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Holland America Line Shares Three Solar Eclipse Sailings

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:42:35 +0000

Holland America Line is introducing a new collection of cruises to Europe, allowing guests to experience celestial events. Starting July 31, travelers can book these voyages to see the Northern Lights, a total solar eclipse, and the summer solstice above the Arctic Circle.

“After the excitement and success around our 2024 eclipse cruises, we knew our guests were looking for additional opportunities to get a front-row seat for some of the world’s most special natural spectacles,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “Our team has put together a lineup of cruises that not only deliver on that front, but also give guests in-depth exploration of exciting destinations and the premium onboard experience for which we’re known.”

Guests on solar eclipse cruises can attend lectures by scientific experts and participate in themed activities. Eclipse glasses will be provided for safety. Passengers on Northern Lights voyages can request a wake-up call whenever the aurora borealis is visible.

Three ships from the fleet will be positioned under the path of totality for the August 12, 2026m total solar eclipse. Oosterdam will take guests to the eastern coast of Spain, while Nieuw Statendam will sail off the western coast of Iceland. Guests can also join Zuiderdam for the Voyage of the Vikings during the eclipse.

July 18, 2026 – 35-Day Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse (Legendary Voyage), Zuiderdam

This roundtrip cruise from Boston, Massachusetts, will position guests in the path of totality for the solar eclipse off the western coast of Iceland just before arriving at Grundarfjørdur.
The itinerary includes stops in Portland, Maine; Sydney; Corner Brook; Red Bay; St. Anthony; St. John’s; Halifax, Canada; Paamiut (Frederikshåb); Nanortalik; Qaqortoq (Julianehåb) in Greenland; Reykjavik (overnight); Seydisfjördur; Húsavík; and Grundarfjørdur in Iceland; as well as Eidfjord, Norway; Rotterdam, Netherlands (overnight); Dún Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland; and Belfast, Northern Ireland.

July 25, 2026 – 28-Day Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland (Legendary Voyage), Nieuw Statendam

This roundtrip cruise from either Dover, England, or Rotterdam will feature the solar eclipse at sea off the northwest coast of Iceland.
Ports of call include Kristiansand, Eidfjord, and Stavanger in Norway; Seydisfjördur; Djúpivogur; Akureyri; Isafjördur; Grundarfjørdur; Heimaey; and Reykjavik in Iceland; Paamiut (Frederikshåb); Nuuk (Godthåb); Nanortalik; and Qaqortoq (Julianehåb) in Greenland; Runavík in the Faroe Islands; and Stornoway, Isle of Lewis; Invergordon (Inverness); and South Queensferry (Edinburgh) in Scotland (overnight).

August 9, 2026 – 13-Day Mediterranean Solar Eclipse with Barcelona Overnight, Oosterdam

Sailing from Lisbon, Portugal, to Piraeus (Athens), Greece, this voyage will witness the solar eclipse at sea in the path of totality off the coast of Spain, between Alicante and Barcelona.
It includes stops at Alicante and Barcelona (overnight) in Spain; Ajaccio in Corsica, France; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Bari (Puglia), Italy; and Kotor, Montenegro.

Inaugural ‘Northern Lights’ Cruises aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam

In 2026, travelers can experience the Northern Lights and explore Norway on two cruises aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam. Both itineraries feature an overnight stay in Alta, known as “The City of the Northern Lights,” and include five days above the Arctic Circle.

October 4, 2026 – 14-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights aboard Rotterdam
This cruise departs from Rotterdam and concludes in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The itinerary includes stops at Nordfjordeid, Trondheim, Narvik, Tromsø, and an overnight in Alta, as well as Åndalsnes and Bergen in Norway, along with a visit to Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.

October 16, 2026 – 15-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights aboard Nieuw Statendam
This cruise begins in Dover and ends in Rotterdam. Alternatively, a 14-day Northern Lights roundtrip from Rotterdam is offered, departing on October 17, 2026. The ports of call for this journey are Ålesund, Trondheim, Narvik, Tromsø, and overnight in Alta, along with Åndalsnes and Bergen in Norway and a stop at Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.

Summer Solstice Above the Arctic Circle

For those wanting to experience the beauty of endless daylight on the longest day of the year, the Nieuw Statendam offers a 14-day cruise that takes guests above the Arctic Circle to celebrate the summer solstice in Honningsvåg, Norway, one of the northernmost cities in the world.

