Norwegian Cruise Line – Islands https://www.islands.com The world's most beautiful island travel to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Tahiti and Mexico with expert reviews of resorts, snorkeling and the best islands to live on. Mon, 26 Jun 2023 06:34:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://www.islands.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/favicon-isl-1.png Norwegian Cruise Line – Islands https://www.islands.com 32 32 Best Themed Cruises for 2019-2020 https://www.islands.com/best-themed-cruises/ Thu, 22 Aug 2019 19:26:41 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=43001 Combine your passion with a much-needed vacation on one of these themed cruises.

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Traveling at sea with thousands of strangers can be intimidating. Rubbing shoulders with random people in narrow, rickety corridors — that’s not ideal. But consider easing that anxiety with a themed cruise where you’ll know everyone has at least one interest in common: the theme.

Whether you get hyped over professional wrestling and its stars, aspire to work in the fashion industry as a model or on the other side, geek out to Star Trek or want to test your mettle against fellow poker aficionados, there’s a cruise out there for you.

Read on for our selection of the best themed cruises for 2019 and 2020.

The Sci-Fi Sea Cruise

Sci-Fi Sea Cruise
The 22st annual Sci-Fi Sea Cruise is all about Doctor Who Shutterstock

The scoop: The 22nd-annual Sci-Fi Sea Cruise is all about Doctor Who. Guests from the show’s long run include Ian McNeice and Frazer Hines. Join fellow Whovians for a trip to the Caribbean.
Dates: Dec. 13 to Dec. 22, 2019
Ship: Explorer of the Seas
Port of departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Labadee (private island); San Juan, Puerto Rico; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao
Website: scificruise.com

TCM Classic Cruise

The scoop: Join fellow Turner Classic Movies fans on a five-night cruise aboard the Disney Magic. Watch movies in Disney’s state-of-the-art theaters, and listen to behind-the-scenes stories at interactive panels with special guests, like Alex Trebek, Cicely Tyson, Mitzi Gaynor and Diane Ladd.
Dates: Oct. 22 to Oct. 27, 2019
Ship: Disney Magic
Port of departure: New York, NY
Itinerary: King’s Wharf, Bermuda
Website: tcmcruise.com

Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager

Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat Promotional Photo

The scoop: Do you find lounging by the pool with a drink a little too relaxing? If you think a cruise would be more exciting with body slams and pile drivers, the Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager is for you. Host Chris Jericho joins wrestling legends like “Nature Boy” Ric Flair and Booker T for four nights of live podcasts, meet-and-greets, autograph signings and even a wrestling tournament.
Dates: Jan. 20 to Jan. 24, 2020
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Port of departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Nassau, Bahamas
Website: chrisjerichocruise.com

Disney’s Very Merrytime Bahamian Cruise

Bahamian Cruise
Disney’s Very Merrytime Bahamian Cruise Courtesy of Disney

The scoop: Sail away to tropical islands for your next holiday vacation on Disney’s three-night cruise to the Bahamas and a Disney private island. In the Bahamas, swim with dolphins, or see coral reefs and exotic fish from a semi-submarine. At Disney’s Castaway Cay, enjoy swimming, snorkeling, biking, kayaking and other outdoor activities. Dates: Dec. 6 to Dec. 9, 2019
Ship: Disney Dream
Port of departure: Port Canaveral, FL
Itinerary: Nassau, Bahamas; Disney Castaway Cay
Website: disneycruise.disney.go.com

Star Trek: The Cruise IV

Trek Cruise
Live long and prosper on the Star Trek Cruise. Courtesy Star Trek: The Cruise

The scoop: On this Star Trek-themed voyage, Trekkies can join fellow fans for a variety of events that include some of the series’ biggest names. William Shatner, Kate Mulgrew, Garrett Wang and Jonathan Frakes will be in attendance, among a host of other former cast members. Fans will have an opportunity for autographs and photos. There are also one-of-a-kind shows performed at the Stardust Theater and a museum with Star Trek memorabilia provided by CBS.
Dates: March 1 to March 8, 2020
Ship: Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas
Port of departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Grand Bahama Island
Website: startrekthecruise.com

Ante Up Poker Cruise

Ante Up Poker Cruise
The Ante Up Poker Cruise offers tournaments for all levels. Shutterstock

The scoop: The highs (and lows) of playing slots on a cruise are always fun, but, if you’re a little more serious about gambling, this is the themed cruise for you. With multiple tournaments, you can easily find a level of play that you’re comfortable with. Not ready to take on the pros? Free poker classes can help you get ready for the big leagues.
Dates: Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, 2019
Ship: Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas
Port of departure: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Itinerary: Labadee, Haiti; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Website: http://www.anteupmagazine.com/

Holistic Holiday at Sea

Holistic Holiday at Sea
Holistic Holiday at Sea was designed with vegans in mind. Courtesy Holistic Holiday at Sea

The scoop: Vegans, rejoice: With expertly trained chefs and waiters aboard, you won’t have to worry about what’s for dinner on this cruise. This 11-day voyage specializes in vegan meals, as well as accommodating special diets, such as macrobiotic, gluten-free and raw. Want to continue your healthy habits at home? Cooking classes taught by internationally known chefs are offered throughout the cruise.
Dates: Feb. 21 to Feb. 28, 2020
Ship: MSC Divina
Port of departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: San Juan, Puerto Rico, Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
Website: holisticholidayatsea.com

Southern Caribbean Dance Cruise

The scoop: Embark on this 10-night dance cruise throughout the southern Caribbean, as Crown Princess takes you from the Bahamas to the U.S. Virgin Islands and more. Dance activities are included in the cost, including private, social dance parties and workshops. You can also sign up for private lessons for an additional cost.
Dates: Dec. 7 to Dec. 17, 2019
Ship: Crown Princess
Port of departure: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Itinerary: Princess Cays, Bahamas; St. Thomas, USVI; Dominica; Grenada; Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands; Curacao
Website: sundancercruises.net

China-Korea-Japan Singles Cruise

The scoop: Combine your love for Asian culture with a potential love interest on this two-week singles cruise across China, South Korea and Japan. Take in the history of three of the world’s oldest cultures, as you cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium and partake in activities planned by your singles hostess. You can either share a cabin with a friend or a matched roommate, or you can purchase your own cabin.
Dates: March 28 to April 10, 2020
Ship: Celebrity Millennium
Port of departure: Shanghai (Baoshan), China
Itinerary: Seoul (Incheon), South Korea; Beijing (Tianjin), China; Jeju Island, Korea; Kyoto (Osaka), Japan; Kobe, Japan; Mt. Fuji (Shimizu), Japan; Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
Website: bestsingletravel.com

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7 Reasons to Sail on the New Norwegian Bliss https://www.islands.com/7-reasons-to-sail-on-norwegian-bliss-cruise/ Sat, 26 May 2018 00:31:12 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=41738 Here’s a look inside the latest ship from Norwegian Cruise Line.

