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Once upon a time, last-minute cruise deals were a savvy traveler’s secret weapon, snagging oceanview staterooms at a fraction of the price. But times have changed, especially at Royal Caribbean. In a strategic shift, Royal Caribbean is now prioritizing early bookings over slashed last-minute fares. CEO Jason Liberty confirmed during the Q1 earnings call that demand close to sailing dates is high, but instead of discounting, prices are actually being raised during those peak booking periods. This change is part of a broader effort to build guest loyalty and maintain pricing integrity, ensuring that early planners are rewarded with better rates and selection. With 86% of 2025 cruises already booked and summer 2024 filling fast, now is the time to secure your spot. Royal Caribbean’s future includes major expansions: seven new ships, five additional exclusive destinations, and the highly anticipated launch of Celebrity Cruises River in 2027. In short: Don’t wait—book early, save more, and sail better.

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This special holiday itinerary highlights Montreal's festive spirit with visits to three beautiful Christmas Markets and a breathtaking light show at the Notre-Dame Basilica. Explore the city's historic sites, enjoy seasonal treats, and take in the dazzling displays that make Montreal a must-see destination during the holidays.

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You don’t have to splurge to make the most of Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. With free access to beaches, the Oasis Lagoon pool, delicious dining, and more—there’s plenty to enjoy without spending a dime. Want a few tips on how to have fun and save money? We’ve got you covered!

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Royal Caribbean has officially amplified Allure of the Seas, bringing a wave of exciting new features! Guests can now enjoy brand-new waterslides, the colorful Lime & Coconut bar, the all-new Pesky Parrot tiki bar, and the southern-inspired Mason Jar restaurant. Families will love the updated Adventure Ocean kids and teens areas, Splashaway Bay aqua park, and thrilling additions like the Ultimate Abyss slide and laser tag. With over 100 new cabins, updated entertainment, and modern touches throughout, Allure is better than ever! Now’s the perfect time to experience this refreshed Oasis Class favorite.

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Carnival Cruise Line has announced that Carnival Festivale, a brand-new Excel Class ship, will debut in Port Canaveral in Spring 2027. Families will love the ship’s increased number of connecting cabins, and more details on itineraries are expected Summer 2025.

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Planning a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay? Discover the key differences between Royal Caribbean’s Hideaway Beach and Coco Beach Club to see which premium experience is the better fit for your next island escape.

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Traveling in 2025? Be prepared for new rules in countries like Brazil, the UK, and Spain. Starting April 10, 2025, U.S. visitors to Brazil will need to pay $81 for an e-visa, while travelers to the UK must register for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETAs) costing £10. Spain now requires visitors to provide detailed personal info during hotel check-ins. Looking ahead, the ETIAS system for EU travel is delayed until late 2026, and Real ID for U.S. domestic flights will be mandatory by May 7, 2027. Stay informed and plan ahead to ensure smooth travel in 2025!

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Do You Need a Passport for Your Cruise? If your cruise starts and ends at the same U.S. port, it’s considered a closed-loop cruise, meaning U.S. citizens can usually travel with just a birth certificate and government-issued ID instead of a passport. However, some destinations—like Barbados and Martinique—require a passport for entry, even on a closed-loop cruise. Cruise lines may also have stricter rules, and a passport book is always recommended in case of emergencies. Before you sail, check with your cruise line, travel agent, and destination countries to ensure you have the right documents.

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Route 66 isn’t just a highway—it’s a legendary piece of American history. Known as the "Mother Road," this iconic route stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, weaving through small towns, neon-lit motels, and quirky roadside attractions. While many recognize its nostalgic charm, there’s more to Route 66 than meets the eye. Did you know it wasn’t fully paved until 1938? Or that the very first McDonald’s franchise opened along its path? From inspiring John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath to serving as the backdrop for Cars, Route 66 has shaped pop culture, travel, and history in unforgettable ways. Ready to hit the road and uncover the hidden stories of this legendary highway? Let’s dive into 10 fascinating facts about Route 66 that you may not know!

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A new survey by International Medical Group (IMG) reveals the top travel trends and destinations for 2025! With 96% of respondents planning international trips and urban tourism leading the way, travel is booming. Popular trip styles include solo adventures, multigenerational vacations, and "bleisure" travel, while top destinations feature Canada, Italy, Mexico, Japan, and France. Plus, with increased travel spending and evolving concerns, having the right travel protection is more important than ever. #TravelTrends2025 #TopDestinations #SoloTravel #BleisureTravel #MultigenerationalTravel #UrbanTourism #AdventureTravel #TravelPlanning #Wanderlust #InternationalTravel

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Celebrity Cruises has announced an exciting expansion into river cruising, with plans to debut their first river ship in 2027. These ships will feature elevated designs inspired by Celebrity’s Edge class and sail the most iconic rivers in Europe. With a focus on premium service and sophisticated experiences, Celebrity River Cruises promises to redefine river cruising.

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Air travel in 2025 will see significant developments aimed at improving passenger experiences and safety. Key changes include the enforcement of the U.S. Department of Transportation's new automatic refund rules, ensuring easier reimbursement for canceled or altered flights. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin enforcing REAL ID requirements at airport checkpoints starting May 7, 2025, making compliant identification essential for boarding commercial flights. Southwest Airlines will also undergo a major transformation, introducing assigned seating in 2026 and a premium seating option with extra legroom starting late 2025. With these adjustments and potential industry mergers on the horizon, 2025 promises to bring both challenges and advancements for travelers. (Adapted from an article by Patrick Clarke, Travel Pulse, January 16, 2025)

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Starting January 8, 2025, travelers to the United Kingdom will need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA). This new requirement ensures a smooth and secure entry process. The application involves submitting a passport photo, answering a few questions, and paying a £10 fee. Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years and allows multiple entries for stays of up to six months for tourism, business, or short-term study. Applications are typically processed within three working days, though expedited approvals are possible. Check out this blog post to learn more.

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The Norwegian Prima will debut in New Orleans in late 2026, offering seven-night Western Caribbean cruises from Nov. 15, 2026, to April 4, 2027. Ports of call include Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán, and Harvest Cay in Belize. Norwegian’s winter lineup also features exciting sailings from San Juan, Philadelphia, Miami, Tampa, and Port Canaveral with their newest ships.

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Carnival has unveiled details about 10 sailings for 2026 that will commemorate America’s 250th birthday.

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Norwegian Aqua will debut in April 2025 with two features that no cruise ship has ever had before.

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Booking an airline ticket or hotel room online is straightforward, but cruising is a whole different ball game. A knowledgeable cruise travel agent can help ensure your vacation sails smoothly, especially if you’re a first-timer. With a cruise, there’s so much more to consider: itineraries, dining, entertainment, cabin choices, and even those tricky fare comparisons. While some travelers love the DIY approach, navigating cruise details without an expert can be overwhelming and costly. Not only can an agent secure the best deals, but they might also snag you perks like cabin upgrades or exclusive discounts. Don’t go overboard—trust the pros!

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When it comes to cruise dining, My Time or Anytime Dining offers flexibility, allowing guests to enjoy meals at their convenience. However, this freedom can come with a few challenges. Many first-time cruisers may encounter longer wait times, especially during peak hours, or struggle to find seating for larger groups. Additionally, the absence of a consistent wait staff can detract from the personalized dining experience some guests expect. To make the most of flexible dining, it's essential to make reservations when possible and be mindful of peak dining times.

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Make your European adventure smoother by avoiding these common rookie mistakes. From choosing the right transportation to booking attractions early, these tips will help you save money, reduce stress, and make the most of your trip.

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First Wave of Itineraries for Summer 2026

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