Celebrity Cruises adds more itineraries departing Florida

August 11, 2023 No Comments

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled all-new Caribbean offerings for the Winter 2024-2025 season on board four stellar ships – Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Equinox, and Celebrity Summit. 

 

Embarking from three Florida ports: Central Florida’s Port Canaveral, West Florida’s Port Tampa Bay, and South Florida’s Port Everglades, travellers will enjoy more than 40 new itineraries, all open for booking on August 22, 2023. 

Catering to the diverse needs of today’s consumer, the new program offers a wide range of experiences, from rejuvenating quick getaways to weekly 7-night cruises, and up to 9-night escapes. Transporting guests to tropical hotspots from Belize and Bimini to Grand Cayman and San Juan, a select number of itineraries also offer the opportunity to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Celebrity Comes to Port Canaveral

 

For the first time ever, Celebrity Cruises will sail out of Orlando’s Port Canaveral with 20 new itineraries, from November 21, 2024, to April 19, 2025, on board the intimate Celebrity Equinox. With most itineraries spanning 7-nights, travellers will have the opportunity to visit highly sought-after Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas, Belize, Grand Cayman, Mexico, San Juan, and St. Maarten. 

 

Just in time for the Spring Break season, two sailings on March 1 and March 15, 2025, will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

This cruise line has added a 42-day sailing through the Mediterranean

August 7, 2023 No Comments

Holland America Line is adding another Legendary Voyage to its diverse roster of lengthier cruises from convenient gateways.

The 42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage aboard Volendam departing Nov. 9, 2024, was inspired by a voyage the cruise line operated nearly 100 years ago.

The 2024 departure sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, allowing guests to experience 16 different ports across nine countries, all without international air.

100 years of inspiration

The original voyage that provided the vision for the “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” departed New York City Feb. 4, 1925, aboard Rotterdam IV and carried just 550 guests across the Atlantic Ocean to explore many of the same ports.

The 2024 cruise follows in the footsteps of the 1925 journey, visiting Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Tunisia, Gibraltar (United Kingdom) and Spain.

About the voyage

The “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” route first visits Horta and Ponta Delgada in the Azores after crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

A call at Tangier, Morocco, is followed by overnight visits to both Livorno and Civitavecchia, Italy. From Livorno, guests can explore Florence or Pisa, while Rome is easily accessed from Civitavecchia. Volendam then makes way to Naples, Italy, and Catania, Sicily, before Piraeus (Athens), Greece.

Guests will then explore the Holy Land at Haifa (Tel Aviv) and Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel, followed by Port Said and Alexandria (Cairo), in Egypt. The final ports on the voyage include La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia; Gibraltar; Cadiz (Seville), Spain: and Casablanca, Morocco. The cruise concludes Dec. 21 at Fort Lauderdale.

What is a ‘Legendary Voyage’?

These lengthier cruises, which range from 25 to 59 days, combine the ceremony of Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages while focusing on a singular region. They visit some of the most unique ports while offering guests an in-depth exploration. Shipboard programming is specially curated to share insights into the history and culture of the destinations visited.

Most of Holland America Line’s Legendary Voyages sail roundtrip or to/from a North American homeport, allowing travelers to see the world from their doorstep with a convenient domestic flight and easy embarkation.

The itineraries are offered on a variety of the line’s perfectly sized ships where guests enjoy the “best of” Grand Voyages on-board programming such as iconic theme parties, memorable sailaways and classic cruise activities to further enhance the experience.

Four Seasons shows off private jet itineraries for 2025

July 24, 2023 No Comments

Today’s luxury travellers are looking to see and do it all – and to do so exceptionally. The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience is the ultimate opportunity to travel the world in luxurious style.

Here’s a look at some of the new 2025 itineraries!

2025 Four Seasons Private Jet 

The 2025 Four Seasons Private Jet calendar begins with African Wonders (Dec. 29, 2024 – Jan. 10, 2025), a shorter itinerary with minimal travel across time zones perfect for families travelling with kids and equally enriching for couples and individuals.

The itinerary begins in Greece and heads down the African continent with stops in Egypt, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mauritius, Zambia and South Africa, exploring ancient treasures, wildlife experiences and natural wonders along the way. 

Asia Unveiled (Mar. 3-18, 2025) offers an exhilarating mix of southeast Asia’s pulsing cities and idyllic islands, and includes immersive experiences in five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

These first two itineraries for 2025 are also shorter than most other Four Seasons Private Jet Experience itineraries, at 13 and 16 days, ideal for annual vacations, school breaks and coordinating busy schedules around honeymoon, anniversary or birthday celebrations.

