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CR S

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JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2020

ANNUAL
DIRECTORY ISSUE

• NEW SHIP DIRECTORY • CRUISE LINE DIRECTORY


• SPECIAL INTEREST DIRECTORY • THEME CRUISES GUIDE
• PRIVATE PORTS OF CALL • REPOSITIONING CRUISES
• BABIES ONBOARD
DEPARTMENTS
4 LETTERS
6 CRUISE NEWS
8 PREVIEW

contents 50 CRUISE VIEWS


January /February 2020
Volume 41, Number 4

FEATURES
ON THE HORIZON

10 New Ship Directory


Vessels scheduled to make a splash in 2020 and beyond.

EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES

14 Private Ports of Call


Cruise lines offer their very own pockets of paradise.

SPECIAL SECTION

20 Cruise Line Directory


Definitive register of popular companies and their fleets.

QUICK REFERENCE

24 Special Interest Cruising


A directory of companies offering unique voyages.

FOCUSED SAILINGS

26 Theme Cruises Guide


Traveling with people who share your passions.

ONE-WAY SPECIALS

31 Repositioning Cruises
Unusual itineraries, lots of sea time at attractive prices.

THE YOUNGEST PASSENGERS

36 Babies Onboard
A guide to how cruise lines cater to infants and toddlers.

IN PERSPECTIVE

41 How Cruising Has Evolved


10 elements of the experience that continue to change.

NORTHERN EXPOSURE

44 Cruise Passages
Exploring the icy waters of the Arctic and coastal Alaska.

SPRING/SUMMER

46 Cruise Calendar
List of Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda sailings for 2020.
The Panama Canal never fails to
ON THE COVER: The suite life as savored on captivate cruise travelers.
Oceania Cruises’ Insignia (Photo courtesy Oceania Cruises) (Photo courtesy Princess Cruises)

Cruise Travel January/February 2020 3


LETTERS

Licensed to Cruise
We've been cruising since the mid-1980s
and started getting Cruise Travel around that
Embarkation Fiasco
But Still a Good Cruise
I’ve been a Cruise Travel subscriber since
CRUISE TRAVEL
THE WORLDWIDE CRUISE VACATION MAGAZINE
®

time. In one issue, someone sent the editor a the 1980s. To date, I have been on 79 cruises.
picture of their license plate (California) I am an Elite member of Princess Cruises, Publisher
with "2SEA4ME" on it, an expression of with 29 cruises to my credit. Norman Jacobs
their love of cruising. We liked the idea so I just returned from a 10-day Caribbean Editor
much that we decided to get the same plate cruise on the Crown Princess. Once the cruise Randy Mink
for our car in New York and added a second got started, it was very good, but the embarka-
plate, this one with “2SEA4US.” tion process was terrible! Art Director
Fast forward many years later. Now I was traveling with a friend—her first Robert A. Wyszkowski
retired and living just outside Charleston, Princess cruise. A few days before the start Contributing Editor
South Carolina, we decided to get the same of the October cruise we were notified not to Christina Victor
plates down here. We have gone on more get to the pier before 1 p.m. (It was due to the
than 50 cruises and now get to take more and Coast Guard and the ship having to be Production and Business Manager
longer cruises! We continue to look forward checked over, etc.) We were told boarding Dale Jacobs
to your magazine. would be by deck starting with check-in at 1
Ed and Janet Leddy, Mount Pleasant, SC p.m. Our deck was the first to board. We Circulation Manager
Richard Kent
arrived at 12:45 p.m. The other decks were
Happy with Norwegian Dawn given staggered arrival times. Newsstand Manager
In September 2019, I went on a nine-day Our travel agent ordered wheelchairs at Dale Fawcett
Norwegian Dawn cruise doing Canada and time of boarding in February and checked on
the U.S. out of Quebec City. I flew out of them again at final payment. When we Data Administrator
Thunder Bay, Ontario, the day of the cruise arrived, we told them about the wheelchairs, Murray Jacobs
and spent an overnight in Quebec City and they told us to get in the regular line. (I
before the ship headed to Prince Edward told them I was Elite, but they said it didn’t Advertising Manager
Island (beautiful). Next were Halifax and matter—I had to get in the regular line.) Soon Irene Froehlich
Sydney, Nova Scotia. I then went to Bar after, someone said, “No, you go outside and 1800 Nations Drive, Suite 117,
Harbor and Portland, Maine, and Newport, sit on a bench for the wheelchairs. We did Gurnee, IL 60031-9171
708-456-9247; fax 708-395-5333
Rhode Island, ending up the cruise in New this, but the man in charge had no list of ifroehlich@cruisetravelmag.com
York. I had gone to school in New York and names—you just waited your turn. After 40
was able to see my former school and resi- minutes, we got the chairs.
Business & Editorial Offices
dence as we passed Battery Park. I flew back We were then taken to check-in. My Cruise Travel Magazine
to Canada the same day. friend couldn’t get in line with me, as she 1800 Nations Drive, Suite 117,
I was very happy with my inside accom- wasn’t Elite and had to go in the regular line. Gurnee, IL 60031-9171
modations on the Norwegian Dawn. The I got onboard about 2 p.m. after receiving my 847-491-6440
food was varied and very good. I ate all OceanMedallion (the new Princess Cruises
meals in the Garden Cafe so could pick what technology device worn around the neck or
I wanted and eat when I wanted. The staff on the wrist), which to me was a nuisance to Subscription Office
was great, and my room was kept spotless by use for 10 days. The only good thing about it (New Subscriptions, Renewals,
my attendant. At night I enjoyed the enter- was that it opened your cabin door automat- Address Changes, Inquiries)
tainment in the theater. I do not gamble, but ically as you approached, even if you had it Cruise Travel Magazine
it seemed to please quite a few passengers. in your purse or pocket. P.O. Box 433072
Palm Coast, FL 32143-3072
I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise, finding it My friend didn’t board until 4:15—she
not expensive. If all goes well, I will do this was the last person to board. It seems all her
trip again. boarding info was applied to another passen-
Gary R. Kirby, Via email ger, and that person was already onboard; Newsstand Distribution
that person was boarded under my friend’s Curtis Circulation Company
730 River Rd.
Class Divisions name. Question: Where was the security New Milford, NJ 07646-3048
The class system has begun to permeate the check on this? Then they misplaced her pass- 201-634-7400; fax 201-634-7499
cruise industry, and I for one do not like it one port and ID. Finally, she boarded just before
bit. Passengers who opt to spend more money the gates closed. Website
for a special cabin category are treated like The cruise itself was very nice. Shows www.cruisetravelmag.com
royalty. They have their own lounges, pool were excellent (all except one). The food was All efforts are made to ensure factual accuracy within each
areas and restaurants. They have the use of a good, but not as good as past Princess cruis- issue, but Lakeside Publishing Company, LLC, cannot be
held responsible for changes, omissions, or errors in cruise-
private concierge that gets them special reser- es. Service was very good in the dining room line information, or for the return of unsolicited materials.
vations at the “other” restaurants, reserved and buffets. The cabin steward was helpful, Cruise Travel (ISSN 0199-5111) is published bimonthly
seating at shows or other activities, and front- friendly and did an excellent job in keeping (six times a year) by Lakeside Publishing Company, LLC,
1800 Nations Drive, Suite 117, Gurnee, IL 60031-9171
of-the-line privileges when debarking at ports the cabin in shape. Registered U.S. Patent Office. Periodicals postal rates
of call. There are many other perks to being I’ll be sure to sail again on Princess as I do paid at Gurnee, IL, and additional mailing offices.
Copyright 2019 by Lakeside Publishing Company, LLC.
one of the “finer” people as well. enjoy the line. All rights reserved. No materials from this publication may
The only advantage these people should Barbara Bonello, Delray Beach, FL be reproduced without permission. Postmaster: Send
address changes to Cruise Travel Magazine, P.O. Box
have over the common folks is a more luxu- 433072, Palm Coast, FL 32143-3072. USPS 540-430;
rious cabin. Period. Eventually, the cruise Cruise Travel welcomes mail from its readers.
GST 841109010RT0001.

lines will relegate the common people back Please include full name and address and
to steerage class where they can’t mingle send to Letters, Cruise Travel, 1800 Nations
with the upper crust. Drive, Suite 117, Gurnee, IL 60031-9171; PRINTED IN THE USA
Neil Ostrander, Davie, FL or e-mail to editor@cruisetravelmag.com.

4 Cruise Travel January/February 2020


The One Book to Have CRUISE NEWS Deep in the Heart of Texas
Berlitz’s Cruising and Cruise Ships 2020 by Carnival Cruise Line has announced that
Douglas Ward, the 35th edition of the indus- it will have four ships homeported in
try bible for cruise-goers, travel agents and Galveston year-round beginning next year.
crew members, is a virtual encyclopedia of The Carnival Radiance will join the
everything related to vacations at sea. Galveston-based fleet in May 2021, offering
Included in its 754 pages, illustrated with five- to 14-day Caribbean voyages. In addi-
color photos, are ratings for 310 ocean-going tion, the Carnival Breeze will return to
cruise ships. Galveston from Port Canaveral, becoming
Ships are rated from one to five stars, the newest and largest ship to operate a short
which are earned by points (500 to 2,000) cruise program from Galveston. The
compiled for each of six criteria—the ship Carnival Dream will shift to six- and eight-
itself, accommodation, food, service, enter- day voyages, while the Carnival Vista will
tainment and overall cruise experience. For continue her week-long Caribbean cruises.
example, the Celebrity Equinox gets four With these four ships, Carnival will carry an
stars, a rating based on attaining 1,444 points estimated 900,000 guests annually from
out of 2,000. Each ship has a one- or two-page Galveston—more than any other cruise oper-
description that highlights facilities, ambi- ator—on 235 five- to 14-day sailings a year.
ence, and strong and weak points, along with The Carnival Radiance (a transformation
statistics on ship size, passenger capacity, pas- of the Carnival Victory) this year will under-
senger space ratio, number of cabins, etc. go a bow-to-stern, $200 million renovation
One chapter lists the top 20 ships in each of that will add all of the line’s food, beverage
four categories: Large Resort, Mid-size, Small and entertainment innovations. This will
and Boutique. Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2, include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que
based on points earned, tops the Large Resort Smokehouse created by Food Network star
list, while the Mid-size winner is the Viking Guy Fieri, Cucina del Capitano family-style
Jupiter (followed closely by five other Viking Cape Verde Islands Italian restaurant, Bonsai Sushi, Caribbean-
ships and two Crystal Cruises ships). Variety Cruises’ 49-passenger megayacht inspired RedFrog Pub and the first Big
Preceding the ship profiles are nearly 200 Harmony V does eight-day sailings (through Chicken restaurant created by Carnival’s
pages of observations and helpful tips on March 2021) that visit six of the 10 main chief fun officer, Shaquille O’Neal. All of the
cruising, including dozens of commonly islands in the Republic of Cape Verde, an ship’s spaces will be transformed, including
asked questions that brochures rarely archipelago of volcanic origin in the Atlantic the water park, youth facilities, retail shops,
address. Sprinkled throughout are sidebars Ocean west of Africa. The former Portuguese Cloud 9 Spa and a new Liquid Lounge that
like “10 Cabin Locations to Avoid,” “Five colony and slave trade outpost presents a will be home to Carnival’s high-tech Playlist
Rip-offs to Watch Out For,” “10 Reasons blend of African and Portuguese influences Productions shows. (www.carnival.com)
Why People Like Balconies” and “Why in its architecture, food, customs and tradi-
Seniors Like Cruising But Can Often Find It tions. Blessed with crystal-clear waters and a Newest in the Oasis Class
Frustrating.” pleasant year-round climate with tempera- Royal Caribbean International has
The author, considered the world’s foremost tures around 70 degrees, Cape Verde offers announced that the name of its fifth Oasis-
authority on cruising, has done more than diverse scenery, from verdant mountain class ship will be the Wonder of the Seas. She
1,100 cruises and 159 trans-Atlantic crossings. ranges and jungles to volcanic terrain and will be homeported in Shanghai, China, when
He spends up to 200 days at sea each year. wide, deserted beaches. introduced in 2021, becoming the first of the
Purchase of Berlitz’s Cruising and Cruise Optional shore excursions visit colorful world’s largest class of ships to sail the Asia
Ships 2020 ($27.99) gives access to a free app villages and well-preserved colonial cities, Pacific. The Wonder of the Seas is under con-
and e-book that contains the same content as and there is ample time in each port, includ- struction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard
the print edition. ing overnights in some. The ship’s swim- in Saint-Nazaire, France.
ming platform allows guests to go snorkel-
Antarctic Wilderness ing. Each cruise has an onboard naturalist. Istanbul’s New Cruise Terminal
Adventure Canada, a small-ship expedi- Variety Cruises, which was named World’s With cruise ships starting to return to
tion specialist that has been running Arctic Best Boutique Cruise Line in the 2016 USA Istanbul after a four-year lull, Galataport
explorations for more than 30 years, has Today Readers Choice Awards, is the largest Istanbul Cruise Port, now under construction,
announced the launch of three Antarctica megayacht operator in the Mediterranean. is expected to open in March 2020. The mega-
expeditions for winter 2021 through a new (varietycruises.com) port project, located in the historic heart of
partnership with Chimu Adventures. Istanbul, will be able to receive three
The 11-, 14- and 21-day voyages ships at one time and will include
take place on the 198-passenger Ocean hotels, restaurants, art centers and
Endeavour, which will transport guests office space. An unusual feature will
from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the White be hatches that rise from the ground to
Continent. An expert staff of historians, secure the area and provide under-
geologists and ecologists will provide ground space for customs, luggage and
lectures and onshore interpretations. other operations. Cruise tourism in
Besides the Antarctic Peninsula, all Turkey has suffered in recent years due
itineraries include the South Shetland to geopolitical challenges in the region.
Islands, with the 21-day trip calling The port reports more than 50 book-
Variety Cruises

at South Georgia and the Falkland ings for the 2020-2021 season from
Islands as well. Per-person cruise fares cruise companies like Carnival, Royal
for the January and February 2021 Caribbean, Holland America, Regent
departures start at $6,490. (adventure The Atlantic archipelago of Cape Verde is blessed with Seven Seas, Ponant and Silversea.
canada.com) crystal-clear waters and a pleasant year-round climate. continued on page 8
6 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
CRUISE NEWS Colombian rainforests that harbor extraordi-

continued from page 6


nary biodiversity, gliding through little-
explored inlets by Zodiac and kayak, transit-
PREVIEW
ing the Panama Canal and meeting the COMING MARCH/APRIL 2020
Sea Star Shines Brighter indigenous inhabitants of Panama’s Guna On Sale at Your Newsstand March 10, 2020
Ecuador-based Latin Trails has announced Yala archipelago (formerly the San Blas
that its Galapagos Islands yachts, the Islands). Ship of the Month
Galapagos Sea Star Journey and Galapagos Four Panama-Colombia departures of the NORWEGIAN ENCORE
Seaman Journey, have returned to service after 100-passenger National Geographic Quest NCL’s newest ship is the largest in company history
being in dry dock for a complete renovation. are scheduled for October 2020, with per-
All areas of the 16-passenger Galapagos person fares starting at $5,990. (www.expe- Cruise of the Month
Sea Star Journey have been refurnished and ditions.com) CHRISTMAS MARKETS
December on the Danube, Nuremberg to Budapest
redecorated. In addition, the yacht now has
fuel-efficient motors, encapsulated power gen- Famous Godmother Port of the Month
erators that produce less noise, an overhauled Long-time Wheel of Fortune hostess Vanna ATHENS
kitchen with new induction cooking system, White, as godmother of the new Carnival Gateway to ancient Greece and the Aegean islands
overhauled electrical and water systems, a new Panorama, named the Carnival Cruise Line
water purifier that eliminates the need for ship in a December 10 ceremony in Long Life in the Slow Lane
plastic bottles and a glass-bottom Zodiac for Beach, California. The vessel is the first new KERALA BACKWATERS
Floating on a cozy houseboat in southern India
non-snorkelers. The Sea Star Journey for three ship Carnival has deployed to the West Coast
years in a row has been named in 20 years, and is the third in Cruise Preview
the Best Boutique Yacht in Carnival’s Vista Class, joining ALASKA 2020
Latin America by the World her sister ships Carnival Vista Lines are poised for the coming season up north
Travel Awards. and Carnival Horizon.
The Galapagos Seaman Vanna and her colleague, Kayaking and Caviar
Journey, also completely show host Pat Sajak, are no ALASKA IN LUXURY
Two-week adventure on the Seabourn Sojourn
refurnished, boasts new furni- strangers to Carnival Cruise
ture, a new window system in Line. The Wheel of Fortune slot Small-Ship Cruising
cabins, a new water purifier, machines are popular attrac- ALASKA, EXPEDITION-STYLE
and overhauled electrical and tions in casinos across the Nature up-close with Alaskan Dream Cruises
water systems. Carnival fleet, and both stars
The crew on both boats have been onboard to tape show Plus other insightful features,
were given extensive training segments as part of cross-pro- regular departments, more. . . .
at ESPOL University in motions between the brands.
Guayaquil, participating in During her 37 years on Wheel of
undergraduate-level studies in Vanna White Fortune, Vanna has appeared
customer service and hospitality. in more than 7,000 episodes, cheering on
Latin Trails is a boutique travel company contestants and appearing in a new outfit
that specializes in Ecuador, Peru and the each night.
Galapagos. It operates the Illa Experience The Carnival Panorama sails year-round
Hotel in the historic San Marcos district of from Long Beach on Mexican Riviera cruises,
Quito. (https://latintrails.com) departing every Saturday on week-long voy-
ages to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo
Panama-Colombia Expedition San Lucas. The ship features a number of
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic innovations, including the first Sky Zone
has announced a new eight-day expedition trampoline park at sea and a first-in-fleet culi-
that will navigate the South American coast nary studio where guests can participate in
from Cartagena to Panama City. Highlights hands-on cooking classes, tastings and other
of “Panama & Colombia: Exploring the food-related activities hosted by the ship’s
Caribbean Coast” include hiking into dense chefs. (carnival.com) CT
Lindblad Expeditions

The modern resort city of Cartagena, Colombia, bears reminders of its Spanish colonial past.

8 Cruise Travel January/February 2020


ON THE HORIZON

Silversea Cruises’ 100-passenger Silver Origin


is expected to enter service in July 2020.

NEW SHIP
DIRECTORY
Silversea Cruises

hile the pace of new ship announce- ranging from suite accommodations with pri-
W ments has abated since last year, there A preview of vate balconies to onboard helicopters and
are still 100-plus ships from more than 35
cruise lines on order industrywide for deliv- ocean-going, coastal mini-submarines for exploring in the air and
under the sea. Luxury expedition vessels
ery between now and 2027. These newbuilds
represent every size and type of vessel, ranging and river vessels such as these represent about a third of all
newbuilds now on order industrywide (see
from luxury yachts with the industry’s highest
space ratios to neo-Panamax megaships that
set to make a splash in related article on North America’s Cruise
Passages, page 44).
can fit through the Panama Canal’s wider
third set of locks.
2020 and beyond What follows is a comprehensive listing of
new ships big and small from major operators
As in 2019, using LNG (liquefied natural By M.T. Schwartzman that cruise travelers can look forward to over
gas) as a clean source of power continues to the coming decade, organized alphabetically
be one of the leading developments in new Viking Cruises—and powering some of the by brand with vessel name, gross tonnage,
cruise ship design. Some two dozen ships biggest ships coming into service over the passenger capacity based on double occupan-
under construction will employ LNG as their next decade. cy and delivery date (when available). MSC
fuel source, representing more than 10 sepa- Another prominent trend is the emergence and Viking Cruises have the greatest number
rate brands—including AIDA Cruises, of luxury expedition ships such as the Scenic of ships on order with 12 each, followed by
Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Disney Eclipse, Seabourn Venture and Ultramarine. Norwegian Cruise Line (6), Royal Caribbean
Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, These purpose-built, adventure-oriented ves- (6) and Silversea Cruises (5). Ships powered
Ponant Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal sels have upscale amenities not previously by LNG are marked with an asterisk (*).
Caribbean International, TUI Cruises and seen in the expedition segment, with features continued on page 12
10 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
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continued from page 10 American Queen Steamboat Company

AIDA Cruises Cunard Line MSC Cruises


Two ships on order for delivery between One ship on order for delivery in 2022: Twelve ships on order for delivery
2021 and 2023: 1. Unnamed, 113,000/3,000-pax, TBA 2022. between 2020 and 2026:
1. AIDAcosma, 180,000-gt/5,200-pax, 1. MSC Virtuosa, 181,000-gt/4,842-pax,
summer 2021. (*) Disney Cruise Line September 2020.
2. Unnamed 2, 180,000-gt/5,200-pax, spring 2023. (*) Three ships on order for delivery between 2. MSC Seashore, 169,400-gt/4,540-pax, June 2021.
2022 and 2023: 3. MSC Europa, 205,700-gt/5,264-pax, TBA 2022. (*)
American Cruise Lines 1. Disney Wish, 135,000-gt/1,250-pax, 4. Seaside EVO 2, 169,400-gt/4,540-pax, TBA 2023.
Two ships on order for delivery in 2020: January 2022. (*) 5. Meraviglia Class 5, 181,000-gt/4,842-pax,
1. American Jazz, 5,011-gt/200-pax, summer 2020. 2. Unnamed 2, 135,000-gt/1,250-pax, TBA 2022. (*) September 2023. (*)
2. American Melody, 5,011-gt/200-pax, fall 2020. 3. Unnamed 3, 135,000-gt/1,250-pax, TBA 2023. (*) 6. World Class 2, 205,700-gt/5,264-pax, TBA 2024. (*)
7. World Class 3, 205,700-gt/5,264-pax, TBA 2025. (*)
American Queen Steamboat Company 8. World Class 4, 205,700-gt/5,264-pax, TBA 2026. (*)
One ship on order for delivery in 2020: In addition, MSC has announced it will enter the
1. American Countess, 2,772-gt/245-pax, April 2020. ultra-luxury segment with four 64,000-gt/1,000-pax
ships scheduled for delivery between 2023 and 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line
Two ships on order for delivery between Norwegian Cruise Line
2020 and 2022: Six ships on order for delivery between
1. Mardi Gras, 180,000-gt/5,200-pax, 2022 and 2027:
August 2020. (*) 1. Leonardo Class 1, 140,000-gt/3,300 pax, TBA 2022.
2. Unnamed, 180,000-gt/5,200-pax, TBA 2022. (*) Disney Cruise Line
2. Leonardo Class 2, 140,000-gt/3,300 pax, TBA 2023.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises 3. Leonardo Class 3, 140,000-gt/3,300 pax, TBA 2024.
Celebrity Cruises One ship on order for delivery in 2021: 4. Leonardo Class 4, 140,000-gt/3,300 pax, TBA 2025.
Four ships on order for delivery between 1. Hanseatic Spirit, 16,100-gt/230-pax, summer 2021. 5. Leonardo Class 5, 140,000-gt/3,300 pax, TBA 2026.
2020 and 2024:
1. Celebrity Apex, 130,800-gt/2,900-pax, April 2020. 6. Leonardo Class 6, 140,000-gt/3,300-pax, TBA 2027.
Holland America Line
2. Celebrity Beyond, 140,600-gt/2,900-pax, fall 2021. One ship on order for delivery in 2021:
3. Edge Class 4, 140,600-gt/2,900-pax, fall 2022. 1. Ryndam, 99,500-gt/2,666-pax, May 2021. Oceania Cruises
4. Edge Class 5, 140,600-gt/2,900-pax, TBA 2024. Two ships on order for delivery between
2022 and 2025:
Costa Cruises Hurtigruten
1. Allura Class 1, 67,000-gt/1,200-pax, TBA 2022.
Two ships on order for delivery between
Two ships on order for delivery between 2. Allura Class 2, 67,000-gt/1,200-pax, TBA 2025.
2020 and 2021:
2020 and 2021:
1. Costa Firenze, 135,500-gt/4,232-pax, October 2020. 1. Fridtjof Nansen, 20,889-gt/530-pax, April 2020.
2. Unnamed, 20,889-gt/530-pax, TBA 2021. P&O Cruises
2. Costa Toscana, 180,000-gt/5,200-pax,
Two ships on order for delivery between
TBA 2021. (*)
Lindblad Expeditions 2020 and 2022:
Crystal Cruises Two ships on order for delivery between 1. Iona, 180,000-gt/5,200-pax, May 2020. (*)
Three ships on order for delivery between 2020 and 2021: 2. Unnamed, 180,000-gt/5,200-pax, TBA 2022. (*)
2020 and 2022: 1. National Geographic Endurance, 12,300-gt/
1. Crystal Endeavor, 19,800-gt/200-pax, August 2020. 126-pax, April 2020.
2. Endeavor Class 2, 19,800-gt/200-pax, TBA 2021. 2. National Geographic Resolution, 12,300-gt/ Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a luxury line,
3. Crystal Diamond, 67,000-gt/800-pax, TBA 2022. 126-pax, fall 2021. will unveil its first ship this June.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection


RITZ- CARLTON YACHT

12 Cruise Travel January/February 2020


AMERICAN MELODY

American Cruise Lines

Paul Gauguin Cruises Royal Caribbean International Star Clippers


Two ships on order for delivery in 2022: Six ships on order for delivery between One ship on order for delivery to be
1. Unnamed 1, 11,000-gt/230-pax, TBA 2022. 2020 and 2025: announced:
2. Unnamed 2, 11,000-gt/230-pax, TBA 2022. 1. Odyssey of the Seas, 167,800-gt/4,180-pax, 1. Flying Clipper, 8,770-gt/300-pax, TBA.
November 2020.
Peace Boat 2. Wonder of the Seas, 227,000-gt/5,400-pax, Star Cruises
One ship on order for delivery TBA: TBA 2021. Two ships on order for delivery between
1. Ecoship, 60,000-gt/1,500-pax, TBA. 3. Icon Class 1, TBA-gt/5,000-pax, TBA 2022. (*) 2021 and 2022:
4. Oasis Class 6, 227,000-gt/5,400-pax, fall 2023. 1. Global Class 1, 204,000-gt/5,000-pax, TBA 2021.
Ponant Cruises 5. Icon Class 2, TBA-gt/5,000-pax, TBA 2024. (*) 2. Global Class 2, 204,000-gt/5,000-pax, TBA 2022.
Three ships on order for delivery between 6. Icon Class 3, TBA-gt/5,000-pax, spring 2025. (*)
2020 and 2021: TUI Cruises
1. Le Bellot, 10,000-gt/184-pax, April 2020. Saga Cruises Three ships on order for delivery between
2. Le Jacques Cartier, 10,000-gt/184-pax, July 2020. One ship on order for delivery in 2020: 2023 and 2024:
3. Le Commandant Charcot, TBA-gt/270-pax, 1. Spirit of Adventure, 55,900-gt/1,000-pax, 1. Mein Schiff 7, 111,500-gt/2,894-pax, TBA 2023.
May 2021. (*) August 2020. 2. Unnamed, 161,000-gt/TBA-pax, TBA 2024. (*)
3. Unnamed 161,000-gt/TBA-pax, TBA 2026. (*)
Princess Cruises Scenic Cruises
Four ships on order for delivery between One ship on order for delivery in 2020:
Victory Cruise Line
2020 and 2025: 1. Scenic Eclipse II, 17,085-gt/228-pax, May 2020.
One ship on order for delivery in 2021:
1. Enchanted Princess, 143,700-gt/3,660-pax,
1. Ocean Victory, TBA-gt/200-pax, spring 2021.
June 2020. Sea Cloud Cruises
2. Discovery Princess, 143,700-gt/3,660-pax, One ship on order for delivery in 2020:
Viking Cruises
November 2021. 1. Sea Cloud Spirit, TBA-gt/136-pax, August 2020.
Twelve ships on order for delivery
3. Unnamed 1, 175,000-gt/4,300-pax, fall 2023. (*)
between 2021 and 2027:
4. Unnamed 2, 175,000-gt/4,300-pax, spring 2025. (*) Seabourn Cruise Line
1. Viking Venus, 47,800-gt/930-pax, spring 2021.
Two ships on order for delivery between
2. Unnamed 8, 47,800-gt/930-pax, TBA 2022.
Quark Expeditions 2021 and 2022:
One ship on order for delivery in 2020: 1. Seabourn Venture 1, 23,000-gt/264-pax, 3. Viking Octantis, 30,150-gt/378-pax, TBA 2022. (*)
1. Ultramarine, 13,500-gt/199-pax, fall 2020. June 2021. 4. Viking Polaris, 30,150-gt/378-pax, TBA 2022. (*)
2. Unnamed 2, 23,000-gt/264-pax, May 2022. In addition, eight more 47,800-gt/930-pax ships
Regent Seven Seas Cruises are slated for delivery through 2027.
Two ships on order for delivery between Silversea Cruises
2020 and 2023: Five ships on order for delivery in 2020 Virgin Voyages
1. Seven Seas Splendor, 55,254-gt/750-pax, and beyond: Four ships on order for delivery between
February 2020. 1. Silver Origin, 5,800-gt/100-pax, July 2020. 2020 and 2023:
2. Explorer Class 3, 55,254-gt/750-pax, fall 2023. 2. Silver Moon, 40,700-gt/596-pax, August 2020. 1. Scarlet Lady, 110,000-gt/2,860-pax, April 2020.
3. Silver Dawn, 40,700-gt/596-pax, fall 2021. 2. Valiant Lady, 110,000-gt/2,860-pax, May 2021.
4. Evolution Class 1, TBA-gt/ TBA-pax, TBA 2022. 3. Unnamed 3, 110,000-gt/2,860-pax, TBA 2022.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
5. Evolution Class 2, TBA-gt/ TBA-pax, TBA. 4. Unnamed 4, 110,000-gt/2,860-pax, TBA 2023.
Two ships on order for delivery in 2020
and 2021:
1. Evrima, 24,000-gt/298-pax, June 2020. Carnival Cruise Line’s new Mardi Gras will
2. Unnamed 2, 24,000-gt/298-pax, summer 2021. feature the first roller coaster at sea.

Carnival Cruise Line


MARDI GRAS

Cruise Travel January/February 2020 13


EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES

PORTS CALL P R I VA T E

FORGET ROBINSON CRUSOE. THE LATEST PRIVATE- ISLAND DESTINATIONS


OF
HANDLE THOUSANDS IN ACTION-ORIENTED SURROUNDINGS.
Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay boasts the first overwater cabanas in the Bahamas. Each “floating” cabana has its own slide into the sea.

By Anne Kalosh Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, into a lavish to build another private port, on Grand
“Perfect Day” concept of “thrills and chill.” Bahama Island.
ruise lines’ private islands are no longer The whopping $250 million investment MSC Cruises has just unveiled its first pri-
C just palm-fringed hideaways where you
spend the day sunning on the beach or lolling
includes a pier.
Also, Royal Caribbean just announced
vate island, featuring extended, late-night
stays. For its debut this year, Virgin Voyages
in a hammock sipping umbrella drinks. plans for a new destination concept, Royal is crafting an uber-cool beach club.
They’re getting more sophisticated and Beach Club, with the first to debut in Antigua Most private islands are in the Bahamas,
active, with water parks, zip lines, cabanas, in 2021. This will offer island-style barbe- but exceptions include Royal Caribbean’s
wave pools, finer dining, spa services and Wi- cues and live music, WaveRunners, paddle- Labadee, which actually isn’t an island but a
Fi. One even offers rides in a helium balloon. boarding, snorkeling, a family splash pad, peninsula on Haiti. And Norwegian Cruise
For some, all that is too much and detracts private cabanas and a spectacular pool with Line’s Harvest Caye is located in southern
from what used to be a laid-back, get-away- swim-up bar. Belize. Vanuatu, a gem in the South Pacific,
from-it-all experience. But private islands are Disney Cruise Line, whose Castaway Cay will be the home of Royal Caribbean’s next
extremely popular with many cruisers, espe- is so popular that ships sometimes call twice private-island destination—Perfect Day at
cially family travelers. Royal Caribbean says on a sailing, is dreaming up another private Lelepa.
passengers rate its Perfect Day at CocoCay as Bahamian enclave, on Eleuthera. The island Piers at private islands are a trend, with
the line’s No. 1 destination globally. that’s home to Holland America Line’s Half more lines following Disney’s lead at
So it’s no wonder more such places are Moon Cay is going to be developed further Castaway Cay and building a dock. Ships are
popping up. In 2019, Royal Caribbean trans- with a newly created destination for Carnival simply getting too big to haul thousands of
formed CocoCay, its longtime stop on Little Cruise Line passengers. And Carnival plans passengers back and forth in tenders.
Photo Credit Here
14 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
Royal Caribbean International

In fact, big ships are driving the develop- provides Oasis Lagoon, filled with 800,000 and a splash pad. Splashaway Bay provides
ment of private destinations as lines seek gallons of water. A DJ blasts music around fountains, sprinklers, geysers, massive
places with the scale to handle big crowds the swim-up bar, but there are quieter corners drench buckets and five waterslides.
looking for fun and relaxation in a “safe” of this enormous pool. The white-sand Lifeguards are everywhere; CocoCay
(controlled) environment. Authentic they beaches have abundant chaise lounges shad- employs nearly 100 of them.
ain’t, but there are still nature trails to ed by umbrellas, and it’s peaceful to wade in At Captain Jack’s, visitors can grab a drink
explore, reefs to snorkel and quiet patches of the crystal-clear shallows or snooze in ham- at the rowboat bar or settle into a rope swing
sand, if you seek them. mocks beneath coco palms. seat. There’s a charge for the chicken wings,
Here is a look at the latest in private ports The iconic, bright orange Daredevil’s but other food venues serve free barbecue
of call. Prices listed are changeable, based on Tower sprouts 13 waterslides. It’s found inside fare and make-your-own tacos.
ship, cruise line and date. the extra-admission Thrill Waterpark, along Cabanas can be rented in various loca-
with the wave pool and an adventure pool with tions, with pricing starting at $299. Thrill
Perfect Day at CocoCay · Bahamas skill challenges. Park admission costs $44 to Waterpark cabanas range from $499 to $869
Royal Caribbean International $99 (full day) and $39 to $74 (half day). The and include park admission.
Thrill-seekers can plunge down the tallest zip line costs $79 to $139. Package pricing is The exclusive Coco Beach Club has the
waterslide in North America, conquer the available for Thrill Waterpark and the zip line. first overwater cabanas in the Bahamas, each
Caribbean’s largest wave pool and rise 450 The helium balloon costs from $24 to $99, with its own slide into the sea. A large beach-
feet into the air in the Up, Up and Away teth- depending on your age. front infinity pool, beachside cabanas and
ered helium balloon. A 1,600-foot-long zip CocoCay has plenty of free things for daybeds are available, too. A full-day pass
line has water-splash elements. younger kids. Captain Jill’s Galleon is outfit- starts at $54 for adults and $34 for children.
For those looking to relax, Perfect Day ted with slides, water cannons, rope features Upscale grill food is included. Landside
Cruise Travel January/February 2020 15
cabanas are priced starting at $699, while
“floating” cabanas cost $999 and up.
The island is so popular that some cruises
make two stops or stay late. After the sun
sets, traditional Bahamian-inspired activities
include a Junkanoo Jam Up Party, an island
barbecue, and performances by a calypso
band and fire dancers, topped off with sail-
away fireworks.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve · Bahamas


MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises’ $200 million private island
just began welcoming ships in December.
Built on a former industrial sand extraction site
that is being transformed into a thriving marine
reserve, Ocean Cay is intended to be a relaxed,
nature-oriented experience. It is ringed by 64
square miles of protected waters, and a coral
nursery is being established to encourage and
sustain the growth of new coral.
Travelers find crystal-clear water, beaches
galore, two lagoons, food and drink, a coral
reef for snorkeling, aqua Zumba, line dance Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ new outpost in the Bahamas, has seven beaches that
classes and spa treatments. A smaller island
can be rented by groups. Since Ocean Cay from South Florida, ships can linger until 1 The Beach Club will be a short transfer
has a dock, it’s easy to go back and forth a.m. and be back at Miami in early morning. from the Resorts World ferry pier. Its center-
between ship and shore. Those late-night stays afford sunset catama- piece is an expansive, lagoon-style pool
The seven beaches span two miles. Sun ran tours, movies under the stars and music located near sandy white beaches and see-
beds are available on all, and some offer by DJs. At night, the food trucks circle close through water. Mornings will begin with
cabana rentals. The great lagoon is ideal for to the marina to create a festive atmosphere. yoga and meditation. The energy level will
protected swimming and water sports, while gradually pick up as the day progresses, cul-
the smaller family lagoon has shallow, calm The Beach Club at Bimini · Bahamas minating with DJ-led pool and “floatilla”
water and games for kids. Virgin Voyages parties. Things wind down with an evening
A buffet is found near the family lagoon, This is not a private island but a private beach bonfire finale and an acoustic music
and food carts at the beaches include a taco experience on Bimini that’s going to be part of performance.
truck and conch fritter truck. There are seven every cruise on the Scarlet Lady, which starts Sailors will find social spaces with ham-
beach bars, an ice cream parlor and coffee sailing from Miami in April. There, sailors (as mock groves and six bars, beach loungers
bar at the marina and a Hemingway-style the new line calls its passengers) are promised and rental cabanas. Island favorites like conch
cocktail bar at the lighthouse. an epic day with programming to rival the and mango salad, banana leaf-wrapped
Since Ocean Cay is located just 65 miles beach clubs of Ibiza and Saint-Tropez. snapper and rum cake are complimentary.
Zip line adventures take off from the Flighthouse at Harvest Caye, a private island in Belize.
Those who book RockStar Suites aboard the
Scarlet Lady will have their exclusive slice
of paradise, with a private bar, terrace lounge
and beach cabanas.

Harvest Caye · Belize


Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises,
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
This island in southern Belize was opened
in 2016 by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
for its three brands. Passengers step from
their ship onto a shaded pier and stroll
through wrought-iron gates along a path lined
with cooling misters. Garifuna drummers and
dancers greet arrivals. The landscaping is lush
with frangipani, hibiscus and heliconia.
Beyond lies a white-sand beach, water
sports lagoon and vast tropical pool with a
swim-up bar. The lighthouse is actually the
Flighthouse, the launch point for free-fall
jumps and zip line adventures (for a fee).
Restaurants include LandShark Bar & Grill,
part of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville group.
Norwegian Cruise Line

Colorful shops and kiosks sell Belizean


wares, art, food and drinks. Manatees fre-
quent the lagoon, where passengers can
kayak and paddleboard. Electric boats, per-
sonal motorized watercraft and parasailing
16 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
Princess Cays · Bahamas
Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cruises’ private destination on the
southern tip of Eleuthera, open since 1992,
spreads across 40 acres, including more than
a half-mile of sandy beaches. Some Carnival
Cruise Line ships visit as well.
Banana boat rides, paddleboarding, sail-
boat rentals, a dune buggy tour, fishing and
glass-bottom boat rides are available at this
low-key spot that got a spruce-up in 2018.
Enhancements included lusher landscaping,
refurbished shops and an expanded marina
for larger tenders. Clear-bottom kayaks, a
guided bicycle adventure and a stingray
beach encounter were introduced. Another
addition was Princess Cruises’ super-fast
MedallionNet Wi-Fi, which lets you easily
share adventures with friends and family
back home or stream shows and sports events

MSC Cruises
while relaxing on the beach.
The beach bungalows were refitted and
painted bright tropical colors. These air-con-
span two miles. There are seven beach bars and a Hemingway-style cocktail bar at the lighthouse. ditioned hangouts start at $230 for four peo-
ple. Extras like a gourmet picnic can be pur-
are available in other areas. bedroom units that have an expanded living chased.
Aviaries house rescue toucans (the nation- area with a wet bar. The studios, for up to six
al bird) and endangered scarlet macaws that people, are priced from $299 to $699, while Half Moon Cay · Bahamas
are bred for release into the wild. You can see one-bedroom villas for eight to 10 cost $349 Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line
boa constrictors at a small serpentarium and to $799. The two lavish two-bedroom ver- Riding on swimming horses, feasting on
stroll through a delightful butterfly garden. sions, for up to 16 people, cost from $599 to grilled lobster, and weddings or vow
There are 11 air-conditioned, mahogany- $1,100. renewals at a chapel are distinctive to Half
trimmed beach villas, with bathroom, shower Silver Cove has its own reception area, Moon Cay, and its Private Oasis provides an
and concierge service. Prices vary, but in restaurant and a stand-alone Moet & over-the-top splurge. Kayaking, paddle-
general NCL charges $599 for up to six peo- Chandon Champagne Bar. The Mandara Spa boarding, catamaran adventures and family-
ple. Ringing the pool are 15 cabanas, priced is open to anyone (not just villa dwellers) friendly activities, including a children’s
from $249 for up to four people. who books a spa appointment; treatments are pirate-themed water park redone in 2018, are
Large catamarans whisk passengers to the the same as those offered onboard ship. among the many other draws.
mainland for excursions like river tubing, Open-air cabanas for up to eight ($475) or Tours include a guided nature/history
reef diving and visits to Mayan ruins. up to six ($425) are available on a neighbor- walk, a behind-the-scenes bike ride, a stingray
ing beach that has its own food truck. adventure and snorkeling from a boat. You
Great Stirrup Cay · Bahamas Colorful bungalows are available at Princess Cays, Princess Cruises’ retreat in the Bahamas.
Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises,
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Cruising’s original “out island,” Great
Stirrup Cay has been a fixture on NCL cruis-
es since the 1970s, and it has been continu-
ously updated. The latest changes added an
entirely new upscale retreat, Silver Cove.
Passengers still arrive to the island by large
tenders.
Great Stirrup Cay lacks the amusement-
park feel of some private destinations. There
are no waterslides, but a zip line has just
opened. You also can race around on Wave-
Runners or go parasailing, but the overall
vibe is relaxed. An underwater sculpture gar-
den gives snorkelers something to explore.
Complimentary food includes fresh-baked
pizza and Jamaican jerk chicken served at the
huge beach buffet, while Jumbey Beach Grill
has a patio-style deck and cocktail service.
Patrón Bar specializes in margaritas and
Bacardí Bar in Cuba libres, mojitos, daiquiris
and pina coladas.
Princess Cruises

At the exclusive Silver Cove are 38 air-


conditioned beachfront villas with patios,
bathrooms, on-demand movies and snacks.
Villas range from studios to one- and two-
Cruise Travel January/February 2020 17
Matt Stroshane/Disney Cruise Line Diana Zalucky/Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line’s sun-kissed Castaway Cay, a little slice of paradise in the Bahamas, is so popular that some sailings stop there twice.

can indulge in a beach massage or head to the grilled shrimp, blackened grilled fish and on this cay with biking/walking trails, a post
Lobster Shack for fresh grilled lobster. The more, and makes a masseuse available (treat- office, barbecue fare, children’s club, teen
Tropics restaurant has shaded pavilions for a ments cost extra). lounge and adults-only space. Especially fun
complimentary barbecue lunch. Watering The “Ultimate Oasis Package” upgrade— for kids are the photo opportunities with
holes include the I Wish I Could Stay Here $4,800 for 12—adds white linen, fine china, Disney characters.
Forever Bar and feature Captain Morgan silverware, candles, beverage package with At the family beach, activities galore
rum. a floating bar on a surfboard, unlimited Dom include two snorkeling trails in a lagoon.
Enclosed beachside cabanas, snazzy two- Perignon Champagne, Russian caviar and There’s a huge floating platform with twist-
story villas and that fabulous Private Oasis iced vodka, jumbo shrimp, king crab legs, ing waterslides and a giant dump bucket. In
get you priority tender access that allows ceviche, scallops, lobster and beef tender- the wacky Spring-a-Leak water play area,
more time to enjoy your rental. The 15 air- loin. kids can romp in the remnants of a washed-
conditioned cabanas have a misting shower Half Moon Cay is situated on a sliver of away beach dwelling with dripping pipes,
on the terrace, a mini-fridge, snacks and soft 2,400-acre, uninhabited Little San Salvador. broken plumbing and hissing misters.
drinks. Each is priced from $450 for up to Ships of sister brand Carnival also visit, and Counselors engage 3- to 12-year-olds at
four people. Even nicer are the five villas that an additional area on the island’s northern Scuttle’s Cove with organized games, a water
have all these amenities plus a five-person hot side is going to be developed for them. An play area and the chance to dig up whale
tub, dining area and sun deck. $80 million investment, it will have a pier bones. Teens get their own lounge. Plus,
But the Private Oasis trumps them all. It that’s able to handle ships as large as there’s music and dancing at the Gazebo, and
measures 1,620 square feet with a large cov- Carnival’s new 180,000-gross-ton Mardi tetherball, volleyball and soccer at Sports
ered deck, a sun deck, an eight-person hot Gras. Construction is expected to start in Beach. Table tennis, foosball, billiards and
tub and a slide into the water. Up to 12 peo- mid-2020. Ninety percent of the island is to basketball are housed at In Da Shade Game
ple are covered in the $1,400 cost, and remain as a nature preserve. Pavilion.
there’s room for 25. A beverage package and Adults can have some downtime at peace-
buffet barbecue lunch are included, along Castaway Cay · Bahamas ful Serenity Bay, with its massage huts, bar-
with a butler, personal chef and lifeguard. A Disney Cruise Line becue and a bar serving frozen specialty
$451 upgrade brings a spread of steaks, Sugary beaches embrace turquoise lagoons drinks.
Bars featuring Captain Morgan rum await Holland America and Carnival guests at idyllic Half Moon Cay. Two-story villas are available for rent.

Holland America Line Photos

18 Cruise Travel January/February 2020


Royal Caribbean International Photos

Some thrilling options tempt Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara cruise guests at Labadee, a private enclave on the north coast of Haiti.

