Lifestyle | Cruising and Travel | Porthole Cruise Magazine

Pan Am Private Air: Your Smart Choice Before Boarding Your Cruise

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Pan Am Private Air offers an exceptional solution for travelers seeking a seamless and luxurious start to their cruise adventure.

This exclusive service provides a hassle-free travel experience, allowing passengers to bypass the usual airport chaos and enjoy expedited check-in and security processes at private terminals. Pan Am Private Air allows travelers to arrive closer to their departure time, minimizing wait times and maximizing convenience before boarding their cruise. This efficient approach ensures a relaxed beginning to their journey, setting the tone for a stress-free and enjoyable vacation experience.

Pan Am Private Air offers spacious seating and personalized service, ensuring passengers are comfortable and well-cared for throughout their flight. From attentive cabin crew to luxurious amenities, every detail is designed to enhance the travel experience and provide a sense of exclusivity. Whether flying solo, as a couple, or with family, choosing Pan Am Private Air offers more than just transportation—it promises a premium travel experience that complements the excitement of embarking on a cruise.

Head to the Pan Am Private Air website for more information!

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Brightline Shares Father’s Day Deals

Julie Bouchner — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 20:15:23 +0000

Brightline is offering special deals for Father’s Day!

From June 1 to June 16, guests can book BOGO SMART fares on select trains from South Florida to Orlando for travel through September 30, 2024. Adults can also ride at kid’s prices all summer, with a 50% discount on select fares.

Additionally, Dads can book a stay at any participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel and receive a $50 credit towards food and beverage.

Brightline offers a range of activities for dads’ interests:

Sporty Dads

Messi Experience: The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Miami (use code 10MESSIBRIGHTLINE for 10% off).
Miami Marlins Giveaway: Win four tickets to Miami Marlins vs Mariners on June 23 at loanDepot Park by following @GoBrightline on social media.
Copa America Finals: Hard Rock Stadium in Aventura on July 14 (connect with trains and enjoy complimentary shuttles).
A Round of Golf: PGA National Resort in West Palm Beach.

Foodie Dads

Kettle One Tasting: Brightline MiamiCentral Station on June 14 (3-5 pm).
Bourbon Tasting: Brightline MiamiCentral Station on June 15 (2-4 pm).
35% off bourbon, whiskey, and mezcal: Mary Mary Bar on June 16 (all day).
Father’s Day Pool Party: Calypso Rum Bar in Miami on June 16.
Miami Spice: Multiple locations in Miami (August-September).

ARTSY DADS

Journey to Space: Frost Science Museum in Miami (now-October 6).
NSU Art Museum: Fort Lauderdale.
Survival of the Slowest: Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale (now-September 5).
Art After Dark: Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach on June 14.
Henry Morrison Flagler Museum: West Palm Beach.
Latin American Performing Arts Festival: Fringe Arts Space in Orlando (June 17-30).
Art After Dark: CityArts in Orlando on August 10.

Will you be taking part in these Father’s Day savings? Let us know in the comments!

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Brightline’s ‘May the Fourth Be With You’ Deal

Julie Bouchner — Sat, 04 May 2024 14:00:00 +0000

In honor of May the Fourth, Brightline offers groups of 4 or more the chance to save 40% on SMART & PREMIUM fares between South Florida and Orlando. Book by May 5 for rides between May 7 and June 30.

MORE ABOUT THE DEAL

The code is valid for one-time use and available for SMART and PREMIUM adult tickets sold in single transaction.
Discount is valid for a minimum of four passengers and maximum of ten passengers per reservation.
Enter promo code FORCE in the search box to redeem.

Will you be taking advantage of this deal? Let us know in the comments!

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Princess and Brightline Launch ‘Rail & Sail’ Program

Julie Bouchner — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:59:07 +0000

Princess Cruises and Brightline have partnered to introduce the ‘Rail & Sail’ program, offering guests convenient access to Princess cruise ships departing from Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral.

