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Indian Railways Launches Two New Weekly Express Trains to Strengthen Connectivity Between Odisha and Southern India

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Indian Railways Launches Two New Weekly Express Trains to Strengthen Connectivity Between Odisha and Southern IndiaIndian Railways is set to...

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Discover Korea’s Rich Heritage: A Complete Travel Guide to the National Museum of Korea in Seoul for Global Tourists

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Discover Korea’s Rich Heritage: A Complete Travel Guide to the National Museum of Korea in Seoul for Global TouristsExplore the...

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Sweden’s Uppsala Introduces ‘IQ Tourism’ to Promote Intellectual Exploration Over Selfie Culture

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/swedens-uppsala-introduces-iq-tourism-to-promote-intellectual-exploration-over-selfie-culture/

Sweden’s Uppsala Introduces ‘IQ Tourism’ to Promote Intellectual Exploration Over Selfie CultureDiscover Uppsala's IQ tourism, a unique way to explore...

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Thailand Tourism Alert: Travel Costs and Economic Factors Cause Decline in Visitor Numbers in Early 2026

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Thailand Tourism Alert: Travel Costs and Economic Factors Cause Decline in Visitor Numbers in Early 2026Thailand’s tourism sees decline in...

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The Dark Legacy of Banteay Srei Temple: A Tale of Loot, Loss, and Cultural Reclamation

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The Dark Legacy of Banteay Srei Temple: A Tale of Loot, Loss, and Cultural ReclamationIn 1923, Banteay Srei became the...

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New Travel Insights: Canada’s Role in 2026 FIFA World Cup Promises Explosive Growth for Tourism

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New Travel Insights: Canada’s Role in 2026 FIFA World Cup Promises Explosive Growth for TourismCanada gains global tourism ahead of...

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Chattanooga, Tennessee Welcomes Its First Caption by Hyatt Hotel in the Heart of the Southside District: Everything You Need to Know

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Chattanooga, Tennessee Welcomes Its First Caption by Hyatt Hotel in the Heart of the Southside District: Everything You Need to...

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Carnival Splendor Cancels 10-Night New Zealand Voyage, Guests Offered Refunds and Rebooking Options

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Carnival Splendor Cancels 10-Night New Zealand Voyage, Guests Offered Refunds and Rebooking OptionsThe Carnival Splendor has cancelled its scheduled 10-night...

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Kuwait Airways And Indian Embassy Sign Aviation Deal To Ignite India Flights Boom: All You Need To Know

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/kuwait-airways-and-indian-embassy-sign-aviation-deal-to-ignite-india-flights-boom-all-you-need-to-know/

Kuwait Airways And Indian Embassy Sign Aviation Deal To Ignite India Flights Boom: All You Need To KnowKuwait Airways and...

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Sedona Arizona Leads Group Travel Surge: Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley Draw Visitors Seeking Unique Experiences

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Sedona Arizona Leads Group Travel Surge: Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley Draw Visitors Seeking Unique ExperiencesSedona sees surge group travel...

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Mexico, Caribbean, Canada: Unlock Dream Family Memories with Club Med’s Massive 50% Off Flash Sale

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Mexico, Caribbean, Canada: Unlock Dream Family Memories with Club Med’s Massive 50% Off Flash SaleSave 50% at Club Med resorts...

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Italy Braces for Massive Easter Travel Surge as Sixty Million Journeys Expected on Roads This Week: Everything You Need to Know

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Italy Braces for Massive Easter Travel Surge as Sixty Million Journeys Expected on Roads This Week: Everything You Need to...

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Fly in Luxury This Summer with Northern Jet’s Exclusive Summer Advantage Card

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Fly in Luxury This Summer with Northern Jet’s Exclusive Summer Advantage CardNorthern Jet introduces the limited-release Summer Advantage Card, offering...

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Bodrum Cruise Port Opens 2026 Season with Astoria Grande

Bodrum Cruise Port officially inaugurated its 2026 cruise season April 3 with the arrival of the Astoria Grande carrying 909 passengers and 445 crew members. The port is expected to host 119 cruise calls and welcome approximately 140,000 cruise passengers in 2026, according to the company. “Bodrum has reached a new milestone in its international...

Adora Mediterranea Embarks on New Xiamen Season

The Adora Mediterranea has set sail from the Port of Xiamen, launching a six-day, five-night international cruise itinerary to Manila and Boracay in the Philippines. This is Adora’s third consecutive year of operation from Xiamen as its homeport as it continues to deepen its presence along China’s southeastern coast, the cruise line said in a statement. “Xiamen is a key...

Discover The Sustainable Luxury Of S.S. Emilie’s Inaugural Voyage Through The Netherlands And Belgium With Uniworld River Cruises

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Discover The Sustainable Luxury Of S.S. Emilie’s Inaugural Voyage Through The Netherlands And Belgium With Uniworld River CruisesUniworld's S.S. Emilie...

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Flyadeal Unveils New Cabin Crew Uniforms, Signifying Bold Shift for Saudi Arabia’s Budget Airline

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Flyadeal Unveils New Cabin Crew Uniforms, Signifying Bold Shift for Saudi Arabia’s Budget AirlineFlyadeal, Saudi Arabia's growing budget carrier, introduces...

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Qatar Travel Sector Crisis Deepens as Middle East Conflict Triggers Losses, Refund Chaos and Airport Disruptions

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/qatar-travel-sector-crisis-deepens-as-middle-east-conflict-triggers-losses-refund-chaos-and-airport-disruptions/

Qatar Travel Sector Crisis Deepens as Middle East Conflict Triggers Losses, Refund Chaos and Airport DisruptionsQatar’s travel and tourism sector...

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Oceanwide Expeditions Supports Conservation Efforts in Antarctica

Oceanwide Expeditions has completed conservation and survey work carried out in cooperation with the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) at two sites in the Antarctic Peninsula. These are Base Y on Horseshoe Island and Base E on Stonington Island, two former British research stations, preserved as historic monuments under the Antarctic Treaty. These sites that are managed by UKAHT are often destinations for managed expedition tourism, according to a...

Fred. Olsen Testing AI-Powered Food Waste Reduction Onboard

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has partnered with Swiss technology company Kitro to trial AI-powered food waste monitoring devices onboard the Bolette. As food waste is said to be responsible for around 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the technology could play an important role in reducing emissions and supporting decarbonization in commercial operations. In a press release, the cruise line said...

Norway Sees Peak in Easter Crime Themed Activity Amid Official Travel Alerts as Holiday Travelers Arrive

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Norway Sees Peak in Easter Crime Themed Activity Amid Official Travel Alerts as Holiday Travelers ArriveNorway’s Easter sees heightened crime...

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Rome’s Sneaky Tourist Traps Exposed: How to Dodge Pickpockets, Fake Guides, and Overpriced Tickets Like a Local

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/romes-sneaky-tourist-traps-exposed-how-to-dodge-pickpockets-fake-guides-and-overpriced-tickets-like-a-local/

Rome’s Sneaky Tourist Traps Exposed: How to Dodge Pickpockets, Fake Guides, and Overpriced Tickets Like a LocalAvoid common scams in...

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South West London’s Berrylands Station to Shut for Four Months Starting May Amid Expensive Overhaul: Everything You Need to Know

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/south-west-londons-berrylands-station-to-shut-for-four-months-starting-may-amid-expensive-overhaul-everything-you-need-to-know/

South West London’s Berrylands Station to Shut for Four Months Starting May Amid Expensive Overhaul: Everything You Need to KnowBerrylands...

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ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance, A New Era for Italian Air Travel and Global Connectivity

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ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance, A New Era for Italian Air Travel and Global ConnectivityITA Airways joins Star Alliance, boosting...

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Canada Joins UK, US, Japan, Germany, China, India, Sri Lanka and Others Getting Relief Amid Escalating Middle East Crisis as Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Saudi and More Offer No Fine Overstay Exit, Free Visa Extensions, Food and Hotels: Everything You Need to Know

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/canada-joins-uk-us-japan-germany-china-india-sri-lanka-and-others-getting-relief-amid-escalating-middle-east-crisis-as-israel-qatar-bahrain-uae-saudi-and-more-offer-no-fine-overstay-exit-fr/

Canada Joins UK, US, Japan, Germany, China, India, Sri Lanka and Others Getting Relief Amid Escalating Middle East Crisis as...

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8 Things We Loved (and Didn’t) on Norwegian Cruise Line’s New Norwegian Luna

Norwegian Luna was christened last week during a ceremony at PortMiami, marking the official naming of the second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Plus Class of vessels.

