Carnival EasyPay Is a Simple Payment Plan for Your Next Cruise
Author: Bill
In an industry-first move, Carnival Cruise Lines has launched a program which allows guests to pay for their cruise in three monthly installments. Traditionally, guests have had to make a deposit and then pay the balance before final payment day. This new program allows guests to not only spread out these payments, but do so automatically so they can both budget easily and avoid a missed opportunity to sail because of forgotten payments. Here's how it works... read more
MSC Cruises, a Swiss-based Italian line, and the largest privately owned cruise line in the world, had several big pieces of news this week. From details of their 200,000 gross ton "World" class of ships, to Cirque du Soleil on Meraviglia, to taking delivery of their latest ship, there is a lot to unpack. Take a look at details on the innovative design, new technology, and exciting entertainment options...
Today at a ceremony in Freeport, officials with Carnival Cruise Line and the Bahamian government signed an agreement to build a record-breaking cruise port on Grand Bahama Island. This port will be the largest purpose-built cruise facility ever built in The Bahamas and will be funded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line. While the exact location has not yet been announced, it will include a one-mile stretch of beach, food, beverage and shopping outlets, an array of water-based amenities and other recreational facilities. Importantly, the port will also feature a pier capable of accommodating two of Carnival’s largest cruise ships simultaneously and can expect to see up to 1 million guests a year... 
Today Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, parent company to Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises had their first quarter earnings call, and in case your wondering, it seemed good news for shareholders. For cruisers there earnings calls don't generally offer much, so there wasn't any huge news, but interestingly, most non-financial comments were about onboard technology and Celebrity Edge... 
Inspired by her mission and advances in furthering girl’s education, Celebrity has named 19-year old Nobel Laureate and U.N. Messenger of Peace Malala Yousafzai as the Godmother of their newest ship, Celebrity Edge, debuting late in 2018. In addition, the Miami-based cruise line announced a two-year partnership with the Malala Fund, an organization whose mission is to secure 12 years of safe, free quality education for every girl.
Oceania Cruises, known for for cuisine and dining experiences that stand out in the cruise industry, has introduced a large variety of options on new vegan menus as well as cold-pressed raw and vegan smoothie bars. This expands their already impressive menus and culinary crew which cater well to passengers with dietary restrictions. The juice bars are already available on the Marina and Riviera, while the new vegan menus are available across the fleet of six ships... 
Today Virgin Voyages, a new cruise line from Richard Branson's Virgin Group, cut steel on their first ship. The ceremony, which took place at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Genoa, Italy represents the brand "becoming real", as up to now the very real effort to create Virgin Voyages has been planning and marketing without the tease of an actual ship. Now, Hull 6287 (the name of the first Virgin Voyages ship... [click through for a video of the ceremony and more]