The 2027/2028 season of sailings brings the world to you like no one else can—from exciting itineraries in Europe to incredible ships in Alaska, Australia, Hawaii, and beyond. In our upcoming webinar, we’ll sit down with a Behind the Podium speaker for an inside look at Europe’s top destinations. This is one webinar you don’t want to miss. Register and watch by October 9, 2025–and earn 20 Power Up Points. o qualify, members must register with their Captain’s Club ID and watch the entire presentation by October 9, 2025. Up to four members can watch the webinar together under one registration. Each member’s Captain’s Club ID must be entered separately on the registration page to earn points. Power Up Points will be awarded to those who qualify by November 14, 2025. Register and watch here: Power Up Points Webinar Let’s Connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
Category Archives: Cruise
ETIAS vs EES: Essential Updates for Traveling to Europe
A clear guide to the EU’s new EES and ETIAS travel systems, explaining how border checks will change from 2025–2027 and what cruise and holiday travellers need to know.
Power Up Points: Elevate Your Journey Celebrity River Cruises Webinar
Celebrity has redefined travel on the ocean. Now, they are bringing that same elevated experience to the world’s most exciting rivers—sailing through the heart of Europe’s culture, history, and unforgettable cities. Discover everything River has to offer in this special River Cruises Webinar where you’ll get a closer look at room amenities, the ship designs, the itineraries, and more. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. This is one webinar you don’t want to miss. Register by September 23, 2025, and earn 20 Power Up Points. (10 Power Up Points = 1 Captain’s Club point) Register to watch here: Power Up Points To qualify, members must register with their Captain’s Club ID and watch the entire presentation by September 23, 2025. Featured speaker: Ale Azor, Director Product Development & Innovation Up to four members can watch the webinar together under one registration. Each member’s Captain’s Club ID must be entered separately on the registration page to earn points. Power Up Points will be awarded to those who qualify by October 14, 2025. Let’s Connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
Unveiling the Innovative Celebrity River Cruise Ships
Welcome to river cruising – The Celebrity Way. Celebrity River Cruises is a natural extension of Celebrity’s premium offering that will bring its unique service-first approach to the river. Guests will get the keys to sail through the heart of culturally and historically significant cities, experience locally inspired cuisine and unique shore experiences – The Celebrity Way. With ships that will give guests 360 degrees of breathtaking views, every moment will be designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the journey. Celebrity recently released the brand new ebrochure for river cruises. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. *A special thank you to Celebrity Cruises for the photos and information available in this article. What will the ship look like? Celebrity has designed a brand new, never seen before ship that was built with purpose. Every design decision from the silhouette to the lightweight hull, enhances efficiency, and helps navigate with uncommon ease. The result is the most innovative river ship on the water. What that means for the cruiser is smoother sailing, even in low water, and fewer itinerary interruptions along the way. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to cruise and the most seamless way to bring you closer to every destination. The first of 10 brand new river ships will be the Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, launching in 2027. “Celebrity River Cruises ships will be the most innovative on the river, with a patent-pending industry-leading design that offers more space to vacation while bringing guests even closer to destinations,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “With about half of our guests having experienced or intending to take a river cruise, we know guests are going to love sailing Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers The Celebrity Way on our fleet of elevated, cutting-edge ships.” Public spaces and open decks Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker will offer guests the chance to dine floating above the river on the Magic Edge – the first-ever cantilevered dining pods – while enjoying regional, destination-driven culinary offerings. Transformative shade structures, furniture and a top-deck bar and grille will maximize guests’ time on deck – offering zones for every mood, whether it be socializing or disconnecting, in a space designed for year-round comfort. Plus, an infinity-edge plunge pool invites guests to cool off while taking in the sights. These flexible public spaces ensure guests enjoy more of their time outside at destinations, and on the journey in between. Food From locally baked morning pastries to regionally inspired dinners that reflect the culture around you, every dish will bring the destination