OLC and Disney Bring Disney Cruises to Japan Year-Round
Get ready for a magical getaway! Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) have announced an exciting agreement to bring Disney cruise vacations to Japan year-round. Starting in early 2029, OLC will build and operate a Disney-branded cruise business in Japan, bringing the magic of Disney at sea to th
EXPLORA I Unveils New Entertainment Lineup
EXPLORA I has announced the launch of its new entertainment programming, which began on July 5, 2024. The comprehensive 14-day program is now underway, offering a range of evening performances, activities, and events for guests to enjoy. The program includes innovative performances by international
Tropical Tracks
An enormous country like Australia has a lot of land to cover, but fortunately, the beautiful eastern coast is easy to explore by rail. This exciting journey involves two legs: Sydney to Brisbane and then Brisbane to Cairns. A standard long-distance train known as the XPT (“express passenger
A Guide to Cruise Formal Nights
From budget-friendly Bahamas getaways to luxurious Mediterranean itineraries, cruise formal nights are a tradition on many cruises. Whether splurging on a high-end cruise or seeking an affordable vacation, this special evening offers a chance to dress up, make new connections, and create unforgettab
Riding the Conway Scenic Railroad: A Journey Back in Time
Join Bill Panoff and the Porthole Team on an unforgettable adventure as we take you on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, New Hampshire. Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, this iconic railroad has been carrying passengers on a journ
Captain Pietro Reveals the Best Hidden Spots on EXPLORA I
Join Bill Panoff as he sits down with Captain Pietro to explore the luxurious world of EXPLORA I. In this exclusive interview, Captain Pietro will share the secrets behind the ship’s finest dining rooms and most stunning views. From the opulent dining rooms to his favorite hidden spot aboard t
Meghan Trainor Named Godmother of Utopia of the Seas
GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor has been named the Godmother of Royal Caribbean’s new ship, Utopia of the Seas! Trainor will celebrate her new role as godmother with a three-night celebration starting July 15. To join her, 52 fans can enter a giveaway on Royal Caribbean’s
Cruises: More Than Just Casinos and Buffets
There’s more to your first cruise than just casinos, free food and drinks, and entertainment options. While these perks are enjoyable, many other activities exist beyond the basics. Here are a list of activities to make your first cruise an unforgettable adventure: Fitness and Wellness Stay ac
Sizing It Up
“Chicken or pasta?” We cruise enthusiasts are appalled by what passes for dining choices aboard those multi-hour flights that transport us across the Pond. And don’t even mention lack of comfort, sub-par entertainment … and jet lag. Fortunately, there is a seagoing option when it comes to
Pan Am Private Air: Your Smart Choice Before Boarding Your Cruise
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
Regent Seven Seas New ‘Sail into Savings’ Deal
Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers up to 40% off select 2024 and 2025 voyages for U.S. and Canadian travelers. The sale, running from July 3 to July 19, 2024, includes 67 itineraries ranging from 7 to 24 nights in destinations worldwide, such as Africa, Asia, Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe. “Our
Cruise Dining 101: A Guide to Menus, Reservations, and More
Embarking on a cruise can be an exciting experience, but navigating the culinary options on board can be overwhelming. From fine dining to casual buffets and from reservations to special requests, it’s easy to feel like you’re lost at sea when it comes to cruise ship dining. Fear not, de
Ship Review: Icon of the Seas
Kicking off 2024 with a sailing on Icon of the Seas from Miami, Florida, I learned that this largest ship at sea has been a dream of Royal Caribbean Group for years. President and CEO Jason Liberty, speaking at the ship’s naming ceremony in January, shared: “Icon of the Seas is the culmination
Oceania Cruises Reveals Annual Summer Sale
Oceania Cruises is offering a summer sale with up to 40% off 50 global voyages from August 1 to August 26. “Our Annual Summer Sale features a diverse, and truly global, collection of sailings, from 35-day Pacific Ocean crossings to a six-day exploration of the Malaysian Peninsula, all at entic
The “Inside” Story
Some people think that the only way you can truly enjoy a cruise is if you’re ensconced in a luxury suite with the three “B”s: A balcony, a butler and a bathtub. Not true. I, personally, fell in love with cruising while occupying an inside cabin, the only category my travel companion and I
The World on a Plate: Explora Journeys’ New Anthology Restaurant
After a few days aboard Explora Journeys’ EXPLORA I, I had the pleasure of dining at Anthology, Explora Journeys’ new signature fine-dining concept, which celebrates Italy’s diverse regional cuisine. The aromas of Italy enveloped me as I stepped inside, and I was eager to indulge i
Oceania Cruises Celebrates the Float Out of Allura
Oceania Cruises has achieved a significant milestone as its new 1,200-guest ship, Allura, was floated out of dry dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy. Allura is the eighth vessel to join Oceania’s fleet and the second ship in the Allura Class, following in the footsteps of
Stateroom Smackdown: Lower Decks vs Higher Decks
When booking a stateroom on a cruise ship, there are many factors to consider. But one of your most important decisions is opting for a stateroom on a lower or higher deck. Both options have pros and cons, and your choice depends on your preferences and priorities. In this blog, we’ll break down t
Love by Britto Restaurant Opens on Sun Princess
Princess Cruises has launched Love by Britto, a new dining experience aboard Sun Princess. This collaboration between Romero Britto and Rudi Sodamin features a seven-course menu that combines Britto’s artistic flair with Sodamin’s culinary expertise. “The art of Romero Britto mak
Why You Should Book Your Cruise Extras Now
As you count down the days until your dream cruise, don’t wait until the last minute to book your excursions, amenities, and dining experiences. By being proactive and planning ahead, you’ll not only ensure that you get the most out of your time at sea, but you may also save yourself fro
