Latest news with #NCL
Miami Herald
12 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals a lineup of summer deals
As summer hits full swing, millions of families begin searching for that perfect mid-year escape. School's out, vacation days are in reach, and the promise of new memories is calling. But as the cost of travel continues to rise, planning a family getaway can feel more daunting than exciting. When you add up airfare, hotels, meals, and entertainment, even a short vacation can break the bank, especially if the trip involves a large family or a multigenerational group. Cruising has become an increasingly popular option because it's possible to find packages that don't break the bank. Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Cruise vacations offer a blend of convenience, value, and variety that's hard to match. Everything from lodging to meals to activities is bundled together, often at a fraction of the cost of a land-based trip. Plus, travelers get to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. With ships designed to cater to kids, teens, parents, and grandparents alike, cruising is one of the few vacation styles where everyone finds something to enjoy. And this summer, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is raising the bar with deals that make a cruise vacation even more attractive. Norwegian Cruise Line is heating up summer travel with what it calls the "hottest deals at sea." Right now, guests can get up to $1,000 off any sailing, plus an added bonus: NCL's 'More at Sea' package, which delivers more than $2,000 in value through perks like unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursion credits, and Wi-Fi. Related: Norwegian Cruise Line shares secrets from its kitchen Even better, the cruise line is making it easier for families to sail together. On select cruises, kids sail free - an offer that can translate into huge savings for parents planning that all-important summer vacation. It's all about helping families create unforgettable moments without the stress. "Now is the best time of year to go somewhere new and create unforgettable memories…with the people we love most," said NCL President David J. Herrera. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Looking to check a few destinations off your bucket list? Norwegian has nine ships sailing in Europe this summer, including the cutting-edge Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. These ships offer everything from Greek Isles getaways to cultural tours through Italy, France, and Spain. Highlights include island-hopping itineraries through Santorini and Mykonos, and northern routes to Norway and Iceland - a rising favorite among adventure travelers. The newly renovated Norwegian Breakaway is another standout, now featuring a Silver Screen Bistro and a Horizon Park outdoor recreation area perfect for families. Meanwhile, the Norwegian Epic boasts an enhanced Aqua Park for kids and a revamped adults-only Vibe Beach Club, making it easy to please every member of the travel group. Prefer cooler weather? "Coolcations" are trending, and Alaska is at the top of the list. Norwegian will have some of its most popular ships in the region, including the Bliss, Joy, and Encore, offering seven- to 10-day itineraries out of Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier. Guests will enjoy stunning natural landscapes, up-close wildlife experiences, and authentic cultural encounters, particularly at Icy Strait Point - a destination run by the Huna Totem Corporation that highlights indigenous traditions and breathtaking scenery. In addition to broad summer savings, Norwegian is offering special discounts to educators, active and retired military, and residents of specific U.S. states. Military members can now take advantage of 35% off cruises to Alaska and Europe through Sept. 30, 2025. Teachers receive up to 25% off the same itineraries, giving them the perfect excuse to decompress after the school year ends. And for residents of Florida, Louisiana, Texas, California, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, resident-only rates offer an extra 20% off select sailings. Norwegian Cruise Line continues to make cruising more accessible and personalized. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking peaceful ocean views or a family of four needing a balcony stateroom with connecting rooms, NCL has you covered. Onboard entertainment includes Broadway-style shows, award-winning dining, indulgent spas, and even racetracks at sea. With value-packed deals, globe-spanning itineraries, and family-friendly perks, Norwegian Cruise Line is making summer vacations easier - and more affordable -than ever. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
USA Today
4 days ago
- USA Today
Cruise line shore excursions vs independent tours: Which is better?