Lighthouse Point · Bahamas added in 2009. The site has expanded over drink is the Labadoozie.
Disney Cruise Line four areas: Barefoot Beach Club (for suite Six-person cabanas with thatched roofs,
With three new ships on the way—the guests and Crown & Anchor Society for ceiling fans and cushioned furniture are
first, Disney Wish, to arrive in 2022—Disney Pinnacle-level members), Nellie's Beach, priced by location, depending on their beach
is creating a new private destination on Columbus Cove and Adrenaline Beach. area and whether they’re overwater, hilltop,
Eleuthera that will feature nature and sustain- Labadee’s spine-tingling attractions beachfront or a short walk from the water.
able elements. Though the company pur- include the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line Prices start at $263 and go up to $579.
chased a 700-acre site, it has committed to ($99), the world’s longest overwater zip line Adrenaline Beach has partially shaded four-
developing less than 20 percent of the prop- (2,600 feet). The Dragon’s Fire Flight Line poster beds starting at $175.
erty and will donate 190 acres for a national ($109) is a head-first zip line that shoots rid-
park. ers along 2,800 feet of cable dangling over Grand Bahama Island
Lighthouse Point’s design is led by Disney the sea. Less terrifying but still exciting and Carnival Cruise Line
Imagineer Joe Rohde, whose work includes scenic is the Dragon’s Tail Coaster ($36), Carnival Cruise Line has gotten the go-
Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in while the Dragon's Splash Waterslide ($24) ahead to build a private port on the south side
Orlando and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa propels riders along almost 300 feet before of Grand Bahama Island (where Freeport
in Hawaii. Completion is expected in late splashdown. is located), an investment of more than
2022 or 2023. At Arawak Aqua Park, visitors can climb $100 million. The island was badly hit by
the Caribbean’s only icebergs. Other water Hurricane Dorian, so the development is
Labadee, Haiti thrills include Jet Skis and parasailing. For a particularly welcomed by the Bahamas to
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, taste of culture, sign up for the Haitian crafts help jump-start the economy. Construction is
Azamara Club Cruises workshop, or a tour delving into Haiti’s colo- expected to begin in mid-2020.
Set on Haiti’s north coast, Labadee has a nial heritage and folkloric traditions. In This new destination will be able to dock
backdrop of forested mountains, giving it a Artisan’s Village, bargaining for paintings two large ships at once. Carnival promises a
different look from the Bahamian destina- and handicrafts is expected. Bahamian atmosphere with a spectacular
tions. Labadee has been featured on Royal Three cafes serve complimentary food, beachfront and exciting features—details to
Caribbean cruises for decades, and a pier was including local dishes. Labadee’s signature be revealed. CT

Disney Cruise Line’s Lighthouse Point on Eleuthera, set for completion in late 2022 or 2023, will highlight nature and Bahamian culture.
Disney Cruise Line

Cruise Travel January/February 2020 19


CRUISE LINE DIRECTORY
A Special Directory Section Detailing Popular Cruise Lines

KEY TO
AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
LISTINGS CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
3655 Northwest 87th Avenue
741 Boston Post Road/Suite 200 Cruise company names are Miami, FL 33178
Guilford, CT 06437 www.carnival.com
www.americancruiselines.com
arranged alphabetically and
Ships: Carnival Breeze (130,000-gt/3,690-pax)
Ships: America (4,093-gt/185-pax) followed by mailing Carnival Conquest (110,000-gt/2,980-pax)
American Constitution (4,057-gt/175-pax) addresses of executive Carnival Dream (130,000-gt/3,646-pax)
American Constellation (4,057-gt/175-pax) Carnival Ecstasy (70,367-gt/2,056-pax)
American Harmony (5,148-gt/187-pax)
offices, websites and ship Carnival Elation (70,367-gt/2,052-pax)
American Pride (3,102-gt/150-pax) names (with gross Carnival Fantasy (70,367-gt/2,056-pax)
American Song (5,048-gt/184-pax) Carnival Fascination (70,367-gt/2,056-pax)
tonnage/passenger capacity, Carnival Freedom (110,000-gt/2,980-pax)
American Spirit (1,955-gt/100-pax)
American Star (1,973-gt/100-pax)
double occupancy), plus Carnival Glory (110,000-gt/2,974-pax)
areas of itineraries. Carnival Horizon (133,500-gt/3,960-pax)
Independence (2,169-gt/100-pax) Carnival Imagination (70,367-gt/2,056-pax)
Queen of the Mississippi (3,506-gt/150-pax) Carnival Inspiration (70,367-gt/2,052-pax)
Queen of the West (2,115-gt/100-pax) Carnival Legend (88,500-gt/2,124-pax)
Itineraries: Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Carnival Liberty (110,000-gt/2,974-pax)
Mississippi River, New England, Intracoastal Carnival Magic (130,000-gt/3,690-pax)
Waterways of the Southeast, Ohio River. Carnival Miracle (88,500-gt/2,124-pax)
Carnival Panorama (133,500-gt/3,966-pax)
Carnival Paradise (70,367-gt/2,052-pax)
Carnival Pride (88,500-gt/2,124-pax)
AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES Carnival Radiance (102,000-gt/2,764-pax)
AMERICAN QUEEN STEAMBOAT COMPANY 1050 Caribbean Way Carnival Sensation (70,367-gt/2,052-pax)
Miami, FL 33132 Carnival Spirit (88,500-gt/2,124-pax)
222 Pearl Street Carnival Splendor (113,500-gt/3,012-pax)
New Albany, IN 47150 www.azamaraclubcruises.com Carnival Sunrise (101,509-gt/2,984-pax)
www.aqsc.com Ships: Azamara Journey (30,277-gt/690-pax) Carnival Sunshine (102,853-gt/3,002-pax)
Ships: American Duchess (3,560-gt/166-pax) Azamara Quest (30,277-gt/690-pax) Carnival Valor (110,000-gt/2,980-pax)
American Empress (5,975-gt/223-pax) Azamara Pursuit (30,277-gt/684-pax) Carnival Vista (133,500-gt/3,934-pax)
American Queen (3,707-gt/436-pax) Itineraries: Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Itineraries: Bahamas, Caribbean, Europe,
Itineraries: Upper and Lower Mississippi River, Zealand, Cuba, Mediterranean, Northern & Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada & New
Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, Columbia Western Europe, Panama Canal, Central & England, Bermuda, Australia & New Zealand,
and Snake Rivers. North America, South America, Transoceanic. Pacific Islands.

20 Cruise Travel January/February 2020


HURTIGRUTEN
1505 Westlake Avenue North/Suite 125
CELEBRITY CRUISES CRYSTAL CRUISES Seattle, WA 98109
11755 Wilshire Boulevard/Suite 900 www.hurtigruten.us
1050 Caribbean Way
Los Angeles, CA 90025 Ships: Finnmarken (15,530-gt/628-pax)
Miami, FL 33132
www.crystalcruises.com Fram (11,647-gt/254-pax)
www.celebrity.com
Ships: Crystal Serenity (68,870-gt/980-pax) Kong Harald (11,204-gt/474-pax)
Ships: Celebrity Constellation (90,940-gt/2,170-pax) Crystal Symphony (51,044-gt/848-pax) Lofoten (2,661-gt/153-pax)
Celebrity Flora (5,739-gt/100-pax) Itineraries: Alaska, Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Midnatsol (16,151-gt/638-pax)
Celebrity Eclipse (122,000-gt/2,850-pax) Canada & New England, Mediterranean, Nordkapp (11,386-gt/458-pax)
Celebrity Edge (129,500-gt/2,918-pax) Northern Europe, Indian Ocean, Pacific Coast & Nordlys (11,204-gt/469-pax)
Celebrity Equinox (122,000-gt/2,850-pax) Hawaiian Islands, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Nordnorge (11,384-gt/690-pax)
Nordstjernen (2,191-gt/149-pax)
Celebrity Infinity (91,000-gt/2,170-pax) South America, Trans-Atlantic, World Cruises. Polarlys (11,341-gt/473-pax)
Celebrity Millennium (90,940-gt/2,138-pax) Crystal Yacht Cruises has the 3,370-gt/62-pax Richard With (11,205-gt/464-pax)
Celebrity Reflection (126,000-gt/3,046-pax) Crystal Esprit, which sails to the Mediterranean, Roald Amundsen (20,889-gt/530-pax)
Celebrity Silhouette (122,400-gt/2,886-pax) Red Sea and Caribbean. Spitsbergen (7,344-gt/243-pax)
Celebrity Solstice (122,400-gt/2,886-pax) Trollfjord (16,140-gt/640-pax)
Celebrity Summit (90,400-gt/2,158-pax) Vesteralen (6,261-gt/294-pax)
Itineraries: Norway, Greenland, Iceland, Europe,
Celebrity Xpedition (2,842-gt/100-pax) South America, Africa, Antarctica, North
Celebrity Xperience (1,610-gt/48-pax) America.
Celebrity Xploration (319.5-gt/16-pax) CUNARD LINE
Itineraries: Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, 24305 Town Center Drive/Suite 200
Valencia, CA 91355
Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England,
www.cunard.com
Caribbean, Dubai & India, Galapagos, Hawaii, Ships: Queen Elizabeth (92,000-gt/2,092-pax)
Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Pacific Coastal, Queen Mary 2 (151,400-gt/2,695-pax) MSC CRUISES
Panama Canal, South America, Transoceanic. Queen Victoria (90,000-gt/2,014-pax) 6750 North Andrews Avenue/Suite 100
Itineraries: Africa, Atlantic Islands, Australia & Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
South Pacific, British Isles, Canada, Canary Islands, www.msccruisesusa.com
Central America, Far East, Indian Ocean, Ships: MSC Armonia (65,542-gt/1,952-pax)
Mediterranean, Middle East, Northern Europe, MSC Bellissima (171,598-gt/4,456-pax)
Trans-Atlantic, USA (including Alaska), World Cruise. MSC Divina (139,072-gt/3,502-pax)
MSC Fantasia (137,963-gt/3,274-pax)
MSC Grandiosa (181,000-gt/4,816-pax)
MSC Lirica (65,591-gt/1,976-pax)
MSC Magnifica (95,128-gt/2,518-pax)
CELESTYAL CRUISES MSC Meraviglia (171,598-gt/4,500-pax)
801 Brickell Avenue/Suite 900 MSC Musica (92,404-gt/2,550-pax)
Miami, FL 33131 MSC Opera (65,591-gt/2,142-pax)
www.celestyalcruises.com MSC Orchestra (92,409-gt/2,550-pax)
Ships: Celestyal Crystal (25,611-gt/966-pax) DISNEY CRUISE LINE MSC Poesia (92,627-gt/2,550-pax)
210 Celebration Place MSC Preziosa (139,072-gt/3,502-pax)
Celestyal Olympia (37,584-gt/1,450-pax)
Celebration, FL 34747 MSC Seaside (153,516-gt/4,134-pax)
Itineraries: Greek Islands/Eastern www.disneycruise.com MSC Seaview (154,000-gt/4,134-pax)
Mediterranean, Adriatic Ships: Disney Dream (130,000-gt/2,500-pax) MSC Sinfonia (65,542-gt/1,952-pax)
Disney Fantasy (130,000-gt/2,500-pax) MSC Splendida (137,936-gt/3,274-pax)
Disney Magic (83,338-gt/1,754-pax) Itineraries: Caribbean, Mediterranean,
Disney Wonder (83,338-gt/1,754-pax) Northern Europe, Middle East, South
Itineraries: Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, America, South Africa, Australia & New
Northern Europe, Mediterranean. Zealand, China, Japan & Korea, Trans-Atlantic.

COSTA CRUISES
880 SW 145th Avenue/Suite 102
Pembroke Pines, FL 33027
www.costacruises.com NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Ships: Costa Deliziosa (92,000-gt/2,260-pax) HOLLAND AMERICA LINE 7665 Corporate Center Drive
Costa Diadema (132,500-gt/4,947-pax) 300 Elliott Avenue West Miami, FL 33126
Costa Fascinosa (114,500-gt/3,002-pax) Seattle, WA 98119 www.ncl.com
www.hollandamerica.com Ships: Norwegian Bliss (168,028-gt/4,004-pax)
Costa Favolosa (114,500-gt/3,012-pax) Norwegian Breakaway (145,655-gt/3,963-pax)
Costa Fortuna (102,500-gt/2,716-pax) Ships: Amsterdam (62,735-gt/1,360-pax)
Eurodam (86,273-gt/2,104-pax) Norwegian Dawn (92,250-gt/2,340-pax)
Costa Luminosa (92,600-gt/2,260-pax) Norwegian Encore (168,028-gt/4,000-pax)
Koningsdam (99,500-gt/2,650-pax) Norwegian Epic (155,873-gt/4,100-pax)
Costa Magica (102,600-gt/2,718-pax) Maasdam (55,575-gt/1,258-pax)
Costa Mediterranea (86,000-gt/2,112-pax) Norwegian Escape (164,600-gt/4,266-pax)
Nieuw Amsterdam (86,700-gt/2,106-pax) Norwegian Gem (93,530-gt/2,394-pax)
Costa neoRiviera (8,200-gt/1,248-pax) Nieuw Statendam (99,500-gt/2,666-pax) Norwegian Getaway (145,655-gt/3,963-pax)
Costa neoRomantica (56,000-gt/1,578-pax) Noordam (82,318-gt/1,924-pax) Norwegian Jade (93,558-gt/2,402-pax)
Costa Pacifica (114,500-gt/3,012-pax) Oosterdam (82,305-gt/1,964-pax) Norwegian Jewel (95,502-gt/2,376-pax)
Costa Serena (114,500-gt/3,000-pax) Rotterdam (61,214-gt/1404-pax) Norwegian Joy (167,725-gt/3,802-pax)
Costa Smeralda (180,000-gt/5,200-pax) Veendam (57,092-gt/1,350-pax) Norwegian Pearl (93,530-gt/2,394-pax)
Volendam (61,214-gt/1,432-pax) Norwegian Sky (77,104-gt/2,004-pax)
Costa Venezia (135,500-gt/4,232-pax) Norwegian Spirit (75,904-gt/2,018-pax)
Westerdam (82,348-gt/1,916-pax)
Costa Victoria (75,000-gt/1,928-pax) Norwegian Star (91,740-gt/2,348-pax)
Zaandam (61,396-gt/1,432-pax)
Itineraries: Eastern & Western Mediterranean, Zuiderdam (83,305-gt/1,964-pax) Norwegian Sun (78,309-gt/1,936-pax)
North Cape/Fjords, Baltic & Russia, South Pride of America (80,439-gt/2,186-pax)
Itineraries: Alaska, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, Itineraries: Caribbean, Alaska, Asia, Australia &
America, Eastern & Western Caribbean, Trans- South America, Panama Canal, Australia & New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New
Atlantic, Dubai, Red Sea, Far East, China, New Zealand, Asia, Amazon, Antarctica, England, Europe, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal, Panama
Indian Ocean, World Cruise. Trans-Atlantic, World Cruises. Canal, South America, Trans-Atlantic.

Cruise Travel January/February 2020 21


CRUISE LINE
DIRECTORY ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
STAR CLIPPERS
760 Northwest 107th Avenue/Suite 100
1050 Caribbean Way Miami, FL 33172
Miami, FL 33132 www.starclippers.com
www.royalcaribbean.com Ships: Royal Clipper (5,000-gt/227-pax)
Ships: Adventure of the Seas (137,276-gt/3,114-pax) Star Clipper (2,298-gt/170-pax)
OCEANIA CRUISES Allure of the Seas (225,282-gt/5,484-pax) Star Flyer (2,298-gt/170-pax)
7665 Corporate Center Drive Anthem of the Seas (168,666-gt/4,180-pax)
Brilliance of the Seas (90,090-gt/2,142-pax) Itineraries: Caribbean, Panama Canal, Ocean
Miami, FL 33126 Empress of the Seas (48,563-gt/1,602-pax) Crossings, Western & Eastern Mediterranean,
www.oceaniacruises.com Enchantment of the Seas (82,910-gt/2,048-pax) Southeast Asia.
Ships: Insignia (30,277-gt/684-pax) Explorer of the Seas (137,308-gt/3,286-pax)
Marina (66,084-gt/1,250-pax) Freedom of the Seas (154,407-gt/3,782-pax)
Nautica (30,277-gt/684-pax) Grandeur of the Seas (73,817-gt/1,992-pax)
Harmony of the Seas (226,963-gt/5,479-pax)
Regatta (30,277-gt/684-pax) Independence of the Seas (154,407-gt/3,858-pax)
Riviera (66,084-gt/1,250-pax) Jewel of the Seas (90,090-gt/2,191-pax) UN-CRUISE ADVENTURES
Sirena (30,277-gt/684-pax) Liberty of the Seas (154,407-gt/3,798-pax) 3826 18th Avenue West
Majesty of the Seas (74,077-gt/2,350-pax) Seattle, WA 98119
Itineraries: Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia & Mariner of the Seas (139,863-gt/3,334-pax)
New Zealand, Canada & New England, Caribbean, www.uncruise.com
Navigator of the Seas (138,279-gt/3,286-pax)
Oasis of the Seas (225,282-gt/5,484-pax) Ships: La Pinta (60-gt/48-pax)
Panama Canal, Mexico, Mediterranean, Northern
Ovation of the Seas (168,666-gt/4,180-pax) S.S. Legacy (1,472-gt/90-pax)
Europe, South America & Amazon, South Pacific &
Quantum of the Seas (168,666-gt/4,180-pax) Safari Endeavour (1,425-gt/84-pax)
ahiti, Transoceanic Voyages.
Tahiti, Radiance of the Seas (90,090-gt/2,143-pax) Safari Explorer (695-gt/36-pax)
Rhapsody of the Seas (78,491-gt/1,998-pax) Safari Quest (345-gt/22-pax)
Serenade of the Seas (90,090-gt/2,146-pax)
Spectrum of the Seas (168,666-gt/4,246-pax) Safari Voyager (1,195-gt/62-pax)
Symphony of the Seas (228,081-gt/5,518-pax) Wilderness Adventurer (89-gt/60-pax)
Vision of the Seas (78,340-gt/2,050-pax) Wilderness Discoverer (99-gt/76-pax)
Voyager of the Seas (137,276-gt/3,286-pax) Wilderness Explorer (94-gt/74-pax)
PEARL SEAS CRUISES Itineraries: Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Itineraries: Pacific Northwest, Mexico’s Sea of
741 Boston Post Road/Suite 250 Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Australia & New Cortez, Alaska, Columbia & Snake Rivers,
Zealand, South Pacific, Hawaii & Asia, Alaska, Canada
Guilford, CT 06437 & New England, Pacific Coastal, Trans-Atlantic. Costa Rica, Panama Canal, Galapagos,
www.pearlseascruises.com Hawaiian Islands.
Ship: Pearl Mist (5,600-gt/210-pax)
Itineraries: Great Lakes, Canada, East Coast.

SEABOURN CRUISE LINE VICTORY CRUISE LINES


PRINCESS CRUISES 450 Third Avenue West 222 Pearl Street
24305 Town Center Drive Seattle, WA 98119
Santa Clarita, CA 91355 New Albany, IN 47150
www.seabourn.com www.victorycruiselines.com
www.princess.com Ships: Seabourn Encore (40,350-gt/600-pax)
Ships: Caribbean Princess (112,894-gt/3,140-pax) Seabourn Odyssey (32,000-gt/458-pax) Ships: Victory I (4,954-gt/202-pax)
Coral Princess (91,627-gt/2,000-pax) Seabourn Ovation (40,350-gt/600-pax) Victory II (4,954-gt/202-pax)
Crown Princess (113,561-gt/3,080-pax) Seabourn Quest (32,000-gt/600-pax) Itineraries: Great Lakes, Canada/New England,
Diamond Princess (115,875-gt/2,670-pax) Seabourn Sojourn (32,000-gt/458-pax) Southeast U.S., St. Lawrence and U.S. Rivers,
Emerald Princess (113,561-gt/3,080-pax) Itineraries: Alaska, Caribbean, Canada & New Central America, Yucatan Peninsula.
Golden Princess (109,000-gt/2,600-pax) England, Arabia, Africa, India, Australia, South
Pacific, South America, Antarctica, Northern
Grand Princess (107,517-gt/2,600-pax) Europe, Trans-Atlantic, Pacific Coastal, Asia,
Island Princess (91,627-gt/2,000-pax) Mediterranean, Panama Canal, World Cruise.
Majestic Princess (142,229-gt/3,560-pax)
Pacific Princess (30,227-gt/670-pax)
Regal Princess (143,000-gt/3,560-pax) VIKING OCEAN CRUISES
Royal Princess (142,229-gt/3,560-pax) 5700 Canoga Avenue
Ruby Princess (113,561-gt/3,080-pax) SEADREAM YACHT CLUB Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Sapphire Princess (115,875-gt/2,670-pax) 601 Brickell Key Drive www.vikingcruises.com/oceans
Sea Princess (77,499-gt/2,000-pax) Miami, FL 33131 Ships: Viking Jupiter (47,800-gt/930-pax)
Sky Princess (143,700-gt/3,660-pax) www.seadream.com
Ships: SeaDream I (4,300-gt/112-pax) Viking Orion (47,800-gt/930-pax)
Star Princess (109,000-gt/2,600-pax)
Sun Princess (77,499-gt/2,000-pax) SeaDream II (4,300-gt/112-pax) Viking Sea (47,800-gt/930-pax)
Itineraries: Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Itineraries: Europe, Caribbean, Viking Sky (47,800-gt/930-pax)
Europe, Mexico, South America, Australia & New
Mediterranean, Greek Islands. Viking Star (47,800-gt/930-pax)
Zealand, South Pacific, Hawaii, Tahiti/French Viking Sun (47,800-gt/930-pax)
Polynesia, Asia, India, Africa, Canada & New Itineraries: Scandinavia & Baltic, Mediterranean,
England, World Cruises. Americas & Canada, Asia & Australia, Africa.
SILVERSEA CRUISES
333 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2600
Miami, FL 33131
www.silverseacruises.com
Ships: Silver Cloud (16,800-gt/254-pax)
Silver Discoverer (5,218-gt/116-pax) WINDSTAR CRUISES
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES Silver Explorer (6,072-gt/144-pax) 2101 Fourth Avenue/Suite 210
7665 Corporate Center Drive Silver Galapagos (4,077-gt/100-pax) Seattle, WA 98121
Miami, FL 33126
Silver Muse (40,700-gt/596-pax) www.windstarcruises.com
Silver Shadow (28,258-gt/382-pax) Ships: Star Breeze (9,975-gt/212-pax)
www.rssc.com Silver Spirit (36,000-gt/608-pax) Star Legend (9,975-gt/212-pax)
Ships: Seven Seas Explorer (56,000-gt/750-pax) Silver Whisper (28,258-gt/382-pax) Star Pride (9,975-gt/212-pax)
Seven Seas Mariner (48,075-gt/700-pax) Silver Wind (17,400-gt/296-pax) Wind Spirit (5,736-gt/148-pax)
Seven Seas Navigator (28,550-gt/490-pax) Itineraries: Australasia, Asia, South America, Wind Star (5,307-gt/148-pax)
Seven Seas Voyager (42,363-gt/700-pax) Caribbean, Africa, Indian Ocean, Alaska, Wind Surf (14,745-gt/310-pax)
Itineraries: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, American West Coast, Antarctica, Arctic, Itineraries: Alaska, Asia, Canada & New
Africa, Bermuda, Alaska, South America & Amazon, Canada & New England, Central America, England, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Panama
South Pacific, Panama Canal, Canada & Galapagos, Northern Europe and British Isles, Canal, Mexico, Mediterranean, Northern
New England, Trans-Atlantic, World Cruises. Russia Far East, South Pacific, Trans-Atlantic. Europe, Tahiti, Ocean Crossings.
22 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
SPECIAL INTEREST CRUISE DIRECTORY
As part of our 2020 Directory Issue, Cruise Travel presents this
listing of companies offering cruises of special interest

S
cores of companies market cruise experiences that differ from those packaged by mainstream
cruise lines. There’s everything from Europe river cruises to Antarctica expeditions, from
backwater jungle explorations to luxury yacht sailing.

ABERCROMBIE & KENT AUSTRALIS CRUISE & MARITIME VOYAGES


1411 Opus Place/Suite 300 4014 Chase Avenue/Suite 215 200 South Andrews Avenue/Suite 102
Downers Grove, IL 60515 Miami Beach, FL 33140 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
www.abercrombiekent.com www.australis.com us.cruiseandmaritime.com
Luxury and adventure inland and ocean Expedition cruises in Patagonia. Worldwide cruises onboard the Marco Polo,
cruises worldwide. Astoria, Magellan and other ships.
AVALON WATERWAYS
ADVENTURE CANADA 5301 South Federal Circle DISCOVERY VOYAGES
55 Woodlawn Avenue Littleton, CO 80123 205 East Diamond Boulevard/Suite 609
Mississauga, ON L5G 3K7 Canada www.avalonwaterways.com Anchorage, AK 99515
www.adventurecanada.com Europe, Asia, Egypt and South America river www.discoveryvoyages.com
Adventure-expedition cruises to the Arctic, cruises plus Galapagos Islands. Southeast Alaska small-ship nature cruises.
Canada and Galapagos Islands.
BAHAMAS PARADISE CRUISE LINE EMERALD WATERWAYS
ADVENTURE LIFE 431 Fairway Drive, Suite 300 One Financial Center/Suite 400
712 West Spruce Street/Suite 1 Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 Boston, MA 02111
Missoula, MT 59802 www.bahamasparadisecruise.com www.emeraldwaterways.com
www.adventure-life.com Bahamas cruises. River cruises in Europe, Russia, Asia and
Expedition-adventure cruises worldwide. Egypt, plus Croatia ocean cruises.
BARGE LADY CRUISES
ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM 101 West Grand Avenue/Suite 200
FANTASY CRUISES
7559 North Tongass Highway Chicago, IL 60654
P.O. Box 448
Ketchikan, AK 99911 www.bargeladycruises.com
Pierson, FL 32180
www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs Europe river and canal barge cruises.
www.smallalaskaship.com
Alaska and Pacific Northwest coastal Southeast Alaska small-ship nature cruises.
cruise-ferries. BLOUNT SMALL SHIP ADVENTURES
461 Water Street
FOOD & WINE TRAILS
ALASKA TRAVEL ADVENTURES Warren, RI 02885
141 Stony Circle/Suite 260
9085 Glacier Highway/Suite 301 www.blountsmallshipadventures.com
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Juneau, AK 99801 Great Lakes, New England Islands,
www.foodandwinetrails.com
www.bestofalaskatravel.com Atlantic Coastal Waterways, Caribbean.
Epicurean ocean and river cruises worldwide.
Alaska cruises and tours including RV travel.
THE BOAT COMPANY FRENCH COUNTRY WATERWAYS
ALASKAN DREAM CRUISES P.O. Box 1839 24 Bay Road
1512 Sawmill Creek Road Poulsbo, WA 98370 Duxbury, MA 02331
Sitka, AK 99835 www.theboatcompany.org www.fcwl.com
www.alaskandreamcruises.com Southeast Alaska small-ship nature cruises. Barge cruises in France.
Southeast Alaska small-ship nature cruises.
BORTON OVERSEAS G ADVENTURES
AMAWATERWAYS 620 West 58th Street 19 Charlotte Street
26010 Mureau Road Minneapolis, MN 55419 Toronto, ON M5V 2H5 Canada
Calabasas, CA 91302 www.bortonoverseas.com www.gadventures.com
www.amawaterways.com Journeys to Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Small-group expedition cruising worldwide.
Europe, Asia, Africa river cruises. Scandinavia and South America.
GRAND CIRCLE CRUISE LINE
ANTARCTICA21 CPTM (USA) 347 Congress Street
Seno Lauta s/n, Puerto Williams 2028 El Camino Real South/Suite B Boston, MA 02210
Isla Navarino, Chile San Mateo, CA 94403 www.gct.com
www.antarctica21.com www.aranui.com Inland and ocean cruises and cruise-tours
Air-cruises to Antarctica. French Polynesia/Marquesas Islands cruises. worldwide.