Later this year, Four Seasons will roll out additional Private Jet Experience itineraries on the 2025 calendar.

A lounge in the sky

All itineraries are now aboard the new custom-designed Four Seasons Private Jet that debuted late last year with more space to stretch out, move around and socialize, in a Lounge in the Sky.

This communal area acts as both a social gathering spot, and the stage for on-board programming led by Four Seasons craftspeople ranging from educational presentations to sommelier-led wine tastings, wellness workshops and other surprises. Additional features include spacious bathrooms, and an enhanced in-flight entertainment system, customized App for passengers, and multi-connectivity at each seat.

Every Four Seasons Private Jet itinerary includes all flights aboard the fully customized, 48-seat Airbus A321neo-LR plus luggage coordination and ground transfers. Travellers can also enjoy the service from an onboard Four Seasons Executive Chef who creates meals inspired by itinerary destinations and celebrates the unique flavours to be found along the journey.

All accommodations are in Four Seasons hotels and resorts, or, in more remote locations, at establishments carefully selected by Four Seasons. All planned excursions, activities and meals are taken care of and guests enjoy 24/7 service by an inflight journey team that includes a concierge, journey physician as well as on-the-ground Four Seasons local experts and dedicated Private Jet Guest Services Manager.

To find out more and begin planning a Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, click here.

Azamara Cruises returns to Canada for the first time since 2017

July 14, 2023 No Comments

 Azamara has released 73 itineraries for 2025, including two brand-new voyages visiting Canada for the first time since 2017.

Along with these itineraries comes the debut of double night stays, giving guests two overnights to explore one destination at their leisure. 

With Azamara’s new double night stays, guests can spend three days and two nights in Bordeaux, France. Due to their small size, Azamara’s ships can dock in the centre of the city, allowing guests to explore the stunning architecture and renowned museums, as well as the world-famous surrounding wine region.

Azamara guests can also sail seven hours down the Guadalquivir River to enjoy an extended stay in the heart of Seville, Spain, where they can fully immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions of Andalusia by indulging in tapas, watching authentic flamenco dancers and bullfighters, and admiring historic palaces – all at their own pace. 

“We are thrilled to return to Canada in 2025, and we’re excited for our guests to experience these unique itineraries visiting lesser traveled ports in Quebec and Newfoundland as well as Iceland and Greenland,” said Michael Pawlus, Head of Itinerary Planning at Azamara. “As demand for our Country Intensive sailings remains strong, we’ve also added a range of these specialty voyages across Europe for 2025, so our guests can discover smaller ports and hidden gems within a single country.”  

New sailings 

Marking the cruise line’s return to the country for the first time in more than five years, Azamara’s new sailings will stop in six Canadian ports, including:  

  • Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec (maiden port): Known as the center of the Magdalen Islands, this small fishing town boasts incredibly fresh seafood, stunning coastal trails, and over 300 species of birds. 
  • L’Anse Aux Meadows, Newfoundland (maiden port): L’Anse Aux Meadows is the only authenticated Viking site in North America. Guests will be transported back 1,000 years as they explore the recreated Viking Encampment and discover original Norse artifacts.  
  • Harve Saint Pierre, Quebec (maiden port): With panoramic views and never-ending sandy beaches, Saint Pierre sits on the north shore of Quebec’s Saint Lawrence River and is the gateway to the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, home to an abundance of wildlife. 

2025 itineraries

Azamara’s signature Country Intensive sailings continue to see high demand, making up more than half of the newly released 2025 itineraries.

These specialty voyages encourage guests to dive deeper into countries such as Italy, Spain, France, Norway, Ireland, and Scotland by providing more time to discover the local culture and hidden gems. Two of the fleet’s four ships will visit Greece in 2025, a destination Azamara knows best as its ships visit more unique ports throughout the country than any other cruise line. 

Azamara’s 2025 itineraries include a record number of 15 golf cruises in collaboration with longtime partner PerryGolf. Golf lovers will want to book the 2025 British Isles Golf Cruise, which includes weekend attendance to the final two rounds of The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.  

To book one of Azamara’s immersive itineraries for 2025, please visit www.azamara.com/europe-2025.  

Celebrity Cruises adds new stops to private island paradise

June 26, 2023 No Comments

Celebrity Cruises has revamped its Caribbean program for the summer 2024 season.