Cheryl Maguire AI-assisted summary Independent excursions can be cheaper than cruise line options, offering significant savings for families. Independent tours may offer more flexibility and unique experiences not available through the cruise line. Booking through the cruise line offers peace of mind regarding timing and safety, while independent excursions require more research and carry potential risks. 'What do you want to do when we're in Roatán?' my sister asked. Fourteen of us were traveling together on a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) trip from New Orleans, with a stop in Roatán, Honduras. At first, we considered booking excursions through the cruise line. I had done that on a previous NCL cruise in Europe when I was on an adventure with only one daughter. But this time, I was traveling with my family of five, and with most excursions averaging $100 per person, a single day trip would cost us over $500, which wasn't in our budget. My two sisters faced a similar dilemma. Another challenge was that the cruise-line excursions didn't include all the sights and experiences we wanted to fit into one day. So, the three of us started researching independent tour companies. SEAS THE DAY:From Alaska to the Greek Islands, these magical destinations are even better when visited by cruise ship I had previously written an article for AARP about evaluating travel reviews. Using the expert advice I learned from writing the article, I read reviews of tour excursions on multiple sites like Tripadvisor, Cruise Critic and Facebook cruise groups. After much discussion and research among the sisters, we decided on a tour that cost only $40 per person and included all the sites we wanted to visit. Best of all, with 14 of us, we had a private tour and fit comfortably in one van. Our experience was incredible and we were glad that, in this instance, we went with an independent tour company. But a lot of thought and weighing of benefits and risks went into the decision. To help you shortcut the process, here's my overview on the pros and cons of booking excursions independently versus going with the cruise line's shore excursions. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Cons to booking independently ▶ You could miss the boat Possibly missing the ship's departure time was a major concern for us when deciding how to book our excursion. If you arrange a tour independently and it runs late, there's a real risk the ship could leave without you. But when you book directly through the cruise line, they typically wait for their groups to board, even if they are late. NCL's website assures, 'You'll never miss the boat with a Norwegian Cruise Line Shore Excursion.' Ultimately, we decided the risk was worth it. The tour company assured us it understood the importance of returning us on time. Since our excursion was essentially a private tour, we also had the flexibility to return to the ship whenever we wanted. Plus, in all the online reviews, no one mentioned missing their ship's departure. ▶ You might have safety concerns Since we were in a foreign country, I had some concerns about safety. If something went wrong, would the tour operator be able to help us? Most cruise lines vet their tour operators, so you know they're reliable and safe to use. After doing our research, we felt confident we would be in good hands with this tour company, so we went for it, and felt safe and cared for the whole time. ▶ It's not as seamless as going through the cruise line One thing I loved about booking a shore excursion through the cruise line is that it's easy and seamless. I could even use onboard credits to pay for it. Another convenience was that the excursion bus was waiting for us right next to where we disembarked. When we booked independently, it wasn't as simple. The tour company wasn't allowed near the cruise terminal, so we had to walk through a busy area filled with shops and tourist crowds before leaving the enclosed port zone. Once outside, we were immediately surrounded by people shouting, all trying to sell tours or offer cab rides. It was overwhelming until I spotted our guide holding a sign with my name on it. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Hurricane season travel tips: What to know about Caribbean and Mexico vacations from June through November Pros of booking independently ▶ You can have a private tour Most independent tour companies will accommodate you with a private tour if you're traveling with a large group. This gives you control over how long you spend at each location and, in some cases, even allows you to choose where you want to go. We loved having this flexibility and the chance to visit places the cruise line didn't offer, like the Iguana Park. It ended up being my daughter's favorite experience of the entire trip, so I'm really glad we included it. Plus, we felt comfortable knowing we would return to the ship on time since we decided the return schedule ourselves. ▶ You may save money Most of the cruise line excursions cost over $100 per person, while we paid just $40 each. With five of us, that added up to a savings of more than $300 for our family. If we didn't have that option, we wouldn't have been able to afford an excursion. If you're traveling with a larger group, you might even be able to negotiate a better rate, as tour companies are often eager to secure your business. ▶ You get an insider perspective One of the reasons we love to travel is that we enjoy meeting people from different cultures and learning about their lives. On our tour, one of the guides who grew up in Honduras shared insights about the differences between the mainland and Roatán. For example, while Spanish is the primary language on the mainland, English is more commonly spoken on Roatán due to its unique cultural history. VACATION TO REMEMBER: What's the best cruise line for your family? Use this