June 13, 2026 – 14-Day Arctic Circle Crossing: North Cape Solstice
This roundtrip cruise departs from either Dover or Rotterdam and features an array of stunning destinations. Guests will explore the following ports:

Eidfjord, Norway
Maloy, Norway
Trondheim, Norway
Leknes, Norway
Tromsø, Norway
Honningsvåg, Norway (celebration of the summer solstice)
Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Have It All Early Booking Bonus

For a limited time, guests booking 2026 Celestial Cruises with the Have It All premium package will enjoy enhanced amenities. This includes the standard package perks of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi, plus additional benefits: free prepaid crew appreciation, upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package, and Premium Wi-Fi at no extra cost.

Will you be exploring these three Solar Eclipse Sailings? Let us know in the comments!

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5 Benefits of Securing Your Next Cruise While at Sea

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:02:47 +0000

Booking your next cruise while you’re still sailing can be a smart move for avid travelers. Here are five compelling benefits of planning your next cruise while on board:

Exclusive Offers: Cruise lines often provide special discounts and perks for guests who book their next trip while still onboard. You could save money or secure upgrades that aren’t available once you’re back home.

Insider Knowledge: You’re already experiencing the cruise firsthand, allowing you to assess dining options, entertainment, and itineraries. This insight helps you make informed decisions about your next adventure based on what you love.

Future Travel Planning: Securing your next cruise while on board allows you to lock in your travel dates, making it easier to plan time off work or coordinate with travel companions, ensuring that you don’t miss out on potential trips.

Seamless Experience: The excitement of your current cruise can be carried over, making the planning process feel more spontaneous and enjoyable. You’re already in the vacation mindset, so why not keep the momentum going?

Loyalty Rewards: Many cruise lines offer loyalty programs. By booking your next cruise while you’re still on a trip, you can maximize your loyalty points and earn valuable rewards or status to enhance your future cruising experience.

Using the opportunity to plan while still aboard can enhance your travel experience, save you money, and ensure that you continue to explore new destinations with confidence. What are you waiting for?

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Paris Summer Style

Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:26:59 +0000

Louis Vuitton

Marking the partnership between LVMH and the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Louis

Vuitton designers crafted trunks to hold the precious Olympic and Paralympic medals and torches.

Atelier Noboru

Embroidery crawls, hops, and flies to life at this studio dedicated to haute couture embroidery using Lunéville hook and needle work to create the likenesses of beautiful insects. Each piece is unique, made as much as possible from vintage materials, including pearls and cabochons dating from the 19th century to the 1970s.

L’Aparté

Handcrafted using the natural materials of Thailand, the decorative elements of “Foliages” are not meant to mimic plants but to evoke them. Renew your internal world with vines made from mulberry paper, garlands wrapped around electric lights, and glowing camellia flowers in white and black.

Empreintes Paris (57)

This studio calls itself “La Marketplace Des Métiers D’Art” which can mean a marketplace for artistic crafts … or for artistic careers. There are thousands of artisan-made objects and well-crafted tools of many trades, from secateurs to ceramics, elegant mirrors to colored-glass manta rays, wooden chess boards to musical ceramic eggs.

HERMÈS

One of the best-known names in design is coming to dinner with collections of brightly patterned tableware. Each piece of porcelain tells a story, whether it’s a Mosaique au 24 Gold dessert plate (far left) or coordinating Balcon du Guadalquivir dinner and bread-and-butter plates (center).

Fashion: LE MODE FRANÇAIS

ami

Is it dressed down or dressed up? This bucket hat in smooth nappa leather makes a statement, with ami founder Alexandre Mattiussi’s name in metallic studs outside and a comfortable cotton gabardine lining within. AMI (the name means “friend”) makes luxury friendly by blurring the boundaries between easy-going casual and upscale chic apparel. Mattiussi draws inspiration from cinema, ballet, and the city of Paris itself, expressed in everything from form-fitting tank tops to freshwater pearl pendant earrings engraved with the heart-A logo.

Claudie Pierlot

Accessorize easily with fun fashion that’s also made mostly from sustainable materials using processes that are better for….

By Porthole Cruise and Travel

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Princess Cruises Shares Special Packages for Conjurer’s Cruise

Julie Bouchner — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:30:23 +0000

In partnership with Hollywood’s Magic Castle, Princess Cruises has announced three exclusive packages for its second Conjurer’s Cruise aboard the new Sun Princess!