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7 Reasons to Sail on the New Norwegian Bliss Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, will sail Caribbean itineraries from its home port in Miami beginning this fall. Combining big-ship bells and whistles (go-carts! laser tag!) with small-ship sophistication, Bliss features many firsts, not only for the cruise line, but for the entire industry. We recently sailed aboard the 994-foot-long, 4,000-passenger ship, and here are the features we loved the most.

Norwegian Bliss studio room

1. The Cabins

Studio accommodations are designed for solo cruisers Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

With more than 2,000 cabins, there’s something for every budget and taste on Bliss. Specifically design and priced for solo cruisers, 82 studios are compact (just 99 square feet) but cool, with full beds; en suite bathrooms; and “virtual ocean views” through faux windows. And there’s a private Studio lounge so you can hang with other singletons.

Norwegian Bliss balcony cabin room
A balcony cabin Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

At 200-plus square feet, our digs, a balcony cabin, were sleek and spacious, and we particularly loved the bathroom, with its double-faucet trough sink and glass shower doors.

Norwegian Bliss haven suite bathroom
A bathroom in a Haven suite Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Top-of-the-line accommodations are in The Haven, an enclave of premium suites on Decks 17 through 19. This ship-within-a-ship (think of it as Bliss‘ equivalent of first class) has 80 suites ranging from 1,400-square-foot, two-bedroom/two-bathroom family villas to spa suites that come with complimentary access to the spa’s thermal suite. Haven suites, as you’d expect, are priced significantly higher than others, but for passengers who want plenty of perks (a concierge; priority dining; a private restaurant, pool deck, lounge and two-story courtyard), it just might be worth it.

Norwegian Bliss teppanyaki restaurant

2. The Dining

The Norwegian Bliss‘ teppanyaki restaurant Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

If you’re thinking you might lose a few pounds on Bliss, you’ve got a lot more willpower than we had. The ship is a foodie’s dream, with 20 restaurants — everything from a steakhouse to an Italian restaurant to a French bistro and teppanyaki — spread over as many decks. At newbie Los Lobos (Mexican; additional charge), we couldn’t get enough of the guacamole, expertly prepared tableside. Come hungry for dinner at Q Smokehouse, the line’s first barbecue restaurant, where the Pit Platter offers an array of meat sufficient for even the hungriest carnivore. And don’t poo-poo the thrice-daily buffet at the Garden Café; the shipboard spread of seafood and desserts was among the best we’ve seen. And heads up, coffee cravers: there’s a Starbucks on board, too.

Norwegian Bliss Observation Lounge

3. The Observation Lounge

The Observation Lounge Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

One of the things we enjoy most when cruising is the opportunity to spend hours gazing at the ocean, contemplating its vastness (and, occasionally, what we’re going to eat at our next meal). And Norwegian Bliss offers an elegant, expansive lounge — spanning a full third of the length of the ship — that offers 180-degree Caribbean (and, seasonally, Alaskan) views. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the moving panorama, and groupings of chaises, sofas and chairs accommodate both solo cruisers and groups. Bonus: The lounge has a bar, and Continental breakfast and light lunch is served here daily (handy for when we finally decide what we’re going to eat).

Norwegian Bliss racetrack

4. The Race Track

The ship features the longest racetrack at sea Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruising is generally a leisurely affair but for those who want to pick up the pace, head up to deck 19 aft, where Bliss boasts the longest outdoor racetrack at sea. For $7, cruisers taller than 4 feet can take a souped-up go-cart for a spin around the two-tier, 1,000-foot-long track at speeds of up to 30 mile per hour — a truly surreal at-sea experience, particularly at sunset when the raceway is bathed in a rosy glow.

Norwegian Bliss pool

5. The Adults-Only Areas

The Norwegian Bliss‘ main pool area Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Bliss is definitely family-friendly: there’s a kids’ club, Splash Academy; a video arcade; the first laser tag at sea; and a kids’ water park. But as child-free cruisers we really appreciated the adults-only areas on board. Our picks: Deck 19’s Vibe Beach Club, a sun deck where, for a daily (or cruise-long) cover charge, you can snooze in cabanas and wake to complimentary chilled towels, fruit kabobs and flavored water. During daylight hours, Spice H20 on Deck 17 aft offers a similar adults-only experience for no extra charge, complete with a bar, twin hot tubs and a hydrotherapy pool.

Norwegian Bliss Cavern Club

6. The Shows

The Cavern Club features a Beatles tribute band Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

If you didn’t snag a ticket for the Broadway smash Jersey Boys, don’t fret because the Tony-award winning production about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is performed twice a night in Bliss’ theater — a first for any cruise line. And if you’re into The Beatles, watch the impressive tribute band at The Cavern Club, inspired by the Liverpool venue where the Fab Four once played. For a more intimate entertainment experience, Social Comedy & Nightclub features two stand-up shows a night, one that’s family-friendly and a later show that’s strictly for grown-ups.

7. The Itinerary

Bliss sails from Seattle to Alaska in the summer but come fall and winter, it relocates to balmier climes. From Miami, cruisers can hop seven-day sailings to the Eastern Caribbean, with calls at Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. Bliss will also sail select 12-and 14-day southern Caribbean itineraries from New York in January and February 2019, which will include ports such as St. Kitts; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten; St. Lucia; and Barbados.

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14 Best Themed Cruises for 2018-2019 https://www.islands.com/14-best-themed-cruises-for-2018-2019/ Tue, 26 Sep 2017 23:10:00 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=41169 Combine your passion with a much-needed vacation on one of these themed cruises.

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What could veganism, zombies and poker possibly have in common? Answer: there is a themed cruise to match each interest. Combine your passion (from Star Trek to golf) with a much-needed vacation on one of these themed cruises. Here are some of the best and most unique themed cruises for 2018-2019, in order of departure date. Note: we didn’t include music-themed cruises, find our recommendations for those here.

