Latest news with #RoyalCaribbeanInternational
Travel Weekly
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
She's coming out: Diana Ross named godmother of Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas
Do you know where you're going to? Star of the Seas will be Diana Ross' destination this August, as the legendary singer will serve as the Royal Caribbean ship's godmother. "I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family," Ross said. "Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey, as godmother of Star of the Seas." Ross will attend the ship's naming ceremony, for which details have yet to be announced. Star of the Seas, sister ship of Icon of the Seas, will sail year-round from Port Canaveral. "We couldn't imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together," said Royal Caribbean International president Michael Bayley. "We can't wait to welcome Ms. Ross, our guests and crew to celebrate the arrival of Star this August."
USA Today
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Inside the 'Star Trek' cruise: How fans boldly sail where no convention has gone before
Inside the 'Star Trek' cruise: How fans boldly sail where no convention has gone before Show Caption Hide Caption 'This is my tribe': Star Trek-themed cruise wows fans Royal Caribbean took Star Trek fans through an immersive experience on a themed cruise celebrating the 30th anniversary of "Voyager." The annual Star Trek: The Cruise allows fans to sail with actors, participate in themed activities, and celebrate their fandom. The cruise fosters a strong sense of community among attendees, many of whom find the experience to be more intimate and welcoming than land-based conventions. The overall atmosphere is one of shared passion and camaraderie, where fans can fully embrace their love for Star Trek and connect with like-minded individuals. My cruise last month made a detour to outer space. During a late-night deck party on a Royal Caribbean International ship, Star Trek: The Cruise took passengers to Risa, a 'pleasure planet' seen in the franchise. A horga'hn statue – a fertility symbol – stood by the pool bathed in green light while a band played 'Smooth' by Santana and Rob Thomas. Roiann Nimis and her friend Denny Wagner were dressed as human-sized Tribbles, a troublesome alien species, in costumes Nimis and her mom made. They passed out toy versions of the creatures – which notoriously reproduce at a rapid rate – to fellow guests. The Minnesota pair bonded over 'Star Trek' after meeting at a mutual friend's party. The late-February sailing marked their sixth 'Star Trek' cruise. 'After five cruises, you get assimilated into the Collective, is what they call it,' said Nimis, 43, a term that references the Borg alien group of "resistance is futile" fame. 'This is a unique experience,' said Wagner, 44. "We've each been to some conventions and they're fun and all, but there's something about this because we're all on the ship together, it just feels a little bit safer or just more of a community.' Trekkies set sail on the annual cruise to spend a week sailing alongside their favorite actors, participating in themed activities from cosplay to karaoke and reveling in their shared fandom. But it's more than the stars and 'Star Trek' screenings that keep them coming back. 'This is my tribe' Passenger Josh Kline has been on the cruise seven years in a row. He started watching shows from the franchise at 13 with his friend, who had VHS tapes of 'Star Trek: The Original Series.' For the Colorado-based jeweler, now 50, the sailings are as much a social event as a convention at sea. 'When I'm on the cruise, I just feel like everybody's my friend,' he said, sitting in a lounge on the ship's top deck. He and his wife meet fellow passengers there each year, planning shore excursions together and hanging out on board. On the cruise, where most people have a shared interest, he can be himself. 'This is my tribe, so I feel really at home,' he said. The guiding principles of Starfleet, the space exploration and defense service at the heart of the franchise, shaped Kline's worldview. 'My morality is basically based on, 'Is that a Starfleet thing to do?' ' he said. 'Like, if someone's in trouble, I try and help them. You answer distress calls. You do what you can and be kind to everybody.' 'People are here to celebrate what brings us together' 'Star Trek' – originally created by Gene Roddenberry – is set in a future where humankind has generally left racial prejudices and bigotry behind but addresses those real-world issues through characters' interactions with alien cultures. The franchise has historically embraced diversity, allowing many viewers to see themselves in the characters onscreen. Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Nyota Uhura on 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' said that aspect of the franchise 'reminds people that there is a place for them in the future.' The character initially appeared in the original series played by Nichelle Nichols, one of the first Black women to be a lead in a TV show. 