Cruising from San Diego is continuing to move forward step by step. We were on hand to help celebrate another milestone with Holland America Line's Koningsdam and couldn't be more excited. In addition to the Koningsdam crew receving their second dosage of the Pfizer vaccine, we learned of Holland America Line's Fall 2021 San Diego cruise schedule, and the exciting news that the Port of San Diego now offers shore power support for Koningsdam while in port as well as plans to shortly enable this for a second vessel as well. In total, between Zuiderdam and Koningsdam, Holland America Line will offer 40 cruises from San Diego between September 2021 through April 2022!
Read more: Holland America Line Celebrates A Return To San Diego
Despite Hawaii being one of the top west coast cruise destinations for decades, many folks we talk with still don't realize that you can take a cruise to Hawaii. Even fewer understand just how amazing of a way it is to explore the culture, food, history, and natural beauty offered by this magical destination. Let's take a look at some of the ways that you can explore Hawaii on a cruise.
One of the biggest challenges with Hawaiian cruises is that unlike other itineraries such as going to Alaska, California Coastal, or Mexican Riviera - there are no international ports anywhere close to Hawaii. As a result, cruise options are relatively limited compared to others. It also means that these cruises are generally more expensive, smaller ships, or longer than your typical cruise.
Have you ever looked at a cruise ship pool and wondered why it is so small for a ship capable of carrying 3,000 or more people? Compare it to what you might find at a Las Vegas resort or event a hotel in San Francisco and it seems even more odd that the designers would make it so small. Regardless of size though, cruise ship pools tend to be one of the most attention drawing aspects of cruise ship design and we're starting to see some interesting development that make the pools more functional, more fun, and fancier ... even if they aren't getting any bigger. Let's take a look at why it is that way, and no ... it's not simply because cruise ship designers don't like swimming!
Let's take a look at cruise ship butlers and look at how the offerings on various cruise lines differs from one to another. Just like every other aspect of cruising, the butler service from one line to the next can be completely different. While west coast cruises have fewer options than what you might find in the Caribbean for instance, the good news is that in recent years we've gotten some of the newest and most luxurious ships at sea visiting our waters. Let's take a look at cruise butlers and if selecting a suite with butler service for your next cruise might be the perfect choice.
Read more: What You Need To Know About Cruise Butler Service On Different Cruise Lines
It's been a weird past 14 months for cruise fans. When we started this site in January last year it was our hope to be able to spread joy and share fun cruise ideas for those of you who love cruising from the West Coast of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Well, flash forward a year and here we are at our first cruise event in more than a year. It was a weird experience being in San Diego's B Street Cruise Terminal without any luggage and no lines to get through security. However, it was an exciting time too, since it means that cruising from California is one GIANT step closer to becoming a reality as 118 crew from Holland America Line's Koningsdam came ashore for the first time in months and recieved their first doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
Read more: We Were On Hand As Holland America Line Koningsdam Crew Received First Vaccine Doses
With the inevitable return to cruising, the major cruise lines have rolled out a series of protocol to make cruising safer and more enjoyable for everyone. In addition to implementing new Covid-19 safety measures, many of the cruise lines have introduced innovative new features that make cruising more convenient overall. If you are planning a Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coastal or Alaskan cruise in the upcoming year, here's how each cruise line is working to keep you safe.
While there's still hope that there may be some sort of "Alaska Season" for the big ship cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Holland America, and Carnival, cruising as we know it is most likely postponed till 2022. That doesn't mean that you can't still visit Alaska this summer though. It doesn't even mean you can't see Alaska by boat! It also doesn't mean you can't experence the natural beauty and wonder with trusted brands like Princess and Holland America Line. Despite most Americans visiting the state by taking a cruise vacation, summer in Alaska is more than just big ship cruising. Let's take a look at why Alaska is a great option for a summer getaway this year.
Read more: How You Can Still Visit Alaska This Summer Even If Big Ship Cruising Is Over
Cruise ships are nearly the perfect place to find a hookup partner. Simply put, you are sailing to beautiful locations, free flowing alcohol, plenty of activities to bring people together and there's a sort of freedom for singles to push boundaries, try new things and explore new opportunities that they may not feel comfortable doing at home. That of course often leads to the question of how to get laid on a cruise ship?
Read more: How To Get Laid On A Cruise Ship: Casual Sex At Sea or A Lifelong Romance
We often get questions about watching sports events while on a cruise. The general answer to that is sure, most games are usually available in the sports bars found on many different ships and "Big Games" are often featured on the jumbo screen pool side. Now however, Princess Cruises has taken sports to the next level. Not only can you watch the games but you can bet on them too!