This program provides guests with a seamless and comfortable journey to their selected homeport in less time than traditional travel methods.

exciting announcements

The announcement introduced a train with custom-designed cars showcasing Princess’ Love Boat branding and Princess’ branding within Brightline’s Florida terminals.
A new luggage express service allows guests to check their bags at Brightline stations and have them waiting in their stateroom upon arrival.
Princess guests can enjoy discounts of up to 15% when booking Smart and Premium Rail & Sail packages through Brightline’s website.
Guests booking a Princess cruise by May 5 will receive a Brightline credit of up to $150 per person for Smart and Premium class services, based on their stateroom type.

“Brightline has been connecting travelers to South Florida ports since we began operations in 2018 and cruisers from the beginning have found our train to be the easiest way to start their vacation,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “Today’s partnership with Princess Cruises and this train wrap with the iconic Love Boat branding is yet another example of the connection between cruisers and Brightline.”

MORE ABOUT THE ‘Rail & Sail’

Princess guests can utilize Brightline’s daily train schedule with 16 round-trip transits between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
The options include traveling southbound from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale with stops at West Palm Beach and Boca Raton and northbound from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando with stops at Boca Raton and West Palm Beach.
South Florida residents can travel on Brightline from the downtown Miami and Aventura terminals with stops in Fort Lauderdale or Orlando.

“A Princess cruise is already the best value in travel and this new partnership with Brightline makes it even easier and more enjoyable to sail with us from the top-rated ports in South and Central Florida,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Our guests can just sit back, relax, and let us do the rest, including delivering their luggage directly to their stateroom.”

LUGGAGE EXPRESS SERVICE

For $35 per bag, guests can utilize the newly launched luggage express service by checking their bags at the Brightline station upon arrival, ensuring prompt delivery to their stateroom. Initially available on Orlando-to-Fort Lauderdale trains, the service is set to expand to Fort Lauderdale-to-Orlando trains in preparation for the Caribbean Princess’ homeporting at Port Canaveral in November.

Princess guests who book a cruise by May 5, 2024, can also enjoy a credit towards Brightline’s Premium and Smart classes based on their stateroom type.

$50 per person credit for guests in Interior/Oceanview staterooms.
$100 per person credit for guests in Balcony/Deluxe staterooms.
$150 per person credit for guests in Mini-Suite/Suite accommodations.

In Fort Lauderdale, Princess Cruises offers voyages ranging from week-long Caribbean getaways to longer 10- to 20-day cruises through the Panama Canal to explore various tropical island destinations. At Port Canaveral, the Love Boat cruises will commence with the Caribbean Princess on November 27, 2024, offering sailings from four to 14 days to charming western Caribbean locations until April 2025.

Will you explore the ‘Rail & Sail’ program? Let us know in the comments!

Video of the New Brightline Customized Princess Cruises Train Wrap Design

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Ride Brightline to Hard Rock Stadium for Race Weekend

Julie Bouchner — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Brightline will provide transportation options for the 2024 Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, which will be held in partnership with Hard Rock Stadium from May 3 to 5, 2024.

The Aventura Station will be the designated pickup and drop-off site for the weekend’s race. Fans coming from Central Florida can now ride Brightline to the event without the stress of driving. Enjoy high-speed racing, local menus, and top-notch hospitality at the race weekend.

“Last year, over 10,000 fans traveled from our Aventura station to the race at Hard Rock Stadium,” shared Johanna Rojas, SVP of Partnerships & Sales at Brightline. “Now, with our expanded service reaching Orlando, we’re thrilled to extend this unparalleled experience to even more race enthusiasts, making this year’s event truly unmissable.”

Fans attending the race weekend at Hard Rock Stadium can reserve a Brightline trip from various locations such as Orlando, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami to the Aventura Station. From there, a complimentary Hard Rock Stadium Connect shuttle will transport them to and from the event. Look for the Hard Rock Connect icon when booking.