to the table. With six dining options, flexible all-day access, menus that evolve with the itinerary, and healthy options, you will be able to experience flavor that feels both local and entirely your own. Drink The ship will be stocked with distinct and local wines. Enjoy a perfectly chilled martinis, a late nightcap or an early-morning espresso. New venues like a top-deck bar and lounge, and returning favorites like Martini Bar, Café al Bacio, and Sunset Bar are now making their debut on the river, the art of the drink is on display. What’s Included? Shore Excursions You will be able to enjoy your choice of one shore excursion every day. Dining The ship has been designed with more restaurants, offering the most choice on the river. Even including a 24-hour option! Drinks All bookings will come with a classic beverage package featuring select wine, beer, cocktails, coffee and soft drinks all day. There will also be an opportunity to upgrade. Wi-Fi Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the sailing. Onboard Experiences More to do and more spaces to do them in. Stay tuned for updates!! Staterooms Every stateroom is designed to feel uniquely elegant and deeply connected to the destination. With the first-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites, king-size beds in every room, and layouts built for real comfort, this is where modern design meets personal space at every bend. Every detail is considered, with the most in-room amenities, all guests will enjoy complimentary stocked mini bars and destination-inspired touches. With butler service in every suite, this is the most thoughtfully designed stateroom on Europe’s rivers. Vista Balcony Suite The Vista Balcony Suites has panoramic river views, an expansive veranda, and room to settle in. Separate living and sleeping areas offer flexibility, along with spacious bathrooms with dual-faucet sinks. You will enjoy a personalized butler ready to set up dinner to enjoy in your own suite, then relax in your king-size bed with premium bedding, all designed to support your preferences. From morning coffee on the balcony to quiet evenings with a film or a book, this suite is built for presence, pleasure, and ease on the river. SQ. FOOTAGE: 258 Skylight Infinite Balcony Suite This one-of-a-kind suite is designed to bring the river and the sky closer than ever before. At the heart of the Skylight Infinite Balcony Suitesm is a ceiling window that opens to the stars or closes for privacy, letting you choose how much light and view to invite in. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the riverbank just outside. Inside you will find space to sleep, lounge, and dine in comfort. A king-size bed with plush linens, spa-inspired bathroom, butler service, and personalized minibar make this suite more than just a place to stay. SQ. FOOTAGE: 233 Balcony With a private veranda and seating for two, the Balcony staterooms give you front-row access to Europe’s most iconic riverscapes. Inside, a king-size bed, rich materials, and streamlined furnishings create a sense of calm and openness, while thoughtful extras, from a complimentary minibar to in-room filtered water, bring luxury to life. It’s a room that invites you to stretch out, breathe deeply, and take in the view at your own pace. SQ. FOOTAGE: 211-225 Infinite Balcony With wall-to-wall windows that lower at the touch of a button, the Infinite Balcony staterooms invite the outside in, so you canContinueContinue reading “Unveiling the Innovative Celebrity River Cruise Ships”
Hurricane Season and Your Cruise: What to Know
Hurricanes are devastating, catastrophic storms. These storms affect people living in coastal areas, those living hundreds of miles inland, and also hotels, resorts, theme parks, ports and cruise ships. I live in Florida and have experienced tropical storms and hurricanes firsthand. How can a hurricane affect your cruise and what can you do to protect yourself and your vacation? Waves crash onto rocks ahead of Tropical Storm Karen in Puerto Rico. Photographer: Gabriella N. Baez/Bloomberg This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. When Is Hurricane Season? Even though a tropical storm or hurricane can form at any time of year if oceanic conditions are right, the hurricane season in the North Atlantic Ocean basin and Caribbean runs from June 1 through November 30. The peak season for storm formations and the highest intensities is from mid-August through the end of September. In the eastern Pacific basin and along the Mexican Riviera, hurricane season stretches from May 15 through November 30. The busiest period is in August and September, which is very similar to the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Strong storms can and do occur outside the typical peak seasons. In 2024, for example, Hurricane Milton did not form until October 5, and in five days, became one of the most powerful and destructive storms ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America), causing devestation well into the United States. Only a very small portion of cruises that sail to the Caribbean during storm season are actually affected by these storms. Though you