A large Norwegian Cruise Line ship, the Norwegian Luna, is docked at a pier extending into blue-green ocean water, with a rocky shore and sparse vegetation in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

Featuring largely the same footprint as classmate Norwegian Aqua and Prima Class sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Luna is certainly extra. It offers elegant but fun public spaces with some stellar new shows, comfortable cabins and 17 restaurants that feature 15 different cuisines.

To help you decide if you’d like to sail on this new ship, here are five things we loved and three that didn’t blow us away.

Hits

A theater audience waits in front of a stage with a neon sign reading "ELTON," framed by vibrant lights, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of the entertainment on Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Luna—perfect for any cruise review.

New Shows With High Production Value

Norwegian Luna debuted with three new shows, all happening in the main Luna Theater. Each of them is fantastic, employing phenomenal talent; elaborate, high-tech sets, lighting and projections; jaw-dropping costumes; and live music. Here’s a quick rundown.

“Elton”: This isn’t your average tribute show. It combines the best of Elton John’s music – think: “Saturday Night’s Alright (for Fighting),” “Crocodile Rock,” “I’m Still Standing” and others – with iconic costuming that will have passengers singing along and dancing in their seats.

The performance incorporates singing by members of the ship’s cast, as well as dancing to recorded lyrics sung by Elton John himself. Toss in a dozen pianos that decorate the stage, one of which is used by a live pianist, and it’s a compilation you won’t want to miss.

“HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder”: The word “hiko” means “prince” in Japanese, making it a perfect name for this show, which focuses on a male protagonist. We struggled to find a plot in the performance, which is set to music but has no talking or singing.

However, its visual appeal – laser lights, digital projections, acrobatics, dancing, aerialist performances and a routine set on trampolines – was more than enough to hold our attention.

A band performs onstage with elaborate classical décor, a large chandelier, and colorful stage lights aboard the Norwegian Luna. A man and woman sing at the front, accompanied by musicians on guitar, drums, and keyboard in the background.

“Syd Norman’s Presents: A Tribute to The Eagles”: For years, Norwegian ships with Syd Norman’s Pour House (a rock ‘n’ roll-style lounge for intimate performances) have offered “Syd Norman’s Presents: Rumours.”

The wildly popular show – which sees a resident quartet perform the entirety of the Fleetwood Mac album of the same name, interspersed with stories about the band – has since moved to the main theater due to the number of passengers hoping to see it.

On Norwegian Luna, the cruise line has added a similar show as a tribute to The Eagles. Instead of playing one single album, the cast focuses on the band’s biggest hits, including “Heartache Tonight,” “Desperado” and “Hotel California.”

We’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention “LunaTique,” a fourth show, held in the ship’s Improv at Sea comedy lounge. It’s a blend of cabaret and circus-style immersive entertainment set to pop music.

Because it’s open to a limited number of passengers, we were unable to try it on our sailing. However, cruisers who did attend told us it has a bit of a speakeasy vibe. Unlike the other new shows, it costs extra – $45 per person – and includes several themed drinks.

The Aqua Slidecoaster

Two people sit in blue inflatable rafts on parallel conveyor belts leading up a water slide aboard the Norwegian Luna, with the ocean visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

This fun top-deck attraction, which is free for passengers, combines the initial adrenaline rush of a roller coaster with a decidedly less butterfly-inducing trip down a moderately paced waterslide. Although the slidecoaster made its first appearance on Norwegian Aqua, it’s worth noting as a don’t-miss activity on Norwegian Luna, too.

Passengers board the attraction on Deck 19, where they wait in line to make sure they meet height and weight requirements. They can choose to either ride alone or in the same raft with one other person.

Two rafts launch at the same time, side by side, on dual conveyor belts. They are propelled uphill by mechanical arms at a thrilling speed until they enter the waterslide tubing, at which point it’s a pretty standard ride back down.

Family Areas

A modern arcade aboard the Norwegian Luna features various gaming machines, bright neon purple lights on the ceiling, and illuminated games lining both sides of a spacious, dark-tiled room. The atmosphere is colorful and lively—perfect for a Norwegian Cruise Line adventure.

Many of NCL’s newest and largest vessels are great at catering to families, as is the case with Norwegian Luna. Returning from other ships in the Prima and Prima Plus Classes are the Glow Court, an interactive light-up sports court with lights and projections that change based on the activity; The Stadium, which features two types of shuffleboard, cornhole, foosball and other games; Tee Time, an interactive for-fee twist on mini-golf; and Moon Climber, which is new to the fleet with Norwegian Luna and features a harness-free enclosed ropes course climbing experience.

For family fun that involves less physical activity and more indoor time, check out the impressively expansive Game Zone. It’s a humongous arcade space on Deck 17, comprising racing games, claw games, pinball, air hockey, virtual-reality simulators and two miniature bowling lanes among its options. Just be prepared to shell out extra to play.

Indulge Food Hall

A plate with barbecue chicken, sauce, potato salad, coleslaw, and pickle slices evokes flavors you'd find on a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage. Nearby: cornbread, tortilla chips with dip, a metal cup with napkins, and a tablet displaying a menu.

Call us crazy, but even if money were no object, we’d choose to dine at Norwegian Luna’s complimentary Indulge Food Hall over the onboard specialty restaurants every time. In the space on Deck 8, several food counters and even a faux food truck serve up cuisines that range from Mexican and Indian to Mediterranean and barbecue fare.

But, instead of ordering at each counter and waiting, seat yourself and use your table’s tablet menu to order whatever you’d like. Within minutes, servers appear to deliver your food as it’s ready. We recommend ordering one or two items to start and, if you’re still hungry, ordering more as you go.

Some of our favorites include the guacamole, barbecued chicken plate and grilled saag paneer with garlic naan and vegetable pakora. The best part is it’s all included in your cruise fare.

Great Stirrup Cay

A large white Norwegian Cruise Line ship, possibly the Norwegian Luna, is docked at a pier over turquoise water, with a rocky shoreline and greenery in the foreground. The sky is mostly cloudy.

We know this isn’t technically part of the ship itself, but Norwegian Luna’s itineraries through at least the fall of 2026 include calls on NCL’s Bahamian private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

Since 2019, the line has made major improvements to the island, adding the luxurious Silver Cove and, in 2025, the Vibe Shore Club, which is an extension of the exclusive Vibe Beach Club found onboard the line’s ships.

Both offer for-fee adults-only respite from the more family-friendly atmosphere elsewhere on the island, complete with private beach and dining areas, as well as cabana options (some with full bedrooms and air-conditioning, making them suitable for families with kids who can’t miss naptime).

Also recently added was a pier for docking, Splash Harbor kids water play area and the absolutely massive Great Life Lagoon pool. Construction is ongoing, with the island’s Great Tides Waterpark set to open this summer, along with an expanded pier that will ultimately have space for two ships to tie up.

Misses

Luna Midway

Two side-by-side arcade basketball games with pink and purple space-themed designs, digital scoreboards, basketballs, and card readers, featured on the Norwegian Luna—perfect for fun on your Norwegian Cruise Line adventure.

New for the line with Norwegian Luna is the Luna Midway, an outdoor area on Deck 18, near The Stadium, which houses a small selection of arcade games like basketball and Bowler Roller. When we think of a midway, we think of lights and noise and a carnival-style atmosphere, but the Luna Midway was quiet and empty when we visited, leaving us feeling a bit disappointed. 

Overall, the space feels almost like an afterthought, with some games looking worn, as though they were pulled from other ships. We’re skeptical that it will see much use, especially when there are other more flashy games elsewhere onboard.

Sukhothai

A bowl of yellow curry with beef, sliced carrots, red peppers, onions, and fresh herbs—just one flavorful dish you might find on a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage like the Norwegian Luna. Served creamy with lime wedges on a white speckled plate.

Sukhothai, a Thai restaurant on Deck 17, first rolled out on Norwegian Aqua. The space is open for breakfast and lunch to accommodate overflow from the nearby Surfside Cafe buffet, but the actual Sukhothai menu items are only served during dinner.

For a cover charge of $50 per person, cruisers can select up to two appetizers, plus one main course and a dessert. We’re normally lovers of Asian food, but we were, unfortunately, underwhelmed by our yellow curry chicken, which featured rubbery dark meat, and our sour-tasting pad thai.

We also heard mixed reviews from others at our table, leading us to decide the experience was just so-so – not the desired outcome, particularly for the price.

For truly delicious Asian and Indian cuisine, head to Indulge Food Hall. The food is free and, oddly, much better.

Crowds

A crowded cruise ship deck on the Norwegian Luna features people lounging by the pool and enjoying large water slides, all under a partly cloudy sky—a picture-perfect scene for any Norwegian Cruise Line cruise review.

