the overseas highway, Key West was no longer an isolated little island cluster in the Caribbean, but a…
We're another step closer to sailing on board the newest ship from Princess Cruises! Enchanted Princess successfully completed her sea trials off the coast of Italy. The ship…
Freedom to explore isn’t something we’re taking for granted anymore. After a long few months, travel is finally possible again and cruisers couldn’t be happier. Cruise operators…
Mid-July in Bar Harbor, Maine is usually peak season for cruise ships, but not this year. Tuesday night struck another blow to an already beleaguered industry when…
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises released their ten-point hygiene and preventative plan for a return to cruising at the end of July 2020. The plan is to restart cruises from…
A lazy summer day, and the tantalizing aroma of barbecue drifts through the air. Maybe it’s the citrusy scent of fresh-caught salmon squeezed with lemon, or the…
Following up on a successful return to cruising in June, Norwegian expedition cruise line Hurtigruten has announced plans to ramp-up operation through August and September to bring…
Two of the biggest names in cruise are collaborating for the first time ever on new health and safety standards for the cruise industry. Royal Caribbean Group…
Popular Italian line Costa Cruises has made the difficult decision to pause operation until August 15, 2020. The cruise line also announced the cancellation of all cruises…
Who's that Lady? For months, Virgin Voyages had been flooding social media channels with carrot-dangling teasers about its mold-breaking Scarlet Lady, the first of four ships being…
Happy Independence Day! This July 4th is going to be a little different than most years but that doesn't mean we can't have fun, celebrate our freedom,…
A popular Mediterranean small ship cruise line is pressing pause until 2021. In their announcement this morning, Celestyal Cruises made the difficult decision to pause operation until…
Seabourn Cruise Line made a major announcement yesterday when they named Josh Leibowitz the new president of the company. Leibowitz joined Carnival Corporation in 2013 as chief strategy officer and…
Throughout the COVID-19 situation, we've been adamant that there's never been a better time to book a future cruise. With talk of a vaccine coming later this…
It was a beautiful March morning in Miami when Virgin Voyages’ first ship Scarlet Lady slid gracefully into her berth at PortMiami. The excitement was palpable as…
What appeared to be a brief pause in cruising at the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown has turned into a wanderlust nightmare. For three months we’ve had…
According to a breaking news report from the New York Times this afternoon, Americans could be barred from entering European Union countries as they begin to reopen…
There’s a reason why cruise ship dining rooms are always packed on lobster tail night. The succulent crustaceans are widely considered a prized delicacy for their rich…
When Uniworld Boutique River Cruises cancelled their summer itineraries due to COVID-19, many passengers were left frustrated that their upcoming cruise was no longer. Many had the…
When I think of cruising in the Covid-19 era, the chorus of Eric Carmen’s 1975 pop hit “All By Myself” wafts through my mind because, more often…
We’re inching closer and closer to cruising again and another well-known cruise line has released a health and wellness program designed to give guests and crew confidence…
Utah may be known for having some of the best skiing in the country, but it has a little secret. The state transforms into hiking, rock climbing, and…
The Indonesian island of Bali takes up a spot on most bucket lists and one resort on the island is offering extended stay options for people looking…
As the return of cruising seems to be within reach, it’s time to mitigate lockdown loneliness. My brother Nick Leland sets it up perfectly in the song…
Australian cruise operator Captain Cook Cruises is returning their river cruise operations back to normal starting June 23rd on Australia’s Murray River. The 7-night ‘Welcome Back’ cruise…
One of the most amazing things about cruising these days is what the ships look like compared to just a decade or two ago. Cruising has grown…
I’m not one to moan about inconveniences, but take away my life’s passion and I’m likely to go off the deep end. Take away the ability to…
I’m Hungry to Sail Again… When it comes to MSC’s pizza, I’m something of an expert since that’s pretty much all I consumed during the 2013 and…
Thanks for checking out the most popular hypothetical vacation guessing game on the internet! We're all about river cruises in today's installment of 'Choose Your Cruise'. It's looking…
When you cruise with Disney, you can expect there will be some sweet treats along the way. In honor of National Donut Day, we've got a recipe…
After being cooped up since March, everyone is dreaming about summer vacation. We quite literally want to get away from it all. But with COVID-19 still out…
Climate change is a hot-button topic these days and for good reason: 2020 will likely rank among the five warmest years on record, according to the National…
River cruise lovers are in luck, they could be on a ship in a matter of weeks. A-ROSA River Cruises announced today that their river cruise ship…
If you’re over 25, maybe you first heard about TikTok about the 400th time you heard “Old Town Road.” I’m not sure I had. But then we…