easy guide to narrow down your choices Which one is better? Whether you book a shore excursion through the cruise line or independently, the key is to choose what best fits your budget, group size, and comfort level. When we were in Europe with just the two of us, I preferred going through the cruise line. But when we were traveling as a family of five and part of a larger group, it made more sense to book independently. Both options have their advantages, depending on your circumstances. What matters most is stepping off the ship and immersing yourself in the incredible places you've come so far to see. After all, those onshore adventures are often where the most memorable moments are made. Cruise line shore excursions vs. independent tours: Which is better? originally appeared on More from TourScoop and FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using theFamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and selectfamily vacation ideas,family vacation spots,all-inclusive family resorts, andclassic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop coversguided group tours and tour operators,tour operator reviews,tour itinerary reviews andtravel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
Hans India
6 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Five from TG figure in NEET-2025 top 100
Hyderabad: Telangana's Kakarla Jeevan Sai Kumar secured the 18th rank in the National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test 2025 (NEET-2025), the results of which were announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Saturday. In achieving this distinction, Sai Kumar emerged as the state topper. A total of five students from the state figured in the top 100 ranks. Others from the state making it to the top 100 include Shanmukha Nishanth Askhintala (37), Mangari Varun (46), Yandrapati Shanmukh (48), and Bidisha Majee (95). The NTA reported that although 72,094 candidates had registered for NEET-2025 from Telangana, 70,259 appeared for the exam and 41,584 had qualified. Among the top 25 female rankers, besides Bidisha Majee (95th), Brahmani Pendyala, also from Telangana achieved the 108th rank. Meanwhile, Mangari Varun ranked 48th in the NCL (OBC) central list. As regards the top 10 SC category candidates, Reddyamalla Sreeshanth obtained 147th rank, and in the top 10 ST category, Banothu Dheeraj Kumar secured 1,178th rank. Approximately, 22,09,318 appeared for NEET-2025 overall and 12,36,531 qualified. Mahesh Kumar from Rajasthan was the national topper with Utkarsh Awadhiya from Madhya Pradesh in second place and Krishnang Joshi from Maharashtra finishing third. Avika Aggarwal from Delhi's National Capital Territory (NCT) was the top female candidate. The NEET-2025 was conducted on May 4 at 5,468 centres across 552 cities, including 14 venues overseas. The examination was conducted in 13 languages.
Press and Journal
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
EXCLUSIVE: Inverness Thistle chief reacts after new club wins place in North Caledonian League
A new club with an old name – Inverness Thistle – are celebrating after being accepted into the North Caledonian League. The moniker of the historic former Highland League club had been used in recent times in the Inverness amateur leagues, but a group of dedicated volunteers have been working towards creating a competitive side in the NCL. Inverness Thistle and Caledonian FC merged in the early 1990s to create what is now Caley Thistle, who are in SPFL League One after have had two spells in the top-flight and won the Scottish Cup a decade ago. However, football fans with a love for the red and black of Thistle have thrown their support behind the plans to build a new Jags club and they have been granted entry into the NCL – part of the pyramid system. From next season, the North Caledonian League will have a competitive Inverness Thistle in action – and the efforts to get a squad in place can really pick up pace. The club's chairman is Martin Mainland, a Lovat shinty player, who has played for Inverness Athletic in the NCL, and won the title with Loch Ness in 2023. He stressed that the great news for Jags followers comes on the back of a wide community involvement and that 'team effort rather than individuals' has helped secure this early off-field victory. The Thistle chief told The Press and Journal explained the background to Inverness Thistle, of 2025, reaching this crucial milestone. He said: 'In the Inverness amateur scene around 2016 or 2017, there was a team called Inverness Thistle AFC. 'That club was run by quite a few people who are on our committee now. Our current secretary, Robert MacIllwraith, was their chairman at one point for example. 'Unfortunately, it didn't work for them, but we knew there was always an opportunity to take on the naming rights if they are not in use for a certain period of time. 'This was our chance to take the name into the senior football leagues, so we just went for it. 'We held many focus groups with fans and there are many people, even more than 30 years on, who remain sickened with the merger between the two clubs. 'A lot of people have a lump in their throat and they're not willing to follow the current club. 'But we are a new club, and it is just nice to bring something back. 'I'm only 33, so I knew next to nothing about the merger when I was wee, but I have a soft spot for the underdog, and I felt for so many people and how (losing Inverness Thistle) affected them. 'It hit a spot, and I felt 'maybe we can do something here'. And that's what's happened. 'We're in week 57. We started it in May last year with our first focus group to gauge the interest and it has grown from there. 'We have a really extensive team of people behind the scenes. This was so important to so many people, we wanted to get it right. 