Sunday, April 28, 2024

GOP impeachment efforts hit brick wall

house republicans announce impeachment articles against secretary mayorkas.

By a single vote, House Republicans impeached Mayorkas in February for his handling of the border. House Republicans are wasting no time on their pledge to again try to bring articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over Mayorkas' handling of immigration and the border. “I will strenuously oppose any effort to table the articles of impeachment and avoid looking the Biden administration’s border crisis squarely in the face,” the Senate minority leader said. After the House transmits the articles of impeachment to the upper chamber, the chamber must schedule a trial to begin the next legislative day, according to Senate rules. With 51 seats controlled by Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, the majority can speed up, delay or dismiss the impeachment outright.

Senate votes to end Mayorkas impeachment trial on party-line vote

Republicans seized on the opportunity to assail Mayorkas, blaming him for the humanitarian crisis at the country’s southern border. Testifying separately from the trial before the House Homeland Security Committee Tuesday, Mayorkas responded to a few questions about the impeachment, telling members he is focused on his job. Mayorkas is not the only Biden administration official the House Republicans want to impeach. They have filed legislation to impeach a long list including Vice President Kamala Harris, Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The Biden administration also maintains that Mayorkas has complied with the House committee's requests.

House Republicans’ bid to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas fails in US Senate

GOP’s Mayorkas impeachment push races ahead of Biden probe - The Hill

GOP’s Mayorkas impeachment push races ahead of Biden probe.

Posted: Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Schumer called for the votes to dismiss the two charges after Republicans rejected a proposed agreement for Senate debate time and several votes on GOP objections. Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt stood in the chamber and said Republicans wouldn’t accept Schumer’s offer because Democrats were “bulldozing 200 years of precedent” on impeachments by trying to dismiss the trial. Since then, Johnson has delayed sending the articles to the Senate for weeks while both chambers finished work on government funding legislation and took a two-week recess.

House Republicans postpone sending Mayorkas impeachment articles to Senate

"If Secretary Mayorkas does not resign, House Republicans will investigate every order, every action and every failure to determine whether we can begin an impeachment inquiry," McCarthy told reporters in El Paso, Texas. A DHS official reiterated that the secretary has no plans to resign and that they believe the impeachment articles have no factual grounds. "The Department will continue our work to enforce our laws and secure our border, while building a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system," Espinosa said. "Members of Congress can do better than point the finger at someone else; they should come to the table and work on solutions for our broken system and outdated laws, which they have not updated in over 40 years."

While the Senate is obligated to hold a trial under the rules of impeachment once the charges are walked across the Capitol, the proceedings may not last long. Democrats are expected to try to dismiss or table the charges later this week before the full arguments get underway. This charge goes back to a hearing in 2022 when Mr. Mayorkas testified that his agency had "operational control" of the border. Republicans accuse him of lying, citing the 2006 Secure Fence Act, which defines operational control as the absence of any unlawful crossings of migrants or drugs, which no administration has ever achieved. This is referring to group-based parole programs that the administration has set up to let people fleeing war-torn countries, like Afghanistan and Ukraine, or certain economically ravaged countries to live and work in the United States temporarily. The Biden administration has expanded the number of such programs available, which House Republicans argue is an abuse of the president’s power under immigration law to parole people into the country on humanitarian or public benefit grounds.

He said the Republican charges were policy disputes, not high crimes, and it was important to set a precedent. House impeachment managers delivered the charges to the Senate on Tuesday, standing in the well of the Senate and reading them aloud to a captive audience. Republicans argue that President Joe Biden has been weak on the border as arrests for illegal crossings skyrocketed to more than 2 million people during the last two years of his term, though they have fallen from a record high of 250,000 in December amid heightened enforcement in Mexico. Democrats say that instead of impeaching Mayorkas, Republicans should have accepted a bipartisan Senate compromise aimed at reducing the number of migrants who come into the U.S. illegally.

Johnson initially delayed the delivery of the articles to focus on funding legislation to avert a government shutdown. Then the transmission was delayed again after Senate Republicans asked for more time to strategize ways to ensure a Senate trial. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said last week he wasn't sure what he would do if there were a move to dismiss the trial. “I think it’s virtually certain that there will not be the conviction of someone when the constitutional test has not been met,” he said. Under the Constitution, the House has the "sole Power" of impeachment, while the Senate has the authority to hold a trial.

Joe Biden wins Democratic primary in Puerto Rico

Earlier in the Biden administration, some migrants were released into the country with notices to report to immigration enforcement officers — a practice that led to a lawsuit in Florida, referred to as part of this charge. The department eventually replaced the practice by paroling migrants into the country with some alternative to detention, such as an ankle bracelet or a phone to check in with the authorities. In recent months, the department has switched to another practice, of issuing notices to appear in court, instead of using parole authority.Republicans say these are all means of skirting statutory mandates to detain migrants, as well as negative court rulings.

house republicans announce impeachment articles against secretary mayorkas.

“If anybody is a prime candidate for impeachment in this town, it’s Mayorkas,” Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, told CNN. "We don't want this to come over on the eve of the moment when members might be operating under the influence of jet-fume intoxication," Lee added at a news conference, saying it's better for the Senate to take up the issue at the beginning of the week. House Republicans have been eager to impeach Mayorkas since seizing majority control last year, particularly as their efforts to impeach Biden over the business dealings of his son Hunter Biden have come to a standstill. But the panel’s top Democrat, Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who has repeatedly insisted policy differences with President Joe Biden are not grounds for impeachment, was backed up by one of the witnesses, Princeton University law professor Deborah Pearlstein. The outright dismissal of the charges, without the opportunity to argue their case, was yet another setback for House Republicans, plagued by internal drama and a vanishingly thin majority.