may encounter slightly rougher water on a cruise during hurricane season, there are many systems in place to detect any hurricane weather along your cruise route, ensuring your ship’s captain and crew will be able to chart a path around any bad weather or make modifications to the itinerary to keep you safe. How Will A Hurricane Affect My Cruise? You may have heard or read that there were some cruises that were canceled in the wake of Hurricane Irma in 2017, but the fact is that it’s actually extremely rare for a cruise to be canceled during Caribbean hurricane season. Typically, it’s still safe for cruise ships to depart the home port while a hurricane is occurring in the Caribbean. As long as the hurricane is not impacting the embarkation (home) port – and if the home port is impacted, a cruise departure may only be delayed by a day or two rather than being canceled. All cruise lines work closely with expert meteorologists and storm forecasters for the latest updates and predictions based on the most accurate data. What happens when you do embark on time, but there’s a hurricane happening in the region? Most likely a hurricane will not impact your cruise, but you might incur an itinerary change if a hurricane is in the path of a port of call on your cruise itinerary. Any sailing region can be impacted by hurricanes. The Bahamas and Puerto Rico are two of the most frequently impacted regions, including private island and beach clubs. Other Caribbean regions are also at risk of hurricanes, such as Jamaica, the Turks and Caicos, the Cayman Islands, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. Florida is frequently impacted by storms. This means homeports can be affected even if individual Caribbean cruises may be sailing well away from hurricane tracks. Similarly, the Gulf of Texas (Galveston) and the Gulf Coast (New Orleans and Mobile) are also at risk from hurricane impacts and landfalls. Thanks to an incredible arsenal of weather equipment onboard the ship, including weather maps and satellite images and computer-generated storm models from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), your captain and crew are always on top of where a hurricane is headed and have the experience and means to stay out of its path. Itinerary Changes Photo courtesy of CruiseHive The exact changes a cruise line may make to any cruise will depend on a wide range of factors and every storm is different. One of the ways your captain might avoid a hurricane’s path is to make a last-minute schedule change to the itinerary. For example, your cruise itinerary has a scheduled stop in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but the route there is impacted by a hurricane. Your cruise ship will reroute, and you’ll skip that port of call. This may result in an additional day at sea. With an extra sea day, you can treat yourself to a spa visit, spend some quality time with the family, or participate in one of the many onboard classes offered during your cruise. Depending on your ship’s proximity to the storm and its severity, the captain may find it necessary to close the pool for guest and crew safety. Another hurricane cruise scenario might involve a substitution of one port of call for a skipped one. There are a number of factors at play here, including weather patterns and cruising time to the substitute port that captain and bridge officers will be constantly monitoring. You may find yourself completely charmed by the opportunity to visit a different Caribbean port. The captain may choose to alter just one port of call or could shift an entire itinerary. When possible, substitution ports are arranged to give guests safer options to enjoy. This may not always be practical depending on distance or berth availability. Cruise lines may continue to alter itineraries after a storm has passed. If the scheduled ports of call are not considered safe for passengers to visit or if repairs are necessary before ships can safely dock, the captain will adjust the schedule. We saw this happen in 2017 when Hurricane Irma and then Hurricane Maria hit, causing widespread damage in the US Virgin Islands and other nearby islands. Passengers will be refunded for any cruise line shore excursions they have already booked for ports that willContinueContinue reading “Hurricane Season and Your Cruise: What to Know”
What to Know About Tropical Storm Erin and Your Cruise