Read more: Princess Launches Sports Betting At Sea On All MedallionClass Ships
When it comes to a luxury experience, simply having a smaller ship, better service, and exquisite food isn't always enough. Quite simply those things can all exist on many other ships sailing to Alaska. However, the opportunity to experience a voyage to ports that most other Alaska cruises wont, or simply can't is where the true luxury experience becomes evident. That's exactly what Seabourn Odyssey will be offering during her 2021 Alaska and British Columbia cruise season this year.
Read more: Seabourn Odyssey 2021 Season In Alaska & British Columbia
Some say, "A life well-traveled is a life well-lived." It often parodies quotes by Socrates and Ugwu, but this particular quote has greater meaning for those who love to travel. People who seek adventure by traveling beyond the bonds and comforts of a home learn more, know more, and are happier for doing so.
Read more: Cruising the Sea of Cortez with UnCruise Adventures
Key West has been in the news a lot the past couple weeks because it effectively kicked the mainstream cruise industry out of town. This was a long time coming. However, due to the global pause in cruising this year, the ecological impact became even more acutely obvious. With less silt being stirred up by large ships passing through the channel cut through the reef that surrounds the island, the situation could no longer be excused or ignored. While this is a major news story and another blow to an industry that faces a long recovery period, the concerns faced by conchs aren't limited to just Key West. Scientists and locals in other communities from Alaska and Hawaii to Mexico are having similar conversations. While different groups of people will have different priorities, the question of how to manage the inevitable exponential future growth that this industry will experience once again in the coming years is something we must all consider.
Read more: Reducing Our Cruise Footprint Is More Than Just A Key West Story
Many people enjoy exploring open water and desire the freedom to live their life on the sea. For these reasons, individuals are drawn to being a cruise ship captain. In order to have this job, it requires a lot of work and training. Cruise ship captains seem to have a glamorous job and this is another reason why people aspire to have this vocation. However, the reality of being a cruise ship captain is far less glamorous and involves a lot more work.
It's never too early to start planning for an Alaska cruise and Royal Caribbean International is gearing up for its most adventure-packed Alaska season in summer 2022. The cruise line will be introducing new itineraries that tout four ports of call and others that showcase twice the glaciers. With a variety of destinations and four unforgettable cruise ships to choose from, including two of the most innovative in the region – Ovation, Quantum, Radiance and Serenade of the Seas – thrill-seekers can experience the breadth of Alaskan nature and culture. The diverse beauty of America’s last frontier will come to life in the culturally rich towns of Haines and Sitka, Seward’s wild natural beauty, and the majestic vistas of the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Announces 2022 Alaska Cruise Season Schedule
Icy Strait Point is one of the most exciting recent additions to the list of Alaska cruise destinations and I suspect it is the beginning of a new phase of planned and privately owned cruise ports that will ultimately allow the destination to continue expanding without overcrowding the existing ports. However, it isn't just me saying this. In fact, Icy Strait Point claimed the 2020 Port of the Year award at the 14th annual Seatrade Cruise Awards earlier this month.
Read more: Icy Strait Point Wins 2020 Seatrade Port of The Year Award
Holland America Line is one of the leaders when it comes to west coast cruises because it combines generally smaller ships with more focus on education and connecting guests with the destinations that they are visiting. We're big fans of the line for their ongoing support for cruises departing from San Diego and we're thrilled to share what they have planned for Alaska cruises next year!
Read more: Holland America Line Announces 2021 Alaska Cruise Schedule
I'll admit that this is a surprise since typically every ship that can find docking space in Alaska heads there in the summer but these are different times and I'm thrilled for more west coast cruise options from Southern California. A few months ago, I was thinking that cruises in 2021 from the west coast might have to take the back burner but with this news, it is clear that Princess Cruises recognizes how important the Los Angeles cruise market is. These new itineraries include not only Pacific Coastal and Mexican Riviera but also an amazing 14-day round trip Alaska cruise!
Read more: Princess Cruises Introduces First Ever Summer Cruises From Los Angeles
I write this not to be sensational but to share my thoughts and comments publicly about the CDC's request for information campaign that expires next week. We have one week remaining to share our comments and I encourage you to do so - both publicly as well as privately if that's what you would prefer. The cruise industry is an important part of the United States economy as well as an important opportunity for Americans who might choose not to travel to Europe or Asia, to engage in conversations with people from all over the world. Here are my thoughts on why cruising in the United States should be able to resume again.
Read more: Why I Believe Cruise Ships Should Be Allowed To Sail Again