The real mistake, they argue, would have been to treat the case Republicans brought against the homeland security secretary as legitimate, rather than a thinly veiled attempt to amplify border security as a political issue and create chaos in the Senate. Democrats then voted to adjourn the trial, just one day after House Republicans presented the articles to the Senate. Chuck Schumer, the senate majority leader, moved to dismiss the charges outright, arguing that a cabinet official cannot be removed from office for implementing the policies of the administration he serves.

Democrats cast the impeachment effort as election-year political theater designed to draw attention to the situation at the border, one of the president’s biggest liabilities. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has made immigration the centerpiece of his campaign for the White House. At a news conference at the border in November post-midterms, McCarthy said the incoming GOP House majority would open investigations that could lead to impeachment proceedings. Biden has also asked Congress to approve requests for more border patrol agents and immigration court judges, but Republicans have refused, saying Biden should use his executive authority to stem the flow of migrants.

Impeachment is only the first step toward removing an official from office, followed by a Senate trial, which could result in removal. Last week’s failed vote to impeach Mayorkas — a surprise outcome rarely seen on such a high-profile issue — was a stunning display in the chamber that has been churning through months of GOP chaos since the ouster of the previous House speaker. Various House Republicans have prepared legislation to begin deporting migrants who were temporarily allowed into the U.S. under the Biden administration’s policies, many as they await adjudication of asylum claims. In a frantic scene of vote-tallying on the House floor, the GOP effort to impeach Mayorkas over his handling of the southern border took on an air of political desperation as Republicans struggle to make good on their priorities. The second impeachment article goes on to accuse Mayorkas of rolling back a series of Trump-era policies including the controversial "Remain in Mexico" program, construction on the southern border wall and international agreements that pressured Central American countries to hold asylum seekers.

"What is glaringly missing from these articles is any real charge or even a shred of evidence of high crimes or misdemeanors - the Constitutional standard for impeachment," the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, Bennie Thompson, said in a statement. "That should come as no surprise because Republicans' so-called 'investigation' of Secretary Mayorkas has been a remarkably fact-free affair." The Senate voted to end Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' impeachment trial on a party-line vote of 51-49.

House sends Mayorkas impeachment articles to Senate, forcing a trial

house republicans announce impeachment articles against secretary mayorkas.

North Carolina Republican Rep. Dan Bishop, visibly agitated, chided Bier for advocating for open borders. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security cites pandemic-era health order to bar Venezuelans from legally applying for asylum. Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) likewise called for careful consideration of “responsibly utilized” impeachments. Still, several members of the House insisted the Senate’s swift dismissal has not diminished their appetite for impeachment. It’s an idea he floated ahead of the Senate proceedings on Mayorkas, and one skeptics say is a pathway for avoiding a tough vote in the House — though Comer said such a vote is still on the table.

Articles of impeachment introduced against DHS Secretary Mayorkas by Texas Republican

The articles accused the Homeland Security head of “willfully and systematically” refusing to enforce immigration laws at the U.S.-Mexico border. Republicans also said he lied to Congress and broke the public’s trust by saying the border is secure. Even if the Senate had held a trial, Republicans would not have been able to win the support of the two-thirds of the Senate that is needed to convict and remove Mayorkas from office — Democrats control the Senate, 51-49, and they remained united against the impeachment effort. At a trial, senators would be forced to sit in their seats for the duration, maybe weeks, while the House impeachment managers and lawyers representing Mayorkas make their cases.

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house republicans announce impeachment articles against secretary mayorkas.

If only House Republicans could put this much time and effort into working across the aisle to address the real problems at the border. Senators dismissed a pair of impeachment articles Wednesday after less than three hours of procedural bickering, closing out the House GOP’s yearlong effort to oust Mayorkas with a whimper. Freshman Rep. Nick Langworthy, another New York Republican, is among the 26 co-sponsors who have signed on to Fallon’s impeachment articles so far. But there are some Republicans in Biden districts already lining up behind impeachment articles for Mayorkas, suggesting the politics could be moving in the GOP’s direction.

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The guidelines are an exercise of discretionary authority that has been employed by multiple administrations to prioritize the deportations of migrants with the most serious criminal records. Part of the difficulty of complying with detention mandates is that backlogs in the system quickly overload available resources. That was in 2019, when the Trump administration was criticized for detaining them in overcrowded, unsanitary and dangerous conditions. A bipartisan deal in the Senate, which Mr. Mayorkas helped broker, seeks to reduce that timeline to no longer than six months. "Here, in light of the inability of injured parties to seek judicial relief to remedy the refusal of Alejandro N. Mayorkas to comply with Federal immigration laws, impeachment is Congress's only viable option," the first article said.

House sends impeachment articles against Alejandro Mayorkas to Senate – as it happened - The Guardian US

House sends impeachment articles against Alejandro Mayorkas to Senate – as it happened.

Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

House Republicans release articles of impeachment against Alejandro Mayorkas

So far, a handful of Republicans have expressed reservations, but some who initially voted to shelve the issue have indicated they are more willing to proceed. But the Department of Homeland Security said Mayorkas told the committee he was unavailable Thursday but would be willing to appear on other dates. The department noted he has appeared before Congress more than any other Biden administration Cabinet member — including 27 times in 35 months.

The Senate is allowed to call witnesses, as well, if it so decides, and can ask questions of both sides after the opening arguments are finished. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat who is facing a tough reelection bid in Ohio, called the impeachment trial a "distraction," arguing that Republicans should instead support a bipartisan border compromise they scuttled earlier this year. In any case, Republicans would not be able to win the support of the two-thirds of the Senate that is needed to convict and remove Mayorkas from office.