Hurricane season is right on schedule and that means cruisers need to be extra aware of how storm systems may impact their sailings. Waves crash onto rocks ahead of Tropical Storm Karen in Puerto Rico. Photographer: Gabriella N. Baez/Bloomberg UPDATE: Erin is now a hurricane and forecast to become a CAT4 over the weekend into early next week. This storm will stay east of Florida but produce dangerous rip currents and swell next week along the east coast. Tropical Storm Erin has officially formed and is on track to impact the Eastern Caribbean by the end of the week, making it the first hurricane of the season to impact this region. Of course, here is great uncertainty this far out in the forecast, but all cruisers should watch the storm carefully. No cruise line has made any itinerary changes yet, but they will be closely monitoring the storm and will make any adjustments necessary to keep ships safe. The cruise line will contact you if changes are necessary. On Monday morning, August 11, 2025, Tropical Storm Erin officially formed in the eastern Atlantic. The first official advisory for Tropical Storm Erin was issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. While several days away, her path will likely bring the storm to the eastern Caribbean. This may impact a number of popular ports of call, as well as cruise ships with itineraries heading east over the next 7-10 days. At of 2pm CVT (Cape Verde Time), the storm had maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour and was moving west at 20 mph The minimum threshold for a tropical storm is 39 mph threshold, with a maximum of 73 mph before being classified as a hurricane. The westward track will bring Erin close to the top Eastern Caribbean ports on Friday and Saturday, August 15 and 16, before it is predicted she will turn north. Most models have her missing the Florida coast. (see graph below) Forecast predictions have the storm likely to be a major hurricane of Category 3 or higher by August 15-16. The ports likely to at least feel moderate impact include Barbados, St. Lucia, the US and British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Depending on when and how Erin turns north, the Turks and Caicos as well as the Bahamas, including private islands, may also feel some impact. Ships departing on Eastern or Southern Caribbean itineraries this coming weekend are most likely to have at least some itinerary changes. Check your emails for any communication from the cruise line. There is no point in calling them – the call centers are not in direct communication with any ship. Shoreside will contact you if necessary. Remember, no cruise line has yet altered any sailings for Tropical Storm Erin. All cruise lines keep safety as their top priority and they will be monitoring the storm as she draws closer. How Strong Will Erin Become? The NHC’s forecast discussion advises caution this early, as it is always hard to predict how a tropical storm or hurricane will act several days in advance. “The intensity forecast in the short-term is a little tricky,” the NHC notes read. “The rate of intensification will likely increase in the second half of the forecast period.” Wind shear, ocean temperature, regional atmospheric conditions, and other factors all interact to determine how the storm may intensify and how she will move. Forecast tracks (the “spaghetti” plots) do show the storm likely to turn north long before impacting larger islands or the Florida eastern coastline, which includes Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Miami ports. That turn will not likely happen until the weekend, however, and could be significantly different than predicted so early in the storm’s formation. Though most believe she will remain no more than a Category 2 or 3 intensity, some forecast models show Erin reaching as high as a devastating Category 4 or 5 storm, Just as her path is difficult to predict precisely so many days away, her intensity can also vary tremendously as she gets closer. The overall size of Erin’s wind field will also determine how far away her impact may be felt. Very large storms can often impact ports of call or cruise homeports hundreds of miles from the storm’s eye, as the wind affects waves patterns and heights. The peak of hurricane season, when storms are strongest and most numerous, is typically around September 10. This does not mean that storms before or after this date are any less dangerous or disruptive. Any cruise guests with sailings booked over the next few days should watch Tropical Storm Erin carefully. Anyone with Caribbean sailings booked at this time of year should always stay informed about potential storms in case their cruise is impacted. For accurate and up-to-date information, follow Brian Shields…aka Mr. Weatherman on YouTube. He is a well-known and trusted Florida/Caribbean weatherman. To learn how hurricanes can affect your cruise and what to expect if they do, visit Hurricane Season and Your Cruise: What to Know. If you found the article informative and helpful, please comment below and follow Zest4Travel for cruise news and information. Let’s Connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stayContinueContinue reading “What to Know About Tropical Storm Erin and Your Cruise”
Plan Ahead: Celebrity Cruises 2027-2028 Deployment Schedule
