Virgin Voyages Secures $550 Million in New Funding
One of the newest cruise lines sailing is poised for a bright future after securing $550 million in new funding from new and existing investors. Virgin Voyages announced the funding in a press release today and executives from the cruise line say it points to not just a bright future for the cruise
Carnival Reveals New Details About Upcoming Carnival Celebration
We’re just a few months away from sailing on board the new Carnival Celebration as well as enjoying Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th birthday festivities and the cruise line has released new details about the upcoming ship! From the Cloud 9 Spa to Loft 19 and the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat, the
Schitt’s Creek Theme Cruise To Set Sail In 2023
Fans of the popular CBS show Schitt’s Creek are in luck! Flip Phone Events, the company that produces Golden Fans at Sea, a Golden Girls-themed cruise, is launching a cruise experience for diehard Schitt’s Creek fans this spring Spring 2023 from Miami. Fans are invited to book the cruise on
Seatrade Cruise Med Announces Keynote Panel
It’s been four years since the last Seatrade Cruise Med, making the upcoming gathering in Malaga, Spain all the more important. Kicking off on September 14, 2022, Seatrade Cruise Med is focused on the Mediterranean’s position as a top cruise destination and fostering future growth in the reg
Carnival Celebration to Have Fleet’s Largest Retail Selection
When the upcoming Carnival Celebration debuts this November, those on board will have plenty of options when it come to onboard shopping! The cruise line announced today that there will be nine retail collections on board, the most of any ship in their fleet. “As retailers, we saw more opportuni
Virgin Voyages Removes Pre-Cruise COVID Testing
In response to the conclusion of the CDC’s voluntary program, Virgin Voyages will remove the requirements for pre-embarkation testing. In a press release this morning, the cruise line also noted they would continue to consider the recommendations set forth by the organization, as well as adhering
Emerald Azzurra Christened in Venice
The very first ocean yacht from Emerald Cruises was christened in a special ceremony in Venice, Italy over the weekend. Emerald Azzurra, the highly-anticipated new yacht from the luxury cruise line, was christened by Rosie Cairns, joint Managing Director at ROL as Godmother Sarah Wikevand, joint Man
Your Cruise to Australia is Back On
It had been more than two years since the last time a cruise ship sailed past the iconic opera house in Sydney Harbor, but that all changed this morning when P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer arrived to much fanfare. Flanked by tug boats on all sides spraying their water cannons, Pacific Ex
Fort Lauderdale is Focused on Travel for All
Here at Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine, we’ve long been fans of the phrase “cruising is for everyone.” Travel, in general, is something that should be open and accessible to all who are curious enough to step foot in a new place. One tourism board is reaffirming their commitment to tr
Holland America Line Will House Ukrainians Refugees on Board Volendam
Holland America Line has teamed up with the Netherlands and the City of Rotterdam to accommodate Ukrainian refugees on board Volendam as they need a place stay after leaving their homeland due to the ongoing war. The ship will dock in Rotterdam for three months to provide a temporary home for appr
Princess Cruises’ Guests Can Customize Medallion With Favorite NBA or WNBA Team
Princess Cruises knows March is all about basketball! While college hoops tip off their big tournaments, the cruise line is calling on professional basketball fans to cheer on their favorite teams while at sea! A new licensing agreement between Princess Cruises and NBA and WNBA Properties means g
Windstar Cruises Adds All-Inclusive Pricing Options
One of the most popular small ship luxury cruise lines is changing the way they sell cruises. Windstar Cruises announced today that the cruise line would now be offering all-inclusive cruise vacations where guests pay a flat fee for their booking which includes the base cruise fare, unlimi
World Travel & Tourism Council Says Travel Rebounded in 2021
A new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals that the U.S. travel and tourism sector is on pace for year-over-year growth in 2021 of nearly 36%, a number that well exceeds the global tourism recovery. The best news? It’s looking like 2022 could be even better!&n
Celebrity Apex Sets Sail on Inaugural Cruise
Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale played host to a special event today as Celebrity Cruises’ new ship Celebrity Apex kicked off its inaugural Caribbean season. After the official naming ceremony, the ship will begin sailing rotating Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerarie
Thailand Ends Travel Restrictions for Dozens of Countries
One of the world’s most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia is reopening for international tourism! Thailand has ended the mandatory quarantine requirements for vaccinated travelers from an approved list of more than 60 countries. The country is also opening up to locals as Thailand
This Royal Caribbean World Cruise Sails to All Seven Continents
Here’s something not many people can say: I’ve been to all seven continents. If you book yourself a cabin on board Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas leaving from Miami on December 10, 2023, you’ll be able to say just that! The cruise line an
Singapore Opens For Vaccinated Americans, Canadians
Americans with plans on visiting Singapore are in luck! The island city-state in Southeast Asia announced that fully vaccinated travelers from U.S. and Canadian would now be allowed to visit, but there are still protocols to follow upon arrival. Singapore made headlines in late 2020 when Royal Carib
The Summer of ‘21 Travel Resumes Tour
Making up for the travel drought of 2020, a four month summer escape in the midst of pandemic pandemonium was just what the doctor ordered. Flying in the face of highly touted CDC warnings and after 12 flight segments, 6 cruises, 7 hotels, 15 different beds and 15 negative COVID tests, I’m surpris
Viking Sets Sail in Joint Venture with China Merchants
Viking has a new joint venture with China Merchants Shekou to offer 8-day China Coastal Cultural Cruises from Shenzhen Shekou Port and the first cruise left over the weekend. Viking first entered the Chinese cruise market around five years ago and since then, have established a reputa
Carnival Corporation Aims for 50% Fleet Restart by October
The largest cruise conglomerate in the world announced today they hope to have 50% of their fleet back in operation by the end of October and 65% of the fleet back by the New Year. Carnival Corporation was hit hard by the pandemic, but the news that their eight distinct cruise brands will have 42 [&