Gallagher says he won't run for Congress again after refusing to impeach Homeland Security chief - The Associated Press

Gallagher says he won't run for Congress again after refusing to impeach Homeland Security chief.

Posted: Sat, 10 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

House Republicans who have long been itching to impeach Mayorkas have been trying to keep the pressure on their leadership, holding a news conference last month and urging McCarthy to more explicitly spell out where he stands on the issue before they voted him speaker. Meanwhile, key committee chairs are vowing to hold hearings on the crisis at the southern border and prepping plans to haul in officials for interviews. GOP Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, who leads the powerful House Judiciary Committee where impeachment articles would originate, suggested the issue would be one of the first hearings when his panel gets up and running. Mayorkas has already testified in front of Congress numerous times since he assumed his post, and his agency says he is fully prepared to continue complying with oversight in the GOP-led House. So far, there have been no formal requests for hearings or testimony, with congressional committees still working to get off the ground, though Republicans last year sent numerous letters and preservation requests telegraphing their plans for the majority.

Once dominant at CBS News before a bitter departure, Dan Rather makes his first return in 18 years

house republicans announce impeachment articles against secretary mayorkas.

"To ensure the Senate has adequate time to perform its constitutional duty, the House will transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate next week," a spokesperson for Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said in a statement. Mayorkas has been deeply involved in Senate negotiations over the border security package, which would potentially restrict entry into the U.S. and more rapidly deport those people in the country without legal documentation. Biden told congressional leaders this week during a meeting at the White House he wanted a “big border security” bill as he tries to drive Congress to wrap up work on his $110 billion national security package for Ukraine, Israel and other needs, including the U.S.-Mexico border. Republican leadership has not yet commented on whether they'll take any further action on the resolution. Introducing articles of impeachment is the first step of what can be a lengthy process, including an investigation by the House Judiciary Committee, and does not mean Mayorkas will ultimately be impeached -- or formally accused -- by the House.

WASHINGTON — After a weeklong delay, the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon sent its articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate. House Republicans in the second article accuse Mayorkas of lying to Congress and obstructing congressional oversight, claiming he lied when he said the border was "secure" and that DHS had "operational control." "Legal disputes over the exercises of executive authority are a commonplace in every administration," University of Missouri School of Law professor Frank Bowman told the House Homeland Security Committee at an impeachment hearing earlier this month. "And every president wins some and loses others. If the mere existence of such disputes were impeachable, every president and every Cabinet officer would be impeachable many times over."

But the statute gives the president and the homeland security secretary broad discretion to prioritize who is detained and explicit power to grant parole, which allows migrants to live and work temporarily in the country. The Biden administration and many others have used these authorities, especially when there is a shortage of detention space and backlogs in the immigration courts that make detaining all — or even most — unauthorized entrants impossible. The Republican-led House is poised to vote on Tuesday on whether to charge Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, with two counts of high crimes and misdemeanors, which would make him the first sitting cabinet member in United States history to be impeached. Legal experts have questioned the grounds for taking the action, arguing that the accusations against him do not rise to the level of impeachable offenses. But Republicans are pushing forward anyway in what is essentially a bid to indict Mr. Mayorkas for President Biden’s immigration policies, which they argue have fueled a wave of illegal migration. Constitutional scholars have called the case against Mr. Mayorkas groundless, and the Democrats who control the Senate have made it clear that they want to curtail a lengthy trial in favor of a quick vote to dismiss the charges against him.

The secretary and Democrats argue that it’s up to Congress to pass border security legislation. Although most Republicans remain upset with how the Mayorkas impeachment trial process went down, they don’t have a desire to have a third presidential impeachment trial come down the rails in a matter of just six years. They are also content to let things play out at the ballot box in a little more than six months. Republican impeachment efforts against President Biden and his Cabinet appear to have hit a brick wall after the Senate swiftly dismissed articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

In December, arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico reached an all-time high since figures have been released. The backlog of people in immigration court has grown by 1 million over the past budget year. The two articles mark the culmination of a roughly yearlong examination by Republicans of the secretary’s handling of the border and what they describe as a crisis of the administration’s own making.

But Republicans have pushed ahead with the articles, which accuse the secretary of willfully refusing to enforce border laws and breaching the public trust. It was almost 150 years ago when the House voted unanimously to impeach Belknap on five articles of impeachment that he had criminally disregarded his Cabinet duties and used his office for private gain. After a trial in the Senate, a majority of senators vote to convict him but they didn’t have enough votes to hit the the necessary two-thirds majority and Belknap was acquitted. WASHINGTON -- The House sent two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate on Tuesday, forcing a trial on allegations that he has “willfully and systematically” refused to enforce immigration laws. WASHINGTON (AP) — The House sent two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate on Tuesday, forcing a trial on allegations that he has “willfully and systematically” refused to enforce immigration laws.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

18 Best Things to do in Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan

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The land in mangrove forests provides shelter for migratory birds and monkeys, so there is a good chance to see (and hear) unique Roatán wildlife. Your guide will take you on a tour around a private island near French Key. Hydrobikes are easy for all skill levels and are an active way to spend a few hours in Roatán. If you are a chocolate lover, this is a “must” for treats and souvenir shopping in Roatán.

Related Cruises

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The Roatán Rum Company also produces unique rum infusions with various natural fruits and spices. You can also create your own unique flavored rum with a personalized label. Roatán Island is about 48 miles long with lush forest throughout it and the popular areas are spread throughout the island. There is a great spot just off West Bay Beach called Gumbalimba Park.

roatan honduras cruise

Top Attractions in Roatan

The airport serves both domestic and international flights, including from the United States. You can also enjoy live music and traditional Honduran cuisine at the on-site restaurant and bar. Whether you want to relax on the beach or get your adrenaline pumping on an exciting adventure, Gumbalimba Park offers something for everyone! Then the tour will take you to an authentic Cayuco canoe where the guide will take you through the mangrove tunnel.

