For the Explorer in You

This fall Holland America will launch a new type of cruise, which actually seems to be an evolution of what most lines term an exotic itinerary. Those cruises are being enhanced with a variety of special interest programs both onboard and off, focused on the destination, covering a wide range of topics - and Holland America will call them EXC In-Depth Voyages.

A special feature of these voyages is that the ship will carry Zodiacs for up-close discovery of less-accessible areas of the shoreline.

The complete story appeared in the February 16 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

How They Made Princess Cays Even Better

Princess Cays has had a number of enhancements added during its recent renovation. Princess' private 40-acre resort on the southern tip of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

Princess Cays has always been a passenger favorite, featured on eastern and western Caribbean itineraries, but with the new enhancements it will be even “more favorite.”

The complete story appeared in the February 15 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

The Not-So Fun Ship

Yesterday we told you aboard a brawl aboard P&O's Pacific Explorer where seven people had to be removed from the ship. Today we have news of a brawl aboard Carnival Legend which apparently has smoldered through much of the cruise and when the fighting broke out, apparently occurring at least a couple of times (or more), it was worthy of a hockey game.

Details appeared in the February 15 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Indulge Your Foodie Urges Ashore

Holland America is extending their partnership with Food & Wine to develop culinary-themed EXC Tours (shore excursions).

There are already 23 available for 2018 sailings in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. And more are on the way. The tours offer a variety of experiences. They might be a hand-on cooking class with a local chef, a culinary walking tour, a visit to a winery, or a walking tour that samples local street food to name just a few.

The complete story appeared in the February 14 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - February 14, 2018

CND subscribers also read about:

• Virgin Voyages settles on a new home
• Seven passengers were removed from a ship after a move you usually only see in old movies

Details appeared in the February 14 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Something for Everyone

Norwegian Cruise Line has been operating a program to Cuba for most of the year with Norwegian Sky, and giving the market what most people want, who say they want to go to Cuba: a short cruise that visits Havana for a full day. In addition, the four-night cruise calls at Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas and has a full day at sea.

Now the line is expanding that with another choice. Norwegian Sun will operate longer (seven-night and longer) Caribbean cruises that include a call at Havana on a typical Caribbean itinerary. In short, Norwegian will be giving customers a choice: either making Havana the point of the trip, or just a bonus along the way.

The longer cruises will operate this fall.

The complete story appeared in the February 13 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - February 13, 2018

CND subscribers also read about:

• A west-coast-oriented culinary cruise aboard Ruby Princess on March 22 featuring Mexican food expert Bill Esparza along noted chefs Sabina Bandera and Carlos Salgado.
• Royal Caribbean declaring a 60-cent quarterly dividend. 

Details appeared in the February 13 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Something New for the West Coast

In the first of three news items concerning Carnival on the West Coast, Carnival Cruise Line announced on Saturday that their next Vista-class ship, Carnival Panorama, will be homeported at Long Beach.

It will be the first time in 20 years Carnival has sent a brand-new ship to the West Coast.

The complete story appeared in the February 12 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

A Bigger Home in Southern California

Carnival debuted their newly remodeled and enlarged cruise terminal in Long Beach coinciding with the arrival of Carnival Splendor which will be homeported there until late 2019.

The complete story appeared in the February 12 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

The unique interior of Carnival's Long Beach terminal

Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission. 

Coming Soon Just South of the Border

In the third piece of news to come from Long Beach over the weekend, Carnival announced a new port project for Ensenada.

Details appeared in the February 12 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Agreement to Order

Meyer Turku reports TUI Cruises has agreed to order Mein Schiff 7 from the yard.

Details appeared in the February 12 edition of Cruise News Daily.