Destination Tips

While the Caribbean is the most popular destination for American cruisers, many of the best beach destinations in North America actually lie on the west coast of Mexico. This vast stretch of gorgeous oceanside landscape is known as the Mexican Riviera.

The Mexican Riviera extends hundreds of miles, from Baja in the north to Salina Cruz near the southern end of Mexico. Ports of call here offer a huge variety of things to do and see, including scuba and snorkeling, wineries, ecotours, beach resorts, historic sites, craft bazaars, and of course, fabulous Mexican food and music!

There are nearly two dozen exciting and unique cities scattered along the Mexican Riviera. Read on to learn about a few of the most popular stops for cruisers.

Ensenada

Located just 70 miles south of the U.S. border, Ensenada is the northernmost port on the Mexican Riviera. Its picturesque downtown boasts many fantastic bars, restaurants, and clubs, as well as countless shops and vendors displaying souvenirs and handmade crafts.

Cabo San Lucas

At the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is the site of the stately Land’s End rock formation, which separates the Pacific from the narrow Sea of Cortez. The area has earned acclaim for its pristine white beaches, choice fishing, and excellent scuba diving, as well as its austere desert landscapes.

Puerto Vallarta

Resting at the foot of the towering Sierra Madre mountains, Puerto Vallarta is a classic Mexican city. The majestic cathedral and the city’s old town, with its red tiles and cobblestones, whisks visitors back into Mexico’s storied past. The surrounding mountain forests attract tourists for the area’s many hiking and ecotour opportunities, while the cosmopolitan city itself offers fantastic restaurants, galleries, and nightlife.

Acapulco

Exciting Acapulco draws tourists for its beautiful ocean scenery, fearless cliff divers, and sizzling nightlife. For decades, this city was a favorite hangout for Hollywood elites. Today, Acapulco still offers up sumptuous resorts, breath-taking views, and world-class restaurants.

Many cruisers’ favorite shore excursions involve “zip-lining,” a heart-pounding activity that enables adventurous cruisers of all ages to zoom through the air at adrenaline-pumping speeds. Often combined with other outdoor activities, zip-lining is a truly unforgettable thrill!

What Is Zip-Lining?

Very simply, a zip-line is a pulley that rides along a steel cable that is mounted higher at one end than the other. The zip-liner is harnessed to the pulley and then allowed to zoom down the cable, sometimes alone and sometimes with a guide, depending upon the specific excursion.

Zip-lining is often part of a “canopy tour,” which might include a number of zip-lines, bridges, ladders, and rappelling ropes connecting several tree-top platforms in a jungle or forest setting.

Is Zip-Lining Safe?

Yes. Reputable zip-line operators throughout the world are certified by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), the largest American standards organization for evaluating recreational courses. Zip-line guides are professionals, and zip-line operators provide well-maintained safety equipment and thorough training to all their guests.

A wise cruiser will research the zip-line operator before leaving for his or her vacation. Plenty of information is available at every good operator’s website, and one can find helpful reviews from previous customers through sites like TripAdvisor and CruiseCritic.

What Should I Expect During My Zip-Line Experience?

Zip-lining is not for the faint-of-heart, and most excursions require at least a moderate level of fitness. An excursion usually begins with a hike or climb to the top of the course or tour, followed by a briefing on safety and training in the use of the equipment. There are usually also one or two short zip-line flights so those with second thoughts can excuse themselves.

After that, adventurous cruisers get to experience the rush of the wind as they soar high above the ground with the birds! They will usually zip between several platforms, making their way their way lower and lower, often learning about the local plants and wildlife at the same time. At the end of it all, snacks, refreshing drinks, and exciting conversation are almost always available.

Where Can I Try Zip-Lining?

Most cruise line itineraries based out of North America stop in at least one port that offers a zip-line shore excursion. These kinds of adventure tours are especially popular in locales with jungle terrain, such as Cozumel, Puerto Rico, Roatan, and many Caribbean islands. Alaska cruises also typically offer opportunities for zip-lining through lush Pacific mountain forests. The largest cruise ships—Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels—are so big

Earlier this summer, Norwegian Cruise Lines announced an ambitious, fleet-wide upgrade program called “Norwegian NEXT.” The initiative aims to enhance every ship in the fleet with new entertainment choices and cutting-edge technologies.

Many of Norwegian’s ships have already undergone refurbishing. Currently, the Norwegian Gem is in dry dock undergoing its NEXT makeover. The Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Star will receive their upgrades next year.