Snorkel the Reef

When visiting, I completed two different itineraries, taking me all around this incredible island. Get your adrenaline pumping on an extreme zip-line tour through the island canopy and between mountains and get 360 views of Roatán. Fly through lines and platforms for a bird’s eye view of the island, its jungle, and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

How to Visit Roatán Island in the Caribbean

Bananarama Dive and Beach Front Resort offers packages for cruise ship passengers starting at just $35 per person. This includes round trip transportation, one beach chair per person, a welcome drink, and use of facilities. Roatán has some beautiful beaches for cruise ship passengers to enjoy at their leisure. Among the most popular is West Bay Beach, which is about 25 minutes from the Port of Roatán and 40 minutes from Mahogany Bay. If you want to explore marine life and coral reefs more calmly, a glass-bottom boat tour and beach break may be a better option. The shoreline’s proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef makes the reefs perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and glass-bottomed kayaking.

Port Congestion Forces Princess Cruise Ship Elsewhere - Cruise Hive

Port Congestion Forces Princess Cruise Ship Elsewhere.

Posted: Fri, 05 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Jungle ATV and Beach Escape

Some is packaged to easily take home from your travels, though you may have a tough time waiting to dig into it. Swimming with dolphins at Mahogany Bay, Roatan is an unforgettable experience. During this excursion, you’ll be able to observe dolphins up close in their natural habitats. You’ll also have the chance to see other fish, turtles and even stingrays while you snorkel.

The island of Roatan has two cruise ports – Mahogany Bay and Coxen Hole, each used by different cruise companies. Both are located on the southwestern coast of the island, approximately 8 km/5 miles (a 15-minute drive) from one another. Yes, there is a free beach at Mahogany Bay cruise port, which is Mahogany Beach, a private beach that is exclusive for cruise passengers who dock at Mahogany Bay. You can access the beach by walking for about 5 minutes, or by taking the Magical Flying Beach Chair. The ride takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the traffic and the destination, and costs about $10 to $20 per person, round trip.

Once passed a couple of stores on both sides of the walkway, you will be on large square opening into the left. This is a top choice for animal lovers and gives you the opportunity to pet and stay with the horses as you learn how to interact with them. English is widely spoken and understood in Roatan, especially in the tourist areas and by the service providers.

With private waters that are made for guests and visitors staying at the resorts in the areas, you can find many excursions that you can’t get anywhere else on the island. The Little French Key is one of the private areas that you must access through the hotel. If you are coming from the cruise port, you will set up your excursion through the hotel and gain access to the area for the day. The island has over 40 miles of coastline, with white sand, turquoise water, and palm trees. You can find a beach for every taste and preference, from secluded and quiet to lively and fun. Tabyana Beach and French Key are also great options for a lovely, relaxing day.

When planning your cruise day in Roatán, consider exploring beyond Coxen Hole. While the port’s central location is convenient, it offers limited facilities and no nearby beaches. These knowledgeable guides can help you navigate the underwater world, ensuring you have a safe and memorable experience. Mahogany Bay Beach is located in the cruise terminal area at Dixon Cove. The well-maintained beach has stunning white sand and crystal-clear azure waters.

However, you’ll get to see more of the island if you hire a local guide. Along West Bay beach, there are several hotels and resorts, including the popular Infinity Bay Resort (pictured below). Infinity Bay Resort also boasts La Palapa, Beach Bar and Grill, a fun waterfront hangout with delicious seafood and flowing drinks. I snorkeled along the shore and saw gorgeous colorful coral and fish. I’m a travel agent, highly-experienced itinerary planner, Virgin Voyages aficionado, and Caribbean expert. I’ve been to the Caribbean countless times and have visited Roatan twice in 2023.

For those who want a relaxing beach day there’s plenty right at the cruise port in Mahogany Bay. You don’t have to break the bank, and if you bring your own snorkel gear you can enjoy some really great reefs on the cheap. Once at Little French Key, you can relax on the white sand beach or lounge on one of the many hammocks strewn around the property.

Friday, April 12, 2024

The 11 Best Cruises In And Around The U S.

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Throughout American's ships, there are plenty of spaces to rest, relax, and enjoy life while sailing from destination to destination. Check out the day's news at the Internet station, visit the well-stocked library and pick up a good book, or break a sweat in the fitness area, featuring state-of-the-art equipment. American Cruise Lines prides itself on using locally sourced, sustainable food, and its master chefs create menus that reflect the areas visited on each cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Explore Belize, Mexico, and Honduras

With carefully selected destinations and daily educational enrichment, this cruise offers a remarkable way to discover America’s northernmost wonders. Expect moonshine, Civil War historical sites, country music, Nashville traditions, and the birthplace of the blues — Memphis. While in Memphis, visiting the one and only home of Elvis Presley at Graceland is a must! I’m most intrigued by seeing Paducah, also known as Quilt City and a UNESCO World Heritage Creative City. View the beautiful landscapes and historic landmarks of America up-close.

USA Cruise Itineraries

You get on a ship, unpack once, and then get to explore several places without having to live out of a suitcase or change hotels. Cruises can take you to the most remote places on earth, where planes, trains, and automobiles cannot go. Yet, so often a segment of the population is left out of the option of traveling and cruising. But did you know, you can cruise both domestically or to a foreign port without a passport?

