Richard Branson Launches Virgin Cruises in Miami

RichardBransonByDavidShankboneThe British entrepreneur Richard Branson officially announced that his latest travel venture, Virgin Cruises is planned to launch from Miami in early 2020. The Virgin founder made the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday, in Miami.

The company had signed a letter of intent with the Finacntieri shipyard in Italy to build three 110,000-ton ships with 1,430 cabins. The ships are expected to be delivered in early 2020, 2021 and 2022. Each vessel will have room for over 2,800 passengers and 1,150 crew members, said Tom McAlpin, Virgin Cruises CEO. Continue reading

Carnival Cruise Line Bans Carry-on Bottled Drinks

800px-Sparkling-bottled-waterCarnival Cruise Line will ban passengers from bringing their own beverages aboard its ships, starting this summer.

The Miami-based cruise operator announced its new beverages policy in a statement earlier this week. Passengers and travel agents are being sent a letter explaining the new rules. Continue reading

New Carnival Cruise Port to Open in October

800px-Carnival_Victory2Carnival Cruise Lines will open a new port of call at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic on October 6, 2015, the company officially announced. The new $85-million facility is situated near the city of Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. The port will be able to accommodate the largest cruise ships currently operating. Continue reading

Cruise Lines Cancel Puerto Vallarta Port Calls Due to Violence

800px-DCL_Disney_Wonder_at_Port_CanveralA few cruise lines have canceled port calls in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico this week, after reports of armed violence between drug gangs and local authorities.

Disney Cruise Line pulled the May 12 port call in Puerto Vallarta from Disney Wonder’s schedule. The Wonder spent a day at sea instead. The cruise line distributed a letter to the passengers aboard the Disney Wonder which is operating a two-week Panama Canal cruise. Continue reading

Carnival Boosts its Presence at Port Canaveral

carniva victoryCarnival Cruise Line is planning a major expansion of its presence at Port Canaveral by adding two new ships, announced the officials from the company a couple of weeks ago.

The Carnival Victory will replace the smaller Carnival Sensation and will offer three- and four- day Bahamas cruises. The Victory is 34 per cent larger and has more balcony rooms, features and shipboard amenities. The Sensation will head to Port Miami at that time, replacing the Victory there. Continue reading