Latest news with #NorwegianCruiseLine
Miami Herald
3 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
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Video: Celebrity Cruises ship goes adrift in busy Alaska port
In recent weeks, several cruise ships have been caught off guard by unexpected high winds while docked in ports around the world. Although cruise ships have advanced propulsion systems and stabilizers designed to withstand rough seas and intense weather, they aren't completely protected from Mother Nature's wrath. Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers witness risky stunt at Alaska cruise port In multiple recent incidents, extreme winds have caused cruise ship's mooring lines to break - even ripping the heavy bollards holding ship's mooring lines right off the pier in some cases. In one such accident that was widely covered in the news, Norwegian Epic suddenly drifted from the dock in Catania, Italy on May 30, causing one passenger to fall into the water from the ship's gangway as a result. But Norwegian Epic isn't the only ship that's struggled to stay docked as winds have recently whipped through cruise ports. That same weekend, MSC Seascape broke its moorings in The Bahamas, and Holland America Westerdam's lines snapped while docked in Ketchikan, Alaska. In every case, capable cruise ship captains and crew members quickly sprang into action when their ships broke free from their moorings, keeping their passengers safe and preventing more serious accidents. As the latest weather-related cruise port incident unfolded during a sudden, unusual storm in Juneau, Alaska's Gastineau Channel on June 16, a witness caught a video of the moment Celebrity Edge went adrift, nearly colliding with another ship in the crowded port. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. As Celebrity Edge began to rapidly drift from the dock, witnesses reported that its gangway fell into the water as its mooring lines snapped. The ship began to drift quickly toward Carnival Luminosa, which was anchored nearby in the channel. The captains of both ships reacted quickly, but narrowly avoided a collision. Carnival Luminosa swiftly backed up to make space for Celebrity Edge in the channel as it powered up, stabilized, and dropped anchor. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Related: Unsung hero helps Norwegian Cruise Line passengers in crisis The video shows that the storm swept through the channel suddenly and dramatically, with the wind picking up first before heavy rain set in. A rare severe thunderstorm warning with wind gusts up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail was issued for the Juneau area by the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms very rarely occur in Juneau and southeast Alaska during the summer season - on average, only once every two years - making the severe weather incident even more unusual. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Sailing Alaska cruises now through mid-September, Celebrity Edge is currently sailing a seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier cruise from Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, and Skagway in Alaska as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Hailed as the most immersive ship in Alaska, Celebrity Edge features a unique outward-facing design that's ideal for glacier viewing. Celebrity Edge Series ships are specifically designed to create a closer connection between passengers and their destinations. Related: Celebrity Cruises plans massive ship upgrades Celebrity Edge is one of three Celebrity Cruises ships sailing in Alaska this summer. The ship is joined in the region by Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit, which sail from Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. Carnival Luminosa is cruising alongside Celebrity Edge through the Last Frontier this summer, sailing similar Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier itineraries from Seattle. (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
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Miami Herald
Royal Caribbean cruisers witness risky stunt at Alaska cruise port
The prospect of racking up thousands of views on TikTok drives people to do a lot of crazy and unsafe things. As many TikTokers head to Alaska on cruise ships this summer, it's no surprise that videos of people doing questionable things at Alaska cruise ports are beginning to appear more often in users' feeds. Related: Stranded Norwegian Cruise Line passengers aided by unsung hero Recently, a video went viral on the popular social media platform that captured an unidentified woman doing something very ill-advised at a Juneau, Alaska, cruise ship pier where a Royal Caribbean cruise ship was docked. Not only did the stunt cause commotion at the pier, it drew quite a bit of criticism online as the TikTok video amassed views. As we saw with a recent Carnival cruise TikTok scam video, it's very possible that if the woman who performed the stunt was a cruise passenger and identified by her cruise line, she may now be banned from sailing with the cruise line in the future. Doug Parker shared more details on the risky Alaska cruise port stunt, and other cruise news including a separate incident in Alaska where a cruise passenger was arrested, on the June 16th edition of Cruise News Today. Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Transcript: This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker. Good morning, here's your cruise news for Monday, June 16th. A woman caused quite the stir in Juneau, Alaska, after leaping off the cruise pier near Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. Now, the unidentified woman - dressed pretty casually here - sprinted and jumped into the cold harbor water as she was captured on video, and shared widely on TikTok. Temperatures in the water this time of year are around 45 degrees Fahrenheit and pose a serious risk of hypothermia within 10 to 15 minutes. While no injuries were reported, the stunt drew criticism online for its danger of hitting a submerged object or getting electrocuted by the shore power system. Related: Google scam targets Carnival, Royal Caribbean cruisers And a Cheyenne, Wyoming, woman accused of reportedly embezzling thousands from a church in Wyoming has been arrested in Alaska. Now, authorities say 64-year-old Karen Bryan was taken into custody in Ketchikan, Alaska as she re-boarded the cruise ship. The cruise ship has not been identified in the report. Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak says she's now awaiting possible extradition back to Wyoming. She is presumed innocent until judgment day. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. And several cruise ships are set to change hands next year. The latest report from Cruise Industry News highlights what ships will go where in 2026, starting with Costa Fortuna. It'll move from Costa Cruises to Margaritaville at Sea after a major refit. The Seabourn Sojourn, currently with Seabourn, will head to Mitsui Ocean Cruises in Japan. Norwegian Sky will leave NCL for India-based Cordelia Cruises. And Regent Seven Seas Navigator will become part of a startup, Crescent Seas; as well as World Explorer - now with Mystic Cruises - it'll join Windstar Cruises as the Star Explorer. All these ships are expected to be transferred by September of '26. Related: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises announce new reward benefits And cruise stocks were down on Friday. Carnival Corporation: down 5%, 22.41. Royal Caribbean: down 3%, 258.08. Norwegian: down 5%, 17.78. And Viking: down 2.5%, 46.56. If you have a lead on a story, let us know: tips@ Have yourself a great Monday. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today. (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
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Lifestyle Expert Meaghan Murphy Shares Her Top Tips for Summer Fun with YourUpdateTV
From Dream Vacations to Backyard Vibes, Meaghan Murphy Teams Up with Top Brands to Help Families Make the Most of Summer 2025 NEW YORK, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Summer is officially here, and it's the perfect time to plan your next big getaway, host a backyard bash, or embrace a little spontaneous fun. Recently, Lifestyle Expert and TV Personality Meaghan Murphy teamed up with some top brands to help make the most out of the season. Planning That Dream Getaway Norwegian Cruise Line® offers families the freedom and flexibility to design their dream vacation; from lounging at the spa to enjoying the industry's only thrilling racetracks at sea and enjoying a great meal with family. On board an NCL ship there is something for everyone to enjoy. This summer, travelers looking to see more and get more out of their summer vacation can explore port-packed itineraries to destinations like Europe and Alaska while enjoying limited-time offers including up to $1,000 Off All Cruises and the More at Sea™ package, which features free airfare for a second guest and Kids Sail Free on select sailings. Offers are available through June 19. The Rise of the 'Girl's Trip'EF Go Ahead Tours is embracing the rise of the girls' getaway with its new Tours for Women collection. These small-group, women-only guided trips are designed by women and include unforgettable destinations like Italy, Thailand, Egypt, and Spain—perfect for those seeking connection and adventure. Last Minute Travel HacksTravelers looking to save on last-minute hotel stays can turn to HotelTonight, the hotel booking app owned by Airbnb. The platform offers discounts of up to 30% at top hotels and has recently launched a new perk: 10% back in Airbnb credit after each completed stay. Credits can be used for future getaways and are valid for one year. Terms apply. Create the Perfect Summer Vibe at HomeFor those entertaining at home, the Glade® Americana Collection offers an easy way to help elevate any summer gathering. Available for a limited time at Walmart, the collection includes three nostalgic scents inspired by classic summer moments like beach days, fruity ice pops, and garden-picked berries. To learn more about Meaghan Murphy's seasonal recommendations and featured products, visit * YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included and release was part of a media tour that was produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of Norwegian Cruise Line, EF World Journeys, HotelTonight, and Glade® Americana Contact: Dante MuccigrossoDanteM@ A video accompanying this announcement is available at: in to access your portfolio
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Are cruises the ultimate family bonding holiday?
