Create Your Own Whisky Blend Aboard Carnival
Hundreds of years ago in a peat bog somewhere in Scotland, Friar John Cor distilled the first batch of scotch whisky. It probably wasn’t the best-tasting spirit, considering it was the year 1494, but thanks to hundreds of years of refined distilling, scotch whisky has grown into one of the most po
Cruise Deal of the Week – November 30, 2018
December is finally here and that means holiday cheer is all around. Holiday cruise deals are a popular option for cruise lines looking to fill up their ships as the high season kicks into gear. Silversea, a top name in luxury cruising, has a Holiday Sales Event that you won’t want to miss. Wi
Wilderness Found: Discovering Cunard’s Alaska
Few places in this world are truly wild thanks to man’s continual reach, yet the wilderness of Alaska remains pristine and ripe for exploration. From towering glaciers glimmering in the sunlight to a mother bear teaching her cubs the finer points of salmon fishing, life thrives without constraint.
Cruise Deal of the Week – November 23, 2018
It’s every deal-hunter’s favorite time of the year! Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the best days to book a cruise thanks to outrageous deals from a number of different cruise lines. Our deal of the week is a special one from the cruising pros over at Princess Cruises. The Cyber
Top 7 Things People Always Forget to Pack
The excited feeling of getting to go on vacation is something to be looked forward to; the day is finally here. All of the suitcases are packed, directions to the port are in-hand, passports and boarding passes are – wait, where are they?!? As that horrible sinking feeling of when you realize
5 Essential Tips for Planning a Holiday Cruise
The holidays are a wonderful time to set sail. Many cruise lines offer special events and activities while onboard. You may feel a bit of the “holiday rush,” but don’t worry. Here are a few things to do before booking your trip. Plan Your Cruise Early If you are thinking about a la
Windstar Announces $250 Million in Fleet Improvements
Have you ever wanted to be a little longer? If you’re a Windstar Cruise ship, you’re in luck! The luxury cruise giant announced a new $250 million initiative this week to increase the length of three of their vessels by more than 25 meters. The initiative will expand guest accommodation
Cruise Deal of the Week – November 16, 2018
It’s almost upon us. No, not a soul-crushingly cold winter with endless hours of shoveling and shivering. We’re talking about Cunard’s famous Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale where guests can book available staterooms on select 2019 voyages all over the world, aboard all three sh
Cozumel’s Best: Fun in the Sun at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
Does your vision of the perfect vacation include catching a nice tan, sipping a cold drink from a coconut and not a single email or Monday meeting on the agenda? Of course it does! If you’re taking a cruise vacation to the paradise island of Cozumel, Mexico and you’re looking for the ultimate mi
Shaq Brings Great Food and Fun to Carnival
UPDATE: Carnival recently announced Big Chicken will be one of the dining options on board the new Carnival Mardi Gras! He spent well over a decade dominating the hardwood courts of the NBA, but now international star of sport, film and music Shaquille O’Neal is setting his sights on a new endeavo
Keepin’ It Cool at Martini Bar & Crush
How often do you get to feel cool? At Celebrity Cruise Line’s famed Martini Bar & Crush, keeping things cool (literally) is always a top priority. At this martini bar, you’ll find a classy twist on traditional martinis using only top quality spirits and ingredients. You don’t have to be Ja
Adventure Unbridled: A Galapagos Expedition
As she glides through the brilliant turquoise waters of Gardner Bay, there’s already a crowd forming along the top deck of Celebrity Xpedition. They’ve gathered for the sea lions. Weighing in at around 600 pounds and prone to guttural barks and yelps, these salty dogs are a staple of any trip to
Cruise Deal of the Week – November 9, 2018
Those looking for a great cruise vacation can treat themselves to a room with a view for a lot less than usual thanks to the Double Upgrade Deal from Azamara Club Cruises. There are more than enough places to explore around the world. From Alaska’s icy shores, to Africa’s exotic landscapes, to S
Ocean Cay Enters Final Phase of Construction
MSC Cruises’ private island is another step closer to completion. The first trees were planted on Ocean Cay this week, what was a sand extraction site, in preparation of the island’s opening next year. MSC Cruises is in the process of creating a sea bed around the island, which will soon be popu
Ahoy! Let’s Hunt Some Treasure
From shore, Polly-L looks more like an oil rig than a ship. Her black stanchions rise high above the water, dwarfing even the flag pole which sits atop the living quarters. The legs, which lift the working deck up out of the water, makes it easier for the crew to do what they’ve set out […]
Look Past the Tourist Trap: Miami
The city of Miami is home to a picture-perfect beach and raucous South Beach nightlife, but there’s a whole lot more to this place than meets the eye. From stellar restaurants to historical places, most don’t realize that Miami has something for everyone. On top of being a premier vacation desti
Cruise Deal of the Week – November 2, 2018
It’s time to put away the bubbling cauldrons and spooky skeletons because the Holiday season is officially upon us. One of the best ways to get the spirit of giving is to book a Christmas market European river cruise from the professional cruisers at AmaWaterways. Their latest cruise deal is a
You Picked the Best: 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards!
We’re proud to present the very best in the world of cruising as selected by you, the world’s greatest collection of cruise aficionados, cruise experts, and cruise tastemakers. We at Porthole have been doing this for 20 years, so in honor of our platinum anniversary we decided to shake things up
Richard Branson Reveals First Virgin Voyages Destination
Appearing as his usual casual self on the Virgin Voyages social media channels yesterday, Richard Branson made a much anticipated announcement; Virgin Voyages is headed to Cuba. The cruise line, whose first ship is set for launch in 2020, has promised a cruising experience unlike what’s currently