AURORA EXPEDITIONS CROISIEUROPE USA GREAT LAKES CRUISE COMPANY


35 Buckingham Street/Level 2, Suite 12 365 Route 304/Suite 206 3270 Washtenaw Avenue
Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia Nanuet, NY 10954 Ann Arbor, MI 48104
www.auroraexpeditions.com.au www.croisieuroperivercruises.com www.greatlakescruising.com
Small-group expeditions worldwide. River cruises in Europe. Great Lakes, American waterways cruises.
24 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES NATURAL HABITAT ADVENTURES ST. LAWRENCE CRUISE LINES
c/o Euro Lloyd Travel Group P.O. Box 3065 253 Ontario Street/Suite 200
1640 Hempstead Turnpike Boulder, CO 80307 Kingston, ON K7L 2Z4 Canada
East Meadow, NY 11554 www.nathab.com www.stlawrencecruiselines.com
www.eurolloyd.com Worldwide adventure travel including cruises. St. Lawrence and Ottawa river cruises on the
Worldwide voyages on the Hapag-Lloyd fleet Canadian Empress.
including bi-lingual German/English cruises. OCEANWIDE EXPEDITIONS
14950 Heathrow Forest Parkway/Suite 560 TAUCK
ICELAND PROCRUISES Houston, TX 77032 10 Westport Road
Baarerstr. 21 www.oceanwide-expeditions.com Wilton, CT 06897
6300 Zug, Switzerland Antarctica and Arctic expeditions. www.tauck.com
www.icelandprocruises.com Europe river cruises and small-ship ocean
Iceland and Greenland cruises on the ONTARIO WATERWAY CRUISES cruises worldwide.
Ocean Diamond. P. O. Box 6
Orillia, ON L3V 6H9 Canada UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE
www.ontariowaterwaycruises.com RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION
IMPERIAL RIVER CRUISES
Rideau Canal, Trent Severn Waterway and Lake 17323 Ventura Boulevard
8767 Misty Creek Drive
Ontario cruises on the Kawartha Voyageur. Los Angeles, CA 91316
Sarasota, FL 34241
www.imperialrivercruises.com www.uniworld.com
Russia and Ukraine river cruises. OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL Europe, Asia, Egypt and India river cruises.
347 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210
INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS VANTAGE DELUXE WORLD TRAVEL
www.oattravel.com
One Environs Park 90 Canal Street
A wide variety of small-group inland and
Helena, AL 35080 Boston, MA 02114
ocean cruises and cruise-tours worldwide.
www.ietravel.com www.vantagetravel.com
Worldwide nature/expedition cruises and tours. Escorted cruise-tours for mature travelers on
PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES ocean and inland waters worldwide.
11100 Main Street/Suite 300
ISLAND WINDJAMMERS Bellevue, WA 98004
165 Shaw Drive www.pgcruises.com VARIETY CRUISES
Acworth, GA 30102 Tahiti and French Polynesia cruises. 545 Eighth Avenue/Suite 720
www.islandwindjammers.com New York, NY 10018
Caribbean sailing cruises on tall ships www.varietycruises.com
PONANT
Diamant, Sagitta and Vela. Megayacht cruises in Europe, Middle East,
420 Lexington Avenue/Suite 2838
Cape Verde, Seychelles, West Africa,
New York, NY 10170
KATARINA LINE Costa Rica/Panama and Southeast Asia.
www.ponant.com
Opatija, Croatia Luxury yacht cruises worldwide.
www.katarina-line.com VICTORIA CRUISES
Small-ship Croatia cruises from Opatija, Split QUARK EXPEDITIONS 136-18 39th Avenue/12th Floor
and Dubrovnik. 3131 Elliott Avenue/Suite 250 Flushing, NY 11354
Seattle, WA 98121 www.victoriacruises.com
LATIN TRAILS www.quarkexpeditions.com Yangtze River cruises and cruise-tours.
Quito, Ecuador Arctic and Antarctic expedition cruises.
https://latintrails.com VIKING RIVER CRUISES
Galapagos Islands cruises, Ecuador & SAIL WINDJAMMER 5700 Canoga Avenue
Peru tours. 8362 Pines Boulevard/Unit 220 Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 www.vikingcruises.com
LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS www.sailwindjammer.com Europe, Russia, Asia and Ukraine river
96 Morton Street/9th Floor Caribbean sailings on the tall ship cruises.
New York, NY 10014 M/V Mandalay.
www.expeditions.com VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY
Worldwide expedition-adventure cruises in SCENIC 1800 SE 10th Avenue/Suite 240
conjunction with National Geographic. One Financial Center/Suite 400 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Boston, MA 02111 www.voyagestoantiquity.com
MAINE WINDJAMMER ASSOCIATION www.scenicusa.com Cultural and destination-oriented
P. O. Box 1083 Europe, Russia and Asia river cruises, plus cruises in Europe, South Africa, India
Rockland, ME 04841 ocean cruises to Antarctica, Arctic & Fjords, and Southeast Asia on the Aegean Odyssey.
www.sailmainecoast.com Americas, Mediterranean.
Maine coastal sailing cruises on tall ships.
SEA CLOUD CRUISES WILDERNESS TRAVEL
MARIS USA LTD. 282 Grand Avenue/Suite 3 1102 Ninth Street
84-1320 State Route 9 Englewood, NJ 07631 Berkeley, CA 94710
Champlain, NY 12919 www.seacloud.com www.wildernesstravel.com
www.freightercruises.com Tall ships Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II in Worldwide cultural and adventure
Voyages on passenger-carrying freighters Europe, Caribbean, Costa Rica and travel including river and small-ship
and specialty vessels worldwide. Central America. ocean cruises.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPEDITIONS SINGLES TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS


1145 17th Street NW 7491 North Federal Highway/Suite C5328 3131 Elliott Avenue/Suite 250
Washington, DC 20036 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Seattle, WA 98121
www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions www.singlestravelintl.com www.zegrahm.com
Expedition cruise-tours worldwide. Cruise travel worldwide for single adults. Expedition adventure cruise-tours worldwide.
Cruise Travel January/February 2020 25
FOCUSED SAILINGS

Special Star Wars cruises on Disney Cruise Line feature costumed characters, guest speakers, movie screenings, trivia games and a scavenger hunt.

Theme Cruises
Living out your passion on a cruise vacation
By Allan E. Jordan
Photo Credit Here
26 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
Sixthman
Many theme cruises revolve around music. Fans of the rock band Kiss enjoy concerts and other
events on annual Kiss sailings organized by Sixthman, a company that stages festivals at sea.

Will Byington/Sixthman
Disney Cruise Line

ave you ever dreamed of spending your to the Apollo launches and the not-so-success- lored to interests ranging from sports, movies
H vacation hobnobbing with actors or
sports stars, playing cards or crocheting with
ful comet Kohoutek cruise where passengers
on the Queen Elizabeth 2 got up at 3 a.m. only
and television shows to crafting, health and
wellness, and poker or bridge card games.
new-found friends, or even dressed as a to see dark clouds and no comet. In the 1980s Travelers and event organizers agree that
favorite TV or movie star? It might not and 1990s, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norway cruise ships create the perfect environment
appeal to everyone, but a growing number of hosted big band and sports team cruises. for these programs. “It is an excellent way to
fans and hobbyists are discovering that theme “Travelers today want exciting and cre- meet like-minded friends,” says financial
cruising provides the perfect way to share a ative experiences, and theme cruises deliver,” planner, cruiser and sometimes travel blogger
passion while at the same time indulging in a says Chris Gray Faust, managing editor of Rick Orford. “If you are into veganism, for
blissful getaway at sea. Cruise Critic, explaining the growing interest instance, what better way to meet and share
Theme cruises are not new, but the depth in these programs. “It is fun to be on a cruise about veganism than on a cruise with 2,000
and sophistication of the programming is ship filled with people who have the same other vegans?”
expanding. In the 1970s, Holland America passions that you do, and, as a bonus, you Roger Naber, who has been organizing the
Line featured music events and even a needle- might meet some of your favorite musicians, Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise since
work cruise hosted by Erica Wilson, whom the TV stars or speakers.” She says there’s a the early 1990s, says, “These trips are
New York Times called the Julia Child of nee- music cruise for almost any genre, but theme intriguing and special because they are away
dle arts. There were space-themed sailings tied cruising goes beyond music, with trips tai- from the distractions of our urban lives.”
Cruise Travel January/February 2020 27
“Fans are investing in experiences,” Diaz
explains, pointing out that “a different level
of bonding and passion is formed” in the
shipboard setting. “They come for the artist
in year one but return for the friendships in
the years after that.”
The artists are attracted to the programs
because they get to combine some relaxation
on the cruise with an opportunity to mobilize
their fan base. They also get involved in the
festivities, says Michael Lazaroff, executive
director of Entertainment Cruise Productions.
“The musicians jam, participate in other
artists’ shows, lead events around the ship and
even join the audience at performances, while
the passengers get to see or even bump into
the artists around the ship.”
The cruise lines like theme departures, as

Ultimate Disco Cruise


they attract new people to cruising and help
fill ships during the slower seasons. Naber
estimates that only 10 percent of first-timers
participating in his programs have had prior
cruise experience. However, after one cruise,
Guests on the Ultimate Disco Cruise enjoy wine tasting. On some cruises the main focus is wine. they are hooked, noting that up to 80 percent
of guests on his winter cruise and 60 percent
They create both an immersive experience as featuring a long list of top bands and vocalists. on the fall trip are repeaters.
well as an opportunity to share one’s passion Anthony Diaz, chief executive officer of Bullish about such opportunities,
with others in the contained setting of a Sixthman, a company that organizes festivals Norwegian Cruise Line in May 2012
cruise ship, he adds. “It is as though every- at sea such as The Rock Boat, The Outlaw acquired Sixthman as a wholly-owned sub-
one has a backstage pass.” Country Cruise and Cayamo as well as head- sidiary and decided to invest in enhance-
Theme cruising has grown rapidly in recent liner shows, agrees that theme cruising is on ments to the sound, lighting and other sys-
years. Naber, for example, recalls he had just the rise. In 2002, to do its first full-ship char- tems on the Norwegian Jade and Norwegian
60 people in his first cruise group in 1991. ter, Sixthman asked 1,000 fans to each put up Pearl to ensure state-of-the-art platforms for
Three years later, he did his first cruise ship a $99 deposit to help pay for the charter. the music festivals. (Sixthman is the only
charter and today regularly sells out months in Today the company each year sells out a event company owned by a cruise line.)
advance with programs on ships such as dozen or more festivals at sea, including Today, theme cruises are offered in several
Holland America’s 2,742-passenger Nieuw annual cruises with rock music icon Melissa different formats. The larger programs gener-
Statendam, which in January 2020 hosts his Etheridge and the band Kiss. A Jon Bon Jovi ally are full-ship charters marketed by inde-
34th Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise cruise took place in 2018. pendent event organizers either as festivals
that bring together multiple luminaries in one
field or headliner programs with a well-
known artist or cast of celebrities. Individuals
or groups in the travel industry organize other
programs, while some of the luxury cruise
lines host their own themed events. River
cruise companies, including AmaWaterways,
Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and Viking, run
food and wine programs and Christmas mar-
ket cruises in Europe. Among the premium
ocean cruise lines, Windstar Cruises features
culinary-themed sailings with the James
Beard Foundation and cruises to the Grand
Prix of Monaco where guests attend the race,
along with receptions, meet-and-greets with
racecar drivers and a race day brunch. Crystal
Cruises also offers a Grand Prix of Monaco
cruise, plus a sailing themed around big band
music and ballroom dancing, the Crystal
Wine and Food Festival, a film and theater
program and a Nobu Matsuhisa culinary
cruise.
Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 in May 2020
will be hosting for the fifth year its
Disney Cruise Line

Transatlantic Fashion Week. In association


with The Times and The Sunday Times of
London, the ship is offering its first-ever
Festival of Food and Wine, in which passen-
gers can participate in cooking demonstra-
Special Disney sailings give passengers a chance to mingle with superheroes like Spider-Man. tions, talks, tastings and Q&As.
28 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
THEME
CRUISES
DIRECTORY
T
heme cruises of all stripes are marketed
by independent organizations ranging
from travel agencies to event promoters.
The following is a just a sampling of programs
available. Many of the 2020 cruises have Will Byington/Sixthman
long been sold out but likely will be repeated Autograph and photo sessions thrill guests on Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea.
in 2021.
MUSIC THEME CRUISES FOOTBALL CRUISES • TMC Classic Cruise, Turner Classic Movies’
• Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, sailing • Crimson Tide Cruise, February 10, 2020, from annual cruise, sailing October 4, 2020, from Port
January 19, 2020, from Port Everglades aboard New Orleans aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Canaveral aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney
Holland America Line's Nieuw Statendam; October Valor. (www.crimsontidecruise.com) Fantasy. (www.tcmcruise.com)
25, 2020, from Port Everglades aboard Holland
America's Eurodam; and January 31, 2021, from • Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, February 16, 2020, • Ante Up Poker Cruises, sponsored by Ante
Port Everglades aboard the Nieuw Statendam. Up Poker Media three to five times a year, are run as
from Miami aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of
(www.bluescruise.com) a group aboard the ships of Royal Caribbean
the Seas. (www.buckeyecruise.com)
International. (www.anteupmagazine.com/where-
• The Rock Boat XX, January 24, 2020, from to-play/cruise)
Miami aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian • Legends of Pittsburgh Cruise, February 17,
Pearl. (www.therockboat.com) 2020, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the HEALTH AND WELL-BEING CRUISES
Seas. (www.legendsofpittsburghcruise.com) A number of different organizations organize
• Blue Note at Sea, January 25, 2020, from health and wellness programs focusing on diet,
Miami aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Infinity. • Green Bay Legends Cruise, February 24, 2020, exercise and lifestyle.
(www.bluenoteatsea.com) from Port Canaveral aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner
of the Seas. (www.greenbaylegendscruise.com) • Holistic Holiday at Sea, February 21, 2020,
• The Outlaw Country Cruise 5, January 29,
from Miami aboard MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina.
2020, from Miami aboard NCL’s Norwegian Pearl.
BRIDGE CRUISES (www.holisticholidayatsea.com)
(www.outlawcountrycruise.com)
A number of card-playing clubs and instructors
• The Jazz Cruise, February 1, 2020, from Miami organize groups, offering a combination of games, • Madeira Beach Yoga Cruise, February 3,
tournaments and instruction. Among the organiza- 2020, from Tampa aboard Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance
aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Infinity. (www.the
tions marketing bridge cruises are Alice Travel of the Seas. (www.madeirabeachyoga .com/event/
jazzcruise.com)
(www.alicetravel.com/bridge-cruises), Bridge madeira-beach-yoga-cruise-2020)
• Ultimate Disco Cruise, February 10, 2020, Holidays (www.bridgeholidays.com) and Go Away
from Miami aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Travel (www.goawaytrav.com/bridge-cruises). • Vegan Travel is a tour organizer offering a
Infinity. (www.ultimatediscocruise.com) range of small-ship and river cruises exploring the
SPECIAL THEMES vegan lifestyle. (www.vegan-cruises.com )
• The 80s Cruise, March 8, 2020, from Miami • Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at
aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of Sea, January 20, 2020, from Miami aboard NCL’s CRAFTS CRUISES
the Seas. (www.the80scruise.com) Norwegian Pearl. (www.chrisjerichocruise.com) • Crochet Cruises works with a travel agent at
Travel Planners on crocheting programs that include
• Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea II: • Impractical Jokers Cruise, fourth comedy an activity package plus events during the cruise.
Mediterranean, August 14, 2020, from Barcelona festival at sea sailing February 10, 2020, from Miami (www.crochet-cruises.com)
aboard NCL’s Norwegian Jade. (www.bluesaliveat- aboard NCL’s Norwegian Pearl. (www.impractical
seaeurope.com) jokerscruise.com) • Craft Cruises is a full-service travel agency spe-
cializing in personalized cruise programs for crafters,
• The Melissa Etheridge Cruise IV, October 20, including currently scheduled knitting and holiday
2020, from Miami aboard NCL’s Norwegian Pearl. • Golden Fans at Sea: A Fan Cruise, for fans of craft cruises. (www.craftcruises.com)
(www.themelissaetheridgecruise.com) the TV sitcom Golden Girls, sailing February 24 and
again February 29, 2020, aboard Celebrity Cruises’
• Malt Shop Memories Cruise, November 1, 2020, Celebrity Infinity. (www.flipphoneevents.com/ • Cruise and Crop organizes crafting cruises.
from Fort Lauderdale aboard Holland America’s (www.cruiseandcrop.com/cruises.html)
golden-fans-at-sea)
Eurodam. Artists from the 1950s and ’60s include
Gladys Knight, The Righteous Brothers, Jay and the LGBTQ CRUISES
• Star Trek: The Cruise, March 1, 2020, from There is a broad range of cruises for the LGBTQ
Americans, The Miracles, The Duprees, Mary Miami aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the
Wilson of The Supremes and Dean Torrence of Jan community. Aquafest (www.aquafestcruises
Seas. (www.startrekthecruise.com) .com), a division of CruiseCenter, a large travel
and Dean. (www.maltshopcruise.com)
agency specializing in cruises, organizes holidays
• Concerts at Sea Rock & Roll Cruise, January 30, • Meow Meow Cruise. Cat lovers cannot bring for the gay community. Other companies that have
2021, from Port Everglades aboard Princess Cruises’ their pets onboard, but they enjoy dining and been organizing LGBTQ cruises for many years
Enchanted Princess. (Note: This is a group on a reg- socializing with fellow feline fanciers. Activities include Atlantis (www.atlantisevents.com), Olivia
ularly scheduled cruise). (www.concertsatsea.com) include cat trivia and a cat scavenger hunt. Choose (www.olivia.com) and RSVP Vacations (www.rsvp
from a four-night Carnival Inspiration cruise out of vacations.com).
• The Smooth Jazz Cruise, January 30, 2021, and Long Beach (March 30, 2020) or eight-night In addition to trips offered by independent
February 6, 2021, from Miami on Celebrity Cruises’ Carnival Horizon cruise from Miami (October 17, organizers, many cruise lines also organize theme
Celebrity Infinity. (www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com) 2020). (https://meowmeowcruise.com) cruises. Check with individual lines for their programs.
Cruise Travel January/February 2020 29
or families and superhero fans, Disney ed a pop-up store for Jon’s denim clothing
F Cruise Line operates Marvel Day at
Sea cruises on the Disney Magic from
business; and even converted one of the
onboard restaurants into a location for
Miami and Star Wars Day at Sea cruises on Soul Kitchen, Bon Jovi’s non-profit com-
the Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral. munity restaurant business in New Jersey.
The special sailings include guest speak- Theme cruises are more expensive than
ers, costume celebrations, movie screen- standard cruises, so travelers may want to
ings, family trivia games, a ship-wide do some research on how the program is
scavenger hunt and youth club activities. operated and check out the organizer’s his-
Some travel agents, clubs, fraternal tory in staging these events. Experienced
groups and alumni associations organize organizers understand the challenges of
groups on regularly scheduled cruises. For running programs at sea and limitations of
example, a yoga club in Tampa is sailing the ship’s facilities. Music event coordina-
on Royal Caribbean International’s tors seek out ships that have a theater and
Brilliance of the Seas, while Ante Up other spaces large enough to accommodate
Poker Media schedules poker group cruis- the groups and supplement the sound and

Entertainment Cruise Productions


es on Royal Caribbean ships. For many lighting systems to ensure the quality of
years, Alice Travel, a travel agency in the performances.
Fairfield, New Jersey, has organized The success of theme cruising is lead-
bridge player cruises, and several travel ing many established organizers to expand
agencies work with knitting, crocheting into new formats. The music venues are
and scrapbooking instructors on craft- well-developed, but expect to see more
themed cruises. Harmon Travel Service in sports, comedy and theatrical programs in
Boise, Idaho, forms groups for ’50s and the future. A little more extreme are
’60s rock and roll-themed cruises aboard During a Star Trek theme cruise, devotees of the wrestling cruises and Big Nude Boat
Princess Cruises ships. science-fiction television franchise indulge in cruises where the captain has to advise
Most of the large cruise lines partner their passion at a Moon Party on pool deck. passengers when to cover up—i.e. arriv-
with independent event producers to run ing in port. And there’s even rumored to
their theme sailings. Entertainment Cruise to create a fully immersive experience. The be a 2020 cruise for the Flat Earth Society. No
Productions (ECP), for example, was formed casino and spa participate with special pro- word, though, on what itinerary the ship
in 2001, launching its first full-ship charter motions, displays and signs around the ship might follow so as not to disprove any theo-
for The Jazz Cruise. (The founder of ECP highlight the theme, and the artists and ries during the conference.
had worked with NCL organizing groups for celebrities host the activities and even some For experienced cruise travelers and first-
theme cruises on the Norway in the 1980s shore excursions. (On a recent Star Trek timers, theme cruises present a fun way to
and ’90s.) In 2020, ECP is running its 20th cruise, the casino ran a poker tournament merge the joy of cruising with pursuing your
anniversary Jazz Cruise on the Celebrity featuring some of the actors.) passions and meeting people that share your
Infinity, and, based on the popularity of its During the Bon Jovi cruise, Sixthman set interest. Who knows, you might find yourself
’80s and Star Trek cruises, is moving those up displays of his memorabilia around the singing along with one of your rock idols or
trips to Royal Caribbean’s 3,286-passenger ship; hosted a wine tasting with his son, Jesse dancing the night away dressed as a favorite
Explorer of the Seas. Bongiovi, who runs the family winery; creat- character from Star Trek. CT
The Star Trek cruise, Lazaroff says,
Actor William Shatner speaks to “Trekkies” on a cruise celebrating Star Trek, a cult phenomenon.
demonstrates the benefits of the cruise format,
which allows for a more in-depth experience
versus a similar event on land. During the day,
the TV and movie actors join fans in discus-
sions and picture and autograph sessions,
while in the evening they entertain guests by
demonstrating their skills as dancers, singers,
musicians and dramatic actors. Some passen-
gers dress as Klingon warriors or other Star
Trek characters 24/7, and many more wear
costumes for the events only. Says Lazaroff,
“The cruises create an intimacy and excite-
ment that you do not get on land.”
During theme cruises, ship facilities like
the spa, casino, shops and restaurants func-
tion as normal. Rebecca Martin, of the UK
travel agency Bolsover Cruise Club, points
out, “While themed cruises tend to attract
those with a specific interest, most do offer
the opportunity to dip in and out of the theme
Entertainment Cruise Productions

as and when you like.” Those who are con-


cerned that the programming might become
overwhelming might want to try a group- or
cruise line-hosted theme cruise as opposed to
a full-ship charter.
When a ship is fully chartered, the regular
entertainment is entirely superseded by the
theme programming, as the organizers seek
30 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
ONE-WAY SPECIALS

Repositioning
Cruises
Unique
itineraries
and lots of
sea time
at attractive
prices
By Allan E. Jordan

Princess Cruises

All the at-sea days on repositioning cruises appeal to those eager to commune with the ocean and take full advantage of shipboard facilities.