Dining

In its July announcement, Norwegian outlined many of the changes coming to its dining offerings. Dinner menus will be specially tailored based on the itinerary of each ship, thereby giving each ship’s meal options a regional flair. Likewise, seafood choices will be significantly expanded, while main dining room lunch menus will also be re-imagined.

Foodies will also be delighted by the new chef recommendations program. The new menus will feature several starter and entree suggestions, along with expertly selected wine pairings.

Entertainment

Norwegian’s fleet-wide upgrade will bring Nickelodeon-themed activities to every ship in the fleet. Cruising kids will enjoy games, eating options, shows, and other activities based on Nickelodeon’s beloved characters and game shows.

For grown-ups, Norwegian’s expanded slate of entertainment options includes the H2Glow club party—currently only offered on the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway—on every boat. In addition, Norwegian will add several new shows to every ship’s already exciting lineup.

Technology

Norwegian plans to upgrade onboard Wi-Fi throughout the fleet in the coming year, while Norwegian’s convenient iConcierge app will allow passengers to talk and text everywhere on each ship.

Ships will also undergo an environmental overhaul. To reduce polluting emissions and save fuel, select ships will get brand-new exhaust scrubbers and special hull treatments.

This August marks the first anniversary of a voluntary initiative by the cruise industry to improve the reporting of crime occurrences on board ships. At a US Senate hearing on August 1st of last year, the leaders of the three largest cruise companies committed to making public all criminal allegations on board their ships, going back to 2010, when the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act was passed.

True to their word, cruise operators Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian have been publishing crime statistics on their corporate websites.

Findings

The first thing that one notices when looking at the crime statistics is just how low criminal activity is on a cruise ship.

Last summer, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released data compiled by criminologist James Alan Fox, PhD, of Northeastern University. The numbers, which covered 90% of all North American cruise operators from 2010 to 2012, showed that crime on ships is incredibly low compared crime in general. For example, the general rate of aggravated assault during those years was about 249 per 100,000 people. The rate of assaults with aboard cruise ships, however, was a mere 3.8 per 100,000.

The latest data released by the cruise lines bears this out. Norwegian, for example, reported only a single criminal incident in the entire first quarter of 2014. During the same period, Royal Caribbean noted just two serious allegations, while Carnival (the largest cruise operator, with several subsidiaries, including Princess and Seabourn) reported only 12 incidents across all its brands.

It is important to note that these are reports of allegations only. Even if an investigation eventually showed an allegation to be unfounded, the incident is still reported in the statistics. This means that the true crime rate on cruise ships might be even lower than the statistics suggest.

Relax and Enjoy Your Cruise!

These numbers prove that there is little need to worry about crime on a cruise ship. While it is always important to be alert while travelling, you should feel free to kick back, relax, and enjoy your ocean vacation, safe in the knowledge that the ship’s crew is diligently looking after you and your family.

The long, warm days of summer are the high season for cruises to Alaska, one of the most popular destinations among American vacationers. Sailing along the northern Pacific coast gives spectacular views of wildlife in pristine forests, majestic snow-capped mountains, and shimmering glaciers.

There are also a number of fascinating ports of call along the way, each with a unique character. For cruisers with a taste for salmon, a heart for outdoor adventure, and an eye for Native art, scenic Ketchikan is the place for you.

About Ketchikan, Alaska

The most southeastern city in Alaska, Ketchikan is a small town that sits right at the entrance to the gorgeous Inside Passage. It’s a century-old fishing town supported by a thriving fishery and tourism, and set among some of the most stunning and photogenic scenery in the world.

Things to Do and See in Town

No cruiser on shore excursion should miss historic Creek Street. Built upon a pier over the water, this was once the ramshackle red-light district of Ketchikan, but has since transformed into a shopping wonderland of quirky boutiques and quaint cafes.

Ketchikan is probably best known for its totem poles. Dozens of the imposing Native sculptures are scattered throughout galleries and parks in town, including the Totem Heritage Center. There are also several museums showcasing the arts and history of the region as well.

Shopping

For Native arts, Ketchikan is the place to be. At shops throughout town, visitors can purchase traditional crafts such as baskets and intricate carvings, as well as more contemporary art forms like glassware. Be sure to look for the “silver hand” mark that certifies a product was handcrafted by a Native artisan.

Alaskan canned fish and historical items like antiques, nautical charts, and maps also make excellent souvenirs of the area.

Eating

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan offers exquisite seafood, as well as a select range of other cuisines, from fast food to fine dining.