'We can fight and put in the work and have that infinite diversity and infinite combinations because that is what is going to give us the utopia that we see in 'Trek,' ' Gooding said. 'Star Trek: Voyager' star Jeri Ryan has seen her character, Seven of Nine, resonate with members of the LGBTQ+ community and particularly neurodivergent people. Seven – a human captured by the Borg who has to relearn her individuality when she's freed – was an 'outsider,' according to Ryan. 'Her struggle resonates with (the fans), and they see themselves represented,' she said. This year's cruise marked the 30th anniversary of 'Voyager,' which premiered in 1995 and ran for seven seasons. Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Kathryn Janeway, said the fans onboard practice the Prime Directive, 'which is to live and let live.' (In 'Star Trek,' the Prime Directive prohibits Starfleet from interfering with a society or planet's natural development.) 'People are here to celebrate what brings us together and what unites,' she told USA TODAY. Compared to land-based conventions, Mulgrew said the cruise environment is like being in a capsule together and is "surprisingly very freeing." "So, I think the feeling is one of, 'Let's have a ball.' No one's going to tell our secrets. Let's be as open and as honest and engaging as we possibly can be." Cruises immerse fans in 'Star Trek' That celebration is an immersive experience. If fans can't spend their vacation on the Starship Enterprise, a cruise ship might be the next best thing. As a relative newcomer, I was struck by how many spaces were transformed. The Crown & Kettle pub was renamed Bat'leth & Bloodwine, with heroic Klingons adorning the walls, while the Royal Promenade became the Delta Quadrant Promenade. Elevators bore a 'turbolift' label. One afternoon, while I browsed cabin door and hallway decorations – one adorned with a United Federation of Planets flag while another featured a transporter made of curtains that whooshed when guests walked by – the soundtrack from 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' played through the speakers. Later, perched on a couch near an elevator bank, I saw a man in shorts and a Hawaiian shirt walk by – classic cruise attire – with spotted alien makeup in the style of 'Voyager' character Neelix covering his arms and face. Costumes of all kinds – including those not 'Star Trek'-related – were a mainstay at nightly events. I saw a full-size T. rex dance down the promenade while holding a Foster's beer at Gorn's Pajama Party. The week culminated in Q's Costume Party, with a contest judged by audience cheers. Q, played by John de Lancie, is from a race of godlike aliens of the same name. Jen Usellis, 47, was among those dressed up in a red gown with faux-fur sleeves, silver studded bracers, and a red wig hand-stitched to a prosthetic forehead with ridges as seen on Klingon characters. The musician has performed as the Klingon Pop Warrior since 2014, singing translated versions of songs like TLC's 'No Scrubs' and Pat Benatar's 'Love Is a Battlefield.' 'Getting into a Klingon costume is a little bit like putting on a little bit of armor,' said Usellis, who has been on the cruise four times. 'It allows me to live in the moment a little bit more. And then to also be surrounded by all of these people who are like, right there with me or love the same thing I love and are enthusiastic about it, it's a very beautiful thing.' The Chicago resident was even invited to perform in an opera with 'Voyager' actor Robert Picardo and Mexican tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz during the sailing (Usellis also worked as a Klingon language advisor on the animated series 'Star Trek: Prodigy.') The programming sets Star Trek: The Cruise apart from other themed events, according to Robb Pearlman, a guest author onboard and writer of books like 'Fun with Kirk and Spock' and 'The Wit and Wisdom of Star Trek.' He pointed to game shows such as Voyager Family Feud, where guests faced off against cast members, or mixology classes. One afternoon, actors Denise Crosby (plays Tasha Yar and Sela) and Nana Visitor (plays Kira Nerys) led a group in making tequila and mezcal cocktails. 'Star Trek' cruise 2026: Celebrate show's 60th birthday with William Shatner and more stars 'You know, it may not be immediately 'Star Trek,' but it brings you a little bit closer to the people who are involved in the thing that you love,' Pearlman said. I was walking down the ship's main promenade one evening when a group of fellow passengers raised their fists and shouted at me in unison: 'Qapla' ' 'Hello' or 'hi' might have sufficed back on shore, but here the Klingon word for 'success' was a standard greeting. I raised my fist and shouted back. When in the Delta Quadrant, right? The reporter on this story received access to this event from Star Trek: The Cruise. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
USA Today
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'This is my tribe': This annual 'Star Trek' theme cruise keeps fans coming back