ost cruises start and end in the same shift to other markets in the off-season. erally sold at a lower rate than other cruises,
M place and focus on the ports. One excep-
tion is the repositioning cruise. Harkening back
Once the cruise lines might have used the
time required to move a ship between mar-
and some amazing deals are to be had.”
There are several different types of reposi-
to the days when the great ocean liners provid- kets as an opportunity to do maintenance, tioning cruises, but all have a few things in
ed point-to-point transportation, these one-way but, faced with today’s economic pressures, common. Bridging two markets, they gener-
sailings have long been favored by travelers the lines instead have chosen to operate cruis- ally happen at the beginning or end of the
who enjoy time at sea and the excitement of es as they reposition their ships. season. As repositioning cruises are one-way
going somewhere by ship. “Repositioning cruises are really fun,” voyages, that means you start at one port and
Cruise industry executives like to point out says Jolene Huitron, founder of the Huitron end at a different one. Unlike other one-way
that one strength of the business is its ability Travel Group, a travel agency based in cruises, there are typically more sea days.
to move ships around the world to meet pas- Hialeah Gardens, Florida. “Some are once- Because these cruises do not return to the
senger demand. Destinations such as Alaska, in-a-lifetime cruises, as they are usually a bit point of origin, you are responsible for your
New England/Canada and the Greek Islands longer and the ports of call are usually differ- own transportation home. Of course, you can-
are seasonal in nature, requiring the ships to ent than those of most cruises. They are gen- not park your car at the port because you will
Cruise Travel January/February 2020 31
Some trans-Atlantic repositioning cruises visit the city of Horta in the Azores archipelago (left) and the island of Tenerife in the Canaries.

not be returning to that port at the end of the between continents. Ships repositioning from agencies specializing in luxury and river
cruise. (There are a few horror stories about the Caribbean or South America make trans- cruising. As such, these longer cruises gener-
unsuspecting passengers who did not read Atlantic trips to Europe, while some ships ally appeal to retirees and older travelers ver-
their itineraries and were surprised to find out sailing to or from Alaska cross the Pacific to sus families with young children. Some peo-
where they were disembarking.) Obviously, Asia or Australia. “These cruises are typical- ple opt for these cruises because they find it
one element to factor into your plans is a one- ly longer than standard cruises because of the an easy way to cross the oceans, while others
way airplane ticket, especially costly on inter- distance they have to travel,” points out go for the relaxation or the opportunity to see
national routes. And because repositioning Steve Griswold of Pixie Vacations, an new ports rarely featured on standard routes.
cruises are in transitional seasons, the weath- Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. “Repositioning cruises tend to stop along
er might not be as good as during peak sea- Repositioning trips typically last between the way at fascinating far-flung ports of call,
son. Also, passengers have commented that seven and 21 days, sometimes with up to a which can greatly add to the appeal,” says
service standards on their repositioning trips week spent non-stop at sea. “Repositioning travel blogger John Widmer. Indeed, John and
were subpar, as the cruise lines used the time cruises are great for cruisers who enjoy plen- his wife, Heather, have traveled around the
to train new crew members. ty of days at sea as they cross the vast world using repositioning cruises in combina-
The most common perception of a reposi- oceans,” says Emma Smith of World Travel tion with land transportation to piece together
tioning cruise is a long, trans-oceanic voyage Holdings, a UK company that operates travel a budget-friendly world cruise. On an

TRANS-ATLANTIC CRUISES DIRECTORY


F
ollowing is a sampling of trans-Atlantic repositioning cruises scheduled for 2020. Repositioning cruises happen when
cruise ships move from one market to another on a seasonal basis. Sailings to and from Europe are one of the most
popular types of one-way voyages. The itinerary for each cruise is available on the line’s website.
• March 20 - MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina, 18 nights from Fort Lauderdale • April 19 - Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star,
from Miami • April 7 - SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream II, 14 nights from New York
• March 25 - MSC Cruises’ MSC Musica, 22 nights 13 nights from San Juan • April 20 - Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn Quest,
from Buenos Aires • April 11 - Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess, 15 nights from Miami
• March 25 - Windstar Cruises’ Wind Star, 15 nights 14 nights from Fort Lauderdale • April 22 - Holland America’s Veendam, 17 nights
from St. Maarten • April 11 - Oceania Cruises’ Sirena, 14 nights from from Fort Lauderdale
• March 26 - Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess, Miami • April 23 - Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian
16 nights from Fort Lauderdale • April 12 - Royal Caribbean International’s Getaway, 15 nights from New York
• March 27 - Silversea Cruises’ Silver Shadow, Anthem of the Seas, 12 nights from Bayonne, NJ • April 24 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection,
13 nights from Fort Lauderdale • April 12 - MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia, 21 nights 14 nights from Fort Lauderdale
• March 28 - Seabourn Cruises’ Seabourn Odyssey, from Miami • April 25 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Infinity,
11 nights from Barbados • April 16 - Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Splendor, 14 nights from Miami
• March 28 - Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride, 13 nights 14 nights from New York • April 25 - Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas,
from San Juan • April 17 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Silhouette, 13 nights from San Juan
• March 29 - MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesia, 23 nights 14 nights from Fort Lauderdale • April 27 - SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream I,
from Santos, Brazil • April 18 - Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic, 12 nights from Barbados
• March 31 - Oceania Cruises’ Riviera, 15 nights 15 nights from Miami • April 29 - Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Mariner,
from Miami • April 18 - Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian 18 nights from Rome
• April 3 - Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Escape, 15 nights from New York • May 2 - Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas,
Explorer, 14 nights from Miami • April 18 - Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas, 15 nights from Tampa, FL
• April 4 - MSC Cruises’ MSC Preziosa, 15 nights 14 nights from Tampa • May 11 - Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic,
from Martinique • April 19 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge, 12 nights from Miami
• April 4 - Windstar Cruises’ Wind Surf, 14 nights 15 nights from Fort Lauderdale • May 24 – Princess Cruises’ Island Princess,
from St. Maarten • April 19 - Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam, 16 nights from Fort Lauderdale
• April 4 - Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, 14 nights from Fort Lauderdale • June 11 - Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Radiance,
13 nights from Fort Lauderdale • April 19 - Holland America’s Zuiderdam, 14 nights 13 nights from Barcelona
• April 6 - Holland America’s Rotterdam, 16 nights from Fort Lauderdale • June 15 - Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas
from Fort Lauderdale • April 19 - Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess, Navigator, 29 nights from New York
• April 6 - Silversea Cruises’ Silver Wind, 16 nights 15 nights from Fort Lauderdale • August 7 - Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn

32 Cruise Travel January/February 2020


Randy Mink
La Laguna, a Spanish colonial gem, enchants cruise passengers touring Tenerife. Right: Ships on Atlantic crossings also call at Funchal, Madeira.

Atlantic crossing, the ship might call in the many lines complement normal activities
Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands or with additional guest lecturers or entertainers.
Iceland. A Pacific crossing might visit Bora However, sometimes you will find shows or
Bora or Pago Pago, while a Panama Canal movies are repeated during these longer trips.
repositioning might include Nicaragua or
Guatemala.
Some passengers, fearing the long stretch-
es at sea, wonder if they will become bored
A nother common type of repositioning
cruise, offered in the spring and fall in
coordination with the Alaska market, is a
without the ports. But Scott Long, who has Panama Canal transit. These sailings between
escorted his Ante Up Poker groups on trans- the Atlantic and Pacific coasts are similar to
Atlantic repositioning cruises, says, “You’ll the regularly scheduled Panama Canal cruis-
find you get into a routine very quickly on the es, although they might be slightly longer
ship, and the time ends up flying by. You can sailings (some start or end in Canada) and
take a couple of days to just read a good book may be on different ships than the ones nor-
by the pool, knowing that you can still take in mally deployed for such itineraries. Disney
that salsa class a few days later.” Cruise Line’s only Panama Canal cruises in
While the ships operate normally during 2020, for example, are in March and
repositioning trips, they might not be the best Princess Cruises November on the Disney Wonder, which will
option for first-time cruisers. Travel agent spend the summer in Alaska.
Deborah Pfeifer warns, “If someone is look- A third type of repositioning cruise, typi-
ing for a lively, partying crowd or has the cally shorter in length, does a coastal route
need to be entertained every moment of the Gaming, classes, lectures and other onboard
versus an ocean crossing. Holland America
day, a longer repositioning cruise might not be activities take on greater importance on Line and Princess Cruises, as they move ships
a good choice.” For repositioning cruises, longer cruises that include many days at sea. to and out of Alaska, offer Pacific Coast trips

Quest, 24 nights from Southampton, England • October 20 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection, the Seas, 14 nights from Barcelona
• August 19 - Holland America’s Zuiderdam, 13 nights from Rome • November 7 - Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn
19 nights from Copenhagen • October 20 - Holland America’s Veendam, Odyssey, 14 nights from Lisbon
• August 27 - Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Star, 14 nights from Rome • November 8 - Silversea Cruises’ Silver Moon,
14 nights from Bergen, Norway • October 22 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex, 15 nights from Barcelona
• August 30 - Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity, 14 nights from Barcelona • November 8 - Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Jupiter,
13 nights from Barcelona • October 24 - SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream II, 21 nights from Barcelona
• September 2 - Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the 14 nights from Malaga, Spain • November 8 - MSC Cruises’ MSC Opera, 29 nights
Seas, 15 nights from Amsterdam • October 27 - Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam, from Venice
• September 4 - Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess, 15 nights from Rome • November 10 - Silversea Cruises’ Silver Shadow,
15 nights from Copenhagen • October 28 - Oceania Cruises’ Riviera, 16 nights 15 nights from Barcelona
• September 5 - MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia, from Rome • November 12 - MSC Cruises’ MSC Splendida,
17 nights from Kiel, Germany • October 30 - Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival 17 nights from Genoa, Italy
• September 7 - Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Legend, 16 nights from Barcelona • November 13 - Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas
Seas, 11 nights from Barcelona • October 30 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge, Splendor, 15 nights from Barcelona
• September 8 - Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper, 14 nights from Rome • November 13 - MSC Cruises’ MSC Sinfonia,
16 nights from Barcelona • October 31 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity 21 nights from Venice
• September 9 - Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, Constellation, 14 nights from Barcelona • November 16 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Infinity,
14 nights from Southampton, England • November 1 - Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, 14 nights from Lisbon
• September 11 - Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas 14 nights from Barcelona • November 20 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity
Navigator, 15 nights from Barcelona • November 1 - Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Silhouette, 16 nights from Barcelona
• October 2 - Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic, Seas, 12 nights from Southampton, England • November 21 - Oceania Cruises’ Marina, 14 nights
10 nights from Dover, England • November 5 - Princess Cruises’ Enchanted from Barcelona
• October 17 - Holland America’s Rotterdam, Princess, 14 nights from Barcelona • November 23 - Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian
15 nights from Barcelona • November 6 - Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam, Epic, 13 nights from Barcelona
• October 17 - SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream I, 15 nights from Barcelona • November 23 - Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess,
14 nights from Malaga, Spain • November 6 - Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of 16 nights from Southampton, England
• October 18 - Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sky, the Seas, 14 nights from Rome • December 3 - Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sun,
14 nights from Lisbon • November 7 - Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of 11 nights from Lisbon
Cruise Travel January/February 2020 33
TRANS-PACIFIC CRUISES DIRECTORY
D
reaming of a long journey across • January 4 - Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sun, of the Seas, 18 nights from Sydney
the Pacific Ocean? Take a look at 37 nights from Los Angeles • April 25 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice, 17
• March 1 - Holland America Line’s Maasdam, nights from Sydney
this sampling of repositioning
34 nights from Auckland, New Zealand • April 25 - Holland America’s Westerdam, 16
cruises scheduled for 2020. Many sail- • March 15 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse, nights from Yokohama, Japan
ings take place when cruise lines are 15 nights from San Antonio, Chile • April 30 - Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian
making the transition before and after the • April 4 - Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, Jewel, 11 nights from Honolulu
summer Alaska season. Itinerary details 29 nights from Sydney, Australia • May 4 - Silversea Cruises’ Silver Muse, 17 nights
are available on the lines’ websites. • April 10 - Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit, from Yokohama
10 nights from Honolulu • May 10 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Millennium,
• April 12 - Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, 13 nights from Yokohama
21 nights from Auckland • May 11 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice,
• April 14 - Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, 18 nights 10 nights from Honolulu
from Papeete, Tahiti • May 15 - Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth, 19 nights
• April 15 - Princess Cruises’ Golden Princess, from Yokohama
Oceania Cruises

22 nights from Auckland • June 2 - Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess, 28 nights


• April 16 - Holland America’s Noordam, 25 nights from San Francisco
from Sydney • July 6 - Silversea Cruises’ Silver Explorer, 18 nights
• April 20 - Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation from Otaru, Japan
34 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
Royal Caribbean International
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the largest city on Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands,
is a common port of call on trans-Atlantic cruise itineraries. cruise.” Cruise lines, he says, are sometimes
willing to take passengers on segments of
longer cruises when the ships are not sold
out. For example, you might be able to join a
world cruise for its last trans-oceanic portion
or in the UK market board a ship operating in
the Caribbean on its return to the UK.
“They’re great if you don’t mind last-minute
travel bookings,” says Williamson.
Occasionally, the cruise lines run reposi-
tioning cruises when a ship is heading to a
shipyard or returning to service after an over-
haul, though this type of cruise is less fre-
quent. Some passengers, however, have com-
plained that these trips are not as enjoyable,
as ongoing maintenance during the cruise
may disrupt some operations and affect the
onboard experience.
One thing that repositioning cruises gen-
erally have in common is lower fares. To fill
the ships, the lines often discount fares or
offer promotions. “These cruises are fantas-
tic for people who are looking for an amaz-
ing deal,” says Steve Griswold. Holland
America, for example, was offering a 13-
night trans-Atlantic sailing in April 2020 for
Princess Cruises

as low as $665 per person, while last-minute


fares on a fall 2019 crossing were as low as
$499 per person. Promotional offers can
range from cabin category upgrades and
prepaid gratuities to free or reduced-cost
With fewer ports crowding the schedule, ranging between one and seven nights. airfares.
repositioning cruises provide time to enjoy Similarly, on the East Coast, Celebrity Some travel agents and travel websites
life onboard and each other’s company. Cruises offers a cruise between San Juan specialize in repositioning cruises, and cruise
and New York as it positions the Celebrity lines may aggressively promote their reposi-
• August 24 – Viking’s Viking Orion, 22 nights Summit for her Bermuda and Canada cruises. tioning cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line and
from Vancouver, Canada “Shorter repositioning cruises such as Royal Caribbean International identify repo-
• September 8 - Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth, those from Los Angeles to Vancouver are sitioning as a destination on the websites,
19 nights from Vancouver
popular as quick getaways,” says Deborah while other lines do not distinguish their
• September 10 - Silversea Cruises’ Silver Muse,
Pfeifer. “These cruises attract people wanting trips, seeking to avoid the discounting repu-
13 nights from Anchorage, Alaska
• September 11 - Celebrity Cruises’
to experience the cruise lifestyle, while the tation associated with repositioning.
Celebrity Millennium, 15 nights from Vancouver
longer repositioning cruises are popular with Regardless of how the lines present these
• September 14 - Norwegian Cruise Line’s the experienced cruising crowd.” cruises, repositioning trips have developed a
Norwegian Jewel, 11 nights from Vancouver Shorter voyages give travelers an opportu- loyal following. Some travelers eagerly seek
• September 18 - Celebrity Cruises’ nity to sample a cruise line or ship different out these one-off sailings and are adept at
Celebrity Solstice, 10 nights from Vancouver than one they normally take. Cunard Line’s identifying repositioning cruises versus regu-
• September 25 - Celebrity Cruises’ Queen Elizabeth will offer two short Pacific larly scheduled cruises, booking as soon as
Celebrity Eclipse, 15 nights from Vancouver Coast cruises in July 2020 as part of her they become available. Others believe the
• September 25 - Carnival Cruise Line’s Alaska program. best deals come closer to sailing dates as the
Carnival Spirit, 11 nights from Vancouver Sam Williamson, of the currency service lines work to fill the ships.
• September 27 - Holland America’s Oosterdam, provider We Swap Travel, points out another If you are looking for a different cruise
26 nights from Seattle often-overlooked type of repositioning experience less focused on the ports and
• September 28 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity cruise, explaining, “They become available offering more sea time, you might consider a
Solstice, 17 nights from Honolulu when there is space on the return leg of a repositioning cruise. CT
Cruise Travel January/February 2020 35
THE YOUNGEST PASSENGERS

Babies
Onboard
A guide to cruising with
infants and toddlers

36 Cruise Travel January/February 2020


By Nancy Schretter

F amily cruising, more popular than ever,


provides a hassle-free vacation that
appeals to all ages. When it comes to taking
kids to sea, however, it’s important to find
the right ship. While family-friendly cruise
lines offer a wealth of facilities and programs
Disney Cruise Line’s for guests sailing with children ages 3 and
Sailing Away Deck Party older, some are significantly limited in what
they can for do for those with tiny tots. As
more multigenerational groups and millenni-
al families with pint-sized sailors consider
cruising, parents and grandparents are seek-
ing the inside scoop on how different lines
will cater to their little bundles of joy.
Families with wee babes can choose from a
wide range of cruising options, from amenity-
filled megaships to luxury and river cruise
lines. While several cruise lines welcome
families with kids of all ages, the majority
require their youngest cruisers to be at least
six months old to sail. The U.S. Public Health
Service mandates that all children who enter
cruise ship pools and spas must be toilet-
trained, although some tot-friendly cruise
ships have specially designed water play areas
for kids wearing swim diapers. Children’s
menus are prevalent at dining venues, but not
all lines provide baby foods onboard. In addi-
tion, kids programs and babysitting options
for children under 3 years of age vary widely,
making it even more important for those with
small children to find the perfect fit for their
family’s needs. Cruise lines are continually
modifying their offerings for this age group.
If you’re thinking of cruising with a baby
or little tyke in tow, here are some of the
cruise lines that are appealing options:

Carnival Cruise Line


Minimum Age to Sail: At least 6 months
at time of embarkation for most sailings or 1
year at time of embarkation for trans-oceanic
crossings and remote itineraries with more
than two consecutive sea days.
Cribs, Baby Gear and Supplies: Cribs
are available and should be reserved at time
of booking. High chairs and booster seats are
offered in shipboard dining rooms and
restaurants. Single strollers are available for
rent on Carnival ships, subject to availability.
Diapers, baby supplies, baby food and for-
mula are not available onboard.
In-Room Refrigerators: Some Carnival
ships feature non-stocked mini bar units.
Kids and Family Programs for Babies &
Toddlers: Camp Ocean’s free Penguins chil-
dren’s program offers a full schedule of daily
fun activities for kids ages 2-5. Children do
not have to be potty-trained to participate, but
parents must supply diapers and toiletries.
Diana Zalucky/Disney Cruise Line

Camp Ocean also offers special play times for


“Under 2’s.” Parents/guardians can leave
their child in care of the Camp Ocean youth
staff for a fee during these play times or stay
and use the facilities with their child at no
charge. Carnival offers a number of family
programs for little ones on every cruise,
including its fleetwide Seuss at Sea activities
Cruise Travel January/February 2020 37
Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line’s Seuss-a-Palooza Story Time and Parade is a fun event for little ones. There are special play times for kids 2 and under.

and free Zumbini music and movement classes 12 months old may participate. One parent/ at time of embarkation.
for kids ages 2-5. legal guardian must be onboard the ship while Cribs, Baby Gear and Supplies: Most
Babysitting for Babies & Toddlers: children are being supervised by a babysitter CroisiEurope ships have cribs. Reserve at
Camp Ocean’s Night Owls program is avail- on port days. No other in-stateroom or group time of booking to ensure availability. High
able for children ages 6 months to 11 years babysitting services are offered for children chairs, strollers, diapers, baby food and for-
each evening. Fees apply. Children do not under 3 years of age. mula are not offered onboard.
have to be potty-trained, but diapers and toi- In-Room Refrigerators: No, but access
letries must be supplied. In-stateroom CroisiEurope to the ship’s kitchen refrigerators is possible.
babysitting is not offered on Carnival ships. Minimum Age to Sail: No minimum age Kids and Family Programs for Babies
to sail on European river cruises nor on & Toddlers: No, but special Family Club
Celebrity Cruises CroisiEurope’s sea cruises and canal barges. programs are offered on select sailings dur-
Minimum Age to Sail: At least 6 months Children sailing on Africa, Mekong and ing the summer months.
at time of embarkation if the cruise itinerary Volga cruises must be at least 7 years of age Babysitting for Babies & Toddlers: No.
includes more than two consecutive days at
sea or 1 year for trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific
and certain South America cruises.
Cribs, Baby Gear and Supplies: Cribs
are available if reserved in advance, and high
chairs can be obtained upon request. Baby
food can be supplied upon request up to 30
days before embarkation. Strollers, formula,
diapers and other baby supplies are not avail-
able.
In-Room Refrigerators: Yes.
Kids and Family Programs for Babies &
Toddlers: Children under 3 can participate in
Celebrity's free daily Toddler Time activities
accompanied by a parent or guardian. Kids do
not need to be potty-trained to participate in
Toddler Time, and lavatory-based changing
tables and baby wipes are provided. Toys and
books can be checked out from the Toddler
Time room.
Babysitting for Babies & Toddlers:
Private, in-suite babysitting services are
Cunard Line

offered for Celebrity’s suite guests only, sub-


ject to availability. Fees apply, and all requests
must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Up
to three children (per family) who are at least The free Night Nursery on Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria is for tots ages 6 months to 2 years old.