Brightline trains will run to and from the Aventura Brightline Station hourly throughout the weekend. Shuttles will leave the Aventura Station 10 minutes after trains arrive and return from the stadium an hour before trains depart. Lot 16, near the Gate 3 Pedestrian Bridge, will be the designated stadium drop-off/pickup area.

RACE WEEK CONNECT SCHEDULE

May 3

Train Arrivals: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Train Departures: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

May 4

Train Arrivals: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Train Departures: 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

May 5

Train Arrivals: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Train Departures 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Shuttle Drop Off and Pick Up

Departures: 10 minutes after every train arrival

Pickups: depart 1 hour before your train time

Location: Hard Rock Stadium’s Lot 16.

AVENTURA STATION ENTERTAINMENT

During the race weekend, Aventura Station will offer special tastings, food pairings, and race-day swag. Guests traveling from Miami Central, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach can enjoy a specialty race-day cocktail at the Mary Mary Bar. Those who book PREMIUM tickets will have access to complimentary food, select cocktails, and alcoholic beverages in the PREMIUM lounge and onboard.

A complimentary Hard Rock Stadium Connect shuttle will be provided for guests with train tickets, parking passes, or those using preferred rideshare options.

For more information on Brightline’s service during the race weekend and to book tickets, visit their website.

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Brightline and Redbull Team Up For Ultra Miami

Julie Bouchner — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 20:50:02 +0000

Prepare for a unique festival experience as Brightline teams up with Red Bull to transport guests directly to the heart of the electronic music scene at Ultra Miami from Orlando!

MORE ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

The industrial jungle-themed train takeover, NEXT STOP: ULTRA, will feature live DJ sets and pop-ups at select stations. To kick off the partnership, Brightline will debut a custom train wrap for the new 2024 Summer Edition Red Bull flavor, “WIIINGS FOR YOUR SUMMER.”

Guests will be the first to try the new flavor and have access to Red Bull’s viewing deck at Ultra Miami for one DJ set.

BRIGHTLINE ULTRA RIDE INFORMATION

Tickets for the NEXT STOP: ULTRA train are now on sale for select trains traveling from Orlando to Downtown Miami with stops at South Florida stations. Late-night trains departing MiamiCentral station at 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11:00 p.m. on Sunday will be available for festival goers.

To book your ride, click here.

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My Irresistible Reasons for Choosing Vista Twice in One Year!

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000

We recently sailed aboard Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Vista to the Mediterranean and had the time of our lives. We loved it so much that we decided to set sail on this incredible ship once again, but this time in the Caribbean’s turquoise waters. Our newest travel show will give you a firsthand experience of the ship, allowing you to witness the pool, the lounges, and the atrium corridors. Get ready to create moments that will stay with you forever as we embark on this truly unforgettable voyage! Click below to experience Oceania Vista for yourself!

Oceania Vista Pool | Photo: Oceania Cruises

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Brightline Announces Partnership With The Bahamas

Julie Bouchner — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:48:28 +0000

Brightline has partnered with The Islands of The Bahamas to unveil a new wrapped train, highlighting the connection between South and Central Florida, the most visited regions in Florida, and the nearby Bahama Islands.

Non-stop flights from Orlando and South Florida to The Bahamas are easily accessible from international airports (MCO, PBO, FTL, and MIA) connected to Brightline. The Islands of The Bahamas-branded Brightline train is now part of the intercity train fleet operating between Orlando and Miami, with stops in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Aventura, and Fort Lauderdale.

“Orlando, South Florida and The Bahamas has a rich shared history of travelers experiencing the iconic destinations’ attractions, beautiful natural sites and warm hospitality,” said Latia Duncombe, director general, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (BMOTIA). “Brightline represents this connection in a very special way and we are thrilled to roll out this partnership.”

Brightline and The Islands of The Bahamas celebrated their new partnerships with events at Brightline Orlando Station and Brightline MiamiCentral. The festivities included remarks, a tour of the wrapped train, a junkanoo band and parade, and authentic Bahamian cuisine enjoyed by invited guests, including tourism leaders, media, and VIPs.

