Cruise & Cruise Line

2016 In Review: The Cruise Stories That Held Us Captivated

Jason Leppert
by Jason Leppert
Last updated: 3:00 PM ET, Mon December 26, 2016

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As 2016 draws to a close, let's take a look at some of the top cruise stories that held our attention this year...

Fathom Arrives in Cuba
It was an historic moment when Fathom became the first cruise line to receive approval to sail to Cuba round-trip from Miami, Florida, and it has now set the stage for additional cruise lines to soon follow.

Behind the Scenes: Holland America Line's New Brand
With the launch of Koningsdam and a new marketing program, Holland America Line is looking to a more modern future to sustain its traditions well into the future, and so far the results are impressive.

SkyRide: The Star of Carnival Vista's New Family Fun Offerings
When Carnival Cruise Line introduced its new Carnival Vista, it set sail with a unique new attraction that may herald more elaborate onboard rides to come on other future ships.

Cunard Line, P&O Cruises Cancel All 2017 Calls to Turkey
It was a rough year for Turkey as terrorist activity prompted cruise lines to stay away en masse. Hopefully in time the region will recover.

The Cruise Return of the Mexican Riviera
Just like Turkey, the Mexican Riviera struggled for awhile to attract cruise ships among its own turmoil, but the classic route is coming back in popularity as brands like Holland America Line re-embrace it.

More Cruise Ships Plan to Take Advantage of the Newly Expanded Panama Canal
Enlarged canal locks now will facilitate grander cruise ships which means we may start to see bigger vessels in regions not previously frequented before, starting with Norwegian Cruise Line's upcoming Norwegian Bliss in Alaska.

The Royal Caribbean Harmony Of The Seas Is Here!
As the new holder of the title 'largest cruise ship in the world,' the Harmony of the Seas has certainly made waves this year, and two more sister-ships are scheduled to join her through 2021.

What Sets Viking Ocean Cruises Apart in the Caribbean
Not only is Viking Ocean Cruises quickly expanding its fleet, it is also spreading across the world, first leaving Europe for the Caribbean. Next will be a world cruise, Alaska, Asia and Australia.

Over The Top Opulence: First Look at Regent's Seven Seas Explorer
Dubbed 'the most luxurious ship ever built' by the cruise line, the new Seven Seas Explorer has set out to raise the standards for luxury cruises with a palatial suite and more. Plus, her twin sister is scheduled for 2020.

Seabourn Takes Delivery of Seabourn Encore, Lays Keel for Seabourn Ovation
Seabourn's looks to a future with enhanced new luxury ships based on its winning Odyssey-class vessels. Surely its choice of Adam D. Tihany to plus their interior design will resonate well with guests.

The Queen Mary 2 Remastering Shines Bright
Cunard Line has remodeled its flagship ocean liner to the tune of around $132 million, and it shows. The refurbishment unveiled a stunning update that ensures many years to come for the QM2.

First Impressions of Disney Cruise Line's Reimagined Disney Wonder
Similar is scope to Cunard's QM2 refurb, Disney Cruise Line has redesigned its Disney Wonder with new venues and franchise inclusions that delight kids and kids-at-heart alike.

Disney Cruise Line Blasts Off with First 'Star Wars Day at Sea'
Disney's biggest franchise at the moment is definitely 'Star Wars,' and the cruise line did well to bring it onboard for special events that are set to continue next year following the release of 'Rogue One.'

Sir Richard Branson Introduces Virgin Voyages
Looking to the future is an entirely new cruise line which has already rebranded itself from Virgin Cruises to Virgin Voyages. It promises to depart from traditional cruising and offer something fresh in the industry.


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Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert - Senior Writer, Cruises and Cruise Travel - is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 100 sailings...

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