Celebrity Cruises recently released the deployment schedule for sailings in 2027-2028. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Celebrity Cruises Opening Deployment Schedule 2027-2028 Week of August 4, 2025: Canada/New England, Europe, Japan, Spring Transatlantics Week of September 8, 2025: Alaska and Hawaii Week of September 29. 2025: Australia November 2025: Caribbean, Fall Transatlantics December 2025: Winter Asia The first set of sailings to be released on August 5 are for cruises to Canada/England, Europe, Japan and spring Transatlantics. Canada, New England & Bermuda Celebrity Silhouette will sail from Boston, Cape Liberty and Reykjavik, Iceland. These sailings will offer seven- to 13-night cruises that includes stops in Iceland and Greenland. One itinerary will visit Bermuda, three to Iceland Greenland, and four to Maine and Canada. Europe Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Xcel will all offer cruises in Europe. Celebrity Ascent will homeport in Civitavecchia (Rome) and offer 10-14 night to Greece, Italy, Turkey and Malta. Sailing from Southampton, the Celebrity Apex will cruise on 7 to 14 night cruises to the Norwegian Fjords and Scandinavia. From Barcelona and Italy, Celebrity Constellation will offer cruises that visit Croatia, France, Italy and Spain. Celebrity Eclipse will sail from Amsterdam, Athens, and Ravenna, Italy on 7 to 13 night cruises to Europe. Homeporting in Barcelona, Celebrity Equinox will offer 9, 10, and 11 night cruises around the Mediterranean. Celebrity Infinity will sail from Athens, Greece and 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 night cruises to Greece and Croatia. And the newest vessel in the fleet, Celebrity Xcel will sail from Barcelona and Athens on a variety of sailings to the Italian and French Riviera. Asia Celebrity Millennium will sail from both Tokyo and South Korea offering 12 and 13 night cruises around Japan and South Korea. One 15 night sailing will visit Hong Kong and Vietnam before ending in Singapore. These newly announced itineraries from Celebrity Cruises will open for bookings on August 5, 2025. Call your travel agent or book directly with Celebrity early for the best availability. Remember, you can reprice your cruise if there are better promotions or pricing available prior to final payment, so don’t miss out on your favorite cabin! Let’s Connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
Maximize Your Cruise Savings with Celebrity Cruises “Spend to Save Event”
Turn your vacation into another cruise during the Spend to Save Event. All eligible purchases before and during your qualifying cruise will earn a percentage back as a future cruise credit. *Available on select qualifying cruises only. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. How It Works On the app, click on the person icon at the top, then your Captain’s Club information. If your cruise qualifies, it will show up under Special Events. Make purchases in the following categories prior to and during the cruise to start earning. Shore and ship excursions Drinks and drink packages Specialty dining and packages Spa treatments and fitness services Photos Internet Premium Access packages Onboard shop purchases Laundry Gifts and Extras Cashing In Approximately 7 days after your cruise, Celebrity will send an email with your future cruise credit (FCC). Find your next sailing within 60 days of receiving your FCC (and sail within 12 months), apply your credit and book it. That’s all you need to do! FAQ’s What is the Spend to Save promotion? The Spend to Save Challenge is a promotion available on select qualifying sailings. Guests on qualifying sailings will be eligible to earn a percentage of their pre-cruise and onboard purchases back as a Future Cruise Credit. Which pre-cruise purchases are eligible towards a Future Cruise Credit? Purchases made through Cruise Planner including beverages, specialty dining, photo, spa and fitness services, shore excursions, internet, laundry, Premium Access Pass, Gifts & Extras, and paid onboard Which onboard purchases are eligible towards a Future Cruise Credit? Onboard purchases made with your Seapass card are eligible. Please see exclusions in #4 below. What purchases are excluded from the Spend to Save promotion? The following purchases are excluded: cruise fare, future cruise purchases, stateroom upgrades, travel protection, casino, taxes, gratuities, promotional and paid onboard credits (OBC), flights, hotels, and transfers. I booked All Included with my Celebrity Cruise; will drinks and wifi count toward my Future Cruise Credit? Yes. You will earn the promotional percentage back based on a per diem value of your All Included fare. I made pre-cruise purchases for my sailing prior to learning about this promotion; will those purchases be eligible? Yes, all eligible purchases made for the qualifying sailing will be eligible. Is there a minimum spend required to qualify for this offer? No, there is no minimum spending required. Is there a maximum amount that can be earned? No, there is no maximum amount that can be earned. How do I know if my sailing is part of the promotion? This promotion is only for select sailings. If your sailing is eligible, you will receive information in your stateroom upon embarkation, and promotional emails pre-cruise. You may also view the details about the Spend to Save promotion within the Celebrity Cruises App. I am sailing with others in my stateroom. Who will the Future Cruise Credit be issued to? The Future Cruise Credit for Cruise Planner purchases made before the cruise will be provided to the payer of guest account used to make eligible purchases. The Future Cruise Credit for onboard expenses will be issued to the Seapass card account payer to which qualifying purchases are charged during