Set for November 9-16, 2024, roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, the cruise will feature performances by actor and magician Michael Carbonaro.

MORE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

Guests can experience “Spellbound,” the newly launched “Extraordinary Experience.”
The Conjurer’s Cruise will offer a range of ship-wide magical events and activities, creating a unique journey of wonder and illusion.
In addition to the complimentary magic experiences for all registrants, three optional magical enhancements are available for purchase to elevate the onboard experience further.

“After the huge success of our first Conjurer’s Cruise in 2023, our second themed cruise is sure to be another celebration of the magical arts, connecting the astounding amazement of the mysterious world of magic to guests,” said Erika Larsen, president of Magic Castle Enterprises. “This voyage sets sail on the beautiful Sun Princess where Spellbound made its official debut at sea, presenting the world’s only alternative authentic experience of our beloved and exclusive Magic Castle.”

AVAILABLE PACKAGES

The “Apprentice” Package, priced at $275 per person, includes a “Meet the Magicians” welcome reception, a farewell social, a guided tour of Spellbound with Erika Larsen, early seating access for performances in the Princess Arena, and special commemorative merchandise.

The “Enchanter” Package, priced at $545 per person, includes all the Apprentice Package benefits plus an exclusive breakfast with the Conjurer’s Cruise magicians and the Larsen family. Guests will enjoy a fully immersive Spellbound experience with dinner, reserved seating for all magic lectures and performances in the Princess Arena, access to a particular late-night cocktail party, and a surprise-filled magic show.

The premium “Conjurer” Package, priced at $795 per person, includes all benefits from the Apprentice and Enchanter Packages. Guests will attend a magic class for beginners, intermediates, or advanced students taught by a world-renowned magician and receive an exclusive invite to a cocktail soirée with Michael Carbonaro and the Conjurer’s Cruise cast. Additionally, they’ll enjoy a Bridge tour with the Captain of the Sun Princess, exclusive merchandise, a signed photo of the magicians, and a welcome gift in their stateroom.

The seven-day cruise offers participants an exclusive opportunity to experience The Magic Castle. Top magicians will perform throughout the ship, showcasing magic in unique ways. Highlights include:

Dynamic magic showcased in the Piazza
Magical revues in the Princess Arena
Recurring magic shows in the Princess Theater
Tailored talks and lectures on various magic-related topics
Lively pop-up magic gatherings
A countdown to midnight themed event inspired by The Magic Castle
Kid-friendly magic shows and activities
Magic-themed Movies Under the Stars
Displays of curios and artifacts from magic’s rich history
Engaging in magic jam sessions

MORE ABOUT “Spellbound by Magic Castle

“Spellbound by Magic Castle” is part of Princess Cruises’ “Extraordinary Experiences” category, combining magic with exceptional culinary and mixology arts for an immersive adventure.
Diners can enjoy a special menu before entering Spellbound, an immersive venue where magicians from the Magic Castle perform illusions complemented by expertly crafted cocktails.
Hollywood’s Magic Castle, home of the Academy of Magical Arts, is known for its intimate performances and grand stage shows. Experience the magic aboard Sun Princess!

Will you explore Princess Cruises’ special packages for its Conjurer’s Cruise? Let us know in the comments!

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Swimming in the Seine

Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 13:24:41 +0000

Say goodbye to a restrictive 100-year-old law, thanks to a world-class cleanup effort.

Since 1923, it’s been illegal to swim in the Seine because of toxic pollution.

But in preparation for the 2024 Olympics, there has been a successful effort to revitalize the famous French river. The water is now so clean that several of the Olympic swimming events will be held there.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says that the Seine will be up to Olympics standards well in time. The project has been facilitated, in part, by an efficient water treatment plant just east of Paris, and a large storage basin to curtail the spillage of bacteria-filled wastewater.

By Alex Darlington

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Back on Board: Why Cruising the EXPLORA I is Even Better the Second Time

Bill Panoff — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 17:00:00 +0000

I am thrilled to be back on board Explora Journeys’ EXPLORA I for the second time! On this luxurious cruise, I am exploring the cities of Greece and Turkey through the personalized experiences created by Explora Journeys. As we sail to the ports of Greece and Turkey, I am sharing all the exceptional amenities that set this cruise apart.

