​

Hi Reader

Welcome Back to Destination: Luxe Weekly​
​

Travel is never quiet—and this week proves it. Carnival is shaking up the bar scene with a move that’s either genius or overdue, Royal Caribbean is breaking hearts in Haiti (again), and Virgin Voyages just dropped a brand-new ship that’s turning heads. Buckle up: it’s time to stir the waters

Let’s get into it

The Luxe Lowdown

🍹 Carnival’s Zero-Proof Gamechanger Carnival just threw a curveball: a nonalcoholic drink package. About time. Not everyone wants to pound margaritas just to feel like part of the cruise tribe. For people like me—who can slam 20+ soda waters before dinner—this is a dream Think endless mocktails, fizzy sodas, and zero-proof cocktails that actually look like something you’d post on Instagram Cruise lines have been slow to realize this, but not everyone’s chasing hangovers at sea. Carnival finally gets it: hydration and flavor can be just as fun as booze. My verdict? This move is smart, overdue, and I’ll drink to that—minus the alcohol Learn More

🏝️ Royal Caribbean Ghosts Labadee (Again) Labadee, canceled. Again. Royal Caribbean has officially scrapped another six months of visits, and for thrill-seekers chasing that alpine coaster credit, this is brutal Labadee isn’t just another port—it’s a flex. Gorgeous beaches, private cabanas, and that one-of-a-kind coaster that makes your cruise buddies jealous. And now? Off the table. Sure, safety comes first, but let’s not sugarcoat it—this is a letdown Cruisers who booked specifically for Labadee are staring at itineraries that suddenly feel like they’re missing their headline act. At this point, Royal better bring Labadee back with fireworks when it finally reopens Learn More

🚢 Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Debut Virgin Voyages just unveiled the Brilliant Lady, and let me tell you—she’s not playing. This ship is sleek, sexy, and designed to turn heads. Virgin doesn’t do “traditional cruising.” They rip up the playbook and throw it overboard—no buffets, no kids, no boring lounges. Instead? Rooftop parties, Instagram-ready dining, and cabins that scream boutique chic Brilliant Lady is the latest jewel in their rebel crown, and she’s here to prove cruising can be cool Personally, I can’t wait to step foot on her decks and see if she outshines her sisters Scarlet, Valiant, and Resilient. My gut says she’s going to be the wildest one yet Learn More

Weekly Travel Tip

Before you buy a cruise drink package, take a minute to do the math. These packages are sold per day, and they only make sense if you know you’ll actually use them. If you usually stick to a few drinks, you may save money by skipping the package and paying as you go—or choosing a nonalcoholic package instead

The key is knowing your own habits and matching them to the right option. That way, you maximize value without overspending

Alec Reviews

Nothing this week. Reviews resume September 30

Check Out This Week's Video

​

See you next week,
– Alec