Panama Canal & Central America

Viking river cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, American Cruise line, and American Queen Voyages offer river cruises on several rivers and lakes. Explore the Columbia and Snake Rivers or the Mississippi by luxury ships. There are several options in the Midwest and East Coast, such as the Cumberland, Ohio & Tennessee Rivers. And most of the stops on the typical Alaska Inside Passage cruise itineraries are at U.S. ports—with, of course, the obligatory Canadian stops in Prince Rupert or Vancouver. The luxury line Crystal was recently relaunched this past summer following a multimillion-dollar refurbishment across two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

There are no fussy dress codes or required daily itineraries onboard an American Cruise Lines; just comfortable, spacious ships sailing to some of the country's most beautiful towns and cities. The line's all-American crew is attentive and gracious, and welcomes traveler's onboard with open arms; each guest can expect personalized attention and hospitality. With a focus on history, culture, and the great outdoors, an American Cruise Line cruise to Alaska is both engaging and revitalizing. The fourth ship in this line’s game-changing Edge series, the 3,260-passenger Celebrity Ascent makes its inaugural eight-day sail round trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2023. This sunshine-blanketed itinerary promises four charming Caribbean ports including Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and three blissful sea days. You’ll want those onboard days to never end, with the ship providing so much outdoor space to soak up the balmy Caribbean sun and soft ocean breezes.

5 BEST USA Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the USA on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

5 BEST USA Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the USA on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:02:02 GMT [source]

Plus there’s a big advantage, most of the ships are smaller, offer a more premium experience. If you have time you can see a Broadway show in New York, check out the art deco architecture in Miami's South Beach, visit Pike Place Market in Seattle or tour the Kennedy Space Center near Orlando. Celebrity Cruises offers a vast range of USA cruise itineraries and departure ports. In Florida, choose between Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando (Port Canaveral), and Miami. Cruises range from short getaways to Key West to 13-night voyages from Vancouver, Canada to Honolulu.

cruise inside usa only

A rare and delicious cruise itinerary I found while researching this post is yet another with American Cruise Lines. This enchanting 8-day cruise takes you through the San Juan Islands, with abundant wildlife and natural scenery, to the Puget Sound and Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada. I found the 8-mile Confederation Bridge on Prince Edward Island truly fascinating. It stands over the Northumberland Strait and costs $50.25 to cross. Royal Princess' sailing along the California coast is one of the best U.S. cruises.

Taste the best regional cuisine while listening to the area's finest entertainment. Feel the warm camaraderie of the crew and fellow guests as you relax in personalized comfort. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.

American-flagged cruise lines that can sail solely in U.S. waters include American Cruise Lines, UnCruise Adventures, and Lindblad Expeditions. Only 37% of American adults say they have a valid and unexpired U.S. passport. The United States is also home to more than 11.7 million undocumented residents. With long passport wait times and a growing number of Dreamers, people want to travel who might not have proper documentation. Your travel may be restricted, but there are still options for those who are interested in cruising.

Such as a round trip cruise from say Los Angeles or San Diego to Mexico or a cruise that visits the Caribbean islands but starts and ends in Miami. These are perfect for US lawful residences without passports. As you sail, you’ll discover all the wonderful amenities that make a vacation on board our award-winning ships such a luxurious experience. Live life at your own pace, whether you want a workout in the Fitness Center or a private cabana by the pool. Unwind in the spa, take in the views from the Magic Carpet on Edge-series ships, or relax on the fragrant grass at the Lawn Club on Solstice-series ships. Elevate your experience in The Retreat, where you’ll enjoy beautiful suite accommodation, an exclusive lounge, and the culinary delights of Luminae at The Retreat.

Whizz up the Space Needle in Seattle and take in the colors and buzz of Pike Place Market. In Los Angeles, browse the designer shops on Rodeo Drive and marvel at the stars’ homes. Catalina Island, meanwhile, is another world of rugged coastlines, diverse marine life, and hiking trails with sweeping views. You can book all of the big-ship cruises through the “usual suspects” cruise agencies. A few years ago, Hapag-Lloyd operated several summer-season Great Lakes cruises in its luxury 410-passenger Columbus. This year, however, Columbus operated in other areas, and no Great Lakes itinerary is planned for 2010.

San Diego’s atmospheric Gaslamp Quarter is waiting to be explored, while in Boston, the Freedom Trail is a fascinating history lesson. Check out Pier 39 in San Francisco, and take a trip to Alcatraz. Discover Hemingway’s legacy in laid-back Key West, find your inner rock star in Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, or explore the interesting mix of cultures in New Orleans. The big online sites, however, don’t cover small-ship cruises as well as they might. Consider going directly to the cruiselines or through specialist agencies such as Small Ship Cruises and Great Lakes Cruise Company.

With its varied landscapes—ranging from majestic mountains and volcanoes to stunning beaches to lush tropical rainforests—a trip to Hawaii offers something for everyone. While you can island-hop around the Aloha State via ferry or plane, it’s not exactly seamless. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Hawaii Inter-Island, which sails year-round from Oahu to Kauai, takes the stress out of planning a multi-island Hawaiian vacation.

Contemporary lines are the most economical, premium fall in the middle, and luxury cruises are the priciest. You can find weeklong cruises that cost under $100 per person per day—talk about a deal. American Cruise Line and Lindblad Expeditions both offer cruises that operate 100% within the United States and have no passport requirements. No, U.S. citizens do not need passports to cruise within the United States or for cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port. The USA can rightly claim to have some of the most exciting cities in the world.

