November 2025 Newsletter

Ahoy JGOOT Cruisers!

Welcome to the November edition of the JGOOT Cruises Membership Newsletter! As always, we’re here to bring you top tips, exciting updates, and must-book deals to make your cruising experiences even better. Let's dive in!

CAPTAIN’S TIP: Seek Out Secret Serenity Spots

Cruise ships are bustling with activity, but quiet corners do exist—you just have to know where to look.

🏝 Hidden Decks & Lounges: Many ships have lesser-known open-air decks or tucked-away lounges that don’t appear on maps. Try walking to the very front or very back of the ship on higher decks—you’ll often find peaceful nooks perfect for reading or journaling.

📚 Visit the Library or Observation Lounge: Most ships have a small library, card room, or forward-facing lounge with panoramic views—ideal for quiet reflection or watching the waves roll by.

😌 Go During Mealtimes or Port Days: Want the spa to yourself? A lounge chair without the crowd? Head to public spaces during lunch or when most guests are ashore for excursions.

🎧 Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones or a Good Book: The best way to retreat is to create your own cocoon of calm. A favorite playlist or audiobook can turn any chair into a sanctuary.

Whether you’re an introvert recharging or just looking for a peaceful pause between adventures, these tranquil spots help you savor the journey in your own way.

Upcoming Multiplier Dates in Las Vegas (for info on how to use these dates, see lesson 5 in the course):

• November 10th - 19th

• Slots: 5X

• Tables: 7X

• December 15th - 25th

• Slots: 5X

• Tables: 7X

• January 12th - 18th

• Slots & Tables: 10X

• February 2nd - 5th

• Slots: 5X

VIKING CELEBRATES 100TH SHIP WITH GLOBAL NAMING CEREMONY: Viking has officially named nine new river ships—including its milestone 100th vessel—during a coordinated ceremony held in Basel, Switzerland and livestreamed to locations across Europe, Asia, and Egypt. The new ships expand Viking’s global river cruise presence, with itineraries spanning the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro, Mekong, and Nile rivers. To honor the occasion, Viking appointed members of its extended team as ceremonial godparents, continuing a company tradition of recognizing individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the brand. The milestone highlights Viking’s growth, now boasting over 100 ships across its river, ocean, and expedition fleets.

JAMAICA TARGETS FULL TOURISM RECOVERY BY DECEMBER 15, 2025: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism has announced an ambitious recovery goal for the island’s tourism sector following Hurricane Melissa: full operational restoration by December 15, 2025. A newly launched Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee will lead this coordinated effort, aligning public and private sectors across infrastructure repair, marketing, logistics, and service readiness. Regular progress updates will be shared to instill confidence among workers, travelers, and industry partners. The initiative prioritizes not only the rehabilitation of resorts, airports, and attractions, but also emphasizes the importance of people, partnerships, and innovative, empathetic recovery.

GREAT LAKES CRUISE BOOM PROJECTED FOR 2026: Cruise the Great Lakes has announced a record-breaking forecast for the 2026 cruising season, projecting $300 million in economic impact across the region. This surge is driven by 175,000 expected passenger visits, an increase in shoreside spending, premium pricing, and nearly 800 port calls—a 15% rise over the previous year.

Seven cruise lines—including American Cruise Lines, Viking, Pennant, and Pearl Seas—are slated to operate 10 ships throughout the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. With more than 23,000 individual passengers projected (a 5% rise from 2025), the 2026 season is poised to deliver significant revenue and exposure to port communities across the region. Officials praised the growing cruise sector as both a travel experience and economic engine for Wisconsin and beyond.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN TO OPEN PRIVATE SANTORINI BEACH CLUB IN 2026: Royal Caribbean Group has announced the upcoming launch of Royal Beach Club Santorini, a new private destination set to open in summer 2026. The beach club will offer guests from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises a curated “Ultimate Santorini Day,” combining island exploration with exclusive relaxation—highlighting iconic sites like Oia’s blue-domed churches and Fira’s shops before unwinding seaside. This marks a bold expansion of the brand’s land-based experiences, growing from two to eight destinations by 2028, and follows the debut of the Royal Beach Club in The Bahamas.

CARNIVAL’S ADULTS-ONLY CRUISES SELL OUT AS DEMAND GROWS: Carnival Cruise Line’s adults-only cruises, offered through their SEA (Select Experiences & Adventures) program, are seeing overwhelming demand, with most cabins already sold out for 2026 sailings from Miami, Port Canaveral, and Galveston. While Carnival remains committed to its family-friendly roots, Brand Ambassador John Heald acknowledged the massive popularity of these adult-focused sailings, especially among guests who typically travel with children but enjoy occasional adults-only escapes. The success of these cruises has sparked interest in future expansions, with Heald hinting that the company may explore additional offerings. Popular features among adult travelers include the nearly adults-only Havana staterooms and the Serenity Decks, available across the fleet.

CELEBRITY XCEL ANNOUNCES MOST EXPANSIVE ENTERTAINMENT OFFERING YET: Set to debut in November, the new Celebrity Xcel will offer Celebrity Cruises’ most ambitious lineup of entertainment and itineraries to date. The ship will launch its inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale with 7-night Caribbean sailings, followed by a summer 2026 European season from Barcelona and Athens featuring 7–11 night Mediterranean journeys and overnight stays in Madeira. Guests can expect over 75 resident performers, three new mainstage productions, immersive themed shows in The Club (like a 1920s Hollywood backlot and a musical 80s afterparty), and interactive gaming experiences. The ship will also debut new live music venues, country-themed dance saloons, candlelit concerts, and four destination-inspired festivals at The Bazaar. Even younger guests will find an upgraded digital game wall with 50+ new games, making Celebrity Xcel a fully immersive, multi-generational cruise experience.