38 Cruise Travel January/February 2020


Crystal Cruises months up to 2 years of age. Parents receive available from morning till night for chil-
Minimum Age to Sail: At least 6 months a pager in case their child wakes. Children dren ages 6 months to 3 years. An onboard
at time of embarkation on ocean, river and ages 2-7 years can enjoy Cunard’s compli- mobile phone service enables counselors
yacht cruises. The cruise line reserves the mentary Play Zone supervised by youth staff. and parents to stay in touch. Counselors will
right to restrict the number of passengers less The area offers books, toys and a variety of feed and change children, but parents must
than 3 years of age onboard all their ships. activities. provide supplies. Reserving nursery time in
Children must be at least 6 years of age for Babysitting for Babies & Toddlers: advance is recommended; fees apply.
some Crystal Expedition Cruises, including Cunard’s Night Nursery group sitting is avail- “Toddler Time” hosted play time for parents
Arctic and Antarctic cruises. able. No in-stateroom babysitting is offered. and tots is scheduled throughout each cruise.
Cribs, Baby Gear and Supplies: Children under 3 can also visit
Cribs are available on all Crystal Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab
ships, with limited quantities on with parents during Open House
river and yacht cruises. High chairs hours. Families with tiny sailors
are also offered, but strollers and can participate in a wide range of
booster seats are not available. fun family activities including
Guests may place special orders for parties, Disney character greetings
diapers and baby supplies (charges and Jack-Jack’s Incredible Diaper
apply) as well as baby food and Dash, a fun crawling race. All
formula (free of charge) through Disney Cruise Line ships feature
Guest Services on Crystal’s ocean, water play areas designed for
river and yacht cruises. Orders babies and toddlers under 3 where
must be placed at least one month swim diapers are allowed.
prior to sailing and are subject to Babysitting for Babies &
availability. Crystal also provides Toddlers: See above. In-state-
freshly pureed food upon request at room babysitting services are not
any time of day. available.
In-Room Refrigerators: Yes.
Kids and Family Programs for Holland America Line
Babies & Toddlers: Parents with Minimum Age to Sail: At least
children under 3 can use the Junior 6 months at time of embarkation
Activities Program facilities on the for most sailings or 1 year at time
Crystal Symphony and Crystal of embarkation for trans-oceanic,
Serenity with their babies and tod- South America, Asia, South Pacific
dlers when the facilities are not in and Hawaii voyages.
use. Children’s books and videos Cribs, Baby Gear and
may be checked out of the library. Supplies: Cribs and high chairs are
No children’s services or activities provided subject to availability.
available on Crystal River Cruises Reserve at least 90 days prior to
Matt Stroshane/Disney Cruise Line
or Crystal Yacht Cruises. On Crystal sailing. Diapers, baby food, infant
Yacht Cruises, some age restrictions formula and some other baby sup-
on activities, Zodiac usage and plies are available for purchase by
water sports apply. advance order through ship services
Babysitting for Babies & when arranged at least 90 days in
Toddlers: In-stateroom babysitting advance. Strollers are not offered
services for kids ages 1 and older onboard.
are available on a first-come, first- In-Room Refrigerators:
served basis solely on Crystal’s Infants and toddlers are cared for by trained counselors in It’s a Refrigerators are provided in most
ocean sailings. Maximum of 3 chil- Small World Nursery on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. cabins or can be arranged prior to
dren per family, and fees apply. No sailing.
babysitting is offered on Crystal River Disney Cruise Line Kids and Family Programs for Babies
Cruises or Crystal Yacht Cruises. Minimum Age to Sail: At least 6 months & Toddlers: No formal children’s pro-
at time of embarkation for most sailings or grams are offered for children under 3 years
Cunard Line 1 year at time of embarkation for Trans- of age.
Minimum Age to Sail: Older than 6 Atlantic, Hawaii and Panama Canal itineraries. Babysitting for Babies & Toddlers: On
months at time of embarkation on most sail- Cribs, Baby Gear and Supplies: sea days only, limited babysitting may be
ings and 1 year on Full World Cruises, Exotic Complimentary cribs and playpens are pro- available through Guest Services for children
Cruises or Trans-Atlantic Crossings. vided upon request, subject to availability. ages 5 and under. This fee-based service is
Cribs, Baby Gear and Supplies: Cribs, High chairs are offered, and a limited number provided by staff on a volunteer basis subject
cots and high chairs are available. Loaner of complimentary strollers are available. to availability and is offered in public areas.
baby baths can be provided upon request. Diapers, ready-to-feed infant formula, bot- In-stateroom babysitting is not offered.
Strollers, diapers and baby supplies are not tles, baby food and a wide variety of baby
offered onboard. Cunard ships can provide supplies can be purchased onboard all ships. MSC Cruises
baby food, plus bottle warmers and steriliz- Bottle warmers and bottle sterilizers can be Minimum Age to Sail: No minimum age
ers are available upon request. supplied. Fresh pureed vegetables prepared to sail.
In-Room Refrigerators: All staterooms in the main dining rooms can be ordered Cribs, Baby Gear and Supplies: High
feature small refrigerators. through room service. chairs and strollers are available onboard,
Kids and Family Programs for Babies In-Room Refrigerators: Yes. and cribs are provided upon request. MSC
& Toddlers: Cunard’s free Night Nursery Kids and Family Programs for Babies Cruises guests have access to free bottle
is available from 6-11 p.m. for tots ages 6 & Toddlers: It’s a Small World Nursery is warmers, baby carriers, backpacks and boun-
Cruise Travel January/February 2020 39
MSC Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line

The Baby Club on the MSC Seaside is for children up to three years old. Kids Public Shower, a fun-filled water play area on the Norwegian Gem

cy chairs through MSC’s partnership with program for kids from 6 months to age 3 Royal Caribbean International
Chicco, a global baby brand. Baby food and provides sensory play activities for parents and Minimum Age to Sail: At least 6 months
formula are not available onboard. kids to enjoy together. A parent or guardian at time of embarkation or at least 1 year at
In-Room Refrigerators: Yes. must remain with their child during these time of embarkation for trans-Atlantic, trans-
Kids and Family Programs for Babies & hosted activity sessions. Open play times in Pacific, Hawaii, and certain South America
Toddlers: Kids under 3 can mingle and play the Guppies playroom are scheduled as well. and other voyages.
with the latest Chicco toys together during Tots in swim diapers can access special Cribs, Baby Gear and Supplies:
MSC Baby Time sessions when accompanied Splash Zone areas available on some ships. Complimentary cribs are provided upon
by a parent or guardian. MSC Seaside’s Baby Babysitting for Babies and Toddlers: request, and a limited number of high chairs
Club for little ones up to 3 years of age is the The Norwegian Escape’s fee-based Guppies and booster seats is available on each ship.
largest on any MSC Cruises ship. The cruise Nursery provides care for kids from 6 Diapers and some baby supplies can be pur-
line provides fun programs with Chicco toys months to under 3 years of age. Parents are chased and delivered to guests’ staterooms.
for babies and toddlers, including Rhythm given a phone to stay in touch onboard the Strollers are not available.
and Music and Mini Olympic Games. MSC ship. Advance reservations must be made In-Room Refrigerators: Limited avail-
Cruises also offers a number of family activi- with the nursery attendant. Children do not ability, reserve in advance.
ties for those sailing with tiny tots. have to be potty-trained to participate, and Kids and Family Programs for Babies
Babysitting for Babies & Toddlers: the staff will change diapers. No other pri- & Toddlers: Little ones can enjoy education-
MSC Babycare Service provides free vate or group babysitting services for kids al, fun activities at Adventure Ocean’s com-
babysitting by dedicated staff for kids from under 3 years of age are provided on plimentary Royal Babies (ages 6-18 months)
12 months to 3 years old (not inclusive). Norwegian Cruise Line ships. and Royal Tots (ages 18-36 months) interac-
This drop-off service is offered during limit- tive playgroups hosted by youth staff. A par-
ed hours while ships are sailing and when Princess Cruises ent or guardian must be present during these
parents disembark for a shore excursion. Minimum Age to Sail: At least 6 months at free sessions. Program hours vary by ship
The service must be booked at least one day time of embarkation or at least 1 year at time and itinerary. Some open-play sessions may
in advance, and availability is limited. No of embarkation for Trans-Atlantic and Exotic be available as well. Family activities are
in-stateroom babysitting is available. sailings, including those in Asia and Australia. also offered. Little tots in swim diapers can
Cribs, Baby Gear and Supplies: Cribs, play in specially designed Baby Splash Zone
Norwegian Cruise Line high chairs and booster seats are provided areas available on some Royal Caribbean
Minimum Age to Sail: At least 6 months upon request. Fresh, pureed foods are offered ships.
at time of embarkation or at least 1 year at onboard, and complimentary jar baby food is Babysitting for Babies & Toddlers: The
time of embarkation for voyages with three available if requested in advance. Strollers, fee-based Royal Babies and Tots Nursery
or more consecutive days at sea. diapers, baby supplies and formula are not provides babysitting for children in two age
Cribs, Baby Gear and Supplies: available. groups: babies from 6 months to 1 day less
Complimentary portable playpens/foldable In-Room Refrigerators: Yes. than 18 months and toddlers from 18 to 36
sleepers are available on request. High chairs Kids and Family Programs for Babies & months of age. Reservations are required,
are provided, and booster seats can be found Toddlers: Princess Cruises allows little ones and the number of time slots available varies,
on some ships. Diapers and wipes can be pre- ages 6 months to 3 years to visit its Camp so reserve in advance. The ratio of nursery
purchased as an amenity. Strollers, baby food Discovery themed centers when accompanied staff to children is 1:4. Staff will change dia-
and formula are not available. and supervised by a parent at all times. No pers as needed, but parents must provide sup-
In-Room Refrigerators: Yes, in state- drop-off children’s programs are offered for plies. Day and evening drop-off times are
rooms accommodating two or more guests. kids under 3. available. No in-stateroom babysitting serv-
Kids and Family Programs for Babies Babysitting for Babies & Toddlers: Not ices are currently being offered on Royal
& Toddlers: Splash Academy’s Guppies available for children under 3. Caribbean ships. CT

40 Cruise Travel January/February 2020


IN PERSPECTIVE

THE
EV LVING
SHIPBOARD
EXPERIENCE
10 ELEMENTS OF CRUISING THAT CONTINUE TO CHANGE

By Allan E. Jordan
he ability to evolve is a strength of the cruise industry. While some
T elements of the traditional voyage have faded with time, other
parts of the current shipboard experience hark back to the early days of
the modern cruise industry and even the great ocean liners of yore. It is
this mix of time-honored and contemporary that broadens the appeal of
cruising and makes it an increasingly popular vacation option.
Cruise Travel explores the changing elements of the cruise experi-
ence, fondly remembering yesteryear while examining how vacations
at sea continue to evolve.

The Ship of State


In the days of the ocean liner, most shipping lines had strong
national identities that were expressed in life onboard. For example,
French ships were known for their fine food, while Cunard Line ves-
sels were stately British manors. Even in the cruising era, Home
Lines and Sitmar Cruises were reputed for their Italian crews and
Onboard activities have certainly changed over the years. Few could have food; British officers of Princess Cruises were unmistakable in their
imagined water parks and rides like those on today’s Carnival Horizon. white shorts and knee socks. National pride ran deeper on Royal
Viking Line, with each cruise including a Norwegian Day that was
capped off with stewards and stewardesses presenting a folkloric
show of traditional Scandinavian music and dancing. While today’s
cruise lines have homogenized much of the onboard experience, a
few vestiges remain, such as Holland America Line’s crew shows and
the Scandinavian styles of Viking Cruises.

Sense of Adventure
The earliest cruises appealed to a sense of exploration and adven-
ture, visiting places such as St. Thomas, Hawaii or the Panama
Canal—destinations that seemed exotic but today are commonplace.
Excited passengers lined the rails to see their ship arrive in port and
residents bid a warm welcome. Musical groups might have serenaded
the arrivals with traditional songs, and, while politically incorrect by
today’s standards, passengers tossed coins over the sides of the ship
so local boys could dive for them. Cruise lines scheduled overnight
stays in ports, allowing passengers to sample nightlife ashore.
The addition of cabin balconies took passengers away from the
open decks, and, with more frequent stops, the once exotic ports
became regular stops. In some ports today, it is not uncommon to
Carnival Cruise Line Photos

find tens of thousands of passengers onshore from multiple mega-


ships. To recapture the sense of wonder, some cruise lines are seeking
out less frequented ports, including Celebrity Cruises, which boasts
of annually visiting more than 300 destinations in 79 countries.
And the new generation of exploration cruise ships seeks to deliver
destination enchantment with itineraries to places like the Galapagos
and Antarctica.
Cruise Travel January/February 2020 41
Ship Size ships grew into the thousands of passengers,
Many people have blissful memories of it became more difficult to maintain the com-
sailing on cruise ships with 500 or 600 pas- munity environment. Today, the smaller, lux-
sengers. Demand and economies of scale, ury ships and the emerging expedition cruise
however, have helped to drive the growth in market capture the shared community experi-
the size of ships to the point that Royal ence, while the megaships promote individ-
Caribbean International’s Symphony of the ual activities like rock climbing, go-kart rac-
Seas is currently the world’s largest at ing and zip lining.

Allan E. Jordan Collection


228,081 gross tons and carries up to 6,680
passengers. As the ships have grown, design Food Glorious Food
elements have had to evolve, resulting in Gluttony was an early image associated
the loss of smaller spaces such as libraries with cruising. People talked about how much
and card rooms. Some passengers miss the food there was on the ships and the weight
intimate nooks where they could relax over they gained on vacation. While food remains
Men’s attire may have changed, but golf was a book or share a conversation or nightcap. a key element of the cruise experience, many
a popular shipboard pastime during the 1930s Some features, such as sweeping open prom- traditions have faded away, reflecting
(above) and the 1960s, when passengers hit enades, have been lost not so much to scale changes in passengers’ habits and expecta-
balls off the stern and right into the water. but to the design realities of safety equipment tions. Mid-morning bouillon often was
for thousands of passengers and the desire served on the glass-enclosed promenades of
for balcony cabins, restaurants and bars with ocean liners crossing the Atlantic. Maybe it
unobstructed views. Responding to those who was to warm you after the chill of a brisk
prefer traveling with fewer passengers, the walk on deck, but the practice continued on
industry in recent years has introduced a some cruise ships. More common were elab-
number of small luxury ships. orate afternoon teas in a lounge dressed with
linens and silver service as waiters passed
Ship Within a Ship cakes, cookies, finger sandwiches and pots of
While the great liners mirrored the divi- tea. On deck, stewards came around with tea
sions in society with their class systems, trollies. Simplified these days, tea service is
modern cruising began without distinctions, alive and well on some ships, but the fanciful
as all passengers enjoyed the same amenities. show buffets are gone.
Cabins were standardized and mostly small- Once during each cruise, the ships would
er, as the cruise lines encouraged guests to set up elaborate, late-night displays of food
enjoy the public areas rather than spend time along with ice and butter carvings. These
in their rooms. The only ship that maintained spectacles were so lavish that passengers
any separations was the Queen Elizabeth 2, lined up 30 minutes before service to snap
where those who booked better accommoda- pictures or take movies with their 8mm cam-
tions went to different dining rooms. eras. (“What time is the midnight buffet?”
However, as cruising grew, suites and deluxe was a familiar punch line for shipboard
accommodations became more common, comedians. Often, though, the buffets were
and in the early 2000s an old concept began set up at 11:30, and there was a mini-buffet at
to reappear—the “ship within a ship.” In 1:30 a.m.) On Home Lines, trays of pizza
the 1960s, cruise ships such as Holland were passed through the night clubs, and, as
America’s Statendam had been built predom- a child, I remember begging my parents to let
inantly to carry tourist-class passengers, with us stay up for the 1 a.m. pizza. But the late-
Allan E. Jordan Collection

a small, separate area, including a dining night buffets gradually attracted fewer and
room and lounge, for first-class travelers. fewer people. Today the lido restaurants on
Fifty years later, Norwegian Cruise Line with many ships have 24-hour food service or, at
its Haven and MSC Cruises with its Yacht the very least, a limited offering of late-night
Club adopted a similar approach with snacks for those who need munchies before
enclaves for suite passengers featuring pri- bedtime.
Just as it’s no longer appropriate to whack vate restaurants, lounges and even a pool
golf balls into the ocean, trap shooting (shown deck. The popularity of similar perks contin- Dining as the Event
here in the 1970s) disappeared as a common ues to spread, with Royal Caribbean In the early days of cruising, passengers
deck sport on cruise ships. International introducing the Suite Club on were expected to dress appropriately to enter
its newest ship, the Spectrum of the Seas, the dining room, and menu choices were
proving what is old in cruising can be new staggering. Luncheons, especially on the
again. European ships, were elaborate, multi-course
feasts followed by food-induced afternoon
Onboard Ambience naps. At dinner time, meals were announced
The onboard experience evolved as cruise with a bellboy playing a musical tone around
ships sought to attract wider segments of the ship. In the dining room, maitre d’s
vacationers and compete with resort hotels showed off their skills with tableside prepara-
and theme parks as destinations. Those tions; on Italian ships it was pasta dishes,
Allan E. Jordan Collection

aboard the cruise ships of the 1960s, ‘70s and while others featured crepes Suzette. Much of
‘80s may remember a “clubby atmosphere” the food was served off silver platters instead
where the 600 guests shared a common expe- of being plated in the galley.
rience. The ship’s officers socialized with On one of the first large modern cruise
passengers, hosted dining room tables and ships, the food and beverage manager boasted
were often seen in the public areas. As the he could serve dinner to 1,000 passengers in
42 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
Allan E. Jordan Collection Cunard Line

While much has changed, some shipboard pastimes, like shuffleboard—as played in the 1930s or on today’s Queen Mary 2—have remained constant.

30 minutes. On the traditional liners it took insomniac. You can recapture some of this brought their routines to sea. Comedians
almost that long to review the menu and pampering with the butler service on today’s such as Phyllis Diller and Norm Crosby
order; meals certainly were not rushed. At the deluxe cruise ships. appeared on the Norway in the 1980s, while
end of the cruise, parading waiters, accompa- musical groups like The Ink Spots cruised
nied by strolling musicians, presented a flam- Life on Deck with Royal Viking Line. But such appear-
ing dessert. Those experiences were lost as Many of us remember the deck chairs you ances have almost disappeared as have more
new cruise ships converted to resort-style din- booked for the cruise through a deck steward sedate entertainment like string quartets and
ing and multiple restaurants. Passengers seek- who was there to provide a towel or ensure harpists. Ships also featured large movie the-
ing an elegant dining experience no longer go your chair was turned to follow the sun’s aters in the early years.
to the main dining room; instead, they make a progress throughout the day. Pastimes on Some things have evolved, such as pas-
reservation for steakhouses and other extra- deck included shuffleboard and a ring toss sengers participating in activities such as
charge specialty restaurants. Some ships game called deck quoits. Other traditions, karaoke and game shows, and movies have
don’t even serve lunch in the dining room. such as skeet shooting off the stern of the returned as open-air events on big screens in
ship or driving golf balls into the ocean, the pool area. Stage shows are shifting from
Service became less acceptable. To provide more Broadway revues to more elaborate produc-
In the early days, the cruise lines took amusements, the large cruise ships added tions—or to simple comedy or magic acts.
pride in personal service and attention to slides to their pools, and now full-fledged While some passengers may lament the
detail. For example, in the 1960s during a water parks are common. Basketball courts evolution and pine for the old ways, many
cruise on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, the staff have evolved into sports complexes such as enjoy the variety of experiences available
found out that a young couple was on their those on Royal Caribbean International’s today. Undoubtedly, cruising will continue to
honeymoon and, without their asking, a car- Anthem of the Seas and MSC Cruises’ evolve to reflect the changing expectations of
penter was dispatched to rearrange the twin Meraviglia. Norwegian Cruise Line’s new travelers who book a cruise vacation.
beds. ships have go-karts, and Carnival Cruise
The crews reflected the nationality of the Line’s Mardi Gras, debuting this summer,
lines. On Scandinavian ships, including those introduces the first roller coaster at sea. Many readers, remembering the way it used
of Norwegian America Line, Scandinavian to be, may wish to share cherished memories
stewardesses attended to staterooms. Entertainment of long-ago cruises and opinions about 21st
Because there were fewer passengers, you In the 1970s and ’80s, guests participated century cruising. Cruise Travel invites you to
knew your crew members more personally, in the masquerade party, and some were express your thoughts in a letter (300 words or
and when you came back the next year, you brave enough to enter the passenger talent less) addressed to Letters, Cruise Travel, 1800
would request the same waiter. One role that show. There were live bands for dance music Nations Drive, Suite 117, Gurnee, IL 60031-
has been eliminated is the night steward who and to accompany stage acts. Many of the 9171. Or e-mail editor@cruisetravelmag.com.
was in the corridor ready to provide a mid- early cruise ships showcased headliner enter- Your letter may be published in the magazine’s
dle-of-the-night snack or cup of tea for an tainment, often with aging celebrities who next issue. CT

In the 1930s, ship chefs spent days preparing elaborate food displays. The Carnival Horizon ’s Bonsai Teppanyaki, a popular specialty restaurant.
Allan E. Jordan Collection

Carnival Cruise Line

Cruise Travel January/February 2020 43


NORTHERN EXPOSURE

CRUISE PASSAGES

Silversea Cruises

Polar bear sightings thrilled passengers aboard Silversea Cruises’ Silver Explorer on a 2019 Northeast Passage sailing from Alaska to Norway.

Exploring the icy waters of Arctic routes and Alaska’s Inside Passage
By M.T. Schwartzman
he Inside Passage. Northwest Passage. with private balconies and onboard sub- largest national forest in the United States and
T Northeast Passage. The first is already
among cruising’s most popular summertime
marines and helicopters.
The term “passage” denotes the unique
the largest intact temperate rainforest in the
world. Probably the best known and most
destinations, welcoming more than a million nature of these waterways. As corridors from traveled of the world’s cruise passages, the
Alaska-bound cruise travelers each year. The point A to point B, they provide a direct and Inside Passage (or Inland Passage, as it used
latter two are Arctic routes above North sometimes protected path for ships to travel. to be known) was popularized as a travel des-
America and Europe/Asia connecting the Which is not to say they are without their haz- tination by the reporting and writing of natu-
Atlantic and Pacific oceans. ards: Ships have been known to run aground ralist and adventurer John Muir, who first
In recent years, more opportunities to trav- as they navigate narrow channels, storms may came to what is today known as Glacier Bay
el Arctic waters have been made available. bring challenging cruising conditions, and in in 1879 to prove his theories of glaciation.
This is due in large part to polar warming, the case of polar routes, ice may block the Only 85 years earlier, Glacier Bay
which has reduced pack-ice and made the path of vessels and impede their progress or didn’t exist. When British explorer George
passages more navigable (a trend that Cruise even prevent the completion of their jour- Vancouver arrived in the region in 1794, the
Travel predicted in a Cruise Views column ney—polar warming notwithstanding. bay was just a five-mile notch in the landscape
published in the March/April 2008 issue). that led to a wall of towering ice. In the inter-
Yet another factor in the increasing num- Inside Passage vening years, the ice had receded 48 miles,
bers of top-of-the-world cruises is the influx The Inside Passage runs for 1,000 miles revealing a dramatic landscape of fjords, tide-
of new luxury expedition ships into the glob- along the Pacific coast of Alaska and British water glaciers and snowcapped mountains.
al cruise market. Of the 100-plus cruise ves- Columbia, from Seattle and Vancouver in the Word of Muir’s discovery spread quickly, and
sels on order for delivery between now and south to Skagway at the head of the Lynn by 1890 tour boats were visiting Glacier Bay.
2027, about a third are expedition-type ves- Canal in the north. Along its northern stretch, Muir himself mentioned such arrivals in his
sels offering levels of luxury never before it passes through the Tongass National Forest, classic work Travels in Alaska (must reading
seen on adventure ships. Some have suites which holds the dual distinctions of being the for anyone venturing to America’s Last
Photo Credit Here
44 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
Frontier). It’s interesting to note that he appar-
ently was happy to see them.
Of course, Glacier Bay National Park is
now a mainstay on cruise itineraries of the
Inside Passage, which also may include the

Michael S. Nolan/Lindblad Expeditions


Alaska ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka and
aforementioned Skagway. Along the British
Columbia stretch of the passage, ports of call
include Victoria and Vancouver. Cruise lines
that sail the Inside Passage represent practi-
cally every major brand of big and small ships
alike. They include Alaskan Dream Cruises,
American Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Line,
Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney
Cruise Line, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland Lindblad Expeditions offers Zodiac trips that showcase the majesty of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
America Line, Hurtigruten, Lindblad
Expeditions, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Serenity became the largest cruise ship to Bering Strait. However, it was not until 150
Cruises, Ponant Cruises, Princess Cruises, transit the Northwest Passage during a 32-day years later, in 1879, that the Finnish/Swedish
Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean journey, a feat it repeated the following year. explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskjold ultimately
International, Seabourn Cruise Line, While the line has not returned since, its new made the first complete transit.
Silversea Cruises, UnCruise Adventures and polar expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor is A Northeast Passage cruise offers polar
Windstar Cruises. expected to eventually include the Northwest bear sightings, the rare chance to sail above
Passage among her itineraries once the vessel the northern coast of Siberia and learn about
Northwest Passage enters service (see below). In the meantime, the region’s Soviet-era history, and the oppor-
Few cruise itineraries are as storied as the cruise operators with full or partial Northwest tunity to visit once-in-a-lifetime trophy ports
legendary Northwest Passage, the 900-mile Passage sailings scheduled for 2020 include like the uninhabited Franz Josef Land and
route above North America that connects the Adventure Canada, Hurtigruten, Hapag- Russia’s Wrangel Island—a UNESCO World
northern Atlantic to the northern Pacific. Lloyd Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, Ponant Heritage Site not to be confused with the
When British explorer Sir John Franklin set Cruises, Quark Expeditions, Scenic Cruises Inside Passage port of Wrangell. Until recent-
out to find the passage in 1845, he command- & Tours and Silversea Cruises. Come 2021, ly, few lines were interested in undertaking
ed two ships—the HMS Terror and HMS Ponant will introduce Le Commandant such an endeavor, and the ice-choked waters
Erebus—and took with him enough provisions Charcot, the cruise world’s first LNG/hybrid- above Norway and Russia made the voyage
to last three years. He and his men never powered passenger icebreaker, onto the impractical for all but the most specialized
returned. What happened to them has become Northwest Passage. ships such as nuclear-powered icebreakers—
one of the Arctic’s most enduring mysteries, some of which took paying passengers.
with the shipwrecks of the two vessels only Northeast Passage According to Quark Expeditions, it made the
recently having been discovered and explored. The least known and least traveled of the first-ever tourism transit of the Northeast
Half a century later, Norwegian explorer Northern Hemisphere’s cruise passages is the Passage in 1991. But the outlook has been
Roald Amundsen was the first to successfully Northeast Passage (also known as the Northern altered, at least from the point of view of
navigate the length of the Northwest Passage, Sea Route), which connects the northern intrepid cruise travelers, by the confluence of
doing so from 1903 to 1906. (The newest Atlantic and Pacific oceans in a polar route climate change, overall growth of the cruise
Hurtigruten ship, the world’s first hybrid- above Europe and Asia. This is by far the industry, and the new generation of expedition
powered cruise vessel, is named after him.) longest of the three passages. Mariners had ships coming online that offer more luxury
Northwest Passage cruises typically travel been aware of the probability of a Northeast and adventure than ever.
between Nome, Alaska, and Kangerlussuaq, Passage for centuries. Among them was Still, only a handful of lines currently offer
Greenland. Highlights of such a voyage Danish-born Vitus Bering, best known as hav- the opportunity to transit the Northeast
include the never-setting Midnight Sun, polar ing discovered Alaska for the Russian Empire Passage, although that is changing. Hapag-
bear sightings and visits to historic sites relat- in 1741, but before that he went in search of the Lloyd Cruises has done it several times,
ed to the ill-fated Franklin expedition. Northeast Passage in 1728, entering through including last year aboard the Bremen. Also
In 2016, the 980-passenger Crystal the waterway that now bears his name—the in 2019, Silversea Cruises operated its first
transit of the passage aboard the 144-passen-
A National Park Service ranger chats with Princess Cruises passengers in Alaska’s Glacier Bay.
ger Silver Explorer—becoming the largest
and most luxurious ship to sail the route—on
a 5,000-mile journey from Nome to Tromso,
Norway—common end points for these
cruises. Silversea will return for 2020, joined
by Lindblad Expeditions with its brand-new
polar exploration ship National Geographic
Endurance. In 2021, Ponant Cruises joins the
Northeast Passage club aboard L’Austral, as
does Crystal Cruises for the very first time
with the Crystal Endeavor, its all-new polar-
class megayacht. As a historical footnote, the
HMS Endeavor was the ship commanded by
Captain James Cook on his first voyage of
Princess Cruises

discovery from 1768 to 1771. On a later voy-


age in 1776, Cook became among the first
Europeans to go in search of the Northwest
Passage. CT
Cruise Travel January/February 2020 45
Jun. 3, 24, Jul. 15, Aug. 5, 26, Sep. 16—8 days: Am- May 31, Aug. 2, 23, Sep. 6—7 nights: Bermuda, Bal-
ber Cove, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, New York. timore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $669