Sunset Cruises Book Oahu Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities com

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It is a smaller boat and has a more intimate experience, making it the perfect Waikiki sunset sail for couples. You will then enjoy a buffet dinner as you eat under the colorful sky to watch the sunset on the ocean. Here are some of the best Oahu sunset cruises that will leave you feeling in awe of this island. It all depends on the cruise, but typically the Oahu sunset cruises are a few hours at most. Most often, the sunset cruises are between 90 minutes and two hours. There will be a live DJ playing music the entire time while you dance the night away under the colorful sky.

West Oahu Whale Watching & Sunset Cruise

Most sunset cruises do not allow you to swim, but this one does! For a fun Waikiki beach sunset cruise, you will love Pink Sails. Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail is another great Oahu sunset cruise to try.

Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise aboard the Majestic by Atlantis Cruises

It is a romantic way to enjoy the incredible Hawaii sunsets. This is another one of the best Oahu dinner cruises to enjoy during your trip to this island. If you want local food during your cruise, this is the best Oahu sunset dinner cruise to try out during your trip on the island. It is a great romantic way to end your day.

Best of O‘ahu 2022: Activities - Hawaiimagazine.com

Best of O‘ahu 2022: Activities.

Posted: Wed, 29 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Latest reviews of Sunset Cruises

During your sunset cruise, you will also have ample opportunities to learn about different cultures through storytelling and cultural activities. On this 53-foot catamaran, there is both outdoor and covered seating, all perfect for capturing the stunning sunset on the Makaha Valley. The Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise is the best sunset cruise in Oahu.

sunset cruise oahu hawaii

With this cruise, you will see a different side of the island most tours will not show you. Also included is a live hula show, a vow renewal certificate, and a free picture to always remember this special occasion. Register and enjoy smoother booking, as well as being able to save your wish list and recently viewed activities. Hop aboard the Holokai Catamaran for this Oahu Cocktail Cruise!

Prince Kuhio Waikiki Dinner Sunset Cruise

If you’ve never seen the sunset from the ocean, now’s your chance to witness this magical view! Oahu sunset cruises are one of the best ways to enjoy an unobstructed view of the sunset. On this side of the island, you are bound to see some pretty incredible whales while out on the ocean. Nothing is more beautiful than seeing a breaching whale while enjoying the beautiful sunset on the water. This is a shorter sunset cruise with only around an hour out on the water, but the views of Honolulu and the marine life down below are worth it!

Oahu's Premier Luxury Travel Concierge: Madison's Event Planning Takes Center Stage - Newswire

Oahu's Premier Luxury Travel Concierge: Madison's Event Planning Takes Center Stage.

Posted: Wed, 20 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Waikiki Catamaran Sunset Cruise

The Oahu sunset is one of the most incredible sights you’ll see in Hawaii. The sky is a brilliant shade of orange, yellow, and red as the sun slowly sets on the ocean. If you are in Waianae, try this West Oahu Sunset Cruise!

Best Oahu Sunset Cruises

They worked through any language barriers and got everyone set up for the cruise. The size of the boat and number of people on board was just right, intim... There was plenty of room onboard to move around and never felt crowded. When the water got a little choppy, the back of the boat was still calm.

Honolulu Sunset Cruise Wrap Up

Just a great time made better by the crew, would definitely go again. Enjoy an incredible colorful sky while sailing out on the waves. Jump off the boat and enjoy swimming in the water as you enjoy the beautiful sunset. If you are on Oahu for a friend’s trip, you will love this party sunset cruise! This Oahu sunset cruise is perfect if you are looking to have a fun time out on the water one evening during your trip to Hawaii.

With the open bar, you can enjoy plenty of drinks, including beer, wine, juice, and more! You’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the beautiful coastlines, watch humpback whales breaching, and simply relax during your vacation. With this Waikiki Booze Cruise, you and your friends will have a blast on the water, taking in the beautiful Hawaii sunset. This Oahu booze cruise comes with three free cocktails or beers and unlimited juices.

Aboard this catamaran, you can enjoy the sun setting on the ocean with drinks in hand and live music the entire time. It is a great cruise for friends and couples for a fun evening out on the water! This sunset sail is another great Waikiki sunset cruise with an open bar! Hop aboard this 44-foot catamaran and sail out into the ocean with drinks in your hands for a carefree, enjoyable evening. From start to finish the staff was all engaging and professional.

Here you will find both indoor and outdoor seating arrangements and an onboard chef to make a fresh 3-course meal for you. It is a romantic dinner cruise perfect for newlyweds! This is a great cruise to go on with friends to relax and unwind after a long, busy day. With unlimited drinks, you will definitely have a fun time! Watch the sunset on Waikiki beach with a Mai Tai in your hand!

If you want to take a break from the walking, shopping, and hotel hustle and bustle around Waikiki I suggest a sunset dinner cruise on the Star of Honolulu. The five star experience on the top deck Nova Room is a rel... The service was excellent throughout the evening and the whole experience exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend the Nova Room experience on the forth deck of the Star of Honolulu. During a sunset cruise, you get to enjoy watching the sunset while on a boat in the middle of the ocean. Most of the sunset cruises in Oahu offer dinner and drinks too!

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Set Sail at Home Decorate a Disney Cruise Line "Stateroom" Door!

disney cruise door

Disney cruise door magnets make it easier to spot your door among a sea of doors, and they are so fun to look at. Disney Cruise regulars know that decorating their cabin doors is just one way to rachet up an already wonderful family vacation experience. Even better, we offer templates and step-by-step guides to making your own super cute Disney Cruise door magnets so you can save money and make the decorations all your own. If you have ever been on a Disney Cruise you will most likely remember seeing door decorations. If not, then you will be in for a surprise when walking the hallways. Some stateroom doors are fully covered, while other just have a Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home magnet.

