CARIBBEANCRUISES STARTING FROM $358 Book Now SUMMER 2022 NORTHEAST CRUISES STARTING FROM $190 Book Now SUMMER 2022 ALASKA CRUISES STARTING FROM $258 Book Now 30% off all guests on select cruises Plus kids sail free. 3 Night Ensenada Cruise Starting from* $168/person Los Angeles, California Navigator of the Seas View 18 Dates royalcaribbean-cruises-2019 0. By Rupert Orchard on January 16, 2019. Related Posts. November 14, 2020 0. Singapore's 'sailcations' make their debut allowing agents to sell cruise again; October 31, 2020 0. US to join Asia in the restart of cruise with tough health regime; Navigator of the Seas, Royal Caribbean📆 2019 AUGUST 05 - 09📷 GoPro Fusion💻 GoPro Fusion Studio🎥 5.2K - 30 FPS🌐 360° Ahuge highlight for 2019 is that all four of the world's largest cruise ships— the Oasis Class —will depart for the Caribbean. The current largest ship, Harmony of the Seas, sails from Port Canaveral, and sister ship Allure of the Seas returns to Fort Lauderdale from Miami. Waverunner. Now the guy was just showing off lol RoyalCaribbean will add all-new features and firsts, including a revamped Caribbean poolscape, two waterslides, the first blow dry bar at sea, nightlife and dining, and activities for the whole family. Navigator of the Seas will return to service on February 24, 2019 and offering 3- and 4-night Caribbean cruises from Miami. Empress of the Seas Sincefirst arriving in Cuba in 2016, cruise ships visited a variety of venues including museums, landmarks, rivers, and beaches. The restrictions were not implemented until months later, in June 2019, when President Donald Trump announced them. So cruise line officials hastily stopped visiting Cuba and diverted ships. PaketCruise Of Royal Caribbean 5D Rp4.792.500 Tangerang Petra Tour Travel ♛ Fumatour ♛ Royal Caribbean Spectrum Of The Seas Voucher Cruise Rp9.100.000 Tangerang Fuma Tour Royal Caribbean New Year 28 Dec 2019 - 2 Jan 2020 Rp10.850.000 Bandung Travel Station 5.0 Terjual 2 Preorder miniatur kapal pesiar royal caribbean Rp2.990.000 Kab. - Explore Yvette Chiesa Novacek's board "Royal Caribbean Cruise 2019" on Pinterest. See more ideas about royal caribbean cruise, royal caribbean, caribbean cruise. - Explore Christina Garcia's board "Royal Caribbean Cruise 2019" on Pinterest. See more ideas about royal caribbean cruise, caribbean cruise, cruise. xfvfrI. While it's no surprise that demand for cruising has never been higher, you might be intrigued to hear how much those that have never cruised before are booking Caribbean Group saw terrific results in the first quarter of 2023, and its top executive is seeing all sorts of positive signs that the cruise giant has rebounded metric that stands out is how much demand for a cruise resembles pre-2020, signaling that the effects of the cruise industry shutdown are all but forgotten among Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group CEO, said in a recent interview demand from people that have never cruised before is actually better today than in 2019."We're seeing more new to cruise than we had seen in 2019," he said in reference to who's booking cruises this year. "We're seeing more first to brand, which is very much in line with our growth expectations for our capacity, growth as our new ships come on.""Historically, you know, pre-pandemic, about a third of our guests were new to cruise, a third of our guests were loyalists, and the third of our guests refers to brand.""What we see now is one propensity to cruise has completely returned back that was in 2019."The return of new cruisers to the market is what drives a cruise line like Royal Caribbean back to profitability, because the amount of people that have never cruised before is the largest source of new cruise industry was unfairly singled out in 2020-2021 as it was the only industry federally prevented from restarting for months, then had to get approval to restart as well as reporting concerns of consumers being wary to get back on a ship since seem to have been abated with these new of who is booking a cruiseIn terms of who's cruising, Mr. Liberty explained what sort of customers the company is attracting in 2023."So we have really three core brands that are really in their different segments," he explained."And so they all address different age and demographic categories. Like our Royal [Caribbean] brand is very focused on multigenerational family. Our Celebrity brand, people that are in their early 50s, more Gen X in nature. And our SilverSea brand, which is Ultra Luxury and Expedition, tend to attract a little bit of the Baby Boomer side of things."That being said, younger cruisers are definitely coming to cruise."What we are seeing is the guest is actually a little bit younger on average than what we saw pre-pandemic.""And a lot of that is because there's more millennials that are now into the system as they got married and started to have kids and are looking to experience incredible travel experiences.""We continue to see the ability to raise price in the current market"It's not your imagination, the price of a cruise is going up and that's because the market is tolerating a question about pricing, Mr. Liberty talked about the fact the company sees an opportunity to raise prices without negatively impacting demand."We continue to see the ability to raise price in the current market," Mr. Liberty explained."The main driver of that, one, I think, is having best brands, best ships win. And our guests get this incredible experience on our ships. And that gets broadcasted through advocacy of our guests, who are experiencing that."Essentially, Royal Caribbean Group believes a combination of their ship quality and word of mouth is helping their Liberty also brought up a point of how much value a cruise vacation has over a land vacation, a statistic he's talked about quite a bit in the past."There's also a pretty significant value gap to land-based vacation.""That gap was about 15% to 20% pre-pandemic. Today, it's