The amusement industry, much like the travel industry, is evolving by leaps and bounds. Cinephiles, for instance, can now enter and interact with the world of Star…
Last week, we reported several popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean were in the process of reopening to tourism. Over the weekend, the Turks and Caicos announced…
In a press release issued this morning, the Canadian Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, announced that cruise ships with overnight accommodations allowed to carry more than 100 persons are prohibited…
We know, cruise gang, the waiting isn't fun. But! We've had plenty of good news this week with several popular cruise destinations announcing timelines to open up…
Singapore is famously known as clean, green, and safe, not to mention rule-obsessed. Located just above the equator, it’s a modern and super-efficient city-state of gleaming skyscrapers,…
UPDATE May 27 1pm: Eugene Tian, Ph.D, Economic Research Administrator for the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism responded to our inquiry regarding the…
There’s good news from one of America’s most popular tourist destinations! The U.S. Virgin Islands will reopen its doors to leisure travelers on Monday, June 1, 2020.…
Some cruise lines are preparing their ships and crews for a return to normal, but that doesn’t mean cruising will be exactly the same when we get…
People often refer to July 25th as Christmas in July and this year, cruisers can expect a pretty awesome present. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced in a…
While American’s spent Friday warming up the grill and preparing to pay their respects to our fallen military service members for Memorial Day, Australia took an aggressive…
Earlier this month, Arnold Donald joined editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine, Bill Panoff, to discuss the latest in cruise news and Carnival Corporation’s response to COVID-19. Here…
I’m Hungry to Sail Again.. Stop what you’re doing right now (and if you’re like me, that pretty much means switching off the Law & Order reruns…
It was a big week in the cruise industry as two prominent cruise lines announced a return to the high seas this upcoming fall. Windstar Cruises will return…
Virgin Voyages announced today in a press release that they will begin sailing again on October 16, 2020 after pushing back their initial return date of late July. …
In these days of cancelled sailings, delayed inaugurals and postponed launches, it’s almost unheard of to hear of a new ship…but today we welcome the intimate Silver…
One of the foremost small ship cruise lines in the industry announced their date for return following the pause in operation due to COVID-19. Windstar Cruises will…
Basel, Switzerland, is a friendly and fascinating city located near where the borders of France, Germany and Switzerland meet. With the Rhine River flowing through the oldest part…
I’m Hungry to Sail Again! Let’s give midday lockdown a decidedly British accent with Afternoon Tea, that serene and elegant shipboard ritual that so many of us…
My husband is a germaphobe. A normal trip to a theme park requires flu shots at least two weeks in advance, a prophylactic course of Emergen-C and…
The beautiful and popular cruise destination of Puerto Vallarta is taking the first steps towards reopening today after months of shutdowns and social distancing. May 18th marks…
I’m Hungry THIRSTY for a Cruise! At first, I was baffled. How on earth could Disney Cruise Line have some of the coolest cocktails at sea? And…
Just like a couple of eager kids, we grabbed each other’s hands and carefully stepped barefoot from the soft netting of our catamaran to the smooth metal…
Happy Friday! Today on choose your cruise, we've got three options from around the world and YOU get to pick your favorite! Let us know which cruise…
It seems that, almost overnight, the concept of “vacation” changed from one of relaxation, merriment, and luxury to an “experiential” adventure, often characterized by backbreaking physical work…
Hungry to Sail Again There I was, thinking home-made crème brûlée would be an ambitious undertaking. I was a tad intimidated by all those accent marks and…
We’ve been saying it since cruise lines began their pause in operation in March: there’s never been a better time to book a cruise. Well, apparently cruisers…
In today’s cruise world, being good simply isn’t good enough. So when you are given a name like “Grandiosa,” expectations run high. MSC Cruises has pulled the…
After six years as the President of Holland America Line, Orlando Ashford is saying goodbye to the cruise line. Ashford announced his decision in a press release…
The Belearic island of Ibiza, Spain also referred to as the White Isle, is a little slice of heaven situated on the Mediterranean Sea. The illustrious superclubs…
The Venice Art Biennale is the most important contemporary art show in the world. For six months every other year, it takes over the entire city of…
When COVID-19 first began spreading globally, the island of Nevis in the Caribbean took an aggressive approach to fighting the virus and it appears those measures have…
What's better than getting a great deal on something? For today's choose your cruise, we've got three of the best possible deals we could find on sailings…
How important is Carnival Corporation to the cruise industry? The conglomerate holds nine of cruising’s most recognizable brands and employs hundreds of thousands of people both here…
