Month: October 2024

MSC ANNOUNCES THEY ARE HEADED TO ALASKA

MSC Cruises announced today that they will begin sailing into the Far North, adding Alaska itineraries to their list.  MSC Poesia will be homeporting in Seattle offering roundtrip 7-night itineraries during Alaska season beginning May 11, 2026.

The MSC Poesia will be dedicated to sailing itineraries from the U.S., spending summer 2026 cruising to Alaska and then moving to Miami for the winter. It will also offer transit cruises through the Panama Canal on its way to and from Alaska.

MSC Poesia is a mid-sized ship perfectly designed to explore the narrow channels of the Inside Passage and stunning glaciers up close. Her 7-night itineraries include calls to:

  • Icy Strait Point, Alaska – Alaska’s first Indigenous-owned cruise destination is set amid more than 23,000 acres of private beach and temperate rainforest about a mile from Alaska’s largest Tlingit village, Hoonah. It features the largest zip line in the world, the most accessible coastal brown bear viewing platforms in Southeast Alaska, whale watching, fishing, local cultural dances and oral histories, cooking classes, kayaking and more. The facilities include a museum and locally owned retail shops in a restored 1912 salmon cannery, along with several restaurants offering local seafood, craft beer and more.
  • Juneau, Alaska – The state capital is only accessible by air or sea, which makes a cruise the perfect way to experience Juneau’s snow-capped mountains, historic landmarks and breathtaking views. The city was founded during a gold rush in 1880 and continues to invite visitors to try their hand at panning for gold. Right at the cruise port, the Goldbelt Tram rises 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts, offering the perfect vantage point for taking in the Chilkat Mountains, Douglas Island, the Gastineau Channel, and more.
  • Ketchikan, Alaska – The best fishing town in Alaska offers prime opportunities for catching or eating wild salmon, as well as spotting the abundant population of bald eagles attracted by the fish. Historic Creek Street is lined with an eclectic mix of shops, with an abundance of local artists and craftspeople. Ketchikan is also known for its impressive displays of authentic totem poles, and also known as having some of the best shopping in Alaska.
  • Tracy Arm, Alaska – The journey along Tracy Arm is every bit as amazing as the destination, with every hairpin turn along the way to the Sawyer Glaciers revealing something new. Entering the narrow fjord, guests will marvel at cliffs rising 3,000 feet along either side of the narrow and winding passage. Excitement builds as the ship passes waterfalls, roaming bears and a local seal colony. After 27 miles, a final turn reveals the intense blue color of the Sawyer Glaciers towering above the waterline.
  • Victoria, British Columbia – The calm waters of the Salish Sea and the towering rainforests of Vancouver Island surround a city known for its British heritage, colorful gardens, and magnificent architecture such as striking architectural marvels like the famed Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. Before entering the harbor, wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to spotting whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals and birds. Foodies will find nearly infinite choices with the highest concentration of restaurants anywhere in Canada. Victoria is British Columbia’s capital city—among the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest region.

MSC Poesia’s seasonal repositioning between Miami and Seattle allows for two truly unique itineraries sailing through the iconic Panama Canal at the start and end of the season. Offering guests an extraordinary opportunity to explore new horizons and embark on a bucket-list experience. 

Guests will have the chance to experience the canal transit, while also being able to explore up to ten vibrant destinations between Seattle and Miami including sunny West Coast highlights like San Diego and Los Angeles; historic Latin American treasures such as Cartagena and Cabo San Lucas; and the lush, exotic beauty of Costa Rica’s Puntarenas province.

The two sailings—departing from Miami on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and from Seattle on Monday, September 28, 2026—are available to book.

Itineraries are currently available to book.

Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils More To Do Aboard Norwegian Aqua And Norwegian Luna

The Company Will Debut a Brand-New Experience – Aqua and Luna Game Zone – Along with Returning Expanded Attractions 

Both Ships to Feature Enhanced Spa Services Including a New Clay Sauna and IV Drip Therapy 

Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel, today unveiled details about the brand-new onboard experiences and expanded venues that will be available aboard sister ships Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, the first two vessels in the cutting-edge Prima Plus Class set to launch in April 2025 and 2026, respectively.