'This is my tribe': This annual 'Star Trek' theme cruise keeps fans coming back My cruise last month made a detour to outer space. During a late-night deck party on a Royal Caribbean International ship, Star Trek: The Cruise took passengers to Risa, a 'pleasure planet' seen in the franchise. A horga'hn statue – a fertility symbol – stood by the pool bathed in green light while a band played 'Smooth' by Santana and Rob Thomas. Roiann Nimis and her friend Denny Wagner were dressed as human-sized Tribbles, a troublesome alien species, in costumes Nimis and her mom made. They passed out toy versions of the creatures – which notoriously reproduce at a rapid rate – to fellow guests. The Minnesota pair bonded over 'Star Trek' after meeting at a mutual friend's party. The late-February sailing marked their sixth 'Star Trek' cruise. 'After five cruises, you get assimilated into the Collective, is what they call it,' said Nimis, 43, a term that references the Borg alien group of "resistance is futile" fame. 'This is a unique experience,' said Wagner, 44. "We've each been to some conventions and they're fun and all, but there's something about this because we're all on the ship together, it just feels a little bit safer or just more of a community.' Trekkies set sail on the annual cruise to spend a week sailing alongside their favorite actors, participating in themed activities from cosplay to karaoke and reveling in their shared fandom. But it's more than the stars and 'Star Trek' screenings that keep them coming back. 'This is my tribe' Passenger Josh Kline has been on the cruise seven years in a row. He started watching shows from the franchise at 13 with his friend, who had VHS tapes of 'Star Trek: The Original Series.' For the Colorado-based jeweler, now 50, the sailings are as much a social event as a convention at sea. 'When I'm on the cruise, I just feel like everybody's my friend,' he said, sitting in a lounge on the ship's top deck. He and his wife meet fellow passengers there each year, planning shore excursions together and hanging out on board. On the cruise, where most people have a shared interest, he can be himself. 'This is my tribe, so I feel really at home,' he said. The guiding principles of Starfleet, the space exploration and defense service at the heart of the franchise, shaped Kline's worldview. 'My morality is basically based on, 'Is that a Starfleet thing to do?' ' he said. 'Like, if someone's in trouble, I try and help them. You answer distress calls. You do what you can and be kind to everybody.' 'People are here to celebrate what brings us together' 'Star Trek' – originally created by Gene Roddenberry – is set in a future where humankind has generally left racial prejudices and bigotry behind but addresses those real-world issues through characters' interactions with alien cultures. The franchise has historically embraced diversity, allowing many viewers to see themselves in the characters onscreen. Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Nyota Uhura on 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' said that aspect of the franchise 'reminds people that there is a place for them in the future.' The character initially appeared in the original series played by Nichelle Nichols, one of the first Black women to be a lead in a TV show. 'We can fight and put in the work and have that infinite diversity and infinite combinations because that is what is going to give us the utopia that we see in 'Trek,' ' Gooding said. 'Star Trek: Voyager' star Jeri Ryan has seen her character, Seven of Nine, resonate with members of the LGBTQ+ community and particularly neurodivergent people. Seven – a human captured by the Borg who has to relearn her individuality when she's freed – was an 'outsider,' according to Ryan. 'Her struggle resonates with (the fans), and they see themselves represented,' she said. This year's cruise marked the 30th anniversary of 'Voyager,' which premiered in 1995 and ran for seven seasons. Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Kathryn Janeway, said the fans onboard practice the Prime Directive, 'which is to live and let live.' (In 'Star Trek,' the Prime Directive prohibits Starfleet from interfering with a society or planet's natural development.) 'People are here to celebrate what brings us together and what unites,' she told USA TODAY. Compared to land-based conventions, Mulgrew said the cruise environment is like being in a capsule together and is "surprisingly very freeing." "So, I think the feeling is one of, 'Let's have a ball.' No one's going to tell our secrets. Let's be as open and as honest and engaging as we possibly can be." Cruises immerse fans in 'Star Trek' That celebration is an immersive experience. If fans can't spend their vacation on the Starship Enterprise, a cruise ship might be the next best thing. As a relative newcomer, I was struck by how many spaces were transformed. The Crown & Kettle pub was renamed Bat'leth & Bloodwine, with heroic Klingons adorning the walls, while the Royal Promenade became the Delta Quadrant Promenade. Elevators bore a 'turbolift' label. One afternoon, while I browsed cabin door and hallway decorations – one