Themed Cruises: Transatlantic Fashion Week Cruise

Transatlantic Fashion Week Cruise

Fashion designers, historians, and photographers will be onboard Courtesy Cunard

The scoop: Fashion designers, historians, and photographers will be onboard for a week of activities including runway shows, fashion presentations, and photography exhibitions. Get ready for the catwalk with fashion and styling workshops (head to toe, let your whole body talk).
Dates: September 2-9, 2018
Ship: Cunard Queen Mary 2 Port of Departure: Southampton, UK Itinerary: New York, NY Website: cunard.com

Themed Cruises: 2018 Hawaiian Running Cruise

2018 Hawaiian Running Cruise

Run multiple races around the islands of Hawaii. Shutterstock

The scoop: If you’re going to run on vacation, you might as well do it with a view of Hawaii. Explore the Hawaiian Islands by running (walking is okay too) a 5K or a half marathon in Maui, and a 5K or 10K in Kona on the Big Island. For a change of pace, explore trails in Kauai or hike to the Kilauea Iki crater in Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dates: September 15-22, 2018
Ship: Norwegian Pride of America
Port of Departure: Honolulu, HI
Itinerary: Maui; Hilo, Kona, Big Islands; Kauai
Website: runningcruise.com

Themed Cruises: The Sci-Fi Sea Cruise

The Sci-Fi Sea Cruise

The 21st annual Sci-Fi Sea Cruise is all about Doctor Who Shutterstock

The scoop: The 21st annual Sci-Fi Sea Cruise is all about Doctor Who — guests from the show’s long run include Wendy Padbury, Ian McNeice and Frazer Hines. Join fellow Whovians for the cruise’s first trip to the Pacific Northwest.
Dates: September 21-28, 2018
Ship: Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas
Port of Departure: Seattle, WA
Itinerary: Astoria, OR; San Francisco, CA; Victoria, B.C.
Website: scificruise.com

Themed Cruises: Amazon River Cruise with Jean-Michel Cousteau

Amazon River Cruise with Jean-Michel Cousteau

Sail the Amazon River with Jean-Michel Cousteau Shutterstock

The scoop: Touring the Amazon River is an adventurer’s dream, but having the opportunity to do so with a professional explorer and film producer takes this cruise to the next level. Jean-Michel Cousteau will be on hand to teach about environmentalism and conservation as you tour the jungles of the Amazon. On board, Cousteau will offer stories and lessons from his adventures.
Dates: October 5-12, 2018 (3- and 4-night packages also available)
Ship: Aria Amazon
Port of Departure: Iquitos, Peru
Itinerary: Nauta, Peru
Website: aquaexpeditions.com

Themed Cruises: LA Dodgers Legends in Blue Cruise

Legends in Blue Cruise

The ultimate cruise for any Dodgers fan Shutterstock

The scoop: What better way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Los Angeles Dodgers World Series victory than to spend time with members of the 1988 team? Mike Marshall, Derrel Thomas and Dennis Powell will be on hand, and fans can fill their days with activities such as Home Run Trivia Kings and “A Day to Remember” — highlights from the championship-clinching game.
Dates: October 18-22, 2018
Ship: Ruby Princess
Port of departure: Los Angeles, CA
Itinerary: Catalina Island, CA; Ensenada, Mexico
Website: grouptravel.travelstore.com

Themed Cruises: Chris Jericho’s Rock N’ Wrestling Rager

Chris Jericho’s Rock N’ Wrestling Rager

Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat Promotional Photo

The scoop: Do you find lounging by the pool with a drink a little too relaxing? If you think a cruise would be more exciting with body slams and pile drivers, the Rock N’ Wrestling Rager is for you. Host Chris Jericho joins wrestling legends like Mick Foley and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat for four nights of podcasts, meet-and-greets and even a wrestling tournament.
Dates: October 27-31, 2018
Ship: Norwegian Jade
Port of Departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Nassau, Bahamas
Website: chrisjerichocruise.com

Themed Cruises: The New York Times Christmas Markets of the Danube

The New York Times Christmas Markets of the Danube

A festive Christmas market in Vienna Shutterstock

The scoop: Experience Europe’s Danube River and the special markets that operate only at Christmastime. Excursions include guided tours and bike rides through several European cities. And, since this is a cruise hosted by The New York Times, Maureen Dowd and Andrew Rosenthal will be onboard to talk politics and current events.
Dates: December 10-20, 2018
Ship: Crystal Mozart
Port of Departure: Vienna, Austria
Itinerary: Melk, Linz, Krems (Austria); Passau (Germany); Bratislava (Slovakia)
Website: nytimes.com

Themed Cruises: Star Trek The Cruise III

Star Trek : The Cruise III

Live long and prosper on the Star Trek Cruise. Courtesy Star Trek: The Cruise

The scoop: Trekkies can join fellow fans for a variety of theme nights including “Risa’s Festival of the Moon Party,” and a costume ball where Trekkies can show off their most outrageous tributes. Of course, fans can also expect guests from Star Trek’s history including Jonathan Frakes and Wil Wheaton, as well as music from Thomas Dolby.
Dates: January 4-10, 2019
Ship: Norwegian Jade
Port of Departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Great Stirrup Cay, Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), Falmouth (Jamaica)
Website: startrekthecruise.com

Themed Cruises: The Walking Dead Walker Stalker Cruise

The Walking Dead Walker Stalker Cruise

Escape the undead on the Walker Stalker Cruise. Will Byington

The scoop: The Walking Dead fans can rub shoulders with stars from the show like Norman Reedus (Daryl). Full details have yet to be announced, but based on past cruises, fans can expect autograph sessions, panels and meet-and-greets. Much like the show, all things must come to an end — this is the final Walker Stalker cruise.
Dates: February 21-25, 2019
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Port of Departure: Tampa, FL
Itinerary: Nassau, Bahamas
Website: walkerstalkercruise.com

Themed Cruises: Ante Up Poker Cruise

Ante Up Poker Cruise

The Ante Up Poker Cruise offers tournaments for all levels. Shutterstock

The scoop: The highs (and lows) of playing slots on a cruise is always fun, but if you’re a little more serious about gambling, this is the themed cruise for you. With multiple tournaments, you can easily find a level of play that you’re comfortable with. Not ready to take on the pros? Free poker classes can help you get ready for the big leagues.
Dates: February 25-March 13, 2019
Ship: Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas
Port of Departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Cartagena (Colombia); Colon (Panama); Puntarenas (Costa Rica); Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala); Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas (Mexico)
Website: anteupmagazine.com

Themed Cruises: Holistic Holiday at Sea XVI

Holistic Holiday at Sea XVI

Holistic Holiday at Sea was designed with vegans in mind. Courtesy Holistic Holiday at Sea

The scoop: Vegans, rejoice: With expertly trained chefs and waiters aboard, you won’t have to worry about what’s for dinner. This 11-day cruise specializes in vegan meals, as well as accommodating special diets such as macrobiotic, raw and gluten-free. Want to continue your healthy habits at home? Cooking classes taught by internationally known chefs are offered throughout the cruise.
Dates: March 3-14, 2019
Ship: MSC Divina
Port of Departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Ocho Rios (Jamaica); Oranjestad (Aruba); Cartagena (Colombia); Colon (Panama); Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico)
Website: atasteofhealth.org

