River cruising just got even more exciting. Celebrity Cruises has unveiled a brand-new shore experience program designed to take travelers beyond the typical excursion and deeper into each destination. Known for elevating the cruise experience, Celebrity is now bringing that same level of innovation to river cruising—offering curated, immersive experiences that focus on culture, connection, and unforgettable moments ashore. Whether you’re exploring charming European towns or iconic cities along the river, this new program promises to transform how you experience every stop along the way. “On a Celebrity River Cruises vacation, no two days are the same because no two places are. We’ve built a destination program that connects guests to Europe more personally than anything the river cruise industry has offered before,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “With our groundbreaking destination discovery options, paired with thoughtfully crafted spaces onboard that inspire relaxation and connection, Celebrity River Cruises guests will return home with stories no one else can tell.” Whether in a port of call or on a pre- or post-cruise stay, these thoughtfully curated experiences will connect travelers to each destination’s culture in deeply personal, richly immersive, and unforgettable ways throughout their Celebrity River Cruises vacation. Available across all 2027 and 2028 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries, and pre- and post-cruise stays in Prague, Budapest and Amsterdam. Storyteller Series Included, hands-on experiences invite guests to actively participate in local culture. These experiences will be guided by residents, artists, and cultural insiders who call each destination home. Guests will be able to choose from multiple included experiences per port, each balancing iconic landmarks with hosts’ personal favorites and hidden stories that only locals know. For example, in Amsterdam a canal captain will share Amsterdam’s centuries-long relationship with water, showing guests an unseen side of the city’s iconic waterways. Guests will cruise hidden passages, through the eyes of someone with deep family ties to the region, as they admire the city’s oldest building, Oude Kerk, board a legendary Dutch trading ship, and learn about modern canal engineering. In Prague, guests who enjoy discovering a city through food and drink will be led through the city’s rich brewing traditions by a local brewer. From the brewer’s unique perspective, guests will explore historic breweries like the bustling U Vejvodu Tavern to beer-infused artisanal shops. Taking a journey that blends history and hospitality into every pour, the brewer will show guests how centuries-old recipes shaped the city’s culture of connection and celebration. Skillmaster Series Included, hands-on experiences invite guests to actively participate in local culture These excursions will feature included, locally led experiences that go beyond sightseeing. Guests craft, cook, and create alongside the artisans and makers who shape each destination’s cultural identity. For example, in Budapest a local Mamika (grandmother) will lead aspiring culinarians through generations-old Hungarian recipes from her own home kitchen. After selecting ingredients at the local Central Market Hall, guests will uncover the dishes that bring Budapest’s soul to the table through each of the Mamika’s treasured family recipes and cooking secrets. In Amsterdam, a local artist leads a painting class that immerses guests in the imagination of Van Gogh. After exploring the famed painter’s works at the iconic Van Gogh Museum, guests will discover the settings that influenced some of his greatest pieces while learning some of the techniques he used to turn emotion into color and movement into meaning. Keys to the City Series Through an innovative digital platform, guests will have access to curated route maps tailored to specific interests such as art, history, food, and architecture. Interactive maps, audio guides and video content will lead guests off the beaten tourist path to interest-led locations where stationed local hosts provide behind-the-scenes access and exclusive experiences at working studios and craft sites to create moments of surprise and delight. For example, architecture enthusiasts in Bratislava will follow their curiosity to St. Martin’s Cathedral, hearing from a local historian who brings its coronation past to life, before hiking to Bratislava Castle to see how the fortress has watched centuries of change, then pausing beneath the modern span of the UFO Bridge with an architect who explains its bold vision. Or, uncover the city’s authentic Slovak flavors from raising a glass in a traditional Slovak pub while a generational brewer pours his stories into every craft drop, to tasting delicate sweets in a family-run pastry shop where the baker shares recipes passed down through decades. Guests will curate their adventure, shaping their own path to uncover the stories of cities exactly as they choose. Celebrity Takeover Series Offering exclusive, bespoke experiences once per sailing, this will be your chance to experience transforming must-see European attractions and unassuming plazas with elevated private events available only to Celebrity River Cruises guests. Each Celebrity Takeover Series indulgent bucket-list experience is designed to be the defining memory of a guest’s Celebrity River Cruises vacation. Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays Experience The Celebrity Way before and after every sailing. Celebrity River Cruises guests will be able to extend their journey with multi-day pre- and post-cruise stays that carry the same locally-led, small-group discovery philosophy as every sailing. Available in Prague and Budapest beginning in 2027, and also Amsterdam in 2028, each stay will include daily small-group tours with local hosts, premium hotel accommodations, dedicated concierge service for dining reservations and private experiences, daily breakfast, and airport transfers. The result will be a seamless, end-to-end journey from arrival to departure with no gap between the onboard Celebrity River Cruises experience and the destination discovery that defines it. Bookings will open for 2027 and 2028 pre- and post-cruise stays this summer, and all other destination experiences will open for booking in 2027. Celebrity River Cruises sailings are on sale now. To experience Europe’s rivers The Celebrity Way, visit Celebrity River Cruises, contact a Celebrity River Cruises expert at 1-833-474-8803, visit Future Cruise on board, or contact a trusted travel advisor. Do you have travel insurance for your next cruise? The best day to buy it is the day youContinueContinue reading “Celebrity River Cruises Unveils New Shore Experience Program”
Tag Archives: cruises
Explore the Upgraded Celebrity Solstice: New Suites and Venues
Moored off the cost of Koh Samui, Thailand Solstice – the very first Solstice class ship built by Celebrity – entered dry dock on January 16, 2026. The newly refurbished ship is now getting ready to sail its first scheduled cruise on March 2, 2206, from Singapore. Celebrity has invested $250 million to modernize its Solstice Series ships, starting with Celebrity Solstice. The 2008 vessel has quite a few noticeable changes that enquiring passengers are already catching. New Cabins, No Basketball Court While the ship’s hull was already the signature Celebrity blue, the ship’s silhouette has a slightly different look. Ship-spotters in Singapore have noticed that the two forward round satellite dish housings have been removed. The biggest change is the expansion of the forward upper decks. What used to be an open-air walking track and a netted basketball court on Deck 15 has been entirely replaced by a new block of cabins. This addition includes the debut of Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suites. These suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass, which raises the profile of the ship from the front view. Old deck 15: New deck 15; Camp At Sea (the kid’s club) has been moved to deck 14 next to the Sky Lounge, replacing rarely used conference rooms. New Solstice Deck The Solstice Deck has been transformed into a The Retreat Sundeck. Now, only suite guests have access to this expanded area, which features an oversized hot tub, new cabanas, and a private bar. Old Solstice deck: New Retreat Sundeck: New Venues Inside the ship, the “Celebrity Revolution” has replaced several original venues with brand new concepts. The Parlor (replacing Quasar): This is a high-end sports bar and “barcade,” featuring billiards, darts, and retro board games. Boulevard Lounge (replacing Celebrity Central): A new cabaret-style space for game shows, trivia, and “candlelight concerts.” Trattoria Rossa (replacing Qsine): An upscale Italian specialty restaurant with tableside service and fresh daily pasta. Sunset Park (formerly the Lawn Club): The iconic real-grass lawn is still there but has been altered with a more “park-like” feel, hosting open-air movies and live folk music. Fine Cut Steakhouse (replacing Tuscan Grille) Discover an upscale steak and seafood experience where service is elevated to an art form Staterooms All the cabins are getting an upgrade! Each one will feel brand new for everyone. Plus, with four new stateroom categories, passengers will have more options to call home during their voyage. Final Thoughts Celebrity Solstice is the first of its class to undergo this new transformation. Silhouette, Eclipse and Equinox have received partial refreshes, but they have not gone through this massive renovation with new cabin blocks and structural changes yet. Stay tuned for updates on the other vessels in this class. Celebrity Solstice begins its 12-night voyage to Hong Kong on March 2nd and repositions to Alaska in May. Do you have travel insurance for your next cruise? The best day to buy it is the day you book so get it now. Insubuy has policies for all travelers. Have you booked your excursions yet? Check out my recommended provider. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: 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. Share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Celebrity River Cruises Expands Fleet to 20 Ships by 2031 & 2028 Itineraries Now Open