about 35% to 45%. And we're going to make, you know, a pretty good dent in it here in 2023."TippingOne of the hot button topics is gratuities on a cruise ship, and Mr. Liberty answered a question about tipping on a cruise was asked about the backlash related to "tip-flation" that's happened recently."We have a gratuity. It raises typically just based off of how inflation is changing. And that's more what is. It's pretty much a standard fee. Of course, our guests and can provide more. The guests can also choose not to, you know, not to tip if they don't choose to."Read more Should you prepay gratuities for your Royal Caribbean cruise?"But- but a gratuity-based system, a service-based system, we think is really important. But we're not chopping at every corner here on tipping. We have pretty much a standard fee for it."Read more Can I remove cruise ship prepaid gratuities? Photo courtesy of Laura Grier/Instagram lauragriertravel Cruising has never been hotter. According to the Cruise Lines International Association CLIA, 30 million people are expected to sail the high seas in 2019 — that's up from million in 2009. And a whopping 21 ships are launching in 2019, adding to an already crowded marketplace. The good news is that you can find a ship for every personality, whether you're a woman traveling solo or a multigenerational family on the go with the whole crew. But where to start? I tapped into a handful of women travel experts and influencers and got them to share the cruises they're most excited about for 2019, from new ship launches to exciting destinations to classic vessels that are worth a second look. Plus, you'll find perks like Dom Perignon dinners, private-island escapes, F1 simulators and more. It's going to be a very good year. READ MORE "Quit Your Job And Travel the World 27 Easy Ways To Make Money Online" Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International High-Octane Thrills in the Caribbean Royal Caribbean Chosen By Corina Quinn is an editor at Condé Nast Traveler, where she oversees the city guides and co-leads cruise coverage. She's worked in travel and lifestyle magazines for more than 10 years — yet her bucket list is never near completion. She loves being on the water, and believes there's a cruise out there for everyone. Why It's no surprise this aptly named cruise line gets Caribbean cruising right. By offering a wide range of things to do on its ships — think activities like surf simulators, skating rinks and bumper car tracks — Royal Caribbean International makes sailing a fun-for-everyone kind of time. Now, though, the company is turning to its offerings off its ships, as it prepares to unveil its newly refurbished private island in the Bahamas, called Perfect Day at CocoCay. The island re-opens in May, coming out of the gate with new features like a waterpark, zip line, aqua park, freshwater pool and even balloon rides. Which ship should you sail to get there? If you crave a short getaway, Navigator of the Seas — which re-enters the market in February following a $115 million revamp — offers three- and four-night Caribbean cruises from Miami with a new poolscape, two waterslides and the first dry bar at sea kind of ideal for those of us whose hair wilts in the humidity. She'll make stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay after it reopens, along with sister ships Mariner of the Seas, which makes short trips from Orlando to the Bahamas year-round, and Enchantment of the Seas, which sails from Galveston. But if it's some real R&R you crave, you couldn't do better than Symphony of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship that launched late last year. It will hit the island on its seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings. Symphony features a whopping 22 restaurants and grab-and-go spots, a 10-story slide, laser tag and its own boardwalk. It's possible that even after seven nights you won't get to it all. Photo courtesy of Laura Grier/Instagram lauragriertravel Intimate Luxury on the Mekong Abercrombie & Kent Chosen By Known as “the Indiana Jones of Adventure Travel Photography” Laura Grier has been published in over 25 publications worldwide and is presently the lead photographer for Novica, National Geographic's Artisan Catalog, training their in-house photographers around the world. She is also the cofounder of Jetset Collective Media. Follow her on Instagram lauragriertravel. Why I love going on smaller, boutique ships. On Abercrombie & Kent’s Cruising the Mekong Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat, there’s never more than 24 guests onboard. And with 27 staff members, you get the most luxurious over-the-top service. Everyone knows your name, and they think of what you want before you even want it. Sailing with A&K feels like something out of another era You’re transported back in time. Another advantage to a small luxury riverboat is that you can access different waterways than larger ships, sailing into little inlets along the Mekong River, visiting jungles and villages and floating markets. While you get to visit the big cities, you also see a side of Cambodia and Vietnam that only locals usually see. A&K also offers a lot of interactive experiences, focusing on new wellness programming to cooking classes with local fruits to visiting a school and helping teach English. For me, one of the highlights was visiting a village and seeing how the locals weave baskets and purses out of water lilies from the Mekong River. It was magical. READ MORE "Why You Should Skip Iceland And Go To These 9 Under-the-Radar Places" Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises Exploring the Galapagos in Style Celebrity Chosen By Jane Wooldridge, business editor of the Miami Herald, specializes in cruises and adventure travel. She is also president-elect of the Society of American Travel Writers. Follow her on Instagram janewooldridge and look for her new website launching