New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2020

Looking to book on the newest ship cruising the deep blue sea? Here are your choices for 2020 and some of what makes them special.

Carnival CruiseLine: Mardi Gras    Coming in November (5,280-passengers)

·         First-at-sea roller coaster that zooms around 800 feet of track at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour on the ship's top deck -- including a hairpin turn that whips around the vessel's funnel

·         Suites-only enclave (dubbed "Excel")

Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Apex   Coming in April (2,910-passenger)

·         First-for-the-line solo cabins

·         Bi-level villas with their own outdoor plunge pools

Crystal Cruises: Crystal Endeavor     Coming in August (200-passengers)

·         A one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio

·         A fleet of zodiacs, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards

Princess Cruises Wants to Break Record for Largest Vow-Renewal Ceremony

I post this because I am a hopeless romantic. I believe in love at first sight. I am known to cry at movies, at songs, and yes, even at commercials. I believe in “happily ever after.” The Love Boat was my favorite television show during my “coming of age” years. And that is why I’m so excited about

this….

Some time ago Princess Cruises announced that it will host the largest renewal of vows ceremony at sea, in hopes to set a world record onboard a Valentine’s Day cruise. Gavin MacLeod, who portrayed Captain Stubing, will officiate and Jill Whelan, his television daughter Vicki, will serve as matron of honor,  hosting the ceremony onboard Regal Princess, setting sail February 9-16, 2020.

Azamara Expands World Wildlife Fund Partnership

Azamara has announce an expanded partnership with the World Wildlife Fund, the world's leading conservation organization, through a program called People to Planet Voyages and Excursions.  Both are such exciting additions I can only hope I will have the chance to experience them for myself!

People to Planet Voyages: Launching in early 2021, the cruise line will offer six conservation-themed voyages in South Africa. With the intention of inspiring personal commitment and environmental conservation, onboard programming will feature WWF experts discussing topics such as sustainable agriculture, conservation champion wine farms, water resources, food elements, sustainability and wildlife. In addition, professionals will be integrated into a multitude of activities onboard, which range from hosting an interactive Chef's table – where guests can savor the intimate unforgettable journey through five beautifully presented South Africa themed dishes, to conducting WWF-themed trivia sessions throughout the voyage. Paying homage to Azamara's dedication to Destination Immersion® experiences, guests can indulge in the daily "South African dish of the day" at one of the onboard restaurants.

Stocking Stuffers for the Cruiser

I love shopping for and opening up stocking stuffers!  And when they're something useful, all the better! This list of suggested gifts is the result of a poll of Direct Line Cruises staffers.

Luggage Tag Holder

Plastic luggage tag holders come in different shapes and sizes depending on the cruise line.  Amazon has a great selection.

Sunblock

Sold year round in the supermarket or neighborhood drug store it’s quick and easy to pick up. Might as well throw in a SPF 30 lip balm while you’re at it.

Portable Charger

Good to have when you’re in port all day taking pics with your phone or using google maps.  Nobody wants their cell phone to die halfway through the day.

Lounge Chair Clips

Either poolside or at the beach these colorful clips keep your towel from blowing away, plus, they make your lounge chair easy to identify.