Explore EXPLORA I’s luxurious amenities, including the Med Yacht Club, Marble and Co. Grill, and the new Anthology dining concept, where every meal is a tailored culinary adventure!

I am incredibly grateful to have been invited to experience this incredible journey. Throughout every deck, the ship reflects luxury and the ultimate in elegance. I highly recommend traveling with Explora Journeys because you’re guaranteed the best experiences, whether onboard or onshore.

Click below to experience this journey with me! Remember to subscribe for more ship tours and exciting travels.

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Spanish Gold

Richard Varr — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:09:19 +0000

A lone farmer rakes the grassy grove, collecting the olives that he’s just swatted off his trees, plum-red, green, and black-tinted. “I have a machine that holds a branch and shakes it, or we have a pole to hit the branches,” says Claudio Perez Fernandez whose family has owned olive groves here for generations. “These trees can be 400 years old, as you can see their wide trunks,” he says, while showing us his yield: two crates of the multi-colored fruit.

It’s harvest time in Extremadura’s rural Sierra de Gata, a mountainous region along the Portuguese border, just south of Spain’s province of Salamanca, where olive groves are seemingly everywhere. They cluster amid vineyards, forested hillsides, and sheep-filled pasturelands. They grow near scenic villages that nestle within verdant valleys and pop out on hilltops alongside castle ruins.

We met Perez while hiking on a path lined with olive farms on the outskirts of San Martín de Trevejo, a village with half-timbered homes, where water running off the mountains trickles down grooves on cobbled streets. It was the ancient Phoenicians who introduced olive trees to the Iberian Peninsula 3,000 years ago, and since then crops flourished and have become — particularly in this region — a traditional part of everyday life.

“We are in a mix of stones, of geology, nature and landscapes, but around all areas we see those olives groves,” explains Eduardo Mostazo, a local outdoor guide leading our hike. “They are so important for us, for everything.”

Olive oil mills: a thing of the past and present

Our group is spending three nights near the town of Villamiel at the Aqua et Oleum hotel, a name meaning “water and oil” in Latin, and no doubt appropriately named. “This was an actual olive oil mill opened in 1920,” says hotel manager Sophia Lindemann. “The creek next to us was the engine of the mill. You can see the big water wheel on the outside wall.” Inside, gears and pipes and the actual stone wheels atop the olive-crushing pit remain.

“The olives got pressed and the oil would flow into stone barrels in the floor,” adds Lindemann, further explaining how workers burned the dried mash in the fireplace to keep warm. “They probably processed about 800 to 1,000 liters of oil a day working day and night shifts.” The mill closed in the early 1980s.

There’s a stark comparison, however, between yesteryear’s presses and modern olive oil mills. At the As Pontis mill in nearby Eljas, conveyor belts transport the ripened fruit to steel vats where olives are washed and then crushed, squeezing the .…

By Richard Varr

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MSC Cruises Reveals New Attractions Aboard MSC World America

Julie Bouchner — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 19:02:43 +0000

MSC Cruises is revealing new details on the exciting attractions and experiences that await guests in The Harbour, a new outdoor space on MSC World America specifically designed for kids and families.

MORE ABOUT THE HARBOUR

MSC Cruises will launch MSC World America in Miami in April 2025, marking a major milestone in its expansion into the US market.
The ship will feature The Harbour, a brand-new outdoor park where families can relax in the sun, enjoy grab-and-go food options, and more.
The Harbour is part of the Family Aventura district, which includes the Doremiland kids area and Sportsplex.

THE HARBOUR’S ATTRACTIONS

The Harbour Aquapark: A water park with thrilling slides, including a 90-degree vertical drop slide and virtual reality raft slide.
Jaw Drop @ The Spiral: A dry slide that takes riders through a shark’s mouth and spirals down 11 decks.
Rock-Climbing Wall: A climbing wall for kids to test their skills.
High Trail Ropes Course: A two-level ropes course with Sky Rails for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
The Harbour Light House: A themed playground inspired by the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with a slide and play stations.
The Harbour Bar & Bites: A grab-and-go food and drink area.
Family Dwelling Area: A comfortable seating area with shade to relax and enjoy the views.

Cliffhanger: An over-water swing ride that lifts riders up and over the ship’s edge for a thrilling experience.

Learn more about MSC World America and book your cruise here!