On our special naming ceremony voyage, which wasn’t even at half capacity, Norwegian Luna felt largely uncrowded. It was nice to see that some of the flow issues had been fixed from the Prima Class ships to the Prima Plus Class ones.

However, even with so few people onboard, several of the bars and lounges – particularly those on Decks 6, 7 and 8 in the Penrose Atrium – felt jammed for trivia, live music and other events.

The vessel’s main pool area on Deck 17 also seemed disproportionately bustling on our sole sea day and in the late afternoon after our call on Great Stirrup Cay.

When the ship is sailing full, we suspect sun loungers anywhere near the pool will be at a premium, and passengers will need to show up early for shows and other events and activities in order to snag prime spots and avoid standing-room-only situations.

New AI Travel App Transforms How Tourists Explore Costa Paradiso’s Hidden Coastline in Sardinia, Italy: Everything You Need to Know

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/new-ai-travel-app-transforms-how-tourists-explore-costa-paradisos-hidden-coastline-in-sardinia-italy-everything-you-need-to-know/

New AI Travel App Transforms How Tourists Explore Costa Paradiso’s Hidden Coastline in Sardinia, Italy: Everything You Need to KnowA...

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Zannier Bãi San Hô Resort in Vietnam Reopens with Enhanced Guest Experiences After Typhoon Damage, Everything You Need to Know

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/zannier-bai-san-ho-resort-in-vietnam-reopens-with-enhanced-guest-experiences-after-typhoon-damage-everything-you-need-to-know/

Zannier Bãi San Hô Resort in Vietnam Reopens with Enhanced Guest Experiences After Typhoon Damage, Everything You Need to KnowZannier...

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Singapore and Dubai Extend Flight Suspension Until May 31 Amid Middle East Conflict and Rising Fuel Costs

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/singapore-and-dubai-extend-flight-suspension-until-may-31-amid-middle-east-conflict-and-rising-fuel-costs/

Singapore and Dubai Extend Flight Suspension Until May 31 Amid Middle East Conflict and Rising Fuel CostsSingapore Airlines suspends flights...

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From Rip‑Off Resorts To Real Europe: The Agritourism Backlash That’s Exposing Traditional Tourism’s Big Lie

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From Rip‑Off Resorts To Real Europe: The Agritourism Backlash That’s Exposing Traditional Tourism’s Big LieAgritourism rise in Europe is examined...

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The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania Launches Safari Field Challenge Empowering Tour Guides and Unveiling the Wonders of Africa

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/the-ngorongoro-conservation-area-in-tanzania-launches-safari-field-challenge-empowering-tour-guides-and-unveiling-the-wonders-of-africa/

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania Launches Safari Field Challenge Empowering Tour Guides and Unveiling the Wonders of AfricaThe Ngorongoro...

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11 Reasons Small-Ship Luxury Cruises Beat Mega-Ships

Small-ship luxury cruise experiences deliver advantages impossible on mega-ships carrying thousands of passengers, transforming ocean travel from anonymous resort experiences into intimate voyages where genuine connections, exclusive access, and personalized attention create fundamentally different value propositions.

A blue and white cruise ship named SH Vega sails on calm water with mountainous terrain visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.

For cruise passengers prioritizing destination immersion, cultural depth, and refined service over waterslides, casinos, and Broadway productions, understanding why boutique vessels outperform mass-market behemoths helps make informed choices aligning with actual vacation priorities.

The case for small-ship luxury cruising rests on eleven compelling advantages separating intimate vessels from floating cities:

1. Exclusive Destination Access

Small ships reach ports and anchorages mega-ships cannot physically access. Luxury cruise vessels like Swan Hellenic’s SH Diana and SH Vega, accommodating approximately 152 guests, navigate narrow fjords, shallow harbors, and remote coastlines where draft restrictions and turning radius requirements exclude vessels carrying 3,000+ passengers. This access difference proves dramatic:

Ports Small Ships Access:

  • Remote Antarctic bays beyond standard Gerlache Strait routes mega-ships repeat endlessly
  • Isolated Arctic settlements in Svalbard and Greenland with limited infrastructure
  • Mediterranean archaeological sites on small islands without developed ports
  • Pacific atolls and island chains where few vessels venture
  • Norwegian fjords, Chilean channels, and coastal waterways too narrow for large ships

Swan Hellenic luxury cruise lines prioritize these exclusive destinations through purpose-built expedition design featuring ice-class PC5 hulls enabling polar navigation, shallow draft allowing coastal exploration, and advanced positioning systems maintaining station without anchoring in sensitive environments. Their commitment to remote destination access means itineraries include locations competitors literally cannot reach regardless of willingness.

Mega-Ship Limitations:

  • Restricted to major ports with developed infrastructure handling thousands of passengers
  • Repeat same heavily-touristed Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska routes
  • Dock alongside 3-5 other mega-ships overwhelming destinations
  • Cannot access remote regions where authentic discovery exists
  • Sacrifice destination variety for operational efficiency

The destination access advantage alone justifies small-ship premiums for travelers measuring trip value by unique experiences rather than onboard entertainment square footage.

2. Genuine Personalized Service

Small-ship crew-to-passenger ratios approaching 1:1 enable service impossible when crew members serve hundreds rather than dozens of passengers. Swan Hellenic ultra luxury cruise vessels maintain approximately 152 guests with comparable crew numbers, allowing:

What Personalized Service Actually Means:

  • Staff learning names, preferences, and interests within days rather than remaining anonymous throughout voyages
  • Butler service handling unpacking, pressing, and personal concierge needs attentively
  • Bartenders remembering drink preferences without asking
  • Dining staff recognizing dietary restrictions and preferences automatically
  • Expedition staff providing individualized attention during landings and activities

This genuine personalization differs fundamentally from mega-ship “personal medallions” and app-based service requests trying to scale service through technology rather than human attention. Small-ship staff have time building relationships, anticipating needs, and delivering the thoughtful touches creating memorable experiences.

Mega-Ship Service Reality:

  • Crew members juggling hundreds of passengers preventing genuine personalization
  • Automated systems substituting for human attention and relationship building
  • Long waits for services during peak periods when everyone wants same things
  • Impersonal interactions where staff don’t recognize passengers beyond room numbers
  • Premium service tiers creating two-class experiences within single vessel

3. Intimate Shipboard Atmosphere

Boutique capacity creates fundamentally different social dynamics where passengers know fellow travelers, meaningful conversations develop naturally, and shared interests create genuine connections. Swan Hellenic expedition voyages attract intellectually curious explorers sharing cultural and natural history interests, creating communities rather than anonymous crowds:

Small-Ship Social Benefits:

  • Meeting and knowing significant percentages of fellow passengers
  • Developing friendships and connections lasting beyond voyages
  • Intellectual conversations with like-minded travelers during meals and gatherings
  • Intimate lectures and discussions where asking questions and engaging experts feels natural
  • Shared expedition experiences creating bonds among participants

Mega-Ship Social Reality:

  • Anonymous atmosphere where you’ll never see most passengers aboard
  • Difficulty finding like-minded travelers among thousands with diverse interests
  • Crowded venues preventing intimate conversations or meaningful interactions
  • Impersonal lecture halls where audience participation proves impractical
  • Segregated by booking class, deck, or venue limiting social mixing

For travelers viewing voyages as social and intellectual experiences, small-ship intimacy creates value mega-ships cannot replicate regardless of facility investment.

4. Comprehensive All-Inclusive Value

Small luxury ships typically include shore excursions, premium beverages, specialty dining, and gratuities creating true all-inclusive experiences versus mega-ship “à la carte everything” models nickel-and-diming passengers constantly. Swan Hellenic’s comprehensive inclusion covers:

  • All shore excursions regardless of destination or complexity without premium program surcharges
  • Premium beverages including fine wines, champagne, and spirits throughout ships
  • Specialty dining at all restaurants without upcharges or reservation requirements
  • Gratuities for all staff eliminating tipping considerations and calculations
  • Expedition equipment including kayaks, snorkeling gear, and polar camping equipment
  • Wi-Fi connectivity even in remote regions without additional fees

This comprehensive inclusion allows focusing entirely on experiences rather than managing budgets, tracking expenses, or making constant purchase decisions. The mental freedom from commerce enhances enjoyment and prevents the “death by a thousand cuts” billing characteristic of mega-ship cruising.

