cruises from boston april 2024

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7 night Canada / New England

7 night Bermuda

Find a great cruise from boston, what are the best cruises out of boston, .

There are many good cruises leaving from Boston in 2024 such as a 7 night cruise to From Boston to Bermuda on the Norwegian Pearl will give you four days to explore this wonderful island. Another good weeklong cruise is the Caribbean itinerary from Royal Caribbean International aboard the Voyager of the Seas. This includes stops at the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. If you would prefer to go north, Royal Caribbean International cruise from Boston also offers a Canada/New England cruise. Boston is the perfect starting point for this cruise which includes Bar Harbor, Maine, Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island and Sydney in Nova Scotia, among others. If time is a factor, you can also find many 2-night cruises from Boston to better suit your adventure needs. Weekend cruises from Boston are a great way to relax after a long work week.

How Can I Find Cheap Cruises Out of Boston in 2024?

The easiest way to find a cheap cruise from Boston is to sort your results by price. When searching for Boston cruises, prices already include any discounts, which means that you will see cheaper options even if they are normally more expensive. This is a great way to find a cruise that would normally be outside your budget. It's a good idea to be flexible on your 2024 departure date to find the best deals, as cruise lines out of Boston will tend to offer the best deals on staterooms at times when they have difficulty filling the ship.

Which Cruise Lines Operate Out of Boston?

Cruises out of Boston in 2024 are operated by a variety of lines including Norwegian , Holland America , Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean. This gives plenty of choices for your cruise vacation. You will find options here for couples, families, groups, etc. The cruise ships from Boston tend to be large ship cruises with lots of activities that are absolutely great for families with children.

How Can I Find Good Cruise Deals out of Boston?

To find great cruise deals from Boston look for our green box that features specific cruise deals and cruise discounts for each trip when available. These results will appear at the top when you sort by price. Make sure to take into account what perks and amenities are included. Sometimes it can be worth paying a bit extra for a cruise that, say, includes wi-fi and/or a drinks package, depending on what you are likely to use. Boston is a great departure point for certain Caribbean cruises and one of the best for getting a reasonably priced cruise up through New England and Nova Scotia. Choosing a cruise from Boston to Canada will reduce your at-sea time and thus costs too.

What Should I Look Out For When Booking a Cruise from Boston 2024?

First of all, make sure that the itinerary is what you are looking for. Also, make sure that your chosen Boston cruise ship has the amenities you crave. Also, consider the time of year; cruises that take place during breaks from school are more likely to have families with children. Being flexible on departure dates for your 2024 cruise leaving from Boston can help you get the best deal and have a better chance of booking the stateroom you want on the deck you want. Canada and New England cruises in the fall as well as the North Atlantic-focused transatlantic cruises can result in chilly temperatures out on the deck, so consider your temperature tolerance (and, of course, pack accordingly).

Where Are the Best Places to Go On Cruises Leaving From Boston in 2024?

The two most popular destinations out of Boston are Canada/New England and Bermuda. It is also the US departure/arrival port for some of the transatlantic cruises offered by Holland America. You can get a regular Caribbean cruise as well. These are all great destinations, depending on your tastes. If you want to spend several days in one place, the cruises from Boston to Bermuda are a great option as they tend to sail out and then moor to give you time to explore the island and a bit more freedom than many cruises offer. If you want to see some truly spectacular scenery and interesting wildlife, consider a Canada/New England cruise or, if you have the budget, a transatlantic cruise that explores Greenland and Iceland. These destinations can, of course, be cold even in summer, but it's worth it!

What Are Some Good All-Inclusive Boston Cruises?

Most of the cruise ships leaving from Boston are not truly all-inclusive, although they do include main dining, youth programs, onboard entertainment and basic drinks. This varies by line, so do check. To get an all-inclusive cruise from Boston you will need to select an offer that includes it. You should weigh how much you will use the amenities before purchasing a package. For example, most people these days need wi-fi, but a shore excursion package is only worth it if you know you are going to use it.

What Are Some Great Family Cruises From Boston?