“The Islands of the Bahamas-branded Brightline train represents our partnership of connectivity, promoting travel, tourism and what makes the 16 islands so special and close,” said Johanna Rojas, senior vice president of sales and partnerships for Brightline. “As we move into the busy travel season and the holidays around the corner, this is the perfect time to celebrate this partnership and raise awareness.”

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Brightline Shares Early Black Friday DeALS

Julie Bouchner — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 13:51:57 +0000

Brightline’s “Bright Friday” deals are here!

Explore the best rates of the year for Brightline fares, with one-way adult fares between South Florida and Orlando starting at $59. Additionally, children get to enjoy a discount of 50% off their rides!

“Our guests have the benefit of remarkable savings, paired with flexible travel options,” said SVP of Marketing & Commercial Strategy Barbara Drahl. “With the holidays upon us, we want to take this time to give thanks to our guests who have made 2023 a memorable year for Brightline.”

BRIGHT FRIDAY DEALS:

Adult SMART fares from $59 for travel between Orlando and South Florida
Child SMART fares from $29 for travel between Orlando and South Florida.
EXCLUSIVE THANKSGIVING DAY OFFER: Travel between South Florida and Orlando for $39, with kids’ fares starting from $19.

You can book these incredible Bright Friday deals until November 27, 2023, and travel until February 29, 2024! Will you be joining in on this early Black Friday deal? Let us know in the comments!

Black Friday, but make it Brightline. Enjoy $59 one-way adult SMART fares, plus kids are 50% off between Orlando and South Florida for travel through February 2024. Book your Bright Friday Deals now until November 27. Hurry, while supplies last.

For travel between Orlando and… pic.twitter.com/fl0T7hS5ha
— Brightline (@GoBrightline) November 8, 2023

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Brightline And Orlando Health Reveal Branded Train

Julie Bouchner — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:29:23 +0000

Brightline celebrated its long-term collaboration with Orlando Health by organizing a product launch event for the newly named “Brightline Orlando Station in Partnership with Orlando Health” and presenting the formal Orlando Health-branded Brightline train.

Brightline and Orlando Health aim to promote community involvement by uniting Florida’s initial high-speed intercity rail with one of the state’s leading not-for-profit healthcare providers.

“This partnership exemplifies the remarkable synergy that can emerge when leaders in healthcare and transportation join forces,” said President at Brightline Patrick Goddard. “I applaud Orlando Health for its vision and we look forward to working together to connect the state of Florida.”

MORE ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

Brightline and Orlando Health plan to enhance community participation by facilitating access to notable healthcare services and promoting overall health and wellness initiatives such as mental health awareness.
Orlando Health is designated as the official healthcare partner of Brightline in Central Florida, which involves the Brightline Orlando Station’s naming, featuring an Orlando Health branded train, representation of the brand around the station, and visibility on Brightline’s promotional material and digital platforms.
As a crucial piece of the Central Florida community, Orlando Health will work with Brightline in developing its corporate social responsibility initiatives in the area.

“The Orlando Health-branded Brightline train represents our partnership of connectivity, promotes health awareness and is our visual commitment to providing high-quality care,” said Andrew Snyder, Orlando Health Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications. “Patients outside of Central Florida can access our world-class healthcare system through the region’s first high-speed rail system. We are excited to showcase our trailblazing collaboration with Brightline.”

MORE ABOUT THE EVENT

The guests were provided with an early look at the Orlando Health-branded Brightline train and a behind-the-scenes view of the process of covering the four-coach train in Orlando Health branding. A present from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) was given to Brightline and Orlando Health during the commemoration, indicating the blending of railway and aviation.

“Powerful partnerships like this help to advance our region,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Congratulations to both Brightline and Orlando Health on their shared vision to promote community engagement and connectivity, which reflects Orlando International Airport’s mission to seamlessly connect Florida and the world through exceptional experience, collaboration, and creativity.”

Are you excited about this new partnership? Let us know in the comments!

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