Starting next April, the Celebrity BeyondSM and Celebrity Reflection will sail to the Caribbean. Not only does the new program double the brand’s number of year-round Caribbean sailings and introduces the first weekend itineraries, but both ships will now offer guests with the exciting opportunity to experience Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Located in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay is an island paradise that offers miles of white sand beaches and clear waters, the largest freshwater pool in The Bahamas, and a beach club that features a heated infinity pool, specialty restaurant, and 20 exclusive overwater cabanas.

Hideaway Beach, a new offering debuting in January, will offer an adults only paradise, with private cabanas and a new signature food outlet. Perfect Day is also home to North America’s tallest waterslide and has other thrill-seeking activities like the Up, Up and Away — an epic balloon ride that provides breathtaking panoramic views.

For more information, visit www.celebrity.com. 

Cruise line adds 10 new Asian countries for 2024-2025 sailings

June 19, 2023 No Comments

Holland America Line’s 2024-2025 Asia season includes departures from Hong Kong, China; Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan; and Singapore to some of the most exciting cities across 10 countries, with a strong focus on Japan.

Noordam will sail a series of nine different 14-day itineraries that travel around Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The cruises showcase the diversity of the countries while celebrating their unique histories.

Late departures and overnight ports allow extra time for sampling the nightlife, cuisine and culture of the region.

Westerdam also heads to Asia on a new 53-day “Majestic Japan” Legendary Voyage roundtrip from Seattle. Travelers can visit the Far East with a convenient North American flight, easy embarkation and jetlag-free journey spanning several time zones.

Longer voyages 

  • LEGENDARY VOYAGE: New 53- or 52-Day “Majestic Japan” aboard Westerdam departing Sept. 1 or 2, 2024, either roundtrip Seattle, Washington, or between Vancouver, Canada, and Seattle. Featuring 21 total ports, 13 calls throughout Japan and overnights at Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe, Japan, and Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • LEGENDARY VOYAGE: New 28-Day “Coral Triangle, Volcanoes and The Great Barrier Reef” departing Jan. 5, 2025, roundtrip from Singapore aboard Noordam that explores 10 ports in five countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines, with scenic cruising in the famed Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, and past the Kumba and Krakatau volcanoes.

Highlights of the 2024-2025 Asia season

  • Noordam explores Asia from September 2024 through April 2025.
  • Overnight calls include Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe (Osaka); Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand; and Da Nang, Vietnam.
  • The cruises visit a combined 49 ports in the region, including 24 in Japan.
  • “North Pacific Crossing” between Vancouver and Yokohama:
    • 13 days, departing Sept. 29, 2024, Vancouver to Yokohama, including calls at Sitka and Kodiak, Alaska, and Kushiro, Japan.
    • 15 days, departing April 27, 2025, Yokohama to Vancouver, including Kushiro, and Alaska’s Kodiak, Juneau, Ketchikan and Glacier Bay.
  • “Circle Japan” — 14 days, roundtrip from Yokohama. Three itineraries:
    • Osaka (Kobe), Kochi, Fukuoka, Sakaiminato, Niigata, Aomori, Otaru (Sapporo) and Hakodate, all in Japan, as well as Sokcho, South Korea.
    • Kochi, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Kanazawa, Niigate, Otaru, Aomori and Hakodate, all in Japan, as well as Busan(Pusan), South Korea.
    • Shimizu, Kobe, Kochi, Hiroshima, Sakaiminato, Tsuruga, Toyama, Akita, Hakodate and Miyako, all in Japan; as well as Sokcho.
  • “Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines” — 14 days, between Yokohama and Singapore. Calls at Osaka (overnight), Nahaand Ishigaki, Japan; Keelung (Taipei) and Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and Manila, Boracay and Puerto Princesa, Philippines.
  • “Far East Discovery” — 14 days, between Hong Kong and Singapore. Calls at Halong Bay, Da Nang (Hue), Nha Trangand Phu My, Vietnam; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Laem Chabang (Bangkok, overnight) and Nathon (Koh Samui), Thailand.
  • “Far East Discovery Holiday” — 14 days, roundtrip from Singapore. Thailand: Nathon (Koh Samui) and Laem Chabang (Bangkok, overnight). Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu My, Halong Bay and Da Nang (overnight).
  • “Indonesian Discovery” — 14 days, roundtrip from Singapore. All calls are in Indonesia and include Probolinggo and Semarang, Java; Celukan Bawang and Benoa (Denpasar), Bali; Komodo Island; Lembar, Lombok; and Tanjung Priok, Jakarta. Scenic cruising by the active Krakatau Volcano.
  • “Japan and Taiwan” — 14 days, roundtrip from Yokohama. Japan: Amami (Naze), Naha, Ishigaki Island, Nagasaki, Abruatsu, Kochi and Kobe. Taiwan: Hualien and Keelung (Taipei).
  • “Japan and South Korea Discovery” — 14 days, roundtrip from Yokohama. Japan: Kobe (overnight), Kochi, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Kagoshima. South Korea: Sokocho, Busan, Jeju City (Cheju) and Incheon (Seoul).