Almost all of the cruise ships out of Boston,, include youth programs in the price of the ticket for 3 to 17-year-olds. What's offered varies, of course, by line and ship, but family cruises from Boston are easy to find. Bermuda cruises from Boston are great for families as you can spend time doing whatever you want on the island and not have to worry, for at least part of the time, about your ship sailing without you because the kids held you up. (Note, this is why it's usually best to take an official shore excursion because then the ship will wait for you). Your kids might, of course, have an opinion on the destination, but New England/Canada cruises tend to attract an older crowd, and there might be fewer other kids for them to hang out with.

What Are Some Good Adults-Only Cruises From Boston?

As the Boston cruise lines use mostly large ships, there are usually no specific adults-only cruises. All of the cruises have youth programs, which can help keep adults and kids separated. Your best bet to avoid a lot of families is to choose dates when kids are in school. The four-night Bermuda Cruise on the Norwegian Pearl is a great choice for a short romantic getaway. Check amenities to find the best cruise ships out of Boston for your particular trip.

What Are Some Good Singles Cruises From Boston?

Cruise lines mostly use large ships, and therefore do not usually have specific singles cruises out of Boston. However, it's worth considering a Norwegian cruise from Boston as they have great deals for solo travelers. Their ships have staterooms designed for solo travelers (so you are not paying for two people) and a Studio Lounge to meet other single cruisers.

Are There Any Christmas Cruises from Boston?

Because it is so far north, Boston has few to no sailings between November and April, so there are no Christmas cruises. Boston itself is, of course, a great place to experience a white Christmas.

What Are Some Great Gay Cruises out of Boston?

There are no specific gay cruises leaving from Boston. However, all four of the cruise lines that operate are considered very friendly to gay and lesbian travelers, especially Celebrity.

How do I Book a Cruise from Boston in 2024 on Expedia?

Simply browse our pre-selected Boston Cruise deals or set Boston as your departure destination. You can also narrow down your search by selecting an arrival destination and departure dates, as well as filtering by cruise line and ship. Too tight a search may give you no results, so if you do, then widen your parameters to find the best cruises out of Boston. You can also search by duration, helping you find good two-night cruises from Boston, or 7-day cruises from Boston, depending on how much time you have to spend. Weekend cruises out of Boston are a great break.

How can I find last-minute cruise deals from Boston?

Cruise lines operating out of Boston often have cabins they want to fill at the last minute. Enter your departure date and set Boston as the departure port. Available deals will be marked with a green box. You can sort by departure date to find the closest sailing to your time. A last-minute deal, if you are flexible, can give you a great discount on the cruise.

Do I need a passport to cruise from Boston?

This depends on the destination and where your cruise ends. A closed-loop cruise is one that starts and ends in the same US port, and the itinerary must consist of contiguous territories of the US, meaning that they share a land or direct sea border. If you are taking a closed-loop cruise, you do not need a passport. This includes all Canada/New England sailings, sailings to Bermuda, and most Caribbean itineraries. For transatlantic cruises, you will need a passport. Also, anyone who is not a US citizen will need a passport to take these cruises.

Can I Cancel My Cruise Booking?

If you need to cancel your booking for any reason, you can do so from your My trips page or by contacting customer service. Bear in mind that cruise lines have different cancellation policies, which will determine how much of a refund you get.

Why should I book a Cruise From Boston with Expedia?

Booking through Expedia is convenient and gives you access to search tools that can help you find the right ship and destination for your Boston cruises 2024 vacation. You can also become an Expedia Rewards member and get points for future travel.

Boston Cruise Guide

Boston is a city that’s full of history, being one of the oldest municipalities in the United States. Therefore, there’s an abundance of ancient artifacts, museums, and galleries to explore. But aside from being a history buff’s paradise, it’s also a bustling city with plenty of boutiques, bars, and a rich food scene.

The Flynn Cruiseport Boston is a popular starting point for Canada / New England itineraries, as well as tropical getaways to Bermuda and the Caribbean. The port welcomes ships from Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises.