Toy Story Aliens The Claw is Our Master D.i.s.n.e.y Cruise Line Door Magnet Pixar Day at Sea

Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Typically, orders of $35 USD or more (within the same shop) qualify for free standard shipping from participating Etsy sellers. Best of all, they travel well so you don’t have to worry about them getting ruined before making it on your door. Every time you pass by your Disney magnet, you’ll remember your cruise and all the fun times you had.

Jedi Mickey

However, Disney advises that the magnets in the gift shop are pretty generic. But why would you want to buy Disney cruise door magnets in the first place? Decorating your stateroom door helps you engage with the culture of the cities you’re visiting and identifies you and your interests. You can certainly create your graphics, especially if you are familiar with using PicMonkey, Canva, or Photoshop.

More Amazing Disney Cruise Door Decorations

These Disney cruise decoration magnets are great because there are over 50 different options for a family and each person can completely customize their own. However, they still look cohesive and leave room for lots of other decorations like a banner or streamers. To finish your customized cruise door magnet, simply run the image through a laminator and cut it out with scissors. Lamination is inexpensive and easy, you can take the door magnets to your local copy shop to have them laminated, or use a home laminator. In recent years, I’ve seen such creative doors that even go beyond just magnets.

You can even go for a personalized magnet to make your door more special, like a personalized Disney Cruise Cast Member badge or a custom Disney Cruise Family magnet. In the case of Disney, the fun magnets are really family-friendly and are an excellent way for your kids to bring their imaginations and interests to life. Plus, the Disney Universe is so vast there’s sure to be something for everyone. If you’re someone who’s not super crafty, I recommend going the letter sticker route. There’s not any technology to fuss with and you don’t need any special craft tools. Also, using this method makes it easy to add letter stickers to your images to personalize your magnets.

Fish Extenders on Disney Cruise Line - Cruise Critic

Fish Extenders on Disney Cruise Line.

Posted: Tue, 07 Jan 2020 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Something to keep in mind is that not all cruise ship doors are magnetic. It’s always a good idea to bring along extra adhesive, just in case you need an alternate way to hang up your magnet. Just make sure it won’t damage the surface of the door when you remove it.

Must-Have Travel Gear

These Disney Cruise door decoration ideas will have you sailing in style in no time. Disney guests love to decorate their doors for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, and to show off their favorite fandoms. Disney cruisers have also created other fun activities like Fish Extender exchanges and Pixie Dusting. There are many door magnet options when going on a Disney cruise.

Decorating your stateroom door is a fun way to celebrate your family vacation and an easy way to spot your stateroom door. If you’re going on a Disney cruise, you’ve probably heard of the traditional “Secret Santa” type fish exchange. You can decorate your cabin door with a fish extender and personalize the pockets so other travelers know who they are gifting to. Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Holland America Line don’t provide specific rules for door decorating. While door decorations are allowed on these cruise lines, they’re not as common as on other cruise operators. Door decorations on family-friendly cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line and Carnival are trendy.

Where to find Disney Cruise decorations?

I have found that the magnet paper sheets aren’t very strong, and can often fall off the door. So now that we’ve been on seven Disney cruises as a family, we have a pretty big collection! If you plan on saving them and reusing them, I’d recommend making smaller magnets so you’ll have room for all of them as your collection grows. Sometimes, your door decor can be more than just decoration; it can carry a secret message. Maybe it’s an inside joke among friends or the secret upside-down pineapple. The door becomes a conversation starter, a mystery for others to ponder, and a fun way for you to communicate a playful or romantic gesture.

disney cruise door

If you're planning to sail on a Disney cruise in 2023, you'll likely be excited to make your stateroom feel like home away from home. A fun and creative way to personalize your cabin is by decorating your Disney cruise door. If you don’t want to DIY a cute set of Disney door magnets, don’t stress!

But you’ll find passengers decorating their cabin doors on plenty of other cruise lines. Buying Disney magnets for your cruise ship door lets your door stand out and cements your memories of your Disney cruise. There are many places to find a Disney cruise door magnet, including when you’re on the ship, but we recommend getting something before you go. There are many ways to create door magnets, of course there’s always my way.

You can stick with the classics, like Mickey and Minnie magnets, or opt for a classic with a twist, like Pirate Mickey Mouse. #2 DO NOT use tape, or any other adhesive on the stateroom door. Do not do it, widespread use of tape could lead to a ban on all door decorations. #1 DO NOT use tape, or any other adhesive on the stateroom door.

You’ll also see a lot of seasonal magnets for those on a Holiday or Halloween cruise. We cruised one year on Easter and there were a lot of cute Mickey Mouse magnets with Easter Bunny ears on doors. It is completely up to you, if you want to personalize the graphics with your name. I’ve found that unpersonalized magnets have the tendency to grow legs, and disappear. For  example, we’ve had some of the small Pascal magnets disappear. For each cruise we create one large magnet on an 8 inch by 10 inch canvas.

Only one of the mainstream cruise lines has banned cabin door decorations. In August 2019, Norwegian Cruise Line banned all cruise cabin door decorations, citing fire safety concerns. Before your cruise, having your kids create their own door decorations is a great idea. Getting your kids to design cabin door decorations can keep them occupied for hours or days and excite them about their upcoming cruise vacation. Walking around the cruise ship, you’ll find many passengers who have taken the time to decorate their stateroom doors.