the qualifying sailing, including those purchases made by the account payer for other guests. How do I know if I am the Seapass account owner? Seapass account owners are guests who have elected to pay for their own onboard expenses; they may elect to pay for their party’s expenses, as well. This selection is made during the online check in process and can be changed pre-cruise and during the check in process at the pier. What if I am in a stateroom with a friend or family member and we both have our own Seapass expense accounts? In this instance, each guest would receive a Future Cruise Credit for their individual onboard expenses. What happens if my cabin mate makes all the pre-cruise purchases but onboard the expense account is under my name? The guest who made the pre-cruise purchases will receive a Future Cruise Credit for those purchases, and the guest who owns the Seapass account will receive a separate Future Cruise Credit for the onboard purchases. Do I have to take any action to accept my Future Cruise Credit? No. The Future Cruise Credit will be emailed to you approximately 7 days after your completed sailing. I did not receive an email following my sailing. Who can I call to ensure I receive my future cruise credit? If you do not receive an email after your cruise, please check your Celebrity Cruises app. You can also call Celebrity Cruises at 844-418-6824. Celebrity will be able to validate your sailing and ensure you receive your Future Cruise Credit. My local currency is not in US dollars. How will my future cruise credit be issued to me? Your final future cruise credit will be issued in the local currency that you made your qualifying booking in. The exchange rate will be based on the sailing return date. Does my Future Cruise Credit have an expiration date? Yes, your future cruise credit must be redeemed within 60 days of issuance, and must be applied to a sailing departing within 12 months of the Future Cruise Credit issuance. Is my Future Cruise Credit applicable towards a future cruise I made onboard during my qualifying sailing? Yes, you can apply your Future Cruise credit toward an eligible booking you created with Future Cruise while onboard your qualifying sailing. Once you receive your Future Cruise Credit (approximately 7 days after returning home), you can apply your credit towards the booking you made onboard. How can I redeem my future cruise credit? Your Future Cruise Credit is redeemable online, through your travel partner or through our contact center team by calling us at 844-418-6824. I have an existing Future CruiseContinueContinue reading “Maximize Your Cruise Savings with Celebrity Cruises “Spend to Save Event””
Royal Caribbean Introduces a New Destination – Perfect Day Mexico
EDIT May 20, 2026: Royal Caribbean has confirmed that its private destination project near Mahahual, Mexico has been halted following a ruling by Mexico’s Environmental Agency SEMARNAT (Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Humanos). The agency formally rejected the cruise line’s plans, citing risks to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System and local coastal ecosystems. Press Release Reuters In October of 2024, Royal Caribbean announced it would be building another Perfect Day resort – a highly anticipated exclusive destination on Costa Maya, Mexico, This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. But there was a problem….the deal to purchase the Port of Mahahual and the surrounding land needed to be completed. Finally, the deal has closed after months of waiting – which means construction crews can start work!. Included in $292 million USD purchase is the cruise port and 34 of the surrounding properties. This will be turned into Perfect Day Mexico over the next two years and open in the fall of 2027. Local news outlet Riviera Maya News reported that the announcement of the deal’s closing was made on July 11, 2025, by Jay Schnaider, the Director of Product Innovation for Royal Caribbean. “We are now administrators of the port and have begun working on the development of Perfect Day Mahahual,” the company representative stated. This means that Royal Caribbean can officially assume operations because both the legal and the financial transaction has been completed. The Port of Costa Maya and the Port of Mahahual are basically the same place. Mahahual is the name of the small fishing village near the port, while Costa Maya (or Puerto Costa Maya) is the cruise port’s official name. It was confirmed that the cruise port, which receives hundreds of cruise ship calls every year, will remain open during construction. Costa Maya will also continue to accept other mainstream brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises that sail to the popular spot on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula after Perfect Day Mexico opens, But of course, only Royal Caribbean passengers (and guests of sister-brand Celebrity Cruises) will have access to Perfect Day Mexico. What to Expect at Perfect Day Mexico Perfect Day Mexico will span more than 200 acres on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, making it considerably larger than the original Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, which is 125 acres. Perfect Day Mexico will raise the bar on vacations with record-breaking experiences, industry firsts and twists on Royal Caribbean favorites when it all comes to life in Fall 2027. There will be something for adventurers of all ages across seven neighborhoods. The new resort will be big enough to accommodate approximately 20,000 guests daily. In comparison, CocoCay can handle around 13,000 guests per day Highlights include: Loco Waterpark – Thrill-seekers can conquer more than 30 adrenaline-pumping waterslides across five slide towers, including the tallest waterslide tower – and waterslides – across North and South America. The more than 170-foot-tall Jaguar’s Peak features two dueling slides, taking riders through more than two minutes of pure thrill and the longest coaster waterslide in the world. Vacationers can scale new heights across the tower’s 10 slides, and they can even do so together on the tallest family raft slide, designed for four to six riders at once. There are more thrills across the waterpark with hydrolaunch slides that shoot riders into the air and the world’s first sombrero slide, modeled after Mexico’s iconic sombrero. Plus, adventure pools, a wave pool and slides designed for younger kids ensure there’s something for everyone. Splash Cove – The central neighborhood for guests of all ages to go all-in will introduce the longest lazy river in the world – with a crazy side. Along the hour-long float are multiple entry and exit points and plenty of ways to stay hydrated with float-up bars and a cupholder in every tube. And for those who dare, an optional crazy section of the river features unexpected twists and turns with waves, rapids and spins. In the center of it all is a seemingly never-ending 100,000 square foot pool – just one of Perfect Day Mexico’s more than 10 expansive pools that together span the size of four football fields. The little ones have their own adventures at Royal Caribbean’s largest Splashaway Bay with waterslides sized just for them. The first-ever Splashaway Cabanas right nearby make it the perfect home base for families. El Hideaway – At this adults-only neighborhood, day pass holders 18 years and older can party all day long with a zero-entry pool, swim-up bar and in-pool DJ. Those looking to celebrate big can max out the party vibes at the new Ultimate Party Cabana for 20 guests, with its own pool and bar. For unmatched chill, El Hideaway sets the scene with live music, toes-in-the-sand bars and cabanas. Costa Beach Club – Guests looking to upgrade their beach day to the next level of exclusivity can enjoy the white sand beaches, heated infinity pool and premium dining of Costa Beach Club. And for the ultimate retreat, adventurers can spend the day in a private cabana with a personal cabana attendant, thoughtful amenities and a dedicated pool. Chill Beach North and South – Vacationers looking to kick back can enjoy the natural beauty of Mexico along nearly 2 miles of white sand beaches at Chill Beach, spanning north and south from the pier. Guests can enjoy complimentary loungers, umbrellas and towels at all beaches and pools at Perfect Day Mexico. Fiesta Plaza – Where all the festivities begin: a vibrant arrival area transports vacationers straight to the heart of Mexico with live music and dance. Plus, the world’s largest sombrero sits atop the Tipsy Sombrero bar, welcoming guests with margaritas, cervezas and more. Along with all the fun are 12 regionally inspired dining options, from sit-down spots to grab-and-go eateries, with nearly all food spots complimentary to guests. Plus, there are endless reasons to toast “¡Salud!” at 24 bars, including six swim-up bars. Mariachi performances, art installations, and local artisans for souvenir shopping further bring the Mexican culture to life. By 2027, 90% of Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean vacationers will be able to experience a Perfect Day across Perfect Day at CocoCay and Perfect Day Mexico. Vacationers sailing fromContinueContinue reading “Royal Caribbean Introduces a New Destination – Perfect Day Mexico”
Experience Paradise: Royal Caribbean’s Beach Club Opening Soon
Looking for something new to do in Nassau? Remember looking out to the ocean and seeing the island with deserted homes? Royal Caribbean recently purchased it and has turned it into an amazing Beach Club! Starting December 2025, you will be able to experience the new Royal Beach Club by RCL. Beach days will hit next level at the first of its kind Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Nassau’s newest beach club. Here, exclusive meets all-inclusive. From your first water transportation ride to your last drink at the swim up bar, each mouthwatering bite and everything in between, it’s all complimentary with their Unlimited Open Bar Day Pass. Swim, sip, and unwind on the powdery white sands of Family Beach or Chill Beach. Be sure to indulge in irresistible island fare like Pinwheel Shrimp Skewers and Vanilla Bundt Cake with guava sauce, all while soak up sweeping Caribbean views from three pools, each with its own vibe. Or you can head to