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

The Next Biggest Cruise Ship Starts to Take Shape

800px-Voyager_of_the_seas1The Harmony of the Seas had its final block of ship structure lowered into place at the STX France shipyards in Saint Nazaire earlier this week.

The ship is getting ready for a bon voyage during its initial trip from Barcelona to Rome in April 2016. 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

Young Girl Drowns Aboard Norwegian Gem

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAA young girl drowned in a swimming pool aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship off the Carolinas last Sunday afternoon, officials reported. The ship immediatey changed course for Port Canaveral, Florida, arriving about noon on Monday.

The 91,740-gross-ton ship was sailing a 7-day Bahamas and Florida cruise Continue reading