Mega-Ship A La Carte Reality:

  • Shore excursions often costing $100-400 per person per port adding thousands to voyage costs
  • Beverage packages requiring upfront purchases with restrictions and limitations
  • Specialty restaurant surcharges of $30-100+ per person for dining beyond buffets and main dining rooms
  • Gratuities adding $15-25 per person daily to final bills
  • Wi-Fi packages charging premium rates for basic connectivity
  • Constant onboard sales pitches for spa treatments, photographs, shopping, and activities

5. Exceptional Dining Quality

Small-ship galleys prepare meals for 150-200 passengers versus mega-ship industrial food production feeding 3,000-6,000+ guests simultaneously. This scale difference dramatically impacts culinary quality:

Small-Ship Culinary Advantages:

  • Fresh ingredients prepared to order rather than mass-produced in advance
  • Chefs capable of accommodating dietary restrictions and special requests personally
  • Multiple dining venues offering variety without requiring reservations or surcharges
  • Regional specialties reflecting destinations and seasons
  • Sophisticated presentations and preparations matching fine dining restaurants
  • Wine pairings and beverage programs curated for culinary programs

Swan Hellenic’s dining philosophy emphasizes quality over quantity, featuring regionally-inspired menus showcasing destinations through culinary exploration, fresh ingredients sourced in ports when possible, flexible dining arrangements accommodating expedition schedules, and multiple venues offering variety without rigid seating times or formal night requirements.

Mega-Ship Dining Reality:

  • Industrial food production prioritizing volume over quality
  • Limited fresh ingredients due to inventory requirements for thousands
  • Main dining rooms serving reheated mass-produced meals
  • Specialty restaurants carrying hefty surcharges for acceptable quality
  • Buffets as primary dining option with food sitting under heat lamps
  • Rigid dining times and assigned seating in main restaurants

6. Meaningful Shore Programs

Small-ship shore excursions accommodate entire passenger manifests allowing comprehensive programming versus mega-ships where only fraction of passengers fit on premium excursions, creating tiered experiences. Swan Hellenic’s all-inclusive model means:

Comprehensive Shore Access:

  • Every passenger participates in expert-led cultural and natural history programs
  • Archaeological specialists leading UNESCO World Heritage site visits for all passengers
  • Marine biologists providing expertise during wildlife observations comprehensively
  • Cultural anthropologists facilitating authentic community interactions for everyone
  • No rushed rotations or limited spaces creating FOMO or requiring lottery systems

Swan Hellenic expedition voyages through SETI Institute partnerships bring astrobiology and astronomy programming where scientists conduct research during voyages and all passengers can participate, while Chopra wellness collaborations integrate mindfulness programming comprehensively rather than offering limited spots in premium programs. This inclusive approach means every passenger receives the full cultural and educational experience rather than tiered access based on willingness to pay surcharges.

Mega-Ship Shore Reality:

  • Premium excursions limiting participation to small percentages of passengers
  • Basic bus tours accommodating crowds to generic tourist attractions
  • Rushed schedules maximizing passenger throughput over quality experiences
  • Overwhelming local communities and cultural sites with thousands simultaneously
  • Limited expert guidance spread across too many passengers for meaningful education

7. Environmental and Community Impact

A large cruise ship named SH Vega sails on calm, deep blue water. This vessel offers small-ship luxury cruises, featuring multiple decks, visible lifeboats, satellite domes, and a small white iceberg floating in the distance.

Small ships minimize environmental footprint and avoid overwhelming local communities. When Swan Hellenic’s 152 passengers visit remote villages, archaeological sites, or wildlife colonies, the impact remains manageable. When 4,000 passengers from mega-ship descend simultaneously, they overwhelm infrastructure, damage cultural sites through sheer numbers, and disrupt wildlife through human density.

Small-Ship Sustainability:

  • Manageable passenger numbers preventing destination overwhelming
  • Advanced wastewater treatment and emissions controls
  • Responsible wildlife observation maintaining safe distances and time limits
  • Respectful cultural interactions where communities can genuinely engage
  • Economic benefits distributed without destroying what attracts visitors

Mega-Ship Impact:

  • Thousands simultaneously overwhelming ports, attractions, and ecosystems
  • Massive waste streams challenging even developed port infrastructure
  • Wildlife harassment through excessive vessels and human activity
  • Cultural sites degraded by visitor volume exceeding capacity
  • Economic benefits concentrated in cruise company hands rather than local communities

8. Expedition Capability and Adventure Access

Small luxury ships like Swan Hellenic’s ice-class vessels combine genuine expedition capability with refined comfort. Their PC5 polar rating enables Antarctic and Arctic navigation reaching remote coastlines, comprehensive Zodiac operations facilitate daily landings at wildlife colonies and pristine wilderness, and expedition equipment including kayaks and snorkeling gear supports active exploration programs.

Small-Ship Adventure:

  • Ice-class hulls accessing polar regions and challenging coastal environments
  • Zodiac fleets enabling landings at beaches, ice shelves, and wildlife colonies
  • Kayaking programs providing quiet wildlife approaches and intimate experiences
  • Snorkeling and diving opportunities in appropriate regions
  • Polar camping and specialty programs impossible on conventional ships

Mega-Ship Limitations:

  • Restricted to ports with developed infrastructure
  • No Zodiac capability or expedition equipment
  • Cannot access wilderness areas or wildlife colonies
  • Limited to viewing destinations from ship rather than immersive exploration
  • Adventure activities confined to controlled ship environments like climbing walls and surf pools

9. Intellectual and Cultural Programming Depth

Small ships attract passengers sharing intellectual interests, enabling sophisticated programming impossible when audiences span from PhDs to those wanting Vegas-style entertainment. Swan Hellenic ultra luxury cruise programming through SETI Institute partnerships brings actual astrobiology and astronomy research to voyages, while archaeological specialists with PhDs lead cultural site visits creating comprehensive educational frameworks.

Small-Ship Intellectual Depth:

  • PhD-level experts providing genuine scholarly expertise
  • Institutional partnerships like SETI Institute demonstrating commitment to educational depth
  • Intimate lecture settings enabling questions, discussions, and ongoing conversations
  • Comprehensive libraries, documentaries, and research materials supporting learning
  • Fellow passengers sharing interests creating intellectual community

Mega-Ship Entertainment Focus:

  • Programming emphasizing entertainment over education
  • Generic enrichment lectures competing with casinos, shows, and activities
  • Large lecture halls preventing meaningful interaction with speakers
  • Limited resources supporting intellectual pursuits
  • Diverse audience interests making depth programming impractical

10. Flexible and Responsive Operations

Small ships adapt itineraries for wildlife opportunities, weather optimization, or enhanced cultural experiences. When Swan Hellenic expedition teams spot rare wildlife or unexpected cultural opportunities emerge, they can adjust schedules accommodating extended time without disappointing thousands of passengers with complex logistics.

Small-Ship Flexibility:

  • Itinerary adjustments for exceptional wildlife encounters
  • Extended time at key locations when conditions warrant
  • Route changes optimizing weather and ice conditions
  • Spontaneous cultural opportunities requiring operational flexibility
  • Passenger consensus easier with 150 than 4,000 guests

Mega-Ship Rigidity:

  • Fixed schedules optimizing operational efficiency over experience quality
  • Inability to adjust for wildlife or cultural opportunities
  • Port commitments preventing flexibility
  • Logistical complexity preventing responsive programming
  • Passenger scale making consensus and communication impractical

11. Authentic Rather Than Manufactured Experiences

Small luxury ships deliver authentic discovery and cultural immersion versus mega-ship manufactured entertainment and staged cultural performances. Swan Hellenic expedition voyages prioritize genuine cultural interactions in remote communities, authentic archaeological site visits with specialist guidance, real wildlife observation in natural habitats, and educational frameworks creating understanding rather than superficial sightseeing.

Small-Ship Authenticity:

  • Remote destinations where authentic discovery exists
  • Cultural interactions with genuine communities rather than tourist shows
  • Wildlife observation in natural environments without crowds
  • Archaeological and cultural sites accessed during non-peak hours
  • Experiences impossible to replicate on conventional vacations

Mega-Ship Manufactured Reality:

  • Heavily-touristed ports offering commercialized experiences
  • Staged cultural performances replacing authentic interaction
  • Crowded attractions where tourist industry overwhelms local culture
  • Controlled ship environments substituting for genuine destination immersion
  • Experiences replicable at theme parks and entertainment venues

Small-Ship vs. Mega-Ship Comparison

FactorSmall Luxury ShipsMega-Ships
Passenger Capacity100-2002,000-6,000+
Crew-to-Passenger Ratio~1:1~1:3 or worse
Destination AccessExclusive ports, remote regionsMajor ports only
All-Inclusive CoverageComprehensiveÀ la carte everything
Shore Program QualityExpert-led, includedBasic tours, surcharges
Dining QualityRestaurant-quality, freshIndustrial mass production
Social AtmosphereIntimate, meaningfulAnonymous crowds
Environmental ImpactManageableOverwhelming
Expedition CapabilityGenuine explorationEntertainment-focused
Cultural DepthScholarly programmingEntertainment emphasis
FlexibilityResponsive to opportunitiesRigid schedules
Experience AuthenticityGenuine discoveryManufactured entertainment

Who Benefits from Small-Ship Cruising

Small luxury cruises particularly suit travelers who:

  • Prioritize destinations and cultural immersion over onboard entertainment and facilities
  • Value personalized service and intimate atmospheres over anonymous resort experiences
  • Seek intellectual engagement and educational depth alongside recreation
  • Appreciate refined dining and comprehensive inclusion over buffets and à la carte pricing
  • Want expedition capability accessing remote regions versus heavily-touristed ports
  • Prefer genuine cultural interactions over staged performances and tourist attractions
  • Measure value by transformative experiences rather than facility square footage
  • Avoid crowds and value exclusive access to destinations and cultural sites

For Discerning Cruisers

For cruise passengers who care more about where they’re going than how big the ship is, small-ship cruising really stands out.

