MSC Cruises Introduces New Accessible Shore Excursions Program
A new program for guests with varied mobility is helping more people discover the magic of a cruise vacation! MSC Cruises’ goal is to ensure that guests have the largest variety of shore excursions possible to suit all needs and their new expanded Accessible Shore Excursions Program is paving the
What to Do in Miami Before Cruising: Guide to Unique Miami
Miami is home to one of the world’s largest ports and one of America’s best vacation cities. You have probably heard about the famous beaches and 365 days of summer, but there’s a whole lot more to this town once you peel back the layers. We’ve created this handy guide for the cruiser seekin
Bahamas Paradise Announces Second ArtSea Sailing
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced the details for their second ArtSea Cruise Experience, one of the largest art exhibits at sea. Departing from West Palm Beach on November 30 on board their ship Grand Celebration and visiting Grand Bahama Island, the themed cruise is perfectly timed to the offi
Fort Lauderdale for First-Timers
Life in the Sunshine State is a little different than elsewhere across the country. Florida is where America comes to vacation thanks to beautiful weather, gorgeous beachside hotels and the world’s busiest cruise ports. No matter who you are or what your idea of a good time is, Fort Lauderdale and
Mardi Gras: The Best Time to Cruise from New Orleans
The biggest party in New Orleans every year is Mardi Gras and it’s also one of the best times to cruise! New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the country and it is home to some of the best Mardi Gras celebrations year after year. From the parades to the carnival balls, […]
‘Valiant Lady’ Announced by Virgin Voyages
Soon Scarlet Lady will have a twin sister cruising the Mediterreanean. Virgin Voyages announced in a press release this morning that their second ship will be named Valiant Lady and will sail the Mediterreanean upon her completion in 2021. The line’s first ship has yet to debut but is one of the m
Cruise Deal of the Week – November 15, 2019
In just 6 days, Porthole Cruise Magazine will be on board the new Norwegian Encore sailing on her christening cruise with Godmother Kelly Clarkson. We’ll be doing updates all weekend long as we explore the ship and learn all about her exciting new features. Nothing beats cruising on a brand ne
Sip Your Way Through Miami’s Marvelous Cocktails
Miami Beach is a whole lot more than just a strip of sand. This tropical paradise is where America comes to vacation thanks to beautiful weather, the world’s largest cruise ports and oh yeah, the beach. Most don’t know that once you get past the tourist area of Ocean Drive, Miami Beach is actual
The Best Place to Get Breakfast in Seattle Before You Cruise
A cruise is a fantastic way to see the sights of Puget Sound or extend a vacation on the water to more distant locales. While you’ve packed your luggage and are awaiting those famous cruise ship buffets, you’ll still need time to grab breakfast before you go. Fortunately, this city known
Cruise Deal of the Week – November 8, 2019
Is there a better way to explore the world than on a handcrafted luxury river ship going to exotic destinations, with a glass of something refreshing in your hand whenever you want it? We sure didn’t think so. That’s the concept behind Pandaw’s latest offering on select short cruises to Vietna
Tips for Tipping on a Cruise
A necessary (but often confusing) part of planning for a cruise is budgeting to tip the hard-working service staff. Failing to plan for gratuities can lead to a significant expense that is expected to be paid in the last few days of your cruise. However, navigating how to plan for gratuities doesn&#
Saga Reveals New Spirit of the Rhine
When Saga launched their new river cruise ship Spirit of Discovery earlier this year, we already knew the cruise line had her sister ship planned for 2020. The cruise line announced ANOTHER new river ship to set sail in Spring of 2021, Spirit of the Rhine. The ship will be built by Vahali, a Dutch [
Porthole Cruise Magazine’s 2019 Reader’s Choice Award Winners
“Our readers are the real experts when it comes to judging the best of the best in the cruise industry! Here’s what they had to say for 2019.” Bill Panoff Editor-In-Chief The Best Ships Cruise ships are endless sources of fun and relaxation. Porthole Cruise Magazine readers voted
Disney Helps Crew Keep in Touch
While some may fantasize about spending a year or more on a cruise ship, for those who work on board, being away from their home, their friends and their family for extended periods of time is a challenge. Understanding the challenges of living away from home for their employees, Disney Cruise Line
What is a ‘Soft Adventure’ Cruise?
Adventuring cruising is a popular vacation genre these days, but many think that an expedition cruise means giving up the comforts and amenities found on modern cruise vacations. While there are adventure cruise lines that place expedition over comfort, thankfully there are cruises out there wh
The Perfect Port: Spending the Day in Aruba
Everyone has a favorite port when they cruise. Maybe it’s one with a great beach to visit, or a port with lots of world class shopping and dining. Some ports have awesome shore excursions just a short ride from the dock, others have fun local culture and customs to enjoy. No matter what your favor
Piraeus: Your Gateway to Athens
From high atop the famous Acropolis of Athens, it’s easy to feel like the whole city is at your fingertips. The UNESCO World Heritage site is the most well-known attraction in Athens, but just a small piece of what makes the city a must-visit for cruisers and travelers alike. As the capital of Gre
San Juan’s Best Shore Excursion: Casa BACARDÍ
Great views of Old San Juan and the fort, refreshing cocktails, great music, friendly people and the largest premium rum distillery in the world. The gorgeous island of Puerto Rico is a cruiser’s paradise and Casa BACARDÍ is the perfect place for cruise visitors! Puerto Rico is known as the
BREAKING NEWS: Brightline Announces Approval on PortMiami Expansion
A proposed station at PortMiami is now a reality for Virgin Trains. The Miami-Dade County Commission approved the new station at PortMiami to be built by the end of 2020. The Virgin Trains PortMiami station will be a U.S. transit first as the only intercity rail system in the U.S. connecting an inte
$100 Million in Renovations for Norwegian Spirit
In early January 2020, Norwegian Spirit will sail to Marseille, France not for a cruise vacation, but rather an expensive facelift. The ship, part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, is undergoing $100 million in renovations over a 40-day dry dock period. Crews will work to update nearly everything