Themed Cruises: 2019 Hawaii Golf Cruise

2019 Hawaii Golf Cruise

Play some of the best golf courses in Hawaii on this cruise Shutterstock

The scoop: Test your skills at some of the best golf courses in Hawaii, like The Plantation Course on Maui, and Poipu Bay on Kauai, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Island transportation, green fees and cart rental are included in the cruise fare, and non-golfing companions are welcome.
Dates: May 18-25, 2019
Ship: NCL Pride of America
Port of Departure: Honolulu (Oahu)
Itinerary: Kahului (Maui); Hilo (Big Island); Kona (Big Island); Nawiliwili (Kauai)
Website: golfahoy.com

Themed Cruises: Grand Prix & Cannes Voyage

Grand Prix & Cannes Voyage

Experience the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix on this bucket-list cruise. Shutterstock

The scoop: Some of us are content to watch NASCAR and the Oscars at home. This themed cruise — overnighting first at the Cannes Film Festival, and then at the Monte- Carlo Grand Prix — is more for those who would rather experience the action in person. Sorrento and Barcelona round out the culture-packed itinerary.
Dates: May 18-28, 2019
Ship: Azamara Journey
Port of Departure: Rome, Italy
Itinerary: Sorrento, Portoferraio, Livorno (Italy); Cannes and Corsica (France), Monte-Carlo, Monaco; Barcelona, Spain
Website: azamaraclubcruises.com

Themed Cruises: 2019 Cooking at Sea Cruise Cuba

2019 Cooking at Sea Cruise

Visit Cuba on the Cooking at Sea cruise Shutterstock

The scoop: Celebrity Chefs Francine Roberts Bryson (winner of the National Pie Championship) and Erik Holdo host a Latin-inspired cooking cruise complete with a stop in Havana, Cuba, where passengers can experience Cuban cuisine and nightlife.
Dates: June 10-15, 2019
Ship: Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas
Port of Departure: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Itinerary: Key West, FL; Havana, Cuba
Website: southernsailings.com

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Top Unique Cruise Ship Attractions https://www.islands.com/top-10-unique-cruise-ship-attractions/ Tue, 20 Jun 2017 22:20:05 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=41910 From go-carts to skydiving, your days spent at sea will be anything but boring.

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Cruise lines have long been one-upping each other to show off the most over-the-top attractions at sea. It almost seems like a necessity to have unconventional entertainment on a cruise, as looking out at the horizon with a vast plane of blue can only keep you engaged for so long. The best cruise lines knew this from the start, and it’s their commitment to these unique cruise attractions that makes them some of the best cruise lines around.

From the first go-cart racetrack to a water slide with a 10-story plummet to a skydiving simulator, these unique cruise attractions mean your days spent at sea will be anything but boring.

Unique cruise ship attractions: Carnival Cruise Line
SkyRide Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line

SkyRide – Carnival Cruise Line

Take a ride on the closest thing to an actual roller coaster at sea on Carnival Cruise Line’s SkyRide, found on the Carnival Vista. Ride an open-air bicycle-like vehicle around an 800-foot-long track built atop the ship at speeds of up to 18 miles per hour. Race your friends while taking in panoramic views of the sea 150 feet below on one of the best cruise ship attractions.

Unique cruise ship attractions: Royal Caribbean
FlowRider Courtesy Royal Caribbean

FlowRider – Royal Caribbean

Located on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-, Oasis– and Freedom-class ships, the FlowRider features a surf simulator that generates waves on top of a cushioned platform, mimicking what it’s like to actually surf on the ocean. Catch waves by either standing up or by boogie boarding on one of the best cruise attractions.

Unique cruise ship attractions: Norwegian Cruise Line
Race Track Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Race Track – Norwegian Cruise Line

Take a spin on a two-level Ferrari-branded go-cart racetrack in the middle of the ocean on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy. For the first-ever racetrack at sea, 10 passengers at a time will compete in electric go-carts throughout an 833-foot-long course.

Unique cruise ship attractions: Carnival Cruise Line
Dr. Seuss WaterWorks Water Park Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line

Dr. Seuss WaterWorks Water Park – Carnival Cruise Line

Be greeted by larger-than-life images of Dr. Seuss characters at Dr. Seuss WaterWorks on Carnival Horizon. This family-friendly water park features two slides, including the Cat in the Hat slide with over 450 feet of twists and turns and the Fun Things slide, named after the Thing 1 and Thing 2 duo. The water park also includes a 150-gallon tipping bucket patterned after the Cat’s hat and a kiddie splash zone.

Unique cruise ship attractions: Royal Caribbean
RipCord by iFLY Courtesy Royal Caribbean

RipCord by iFLY – Royal Caribbean

Skydiving at sea? Yes, it’s a thing. Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas both feature RipCord by iFLY, the first-ever cruise ship skydiving simulator. During this gravity-defying adventure, you’ll be suspended midair in a 23-foot-high, glass-enclosed vertical tunnel perched on the top deck of the ship. (Don’t worry, a seasoned pro will be with you the entire time.)

Unique cruise ship attractions: Disney Cruise Line
AquaDuck and AquaDunk Courtesy Disney Cruise Line

AquaDuck and AquaDunk – Disney Cruise Line

The AquaDuck on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy features a translucent tube so you can see the action as the slide takes fast dips, turns and uphill climbs over the side of the ship. On Disney Magic, the AquaDunk water slide features a three-story vertical drop through a trap door into a translucent tube that shoots out 20 feet over the ship’s side.

Unique cruise ship attractions: Royal Caribbean
Ultimate Abyss Courtesy Royal Caribbean

Ultimate Abyss – Royal Caribbean

Located aboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas (the world’s largest cruise ship), the 10-story Ultimate Abyss is the tallest water slide at sea.

Unique cruise ship attractions: Norwegian Cruise Line
Largest Ropes Course at Sea Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Largest Ropes Course at Sea – Norwegian Cruise Line

Found on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Escape, this three-story, elevated ropes course features 99 different elements, including an exhilarating sky rail where you can glide through the air on zip tracks. This ropes course will test your courage, as it spans the entire width of the ship and even features two planks that extend eight feet from the side of the ship.

Unique cruise ship attractions: Royal Caribbean
The Perfect Storm Courtesy Royal Caribbean

The Perfect Storm – Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas features the Perfect Storm’s trio of water slides: two dueling, racing slides called Typhoon and Cyclone and one funnel-shaped tube slide called Supercell. Each slide plummets through a series of twists and turns, starting at the top deck and ending at the pool deck.

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12 Best Honeymoon Cruises https://www.islands.com/12-best-honeymoon-cruises/ Fri, 04 Nov 2016 02:31:31 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=40009 Celebrate the most important day in your lives in style by adventuring on one of these best honeymoon cruises.