Instead of packed decks and over-the-top attractions, these sailings focus on destination access, cultural experiences, and more personalized service.

Lines like Swan Hellenic, with ships like SH Diana and SH Vega, carry just over 150 guests and lean into expedition-style cruising, all-inclusive experiences, and enrichment partnerships that go beyond the typical cruise offering.

It’s a very different approach. One that’s less about quantity and more about meaningful travel, deeper discovery, and a more relaxed onboard experience.

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Cruise Line’s Big Plans For Philadelphia Lurching Toward a Disastrous Start

With their new terminal nowhere near ready to welcome guests, Norwegian Cruise Line is finally offering passengers an idea as to what they should expect on Norwegian Jewel’s embarkation day. As one passenger asked in a Facebook message group devoted to the first sailing, “Is this the best they can do?”

Temporary Plans Are Being Made

For months, anticipation has been building, with the Norwegian Jewel set to become the first ship to sail out of Philadelphia in nearly 15 years. But as the first sail dates drew near, it quickly became clear that things weren’t exactly going to plan.

A large white cruise ship with colorful designs is docked at the PhilaPort Cruise Terminal. The terminal has a white roof and a blue sign. Several people and cars are visible near the terminal and along the road.
Rendering of what the completed PhilaPort will look like… eventually.

“We are excited to bring cruising back to Philadelphia for the first time in many years,” read a statement from Norwegian Cruise line released in late March. “Given the absence of cruising in the market for quite some time, we are working closely with our partners at PhilaPort to prepare the facility to welcome guests.” 

Now, we know exactly what those plans entail and they are, to say the least, unconventional.

What To Expect on Embarkation Day

In a letter sent to booked guests and travel partners, Norwegian promised that they are working to make sure the “modified check-in experience is as efficient as possible.” 

So what will be different? Pretty much everything.

A row of metal luggage carts, expertly maneuvered by a seasoned baggage handler, is loaded with black suitcases and lined up outside an airport terminal. In the background, several red carts and palm trees bask under a clear sky, tempting thoughts of an exotic cruise.

First, the line advises particular care be taken with luggage tags, given that the drop-off process will not be conducted in the usual manner. In fact, the process will take place at the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia Airport.

Upon arriving, guests will be directed to a parking area “reserved for our guests.” Fees, the letter says, will be paid directly to the hotel at a rate of approximately $16 per day.

As for luggage, “drop off will take place just outside the hotel entrance,” the letter explains. “After dropping your bags, you’ll proceed inside to complete parking payment and continue to check in” which will take place in the hotel’s ballroom.

‘Our Team Will Do Their Best’

One extremely important bit of information the letter provides is that “while wheelchair assistance will not be available at the Clarion Hotel, our staff will do their best to assist guests with mobility needs. Once at the port, wheelchair assistance will be provided for those who have requested assistance to embark on the ship.” 

Once check in has been completed, passengers will board a shuttle and be transported to the pier.

Norwegian Jewel refurbished space

The missive ends with a bold-typed warning: “For everyone’s safety and to ensure smooth access at PhilaPort, guests cannot make their way to the port, and there is no option to check in at the ship. Only guests arriving on the official busses from the Clarion Hotel will be allowed entry into the port area.”

It later notes that on debarkation days, guests “will be shuttled back to the Clarion Hotel” to pick up their cars and “arrange onward transportation.” 

That may be easier said than done, as the letter makes clear that “ride shares and taxi services will not be available from the pier. Guests requiring these services may arrange pickup from the Clarion Hotel.”

‘I Refuse to Get Stressed Out’

As details unfurled, many found themselves unhappy with the arrangements being made. Others, however, took a more positive approach. “As long as I’m on board when that ship sets sail,” commented one Redditor, “I’m good. I mean, I’d love for my luggage to be on board, too, but I refuse to get stressed out about it!”

Thankfully, the situation, like many of life’s more annoying bumps in the proverbial road, is only temporary. “Once this construction is finished,” shared one of our travel associates, “it will actually be quite easy to get in and out of the terminal and the parking area. Right now, however, it will be a disaster.” 

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How To Access Carnival’s Secret Bar

What was supposedly a well-kept secret suddenly went viral over the past few days. Seemingly out of nowhere, Carnival cruise directors and random influencers were spilling the beans about a secret bar found inside the infamous red funnels which make the line’s ships so easy to distinguish from those of other brands.

One such video features popular cruise director Kyndall Fire whispering to us via her Instagram page that she’s “here to confirm” the rumors that there is “a new speakeasy inside the funnel.” Better still, she informs watchers that there are exclusive cocktails and the bartender is none other than the brand’s long-retired mascot, Funship Freddy.

funship freddy plush
Funship Freddy (Photo courtesy of Carnival)

So how does one gain access to all this awesome? “All you need to get in,” Fire informs us, “is knock three times and know the password, which is ‘muster.’” 

There’s Only One Catch…

Of course, there’s not a bit of truth to the rumor — a fact we’re as sad to report as you are disappointed to hear. But a quick glimpse at the calendar shows that these posts began appearing just a day or two before the first day of April.

And if one follows the link in Carnival’s Instagram bio, as instructed, it leads to a page reading, “Our funnel isn’t really a speakeasy, but that would be pretty cool!” 

That’s right, this is the latest April Fool’s joke to be rolled out by Carnival. It’s unclear whether some of those involved accidentally posted their vids early or perhaps that was done on purpose to keep people from guessing at the truth.

Obviously, some folks weren’t fooled. After all this isn’t the first time a cruise line — let alone Carnival — has pulled our collective legs on this silliest of holidays. Who could forget last year’s “Duolingo World Cruise” which would supposedly visit 195 countries over 5 years? (You can check out that video below.)

One of the dead giveaways indicating the “funnel speakeasy” is a prank? Just like with the Duolingo prank, no specific ship is mentioned. And while we might be gullible enough to fall for the notion of Carnival rolling such a fun concept out on a new build, the idea of it being on every ship?

Hey, we weren’t born yesterday.

Read Next: Should man overboard pranksters be punished?

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I Had the Wrong Idea About World Cruises. Six Days on Holland America Fixed That

It started with tea.

Not the kind you absent-mindedly order at a diner and don’t think twice about as you sip until the cup is empty. 

A white teapot with a gold handle sits next to a teacup filled with tea and a biscuit, evoking the refined ambiance of a world cruise. In the background, fruit preserves rest on a dish atop a woven placemat.

The kind you sit down for, learn about, and share with a stranger from Madison, Wisconsin who you never would have spoken to otherwise.

That conversation at a tea house in Singapore, on day one of a six-day segment aboard Holland America’s Volendam, was the moment I realized this trip was going to be different.

Not because of the ship. Not because of the ports. Because of the people.

I joined the Volendam on day 79 of a 133-day Grand Voyage. The ship had already crossed oceans, made stops on multiple continents, and turned strangers into something closer to a floating community by the time I stepped aboard in Singapore.

I was the newcomer. What I did not expect was how quickly that stopped mattering.

A rectangular swimming pool on a world cruise ship deck is surrounded by lounge chairs. A dolphin statue and water slide are at one end of the pool, with the partly cloudy sky and sea visible in the background.

On most cruises, you see people moving about the ship with their heads down and their phones up. They’re checking messages or using the app to plan their day. They are, in a word, distracted by technology. And there is nothing wrong with that. But on this sailing, something was different.

People said hello in the hallway.

Conversations started during sailaway. Nobody was allowing their phone to serve as a wall between themselves and the next person. They were taking photos of sunsets and posting sailaway videos, sure. But when it was time to talk, they were present.

I put my phone away too. Not in my cabin, granted. Just in my pocket. But it stayed a lot longer than usual.