The soon-to-debut ships will feature the Company’s first-ever Aqua and Luna Game Zone, an all-new gaming experience and evolution of NCL’s popular Galaxy Pavilion and arcade venues. The sister vessels will boast even more expanded and redesigned spaces, including Bull’s Eye Bar, a now complimentary experience with interactive dart games and a new full-service bar; and Tee Time, a supercharged version of mini golf where guests can play 12 interactive holes across two decks.

The Mandara Spa and Salon and Pulse Fitness Center will also be refreshed to include sophisticated design updates, and new revitalizing service additions including a clay sauna, IV drip therapy and thalassotherapy loungers aboard Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.

“We provide our guests with more to do with a variety of fun, exciting and elevated experiences for every type of traveler,” said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “The two sister ships will introduce a brand-new venue to the fleet, the Aqua and Luna Game Zone, along with thoughtfully redesigned spaces and bringing back many more of our best-in-class offerings, beloved by our guests and inspired by their feedback. We look forward to our guests enjoying more of what they love on board and creating unforgettable memories aboard Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.”

Immersive and Interactive Guest Experiences for All Ages

As the next evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line vessels, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna  will feature the Aqua and Luna Game Zone, a reimagined version of NCL’s beloved Galaxy Pavilion and arcade offerings. The venue will showcase a wide range of games and activities that appeal to every kind of guest, including virtual reality experiences such as Space Racing and Beat Hero where guests dance to the rhythm of the beat with dual swords, plus a mix of retro arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man; Donkey Kong; and Down the Clown.

The sister ships will also offer The Bull’s Eye Bar, an innovative take on traditional dart games, now boasting a full-service bar so guests can indulge in hand-crafted cocktails while playing. As a complimentary experience, guests will enjoy the fun of darts with elevated and virtual components designed to make the game more interactive and simplify the scoring process. With six different games available ranging from beginner to advanced, onboard players can take aim at a classic dart board that features added video-game-style graphics and automated scoring that are projected onto a big-screen TV.

Tee Time, the Prima Class interactive minigolf area themed around the “Wonders of the World,” will return to Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna two and a half times bigger than Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, providing 12 holes across two decks to offer a more enhanced experience to guests of all ages. Lastly, as a result of guest feedback to provide them with more of what they love to do, the Pickleball Court will return to its own dedicated space separate from The Stadium.

A Wellness Retreat at Sea with Enhanced Mandara Spa & Fitness Facilities

Masterfully crafted by world-class architects at the Rockwell Group, both the Mandara Spa and Salon and Pulse Fitness Center aboard Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna will be redesigned to encourage serenity and rejuvenation. The Mandara Spa once again features its breathtaking two-story cascading indoor spa waterfall and sleek marble staircase, creating a perfect environment for rest and relaxation. 

Guests can now unwind with a brand-new Clay Sauna, an invigorating spa service that revitalizes the skin through detoxifying cleansing and gentle exfoliation, leaving the body refreshed and radiant. The thalassotherapy pool in the Mandara Spa and Salon aboard the two ships will also feature all-new thalassotherapy loungers which promote relaxation, soothe muscle tension, and improve circulation. New to the Prima Class, IV Drip Therapy will be available to guests and provide a powerful boost of hydration and essential nutrients, designed to enhance energy, immunity, and overall well-being. 

The Thermal Suite aboard Nowegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna will now feature twice as many heated loungers compared to Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, inviting more guests to enjoy some calm and relaxation with expansive ocean views. Lastly, guests can further invigorate the senses with returning favorites, including the charcoal sauna, ice room, salt room, and the flotation salt pool which creates a sensation of weightlessness to melt any stress away while bathing the skin in nourishing antioxidants. 

Pulse Fitness Center will flaunt a new design to offer guests a sleek, modern sanctuary complete with state-of-the-art workout equipment; cardiovascular machines; and a dedicated spin studio. Additionally, guests will be able to partake in a variety of workout classes including yoga, mat Pilates, cycling, stretching and so much more. 