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On the best honeymoon cruises, you get exotic destinations, lodging, meals, entertainment and transportation all in one no-brainer package that delivers more escape for the money. But, of the hundreds of ships that ply the sea, which is best for you and yours? That depends on your travel style.

Easy-breezy or culturally curious? Indolent or adventurous? Gregarious or private? Here, we’ve compiled a dozen ships with high-romance IQs sailing to climates from tundra to tropical. Read on to find the best cruises for your honeymoon.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Carnival
Carnival Courtesy Carnival

Best Caribbean Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze from Carnival

What you’ll love: Newfangled extras here include a water park, a comedy club, a tequila bar and – no kidding – 5-D movies. For some respite, there’s an adults-only deck, too.

Where to take it: Six-day trips to the Eastern Caribbean call at Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, where you can snorkel above a 7,000-foot drop-off. In Jamaica, climb the terraced Dunn’s River Falls, and ride a [snow-free] Jamaican bobsled. At Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, spend the day at Atlantis resort’s water park, or sample conch salad at downtown seafood shacks on one of the best honeymoon cruise packages.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises Courtesy Windstar Cruises

Best Caribbean Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: the 312-passenger Wind Surf from Windstar Cruises

What you’ll love: The five-masted ship anchors in deserted bays where you can go swimming, kayaking or water skiing off the stern’s water-sports platform.

Where to take it: The seven-day Yachtsman’s Caribbean itinerary, a roundtrip from St. Maarten, island-hops in the British Virgin Islands. Go snorkeling on Tortola, swim around the Baths rock formations on Virgin Gorda, and have signature Painkiller cocktails on laid-back Jost Van Dyke, where an overnight call allows you to party late. Then, slip on your best sundress for a day amid the swanky set on St. Barth.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises Courtesy Celebrity Cruises

Best Mediterranean Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 2,886-passenger Celebrity Silhouette from Celebrity Cruises

What you’ll love: Walk barefoot on the real-grass lawn on the top deck, sample some of the 32 vintages at the wine bar, and take advantage of the DIY scrubs in the water-centric spa.

Where to take it: The eight-night Adriatic cruise starts out in Venice and makes its way around the Italian boot to Rome. En route, walk the walls belting the city of Dubrovnik, and make stops in Rijeka, Split, Corfu, Messina and Naples. In Italy, taste olive oil, cruise the Amalfi Coast, and visit the ruins of Pompeii.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Variety Cruises
Variety Cruises Courtesy Variety Cruises

Best Mediterranean Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: the 49-passenger Panorama from Variety Cruises

What you’ll love: The triple-masted yacht switches to sail power in the right conditions. When it stops in remote coves, you can swim right off the boat.

Where to take it: The eight-day Aegean Odyssey departs from and returns to Athens and visits freewheeling Greek islands, including Mykonos – where the ship overnights, allowing you to sample the area’s ouzo, “mezethes” (appetizers) and legendary nightlife – and Santorini. (Tip: Rent a moped, and hit the black-sand beaches.) Wander around tiny Delos, mythical home of the sun god Apollo, and Ephesus, which has the most magnificent ruins in the region.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Pacific Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 2,138-passenger Pride of America from Norwegian Cruise Line

What you’ll love: Shipboard diversions range from lei-making lessons with a Hawaiian expert to whale-watching from your balcony.

Where to take it: Based in Hawaii, the Pride visits four major islands on a roundtrip from Honolulu in weeklong tours. An overnight call in Maui allows you to catch the sunrise at Haleakala Crater, to drive the remote road to tranquil Hana or to snorkel offshore at Molokini. Watch the lava flow on the Big Island, and cruise Kauai’s rugged Na Pali Coast.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises Courtesy Paul Gauguin Cruises

Best Pacific Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: The 332-passenger m/s Paul Gauguin from Paul Gauguin Cruises

What you’ll love: Get your scuba training on board, and find Nemo off the stern’s water-sports deck. Wind down afterward with a traditional Polynesian massage.

Where to take it: Tour Tahiti and the Society Islands on a seven-night cruise from Papeete to neighboring Raiatea and Tahaa, where you can visit a black-pearl farm, drift-snorkel or kayak a river canyon. Next, it’s on to legendary Bora Bora to snorkel or sail its blue lagoon.

Sapphire Princess from Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Best Alaska Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 2,670-passenger Sapphire Princess from Princess Cruises

What you’ll love: Fresh from a dry-dock overhaul, the ship has three new restaurants, an outdoor movie screen and an adults-only sunning area. Don’t miss whale-watching between shots on the nine-hole putting course.

Where to take it: The 15-day Connoisseur Escorted cruise tour in Alaska combines a week afloat and a week in Denali National Park and on the Kenai Peninsula for a thorough exploration of the 49th state. Roam the tundra before sailing to the calving Hubbard Glacier. En route to Vancouver, Canada, canoe on a glacier lake in Juneau and hike a gold-rush trail in Skagway.

Wilderness Explorer from UnCruise Adventures
UnCruise Adventures Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures

Best Alaska Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: the 74-passenger Wilderness Explorer from UnCruise Adventures

What you’ll love: This ship comes with commodious cabins and extra elbowroom in public spaces. You can stargaze from the hot tub and watch wildlife on the underwater TV channel.

Where to take it: The new Northern Passages & Glacier Bay tour from Juneau to Sitka spends three full days inside Glacier Bay National Park, where rangers and guides lead hiking treks and kayaking excursions. The Explorer pokes into passages bigger ships can’t, including Peril Strait, popular with otters, whales and bears, and Chichagof Island, where the coast is lined with waterfalls.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises Courtesy Crystal Cruises

Best Bucket-list Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 848-passenger Crystal Symphony from Crystal Cruises

What you’ll love: The ship’s worldly dining options include a sushi bar by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, plus Italian and French restaurants. Sign up for a couples massage in the feng shui-designed spa.

Where to take it Start from Sydney, and venture along Australia’s east coast on this 13-night venture before ultimately concluding your tour in Bali. Along the way, you’ll stop by Airlie Beach, granting access to the Whitsunday Islands. Journey on for an overnight stay in Cairns, and explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Wet Tropics of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. After stopping by Darwin on Day 9, you’ll spend the last three nights in Indonesia.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions Courtesy Lindblad Expeditions

Best Bucket-list Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II with Lindblad Expeditions

What you’ll love: Passage comes with yours-for-the-duration snorkeling gear, and kayaks are stowed on board for trips to deserted coves. After frolicking, don’t miss a treatment on the floating massage platform.