Party Cove for the world’s largest swim-up bar fueled by dancing and nonstop beats. The ultimate beach day debuts in Nassau, The Bahamas December 2025. Cost: Day Pass (Unlimited Open Bar & Dining): Starting from $169.99 Day Pass (Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks & dining): $129.99 guests 13+, $109.99 guests 4-12 (ages 3 and under are free). All admissions include unlimited dining, unlimited beverages, free Wi-Fi, round-trip transportation and all general amenities. Want to bring the whole family with friends, try a cabana. Cabana rentals come in a few different sizes, with some of Royal Caribbean’s biggest (and most expensive) cabana rentals ever. Ultimate Family Cabana: $9,999.99 Includes day passes for up to 12 people Royal Pool Cabana: $2,999.99 Includes day passes for up to 10 people Royal Beach Cabana: $2,999.99 Includes day passes for up to 10 people Beach Cabana: $2,199.99 Includes day passes for up to 8 people The Ultimate Family Cabana comes with a cabana attendant, welcome amenity, dining area, private bathroom, private shower, private changing room, wet bar, reserved beach space, heated whirlpool, spiral slide, wooden swing, cozy hammock, loungers, suspended net lounger, frozen drink machine, TV, Bluetooth connection, charging outlets, lockable storage, and mini fridge. Those looking to party all day might consider renting the party deck. Located on the second floor of The Floating Flamingo (the world’s largest swim-up bar), it includes dedicated food & beverage service, lounge seating, mini fridge, cooler table, charging station, beach towels, ceiling fan, shoe cubbies and lockable storage. For larger parties, you can reserve both east and west sides of the Party Deck. For parties larger than 12 guests, entry to The Party Deck for up to 6 additional guests can be purchased separately. Party Deck: $4,999.99 Includes day passes for up to 12 people Located at Party Cove, the Day Bed comes with day passes for up to 2 guests, complimentary dining, unlimited drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), free Wi-Fi, roundtrip transportation, and all general amenities. Day Bed: $649.99 Includes day passes for up to 2 people Deluxe Beverage Package (Full Cruise) + Royal Beach Club Combo: $139.99 per adult, per day Refreshment Package (Full Cruise) + Royal Beach Club Combo: $84.99 per adult, per day / $69.99 per child, per day Deluxe Beverage Package (Full Cruise) + Thrill & Chill Combo: $159.99 per adult, per day Refreshment Package (Full Cruise) + Thrill & Chill Combo: $109.99 per adult, per day / $99.99 per child, per day Bundle pricing for Coco Key and The Beach Club Want to experience the best of fun in the sun at both the beach club and Perfect Day at CocoCay, there’s a bundle option. The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Refreshment Package + Thrill & Chill Combo includes: Royal Beach Club Day Pass Thrill Waterpark Day Pass Refreshment Package It’s priced per day of the cruise, rather than a flat fee like the other options. Royal Caribbean says the price of the bundle at checkout is up to 45% less than those products added to cart individually. Ultimate Beach Day offering The concept is to offer the very best beach experience. Royal Caribbean has two goals: offer an unparalleled beach experience and give passengers a high quality shore excursion choice in Nassau. Located on 17 acres at the western end of Paradise Island in Nassau, there’s a mix of party and family time. Regardless of which zone you end up spending most of your time, expect high energy throughout the club. Royal Caribbean did a lot of research from its customers, and they want a day with music, drinks, and a fun vibe. It’s not meant to be a quiet spot, even if you’re in Chill Beach. “It will be the most amazing beach day in essence,” said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean’s chief product innovation officer, earlier this year when he spoke about the plans they had to develop The Beach Club. “Chill is not quiet… It is relaxed, but there is a little bit of energy built into what our guests expect out of Chill,” Schneider said. Family Beach is designed for what Royal Caribbean calls “relaxed energy” because it’s a space where families can play, swim, and unwind together without sacrificing convenience or comfort. Family Beach 1 The Shallow End Pool & Swim Up Bar A zero-entry pool where you can walk right into the water and grab a drink or mocktail at the swim-upbar without leaving the water. 2 Beach Bars A great place to chill out with a refreshing beverage. 3 Paradise Grill Crush your tastebuds with delicious snacks and meals. 4 Ultimate Family Cabana* A one-of-a-kind private retreat with two stories of the best premium experiences. 5 Beach & Pool Cabanas* Get your own shaded retreat with personal attendant service and upgraded amenities. Party Cove 6 The Floating Flamingo and Swim Up Bar Sip through the day at the world’s largest swim-up bar – a two-story watering hole fueled by DJ beats and incredible views. 7 Bars Relax with a refreshing beverage 8 Paradise Grill Crush yourContinueContinue reading “Experience Paradise: Royal Caribbean’s Beach Club Opening Soon”