CRUISE TRAVEL
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $549
Jul. 6, 27—9 days: Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Half Royal Caribbean International
Moon Cay, Nassau, New York. . . . Fares from $809 Grandeur of the Seas, frequent departures—7 nights:
Bermuda (King’s Wharf), Baltimore.
MAGAZINE Norwegian Cruise Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $441
Norwegian Bliss, Mar. 22, 29, Apr. 5, 12—7 days: Port Mar. 27, Apr. 16—8 nights: Nassau, CocoCay, Port
Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, New York. Canaveral, Charleston, Baltimore. . Fares from $449
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $449 Apr. 4—12 nights: Charlotte Amalie, Philipsburg,
Norwegian Dawn, Apr. 9—10 days: Royal Naval Dock- Castries, Bridgetown, Basseterre, Baltimore.
CRUISE yard (Bermuda), Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, Port
Canaveral, Norfolk, New York. . . . . Fares from $549
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,049
Apr. 24—7 nights: King’s Wharf, Baltimore.
CALENDAR Norwegian Encore, frequent departures—7 days:
Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), New York.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $719
May 1—8 nights: King’s Wharf, Nassau, Baltimore.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $949 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $549
Apr. 22, Aug. 30, Sep. 17, 12—4 days: Royal Naval Jun. 25, Jul. 9, 23, Aug. 6—9 nights: King’s Wharf,
Dockyard (Bermuda), New York. . . Fares from $399 CocoCay, Nassau, Baltimore. . . . Fares from $759
Sep. 3—5 days: Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda),

SPRING/SUMMER
New York. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $779
Norwegian Escape, Apr. 7—4 days: Royal Naval
Norfolk
Dockyard (Bermuda), New York. . . Fares from $479 Carnival Cruise Line
2020 Apr. 11—7 days: Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), Carnival Sunshine, Frequent departures—4 days:
New York. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $799 Nassau, Norfolk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $324
Norwegian Gem, Mar. 26—11 days: San Juan, Bas- Frequent departures—5 days: Nassau, Princess
seterre, Castries, Bridgetown, St. John’s, St. Cays, Norfolk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $374
Thomas, New York. . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $829 Frequent departures—5 days: Nassau, Half Moon
Apr. 6, 11—5 days: Royal Naval Dockyard Cay, Norfolk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $404

N ow is the time to start thinking about a spring


or summer getaway to the Caribbean,
Bahamas or Bermuda. The Cruise Calendar is
(Bermuda), New York. . . . . . . . . . Fares from $649
Norwegian Pearl, frequent departures—7 days: Port
Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, New York.
Mar. 30, Apr. 27, May 2, 25, Jul. 20, Aug. 17—5 days:
Half Moon Cay, Nassau, Norfolk. . Fares from $439

listed in the following manner: port of departure, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $579


cruise company, cruise ship, length of cruise Norwegian Star, Apr. 9—10 days: Norfolk, Port
Jacksonville
(days), ports of call and minimum cruise fare Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, Royal Naval Carnival Cruise Line
Dockyard (Bermuda), New York. . . Fares from $599 Carnival Ecstasy, frequent Thursdays—4 days:
(per person) posted on the cruise line’s website
at press time. Special offers and discounts are Freeport, Nassau, Jacksonville. . . Fares from $249
Oceania Cruises Frequent Mondays—5 days: Princess Cays, Nas-
often available through the cruise companies Insignia, Jul. 25, Aug. 1, 8—7 days: St. George and sau, Jacksonville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $269
and travel agents. All efforts are made to assemble Hamilton (Bermuda), New York. . Fares from $1,199 Frequent Saturdays—5 days: Nassau, Princess
accurate, current information, but Cruise Travel Cays, Jacksonville. . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $269
cannot be responsible for errors, omissions or Cape Liberty, Bayonne, NJ
changes. Double-check with your travel agent for Port Canaveral
the latest information or check out the cruise Celebrity Cruises
lines’ websites. Celebrity Summit, May 9, Jun. 6—10 nights: Newport, Carnival Cruise Line
Charleston, King’s Wharf (Bermuda), Cape Liberty. Carnival Breeze, frequent departures—7 days: Amber
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,799 Cove, St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk, Port
CARIBBEAN, Jun. 28, Jul. 26—7 nights: King’s Wharf, Newport,
Cape Liberty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,349
Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $524
Apr. 11, May 2, 30, Aug. 8, Sep. 5—7 days: Cozumel,
BAHAMAS, BERMUDA Jul. 5, 12, 19—7 nights: Newport, King’s Wharf, Belize, Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya, Port Canaveral.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $494
Cape Liberty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,299
Jun. 20, Jul. 18—7 days: Cozumel, Mahogany Bay,
Boston Royal Caribbean International Belize, Costa Maya, Port Canaveral.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $504
Norwegian Cruise Line Adventure of the Seas, frequent departures—5
nights: King’s Wharf (Bermuda), Cape Liberty. Carnival Elation, frequent departures—4 days: Nas-
Norwegian Gem, frequent departures—7 days: Royal sau, Princess Cays, Port Canaveral.
Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), Boston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $466
May 21, Jul. 1, Aug. 13—9 nights: King’s Wharf, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $239
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $549 Frequent departures—5 days: Amber Cove, Grand
Philipsburg, San Juan, Labadee, Cape Liberty.
New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $937 Turk, Port Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $294
Frequent departures—5 days: Nassau, Princess
Jun. 18—8 nights: King’s Wharf, San Juan, Labadee,
Carnival Cruise Line Cape Liberty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $883 Cays, Grand Turk, Port Canaveral.Fares from $299
Mardi Gras, Sep. 30—15 days: Amber Cove, San Jul. 29—10 nights: King’s Wharf, Philipsburg, Char- Mar. 26, Apr. 9, 23—4 days: Nassau, Freeport, Port
Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Aruba, Cu- lotte Amalie, San Juan, Labadee, Cape Liberty. Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $264
racao, Grand Turk, Port Canaveral (end). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,289 Carnival Liberty, frequent departures—3 days: Nas-
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,359 Anthem of the Seas, Mar. 22, 29, Apr. 5—7 nights: sau, Port Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $219
Carnival Legend, May 16, 25—9 days: San Juan, St. Port Canaveral, CocoCay, Nassau, Cape Liberty. Frequent departures—4 days: Nassau, Half Moon
Maarten, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, New York. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $449 Cay, Port Canaveral . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $219
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $819 Empress of the Seas, May 4, Jun. 29, Jul. 13, 20, Frequent departures—4 days: Nassau, Princess
Carnival Radiance, Jun. 25, Jul. 16, Aug. 6, 27—4 Aug. 17—7 nights: Hamilton and St. George Is. Cays, Port Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . Fares from $224
days: Bermuda, New York. . . . . . . Fares from $529 (Bermuda), Cape Liberty. . . . . . . . Fares from $582 Frequent departures—3 days: Nassau, Port
Jun. 29, Jul. 20—9 days: San Juan, St. Maarten, St. May 11—7 nights: St. George Is., Hamilton, Cape Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $239
Thomas, Grand Turk, New York. . . Fares from $999 Liberty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $599 Mar. 23, Apr. 6, 20—4 days: Nassau, Freeport, Port
Jul. 8—8 days: Grand Turk, San Juan, Amber Cove, Oasis of the Seas, frequent departures—7 nights: Canaveral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $279
New York. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $959 Port Canaveral, CocoCay, Nassau, Cape Liberty.
Jul. 29, Aug. 19—8 days: Amber Cove, Grand Turk, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $617 Disney Cruise Line
Half Moon Cay, New York. . . . . . . Fares from $779 Aug. 1—8 nights: Port Canaveral, Miami, CocoCay, Disney Dream, Jun. 12, 21, 26, Jul. 5—5 nights: Cast-
Aug. 10—9 days: Bermuda, Half Moon Cay, Nassau, Nassau, Cape Liberty. . . . . . . . Fares from $1,131 away Cay, Nassau, Port Canaveral.
New York. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $779 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $4,285
Aug. 31—6 days: Bermuda, New York.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $619
Baltimore Jun. 17, Jul. 1—4 nights: Castaway Cay, Nassau,
Port Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $3,905
Carnival Sunrise, frequent departures—4 days: Carnival Cruise Line Aug. 22—3 nights: Castaway Cay, Port Canaveral.
Bermuda, New York. . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $449 Carnival Pride, frequent departures—7 nights: Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,567
Jun. 15, Aug. 17—9 days: Bermuda, Grand Turk, Turk, Half Moon Cay, Freeport, Baltimore. Aug. 24, 27—3 nights: Castaway Cay, Nassau, Port
Half Moon Cay, New York. . . . . . . Fares from $529 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $599 Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,502
May 25—9 days: Bermuda, Half Moon Cay, Nassau, Apr. 5, 12—7 nights: Grand Turk, Princess Cays, Frequent departures—3-4 nights: Nassau, Cast-
New York. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $549 Freeport, Baltimore. . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $769 away Cay, Port Canaveral. . . . . Fares from $1,665

46 Cruise Travel January/February 2020


Disney Fantasy, frequent departures—7 nights: Mar. 26, Apr. 23—4 days: Half Moon Cay, Nassau, Veendam, Mar. 25—7 days: Ocho Rios, George Town,
Cozumel, George Town, Falmouth, Castaway Cay, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $274 Cozumel, Key West, Fort Lauderdale.
Port Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $3,895 Mar. 30, Apr. 13, 27—5 days: Ocho Rios, Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $549
Frequent departures—7 nights: Tortola, St. Thomas, Cayman, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . Fares from $424 Apr. 1—7 days: Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, San Juan,
Castaway Cay, Port Canaveral. . . Fares from $3,895 Apr. 4—5 days: Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Nassau, Grand Turk, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . Fares from $549
Mar. 21—8 nights: Basseterre, St. John’s, San Juan, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $384 Apr. 8—7 days: Half Moon Cay, Ocho Rios, George
Castaway Cay, Port Canaveral. . . Fares from $5,895 Apr. 9—4 days: Princess Cays, Nassau, Fort Laud- Town, Key West, Fort Lauderdale. . Fares from $549
Mar. 29—6 nights: Costa Maya, George Town, Cast- erdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $284 Apr. 15—7 days: Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, San
away Cay, Port Canaveral. . . . . Fares from $3,895 Juan, Grand Turk, Fort Lauderdale. . Fares from $559
Jun. 27—9 nights: Basseterre, Fort-de-France, St. Celebrity Cruises Volendam, Mar. 22—14 days: Half Moon Cay, St.
John’s, St. Thomas, Castaway Cay, Port Canaveral. Celebrity Edge, Mar. 22, Apr. 5—7 nights: San Juan,
Thomas, Basseterre, Castries, Bridgetown, St.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $7,803 Tortola, Philipsburg, Fort Lauderdale.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $929 George’s, Point-a-Pitre, St. John’s, San Juan, Fort
Jul. 6—5 nights: Cozumel, Castaway Cay, Port Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,249
Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $4,322 Mar. 29, Apr. 12—7 nights: Key West, Costa Maya,
Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Fort Lauderdale. Zuiderdam, Mar. 29—10 days: Half Moon Cay, Oran-
Aug. 25, 28—3 nights: Castaway Cay, Port jestad, Willemstad, Colon, Gatun Lake, Puerto
Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,895 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $949
Celebrity Equinox, frequent departures—6 nights: Limon, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . Fares from $949
Sep. 7—5 nights: Castaway Cay, Cozumel, Port Apr. 8—11 days: Half Moon Cay, Oranjestad, Willem-
Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $2,295 Key West, George Town, Cozumel, Fort Lauderdale.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $799 stad, Cartagena, Colon, Gatun Lake, Puerto Limon,
Sep. 12—7 nights: Tortola, St. Thomas, Castaway
Mar. 21, Apr. 4—7 nights: Key West, Puerto Costa Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $949
Cay, Port Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . Fares from $4,551
Sep. 19, 29—5 nights: Cozumel, Castaway Cay, Port Maya, Cozumel, George Town, Fort Lauderdale.
Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $2,295 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $599 Princess Cruises
Sep. 24—5 nights: Castaway Cay, Nassau, Cast- Mar. 28—7 nights: San Juan, Charlotte Amalie, Tor- Caribbean Princess, frequent departures—7 days:
away Cay, Port Canaveral. . . . . Fares from $3,105 tola, Nassau, Fort Lauderdale. . . . Fares from $999 Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize City, Cozumel, Fort
Apr. 11—10 nights: San Juan, Philipsburg, Bas- Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $639
Norwegian Cruise Line seterre, St. John’s, Charlotte Amalie, Tortola, Fort Frequent departures—7 days: Princess Cays, St.
Norwegian Breakaway, Mar. 21—7 days: Great Stir- Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,399 Thomas, St. Maarten, Fort Lauderdale.
rup Cay, Falmouth, George Town, Cozumel, Port Apr. 21—11 nights: Key West, New Orleans, Puerto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $639
Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $499 Costa Maya, Cozumel, George Town, Fort Laud- Apr. 4—14 days: St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts,
Mar. 28—7 days: Tortola, St. Thomas, Great Stirrup erdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,299 Martinique, Barbados, Trinidad, Curacao, Bonaire,
Cay, Port Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $549 May 2—11 nights: Charlotte Amalie, St. Croix, St.
Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,229
Apr. 4, 11—7 days: Ocho Rios, George Town, John’s, Bridgetown, Castries, Philipsburg, Fort
Apr. 28—7 days: Princess Cays, St. Thomas, St.
Cozumel, Port Canaveral. . . . . . . Fares from $499 Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,199
Maarten, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . Fares from $799
Apr. 18—4 days: Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, Great May 13—10 nights: George Town, Oranjestad,
Crown Princess, Regal Princess, Mar. 22, Apr. 5—7
Stirrup Cay, Port Canaveral. . . . . Fares from $359 Willemstad, Kralendijk, Key West, Fort Lauderdale.
days: Princess Cays, Falmouth, Grand Cayman,
Norwegian Star, Mar. 29—9 days: Great Stirrup Cay, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,249
Cozumel, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . Fares from $619
Oranjestad, Willemstad, Kralendijk, Port Canaveral. May 23—4 nights: Key West, Nassau, Fort Laud-
erdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $559 Mar. 29—7 days: Princess Cays, St. Thomas, St.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $679 Maarten, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . Fares from $619
Norwegian Sun, Mar. 13, 18—5 days: Costa Maya, Jun. 6, 20, Jul. 4, Aug. 1, 15—8 nights: San Juan,
Charlotte Amalie, Philipsburg, Tortola, Nassau, Fort Frequent departures—7 days: Princess Cays, St.
Cozumel, Port Canaveral. . . . . . . Fares from $269 Thomas, St. Maarten, Fort Lauderdale.
Mar. 23—4 days: Nassau, Grand Bahama Is., Great Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,199
Aug. 23—12 nights: St. Croix, St. John’s, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $549
Stirrup Cay, Port Canaveral. . . . . Fares from $319
Mar. 27—3 days: Grand Bahama Is., Great Stirrup Bridgetown, Castries, St George’s, Kingstown, Bas-
Cay, Port Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $349 seterre, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . Fares from $1,399 Royal Caribbean International
Apr. 7—5 days: Key West, Nassau, Great Stirrup Sep. 4—10 nights: George Town, Willemstad, Kral- Adventure of the Seas, Mar. 22, Apr. 5, 19—6 nights:
Cay, Port Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $449 endijk, Oranjestad, Key West, Fort Lauderdale. George Town, Puerto Costa Maya, Cozumel, Fort
Mar. 30, Apr. 3, 17—4 days: Grand Bahama Is., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,079 Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $472
Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, Port Canaveral. Sep. 14—11 nights: Charlotte Amalie, St. Croix, St. Mar. 28, Apr. 25—8 nights: Willemstad, Kralendijk,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $319 John’s, Bridgetown, Castries, Philipsburg, Fort Oranjestad, Fort Lauderdale. . . . Fares from $998
Apr. 12, 21—5 days: Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay, Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,049 May 3—12 nights: Oranjestad, Willemstad, Kral-
Grand Bahama Is., Port Canaveral. Celebrity Reflection, Mar. 23—11 nights: George endijk, St. John’s, Charlotte Amalie, Cape Liberty
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $449 Town, Cartagena, Colon, Puerto Limon, Puerto (end). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $818
Apr. 26—5 days: Grand Bahama Is., Great Stirrup Costa Maya, Cozumel, Fort Lauderdale. Apr. 11—8 nights: Labadee, San Juan, Charlotte
Cay, Nassau, Port Canaveral. . . . Fares from $449 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,329 Amalie, Philipsburg, Fort Lauderdale.
Apr. 3—10 nights: St. John’s, Castries, Bridgetown, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $799
Basseterre, Philipsburg, Fort Lauderdale.
Royal Caribbean International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,349
Independence of the Seas, frequent departures—3
Harmony of the Seas, frequent departures—7 nights: nights: CocoCay, Nassau, Fort Lauderdale.
Apr. 13—11 nights: Cartagena, Oranjestad, Willem-
CocoCay, Cozumel, Roatan, Puerto Costa Maya, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $393
stad, Kralendijk, George Town, Fort Lauderdale.
Port Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $762 Frequent departures—4 nights: Nassau, CocoCay,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,689
May 17, Jun. 14, Jul. 12, Aug. 9, Sep. 5—7 nights: Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $349
Celebrity Silhouette, Apr. 5—12 nights: St. Croix, St.
CocoCay, San Juan, Basseterre, Port Canaveral. Frequent departures—5 nights: CocoCay, Labadee,
John’s, Castries, Bridgetown, St. George’s,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $818 Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $393
Kingstown, Basseterre, Fort Lauderdale.
Majesty of the Seas, frequent departures—3 nights: Mar. 21, Apr. 4, 18—5 nights: Labadee, Falmouth,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,969
Nassau, CocoCay, Port Canaveral. Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $389
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $279 Holland America Line Mar. 26, Apr. 9, 23—4 nights: Cozumel, Fort Laud-
Mariner of the Seas, frequent departures—4 nights: Nieuw Amsterdam, Mar. 21—7 days: Half Moon Cay, erdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $302
CocoCay, Nassau, CocoCay, Port Canaveral. Falmouth, George Town, Cozumel, Fort Lauderdale. Mar. 30—5 nights: George Town, Cozumel, Fort
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $389 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $599 Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $391
Frequent departures—4 nights: CocoCay, Nassau, Mar. 28—7 days: Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amber May 2, Jul. 11, 25, Aug. 22, Sep. 5—5 nights: Coco-
Port Canaveral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $389 Cove, Key West, Fort Lauderdale. Cay, Falmouth, Fort Lauderdale. . . Fares from $430
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $579 May 16—2 nights: CocoCay, Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale Nieuw Statendam, Mar. 29—7 days: Half Moon Cay, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $194
Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Key West, Fort Laud- Serenade of the Seas, Mar. 23—11 nights: Ponce,
Carnival Cruise Line erdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $649
Carnival Magic, Mar. 22, Apr. 5—Half Moon Cay, Basseterre, Castries, St. George’s, Bridgetown, St.
Apr. 5—7 days: Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, San John’s, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . . Fares from $899
Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Fort Lauderdale. Juan, Grand Turk, Fort Lauderdale.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $474 Apr. 3—10 nights: Labadee, San Juan, Charlotte
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $679
Apr. 11—8 days: Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Cura- Apr. 12—7 days: Half Moon Cay, Ocho Rios, George Amalie, St. John’s, Basseterre, Philipsburg, Fort
cao, Aruba, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . Fares from $904 Town, Cozumel, Fort Lauderdale. . Fares from $679 Lauderdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $749
Apr. 19—6 days: Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove, Rotterdam, Mar. 27—10 days: Grand Turk, Amber Apr. 13—11 nights: Puerto Limon, Colon, Cartagena,
Grand Turk, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . Fares from $474 Cove, San Juan, Willemstad, Oranjestad, Fort Laud- Oranjestad, Willemstad, Fort Lauderdale.
Apr. 25—8 days: St. Maarten, St. Kitts, San Juan, erdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $899 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,199
Grand Turk, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . Fares from $719 Zuiderdam, Mar. 18—11 days: Half Moon Cay, Oran- Apr. 24—10 nights: Charlotte Amalie, St. John’s, Bas-
Carnival Sunrise, Mar. 21—5 days: Amber Cove, jestad, Willemstad, Cartagena, Colon, Puerto seterre, Roseau, Basseterre, Philipsburg, Fort Laud-
Nassau, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . Fares from $314 Limon, Fort Lauderdale. . . . . . . Fares from $1,049 erdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $799