On January 29, 2026, Celebrity River Cruises announced a commitment for 10 new ships that will expand its European river cruise fleet to 20 vessels by 2031. The announcement marks the start of construction, with the first steel cut for Celebrity Compass – the line’s debut river ship. This expansion will make Celebrity River Cruises one of the largest European river cruise operators, offering more itineraries and destinations than ever before. The 2028 season is now open for booking, featuring an 80% increase in European destinations compared to the brand’s inaugural 2027 deployment. To celebrate these milestones, Celebrity River Cruises opened its highly anticipated 2028 season for booking – offering more than 160 sailings to over 50 destinations across Europe. Guests can sail the Rhine to the vineyards of Alsace, follow the Danube to Budapest’s centuries-old market halls, or wake up in Prague and end the day at a café in the heart of Vienna. Celebrity River Cruises launches in 2027 with Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, followed by Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer, and Celebrity Boundless joining the fleet in 2028. “Guest demand for Celebrity River Cruises has exceeded our expectations, and expanding the fleet allows us to bring this highly anticipated experience to even more travelers,” said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, parent company of Celebrity Cruises. “Whether guests already love the Celebrity experience or are discovering it for the first time, they now have new ways to enjoy it along some of Europe’s most iconic rivers. With Celebrity’s expansion into river, we’re strengthening our connected vacation ecosystem, offering more choice, more access, and more reasons for guests to stay with us — turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.” “Our inaugural 2027 Celebrity River Cruises season sold out in under six minutes – a testament to how much guests value the unmatched hospitality and service Celebrity delivers,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “To meet this extraordinary demand, we’re thrilled to open 2028 sailings featuring 80% more European destinations, five ships, and more than 160 itineraries. There are now more ways than ever to experience Europe’s rivers The Celebrity Way.” More than 160 European River Cruise Sailings in 2028: From Dutch Tulips to the Lower Danube In 2028, Celebrity River Cruises is bringing Celebrity’s elevated experience to even more of Europe’s iconic rivers, from the Rhine’s legendary castle country to the storied capitals of the Danube. Itineraries will take guests to 24 new ports, including new journeys into the wild beauty of the Lower Danube with a Celebrity-first overnight land stay in Bucharest, sailings to enjoy tulip season in full bloom and a new way to experience Europe’s magical Christmas Market cruises. 2028 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries include: Lower Danube Cruises (six sailings): Journey from Bucharest through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge – one of Europe’s most breathtaking river passages – to destinations where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Each sailing includes an overnight land stay in Romania’s vibrant capital, connecting guests to Bucharest’s rich heritage before or after their river voyage. Rhine River Cruises (more than 60 sailings): Sail between Basel and Amsterdam through Europe’s legendary castle country, passing vine-covered hillsides and storybook villages including Strasbourg, Breisach, and Rüdesheim. The romantic Rhine comes alive with spellbinding views at every turn. Upper Danube Cruises: Travel between historic Regensburg or Nuremberg and Budapest, discovering grand castles and cultural treasures along the Danube through Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Select sailings coincide with the Gäuboden Festival in Straubing, one of Germany’s largest heritage celebrations. Dutch Tulip Season Cruises: Glide between Brussels and Amsterdam during peak spring bloom, visiting the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, and charming Maastricht. These seasonal sailings showcase the Netherlands at its most vibrant. Christmas Markets Cruises: Experience a European holiday tradition on sailings between Basel and Amsterdam, with stops at candlelit Rhine Valley villages including Mainz, Strasbourg, and Heidelberg. Snow-dusted vineyards and festive markets make these winter sailings unforgettable. 2028 Celebrity River Cruises sailings are now open for booking. Guests can explore more than 160 European river cruise itineraries and reserve their voyage at www.celebritycruises.com/river, by calling 1-833-474-8803, through the Future Cruise desk on any Celebrity ship, or via a trusted travel advisor. Do you have travel insurance for your next cruise? The best day to buy it is the day you book so get it now. Insubuy has policies for all travelers. Have you booked your excursions yet? Check out my recommended provider. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: 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!
