The city of Rotterdam has extended its charter agreement for Holland America Line’s Volendam to house Ukrainian refugees through Sept. 14.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause to guests booked on Volendam through the summer,” Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland American Line, said in a news release. “We appreciate their continued understanding as we work with the city of Rotterdam on this important mission.” Read more...

The rumble of snarling engines mingles with the thunderous roar of an estimated 100,000 people at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Resplendent in a spiffy white suit, Carl Fisher drives the pace car, a Stoddard-Dayton roadster, to lead the pack of 40 race cars on the first of what would become a Memorial Day tradition. Read more...

The beautiful Pearl Mist is now cruising again. The 210-passenger ship has returned to the waters of New England, Coastal Maine, Canadian Maritimes, St. Lawrence Seaway and a full summer on the Great Lakes.

“After a long hiatus, we look forward to exploring again with our guests, and to visiting and supporting the many communities and shore side partners we work with in each region we cruise,” Carter Robertson, president of Pearl Seas Cruises, said in a news release. Read more...

Cruise travelers can now enjoy a new signature Greek menu aboard Celestyal Cruises. Celestyal has developed the culinary experience with Diane Kochilas, one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Diane that started in 2019 with our sponsorship of season three of ‘My Greek Table’ into dynamic culinary collaboration which places additional emphasis on Celestyal’s Greek roots through our cuisine experiences,” Leslie Peden, chief commercial officer, said in a news release. Read more...

A brand-new fleet of go-anywhere ships for the American market has been announced by American Cruise Lines. Twelve identical sister ships will more than double the nation’s current capacity for domestic coastal cruises.

Featuring an innovative hybrid catamaran design, the boats will have unprecedented near-shore operating versatility. The new U.S. built fleet will operate exclusively in the United States with a focus on small towns and close-to-home adventures. Read more...

The beautiful island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands of Spain will now be easier to reach, thanks to United Airlines adding a new seasonal flight.

Starting June 2, travelers will be able to fly from New York/Newark directly to the beach destination. United will offer three flights a week in a Boeing 767-300ER through September 23. Read more...

America’s waterways will soon have beautiful new catamarans offering cruises for lucky passengers. American Cruise Lines has announced a new fleet of go-anywhere cruise ships designed specifically for the U.S. market.

Project Blue, the codename for the new builds, will more than double the nation’s current capacity for domestic coastal cruises when the 12 hybrid catamaran sister ships arrive. Read more...

Remember the beloved 1970s television series “The Love Boat?” Well, get ready for the 2022 version – a new reality dating competition titled “The Real Love Boat.”

“‘The Love Boat’ is a timeless, romantic concept with universal appeal, and we’re excited to reimagine this popular series for audiences in two different countries,” George Cheeks, president and chief executive officer of CBS and head of global content for Paramount’s free-to-air networks, including Network 10, said in a news release. Read more...

In a calm clear voice, Rob Hults starts talking to the huge Golden Eagle perched on his hand. Turning its head one way, then another, the bird named Mesa seems to understand what Rob is saying.

No wonder Rob is nicknamed “The Bird Whisperer.”

Photos by Jackie Sheckler Finch Read more...

Holland America Line’s Volendam will accommodate Ukrainian refugees as part of an agreement by Netherlands and City of Rotterdam government officials.

The ship will dock in Rotterdam for three months to provide a temporary home for about 1,500 Ukrainians, part of a larger commitment from the Netherlands to accommodate 50,000 people who have fled the war in their homeland. Read more...