Margaritaville at Sea to sail from Galveston

MVAS Beachcomber will set sail from the Port of Galveston in October 2027!

Sailing to Mexico, Bahamas and Western Caribbean

Book your NCL Cruise Vacation with Free at Sea and now all guests (up to 8) will be able to take advantage of Specialty Dining perks!

The European Union has delayed the implementation of the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to an undetermined time.

NCL has published more 2028 sailings!  With their new pricing structure, now is the time to book!

Princess Cruises is now requiring final payment on your cruise vacation 120-days prior.  The deposits are also increasing to $300 per person for standard staterooms and $600 per person for suites.

MSC Cruises is set to open their private destination off the coast of the Dominican Republic in November.  The island will feature dining, bars, water sports and more!

Barcelona has approved a 24 Euro increase in the cruise passengers who are staying less than 12 hours.  This is in addition to the regional 6 Euro tax, bringing the total fo 30 Euro.

Beginning July 1, 2026 Japan has raised the single-entry visa fee price from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen.  Multi Entry visas have increased from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen

Free at Sea Update

Free at Sea prepaid beverage package gratuities for sailings of 2 to 5 days will now be $32 per person, per day when prepaid prior to sailing.  Price onboard is higher.

First Responder Discount

Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced a First Responder Discount Offer!  This discount offers 5% off all voyage fares OR 15% off the voyage fare of select sailings!!

If you are flying to Japan there are new regulations regarding power banks on flights.

• Do NOT put power banks in checked baggage
• The power bank must be 160Wh or lower
• Do NOT place power banks in the overhead compartments
• Passengers are limited to 2 power banks each
• Charging power banks onboard a flight is prohibited
• Do NOT use power banks to charge other electronic devices during flight

If you arrive at a border crossing point for the first time you will have to provide your personal data.  Agents will take a photo or your face and/or scan your fingerprints. 

Your passport will not be stamped.

To speed up the process you can use the self-service system and/or the mobile application. 

If you have crossed the EU borders using the EES more than once since it started, the agents will verify your fingerprints and photo, which will take less time.  

As of January 2026, Mexico has implemented a strict ban on the importation, sale and distribution of vape products, including e-cigarettes.  Simply bringing a vape into Mexico for personal use can be considered importation and thus a violation of the law.  Penalties include confiscation, fines up to $12,500 and/or jail.

Leave your vapes on the ship

Visitors to the United Kingdom will need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before your trip.  This also applies to Cruise Passengers, when the itinerary includes a visit to the UK.  The cost is currently £16 per person.

A UK ETA is not needed if you are transiting through a UK Airport and you will NOT pass through border control - check with the airline if you are unsure.

Apply for your ETA using the UK ETA smartphone app

If you are flying domestically in the US, either the Real ID or a Passport are required to fly.  

TSA has an option for those without a REAL ID to travel.  The fee will be $45 via TSA Confirm ID

 Cruise travelers to Greece may be subject to new fees when disembarking at ports in the country.  The price varies depending on the season and ranges from 1 to 20 Euros per person.  Some cruise lines may now include these fees with your cruise fare or bill to your onboard account.   

 The Federal Government of Mexico has instituted a Cruise Passenger Fee for visitors to Ports in Mexico.

August 1, 2026 the fee will be $10 per person

July 1, 2027 the fee will be$15 per person

August 1, 2028 the fee will be $21 per person

Cruise Operators will collect these fees from passengers