Where to take it Lindblad pioneered Galápagos Islands cruises, and a staff of five onboard naturalists and National Geographic photo instructors accompany its 10-day trips. Get as active or as lazy as you’d like: Options range from scuba diving to lounging poolside, with plenty of alone time rather than group herding. Catch the early-morning light from the summit of Bartolome Island, swim with a sea lion, and toast the sunset from the top deck.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean Courtesy Royal Caribbean International

Best Cruises for Ship Geeks – Big Ship

Ship: the 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International

What you’ll love: This is the floating home of nonstop wows: boardwalk games, a climbing wall, a surf pool, a 12,000-tree park, water shows with aerial acrobats and a three-level bar.

Where to take it: Eight-day trips to the Caribbean stop in Haiti, where you can gaze up at the ship from sea level aboard a WaveRunner; Falmouth, Jamaica, where you can poke around the gingerbread-trimmed buildings in the historic port; and Cozumel, Mexico, for snorkel stops and tangy margaritas. Best of all, you’ll have three full days at sea.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: American Safari Cruises
American Safari Cruises Courtesy American Safari Cruises

Best Cruises for Ship Geeks – Little Ship

Ship: the 84-passenger yacht Safari Endeavor from UnCruise Adventures

What you’ll love: This small ship offers a wine bar, hot tubs, a sauna, yoga classes, stand-up paddle-boarding and our favorite: hydrophones for listening to whales.

Where to take it: The Baja’s Bounty itinerary in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez explores the aquarium-like waters east of Baja, home to more than 800 species of fish and 20 kinds of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Though there are occasional shore calls for hiking, it’s largely about life on and in the water on one of the best cruise lines for honeymoons.

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9 Best Music-Themed Cruises for 2016 https://www.islands.com/best-music-theme-cruises-2015-2016/ Thu, 19 Nov 2015 06:47:57 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=39999 Sail the Caribbean with your favorite bands? It can happen, you know. With intimate performances and chances to meet artists face-to-face, a concert-centered cruise is the vacation of a lifetime. Here are our picks for the best music-themed cruises for early 2016, appearing in order of departure. Get ready to rock. Want more? Best Music […]

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Sail the Caribbean with your favorite bands? It can happen, you know. With intimate performances and chances to meet artists face-to-face, a concert-centered cruise is the vacation of a lifetime. Here are our picks for the best music-themed cruises for early 2016, appearing in order of departure. Get ready to rock. Want more? Best Music Cruises for Late 2016-2017

Kenny Rogers Country Music Cruise
The Country Music Cruise (Jan. 16-23, 2016) The scoop: If the music artists aren’t tempting enough (and they should be), then maybe the theme nights will win you over. Try “Boots and Buckles Night” or “Hat Night” to get you started. Ship: Holland America’s m/s Westerdam Port of departure: Fort Lauderdale Itinerary: Key West (Fla.), Ocho Rios (Jamaica), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands) Artists: Kenny Rogers (pictured), Randy Owen of Alabama, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mel Tillis, Kathy Mattea and more. Booking information: countrymusiccruise.com
Def Leppard cruise
Def Leppard: Hysteria on the High Seas (Jan. 21-25, 2016) The scoop: One cruise isn’t enough to hold back the hair metal kings of the ’80s, so Hysteria on the High Seas actually begins a day early with a pre-cruise party in Miami. Regular performances, along with musician “storyteller” performances, will be the highlight along with theme nights, a Q&A and more. Ship: MSC Divina Port of Departure: Miami Itinerary: Grand Bahama Island (Bahamas), Private Island Artists: Def Leppard, Last in Line, Tom Keifer, Kix, Kip Winger, Eric Martin and more. Booking information: defleppardcruise.com Defleppardcruise.com
Peter Frampton Cruise
Rock Legends IV Cruise (Jan. 21-25, 2016) The scoop: Four nights hardly seems enough for this lineup of rock legends from the ’70s. In addition to the music performances is an amazing auction of autographed rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, including pieces signed by the Beatles, Gene Simmons, Roger Waters and BB King. Ship: Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas Port of departure: Fort Lauderdale Itinerary: Grand Turks, Turks & Caicos Artists: Peter Frampton (pictured), Gregg Allman, Grand Funk Railroad, America, John Kay & Steppenwolf, The Marshall Tucker Band, Uriah Heep, Foghat, The Pat Travers Band and many more. Booking information: Sold out, but there is a waiting list. rocklegendscruise.com Publicity Image
Bingo Players
The Groove Cruise (Jan. 22-26, 2016) The scoop: This cruise is so big, it sails out of two ports: Miami and Los Angeles. For now, only information on the Miami cruise is available. The Groove Cruise bills itself as 96 nonstop hours of electronica, house and trance music featuring 40 artists. Ship: Norwegian Pearl Port of departure: Miami Itinerary: Ocho Rios (Jamaica) Artists: Bingo Players (pictured), Dada Life, Dash Berlin, Markus Schulz with more artists to be announced soon. Booking information: www.thegroovecruise.com/miami Publicity Image
Smokey Robinson cruise
Soul Train Cruise (Jan. 30-Feb. 6) The scoop: The Soul Train Cruise features nightly music performances, dance lessons from original Soul Train dancers, meet and greets, theme nights, cooking demonstrations and celebrity DJ spinning tunes late into the even at Club Soul Train. Ship: Celebrity Constellation Port of departure: Fort Lauderdale Itinerary: Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios (Jamaica), Coco Cay (Bahamas), Key West (Fla.) Artists: Smokey Robinson (pictured), The O’Jays, The Whispers, Billy Ocean, Sheila E., Atlantic Starr, Deniece Williams and many more. Booking information: soultraincruise.com Publicity Image
Flo-Rida
Gronk’s Party Ship (Feb. 19-22, 2016) The scoop: Rob Gronkowski? Wait. Isn’t he a football player? Yeah, but the New England Patriot also the host of one of the craziest music theme cruises we could find. Featuring bands, DJs and comedians, if there’s an award for “Cruise Most Likely To Run Out of Red Bull,” this is the one. Ship: Norwegian Pearl Itinerary: “Gronk’s Private Island” (Bahamas) Artists: Flo Rida (pictured), Redfoo, 3LAU, Waka Flocka Flame, Sammy Adams, Brooke Evers and more. Booking information: www.gronkspartyship.com Publicity Image
Best Music Themed Cruises | Concert Cruises | Huey Lewis and the News
The ’80s Cruise (Feb. 28-March 6, 2016) The scoop: Featuring many of the stars from the early days of MTV, The ’80s Cruise is practically “music television” at sea. In fact, original veejays Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter and Nina Blackwood are on board as hosts. Each night is a theme night (’80s Prom Night, Movie Costume Night) and cabin TVs will feature ’80s movies and TV shows. Ship: Holland America’s m/s Eurodam Port of departure: Fort Lauderdale Itinerary: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas Artists: Huey Lewis and The News (pictured), Richard Marx, Starship, Kool & The Gang, A Flock of Seagulls, Modern English, Naked Eyes, Tiffany, Wang Chung, celebrity DJ Biz Markie, Jessie’s Girl tribute band. Booking information: http://www.the80scruise.com/ Huey Lewis and The News/Publicity Photo
Kirk Franklin Gospel Music Cruise
The Gospel Music Cruise (March 6-13, 2016) The scoop: Nightly performance by the biggest gospel artists today is just the start. The Gospel Music Cruise includes theme parties, music panels, seminars, dancing and game shows with the celebrities onboard. Ship: Holland America’s m/s Eurodam Port of departure: Fort Lauderdale Itinerary: Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos), Road Town (Tortola), San Jan (Puerto Rico), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) Artists: Kirk Franklin (pictured), Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Shirley Caesar, Bonnie McClurkin, The Tribbett, Marvin Sapp and many more. Booking information: www.thegospelmusiccruise.com Publicity Image
Best Music Themed Cruises | Concert Cruises | Journey
Carnival Live (multiple ships and dates) The scoop: Carnival Cruises continues their popular Carnival Live concert series in 2016 featuring performances by Journey (pictured), Gladys Knight, KC and the Sunshine Band and Trace Adkins. Strictly speaking these aren’t “theme” cruises, but they do feature an onboard concert one night during the cruise while the ship is in port. It’s an amazing opportunity to see an artist who’d normally fill larger venues in a much more intimate setting. Gladys Knight will perform while Carnival Liberty, Carnival Valor and Carnival Splendor are docked in St. Thomas Feb. 1-3, respectively. KC & The Sunshine Band will perform in Cozumel March 22-24 aboard Carnival Paradise, Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Breeze. Journey will perform in Nassau aboard Carnival Pride May 5 and Carnival Victory May 6. Trace Adkins will perform in Nassau aboard Carnival Freedom July 6, Carnival Dream July 7 and Carnival Conquest July 8. More information: www.carnival.com/carnival-live.aspx Journey/Publicity photo