Cruise passengers arriving into Port Genoa are gliding through waters steeped in history and mystery. Some of the world’s most notorious explorers hail from this hearty seaport…
We’ve all seen articles about what cruising is going to look like in the aftermath of COVID 19. Precautions like doing away with self-service buffets, not filling…
Hungry to Sail Again Like everyone else, I’m just about up to HERE with lockdown. I want to whip off my mask, plan my next cruise, meet…
As wellness continues to take center stage in everyday life, cruise ships are giving healthy-minded passengers a boost with wellness-themed rooms and suites featuring a variety of…
We’re all spending a lot more time around the house these days so we decided to put together a list of some awesome stuff you can get…
Hungry to Sail Again Culinarily speaking, there are a few cruise favorites that, over the years, have become classics: Norwegian’s baked potato soup, Carnival’s Melting Chocolate Cake,…
The economic toll of COVID 19 on the cruise industry is devastating, but the people of Alaska may be the biggest losers in the whole ordeal. Mike…
Most of the time, mayday on a cruise ship is a bad thing, but not on May 1st! Today, we've got some pretty cool cruises from three…
In an address to the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands yesterday, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. outlined a five-tier plan to reopen the islands for tourism by…
Hungry to Sail Again Admit it. After a few nights of filet of beef Wellington, butter-dipped lobster tail, foie gras and maybe even caviar, we start to…
We’re starting to see what travel in a post-Coronavirus world will look like and for JetBlue passengers, that means masks are mandatory for all passengers beginning May…
Hungry to Sail Again In September of last year, the six-star Scenic Eclipse stopped traffic when she arrived in New York for her christening—the ceremonial bottle of…
Thousands of New Kids on the Block fans—and the five New Kids themselves—were meant to be aboard the Carnival Conquest right now, sailing towards Half Moon Cay…
Citing "the continued impact of COVID 19," Cunard Line made the decision to pause their voyages further past the initial date of May 15, 2020 previously announced.…
For more than 20 years, Revelex has provided a powerful booking engine for dozens of major cruise lines. Company CEO David Goodis has his pulse on not…
Hungry to Sail Again No question. We adults are going a little stir crazy during this global pandemic…but at least we have booze. Think of the little…
While the dark cloud of the health pandemic hovers above each of us, the cruise industry looks optimistically into the future. In spite of a doom and…
Social distancing is making celebrating a little different these days, but we wanted to give a big Happy Birthday shout out to Holland America Line, who turned…
In a nationally broadcast press conference on Sunday, Bahamian Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis spoke to his people about ongoing lockdown protocols to help prevent the spread…
Hungry to Sail Again After this pandemic, I know I’ll never take the following things for granted: Restaurants, movie theaters, bookstores, concerts, medical professionals, bars, hairstylists, eyebrow…
Holland America Line followed suit with sister line Carnival in extending their pause on cruise operations until mid-summer. In a statement yesterday, company President Orlando Ashford explained…
Not one to cancel plans, travel guru Steve Leland decided to press on with his plans to explore the coast of Australia with True North Adventure Cruises…
On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a 100 day extension on the no-sail order from earlier in March. The order did leave some…
We’ve been asking cruising from all over the world to share their cruise stories and our readers have emailed, tweeted, commented and videotaped themselves sharing their favorite…
Hungry to Sail Again Today, I’m whipping up a sweet reminder of my glorious Viking Helgrim cruise down Portugal’s Douro River last summer. And I have all…
When we asked cruisers to share their favorite vacation memories and stories while we wait to cruise again, we thought we’d get a few responses. We were…
Some things really make you think of cruising, like Tortuga Rum Cake Company. The Caribbean brand of cakes, sauces, coffee and more was founded by Robert Hamaty…
Whether he’s sprinkling parsley on flaky filets of dover sole at Rudi’s Sel de Mer or cutting the ribbon at Carnival Kitchen on board the new Carnival…
Hungry to Sail Again We all love Norma and Dave, the Australian couple who were content to re-create their cancelled cruise by donning bathrobes, toasting each other…
Continuing our series of interviews around the Caribbean, today we interviewed Joseph Boschulte Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands about COVID 19 and what life…
While we wait for cruising to come back into our lives, we’ve been asking cruising from all over the world to share their cruise stories from over…
New protocols instituted by the Trump Administration and the Centers for Disease Control restrict cruise ship passengers from flying commercial airlines. Passengers or crew getting off cruise…
Along with getting bigger and more luxurious, many new cruise ships are experimenting with virtual reality to enhance the passenger experience. Innovations like Royal Caribbean’s Sky Pad…