It turns out that is what time spent on a world cruise segment does to you, if you let it.

The People You Meet on a World Cruise Are Not Who You Expect

View from the side of a ship on a world cruise, showing part of the deck, railing, and ocean waves trailing behind under a clear blue sky.

Take, for example, the woman from Wisconsin. While chatting, she shared that she does variations of world cruises every year, switching between ships and itineraries.

For them, this was not a bucket list cruise. This was just what they have done since retiring from banking. I found that both impressive and quietly inspiring.

During that same shore excursion at a tea house in Singapore, I also met a recently retired nurse from Florida who had boarded in Sydney. Before joining the ship, she checked bungee jumping in New Zealand off her list. But that was only the beginning, as she had a long list of items and intended to work her way around the world, checking them off as she went.

A view from the deck of a ship on a world cruise shows calm blue ocean water meeting a clear sky with a few small clouds. The ship’s railing and deck are visible on the left side of the image.

A UK couple in their 70s told me the pandemic rewired how they think about time. They were not waiting anymore. If they wanted to do something, they were doing it. A 133-day grand voyage was not an extravagance to them, but an investment in their lives. It was the decision not to put things off.

And then there was the woman I spoke to in the elevator. She worked in healthcare and had sublet her New York City apartment for four months to fund the voyage. “It’s cheaper than staying home,” she shrugged, backing that up with some pretty solid math to prove her point.

Every one of them had a different reason for being there. None of them fit the profile most people picture when they hear world cruise. 

The Ship Gets Out of Your Way

Indoor pool area with lounge chairs, a metal dolphin sculpture, and poolside decorations including inflatable toys—perfect for relaxing like you’re on a world cruise. The pool has railing access and sits beneath a glass ceiling letting in natural light.

The Volendam has nine decks. Ten if you count the sun deck. You can walk from one end to the other in a couple of minutes. 

After years of covering mega ships that require a map and a plan just to get to dinner, that simplicity was something I did not know I needed.

The ship runs quiet during the day. Port intensive itineraries will do that. Most guests are off exploring by mid morning, which means the lounges, the library, the Crow’s Nest (my favorite!), and the Ocean Bar are essentially empty until guests begin returning in the late afternoon. 

For me, that was ideal. I am a remote worker, and finding a quiet corner to plow through a few hours of work before the ship pulled into port was never a problem. I noticed I was not the only one. Microsoft Teams meetings were happening in quiet corners and lounges all around the ship.

The only thing that required self control was the food. Something was always available no matter where you went or what time it was. That is both a feature and a problem, depending on how you look at it.

A glass bowl contains a salad with spinach, cucumber slices, tomato wedges, orange segments, crumbled egg, cubed meat, and a scoop of white cheese—flavors as vibrant as those found on a world cruise.

By evening the ship came back to life. There was live music in the Ocean Bar, the Piano Bar was slowly morphing into a gathering place, the World Stage filling with guests to see a super talented electric violinist named Jocelyn Ng.

For a ship of 1,400 guests it covered a lot of ground entertainment wise without ever feeling like it was trying too hard.

The size also made it easy to settle into a routine. Wake up, find a quiet spot, get some work done, head ashore, come back, eat well, catch some live music, and sleep. Repeat. 

A large cruise ship docked at a port, with lifeboats visible along the side and a boarding walkway connecting the ship to the terminal under a clear blue sky, prepared for its next exciting world cruise adventure.

By day three it felt completely natural. A day later I was at the future cruise desk, just to see what a longer segment might look like.

That is probably the best endorsement I can give a ship.

Cruising as a Gateway

Aerial view of a tropical beach with turquoise water, white sand, and green hills. A few people relax on the beach as sailboats from a world cruise glide by distant islands under a partly cloudy sky.

Cruising has a way of opening doors you did not know you wanted to walk through. A Celestyal Cruises sailing introduced me to Doha, Qatar. I have been back twice.

Holland America’s Eurodam showed me St. John in the US Virgin Islands. I have done three land trips since. Cozumel started the same way. The list now goes on and on.

This segment added Singapore and Halong Bay to that list. I stayed an extra day in Halong Bay after the ship left because I needed to explore more. 

View from a boat at sunset on a world cruise, with calm water, silhouetted rock formations, and a colorful sky in orange and blue hues. The boat's rail is visible in the foreground.

The bay is one of those places that does not fully register until you are standing in the middle of it. (Sunrise is something that might just have the ability to change your life, if only for a few moments.) 

Singapore is already on the return list. It is not that far from Manila, which I know well, so it will happen sooner rather than later.

My Last Morning Onboard

I set my alarm for sunrise as the Volendam made its way into Halong Bay. What I woke up to looked like something out of a Bob Ross painting. If you are over 40, you’ll get the reference. If not, hit up Google.

View of the ocean with scattered rocky islands under a cloudy sky at sunset, as seen through a window—part of the frame visible on the left. The sun is low, casting orange reflections on the water, evoking the serenity of a world cruise.

Limestone karsts (mountains) rising straight out of the water in every direction. The ship threading through them like a needle, turning to port, then to starboard, with the kind of precision that makes you appreciate the river pilot’s knowledge of the local waterway. 

Both sides of the ship had views worth standing for, and I found myself bouncing back and forth like a tennis ball, trying to take in as much as I possibly could.

A view from the side of a ship on a world cruise, looking out over calm greenish water toward distant rocky islands under a cloudy sky. The ship’s windows and part of the hull are visible on the right.

I was not the only one. The crew had lined up on deck nine to take it in themselves. That is when you know a place is something special. When the people who have traveled the world show up for it.

Six days on a world cruise segment will not scratch the itch. It will just give you a bigger one,… even for an introvert like myself.

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Cruise Line Ditches Birthday Cake in Celebratory Package

Marie Antoinette may or may not have said “Let them eat cake!” But Norwegian Cruise Line’s new policy means that if you want to do so, you’ll have to pay a whole lotta money. Why? Because the birthday package which previously included a six-inch cake has being majorly altered… or in their words, “refreshed.” 

What You Now Get Instead of Birthday Cake

Guests who had already ordered the Happy Birthday package, for themselves or a loved one, got an unexpected note from the cruise line. It appears that while the package is still available for purchase, it no longer includes the celebratory cake.

Instead, the letter reads, the package has been “designed to make your special day even more memorable.” It goes on to say that the “refreshed” package is part of the cruise line’s “continued effort to elevate the way we celebrate life’s moments at sea.”

Now, the previously included cake “will be replaced with a photo keepsake so you can take home a memory that lasts long after the candles are blown out. It is a small shift designed to make your celebration feel more personal and more connected to your time onboard.” 

A group of people stand close together on a sunny beach, some wearing sunglasses and carrying colorful balloons, while others hold each other or smile at the camera, celebrating with a birthday cake against mountains and ocean in the background.

Those booking the birthday package will now receive, according to the site, “a colorful selection of cheerful cabin decorations and a celebratory banner, plus keepsakes to capture the celebration, including a Compass Collection frame and a photo voucher redeemable toward any photo or photo package.” 

How You Can Still Get a Birthday Cake

Never fear, those who believe that a party ain’t a party without a slice of cake will still be able to order up a tasty treat. It won’t, however, come cheap. According to the line’s website, a “standard half sheet” cake (whether for one’s birthday or honeymoon) comes in at $148.80. But for around $50 more, you can go whole hog and order a full-sheet. Both are available in vanilla or chocolate.

Screenshot of an online bakery catalog showing cakes for sale, including birthday cakes, vanilla and chocolate sheet cakes with prices listed below each item and "Select" buttons for ordering.

“I Want My Money Back!”

The only people truly impacted by the change are those who had previously placed an order. (Anyone looking to purchase it moving forward would know that a cake is no longer included just by reading the details when ordering.) “The whole reason I ordered this package was for the cake,” complained one Norwegian passenger in a Facebook page devoted to the line.

Others, however, agreed with the company’s thinking that a complimentary photo was a better option. “Honestly, the cake isn’t that good,” wrote one, followed by a shrugging emotion. “I had it on two different birthday trips, and most of it wound up in the garbage.” 

Read Next: Norwegian’s New Show Comes With a Price Tag

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Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore Welcomes Spring with Exclusive Spa and Culinary Offerings for Guests and LocalsEnjoy spring at Four Seasons...

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New UK Travel Rules 2026: ETA Requirement Expands to Travelers from 50+ Countries

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New UK Travel Rules 2026: ETA Requirement Expands to Travelers from 50+ CountriesThe UK is expanding its Electronic Travel Authorisation...