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Essential Items to Bring Aboard

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:30:19 +0000

Before setting sail, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of your cruise and forget the essentials. To ensure a stress-free cruise experience, add these must-have items to your packing list!

Packing for a Cruise: The Essentials

Before we dive into the fun stuff, let’s cover the basics. Here are the must-haves:

Passport (and a copy of your passport)
Cruise documents (printed or electronic)
Travel insurance information
ID and credit cards
A small daypack for shore excursions
Comfortable clothing and shoes
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
Medications and any necessary prescriptions

What to Bring

Remember, there are no limits on liquids or toiletries sizes, so feel free to pack your favorite products!

Wine and other spirits: Yes, you can bring your own wine on board! Just be sure to check with your cruise line for specific guidelines on quantities and packaging.

Toiletries: Pack as many as you like – there’s no limit! Bring your favorite shampoo, conditioner, lotion, makeup, and more.

Clothing: Pack enough clothes for your trip, plus one extra day. You never know when you might need an extra outfit.

Electronics: Don’t forget to pack essential chargers for your phone, camera, and other devices you can’t live without. Research whether you’ll need a converter for your destination, as different countries have different power outlet configurations.

Beachwear: Pack a swimsuit, cover-up, and sunglasses for those sunny days at the pool or beach.

Entertainment: Bring books or magazines to keep you entertained during downtime.

What to Leave Behind

Don’t worry about bringing these items – they’re either provided on board or available for purchase:

Towels: The cruise line will provide towels for your use.

Linens: You won’t need to bring bed linens or pillows – they’re taken care of by the cruise staff.

Hairdryer: Hairdryers are usually available in cabin bathrooms or at the spa.Ironing board: You won’t need an ironing board – the cruise line willhandlef any wrinkled clothing.

Packing Tips

To make the most of your cruise packing experience:

Roll your clothes to save space in your luggage and reduce wrinkles.
Use packing cubes or compression bags to keep your belongings organized and easy to find.
Pack essentials like medications and important documents in an easily accessible place.
Consider packing a small bin or bag with essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and seasickness medication.

Before you set sail, check with your cruise line for specific packing restrictions or recommendations, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date, and leave valuable jewelry or important documents in a safe place on land,

With these packing tips and tricks, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable cruise experience.

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Princess Cruises Unveils 2026 Alaska Season

Julie Bouchner — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:58:44 +0000

Princess Cruises is introducing its largest-ever Alaska season for 2026, featuring the new Star Princess ship.

MORE ABOUT THE 2026 SEASON

The 2026 Alaska season will feature 8 Princess ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations.

Star Princess, the second Sphere Class ship, will debut in the fall of 2025 and sail its first summer season in Alaska. The ship offers stunning views of glaciers and wildlife. The Dome and The Sphere are among its distinctive architectural elements, and the ship is a top destination for foodies at sea with its world-class culinary offerings.

“2026 will reinforce Princess’ leadership in Alaska vacations. The deployment of the magnificent Star Princess to Alaska for the first time will offer guests unprecedented views, luxurious accommodations, and the finest food, beverages, and entertainment ever seen in the Great Land. Our guests will experience Alaska like never before aboard our innovative Sphere Class ship,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president.

ALASKA SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

7-day Glacier Voyage: Discovery Princess, Grand Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess visit two Alaska glaciers and Glacier Bay National Park.
Inside Passage: 7-20 day cruises with up to four glacier views depart from Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, B.C., and Los Angeles.
Longer Sailings: 16-day Inside Passage on Emerald Princess and 20-day Ultimate Alaska Solstice on Ruby Princess offer extended stays.

Princess offers shore excursions at each port of call, including “Cook My Catch” fishing excursions, helicopter tours, and whale watching.

“North to Alaska with Princess” program

The “North to Alaska with Princess” program offers naturalist talks, a planetarium show, and fresh Alaskan seafood. The Junior Ranger program is also available for kids.

Bookings open August 1. The “Better Than Best Price Guarantee” offers the lowest rates and a refund of 120% of the price difference if a lower rate is found before the final payment. The offer ends on September 2, 2024.

“Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Princess is the ultimate choice for luxury and adventure, with awe-inspiring glaciers, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and the freshest seafood imaginable,” said Padgett.

Will you be exploring Alaska with Princess Cruises? Let us know in the comments!

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