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Costa Concordia Cruise Ship Captain Seeks Early Release from Prison

A large cruise ship, reminiscent of the Costa Concordia disaster, is partially submerged and tilted on its side near the rocky shoreline. Inset is a circular image of the captain wearing a white uniform with black and gold shoulder epaulets. A small rescue vessel is nearby.

Francesco Schettino, the captain at the helm of the ill-fated Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster, has filed for an early release from prison. Schettino, now age 64, petitioned for release, about halfway through his 16-year sentence. A court hearing is planned for early March to hear the petition. Francesco Schettino Applies For ‘Semi-Liberty’ Release Local […]

Cruise Line Apologizes for “Offensive” Costume Mishap

People in hazmat suits are walking in a line on a cruise ship deck, a curious sight amidst an unexpected mishap. Some passengers are observing, dressed casually, with some seated on lounge chairs. The sky is overcast, adding to the peculiar atmosphere aboard the cruise line.

A cruise line has issued an apology after a public backlash over an “inappropriate” deck parade. P&O Cruises Australia responded after video footage of crew members wearing pointed white hoods was compared to members of the Ku Klux Klan. It happened during a Christmas cruise from Melbourne to Tasmania last month. Crew members were dressed […]

Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom Star in MSC Cruises’ Super Bowl Debut

A man in a blue suit leans on a black grand piano while a woman in a patterned blouse, reminiscent of Orlando Bloom’s casual elegance, plays it. They are in a modern, well-lit room with large windows and white furniture. Both appear to be smiling and enjoying the moment.

MSC Cruises is making waves with its first-ever Big Game commercial, a significant milestone that underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the competitive U.S. market.  The 60-second ad, set to air during the 2025 Super Bowl, features Hollywood stars Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom. It highlights the cruise line’s unique blend of […]

Disney Cruise Line Increases Gratuities for All Staterooms Effective Immediately

A disney cruise ship docked at a port with a clear blue sky above, and a nearly empty parking lot in the foreground.

Disney Cruise Line (DCL) has raised gratuities across staterooms, effective January 23. Daily gratuities for Regular Staterooms are now $16 per guest, up from $14.50. Meanwhile, daily gratuities for Concierge Staterooms and Suites have likewise increased from $23.50 to $27.25 per guest. The new rates reflect a 10% price hike for regular cabins and a […]

Carnival’s New Age Restrictions for Staterooms Begin on February 1

A cruise ship cabin aboard the Carnival Liberty features two single beds with white linens, a nightstand with two lamps between them, and framed abstract artwork above each bed. A luggage bag is on the floor near one bed, and a towel with a logo is draped over the other as you prepare for setting sail from Port Canaveral.

Carnival Cruise Line just released more stringent policies regarding guests who are below 21 years old. The updated guidelines contain provisions regarding travel companions, accommodations, and minors traveling as a group. Here are the rules you should know about: Minors Are Not Allowed to Cruise on Their Own According to Carnival’s new Minor Policy, guests […]

5 Things to Do at the Costa Maya Cruise Port

A sandy beach with several palm trees and palapa huts providing shade. Under the huts are white plastic tables and chairs. In the background, colorful umbrellas and sun loungers face the clear blue ocean of Costa Maya. It's a sunny day.

When many cruisers take a look at their itineraries, they often pass over Costa Maya as just another stop they are unfamiliar with. However, Costa Maya is quickly climbing the list of best cruise stops in the Caribbean. Once you visit, you will easily see why. At the cruise port and the surrounding countryside, there […]

Cayman Islands Group Warns Against Anti-Cruise ‘Misinformation’

A sunny beach scene near the Grand Cayman cruise port features clear blue skies, palm trees, and turquoise waters. Gentle waves wash onto the sandy shore as people swim and relax in the background.

Pro-cruise advocates gave impassioned speeches to the Cayman Islands public, imploring them to support a referendum to build a cruise berthing facility. Members of the Association of Cruise Tourism (ACT) spoke to an audience of about 130 local residents and cruise stakeholders last week. Their message was simple: cruise tourism will continue to decline without […]

Holland America Unveils Mediterranean Bistro Concept for Rudi’s Sel de Mer

A wooden serving board presents a dish of escargot with garlic butter and herbs at Holland America's Rudi’s Sel de Mer. A baguette slice accompanies the arrangement, set against a white backdrop that draws attention to this Mediterranean Bistro delight.

Holland America Line brings a fresh Mediterranean twist to its popular Rudi’s Sel de Mer restaurant. The revamped concept will debut aboard the Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Koningsdam in January and February 2025. The updated venue aims to capture the charm of a relaxed Mediterranean bistro, blending coastal elegance with a modern dining experience. The […]

Celebrity Cruises Announces Sixth Edge-class Ship for 2028

A majestic cruise ship, reminiscent of the Celebrity Cruises Edge Series, docked at a bustling industrial port. The blue and white vessel towers above warehouses, parked vehicles, and a tugboat near the water's edge.

Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) has announced plans to add a sixth Edge Series cruise ship to the Celebrity Cruises fleet in 2028. The agreement was finalized with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the same company that constructed the previous Edge-class vessels. Tentatively named Xcel 2 or Edge 6, the new build will be the sister […]

UK Plans 60% ETA Visa Fee Hike, Impacting Cruise Passengers

A visa application form rests on a clipboard next to a dark brown passport and a pen, as UK travelers prepare for increased ETA Visa fees. The background displays the European Union flag with yellow stars on a blue field.

The UK government is proposing to hike Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) visa fees from £10 (approximately $12.20) to £16 (approximately $19.60). The drastic 60% fee increase comes less than two weeks after the British government began requiring the document from travelers without UK or Ireland passports, including cruise ship passengers. The same policy is expected […]

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