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Get a Video Sneak Peek of 6 New Cruise Ships https://www.islands.com/sneak-peek-at-newest-cruise-ships/ Thu, 17 Sep 2015 22:47:54 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=40002 When it comes to the best cruise ships, biggest isn’t always better, but newest sure doesn’t hurt. While some of the cruising giants such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean are busy battling over the biggest behemoths in the business, more boutique lines such as Viking and Regent Seven Seas will soon introduce brand-new ships designed […]

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When it comes to the best cruise ships, biggest isn’t always better, but newest sure doesn’t hurt. While some of the cruising giants such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean are busy battling over the biggest behemoths in the business, more boutique lines such as Viking and Regent Seven Seas will soon introduce brand-new ships designed for less than 1,000 guests. Here’s a look at some of the noteworthy ships we’ll see with the next 12 months.

NCL’s Norwegian Escape

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Launch: October 2015
The details: Carrying 4,248 guests, Escape will be the largest ship in the NCL fleet when it sets sail this fall. Sailing a Caribbean itinerary from its home port in Miami, Escape‘s features include: the first Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar at sea, a Latin seafood specialty restaurant, a craft brew hall, the largest ropes course at sea, a theater featuring two Broadway musicals and an expanded water park for the kids.

Holland America’s Koningsdam

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Launch: April 2016
The details: Koningsdam will makes it home in Fort Lauderdale and offer 7- to 1-day Caribbean itineraries. With room for 2,650 guests, Koningsdam will include a Culinary Arts Center with a show kitchen and individual cooking stations that will offer hands-on classes by visiting celebrity chef. Another unique amenity will be a digital workshop where Microsoft-training experts will lead small group sessions on topics including photo editor, movie creation and cloud storage.

Viking Ocean Cruise’s Viking Sky

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Launch: March 2016
The details: Viking’s expansion from river cruises to ocean cruises continues with Viking Sky. The new ship will be more intimate – holding just 930 guests – and will offer some of the same amenities as its river ships, including the Aquavit Terrace. Viking Sky is expected to sail mostly Mediterranean and Western Europe itineraries.

Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas

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Launch: April 2016
The details: All the glitzy, eye-popping toys will be on full display when the Ovation of the Seas sets sail. Among its amenities: RipCord by iFLY (the first skydiving experience at sea), huge poolside movie screen and Seaplex, an indoor rec center offering bumper cars, roller skating, a circus school and surf simulater. Too much action for you? Then cool down at the ship’s ice bar. If you’re up for the adventure, a cruise on Ovation of the Seas will require a plane ticket … to China, where the ship will be based year-round.

Regent Seven Seas’ Explorer

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Launch: July 2016
The details: Explorer will be an all-suite, all-balcony ship accommodating 738 guests. The cruise line is promising “ultra-elegant public rooms, a wide-range of gourmet dining options and a museum-worthy art collection will ensure our guests experience a new standard in luxury cruising.”

Seabourn’s Encore

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Launch: Late 2016
The details: The all-suite ship is modeled after Seabourn’s Odyssey-class ships, but will include one additional deck and expanded public areas. Encore is expected to carry just 600 guests, and every suite will feature a private veranda.

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Erika Loses Tropical Storm Status; Cruise Lines Rethinking Changes in Itineraries https://www.islands.com/tropical-storm-erika-cruise-line-changes/ Sun, 30 Aug 2015 04:29:59 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=42476 Tropical Storm Erika‘s was downgraded to a tropical depression on Saturday afternoon, so cruise lines are rethinking the changes they previously announced for their itineraries. Cruise guests traveling to Florida on Monday and Tuesday could still see travel delays as the remnants of the storm pass over the state. Flash flooding is possible in several […]

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Tropical Storm Erika Path
Here’s the latest satellite look at Tropical Storm Erika over the Caribbean. NOAA

Tropical Storm Erika‘s was downgraded to a tropical depression on Saturday afternoon, so cruise lines are rethinking the changes they previously announced for their itineraries. Cruise guests traveling to Florida on Monday and Tuesday could still see travel delays as the remnants of the storm pass over the state. Flash flooding is possible in several areas of the state.

Here’s what we know as of Saturday afternoon.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Royal Caribbean has a page devoted to updates. As of Friday, it read: “Royal Caribbean International continues to closely monitor the path and progress of Tropical Storm Erika to ensure guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises, and to make certain our ships steer clear of the storm. The safety of our guests and crew is always our foremost concern. … We encourage guests sailing on Adventures of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Freedom of the Seas monitor this website for any additional updates.”