Then, peel back just enough of the protective sheet on the magnetic paper and place your first picture. First, determine how large of  a magnet you want to have on your door. I try to keep to an 8×10, 5×7, or a 4×6 canvas size, as it makes for easier printing. However, the final graphic and be any size, such as this wine bottle graphic. With every return to the room, their decorated door reminds them that this trip is an adventure made just for them. Plus, other guests and crew will join in the festivities by offering their well wishes as they pass by.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

THE BEST Cruises from New Orleans to Montego Bay with Prices on Cruise Critic

3 day cruise from new orleans to jamaica

Most of the cruises are one-week long, but there is also a 9-day option. Port order and/or content may vary, please check specific sailing date for details at Carnival Cruise Line website. Port arrival and departure times are approximate and subject to change without notice. For more information please visit the Carnival Cruise Line website. Work your visit to Jamaica into a Western Caribbean cruise. Hang out with stingrays in Grand Cayman, snorkel coral reefs in Labadee, Haiti, and splash around in the waterfalls at Jamaica's Dunn's River Falls.

Night Caribbean - Other ProductDetails

Head here if you want to learn about the renowned New Orleans music scene and listen to some live jazz music. If you have a few days before your cruise departs, you can get to know New Orleans. You'll find several world-famous chefs who have restaurants here as well.

5 Day Cruises to Jamaica

Visit the rock formations and walk over to the post office to send someone a postcard postmarked from Hell. Harvest Caye is an island off the southern coast of Placencia, Belize. Belize is home to Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's second-largest barrier reef system.

Things to do in Montego Bay

Here you'll dock in George Town, near the island's famed Seven Mile Beach. You also have popular attractions such as Stingray City and George Town itself. Divers love the numerous shipwrecks you find here along with Grand Cayman. Take a rum tour, explore the town, go horseback riding along the beach, and more. If someone has ever told you to go to Hell, well, here you can. The area gets its name from the bizarre outcropping of jagged dark limestone.

Join a Caribbean cruise that stops in Ocho Rios, Falmouth, or Montego Bay and embark on unforgettable adventures. Scale the 600-foot-high Dunn’s River Falls, take a gravity-defying bobsled ride or sip rum drinks while dancing to reggae. Are you still deciding which 2022 cruise from New Orleans is right for you? Don't forget to sign up for to get the latest cruise deals and special offers delivered right to your inbox. When you are ready to book your New Orleans cruise, you'll know you're getting the best deal available at the time. If you're looking for an alternative port of departure for a 2022 Caribbean cruise, consider New Orleans, Louisiana.

The gritty town offers duty-free shopping and plenty of open-air places to eat and drink. Sail with Carnival Cruise Line from New Orleans to Western Caribbean on board Carnival Glory cruise ship. Discover the best of Louisiana, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico on this Western Caribbean cruise and discover amazing New Orleans, Montego Bay, George Town, Cozumel, New Orleans. Carnival Glory leaving New Orleans, for 7 day from January 7, 2024. During your cruising day, enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, exquisite dining options, and an array of onboard activities as you sail forward to the next town or island.

5 Day Cruises from New Orleans

Lounging by the stunning blue beaches of Jamaica is only the start of your travel adventure. Go snorkeling along the coral reef at Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay, or hang out with scorpion fish and nurse sharks in Ocho Rios. Famous Dunn's River Falls and Mystic Mountain rainforest adventure park are close. The mountainous landscape is covered by lush tropical foliage.

Climb this national treasure with the help of an expert guide. Dolphin Cove is another popular attraction in Ocho Rios, where you can check swimming with dolphins off your bucket list. Home to the largest collection of Georgian-style buildings in the country, Falmouth is celebrated for being one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved Georgian towns. Nestled between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, this coastal town is the perfect starting point for your Jamaica adventures. Experience these iconic Jamaica cruise destinations, each brimming with fun and adventure. No matter where you go on the island, you'll be dancing to reggae beats and feeling the good-time vibe of this global phenomenon.

3 day cruise from new orleans to jamaica

Dishes reflect the Cajun, Creole, and French roots of New Orleans. Don't miss sampling dishes such as gumbo, po'boys, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, and andouille sausage. Be sure to save room for sweets such as beignets and Creole pralines. Licensed local taxis are known as "contract carriages" and always display a red license plate. They operate under fixed rates and these can be seen inside the cabs. If you want to save money, opt for route taxis, a service that runs like buses and picks up others along the way.

A Louisiana father went overboard on a Carnival cruise. His family says he may have slipped. - NOLA.com

A Louisiana father went overboard on a Carnival cruise. His family says he may have slipped..

Posted: Wed, 15 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The Belize section of the Mesoamerican Reef extends for nearly 190 miles. The reef is teeming with marine life and beautiful corals. If you are interested in learning more about Mayan history and Belizean culture, book an excursion to a spice farm and the ancient Mayan site of Nim Li Punit.

Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions. New Orleans, Louisiana serves as a bustling departure port for Caribbean cruises, offering a gateway to thrilling tropical adventures.

Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Due to the delicate nature of the coral reefs surrounding George Town, cruise ships anchor offshore and passengers are tendered to the port via smaller vessels. Typically, ships arrive early in the morning and leave in the late afternoon, providing ample time for you to immerse yourself in the numerous activities available.

Diving is the main activity here since Cozumel sits along the Mesoamerican Reef. Even if you aren't a diver, you'll find plenty to see and do here. You can also go kayaking or book a dune buggy or ATV tour, take a cooking class, and more. Everyone in your group can find something to enjoy on a cruise that stops in Cozumel. The best Jamaica cruises will let you explore adventure-packed experiences.

Soak your feet in pristine blue waters at Bamboo Beach Club in Ocho Rios. Splash around Dunn's River Falls, where cold, clear mountain water pours down on the rocks in mini-waterfalls. Journey into the rainforest at Mystic Mountain, and take the SkyExplorer chairlift above the treetops to the mountain's summit. The fun beaches have all the water sports and waterfront bars. Three cruise lines offer cruises to Jamaica from New Orleans, Louisiana.

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