This Canadian airline is now flying non-stop from Vancouver to Singapore

June 16, 2023 No Comments

Air Canada has added non-stop flights between its trans-Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Singapore’s Changi International Airport (SIN).

The new route will operate four times weekly beginning April 3, 2024*, onboard Air Canada’s flagship Dreamliner fleet. Seats are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres, and travel agents.

Flight schedule

Flights will be operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft featuring three cabins of service for customers to choose from, including Signature Class with lie-flat seats, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

The schedule has been built to conveniently connect to and from destinations across North America via Air Canada’s hub at YVR and, in Singapore to and from destinations across Southeast Asia, South India and Western Australia with Star Alliance and codeshare partner Singapore Airlines.

New international train ticketing platform launches in Canada

June 12, 2023 No Comments

International rail ticketing platform, Rail Online, has launched in the U.S. and Canada.

Rail Online is a new rail booking platform, offering fairer fares for American and Canadian passengers, with carrier fare price matching, instant refunds on e-tickets and, most importantly, no foreign currency transaction fees, with customers able to book in local US or Canadian dollars.

About Rail Online

Founded in 2019 by Australian tourism and transport expert, James Dunne, Rail Online allows North American travellers to book UK, European, and North American rail travel via one single platform.

Customers can currently book tickets with Amtrak (US), VIA Rail (Canada), National Rail (UK), and SCNF (France, including Eurostar), with further networks to follow, including Trenitalia (Italy), which will be introduced to the platform in the coming weeks.

Eurail passes, for travel itineraries across Europe, are also currently available to book via the Rail Online website.Rail Online is committed to maximising convenience for customers whilst also eliminating the paper waste associated with rail travel, delivering e-tickets for both domestic and international travel direct to the customer within minutes of booking.

Celebrity Cruises unveils details of newest mega ship

June 7, 2023 No Comments

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled details of its newest resort at sea, Celebrity Ascent, once it launches this November.

Celebrity Cruises is once again making waves with the arrival of its fourth Edge Series ship.

Celebrity Ascent will be the newest ship based in South Florida for the 2023-2024 Caribbean season. Cruising out of Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale from December 2023 to April 2024, the new ship will transport guests to some of the Caribbean’s most desired destinations like the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands, before departing to Europe for a summer of bucket-list Mediterranean cruises in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Spain and France. 

On board experience

On board Celebrity Ascent, guests will enjoy the signature experiences of the brand’s Edge Series ships.

Some of these include its industry-first outward facing design that maximizes views and outdoor areas allowing guests to connect with the world around them, a robust food and beverage program with 30 plus choices from casual to fine dining to satisfy all palates, plus spacious and sleek staterooms in a breadth of accommodation options catering to all travellers from solo adventurers and couples, to multi-generational family groups. 

Edge Series favourites

Celebrity Ascent will bring back favored signature experiences, like: 

  • The Theatre – that takes entertainment at sea to a new level with state-of-the-art technology and experiential, imaginative performances. 

  • The Rooftop Garden – the ultimate outdoor haven where guests can enjoy live music, movies, infinity float pools, and even al fresco dining at the Rooftop Garden Grill. 

  • The Spa – where holistic wellness takes center stage through 120 destination-inspired treatments, the SEA Thermal Suite featuring eight distinctive therapeutic experiences inspired by nature, plus specialty treatment beds, a full-service salon and barber. 

  • The sprawling Resort Deck – featuring a main pool lined with cabanas, two-story martini-glass-shaped hot tubs, and The Solarium, an adults-only, tranquil spa-inspired retreat built for relaxation and complete with pool, hot tub and loungers.  

  • The Sunset Bar designed by Nate Berkus – where an international beach club ambiance meets fresh sea breezes and boundless views. 

  • The Magic Carpet – the world’s first cantilevered lounge and gathering space at sea sits on the edge of the ship, offering a new way to drink, dine and socialize while enjoying unobstructed panoramic views. 