this year at Why When it comes to stylish cruising, Celebrity Cruises delivers like no other line. Though it is best known for its new Edge-class ships and the 2,900-passenger Solstice, the premium line also runs expedition-type cruises in the Galapagos. This year it welcomes the all-suite Celebrity Flora, specially built to squire 100 passengers through the remote Ecuadorean islands made famous by Charles Darwin. Flora combines Celebrity’s comfortably chic ambiance — including its “infinite verandah” cabins that switch from floor-to-ceiling window to balcony with touch — with active exploration on land and under the sea. Small enough to access snug coves but large enough for open-water sailing, Flora is the ideal size for making new friends without feeling too close. Beginning in May, the ship's 10- and 11-day itineraries include a visit to Quito; prices include all excursions, drinks and tips. My voyage on predecessor Xpedition wowed me into a marine wildlife lover; don’t miss the chance to cavort with baby sea lions, even if it means climbing into a wet suit. Photo courtesy of U by Uniworld Cool River Cruising in Europe U by Uniworld Chosen By Meagan Drillinger is a freelance travel writer based in New York City. She is also the founder of Vaera Journeys, a company for entrepreneurial women that uses travel as a muse to take women out of their comfort zones and help them network and build upon their individual brands and businesses. Vaera's next immersive retreat is in Puerto Vallarta in May 2019. Follow her on Instagram drillinjourneys and vaerajourneys. You can also read Drillinger's tips on the Cheapest Places to Travel in 2019 here. Why Uniword is sailing into the next generation of cruising with the launch of U by Uniworld, a new take on river cruising for the experiential travel generation. While in the past, river cruising has been associated with an older generation or those with a lot of cash to burn, U by Uniworld is a culturally immersive, social and active travel experience — with trips starting at under $1,600. Cruise Germany, Austria, Slovakia, the Netherlands and Hungary with like-minded travelers, immersive shore excursions, festivals, great food and more. Photo courtesy of Oceania Cruises Dom Perignon Dinners Oceania Chosen By Chris Gray Faust is managing editor of the web's largest cruising resource. She is a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel writer, has WSET Level 3 certification in wine and believes that there's a cruise for every type of traveler. Why What we love about cruising is that lines are always looking for new ways to delight current passengers — and draw new ones onboard. Oceania Cruises, already a Cruise Critic winner for its outstanding gourmet dining, has upped the ante in 2019 by developing a partnership with the famed Champagne house Moet & Chandon, featuring its iconic Dom Perignon. On Oceania's two larger cruise ships, Marina and Riviera, guests can experience a six-course tasting menu centered around three vintage Dom Perignon years. The meal, served in the ship's special La Reserve dining room, is limited to 26 guests and was specially designed by chefs from both Oceania Cruises and Moet & Chandon. Foodies will die for luxe ingredients such as foie gras, lobster, Wagyu beef and gold leaf expertly plated atop of black truffle risotto while oenophiles will be delighted to sample three different Dom vintages from 2006, 2009 and a special 2004 rose. The extra fee of $295 per person plus gratuity may seem steep at first, but the generous pours of high-end Champagne that's hard to find elsewhere particularly by the glass, plus the decadence of the meal itself, makes it comparable to a special dining experience on land. Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises Yachting in Europe, the Seychelles and the Caribbean Crystal Chosen By Tara Moss is a globally recognized travel writer, photographer and founder of Ladyhattan, a Manhattan-based travel blog. A graduate of Harvard University and former hotel lawyer, Tara has traveled to over 50 countries and curates engaging travel content through the lens of a lady. Why If the negative stigma of big-ship cruising has kept you away from the waters, then 2019 is the year to reconsider and set sail to a whole new experience. How about yachting? Crystal Cruises indulges luxury travel seekers through customized and intimate yachting journeys that shatter prior misconceptions about what is possible on the water. The all-suite Crystal Esprit mesmerizes guests by sailing to destinations that are difficult to reach and often accessible only by private yacht. From the Dalmatian Coast and Greek Isles to the Seychelles and West Indies, each itinerary is thoughtfully planned to ensure vacation time is best spent exploring cultural delights. On the West Indies Yachting Explorer itinerary, you will garner front-row access to indulgent islands like St. Barts, Saba and Nevis, places where large cruise ships are typically precluded from docking due to size. Crystal Yacht Expeditions boast 6-star service with 90 staff catering to just 62 guests in 31 butler-serviced suites. The intimate size facilitates an experience of luxury yachting versus mainstream cruising. Imagine jumping off the ship into ocean water and jet skiing to the sunset, sipping signature cocktails and savoring Michelin-star quality meals served by a crew who always know your name. With Crystal, you can capitalize on the convenience of exploring exclusive destinations without sacrificing luxury amenities and intimate surroundings. There is no better time to test out the waters. Photo courtesy of Viking Ocean Cruises Nordic Pampering in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe Viking Chosen By Rona Berg is editor in chief of Organic Spa Media, and cited by the Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, USA Today and others as an expert on spa and wellness practices around the world. Rona has been