The weeks long ordeal for passengers and crew on board Holland America Line Zaandam and Rotterdam is finally over. The ship docked in Fort Lauderdale, FL today…
We’ve been covering a lot of news from cruise lines and their employees lately, but one thing getting neglected is how the numerous island nations across the…
Last week, we debuted a new column called Choose Your Cruise, where cruisers are faced with three different itineraries all over the world and asked to choose…
Unfortunately these days, cruises are getting cancelled no matter where you’re headed or which line you’re cruising with. Those booked with Carnival Cruise Line were dealt with…
For years, cruisers have donated to environmental causes that support the health and safety of whales in our oceans, but now in a bizarre twist of fate,…
In a research study conducted on board cruise ships in 2019, researchers found that those owning Hawaiian shirts were far more likely to take first prize in…
For the past month, we’ve been sharing some of our favorite cruise memories from our readers and from the Porthole team. When Porthole Cruise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Bill…
Soon you won’t have to go far to experience the wonders of a Viking river cruise. The popular cruise line announced new itineraries for the Mississippi River…
As more and more ports turn their backs on incoming cruise ships, even those with a clean bill of health, the Caribbean island nation of Barbados is…
As an intrepid traveler I’m always on the lookout for off the radar, next big thing destinations. Finding myself half the way around the world In the…
While we wait for cruising to come back into our lives, we've been asking cruising from all over the world to share their cruise stories from over…
Anyone looking west from the beaches of Great Harbour Cay today might see something unusual; a gathering of cruise ships. In fact, eight ships from three different…
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., one of the world’s foremost cruise operators, released a statement last night extending the suspension of their fleet until May 12, 2020. While…
For well over a decade, Jason Bridge has travelled the world via cruise ship fulfilling one of the most important roles on board: Port Shopping Consultant. When…
“What’s your next vacation?” It’s only four words, but it’s a question that truly has it all. Curiosity. Instant aspiration. The promise of hope, the opportunity for…
While cruise ships prepare for the next crop of happy cruisers to come aboard, one of the most common questions we’re getting is about what the crew…
It's day three of Cruise Memories with Bill Panoff! Many of you have heard of the upcoming Carnival Mardi Gras, but did you know that this will…
Welcome to the second installment of cruise memories with Bill Panoff! Yesterday, we asked Bill about his first memories of cruising on board TSS Carnivale where he worked…
Okay, we can all agree that 2020 is the WORST. But don't let your pure, unadulterated hatred for this year prevent you from scoring a great deal…
Since we're all taking a break from cruising for the time being, we decided the best thing to do was to share some of our favorite cruise…
The news that thousands of cruisers would have their vacations cancelled over the next 30 to 60 days sent shockwaves around the travel industry and rightfully so.…
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the cruise industry, but it’s safe to say that the current outbreak of Covid-19 is the most difficult challenge cruise…
This weekend, a video of a retired Australian couple made the rounds on social media and cruisers from all over could relate! Norma and Dave from Australia…
You won't have to use your imagination to understand why the Huna Tlingit consider Glacier Bay to be their spiritual homeland. Advancing glaciers drove them out for…
In response to the current global health situation, the biggest event in the cruise and shipping industry is being postponed. Seatrade Cruise Global officially announced their decision…
Have you ever heard the expression "once in a blue moon"? It means something that doesn't come along very often, if at all. Today we've got the…
Two of the world’s most recognizable cruise brands took major steps to help curb the spread of Coronavirus today. Princess Cruises and Viking Cruises have both announced…
A shining aquatic star of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, the island of Capri has long been the haunt of literati, glitterati and heads of state ranging from regal…
Hidden amongst the water slides, rows of sun-drenched deck chairs and surf and turf dinners is one aspect of a cruise vacation too many people are overlooking;…
This southernmost city in the United States has a way of achieving notoriety. Take the time it “seceded” to become the Conch Republic. Or José Martí’s historic…
The Mississippi River will always have its own way; no engineering skill can persuade it to do otherwise -Mark Twain The Mississippi River may not have the…
Experiential river cruising provides an opportunity to discover new lands, cultures, and people, deviating from the path well-traveled. Intrepid travelers recognize that going off the radar has…
UPDDATE :Editor’s Note: This article was published on March 2, 2020. Click here for the latest Coronavirus news and cruise updates. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed over the…