Entertainment

There are several live music venues in many of the areas lodges, bars, cafes, and lounges. Most any genre can be found at some time or other, and (best of all!) many local acts are more than happy to let enthusiastic listeners join in with their own instruments.

Cruisers lucky enough to visit in July can also catch a showing of the wild melodrama, “The Fish Pirate’s Daughter,” a true Ketchikan original.

Outdoor Activities

Ketchikan is surrounded by Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world, which has countless opportunities for hiking, zip-lining, kayaking, and more.

A short distance away from town is Misty Fjords, where guests can take in breath-taking views of 3,000 foot cliffs carved by glaciers. Both cruise and flight tours are available to experience this unforgettable natural sight.

As a fishing town, of course, Ketchikan also offers a variety of sportfishing excursions, both on the sea and up-river.

The North American cruise industry moved closer to being smoke-free with the latest announcement from Carnival Cruise Lines. As of early October, the company will forbid smoking on all outside balconies, thus expanding the current smoking ban in all staterooms. Cruisers can still enjoy a puff in designated locations on the open deck and in select areas in casinos and nightclubs.

Carnival’s smoking ban is just the latest in an industry-wide movement to restrict smoking on board, especially on ships operating out of North American ports. Of the remaining large cruise lines, only Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America (a subsidiary of Carnival) still allow smoking on balconies.

Although it can be a contentious issue on cruisers’ and smokers’ forums, cruise lines’ smoking policies generally reflect a wider trend seen in entertainment businesses throughout North America. As fewer people are lighting up in the US, there has been a growing demand for smoke-free cruises. According to Carnival spokespeople, the company instigated the recent smoking ban based on feedback from their guests. So far, response to the ban has been largely positive.

What about E-Cigarettes?

In the past several years, “e-cigs” have become more and more popular as an inoffensive alternative to traditional cigarettes. A few cruise lines (for example, Princess Cruises) have enacted special policies to accommodate e-cigarette users. Most cruise companies, however, still treat these devices the same as regular cigarettes, so shipboard smoking bans generally apply to e-cigarettes, as well.

Smoking and Cruising beyond North America

Cruisers who sail farther abroad than the Caribbean or the North American coasts may find many ships with more moderate smoking restrictions. Ships that service primarily European or Asian guests tend to have more relaxed policies, as smoking is much more prevalent in those countries.

To avoid any unwelcome surprises, it is a good idea for Royal Holiday cruisers who smoke to examine a specific ship’s smoking policy before boarding. With a little preparation, all passengers—smokers and non-smokers alike—can enjoy a restful and trouble-free cruise vacation.

Lying on white sandy beaches under swaying palms… Snorkeling among colorful fish in warm, turquoise waters… Wandering the cobbled streets of a historic colonial fort… Listening to the laid-back beats of calypso and reggae…

All the idealized images of relaxing beach life and coastal culture can be found on a cruise of the eastern Caribbean, one of the world’s most-visited cruise destinations.

What makes cruising this part of the world so popular? For starters, the weather is nearly perfect year-round: rarely too hot and never too cold. Islands in the eastern Caribbean are close to the North American continent and are often included on longer cruises to other destinations, such as the exotic islands of the southern Caribbean or the coast of South America. Most of the private islands owned by the largest cruise lines are also found here.

Above all, islands in the eastern Caribbean are relatively close together. This makes them ideal for passengers who would like to experience as many ports as possible in a limited time. Five- and three-night cruises are common here, meaning that even the busiest family can usually squeeze in a fun-filled cruise at some point during the year. Read on for more about some of the most popular destinations on an eastern Caribbean itinerary.

San Juan, Puerto Rico: With a picturesque Old Town, vibrant Latin culture, and all the amenities of a cosmopolitan city, San Juan is also a popular port of embarkation.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands: The busiest cruise port in the world, St. Thomas boasts countless shopping opportunities, as well as relaxing beaches, shore excursions, and excellent dining.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands: Tourists flock to Tortola to enjoy the island’s picture-perfect beaches and water sports. The Baths, a spectacular landscape where stone meets water, is a stone’s throw away on the island of Virgin Gorda.

St. Martin/St. Maarten: With a distinctly European flair, the French and Dutch halves of this island offer unforgettable restaurants, cafes, and pubs, as well as excellent duty-free shopping.

The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos: Although technically not situated in the Caribbean Sea, these famous islands are often stops for passengers embarking anywhere on the American East Coast.

A star-studded lineup of female music artists will serenade a ship full of concert-loving cruisers this fall. The first-ever GRAMMY Festival at Sea, “Women Who Rock” will depart from Miami on board the Norwegian Pearl on November 4, for several days of fun and music.