Cruise Travel January/February 2020 47


Apr. 6, Sep. 14—4 days: Grand Bahama Is., Great
Miami MSC Cruises
MSC Armonia, frequent departures—8 days: Ocean Stirrup Cay, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $319
Carnival Cruise Line Cay, Ocho Rios, George Town, Key West, Miami. Apr. 10—3 days: Grand Bahama Is., Great Stirrup
Carnival Conquest, frequent departures—3 days: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $299 Cay, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $449
Nassau, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $194 Mar. 23—8 days: Montego Bay, George Town, Costa Apr. 27—4 days: Grand Bahama Is., Great Stirrup
Frequent departures—4 days: Key West, Cozumel, Maya, Ocean Cay, Miami. . . . . . . Fares from $339 Cay, Nassau, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $429
Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $199 Mar. 30—8 days: Montego Bay, George Town, Costa May 1, 6, 15, 20, Jul. 6—5 days: Key West, Grand
Mar. 30, Apr. 13—4 days: Half Moon Cay, Nassau, Maya, Ocean Cay, Miami. . . . . . . Fares from $299 Bahama Is., Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami.
Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $249 May 10—8 days: Ocean Cay, Ocho Rios, George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $599
Carnival Horizon, frequent departures—6 days: Ocho Town, Key West, Miami. . . . . . . . Fares from $299 May 25, Jul. 2, 16, Sep. 7—4 days: Grand Bahama
Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Miami. Apr. 20—7 days: Cozumel, Costa Maya, Ocean Cay, Is., Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $419 Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $269 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $219
Mar. 21, Apr. 4, 18—8 days: Grand Turk, La Romana, Aug. 16, 23, Sep. 6, 13—8 days: Key West, George Jun. 1, 8, Jul. 27, Aug. 24—4 days: Key West, Grand
Curacao, Aruba, Miami. . . . . . . . . Fares from $884 Town, Ocho Rios, Ocean Cay, Miami. Bahama Is., Great Stirrup Cay, Miami.
May 2, Jun. 27, Aug. 22—8 days: Aruba, Bonaire, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $299 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $399
Curacao, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $719 MSC Meraviglia, Mar. 22, Apr. 5—8 days: Ocho Rios, Jun. 22—5 days: Grand Bahama Is., Nassau, Great
May 16, Jun. 13, Jul. 25, Sep. 5—8 days: Aruba, George Town, Cozumel, Ocean Cay, Miami. Stirrup Cay, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $699
Bonaire, La Romana, Amber Cove, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $469 Jun. 27, Jul. 11—5 days: Key West, Nassau, Grand
Mar. 29—8 days: Costa Maya, Belize City, Isla de Bahama Is., Great Stirrup Cay, Miami.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $639
Roatan, Ocean Cay, Miami. . . . . . Fares from $459 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $229
May 30, Jul. 11, Aug. 8, Sep. 19—8 days: Aruba, Cu-
MSC Seaside, frequent departures—8 days: Ocho Jul. 20—4 days: Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay, Grand
racao, La Romana, Amber Cove, Miami.
Rios, George Town, Cozumel, Ocean Cay, Miami. Bahama Is., Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $549
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $629
Jun. 21, Sep. 13—6 days: Montego Bay, Grand Cay- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $409
Frequent departures—8 days: Ocho Rios, George Oceania Cruises
man, Cozumel, Miami. . . . . . . . . . Fares from $429 Riviera, Mar. 21—10 days: Nassau, Punta Cana,
Town, Cozumel, Ocean Cay, Miami.
Carnival Magic, frequent departures—6 days: Half Philipsburg, St. John’s, Castries, Gustavia, Miami.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $419
Moon Cay, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,699
Mar 21—8 days: San Juan, Charlotte Amalie, Nas-
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $359 Sirena, Apr. 1—10 days: Port Canaveral, Charleston,
sau, Ocean Cay, Miami. . . . . . . . Fares from $469
May 3—6 days: Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amber Norfolk, Hamilton, St. George, Nassau, Miami.
Mar. 28—7 days: Costa Maya, George Town, Ocho
Cove, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $474 Rios, Ocean Cay, Miami. . . . . . . . Fares from $469 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,599
May 9—8 days: Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Aruba, Apr. 4—8 days: San Juan, Charlotte Amalie,
Curacao, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $849 Freeport, Ocean Cay, Miami. . . . . Fares from $439
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
May 23—8 days: St. Maarten, St. Kitts, San Juan, Seven Seas Explorer, Mar. 24—10 nights: Costa
Apr. 11—8 days: Ocean Cay, Costa Maya, George
Grand Turk, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $914 Maya, Harvest Caye, Santo Tomas de Castilla,
Town, Ocho Rios, Miami. . . . . . . . Fares from $449
Jun. 6, Aug. 1—8 days: Aruba, Curacao, La Ro- Roatan, Cozumel, Georgetown, Key West, Miami.
Apr. 18—8 days: San Juan, Charlotte Amalie, Nas-
mana, Amber Cove, Miami. . . . . . Fares from $854 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $4,999
sau, Ocean Cay, Miami. . . . . . . . Fares from $389
Jun. 20, Jul. 18, Aug. 15, Sep. 12—8 days: St. Seven Seas Navigator, May 11—11 nights: Nassau,
Apr. 25—8 days: Ocean Cay, Cozumel, George
Maarten, St. Kitts, San Juan, Grand Turk, Miami. Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), St. George’s,
Town, Ocho Rios, Miami. . . . . . . . Fares from $389
Norfolk, Charleston, Port Canaveral, Miami.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $499 May 16—5 days: Ocean Cay, Nassau, Miami.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $5,299
Jun. 28, Aug. 9, 23—6 days: Half Moon Cay, Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $230
Seven Seas Splendor, Apr. 1—15 nights: Oranjestad,
Turk, Amber Cove, Miami. . . . . . . Fares from $359 Jun. 27, Jul. 11—8 days: San Juan, Charlotte
Kralendijk, St. George’s, Castries, St. John’s, Bas-
Jul. 4, Aug. 29—8 days: Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amalie, Nassau, Ocean Cay, Miami.
seterre, San Juan, Punta Cana, Charleston, New
Aruba, Bonaire, Miami. . . . . . . . . Fares from $599 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $699
York (end). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $8,799
Carnival Sensation, frequent departures—4 days: Jul. 4—8 days: Cozumel, George Town, Ocho Rios,
Key West, Cozumel, Miami. . . . . . Fares from $229 Ocean Cay, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $699 Royal Caribbean International
Frequent departures—5 days: Grand Turk, Half Empress of the Seas, Mar. 29—6 nights: CocoCay,
Moon Cay, Nassau, Miami. . . . . . Fares from $304 Norwegian Cruise Line Cozumel, Key West, Miami. . . . . . Fares from $329
Frequent departures—5 days: Ocho Rios, Grand Norwegian Breakaway, frequent departures—7 days: Apr. 12—6 nights: Key West, Cozumel, Puerto Costa
Cayman, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $314 Roatan, Harvest Caye, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Maya, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $359
Apr. 25, May 9, Aug. 10, Sep. 7—5 days: Nassau, Half Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $749 Apr. 26—5 nights: Nassau, CocoCay, Grand
Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Miami. . . . Fares from $304 Apr. 23—3 days: Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami. Bahama Is., Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $277
Mar. 23, Apr. 6, Jun. 20, Sept. 12—5 days: Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $279 Navigator of the Seas, frequent departures—3
Cayman, Ocho Rios, Miami. . . . . Fares from $314 Apr. 26, May 1, 17, 26, Aug. 23—5 days: Harvest nights: Coco Cay, Nassau, Miami. Fares from $279
Caye, Costa Maya, Miami. . . . . . Fares from $379 Frequent departures—4 nights: Nassau, CocoCay,
Mar. 28—5 days: Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Nas-
May 6, 22—4 days: Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $389
sau, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $359
Great Stirrup Cay, Miami. . . . . . . Fares from $329 Apr. 6, Jun. 1, 29—4 nights: CocoCay, Nassau,
Apr. 11—5 days: Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Miami. Norwegian Encore, Mar. 22, 29, Apr. 5, 12—7 days:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $369 CocoCay, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $529
San Juan, St. Thomas, Tortola, Miami. Oasis of the Seas, Apr. 23—3 nights: Nassau, Miami.
May 18, Jun. 15, Jul. 13—5 days: Grand Turk, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $599
Princess Cays, Nassau, Miami. . . Fares from $389 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $429
Norwegian Epic, Apr. 4, 11—7 days: Roatan, Harvest May 3—4 nights: Cozumel, Miami . . Fares from $477
Caye, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Miami. Symphony of the Seas, Mar. 28, Apr. 11, 25—7
Celebrity Cruises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $449 nights: Cozumel, Roatan, Puerto Costa Maya, Coco-
Celebrity Infinity, Mar. 21, Apr. 4—2 nights: Nassau, Norwegian Escape, Mar. 21—7 days: Roatan, Har-
Cay, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $928
Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $299 vest Caye, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Miami.
Mar. 23—5 nights: Key West, Cozumel, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $479 Windstar Cruises
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $699 Mar. 28—7 days: Harvest Caye, Roatan, Costa Star Breeze, Mar. 20—10 days: Key West, Cozumel,
Apr. 11—5 nights: Cozumel, Key West, Miami. Maya, Cozumel, Miami. . . . . . . . . Fares from $449 Belize City, Roatan, Isla San Andres, Puerto Limon,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $689 Norwegian Pearl, Mar. 22—5 days: Harvest Caye, Bocas del Toro, Colon (end). . . . Fares from $2,599
Costa Maya, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $379
Disney Cruise Line May 11—12 days: Oranjestad, Willemstad, Castries,
Bridgetown, Basseterre, St. Thomas, New York
Tampa
Disney Magic, Mar. 14—Castaway Cay, Cozumel, Mi- Carnival Cruise Line
(end). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $899
ami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $2,877 Carnival Legend, Mar. 22, Apr. 5, 12, 19, 26—7 days:
Norwegian Sky, frequent departures—3 days: Nas-
Mar. 19, Apr. 16—4 nights: Nassau, Castaway Cay, sau, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami. . . . Fares from $349 Grand Cayman, Mahogany Bay, Belize, Cozumel,
Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $2,042 Apr. 13—4 days: Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami. Tampa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $599
Mar. 23, Apr. 6, 20—5 nights: Key West, Castaway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $479 Mar. 29—7 days: Cozumel, Belize, Mahogany Bay,
Cay, Nassau, Miami. . . . . . . . . . Fares from $2,729 Apr. 20, May 11, Aug. 10, 17—4 days: Key West, Grand Cayman, Tampa. . . . . . . . . Fares from $604
Mar. 28, Apr. 11, 25—5 nights: Cozumel, Castaway Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, Miami. Carnival Paradise, Frequent departures—4 days:
Cay, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $2,383 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $429 Cozumel, Tampa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $254
May 4—4 nights: Key West, Castaway Cay, Miami. Mar. 23, Aug. 31, Sep. 8—4 days: Great Stirrup Cay, Frequent departures—5 days: Grand Cayman,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $2,053 Grand Bahama Is., Nassau, Miami. Fares from $299 Cozumel, Tampa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $284-$1,234
May 8—3 nights: Castaway Cay, Nassau, Miami. Mar. 27, Apr. 3, 17, 24, May 29, Jul. 24—3 days: Great May 12, Jun. 18, Jul. 30, Sep. 15—5 nights: Ma-
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $1,753 Stirrup Cay, Nassau, Miami. . . . . . Fares from $249 hogany Bay, Cozumel, Tampa. . . . Fares from $284
Apr. 2, 30—4 nights: Key West, Castaway Cay, Nas- Mar. 30—4 days: Key West, Great Stirrup Cay, Mi- Mar. 23, Apr. 6—Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Tampa.
sau, Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $2,144 ami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $299 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $394

48 Cruise Travel January/February 2020


Norwegian Cruise Line Frequent departures—5 days: Costa Maya, Carnival Vista, frequent departures—7 days: Cozumel,
Norwegian Breakaway, Mar. 22—7 days: Costa Cozumel, New Orleans. . . . . . . . . Fares from $294 Belize, Mahogany Bay, Galveston. . Fares from $489
Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan, Cozumel, Tampa. Frequent departures—4 days: Cozumel, New Or- Frequent departures—7 days: Montego Bay, Grand
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $349 leans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $304 Cayman, Cozumel, Galveston. . . . Fares from $499
Norwegian Dawn, Mar. 29—11 days: George Town, Frequent departures—7 days: Montego Bay, Grand
Oranjestad, Kralendijk, Castries, Royal Naval Dock- Norwegian Cruise Line Canyon, Cozumel, Galveston. . . . Fares from $489
yard (Bermuda), New York (end). . Fares from $649 Norwegian Getaway, Mar. 22, 29, Apr. 5, 12—7 days: Mar. 21—7 days: Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Ocho
Cozumel, Roatan, Harvest Caye, Costa Maya, New Rios, Galveston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $609
Royal Caribbean International Orleans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $429 Apr. 11, 25—7 days: Mahogany Bay, Belize,
Brilliance of the Seas, Mar. 26, Apr. 9, 23 —4 nights: Cozumel, Galveston. . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $509
Cozumel, Tampa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $338 Royal Caribbean International
Mar. 30, Apr. 13, 27—5 nights: Key West, Nassau, Majesty of the Seas, frequent departures—7 nights: Royal Caribbean International
Coco Cay, Tampa. . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $457 Key West, Nassau, CocoCay, New Orleans. Enchantment of the Seas, frequent departures—4
Mar. 21, Apr. 4, 18—5 nights: George Town, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $368 nights: Cozumel, Galveston. . . . . Fares from $249
Cozumel, Tampa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $414 Apr. 11, Jun. 6, Jul. 4—7 nights: CocoCay, Grand Ba- Frequent departures—5 nights: Yucatan, Cozumel,
Rhapsody of the Seas, Mar. 28, Apr. 11—7 nights: hama Is., Key West, New Orleans. Galveston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $339
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $487 Frequent departures—5 nights: Puerto Costa Maya,
Key West, George Town, Cozumel, Puerto Costa
Jun. 27, Jul. 11—7 nights: Cozumel, Puerto Costa Cozumel, Galveston. . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $323
Maya, Tampa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $606
Maya, Belize City, New Orleans. . Fares from $603 Frequent departures—7 nights: Key West, CocoCay,
Mar. 21, Apr. 4—7 nights: Roatan, Puerto Costa
Maya, Belize City, Cozumel, Tampa. Nassau, Galveston. . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $516
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $524
Galveston Liberty of the Seas, Apr. 12—7 nights: Roatan, Belize
Carnival Cruise Line City, Cozumel, Galveston. . . . . . . Fares from $570
Mobile Carnival Dream, frequent departures—5 days: Frequent departures—7 nights: Cozumel, Puerto
Yucatan, Cozumel, Galveston. . . . Fares from $309 Costa Maya, Roatan, Galveston. . Fares from $431
Carnival Cruise Line Frequent departures—4 days: Cozumel, Galveston. Frequent departures—7 nights: Cozumel, George
Carnival Fantasy, alternate Thursdays—4 days:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $309 Town, Falmouth, Galveston. . . . . . Fares from $419
Cozumel, Mobile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $269 Frequent departures—5 days: Costa Maya,
Frequent departures—5 days: Cozumel, Yucatan,
Mobile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $279
Cozumel, Galveston. . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $379 San Juan
Carnival Freedom, frequent departures—6 days: Costa Carnival Cruise Line
Frequent departures—5 days: Costa Maya, Maya, Cozumel, Galveston. . . . . . . Fares from $449
Cozumel, Mobile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $304 Carnival Fascination, frequent Sundays—7 days: St.
Frequent departures—6 days: Costa Maya, Ma-
Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados,
hogany Bay, Cozumel, Galveston.
New Orleans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $449
San Juan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $389
Frequent departures—8 days: Key West, Freeport, Celebrity Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line Half Moon Cay, Nassau, Galveston.
Carnival Glory, frequent departures—7 days: Ma- Celebrity Summit, Mar. 28, Apr. 25—7 nights: Tortola,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $644
hogany Bay, Belize, Cozumel, New Orleans. Philipsburg, Roseau, Bridgetown, St George’s, San
Mar. 22—7 days: Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, Belize,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $429 Juan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $869
Galveston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $559
Frequent departures—7 days: Montego Bay, Grand Mar. 29—7 days: Key West, Freeport, Nassau, Apr. 4—7 nights: Bridgetown, Castries, St John’s,
Cayman, Cozumel, New Orleans. . Fares from $464 Galveston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $644 Basseterre, Charlotte Amalie, San Juan.
Apr. 12, May 24, Jun. 28, Aug. 2, Sep. 6—7 days: May 17, Jun. 14, Jul. 12, Aug. 9, Sep. 6—7 days: Ma- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $919
Key West, Freeport, Nassau, New Orleans. hogany Bay, Belize, Cozumel, Galveston. Apr. 11—7 nights: Basseterre, Oranjestad, Willem-
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $469 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $464 stad, Kralendijk, San Juan. . . . . . . Fares from $969
Carnival Valor, frequent departures—5 days: Cozumel, Apr. 19—7 days: Cozumel, Belize, Mahogany Bay, Apr. 18—7 nights: Bridgetown, Castries, St. John’s,
Yucatan, New Orleans. . . . . . . . . . Fares from $284 Galveston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $539 Basseterre, Charlotte Amalie, San Juan.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $869
May 2—7 nights: Charlotte Amalie, Philipsburg, Bas-
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION (PS Form 3526-R). 1. Publication title: Cruise seterre, Cape Liberty (end). . . . . Fares from $824
Travel. 2. Publication number: 540-430. 3. Filing date: September 10, 2019. 4. Issue frequency: Bimonthly. 5. Number of
issues published annually: 6 times per year. 6. Annual subscription price: $58.95. 7. Complete mailing address of known
office of publication: 1800 Nations Drive, Suite 117, Gurnee, Lake, IL 60031-9171; Contact person: Norman Jacobs;
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Epic, Mar. 22—10 days: Oranjestad,
Telephone: 847-491-6440. 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: Same. 9.
Bridgetown, Castries, St. John’s, Basseterre, Tortola,
Full names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: publisher, Norman Jacobs, 1800
St. Thomas, San Juan. . . . . . . . . . Fares from $599
Nations Drive, Suite 117, Gurnee, Lake, IL 60031-9171; editor, Randy Mink, same address; managing editor, none. 10.
Owner (If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed
by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not
St. Martin
owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other SeaDream Yacht Club
unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published SeaDream I, Mar. 22—7 days: Basseterre, Rodney Bay,
by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.): Lakeside Publishing Company, LLC, 1800 Nations Drive, Suite St. George’s, Port Elizabeth, Tobago Cays, Union Is.,
117, Gurnee, Lake, IL 60031-9171; Jeri Jacobs, same address, Dale Jacobs, same address; Carey Sorkin, same Mayreau, Bridgetown (end). . . . Fares from $3,299
address; Murray Jacobs, same address; Barry Jacobs, same address. 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other Apr. 5—6 days: Little Bay, South Friars Bay, Sandy
security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None. 12. Ground, Gustavia, Virgin Gorda, Marigot (end).
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $3,199
Tax status (For completion by nonprofit organizations): Not applicable. 13. Publication title: Cruise Travel. 14. Issue date for
Apr. 11—8 days: Sandy Ground, Gustavia, Bas-
circulation data below: May/June 2019. 15. Extent and nature of circulation. Average number copies each issue during pre-
seterre, Iles des Saintes, Portsmouth, Port Elizabeth,
ceding 12 months: A. Total number of copies (net press run): 19,117. B. Legitimate paid and/or requested distribution (1)
Mayreau, Bridgetown (end). . . . Fares from $3,799
Outside-county paid/requested mail subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541: 14,571; (2) In-county paid/requested mail sub-
scriptions stated on PS Form 3541: 0; (3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid
or requested distribution outside USPS: 1,053; (4) Requested copies distributed by other mail classes through the USPS:
Barbados
0. C. Total paid and/or requested distribution: 15,624. D. Nonrequested distribution (by mail and outside the mail): (1) Out- Carnival Cruise Line
side-county nonrequested copies stated on PS Form 3541: 0; (2) In-county nonrequested copies stated on PS Form 3541: Carnival Fascination, frequent Fridays—7 days: San
180; (3) Nonrequested copies distributed through the USPS by other classes of mail: 0; (4) Nonrequested copies distributed Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, St. Lucia,
outside the mail: 0. E. Total nonrequested distribution: 180. F. Total distribution: 15,804. G. Copies not distributed: 3,313. H. Barbados. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $419
Total: 19,117. I. Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 98.86. Number copies of single issue published nearest to filing
date: A. Total number of copies (net press run): 19,300. B. Legitimate paid and/or requested distribution (1) Outside-county SeaDream Yacht Club
SeaDream I, Mar. 29—7 days: Port Elizabeth,
paid/requested mail subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541: 14,985; (2) In-county paid/requested mail subscriptions stated
Mayreau, Rodney Bay, Iles des Saintes, Gustavia,
on PS Form 3541: 0; (3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid or requested
Marigot (end). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $3,299
distribution outside USPS: 984; (4) Requested copies distributed by other mail classes through the USPS: 0. C. Total paid
Apr. 19—8 days: Rodney Bay, Soufriere Bay, Port
and/or requested distribution: 15,969. D. Nonrequested distribution (by mail and outside the mail): (1) Outside-county non- Elizabeth, Tobago Cays, Man-o-War Bay, Port of
requested copies stated on PS Form 3541: 0; (2) In-county nonrequested copies stated on PS Form 3541: 193; (3) Non- Spain, St. George’s, Mayreau, Bridgetown.
requested copies distributed through the USPS by other classes of mail: 0; (4) Nonrequested copies distributed outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fares from $4,299
the mail: 0. E. Total nonrequested distribution: 193. F. Total distribution: 16,162. G. Copies not distributed: 3,138. H. Total:
19,300. I. Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 98.81. 16. Not applicable (Total circulation does not include any Silversea Cruises
electronic copies). 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a requester publication is required and will be printed in the Silver Wind, Mar. 27—10 days: Castries, St. George’s,
January/February 2020 issue of this publication. 18. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. Scarborough, Bequia Is., Fort-de-France, Gustavia,
(Signed) Norman Jacobs, Publisher Jost van Dyke, Fort Lauderdale. . Fares from $4,200

Cruise Travel January/February 2020 49


CRUISE VIEWS

ON YOUR OWN?
SAIL SOLO AND LOVE IT
t was a time in my life when I needed to go GOING ASHORE off the mini-bus and found myself alone. All
I off on my own, to plan something I’d never
done before—a fresh and different adventure.
Newly acquired friends often ask me to
join them on shore excursions. Or sometimes
fright subsided as I encountered friendly mer-
chants at a lively mercado laden with colorful
Instead of attempting to coordinate my sched- I initiate hiring local tour operators and invite displays of fish, fruit, beans and baskets.
ule with friends, I said yes to risk and booked others I’ve met onboard to accompany me. On another occasion, anticipating a visit to
a solo cruise. Sure, I was scared, but my first Private tours offer schedule flexibility (when an emotionally charged site with a tragic his-
voyage was such a positive and empowering tours booked through the cruise line leave tory, I knew that I wanted to go without a large
experience—opening up new and exotic earlier or later than I prefer). Sharing also touring group. I hired a gentle, local guide
worlds for me—that I’ve embarked alone on reduces my cost and, with a smaller group, who escorted me to Goree Island, off Dakar,
six cruises since. gives me an opportunity to see local life up Senegal’s coast—an infamous stop on
Over the years I’ve formulated a game close. It also allows me to linger longer, Atlantic slave trade routes from Africa to
plan that has guided me through many Europe and the Americas.
rewarding experiences.
ATTIRE
MAKING ARRANGEMENTS Scarves and jewelry occasionally
AND ACQUAINTANCES provide a fun entry into social interac-
Shortly after boarding and unpack- tion. With a penchant for bright colors
ing, I head to the dining room to tell the and a knack for scarf-tying, I have
maitre d’ I am single and, if possible, drawn admirers who inquire about my
would like to be seated with outgoing, technique. I also wear interesting rings
interesting people for dinner. I request or earrings—unusual but not necessari-
7:30 seating at the largest share table— ly expensive ones—and at various
not one for singles nor one for four. (I’m times have been dubbed the “scarf
happy to eat breakfast and lunch by lady” or the “jewelry lady.”
myself, but dinner calls for company.)
Most passengers are very solicitous EMERGENCIES
of people traveling alone and that has Dealing with emergencies is stress-
been true for me around dinner tables ful for anyone far from home and is
on Crystal, Holland America, Oceania Cruise memories include the colorful fish market in Sekondi- especially a challenge if traveling solo.
and Regent cruises. For example, one Takoradi, Ghana. Travel mementos like these dragon-headed When the meds I had with me on a
lively woman, happily embarking on porcelain dolls from Thailand decorate the traveler’s home. recent Regent cruise from Lisbon to
her first voyage, became my regular Cape Town didn’t alleviate severe back
companion for morning walks around pain, I visited the infirmary. Requiring
breezy decks while her late-sleeping more medical care than the ship’s doc-
husband remained in bed. A friendly, tor could provide, I faced the task of
graying gentleman with a non-card- aborting the 24-day voyage. With no
playing spouse of 50 years became my shoulder to cry on, but with the helpful
shipboard bridge partner. We success- and caring assistance of the concierge
fully racked up decent scores and and the IT, we made the necessary
played together throughout the trip. arrangements for me to leave the ship.
There was an occasional strikeout. Concerned about flying out of prim-
On a 35-day cruise from San Diego to itive airports, I booked a flight out of
Photos by Howard Sloane

Rio de Janeiro, I did ask not to be seat- Namibia, a scheduled stop with an
ed again with one particularly non-con- international airport. From there I flew
genial group. This noisy, boisterous six- business class—the only way I could
some had traveled together for years rest my back comfortably—to
and were too entrenched in their own Johannesburg, then Frankfurt to Los
lives to welcome a stranger. Nevertheless, Angeles, grateful for attendants who
I always thank the maitre d’ whenever I met me with wheelchairs at each stop.
leave the dining room. unearthing remarkable artifacts like the 38- Now, undaunted after successful back
Other means of meeting people include inch Borneo blow gun standing in the corner surgery, I’m anticipating a 27-day cruise
attending religious services and, interesting- of my den. These purchases, placed lovingly from New York to London with stops in
ly, doing laundry. When no other passengers throughout my home and garden, are con- Greenland and Iceland. How glad I am that I
are perched on nearby stools, the best bar- stant reminders of my wanderings. had the courage to take that first “leap of
tenders have sympathetic ears and make Sometimes I want to tour without any faith” and travel as a single. I’ve never been
good conversationalists. The blackjack companions. Anxious to visit markets in to Scotland, and Southeast Asia beckons my
tables in the casino frequently draw friendly Mindelo, Cape Verde’s second-largest city, I return. I’m in my 80s now and know I can do
gamers who have intriguing stories to tell. was the only passenger on an early shuttle it. And I can do it alone.
But don’t expect much discourse at the slot heading to town. Fleeting concerns about —As told to writer Valerie Sloane,
machines. safety crossed my mind as I stepped gingerly a friend of this intrepid traveler
50 Cruise Travel January/February 2020
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