More to See on Tropical Voyages to the Caribbean Aboard the Company’s Latest Vessels

Beginning April 2025, Norwegian Aqua will sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., featuring calls to the tropical island destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas which will include a brand-new, multi-ship pier in late 2025. Following the ship’s Caribbean season, it will offer five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025 and then cruise five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World,” beginning October 2025 through April 2026.

On April 4, 2026, Norwegian Luna will kick off its inaugural Caribbean season from Miami with two western itineraries to Roatan Island, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize, the Brand’s resort-style destination. The ship will then sail seven-day cruises with calls to the beautiful Eastern Caribbean destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay.

For guests planning their next cruise vacation aboard Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Luna, or any ship in NCL’s fleet for sailings beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, the Company’s brand-new program, More At Sea™, offers travelers more value with an unlimited open bar featuring more premium beverage brands, more specialty dining credits and more Wi-Fi minutes. The package also includes $50 shore excursion credits with free airfare for the second guest and third and fourth guests sailing free on select cruises. 

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces “MORE AT SEA”

Norwegian Cruise Line has listened to what matters most to their guests and have decided to add even more value. They have enhanced their Free at Sea program, and it will now be known as “More at Sea”. It becomes available for bookings made on or after October 1, 2024, for cruises embarking on or after January 1, 2025. Here are all the details on what to expect with the enhancements.

New More at Sea Beverage Package  

This package has been updated to remove the $15 drink limit, giving guests additional beverage options.
With the new More at Sea Beverage Package, you can enjoy more premium brands like Casamigos, Grey Goose and Woodford, inclusive of gratuities and without upcharges or having to purchase the Premium Plus Beverage or Free at Sea Plus Packages.

IMPORTANT NOTE
Norwegian Cruise Line states “The Premium Plus Beverage Package and Free at Sea Plus Package will discontinue with the addition of More at Sea on October 1, 2024, for cruises embarking on or after January 1, 2025. As such, all previously upgraded beverage packages will be removed, and a refund will be provided to the original form of payment. The enhanced More at Sea Beverage Package includes 45% MORE beverage brands across all categories and because we want our guests to experience MORE, all guests sailing in 2025 and beyond, regardless of whether they purchased Free at Sea or More at Sea, will be able to take advantage of the enhanced beverage offerings at no additional cost! For those who originally purchased the Premium Plus Beverage Package to enjoy Starbucks or bottled water, they will need to include those items to applicable sailings as they are not included in the More at Sea Beverage Package”.

New Specialty Dining Package 
 Now,  guests can savor more specialty dining meals and enjoy more appetizers and desserts per meal.
With the enhancements to Specialty Dining, you can enjoy more opportunities to experience our specialty restaurants with additional specialty dining nights based on sailing length and stateroom category, inclusive of gratuities and without upcharges, and with transparency and simplicity! A specialty dining meal now includes up to three appetizers, one soup or salad, one entreé (main course), and up to three desserts. Additional entreés will be charged ‘a la carte’ prices listed on their respective menus.

New Wi-Fi Upgrade With the enhancements to Wi-Fi, more of you can  enjoy MORE high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Starlink. The offer will apply to all guests in the stateroom – not just guests 1 and 2! 

Existing Benefit: Excursion Credit
The Shore Excursion perks you know and love are staying just as they are, with a $50 Credit per eligible guest per shore excursion (applies to guest 1). As a reminder, this can be used on multiple excursions in the same port.

Existing Benefit: Free Airfare for 2nd guests
NCL’s Free Airfare for 2nd Guest remains the same. Once you buy an air ticket, the 2nd guest flies for free! For guests who want to customize their air schedule by selecting specific itineraries, customization is available through NCL’s Interactive Air program.

Existing Benefit: 3rd & 4th Guest Free
No update needed here – you can continue to take advantage of the 3rd and 4th guest sailing for free on select sailings with the required deposit of $99.