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Aurora Expeditions Launches Arctic Photography Expedition 2027 Across Iceland and East Greenland

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Aurora Expeditions Launches Arctic Photography Expedition 2027 Across Iceland and East GreenlandAurora Expeditions is launching a new expert-led Arctic photography...

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New EU Entry/Exit System (EES) 2026: What Every Non-EU Traveler Needs to Know Before April 10

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/new-eu-entry-exit-system-ees-2026-what-every-non-eu-traveler-needs-to-know-before-april-10/

New EU Entry/Exit System (EES) 2026: What Every Non-EU Traveler Needs to Know Before April 10Starting April 10, 2026, the EU’s...

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Moments Gallery Launch at Dream Downtown Ignites NYC Art Scene with King Saladeen’s Dreams Manifest Showcase

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Moments Gallery Launch at Dream Downtown Ignites NYC Art Scene with King Saladeen’s Dreams Manifest ShowcaseMoments. Gallery has launched inside...

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Iceland Overtakes Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and France Lead Global Clean Energy Race with Lowest Carbon Power Grids

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Iceland Overtakes Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and France Lead Global Clean Energy Race with Lowest Carbon Power GridsIceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland...

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New Royal ONE Credit Cards to Reward Spending Across 3 Cruise Brands

The Royal Caribbean Group and Bank of America today announced the launch of Royal ONE Visa Signature and Royal ONE Plus Visa Signature credit cards. According to a press release, the new tri-branded cards will simplify how travelers earn and redeem rewards across the company’s brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. The company said...

Windstar Cancels Trans-Atlantic Crossing Scheduled for December

Windstar Cruises recently cancelled a trans-Atlantic crossing that was set to take place onboard the Wind Surf starting on December 5, 2026. In a statement sent to booked guests, the company explained that the cancellation was necessary due to an extension of the vessel’s scheduled drydock. Windstar noted that the refit was enlarged to accommodate...

Costa Favolosa Repositions to Europe After Winter in South America

The Costa Favolosa recently sailed from the port of Buenos Aires in Argentina for a repositioning voyage to Europe. Wrapping up a four-month season in South America, the Costa Cruises vessel is now offering a trans-Atlantic crossing that will sail to the company’s Palacrociere Cruise Terminal in Savona. The 19-night itinerary sails to Uruguay, Brazil,...

Holland America’s Koningsdam Debuts Enhancements Following Drydock

The Koningsdam is back in service after undergoing a two-week drydock in the Bahamas, Holland America Line announced in a press release. According to the company, the vessel now offers new accommodations for families and friends, as well as refreshed entertainment and retail spaces. The Pinnacle-class ship welcomed guests back on March 29, 2026, kicking...

Norwegian Removes Cake from Birthday Package

Norwegian Cruise Line is making changes to its “Happy Birthday” onboard package, which previously included a six-inch cake. According to a statement sent to guests, the celebratory package, which also offers cabin decorations, will now include other perks. “This package has been refreshed as part of our continued effort to elevate the way we celebrate...

Royal Caribbean Presents Chief Dog Officer for Next Icon Ship

Royal Caribbean International presented the Chief Dog Officer for its upcoming Icon-class ship, the Legend of the Seas. According to a social media update shared by the company’s President and CEO Michael Bayley, Skipper will continue a tradition that started with the Icon of the Seas. The 2023-built vessel was the first to introduce the...

My Dad Never Got to Do His World Cruise. I Took a Small Piece of It for Him

For most of my cruising career, the routine was simple. Fly to Miami or Port Everglades, board a ship, sail the Caribbean, repeat. Maybe Alaska in the summer. It was comfortable, familiar, and the easiest way to cruise.

A large Holland America cruise ship with "Holland America Line" written on the side is docked at a port under a partly cloudy sky, ready to embark on an unforgettable Asia World Cruise. The ship's lower part is black and the upper part is white.

That changed in 2021 when my dad passed away at 65. He always talked about doing a Holland America world cruise someday. Asia, the Amazon, getting back to Sydney. His desk was cluttered with itinerary-filled brochures.

Sadly, he never got to make that dream a reality.

I am not sure I made a conscious decision to change the way I traveled after losing him. But looking back, something shifted. The Caribbean was no longer enough. I started saying yes to things I would have talked myself out of in the past.

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords. The glaciers of Alaska. A river cruise down the Mekong. A sailing out of Athens. A Middle East cruise out of Qatar. I started doing them all.

And now, here I am, joining day 79 of 133 on Holland America’s Grand Voyage aboard the ms Volendam, somewhere in Southeast Asia, doing part of the trip my dad never got to take.

A cityscape featuring modern high-rise buildings along a waterfront under a cloudy sunset sky. The calm water in the foreground reflects the muted light from skyscrapers—an inviting scene reminiscent of Asia on a Holland America World Cruise.

The segment I joined dotted Southeast Asia and was a fraction of the overall itinerary.

I embarked in Singapore, crossed the South China Sea on a sea day, stopped at Phu My — the port for Ho Chi Minh City — had another day at sea, called on Da Nang, and wrapped in Halong Bay, where I disembarked and flew out of Hanoi. More on these later.

See the World — Or Just Part Of It

A world map showing two world cruise routes as a travel tribute: one departing San Diego through the Pacific, and another from Ft. Lauderdale spanning multiple continents across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

One of the biggest misconceptions about a world cruise is that you have to commit to the whole thing. You do not.

Holland America breaks the Grand Voyage into segments, and there are options around nearly every continent. On this sailing alone, I met passengers who boarded in Fort Lauderdale and were going the distance, others who joined in Sydney and would remain until the ship returned to Florida, and others doing shorter stretches between specific ports.

Everyone had their own version of the same trip, like one of those Choose Your Own Adventure books I loved as a kid.

A row of striped lounge chairs sits on the wooden deck of a cruise ship, perfect for relaxing during a world cruise. The empty deck features safety signs, a railing to the right, and the ocean stretching into the distance.

The full 2027 Grand Voyage starts at around $29,000 per cabin, which sounds like a lot… until you start breaking it down.

But you can also pick up an 18-night segment from Sydney to Singapore for $4,600, or jump on for the final 54 nights from Cape Town back to Fort Lauderdale.

Suddenly it is a different conversation. You don’t have to be retired to take one of these segments. Whether you want to see the world or just one particular part, the cruise can be tailored to your bucket-list or interests.

In fact, flexibility is what makes this more accessible than most people assume. You pick the piece of the world you want to see, book the segment that gets you there, and let the ship do the rest. It is really that easy.

Boarding a Different Kind of Ship

A large white and navy Holland America cruise ship is docked at a port under a clear blue sky. Orange lifeboats are visible along the side, and a boarding ramp connects the ship to the terminal, ready for its World Cruise across Asia.

The ms Volendam is the smallest ship I have ever sailed with Holland America Line. After this sailing, the only Holland America ship I have not been on is the Zaandam.

Coming off a stretch on newer vessels like Nieuw Statendam, Koningsdam, and Rotterdam, stepping onto a ship that holds just 1,400 guests felt like I could catch my breath again.

That size is not a limitation. It is the entire idea.

A view from the deck of a Holland America ship on a World Cruise shows clear blue sky and calm sea, with several cargo ships in the distance. The deck features wooden flooring and white railings, capturing the serenity of travel through Asia.

On a sailing like this, the ship is more than a mode of transportation. You spend the day exploring, come back, eat a good meal, maybe catch a show, get some sleep, and do it all over again.

You are not meant to stay onboard, though there is nothing saying that you can’t do exactly that. But you are meant to go out and see the world, and the Volendam is a comfortable, unpretentious home base to return to at the end of the day.

A neatly made bed with pillows sits next to a large window in this compact, modern hotel room—perfect for travelers exploring Asia or embarking on a Holland America World Cruise. Amenities include a desk, water bottles, and decorative lighting.

For a ship launched in 1999, she holds up well. The layout will feel familiar to anyone who has sailed Holland America’s older fleet, and the onboard options cover what you need without overcomplicating things.

You won’t find a dozen dining venues or big Broadway-style productions, but again, that isn’t why you’re here. This isn’t a one-week vacation, this is the journey of a lifetime.

It’s All About Singapore

A view of the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore, a highlight on many Holland America World Cruise itineraries in Asia, featuring three towers with a boat-shaped structure on top, greenery, and the ArtScience Museum visible on the left.

So let’s talk about my experience doing a segment of this incredible voyage.

After embarkation in Singapore, I ordered a Grab (Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber) and headed straight to Marina Bay Sands. Photos and videos do not do it justice. The observation deck gives you the kind of view that reminds you how far from home you actually are.

