Cruise News July 16, 2017

It is already the middle of summer and things are really heating up. With relatively few updates last week, the cruise lines were ready to make some headlines this week. Of course, the Princess and

Cruise News July 16, 2017

It is already the middle of summer and things are really heating up. With relatively few updates last week, the cruise lines were ready to make some headlines this week. Of course, the Princess and I were ready for all the great ship announcements and cruise line reveals. So, we are back with a sizzling edition of Cruise News July 16, 2017.

Cruise News July 16, 2017

Royal Caribbean to Refurb Independence of the Seas

Looking to spruce up even more ships, Royal Caribbean announced updates coming to one of the largest ships in its fleet. Similar to sister ship Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas will be getting some new family friendly offerings in 2018. Among the additions will be waterslides and an outdoor trampoline park on the upper decks of the ship. Inside, the ship will be getting escape rooms (yes, that is plural) and a laser tag attraction. We suspect that there will be added costs for these new activities once they are added to the ship. We found the escape room on Harmony of the Seas to be worth the extra charge as it was very interactive and challenging. More updates are expected, so stay tuned to EatSleepCruise.com for details.

Indepdence of the SeasCruise News July 16, 2017 – Independence of the Seas – Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Wine Masters to Join Norwegian Cruise Line Sailings

Norwegian Cruise Line has some brand new sailings for those wine connoisseurs. The line announced that they will be hosting several Meet the Winemaker cruises starting this September. Featuring wine experts, such as Michael Mondavi and Salvatore Ferragamo, owner of Borro Winery in Tuscany, Italy, the select cruises will occur on Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Dawn.  These sailings will give cruisers a chance to meet, mingle, and learn from these industry leaders. Seminars, open forums, and even dinner with these winemakers will all be part of the experience. While some of the onboard activities will be free, others will have surcharges.

World Cruise 2020 Revealed

We are always planning ahead for our next cruise. While 2020 might be a few years off, you are going to need some time to start preparing (and saving) for this trip. Regent Seven Seas Mariner will make a 131 night trip leaving in January of 2020. The cruise will take travelers to 6 continents and 66 ports of call. As part of the sailing, cruisers will be able to take over 300 shore excursions for no additional charges. The itinerary departs from San Francisco and heads to locales in both the Eastern and Western Hemisphere. Stops include Hawaii, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, and many others, as you cross three oceans and 30 seas. Get more details on the ship, the itinerary, and all of the additional benefits of this cruise with the interactive brochure.

Cruise News July 15, 2017Cruise News July 16, 2017 – Seven Seas Mariner – Courtesy of Regent Cruises

Do You Have What it Takes to Name a Ship?

If you have the skills to name P&O Cruises’ next ship, you could win a VIP trip to the naming ceremony. The cruise line reached out to the public in a competition to come up with the perfect name for the line’s newest ship. When the new ship launches in 2020, it will be the fleet’s largest vessel at 180,000 gross tons. In addition, it will be the biggest ship built specifically to sail from England. The British brand is looking to re-define itself with this megaship that will be the first new vessel for the company in 5 years. So, what do you have up your sleeve? Head over to social media and the cruise line’s website to let the crew at P&O know the name you have in mind, and you might just end up sailing on “your” ship in a few years.

Cruise News July 15, 2017 New PO Ship ContestCruise News July 16, 2017 – Courtesy of P&O Cruises

Another Norwegian Cruise Line Ship Sailing to Cuba

Early this week, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that they will be sending the Norwegian Sun to Cuba in the summer of 2018. The ship will be returning from dry dock and will be the first vessel to offer cruises to Havana, Cuba departing from Port Canaveral. Similar to Norwegian Sky, the ship will offer four day cruises that will overnight at the historic city. In addition, the Norwegian Sun will feature an “open bar” concept with all alcoholic beverages included in the sailings. These 4 day itineraries will include a stop in Key West, FL. Three day itineraries on Norwegian Sun will travel to the Bahamas and also offer the “open bar” package as part of the base fare. Cruises will go on sale by the end of July.

Not to be outdone, Royal Caribbean just released a 4 day Cuba sailing on Majesty of the Seas that will be leaving from Port Canaveral in 2019, which is sure to have more to follow. Which ship would you prefer to sail to Cuba?

Comments

Did we miss any major developments in this week’s edition of Cruise News July 16, 2017? Do you have some cruise news you want to share? Drop us an anchor below with your travel updates that we may have overlooked.

Cruise News July 16, 2017

 

 

Don Bucolo, or “DB”, loves everything about cruising- the ocean, the food, and the atmosphere. While he may be obsessed with doing extensive amounts of research on ships and all elements of a cruise, Don enjoys sharing his new found knowledge with fellow cruisers. When he is not sailing the high seas, he does whatever his wife tells him to do-it only took 10 years to realize this.
Don Bucolo
Previous Post «
Next Post »
Cruiseline module – Remove Title

2 comments on Cruise News July 16, 2017

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  1. I love your website with all of the updates that you give. on all of the cruise lines….I’m glad to had found Y’all…We will be sail in a few months on the Harmony for my Birthday…That was some good tips &review that you give on the Harmony

      Hi Carolyn. We are glad you found us too! So happy to hear that our Harmony of the Seas posts helped you plan your trip. Thanks for reading and the very nice comments. When is your next cruise?