What does a travel writer in his mid-thirties, habitually chained to his laptop, drowning in deadlines, have in common with a bass player from a 'new wave' powerhouse who's since forged a successful acting career? It turns out, it's a similar taste in holidays: a splash of neon Florida morphing into the carnival rhythm of the Caribbean – all of it unfolding while afloat. Earlier this year, I embarked with my curious and spirited little one – who was fast approaching his first birthday – on a voyage around the Caribbean with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). We joined Norwegian Encore – the 3,958-capacity moving playground – in Miami, swapping the city's steamy sidewalks and traffic for a seven-day itinerary that spanned beaches blazing under winter sun, storied old towns and lush hillsides across four ports. Once home, I learned that weeks later, Spandau Ballet star Martin and his son, radio host and TV presenter Roman Kemp, took to the ocean on the very same ship, following our voyage in a partnership with NCL. I wondered how our family holiday at sea would compare – at different waypoints on this mad journey that is parenting – so, back in London, I spoke to the pair about our experiences. It had been almost two decades since they'd been on a family holiday, Roman, 32, told me, describing it as an 'absolute rarity' that they managed to find the time to get away together. 'Very quickly, I recognised the shade of red that my dad goes with in the first hour of being anywhere hot – that was a good bit of nostalgia.' He jokes that my taking such a young one along with me is 'either great news or the hardest thing ever'. Honestly, it's a bit of both. But cruising absolutely works for such a small traveller. The vast choice of food (and its availability at all times) makes feeding him easy, and if your child isn't quite ready for a la carte, the buffet keeps things super simple. You get to see so many places without the faff of unpacking and then repacking again – plus the little one will be enthralled by the ocean as it rolls past the ship. And even when it's a sell-out holiday, as ours was, you can find space (and activities) that suit your needs. 'That's what I think those cruise ships are good for,' said Roman's 63-year-old dad, Martin. 'It breaks it up into different areas well. You can get what holiday you want from it, that's what I discovered. It doesn't have to be everyone doing the same thing.' There's plenty to keep you busy on Norwegian Encore, which has been sailing since 2019, its hull adorned with vibrant colours spilling backwards from the bow. Across 20 decks, there are as many restaurants (including an American-style steakhouse, Asian-Latin fusion menus and a Texas barbecue joint) and bars galore, from open-air haunts for fluorescent cocktails or a cigar lounge that suits having a smoke and a Scotch. From the very top, strap yourself in for Speedway, a daring go-kart track, or shoot down the Ocean Loops waterslide, which extends over the edge of the ship. And – since you are in the Caribbean, after all – there's a huge pool on deck 16, bordered by rows of sun loungers, plus a separate children's pool. Just as cruise ships have evolved over the years, so have family holidays. According to the latest 'Holiday Habits' report from Abta, a UK-based trade association for travel agents and tour operators, families continue to go on more holidays than any other 'age group or life stage'; the research also found that cruises are gaining in popularity among holidaymakers with children – those travelling with under-16s said that they are most attracted to the 'opportunity to visit multiple destinations in one trip', value for money and the 'safe and secure travel experience' that a cruise offers. For Martin, his getaway on the other side of the Atlantic was a far cry from his childhood breaks. 'The first time I ever went abroad was on a Freddie Laker jet to Benidorm,' he told me. 'I'd grown up with Butlins and Pontins, the holiday camps, with my parents and brother. Getting to do anything like going on a cruise, going around the Caribbean, with family – that to me is luxury.' Roman's response felt slightly less profound, but understandable: 'I loved seeing Dad dancing under the waterfall, recreating the Peter Andre 'Mysterious Girl' moment,' Roman joked. My own Nineties reenactments were somewhat hampered by my son, with a focus more on maintaining a nap schedule between stints in the sun, and profusely apologising to staff for the mess left under the highchair after each meal (knowing I'd be back tomorrow for more of the same). But the Kemps and I agreed about passengers from the US – and the stiff upper lip reserve of Brits. 'We only bumped into a couple of Brits. Americans know how to enjoy themselves – it is contagious,' said Martin, and the younger Kemp agreed. 'Americans really throw themselves into cruise life – we loved it. 'All Brits should go on a cruise.' Had I been travelling alone or with friends, would I have joined the 'sexy legs' competition or 'Thriller' dancing sessions? Without a child in my care, I certainly would have cracked open a beer by midday, so the answer to those questions is more likely yes. The on-board shenanigans are only half the fun – the rest comes from disembarking in a new destination. Considering my son's age restricted our options, it was still jam-packed. Heading out on foot, sans guide, around Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, spotting street art and watching the waves. A day split between a maritime park and munching tropical fruit on the beach in the US Virgin Islands. Another beach day in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) – he's now quite the waterbaby. The Kemps were able to be a little more high-octane, with one excursion combining a zipline, all-terrain vehicle tour and jungle hike to the cascading Damajagua Waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. Another took them across the BVI's Sir Francis Drake Channel to Norman Island for snorkelling. 'You tick off so many places you've always wanted to go to, and so quickly,' said Roman. 'Some of the stops that we made, the islands, were just incredible.' It's not just that, though, added Martin: 'You go to really different places. The destinations are often quite a few miles apart so it's like you're flying between them but you're doing it in luxury' 'You get to experience short bursts of a new place. They're really good samples of where you want to go next.' And doesn't my son know it – he doesn't even know how lucky he is, more stamps in his passport than teeth in his mouth. But the importance of travel is something to instil early, if you have the means. 'I always have this innate fear that when it comes to the end, I'll think back and go 'did I see as much as I could?'... I want to be able to see as much as I possibly can,' said Roman. 'Nothing is more valuable, I think, than travel.' And for Martin? The cruise reminded him how nice it was to travel with family – admitting he'd 'love' to do another cruise. I've already got my next trip planned with the mini swashbuckler – you never know, we might bump into the Kemps. Roman and Martin Kemp teamed up with Norwegian Cruise Line for a multigenerational voyage with NCL's 'More at Sea' package – an upgrade that gives guests speciality dining, wifi credits, discounts towards shore excursions and unlimited beverages (including on NCL's private island, Great Stirrup Cay).