I walked through the casino, which is enormous in a way that has to be seen to be understood, made a quick stop at the Apple Store, and headed back to the ship. Knowing my excursion the next day would eat up most of my time ashore, I wanted to get out while I had the chance. I’m glad I did.

Holland America was deliberate about the Asia segment of this Grand Voyage, and it showed before I even got back onboard. Asia was not just a backdrop here. It was the point. That thinking carried into the shore excursion program as well.

Make Room for Tea

One of more unique shore excursions was a tea experience developed in partnership with Art of Tea, a four-hour hands-on workshop built around Chinese tea culture. This included a guided tasting at a traditional tea house to high tea in the afternoon at the Shangri-La Singapore resort.

Five small bowls on a counter, each with a different loose leaf tea, are labeled in English and Chinese: Dark Tea, Black Tea, Oolong Tea, Green Tea, and White Tea—a tasting experience inspired by Asia aboard your Holland America World Cruise.

What made this event so special was that Art of Tea founder Steve Swartz, a master tea blender and author, was onboard for the entire Southeast Asia segment, leading classes, Q&A sessions, and joining shore excursions in both Singapore and Vietnam. That is the kind of access you do not get on a standard seven-night cruise.

If I am being frank, I had no idea what I was getting into when I signed up. I have extreme ADD, and sitting still for a tea tasting is not exactly my natural habitat. Regular readers will know that I typically catch about 10 minutes of an onboard show before getting the fidgets and bolting.

A woman in a white dress stands behind a kitchen counter, speaking into a headset microphone. Surrounded by kitchen items, lanterns, and flowers, she hosts a cooking demo inspired by Asia on a Holland America world cruise.

But here I was, genuinely fascinated by all things tea, and a lot of that credit goes to the woman who led the tea house portion.

She was funny, knew how to hold a room, and made it feel like a workshop rather than a lecture. Sometimes you book an excursion and then worry it’s going to feel like listening to Charlie Brown’s teacher. This was not that.

The excursion wrapped up with high tea at the Shangri-La, and the presentation alone was worth showing up for. Pastries and bites arrived on a tiered stand, the kind of spread where everything looks too good to eat before you remind yourself that you absolutely should!

A table set for afternoon tea on a Holland America World Cruise, with floral-patterned plates, a tiered tray of pastries, an orchid centerpiece, brown gift bags, and scones with three types of jam—echoing flavors from Asia.

I have done high tea on cruise ships before and showed up mostly for the food. This time the entire high tea event made sense. It gave me a new appreciation for tea I did not see coming. In fact, once back on the ship I found myself routinely ordering tea instead of coffee. Trust me, that was not on my Bingo card for 2026!

At $269.95 per person it is a niche offering, best suited for repeat Singapore passengers or those looking for something in depth as opposed to your typical “highlights” tour.

Either way, this was a clear example of Holland America leaning into the culture of the region rather than simply passing through it.

The Cruise Begins

After two days in Singapore harbor, the Volendam finally pushed back from the dock and headed out through the Gulf of Thailand toward the South China Sea.

With only 1,400 guests onboard, sea days felt… well, the way sea days are supposed to but rarely do. Unhurried. Relaxed. Refreshing. There were no crowds at peak dining times, and nothing felt like a competition for space. What a change from all the mega ships I’ve sailed lately.

I found myself back in one of Steve Swartz’s sessions, this time a casual tea chat that turned into a conversation about herbal health benefits. He made it clear that he does not give medical advice, but everything he mentioned checked out when I looked it up later.

It was enough to get me to the gym, which is not something I say very often.

That evening, I caught the live music in the Ocean Bar and Piano Bar, and eventually made my way to the back of the ship.

A modern bar with a marble countertop, red velvet chairs, patterned carpet, and an illuminated ceiling welcomes guests aboard Holland America’s World Cruise. Multiple wall-mounted screens display colorful images inspired by Asia amid blue and warm lighting.

Standing at the stern watching the sun sink into the South China Sea, the wake churning below me, I was not thinking about itineraries or excursions or what was next. I was just there, in the moment.

View from a Holland America ship’s deck on a World Cruise: ocean waves trail behind as the sun sets through clouds, sunlight reflecting on the water. Part of the ship’s railing and deck appear in the foreground, evoking adventure across Asia and beyond.

These are the moments that keep bringing me back to cruising, and honestly, the reason my dad would have told me take the cruise in the first place.

To be continued.

MHA Conference and Trade Show Opens, Connecting Cruise Buyers and Suppliers

The Marine Hotel Association (MHA) opened its 41st annual conference and trade show Sunday, March 29, in Naples, Florida, bringing together cruise line purchasing executives with food and beverage and hotel supply vendors and industry leaders for three days at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. The event kicked off Sunday evening with an opening reception...

Ritz-Carlton Brings in Tim Klauda as SVP Customer Experience

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has named Tim Klauda as senior vice president, customer experience, effective March 30, 2026.   Working in a newly created role, he will lead the evolution of the guest experience across the fleet, reporting to Ernesto Fara, president and CEO.  According to a press release, Klauda brings more than two decades of leadership positions at the intersection of product, design and guest experience.  Most recently, he served as vice president of global products at McDonald’s, working at advancing crew experience...

MSC Cancels 2026-27 Season in Middle East; World Europa to Caribbean

MSC Cruises announced today that it is cancelling its planned 2026-27 season in the Middle East onboard the MSC World Europa. According to a press release, the decision is part of a revised deployment for 2026-27 that will strengthen its presence in the Caribbean. Replacing the MSC Seaview, the MSC World Europa will make its...

Carnival Supporting Swimming Lessons in Vanuatu

Carnival Cruise Line has donated more than 1,000 towels to children learning to swim in Vanuatu, the company said in a statement.  Since this island nation has the world’s fourth‑highest drowning rate, the cruise line is providing funding for swimming lessons through the guest-funded Pacific Partnerships program. “Carnival guests love visiting Vanuatu, and this towel donation is one way we can give back to...

Ambassador Fully Hedged on Fuel as Geopolitical Crisis Kills Lates Market

Ambassador Cruise Line CEO Christian Verhounig has told trade partners the cruise line’s 2026 and 2027 programs are fully hedged and there are no plans to introduce fuel surcharges despite rising fuel costs. In a letter to trade partners dated March 30, Verhounig said the escalating crisis in the Middle East should end any illusion...

Celestyal Cancels April Departures Due to Middle East Conflict

Celestyal has cancelled all April 2026 sailings due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.  The cruise line said in a press release that its ships are currently positioned in the Arabian Gulf – the Celestyal Discovery in Dubai, UAE, and the Celestyal Journey in Doha, Qatar – as they wait to reposition to Athens, Greece.  “Our priority remains the safety and confidence of...

Atlas Ocean Voyages Introduces All-Suite Experience Across Fleet

All accommodations on Atlas Ocean Voyages vessels are being reclassified under a unified suite nomenclature starting April 2, 2026.  The reclassification ensures consistency across all accommodations, the cruise line said in a statement.  “At Atlas, this is not about changing a name, it’s about aligning our language with the experience we deliver every day,” said James A. Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas...

PortMiami May Get Direct Rail Link to Miami International Airport

City officials are mulling a solution to ease traffic congestion at the world’s busiest cruise port. Miami lawmakers are considering constructing a direct rail link connecting PortMiami to Miami International Airport.

Direct airport-cruise port link under review

Aerial view of a Miami Slice cruise ship sailing near a coastline with a high-rise building, lush green park, and beach. The ship is heading towards the open blue ocean while smaller vessels are visible in the distance.
Carnival Celebration leaving PortMiami( Doug Parker/Cruise Radio)

An initial proposal for a rail link was included in the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) 2050 Master Plan, published in 2024. It was one of several options to alleviate congestion in the port area.

A direct train to PortMiami is now under serious review after narrowing down most other options, according to the TPO.

The project could cost up to $800 million and would require extending the Metrorail system by about 10 miles of new track, plus a new bridge over the Miami River. Operational costs would run up to $15 million annually.

The port currently has a freight train bridge, but it could only support the MetroMover system, which moves slowly and carries about 50 passengers at a time. The direct rail link remains at an early stage of discussion.

While lawmakers are interested in exploring this long-term option, interim measures to reduce congestion around PortMiami are also on the table.

The report recommends adding shuttle bus routes from downtown transit stations to the port, developed in collaboration with cruise lines.

PortMiami handled a record 8.5 million cruise passengers in 2024, leading to serious congestion on busy days. Carnival brand ambassador John Heald has posted tips for guests on how to plan around and avoid traffic delays. Most out-of-state cruise guests arrive via rideshare or hotel shuttle.

The port’s terminals handle an average of nearly 25,000 cruisers daily, with a single-day record of over 75,000 passengers set in late 2025.

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