By GERRY BARKER

When the first Carnival Celebration ship launched in 1987, it was considered a “super liner.” Costing $130 million, weighing in at 47 gross tons and over 700 feet in length, its 10 decks accommodated some 1,500 passengers.

Fast forward to 2022 and the arrival of Carnival Celebration 2.0. At a length exceeding 1,100 feet and built at a cost of $1 billion, the 180,000-ton ship boasts 19 decks and can officially host 6,465 passengers and 1,745 crew — a veritable city on the sea. And did I mention it also has the first roller coaster at sea at the top?

Celebration is one of three, Excel-class ships in the Carnival fleet, joining Mardi Gras and Jubilee, with two more on order. LNG-powered (Liquified Natural Gas), one has to wonder how you go about taking care of over 8,000 people on a ship. To find out, we boarded Celebration for a one-week cruise in the Caribbean.

Carnival’s mantra is “Choose Fun,” and over the past 50 years, they deliver on that just about better than anyone.   READ MORE.

(Press Release) NEW YORK, NY – November 26, 2024 - Black Friday has landed early at Norse Atlantic Airways, bringing travelers the year's most exciting flight deals!

Whether you're dreaming of a romantic city break in Paris, a winter getaway in Berlin, or a New Year celebration in London, Norse Atlantic Airways has you covered with spectacular discounts to fuel your love for travel.

(Press Release) GUILFORD, CT—November 25, 2024--American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that American Legend sets sail today, along its first cruise. The newest small ship in the country is sailing American’s 8-Day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys itinerary, roundtrip from St. Petersburg Florida. The fully domestic cruise visits: St. Petersburg, FL; Marco Island, FL; Key West, FL; Punta Gorda, FL; and offers an optional precruise hotel stay in Tampa, Florida. The cruise explores the Sunshine State’s Gulf Coast, offering many shoreside excursions in every port-of-call including a full day exploration of Dry Tortugas National Park. 

This week’s first cruise will also feature extra fun, including American Legend’s official christening ceremony on Wednesday, November 27th when the ship is docked at Mallory Square in Key West. The ceremony will be held on board with the ship’s Godmother, Key West Mayor DeeDee Henriquez, cruise guests, and American Cruise Lines executives. On Thursday, November 28th, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on board with a traditional holiday meal and all the fixings. 

American Legend accommodates 100 guests. It is American Cruise Lines’ 19th new small ship, 4th Coastal Cat, and 2nd new ship this year. Click here for more details on American Legend.

​VIRTUAL TOUR: For a virtual tour of American’s newest 100-passenger Coastal Cats please click here.

(Press Release) Calabasas, CA, November 2024 – From March through May, the Netherlands dazzles with its annual display of millions of tulips and other flowers, making it worthy of inclusion for any bucket list. AmaWaterways’ Tulip Time itinerary will satiate any flower lover, but also goes well beyond the blooms,  offering guests an authentic experience of all that is offered in this fairytale country. From the medieval architectural treasures of Bruges and Ghent to the chocolates, waffles and cheeses of Belgium to the canals of Amsterdam, this eight-day sailing fills the days with a myriad of experiences. More than 30 departures run from March 13 through May 5, 2025 at fares starting at US $2,560 / CAD $2,330 (with applicable savings offers). Savings offers include stateroom savings of up to 20% and waived single supplements on select departures.​