adorned with a United Federation of Planets flag while another featured a transporter made of curtains that whooshed when guests walked by – the soundtrack from 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' played through the speakers. Later, perched on a couch near an elevator bank, I saw a man in shorts and a Hawaiian shirt walk by – classic cruise attire – with spotted alien makeup in the style of 'Voyager' character Neelix covering his arms and face. Costumes of all kinds – including those not 'Star Trek'-related – were a mainstay at nightly events. I saw a full-size T. rex dance down the promenade while holding a Foster's beer at Gorn's Pajama Party. The week culminated in Q's Costume Party, with a contest judged by audience cheers. Q, played by John de Lancie, is from a race of godlike aliens of the same name. Jen Usellis, 47, was among those dressed up in a red gown with faux-fur sleeves, silver studded bracers, and a red wig hand-stitched to a prosthetic forehead with ridges as seen on Klingon characters. The musician has performed as the Klingon Pop Warrior since 2014, singing translated versions of songs like TLC's 'No Scrubs' and Pat Benatar's 'Love Is a Battlefield.' 'Getting into a Klingon costume is a little bit like putting on a little bit of armor,' said Usellis, who has been on the cruise four times. 'It allows me to live in the moment a little bit more. And then to also be surrounded by all of these people who are like, right there with me or love the same thing I love and are enthusiastic about it, it's a very beautiful thing.' The Chicago resident was even invited to perform in an opera with 'Voyager' actor Robert Picardo and Mexican tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz during the sailing (Usellis also worked as a Klingon language advisor on the animated series 'Star Trek: Prodigy.') The programming sets Star Trek: The Cruise apart from other themed events, according to Robb Pearlman, a guest author onboard and writer of books like 'Fun with Kirk and Spock' and 'The Wit and Wisdom of Star Trek.' He pointed to game shows such as Voyager Family Feud, where guests faced off against cast members, or mixology classes. One afternoon, actors Denise Crosby (plays Tasha Yar and Sela) and Nana Visitor (plays Kira Nerys) led a group in making tequila and mezcal cocktails. 'Star Trek' cruise 2026: Celebrate show's 60th birthday with William Shatner and more stars 'You know, it may not be immediately 'Star Trek,' but it brings you a little bit closer to the people who are involved in the thing that you love,' Pearlman said. I was walking down the ship's main promenade one evening when a group of fellow passengers raised their fists and shouted at me in unison: 'Qapla' ' 'Hello' or 'hi' might have sufficed back on shore, but here the Klingon word for 'success' was a standard greeting. I raised my fist and shouted back. When in the Delta Quadrant, right? The reporter on this story received access to this event from Star Trek: The Cruise. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean adds a surprising new homeport
While Royal Caribbean's () name laves no doubt as to which part of the world most of its cruises sail to, the cruising giant also has itineraries that go around Alaska, the Mediterranean and Central and South America. Leaving from both Florida and California, popular itineraries through the latter pass through countries like Mexico and Panama on the way to more southern ports like Cartagena, the latter city has been a popular Royal Caribbean stop for years, the cruise ship company is preparing to start its first cruises from there in 2026. The new homeport is, alongside Panama's Colón, being brought back following an eight-year gap after Royal Caribbean canceled Rhapsody of the Seas itineraries departing from there. "We are excited to bring back the best vacation experience to the Latin American market with adventures to the Southern Caribbean departing from the region," Itzel Valdés, associate vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean for Royal Caribbean International, said in a two itineraries, which are set to start sailing between April 2026 and 2027, will take place on Royal Caribbean International's Jewel of the Seas. The 2,702-passenger vessel has been sailing since 2004 and is currently on a 10-night Caribbean tour that departed from Galveston. The cruises from both Cartagena and Colón will each take seven days and tour northward through the Southern Caribbean with stops in ports such as Aruba's Oranjestad, Bonaire's Kralendijk and Willemstad in Curaçao. While both the Colombian and Panamanian ports are very popular tourist destinations for their beaches and unique colourful architecture, the cruises are also tailored for the Latin rather than just U.S. market — in particular, South Americans who are looking for a nearer port from which to depart on a cruising voyage. "During this season and its itineraries from Colombia and Panama, the Jewel will celebrate the richness of Latin culture with flavors, music and activities that highlight our identity," Valdés said further. While the