  • Inventive culinary experiences – like the three-story Eden Bar and Restaurant featuring floor-to-ceiling views, or the fully immersive and animated Le Petit Chef dinner.

  • The Grand Plaza and Martini Bar – that stun guests with an interactive chandelier and jaw-dropping Flair, Flash, Fusion bartender shows. 

  • Modernized accommodation options – such as the Infinite Veranda® that transforms from window to terrace with the push of a button, and the AquaClass® staterooms built for wellbeing-seekers that are packed with thoughtful design and exclusive amenities.

New food and beverage experiences

Cosmopolitan

Celebrity Ascent will treat guests to a culinary journey that includes new experiences like:

  • Redesigned Le VoyageSM by Daniel Boulud restaurant – first featured on Celebrity BeyondSM, the brand will continue its partnership with Boulud and introduce his second restaurant at sea

  • Plant-based tasting menu at Eden Restaurant 

  • Never-before-seen Le Petit Chef dinner – the crowd favorite dinner will feature an all-new animation and menu to match. 

  • Bourbon offerings and tastings – expanding on existing whiskey tastings, Craft Social will now offer high-end bourbons and new tasting seminars

  • More Martinis at the Martini Bar – aligning with the trend of low-sugar cocktails and fresh, crisp ingredients, the Martini Bar will feature brand-new creations and an expanded menu including lychee and passion fruit martinis.

  • Revitalized Main Dining Experience – once again featuring four complimentary main dining options, each with a signature menu and rotating nightly dishes, Ascent will feature a redesigned Cosmopolitan restaurant inspired by the culture of champagne

  • Outdoor terrace at Blu – the clean-cuisine restaurant exclusive to AquaClass guests will feature an outdoor terrace with 24-person seating that will be available for daytime dining, from al fresco brunches to lunches. 

New entertainment, art and retail experiences

On board Ascent, travellers will enjoy enhanced entertainment, art and retail offerings like: 

  • Nightly entertainment – as the sun sets the Resort Deck will become the center stage for the ultimate nightlife experience treating guests to an open-air celebration with live performances, live music, and a DJ creating a pulsating dance floor. 

  • New production shows – building on Celebrity’s award-winning entertainment, the brand is partnering with industry-leading creatives to introduce three spectacular new production shows in The Theatre, new interactive digital experiences and shows in The Club, and new engaging immersive shows in the Eden Bar and Restaurant, all featuring world-class dances, vocalists, musicians and specialty artists. 

  • Redesigned Casino floor and brand-new games – a first for Celebrity Cruises, Ascent will feature an all-new gaming floor complete with a new layout, new design featuring deep reds and golds, and all new slot machines with the latest technology

  • Redesigned Art Gallery – the new space is thoughtfully reimagined, allowing guests to better experience priceless art pieces, and enjoy exclusive auctions and art events

  • The Sunset Collection by Nate Berkus – a collection of chic travel and home accessories available exclusively on board Celebrity Ascent

Air Canada now flying non-stop from Toronto to Yellowknife

May 22, 2023 No Comments

Air Canada is starting non-stop, year-round service between Toronto and Yellowknife in December.

The new, three-times weekly service will provide convenient connections between eastern Canada and the capital of the Northwest Territories.

Customers will also be able to seamlessly connect onward from Yellowknife on Air Canada’s interline partner, Canadian North.

Service between Toronto and Yellowknife will begin December 1, 2023, operated using Canadian-made Airbus A220 aircraft. It will be configured with 137 seats in a Business and Economy cabin, with onboard Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment systems featuring hundreds of hours of content and live TV at every seat.

Customers will be able to earn and redeem Aeroplan points and eligible customers will enjoy premium services where available, including priority boarding and baggage handling, and Maple Leaf Lounge access in Toronto.

 

Flight schedule

Flight

Departs

Arrives

Days of the Week

AC1169

Toronto 21:00

Yellowknife 23:54

Tuesday, Friday, Sunday

AC1168

Yellowknife 00:50

Toronto 7:20

Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Daily service for Vancouver and Edmonton

The new service will complement Air Canada’s existing twice daily service between Yellowknife and Vancouver and daily service between Yellowknife and Edmonton.

Customers connecting for travel beyond Yellowknife can take advantage of Air Canada’s bilateral interline agreement with Canadian North, which allows travel on a single, through-checked ticket that includes baggage transfer.

Destinations available via Canadian North include Cambridge Bay, Fort Simpson, Hay River, Gjoa Haven, Taoloyoak and Inuvik. Customers travelling on Canadian North can also earn and redeem Aeroplan points.