Power Up Points – A New Season, A New Experience, and the Newest Ship Webinar
Get an inside look at all things Celebrity. In this webinar, Co-Cruise Director Luigi De La Cruz shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Naming Sailing aboard the newest ship, Celebrity Xcel. Plus, see the can’t-miss onboard experience, Poolest Day Ever. Beyond the Podium speaker Cesar Becerra will fill you in on destination highlights from the incredible 2027/2028 Caribbean season, featuring new stops in Turks and Caicos. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss. Power Up Points will be awarded to those who qualify by January 14, 2026 Register by December 11, 2025—and earn 20 Power Up Points.† Register and watch here. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: 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!
Royal Caribbean Group’s New Points Choice: A New Era in Cruise Loyalty
Royal Caribbean Group announced today a change to how cruisers earn loyalty points that will make it easier to cruise between its brands and earn status at the same time. In 2024, the company introduced status matching between Royal Caribbean Group’s three brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. Points Choice will go beyond that. Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty revealed his company’s plans to introduce Points Choice During an earnings call with investors. “I’m excited to announce Points Choice, the next evolution, and how guests earn and apply loyalty points across our family of brands beginning in early 2026. Guests will be able to apply loyalty points to the Royal Caribbean Group brand they prefer, regardless of which brand they are sailing with.” Mr. Liberty is quoted as saying. No matter which brand you sail with, you can apply your earned points toward the brand loyalty program of your choice. This means you will be able to vacation with Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, or Silversea while continuing to build your status in Captain’s Club or whichever program you belong to. Points Choice will be available in early 2026. More information will be available in the coming weeks including the official launch date, program rules, and exchange rates across programs. Be sure to subscribe to Zest4Travel to receive timely updates. Learn more about each program below: Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society Silversea Venetian Society FAQ What is Points Choice?An exciting enhancement is coming soon for all who sail with Royal Caribbean Group. Introducing Points Choice – no matter which of our brands your clients sail with, they can apply their earned points toward the brand loyalty program of their choice. They can continue to build status with their preferred brand and enjoy status match, all while exploring across Royal Caribbean”, Celebrity Cruises” and Silversea Cruises® For example, if your preferred brand is Royal Caribbean and they are sailing on Celebrity, you can apply the Captain’s Club points earned to the Crown & Anchor program to keep building your Crown & Anchor status. When will Points Choice be available?Early 2026. Keep a close eye on your email for the official launch date in the coming months along with program rules, exchange rates between brands, and how your clients can apply points to their preferred brand. Will members have the option to apply points already earned to a different brand?No. Points Choice will be offered only on cruises departing on or after the launch date. If I choose to apply their points to a different brand, how will they know how many points they will get? For example, if you cruise with Celebrity and wish to receive Crown & Anchor points, how will you know the number of Crown & Anchor points they are eligible for? Points tables will be published with exchange rates between brands. For example, the points tables will indicate how many Crown & Anchor points your cruise is eligible for if you sail in a Sky Suite on Celebrity. Are any program benefits changing?No. Benefits will remain the same for Crown & Anchor, Captain’s Club and Venetian Society. Does Points Choice apply to points earned in the Casino Royale and Blue Chip programs?No. Points Choice only applies to Royal’s Crown & Anchor program, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club program and Silversea’s Venetian Society program. Are there any changes to the Status Match program?No, the Status Match program is not changing. Members can still receive one-for-one tier matching across all three Royal Caribbean Group brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: 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!
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!
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”
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
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 from U.S. Gulf ports are in for the ultimate vacation days starting in 2027 with itineraries that visit both Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Perfect Day Mexico. Prices will be released soon – stay tuned! Final Thoughts: This is just the beginning for the expansion in exclusive Royal Beach Destinations. Royal Caribbean is planning to open moreContinueContinue reading “Royal Caribbean Introduces a New Destination – Perfect Day Mexico”