exact details of the stops and what will be available at the ports will be announced closet to the start date, the time slots are already available to book on Royal Caribbean's website. More on travel: American Airlines crash with U.S. Army copter leaves no survivorsAnother country just issued a new visa requirement for visitors At present, Royal Caribbean is also working to build a new cruise ship port in the small Italian village of Isola Sacra sitting on the country's Lazio region 20 miles from Rome. Royal Caribbean bought the land on the Tyrrhenian Sea with the goal of opening it up to more routes across the Mediterranean but has recently started seeing significant local pushback due to the disruption such a large project would cause to local residents. While the French city of Nice has more than a hundred times the population, it has still banned large cruise ships wit more than 900 passengers ahead of the upcoming summer season. Overcrowding and pollution from having many large cruise ships in the Nice port were primary considerations that swayed local lawmakers toward passing the ban; Royal Caribbean has repeatedly pushed back against it to no avail. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
USA Today
13-03-2025
- USA Today
Japan cruises are trending. What to know about sailing to Tokyo, Osaka and more
Hear this story AI-assisted summary Japan has become a popular cruise destination with searches for cruises to Japan increasing significantly in the past year. Numerous cruise lines offer itineraries in Japan, including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Viking, and Windstar Cruises. The most popular time to visit Japan for cruises is between March and May during cherry blossom season, followed by September to November for mild weather and foliage. If you've been considering a cruise to Japan, you're not alone. Google Search interest for cruises to the East Asia country has risen higher compared to other searched cruise destinations, according to the company. Searches for 'best Japan cruises' increased 273% over the last year, per Google Trends data. 'Japan port cruise' and 'Cruises to Tokyo' searches also both rose by 71% during that time. Japanese cities like Tokyo and Osaka have seen increased interest in recent months, even for spring break. Visiting by cruise ship offers a simple way to see many parts of the country – and can even replace the long-haul flight from the U.S. Here's what travelers should know. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. What cruise lines sail in Japan? More than a dozen cruise lines are scheduled to sail in Japan in 2026, according to Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel. Princess Cruises will have a major presence, he said, alongside others like Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. For those who prefer smaller ships, brands like Viking and Windstar Cruises have itineraries on offer, too. Where do Japan cruises go? Popular stops include Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka, Naha on Okinawa Island, and Hiroshima. Feldman said there are more than a dozen ports frequented by cruise ships in Japan alone. Cruises from the country may also visit other destinations like South Korea and Taiwan. Transpacific cruises sail from U.S. cities like Seattle and Los Angeles, and allow travelers to skip the long-haul flight (though they may have to fly on the way back depending on their plans). Many are repositioning sailings with more sea days than a typical cruise, Feldman said, and may come at a cheaper rate. 'Similar to cruising domestically or cruising in this region, (you've got) anything from a four-night sailing to a two-week sailing or three-week sailing,' he added. 'So there's definitely weekend-type itineraries if you really just want to get a flavor or a taste of Japan, or you can spend significantly more time there.' Travelers can also visit Japan on world cruises and other longer itineraries. What is the best time to visit Japan? Japan is a year-round destination, but Feldman said the most popular time is between March and May when the cherry blossoms are on display. That's followed by September to November 'because you've got mild weather, you're going to get the full foliage there,' he said. Travelers will find fewer sailings in the winter, Feldman added, but there are still attractions during that time, such as snow festivals. There's no need to tip in Japan: Here's what else travelers should know. Are Japan cruises expensive? Given the supply and because it's not as popular as other cruise destinations like the Caribbean, Feldman said the prices are 'quite attractive.' For example, Princess's 2026 Japan cruises currently start at $1,297 per person based on double occupancy, including taxes and fees. Celebrity's start at $1,581. However, travelers will likely need to factor in airfare. Round-trip flights from New York to Tokyo in January 2026 for a week-long trip currently start at $846, according to Google Flights (flights for most of 2026 were not yet available to view). Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