The lineup includes nearly 20 top performers across a diverse range of musical styles and genres, thus appealing to guests of every taste. Slated to play are such Grammy-award winners as Heart, Emmylou Harris, Estelle, Shawn Colvin, Maimouna Youssef, Joan Osbourne, and many others.

The wonderful sounds emanating from the Pearl’s many stages aren’t the only reason music lovers are looking forward to this cruise. Fans will also have countless opportunities to interact with their favorite artists in Q&A sessions, panels, photo-ops, and other events during the festival.

During the five-day cruise through the beautiful Bahamas, the Pearl will stop in Grand Bahama and Nassau. Cruisers will spend a day in each of these top destinations to take in the local beaches, shopping, casinos, fine dining, and more. Of course, each location also offers a selection of unique shore excursions, such as swimming with dolphins, touring historic sites, snorkeling, and many other outdoor activities.

Besides listening to an abundance of live music and exploring the sunny islands, guests will also enjoy the many sophisticated amenities offered by the Norwegian Pearl. No passenger will go hungry among the ship’s 19 eateries and 13 bars, pubs, and lounges. With several spas, pools, and modern fitness facilities, the Pearl also offers several ways to stay fit, trim, and relaxed. Additionally, guests can retire to the homey comfort of the Pearl’s thoughtfully appointed staterooms in between all the music and fun.

“Women Who Rock” promises to be a rocking, rolling, fun-filled event for everyone. Cruisers lucky enough to sail with this first-ever GRAMMY Festival at Sea are sure to return home with countless treasured memories to share with friends and family.

Due to the economic recession in the United States, philanthropic giving in the country significantly declined during the last decade. This year’s Giving USA: The Annual Report on Philanthropy, produced by the Giving USA Foundation, found significant increases in the amount of donations given and received around the nation. As the level of charitable giving continues to rise towards pre-recession numbers, many people might be surprised by who is donating the most money.

Most individuals think of philanthropy as an institution headed by the nation’s giant corporations, foundations, and other vehicles. In reality, these groups account for only a small percentage of American giving. During the last few years, individual giving has comprised 73 percent of total giving.

Between 2012 and 2013, total giving rose 4.4 percent, with individual giving comprising 83 percent of total gifts made during that timeframe. Individuals increased their giving by $9.69 billion. According to the report, giving by corporations declined slightly last year, but all other forms of giving increased. The massive jump in donations was caused by a few particularly large gifts made by individuals, couples, and estates in 2013.

Virtually every sector has benefited from increased philanthropy, but the largest gains have occurred in education. Between 2012 and 2013, giving to education rose 8.9 percent for a total of $52.07 billion. Giving to human services also increased significantly. Philanthropy aimed at arts, culture, and humanities organizations also received a large portion of donations last year, probably due to a tendency among donors to make up for years of lost funding during the recession.

Individuals can review the full report, researched and written by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, online on the Giving USA Foundation website.

In early June, cruise line Royal Caribbean International (RCI) announced its decision to relocate its ship, Serenade of the Seas, from New Orleans in April 2015. The move will leave the famous Louisiana port without an RCI presence at least through the end of the 2015-2016 winter season. No plans have yet been released to indicate the company will return in the foreseeable future.

There is speculation that RCI could move Serenade to Hong Kong, in order to serve the exploding cruise market in Asia. The company has previously announced that it will homeport its new flagship, Quantum of the Seas, in Shanghai beginning in May 2015, so RCI’s interest in Asia is well-established.

Despite the latest news, the port of New Orleans is doing very well. In recent years, it has seen a healthy increase in cruise business as passengers and cruise lines alike have come to recognize its convenient location for the southern U.S. market. To fill the gap left in RCI’s absence, the city of New Orleans has courted other cruise lines in the past year, including Royal Holiday affiliates such as Celebrity, MSC, and Princess.

About the Port of New Orleans

New Orleans serves as a homeport for ships sailing Western Caribbean itineraries that include destinations such as sunny Cozumel on the Mexican coast and popular island mainstays like Jamaica and Grand Cayman. Currently, two Carnival ships—Dream and Elation—call New Orleans home and have no plans to leave. Also serving the region is Norwegian Dawn, which operates out of the port during the winter cruise season.

Of course, with its rich music culture, Deep South history, and world-famous French Quarter, “The Big Easy” is a favorite destination in and of itself. Passengers embarking here often plan to spend a few extra days before or after their cruise in order to see the sights, enjoy the food, and “laissez les bons temps rouler!”