What’s New in the Florida Keys & Key West: Welcome Back and Bring a Mask

Ashley Serrate

FLORIDA KEYS — The Florida Keys & Key West reopened to visitors June 1, with officials urging everyone to take personal health actions to protect against the spread of COVID-19. A Keyswide county ordinance requires that facial coverings must be worn by visitors and residents while in business establishments and other public settings where there is a roof overhead.

The ordinance permits restaurant and bar patrons to remove their masks while seated and eating or drinking. It is not mandated to … Read the rest

Carnival Cruise Line and Panama Partner to Organize Cross-Country Crew Transfer As Part of Repatriation Effort

Blog Team

In the final stages of its repatriation efforts for crew members, Carnival Cruise Line worked closely with key Panamanian officials, including the Panama Minister of Maritime Affairs, The Panama Maritime Authority, the Panama Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Panama Ministry of Health, to allow for the safe and efficient transfer of crew members from Carnival Miracle to cross the Isthmus of Panama via bus to join Carnival Glory on the country’s opposite coast.

With Carnival Miracle positioned on Panama’s … Read the rest

Florida Keys Officials Reopen Island Chain to Visitors

Blog Team

*Note to editors: A collection of nine spot images depicting reopening in the Upper Keys Monday can be downloaded at: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/zBhgbrk0z2. Included is a drone aerial of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway and other images.


ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The Florida Keys reopened to visitors Monday, June 1, after being closed to nonresidents since March 22 to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19 during the global pandemic.

Reopening measures included the removal of health checkpoints on two roads into … Read the rest

Florida Keys Tourism Officials Unveil Ad Campaign as Keys Target June 1 Reopening to Visitors

Blog Team

FLORIDA KEYS – The Monroe County Tourist Development Council is easing into an advertising campaign to help restart the Florida Keys’ tourism-based economy when the destination reopens to visitors Monday, June 1. 

The date for the return of tourism flow to the island chain, announced by Monroe County officials Sunday night, is to coincide with the suspension of checkpoints on two roads leading to the Keys from the South Florida mainland. Arriving passenger screenings at Key West International and Florida … Read the rest

A Texas couple set off on a Caribbean cruise for their wedding. Coronavirus fears almost stopped them

Buck Banks

When Theodore and Liza Herrera were planning their wedding, they were looking for azure waters and a sunny, tropical backdrop. They didn’t plan for the panic of a global pandemic to set their nuptials off course.

The San Antonio couple loved Corpus Christi and Galveston, but they were looking for prettier shores for their wedding. So they booked a Carnival cruise with a planned stop in Jamaica on Tuesday, where a local baker and photographer would meet them and their … Read the rest

Contest Prize Is a Fishing Vacation to Northernmost and Southernmost Points in the U.S.

Ashley Serrate

FLORIDA KEYS – Anglers can enter to win a two-destination vacation to fish freshwater and saltwater species in the “Northernmost to Southernmost Fishing Trip Giveaway” that spotlights recreational angling in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, and the Florida Keys.

The giveaway launched Wednesday as part of a monthlong social media program showcasing the two destinations, which feature iconic “twin buoys” designating the northernmost and southernmost points in the continental United States.

Both locales are characterized by islands, world-class fishing and … Read the rest

Holland America Line Celebrates $6.5 Million Donated to Cancer Support Through Shipboard On Deck Walks

Blog Team

In recognition of World Cancer Day today, Holland America Line is proud to announce that it reached $6.5 million raised for cancer support through On Deck programming. Holland America Line began the program in 2006, and to-date nearly half a million guests have participated in the walks. Currently, On Deck for a Cause benefits five international cancer organizations in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and United Kingdom.

On Deck for a Cause invites guests to participate in a … Read the rest

Carnival Magic to Set Sail from Four Cities Across Two Continents in 2021

Blog Team

Carnival Magic will operate a diverse 2021 cruise schedule featuring two trans-Atlantic crossings, a series of European voyages, a summer schedule from New York and Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral, Fla.

Carnival Magic will be among the newest and largest Carnival ships to sail from New York, providing consumers with a host of onboard dining, beverage and entertainment innovations as well as exciting outdoor attractions and experiences.

In total, Carnival Magic will sail from four cities across two continents visiting … Read the rest

Key West International Airport Upgrades Facilities, Gets More Flights

Ashley Serrate

KEY WEST, Fla. — Key West International Airport, serving visitors traveling into the Florida Keys from 13 U.S. cities, is implementing $28 million in upgrades and adding more departure seats.

Renovations include creating a new family restroom and pet relief station, upgrades to existing restrooms, increasing U.S. Customs and Border Protection space and modernizing baggage conveyors.

Airport upgrades also include a runway length and taxiway extension to 5,075 feet long, an overflow aircraft parking ramp, reconfiguration of the fuel truck … Read the rest

Carnival Introduces ‘The Fun Ones,’ New Marketing Campaign That Celebrates the Playful Way Its Guests Choose Fun

Blog Team
Carnival Cruise Line has launched a new marketing campaign, “The Fun Ones,” that celebrates the playful spirit of Carnival’s guests, how they choose fun, and the unique bond they have with their fellow cruisers who are “shamelessly true to themselves.”

An evolution of the brand’s Choose Fun campaign that launched in 2018 and introduced Shaquille O’Neal as the company’s Chief Fun Officer, the Fun Ones, created in tandem with advertising agency of record Anomaly, showcases those guests who embrace

… Read the rest