CARNIVAL CRUISES
From Carnival: “We’re closely monitoring the storm and will adjust our itineraries to keep our guests, crew and the vessel out of harm’s way.” As of Saturday morning, changes in itineraries were made for:

  • Carnival Conquest‘s 8-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale (Aug. 23-31) with an extra day in San Juan and a stop in Nassau replacing planned stops in St. Maarten and St. Kitts.
  • On Carnival Ecstasy‘s 3-day cruise (Aug. 28-31) from Miami, an overnight stay in Nassau will instead depart the port at 5 p.m.
  • On Carnival Valor‘s Aug. 29-Sept. 5 cruise from Port Canaveral, the original itinerary has been resored.
  • On Carnival Breeze‘s Aug. 29-Sept. 6 cruise from Miami, the original itinerary has been restored.
  • On Carnival Fascination‘s Aug. 29-Sept. 3 trip from Jacksonville, Half Moon Cay will be replaced with a day at sea and Freeport will be added to the itinerary (replacing a different day at sea.)

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
NCL has Erika updates on its home page. The latest news: “At Norwegian Cruise Line, the safety and security of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance. The company has been closely monitoring Tropical Storm Erika and will be adjusting itineraries for Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Sky, to ensure our guests have the best vacation experience possible.”

DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney has a special page for updates, but at this time has made no changes to upcoming trips. “Disney Cruise Line is monitoring the current weather conditions and path of Tropical Storm Erika. At this time, we have made no changes to our itineraries. Should weather conditions change, we can alter the itinerary of our ships to ensure the safety and comfort of our Guests. We will also continue to update this website with any new information as it becomes necessary.”

For the latest on Erika, check for updates on Weather.com.

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First Official ‘Star Trek’ Cruise Coming in January 2017 https://www.islands.com/star-trek-cruise-william-shatner/ Fri, 14 Aug 2015 21:44:30 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=42564 There’s no way to report this news with adding “Boldly going where no cruise ship has gone before.” Sci-fi fans, get ready for Star Trek: The Cruise. The six-night cruise in January 2017 will be hosted by none other than Capt. James T. Kirk himself, actor William Shatner. Other Trek actors already confirmed include Jonathan […]

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Star Trek Cruise
William Shatner, aka Capt. Kirk, will be the featured host of Star Trek: The Cruise. Entertainment Cruise Productions

There’s no way to report this news with adding “Boldly going where no cruise ship has gone before.” Sci-fi fans, get ready for Star Trek: The Cruise. The six-night cruise in January 2017 will be hosted by none other than Capt. James T. Kirk himself, actor William Shatner.

Other Trek actors already confirmed include Jonathan Frakes (“Commander Riker” from The Next Generation), John de Lancie (“Q”), Marina Sirtis (“Counselor Deanna Troi”) and Robert Picardo (“The Doctor” on Star Trek: Voyager).

Entertainment Cruise Productions, which has been producing full-ship charters for more than 15 years including The ’80s Cruise, The Jazz Cruise and The Gospel Music Cruise, is in charge of Star Trek: The Cruise, which is the first such trip authorized by CBS Consumer Products. The cruise commemorates the original TV series’ 50th anniversary.

Related: 13 Best Music-Themed Cruises for 2015-2016

Star Trek: The Cruise will include: dramatic performances, comedy shows and concerts by Trek actors, talks with leading Trek experts, themed parties and bars (including Quark’s Bar and Ten Forward), movie screenings and more. It sets sail on the Norwegian Pearl, one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Jewel Class” ships that can accommodate nearly 2,400 guests.

The Trek cruise leaves Miami on Jan. 7, 2017 and includes stops in Cozumel and two ports in the Bahamas (Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau).

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6 Best New Cruises in 2016 https://www.islands.com/6-best-new-cruises-2016/ Fri, 31 Jul 2015 02:43:14 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=42192 No, we didn’t put the wrong photo here. That’s not a villa or a resort — it’s a cruise ship, and on the other side of that infinity pool is really the ocean. It’s time to set sail. Here are some of the coolest new offerings in the cruise world for 2016. 1. NEW OVERNIGHTS: […]

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No, we didn’t put the wrong photo here. That’s not a villa or a resort — it’s a cruise ship, and on the other side of that infinity pool is really the ocean. It’s time to set sail. Here are some of the coolest new offerings in the cruise world for 2016.

Best Cruises for 2016
The Regent Seven Seas Cruises Explorer Courtesy Regent Seven Seas Cruises

1. NEW OVERNIGHTS: Celebrity Cruises

Typically, cruising means no happy hours, sunsets or even dinners on dry land. Starting January 2016, Celebrity Cruises will give guests aboard 43 Caribbean itineraries, each 10 nights or longer, the chance to overnight in ports such as Aruba, Barbados, Cozumel, Curaçao, St. Maarten and Cartagena, Colombia. So go ahead — make a dinner reservation at Yemanja Woodfired Grill on Aruba, and keep the party going on St. Maarten, stopping by Kali’s Beach Bar for a shot of local-fruit-infused rum.

2. NEW SPA: Canyon Ranch SpaClub

The newest ship in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises‘ fleet, the 750-passenger Explorer — setting sail July 20, 2016, from Monte Carlo — will debut a Canyon Ranch SpaClub, hailed by company president Jason Montague as “the most luxurious at sea.” On deck five, it will feature an infrared sauna, aromatic steam room, a cold room designed to re-create the effect of icy swims, eight treatment rooms and an outdoor infinity-edge plunge pool. The new menu takes inspiration from across the globe: Atlantic Ocean sea salts are used in an exfoliating treatment, and a body cleanse features Moroccan mint tea and silt for detoxifying. These treatments will premiere on Explorer before transitioning to other ships in the fleet.

3. NEW PORT: Montserrat

Since the 1995 volcanic eruption, no cruise ship has returned to the Lesser Antilles island of Montserrat … until now. Starting Dec. 5, 2015, Windstar CruisesStar Legend, which debuted in May,will stop at the new capital and port, Little Bay, which can welcome small ships only. Choose the Insights of Montserrat excursion, part of the San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands itinerary, to tour local villages and witness the long reach of the lava.

4. NEW PORT: Martinique

In early 2016, Disney Wonder, leaving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, will tour the Southern Caribbean, introducing a new stop at the French island of Martinique. Hailed as the “Flower of the Caribbean,” Martinique offers rainforest hikes and waterfall pool swims. The all-new itinerary will visit Barbados, Grenada, Antigua and St. Kitts.

5. NEW SHIP: Norwegian Escape

It’s home to the first at-sea Margaritaville bar and the new Waterfront, an open-air promenade leading to the Food Republic; order Asian-fusion cuisine via iPads. (Not to mention, you can choose from 120 bottles of wine.)

6. NEW SHIP: Encore

Seabourn’s newest ship sails Dec. 4, 2016, and it will be the largest in the small-ship fleet. Restaurateur Thomas Keller, of California’s The French Laundry, brings his famed fare on board.

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