'It's run by hard working volunteers and I'd like to say I'm so grateful to everyone involved. It's a real team effort.' Mainland explained one of the first steps was to get the right football management in place to move the club into these initial stages. He said: 'We have a dual management team, Andrew Martin and Ryan Macleod, who I had seen in the amateur leagues for some time – they ran Culloden together for about 10 years. 'I was always interested in how they always kept a happy camp. In amateur sport, you see arguing and bickering, but they never seemed to bicker with one another and they fostered great camaraderie within their teams. 'Even though players would come and go, there was never fall-outs, so I thought it was important to get these guys in and that follows our club's ethos, which transmits on to the park. 'We're a community club – and the community is everyone. We want everyone involved at the club to be happy, and Andrew and Ryan were the perfect fit.' Work is gathering pace to put a squad together, with this new Inverness Thistle not even having played a game yet. Mainland added: 'We've not had a chance to play a game yet, but it will happen soon. 'We will soon get players signed up. We've been speaking with a large amount of players. I think we've around 30 players already interested in playing for us. 'We will also be running an open trials' day for people to turn up and have a go. We want to ensure we're as inclusive as possible.' And Mainland is thrilled that Inverness Thistle will be one of 13 clubs lining up in the 2025-26 NCL, which kicks off on August 9. He said: 'There are a lot of people on our committee with experience of the North Caledonian League, and I played for Loch Ness and Inverness Athletic where I was also captain. 'I know the clubs, the grounds, the area, and how competitive the North Caledonian league is. 'We thought about contacting the junior leagues, but we thought geographically it made sense to go for the North Caledonian League where we can get derby games in Inverness. It is the best way to create interest locally.' Mainland confirmed that a home venue for Thistle remains under wraps, but the club will make an announcement in the coming days.
Travel Weekly
09-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
NCL's John Chernesky on improving support for travel advisors
When Norwegian Cruise Line's John Chernesky joined the company in April 2023 as senior vice president of sales for North America, he said his goal was to keep the line fresh in the minds of travel advisors. In a conversation with cruise editor Teri West in May, he reflected on his first two years in the role and why NCL's grades are getting better. John Chernesky Q: Tell me about how these first two years have been for you at the company and what you've learned in that time. A: It's hard to believe it's only been two years. It feels longer, in a good way, because I have really enjoyed my time. I love my team. I love the culture at NCL. Don't tell my boss I said this, but he's great. He has really allowed me to get into the weeds and understand the business of NCL and how does that then apply to the travel agent community. At the end of the day, my job is to be the biggest advocate for the travel advisor community that I can be internally within NCL, because I believe in the service that they provide, the value proposition they provide to their clients, that we simply can't succeed without them. Q: Are there any challenges that are shaping the way you think about the next year or two? A: I think it's the natural challenges of the industry, which are many, but we are, thankfully, very successful because, again, people see the value in cruising, and they want to go again and they want to bring their friends or family. Q: How have you seen the relationship between the cruise line and advisors evolve during this two-year tenure? A: I like to think it's gotten better, because I think I'm a very transparent, authentic person, in the sense that I will do my very best to tell you the truth. I'm not going to say the sky is blue if it's raining. And the success I think our team has had is that we focused on trying to be the easiest business partner that travel agencies work with. They have many suppliers that they work with -- multiple cruise lines, river lines, airlines, resorts, insurance companies, you name it. People want to work with people who make life easy for them, and there are other choices out there. And so our goal has been to become the easiest cruise line to work with. We actually measure ourselves in an annual survey [sent to travel agencies], and we're about to issue our 2025 survey in a couple weeks. ... I go back to my academic days, which, by the way, weren't fantastic, and I boil it down to, are we "A" students, are we "B" students, are we "C" students, etc. And when I started, the survey said we were "C" students, and last year we were "B" students. We made a lot of progress. And so I'm hopeful we're "A" students this year, but the time will tell with the survey. Q: Can you give me a little context about why travel advisors gave NCL a better grade? A: We had issues that we were solving with our air program, which has gotten a lot better. We had some sales support issues that we weren't very good at solving, and we shifted our focus there and made that process a lot more efficient, a lot better. Those were the two big things. And then systems, as well, our booking engine. We've launched a new system called Quest, which is not fully rolled out yet, and it only has a small fraction of the capabilities that it will ultimately have, but little things like that show we're listening and taking action. I like to be honest and say, "Hey, if we can do something we will do it, and if we can't, I'm sorry we can't do that now, but maybe in six months we'll try it again." And so I think that transparency has helped, and the agency community sees that we're taking action.