editorial director of ELLE, Deputy style director at The New York Times Magazine, advisory board member of Shape and contributed to hundreds of publications. Why I never saw myself as a cruiser, somehow who loves cruises. In fact, I studiously avoided them. But my experience on the Norwegian-owned Viking completely changed my mind. My journey up the coast of Norway on the Viking Sky was luxurious and comfortable, full of hygge, the Nordic concept that translates, loosely, into “enjoying life’s simple pleasures.” Floor-to-ceiling windows in the ship’s public areas bring the outside in and make you feel close to nature. But most of all, I loved the spacious Liv Nordic spa, which featured traditional Scandinavian treatments, and a Nordic Bathing Ritual, where you can hop from the steam room to the snow grotto into the tranquil pool. That feeling of stillness and tranquility is what I look forward to experiencing again on what will hopefully be my next Viking cruise. The line is debuting the Viking Jupiter, the sixth ship in the fleet, this month, sailing the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, which is where I hope to be following the Viking Shores & Fjords itinerary, or the new In Search of the Nordic Lights. I love the north, and Viking is the only cruise line to offer a winter itinerary north of the Arctic Circle to search for the Aurora Borealis. My husband thinks I’m crazy, but my bucket list includes Antarctica, too. Now that I’ve experienced the romance of spending a holiday at sea, I don’t want to stop. Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises Endless Activities in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and MSC Chosen By CruiseTipsTV’s Sheri Griffiths and her family are California-based content creators focused on providing practical tips and advice to new and seasoned cruisers. CruiseTipsTV’s audience enjoys following Griffiths and her family as they travel the world by ship, visiting destinations like Japan, Mexico, Alaska and the Caribbean. Griffiths was named one of Porthole Cruise Magazine’s "10 Travel Influencers Changing How We Vacation." Why With the delivery of two new ships, a major repositioning and a private island under development, MSC Cruises is raising the bar in 2019. The much-anticipated private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, has everyone talking. Guests will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of a Bahamian paradise with seven beaches and have easy access to activities like paddle boarding, snorkeling and kayaking. They can also shop, splurge on spa services in cabanas and even get married in a wedding pavilion. For travelers looking to cruise the Mediterranean, the line’s brand new flagship, MSC Bellissima, will feature some of the most innovative technology at sea with the introduction of the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant, ZOE. A voice-enabled artificial intelligence device available in seven languages, ZOE will allow guests to get answers to the most commonly asked cruise questions right from their stateroom. In addition to the new HOLA! Tapas Bar by Ramón Freixa, the entertainment is sure to shine, with two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea performances. In October, MSC Cruises is repositioning its elegant MSC Meraviglia to the East Coast of the United States for Canada/New England and Caribbean sailings. Cruisers who have enjoyed MSC Meraviglia in the Mediterranean rave about the Galleria Meraviglia, a two-deck "inside promenade" with a 262-foot long LED dome. Families love the outdoor waterpark and endless onboard activities, like the F1 simulator and an outdoor ropes course. Later in the year, MSC is going even bigger with the launch of MSC Grandiosa, which will feature a Mediterranean-style promenade and a dazzling LED Sky screen. PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICIA STONE/GLOBAL_ADVENTURESS INSTAGRAM Sailing and Gastronomy in French Polynesia Windstar Chosen By Patricia Stone founded Global Adventuress and grew up in Tahiti. She has traveled to 166 countries and seeks out unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations for solo, girlfriends, couples and family travel. Her award-winning site has been featured in Forbes, the Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Toronto Star and USA Today. Follow her on Instagram global_adventuress. You can also read Stone's tips on the Cheapest Places to Travel in 2019 here. Why Tahiti welcomes its visitors with a warm “Ia Ora Na," gentle smiles and tiare flowers. There are 118 islands in French Polynesia, and Windstar Cruises is the best way to visit some of the most stunning islands in the world. Windstar also offers excellent deals on luxury trips. A bonus Windstar has a new partnership with the James Beard Foundation, so guests may savor a culinary-themed cruise presented by expert chefs and sommeliers. Choose the seven-day Tahiti cruise with stops at Raiatea, Huahine, Bora Bora and Moorea, or the 11-day voyage where you can visit seven islands including the coral atolls Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus. Windstar’s ship, Wind Spirit, is small enough to navigate tight passageways and anchor near deserted islands, motus and shallow lagoons. You’ll find slices of paradise at every turn — black-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, white sandbanks, waterfalls, lush rainforest, coral gardens, majestic valleys and massive mountains. Active cruisers will love the watersports platform on the ship, for snorkeling, swimming and kayaking. Some activities not to miss Learn the Tahitian dance, the Ori Tahiti. Buy a flower lei and a pareu a Tahitian fabric sarong at a local market. Harvest your own black pearls. And take a helicopter flight from Tahiti to Moorea to get a bird's eye view of the rugged beauty of these islands. Photo courtesy of Marsel van Oosten Bucket-List Antarctica Hurtigruten Chosen By Veronica Stoddartis the former travel editor of USA Today and an award-winning editor, writer and content consultant with more than three decades in travel publishing. A high-profile expert in travel and tourism, she has visited more than 100 countries, reporting from many of them. She believes that travel can be a force for good in the world. Why Calling all Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen wannabes. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime to the White Continent, the coldest, driest and windiest place on the planet. It’s also one of the most dazzling landscapes on earth — filled with soaring sculpted glaciers, surreal icebergs in startling shades of blue and a wonderland of endless snow and ice. Not to mention plenty of penguins and seals and whales, oh my! Cruises to Antarctica are all the rage these days for bucket listers, with choices from ultra deluxe to barebones. I found it especially appropriate to sail with Hurtigruten, a storied 125-year-old Norwegian line with roots in Norway’s seafaring heritage going back to the ancient Vikings. Indeed, this was very much an expedition cruise, with the emphasis on expedition — which seems only fitting for a continent that remains largely unexplored. The Midnatsol Midnight Sun offered thrilling land and sea excursions, illuminating scientific lectures — and one of the most memorable experiences of my life, a tented overnight on the Antarctic snow. Who knew that I had to go to the bottom of the earth to feel on top of the world! A Classic Transatlantic Crossing Cunard Chosen By Kathy Witt is an author and travel and lifestyle writer who pens the monthly “Travel Trending with Kathy Witt” column for Tribune News Service. Her fifth book, Secret Cincinnati – A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure, was published by Reedy Press in fall 2018. Kathy’s books and magazine and newspaper articles have won numerous Mark Twain Travel Writing awards and two Lily Scholarships. She is a member of Midwest Travel Journalists Association and the Authors Guild. Why Boarding the world’s only ocean liner to experience a transatlantic crossing between New York and Southampton, London is a once-in-a-lifetime experience many repeat with a classic that never goes out of style Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. For a pre-sunrise peek at the Statue of Liberty glowing softly in the harbor, make the iconic crossing west. From its very beginnings in 1939, Cunard has been an innovator in offering a true luxury experience, chalking up lots of firsts, including a lounge for women and hot and cold water in every cabin. The QM2 carries on the tradition, with the first planetarium, Canyon Ranch SpaClub and Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar at sea and the largest ballroom and library at sea — shelved with an astonishing 10,000 volumes. Hundreds of hours of programming and activities go into each crossing, including the special treat of theatrical productions staged by London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, plus any genre of music your heart desires, wines to please the palate and lectures that intrigue. QM2 definitely retains that air of Old World formality and tradition, with white glove afternoon tea and three formal nights, but it isn’t all sparkles and ballgowns a cocktail dress for ladies and a nice, dark suit for men suffice. You can also skip out on formal night, opting for the more casual King’s Court or lazy-night room service. The catwalk heads to sea for Transatlantic Fashion Week, July 28-Aug. 4, 2019, adding even more excitement to a crossing and bringing aboard the hottest looks and heaviest hitters of the industry. Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line Action-Packed Caribbean, Bermuda and New York Norwegian Chosen By Heidi Bucolo is the co-editor of a top-rated cruise blog that focuses on providing travelers with the latest cruise tips, cruise reviews and travel planning advice. She and her husband took their first cruise together back in 2007, and they have been hooked ever since. Through their website and social media, they help travelers “sea the world, one port at a time." Why Norwegian Cruise Line’s final Breakaway Plus-class ship, Norwegian Encore, hits the ocean this fall. Pushing the boundaries when it comes to onboard experiences and entertainment, Norwegian Encore will definitely be one of the hottest cruise ships of 2019. She's set to debut even bigger and better family-friendly attractions than her sister ship,Norwegian Bliss, featuring a digitally enhanced laser tag arena that is unlike anything on land, nevermind at sea. The ship will feature the largest racetrack at sea including turns that extend up to 13 feet over the side of the ship. I feel the need for speed, do you? If that’s not enough, she's home to the Galaxy Pavilion, an interactive and technologically advanced virtual reality experience that's sure to bring out the kid in all of us. Encore will also feature the Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place an oceanfront boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and bars, as well as the Observation Lounge, a space with amazing panoramic views of the ocean and ports of call. When she sets sail this fall from Miami, Norwegian Encore will be visiting the revitalized Eastern Caribbean, stopping at San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Tortola, This ship will then transition to New York for the summer to visit the pink-sand beaches of Bermuda. Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line Fun on the West Coast Carnival Chosen By Fran Golden is the chief contributor to Porthole Cruise Magazine and a frequent contributor to Bloomberg and Conde Nast Traveler, who has sailed on more than 150 ships. Why Carnival Cruise Line is everyone’s affordable cruise line and the emphasis is on having a good time — and that includes for kids and adults. This is the first time in 20 years the line will be basing a new ship on the West Coast, and I think a lot of people will be surprised by the updated, contemporary look of the 4,008-passenger Carnival Panorama. As one of Carnival’s largest, she will have plenty of space for cool things — including a first-at-sea indoor trampoline park. One of my favorites, introduced on sister ships Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon, is the onboard brewery. In addition to imbibing craft beer, you can book a tour with the shipboard brewmaster to see the beer-making operation. I’m also a fan of the SkyRide, where you bike around a track while dangling over the ship and sea — a brag-worthy experience. Carnival food always surprises me, in a good way. For those not watching calories, Food Network star Guy Fieri’s complimentary burgers and “real deal” BBQ are a decadent delight. For those not into the lively scene at the main pool and the waterslides at the waterpark, there’s an adults-only sun area with hot tubs. You get what you pay for in terms of accommodations, but the Havana section has some impressive suites with lanais and includes daytime access to a private pool area. The oversized Family Harbor staterooms include access to a special family lounge with snacks and other amusements. I think a lot of people will be impressed. Photo courtesy of Laura Grier/Instagram lauragriertravel Alaska by Land and Sea Princess Chosen By Known as “the Indiana Jones of Adventure Travel Photography” Laura Grier has been published in over 25 publications worldwide and is presently the lead photographer for Novica, National Geographic's Artisan Catalog, training their in-house photographers around the world. She is also the cofounder of Jetset Collective Media. Follow her on Instagram lauragriertravel. Why Alaska is pristine and beautiful, and if you just see it by ship or by land, you’re missing a large part of it. Traveling with Princess Cruises is one of the best ways to see Alaska, since the cruise line offers trips that combine land and sea, visiting towns that are only accessible by boat or seaplane. It’s also one of the few lines that has permission to sail into Glacier National Park. While you’re on the deck, you can hear naturalists pointing out glaciers. I went with my father, who is 80 and can barely walk, and what’s great is that there are activities for all ages and all health ranges, from glacier visits to amphibious ATVs. We also saw the Northern Lights in all of their glory in the middle of summer. This year, Princess celebrates its 50th anniversary of traveling to Alaska, and in honor of the anniversary, they will be rolling out the red carpet for all their ships going there. It truly is the last wild frontier, and if you want to see glaciers and the Northern Lights, now’s the time to do it. Photo courtesy of American Queen Steamboat Company Cruising the Great Lakes American Queen Chosen By Chris Gray Faust is managing editor of the web's largest cruising resource. She is a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel writer, has WSET Level 3 certification in wine and believes that there's a cruise for every type of traveler. Why The sailing season may be short on America's Great Lakes; summer is the time to get the best out of cities like Chicago and Duluth and states such as Wisconsin and Michigan. But Great Lakes itineraries on small ships have become more popular, thanks to steady interest in domestic cruising. In 2019, two 202-passenger ships, Victory I and Victory II, are getting complete overhauls by new owner, the American Queen Steamboat Company, and will be offering new amenities to those already booked. Luxury expedition company Ponant has added an itinerary traveling from Quebec to Milwaukee that stops at all five Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway, adding a French flair to Midwestern nice. Other lines that regularly sail the Great Lakes include Pearl Mist and Blount Small Ship Adventures. Draws in the region include wildlife, natural beauty, charming towns like Mackinac Island and First Nation history along the border, as well as the engineering marvels of the St. Lawrence locks and Sault St. Marie. Photo courtesy of David Roark Celebrating Mickey's Birthday Disney Chosen By Veronica Stoddart is the former travel editor of USA TODAY and an award-winning editor, writer and content consultant with more than three decades in travel publishing. A high-profile expert in travel and tourism, she has visited more than 100 countries, reporting from many of them. She believes that travel can be a force for good in the world. Why Hold onto your mouse ears! It's a big year for Disney, thanks to Mickey's 90th birthday. What better incentive is there than to sail on a Disney ship, the gold standard for family cruising. Take the Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy, for example, two of four Disney ships. They boast enough activities to keep the whole family busy from dawn to dark. Start with such signature features as the AquaDuck, a first-of-its-kind-at-sea elevated water coaster; the Millennium Falcon, where youngsters can pilot Han Solo’s famous spaceship through the Star Wars universe; the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a beauty salon for young princesses, pirates and knights; and Broadway-quality musicals based on Disney stories, of course. In the Animator’s Palate dining room, cartoon stills come to life via high-def screens where Disney characters interact with diners. Disney doesn’t forget the adults, either Grown-ups can escape to the Senses Spa, with its Turkish baths, saunas and misting-jet showers; a well-equipped gym; two adults-only restaurants; and an adults-only zone with chic lounges and bars. This summer, the Disney Fantasy is celebrating the man of the hour with Mickey and Minnie’s Surprise Party at Sea. Now that’s something Mickey himself would surely approve of. PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICIA STONE/GLOBAL_ADVENTURESS INSTAGRAM Cultural Immersion in Cuba Holland America Chosen By Patricia Stone founded Global Adventuress and grew up in Tahiti. She has traveled to 166 countries and seeks out unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations for solo, girlfriends, couples and family travel. Her award-winning site has been featured in Forbes, the Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Toronto Star and USA Today. Follow her on Instagram global_adventuress. You can also read Stone's tips on the Cheapest Places to Travel in 2019 here. Why The best time to visit Cuba is now with Holland America Line’s 10-Day Authentic Cuba cruise on the ms Veendam, which sails in and our of Fort Lauderdale. This tropical island nation is a feast for the sense You’ll follow your nose to a cafe where Cuban coffee beans are roasting, and your eyes will delight in the cobbled plazas, pastel houses, 16th century Spanish-colonial architecture and vintage cars. Holland America offers one of the easiest and most affordable ways to visit Cuba and will arrange for the Cuban Visa Tarjeta de Turista Visa Tourist Card and help guests plan their time. The cruises start as low as $999 per person for a seven-day cruise — a great deal, considering how much it would cost and how much effort it would take to travel to Cuba on your own. Every itinerary stops in Havana. Explore Old Havana’s main squares, meander through its cobblestone streets lined with cafes, boutiques and galleries. Engage with the Cuban people and listen to bands perform along the Obispo pedestrian street. Take a ride in a classic car along Havana’s ocean boulevard, the Malecon, where fishermen, musicians and lovers pass the time into the evening hours. Holland's Cuba itineraries vary and can also include other Caribbean ports Cozumel, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Cayman Islands. Photo courtesy of Laura Grier/Instagram lauragriertravel Amazon on the Water and in the Trees Rainforest Cruises Chosen By Known as “the Indiana Jones of Adventure Travel Photography” Laura Grier has been published in over 25 publications worldwide and is presently the lead photographer for Novica, National Geographic's Artisan Catalog, training their in-house photographers around the world. She is also the cofounder of Jetset Collective Media. Follow her on Instagram lauragriertravel. Why When you’re traveling with Rainforest Cruises, you get the best of all worlds on the water and in the trees. The Delfin 1 is one of the only luxury riverboats on the Amazon, and the vessel itself is gorgeous, with hardwood floors and rooms that look like a suite at the Four Seasons. One whole wall of your room is a giant window, so you can be in your bed and see the pink dolphins swimming alongside the boat. Another amazing thing about traveling on a luxury boat through one of the most inhospitable places on the planet is that there are no mosquitos and no bugs since you are moving and are in air-conditioned rooms. The food on the Delfin is as local as it gets You catch piranhas in the river and private chefs prepare them for you. Rainforest Cruises also partners with eco lodges like the Treehouse Lodge so you can get both the Amazon river and canopy experience, which is amazing — in addition to being on the boat, you stay in rooms that are perched in the trees connected by suspension bridges, surrounded by animals. It’s like something out of Swiss Family Robinson. Glamorous Small Ships in Europe Ponant Chosen By Rona Berg is editor in chief of Organic Spa Media, and cited by the Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, USA Today and others as an expert on spa and wellness practices around the world. Rona has been editorial director of ELLE, Deputy style director at The New York Times Magazine, advisory board member of Shape and contributed to hundreds of publications. Why Ponant is a French-owned luxury line of small ships with a crazy passenger-to-crew ratio. You won’t hear much English spoken, as most of the passengers are French or German, but that only makes you feel farther away from home, which is a good thing on vacation. This summer, the line is launching two new ships in the Ponant Explorers series, which will sail throughout Europe and have a unique “sensory lounge” below the waterline, where passengers can watch the subaquatic world go by. Fortunately for me, one of the new voyages explores the coast of Greenland, which is where I would love to go. Always look up, and head north! Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Culturally Immersive Cruises on Regent Seven Seas Chosen By Modern-day explorer, perpetual seeker and diligent travel scribe Elissa Garay has traveled to and reported on nearly 60 countries and 30 cruises around the globe. Touting nearly two decades of experience as a cruise-specialized travel editor and writer, she's served as an editor at AFAR, Fodors and ShermansTravel, and has authored hundreds of travel articles in major national publications like Condé Nast Traveler, CNN, AFAR, Cruise Critic and more. Why For cruisers intent on not digging their hands into their pockets once they step foot aboard their cruise vacation, Regent Seven Seas Cruises readily ranks as the industry’s most all-inclusive cruise line. Their fares have long bundled in perks like airfare and airport transfers, unlimited drinks including premium wines and spirits, gratuities, all restaurants including a 2018-debuted poolside grill dinner experience, Wi-Fi and fitness classes. Perhaps the best value of all, though Guests get unlimited shore excursions to choose from, too, with outings on offer in each and every port, which hone in on everything from art to architecture, wine to wellness. In 2019, that portfolio is bolstered by a new selection of Go Local-branded excursions that place a special emphasis on community connection and cultural immersion 50 of the 122 new tours are entirely complimentary, though note the rest do carry a surcharge. Some examples Set out to dig in on a traditional Spanish lunch in a local host family’s home in Andalusia, or share sweets with nuns at a nunnery in Crete. The initial Go Local collection spans ports in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and South America, with plans for more the line sails to some 450 locales around the globe, including several new ports in Japan for 2019 in the works. READ MORE • "Quit Your Job And Travel the World 27 Easy Ways To Make Money Online" • "The Ultimate Paid Time Off 17 Companies That Will Give You Money To Travel" • "Ranked The 20 Most Dangerous Places to Live" • "Bucket List Travel The Top 50 Places In The World" • "Why You Should Skip Iceland And Go To These 9 Under-the-Radar Places" We recently announced our 2019-2020 cruises and there’s plenty to excite any type of traveler, from even more short adventures in idyllic Caribbean islands to new European explorations. Coupled with making major upgrades to multiple ships, an entirely new terminal that will serve as a “crown jewel” for the Miami skyline, and even better views of the majestic Alaskan wilderness, you’ll want to start planning your next vacation right away. Here’s the featured lineup to get you one step closer to that official cruise countdown Ever-Expanding Caribbean Choices From short to long cruises, big ships to the biggest ships, our Caribbean offerings for the 2019-2020 season will have it all. For those looking for a quick escape, here’s the answer the freshly revitalized Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas can whisk you away on a 3- to 4-night trip to the beautiful beaches of The Bahamas. Setting sail from Port Canaveral and Miami, Florida respectively, these ships will offer Voyager Class-favorites like the ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall, mini-golf, and the expansive dining and shopping options as well as fun activities like parades that stretch across the Royal Promenade. Have more than four days to spare? A huge highlight for 2019 is that all four of the world’s largest cruise ships— the Oasis Class—will depart for the Caribbean. The current largest ship, Harmony of the Seas, sails from Port Canaveral, and sister ship Allure of the Seas returns to Fort Lauderdale from Miami. The first ship in the class, Oasis of the Seas, will boast full bow-to-stern enhancements and fittingly call our new, state-of-the-art Miami terminal its home for the year. Joining her will be the biggest ship in the world, Symphony of the Seas, and its innovations like the Ultimate Family Suite and delicious new restaurants. Anthem of the Seas will give north easterners a chance to head to warmer beaches as it sails from Bayonne, New Jersey for Bermuda and The Bahamas. Each of these ships will sail 7-night cruises to destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean like St. Kitts, Barbados and the Grand Cayman islands. Wilder Views of the Last Frontier We’ve always offered guests jaw-dropping views of the Alaskan wilderness, especially from their balcony staterooms, including bald eagles, brown bears, caribou and other ample wildlife residing there. The 2019-2020 season welcomes a new ship in town; Ovation of the Seas will take Alaska cruises to new heights when it heads to Seattle from Sydney, Australia. The Quantum Class ship is set for 7-night summer sailings to Juneau, Alaska and Victoria, British Columbia, meaning guests can take to the sky from on board Ovation’s North Star glass observation capsule, where they’ll have 300-foot panoramic views of the untouched forests and mountains. Radiance of the Seas will also offer weeklong explorations between Seward, Alaska—nearby the breathtaking Kenai Fjords—and Vancouver. That’s not the only way to enjoy sights like the Northern Lights and towering peaks though. Adventurers on Ovation can try out sky-diving and surfing simulators, find new thrills like bumper cars or trapeze lessons in the SeaPlex, or relax in the glass-enclosed Solarium at the front of the ship or the other indoor and outdoor pools while sailing past impressive glaciers. Radiance of the Seas offers its own impressive views as well, since all Radiance Class ships feature acres of ocean-facing windows, and unique nightlife, including a mystery dinner theater and late-night pool parties. What are some can’t-miss, land-based experiences in Alaska? Well we’d recommend taking a cue from some of these fascinating locals we’ve spoken with New European Destinations Another exciting development for 2019-2020, there are four new European ports guests can explore with Royal Caribbean. Travelers can visit the best-preserved medieval city in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Visby, Sweden, or witness breathtaking waterfalls in national parks and fascinating Roman-era history in Zadar, Croatia. Also joining the itineraries, Portofino, Italy offers a postcard-perfect glimpse of colorful homes and bobbing boats dotting the coastline of this fishing village; and Porto, Portugal will let vacationers stroll through charming streets as they take in the city’s history. What’s more, Oasis of the Seas will spend its first summer since 2014 in Europe starting in 2019, sailing from Barcelona, Spain, where guests can take in incredible art by Miro and Picasso, and the iconic architecture of Gaudi. As the largest ship in the Mediterranean, Oasis will sail to rich cultural locales like Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Marseille, France; and Florence, Rome and Naples, Italy. Whether you’re looking to explore a brand new European port, take a quick vacation to the Caribbean, or to see the wilderness of Alaska in a whole new way, our upcoming cruises will have you covered. But these are just some highlights of what’s in store for you in 2019-2020. You can explore all the upcoming itineraries as soon as they’re open here—it’s never too early to plan your next adventure.