Not too far from the cruise port, you’ll find plenty of attractions. Boston has been nicknamed “America’s Walking City,” as it is one of the most pedestrian-friendly states, making it easy to explore. The Freedom Trail is a walking route that passes by Boston’s 16 most important historic sites that shaped the American Revolution in the 1770s. You can explore on your own or with an entertaining 18th-century-themed guided tour. Another popular attraction is the Boston Duck Tours, where unique WWII-style duck boats take you to major attractions both on land and at sea along the Charles River. There’s also an aquarium, a Children’s Museum, a variety of Art Museums, and the interactive Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.

In regards to food, Boston’s signature dish is clam chowder, which was introduced to New England in the 18th century. Other must-tries are Boston Baked Beans, Lobster Rolls, Oysters, Cannoli’s, and the beloved Boston Cream Pie. Don’t forget to stop by a brewery, or take a walk along Newbury Street for all of your shopping needs, with dozens of unique boutiques and designer stores.

Pre and Post Cruise Hotels in Boston

The Revolution Hotel

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

The Dagny Boston

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Harborside Inn Of Boston

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

YOTEL Boston

Copley Square Hotel

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Why Cruise from Boston, Massachusettes?

Boston is a beautiful city, full of charm and life – and it’s also a departure ports for cruise lines like Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line , and Celebrity Cruises .

There’s a reason why so many cruise lines love this city! Boston is rich with interesting historical landmarks and modern entertainment, like a uniquely delicious dining scene and a variety of famous buildings with incredible architecture. This city is also a starting point for journeys across New England and Canada, as well as trips to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Whether you’re taking in the wintry scenery of the Canadian coastline or basking in the sunlight of a beach in the Southern Caribbean, adventures of all kinds are waiting for you. Travel to Boston and step on board!

Cruise Marketplace can help you save big on Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Carnival cruises from Boston in 2024 and beyond. Don’t miss your chance to discover this one-of-a-kind city and make spectacular memories by taking cruises from Boston! Contact us online or via phone to see the discounts available to you, whether you’re a senior traveler, solo passenger, couple, or family. We’re experts when it comes to finding ways to save.

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Boston Cruise Guide > Cruise Destinations > Bermuda

Boston to Bermuda Cruises

Bermuda cruises from Boston are available April to October. They are offered by Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania. See the full schedule of departures below.

Bermuda sand really is pink, and the lifestyle is fascinatingly British. Explore the islands on motor scooters or bicycles. Shop in the upscale stores for fine products from around the world. Try Bermuda's spicy food. Snorkel or scuba-dive on the beautiful barrier reef. Play golf on one of the 8 world famous courses. It all adds up to a great vacation, which you can preview on this video.

At St George's, Bermuda you'll be taken back through 400 years of history. See the original masonry buildings and narrow streets from the 17th and 18th centuries. The United Nations named the Historic Town of St. George and related fortifications a World Heritage Site.

Hamilton is the entertainment and shopping center of Bermuda. The city's focal point is Front Street, a harborfront road lined with turn-of-the-century Victorian buildings in bright pastel colors. Many have overhanging verandahs, where you can have lunch and watch the boats cross the harbor. Attractions include the Bermuda Cathedral, the Historical Society Museum, Botanical Gardens, Aquarium, and the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. Fort Hamilton is one of a series of forts built in the 19th century during a period of tension between Britain and the USA.

Learn from our tips for what to pack for a cruise to Bermuda . Enjoy your trip.

7-night cruises to Bermuda on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from Boston to Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda). Depart Boston at 4PM on Friday. Arrive at Bermuda 10AM Sunday. Leave Bermuda 7AM Wednesday. • 2024 departures: March 29, April 5, April 12, April 19.

7-night cruises to Bermuda on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from Boston to Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda) and Bar Harbor (Maine). Depart Boston at 4PM on Friday. Arrive at Bermuda noon Sunday. Leave Bermuda 4:30PM Tuesday. Arrive at Bar Harbor 10AM Thursday and depart 7PM. • 2024 departures: April 26, May 3, May 10, May 17, May 24, May 31, June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23.

7-night cruises to Bermuda on Oceania . Round-trip from Boston to Bar Harbor (Maine), St George (Bermuda)(overnight) and Hamilton (Bermuda)(overnight). • 2024 departures: September 11, September 18.

Boston to Bermuda Cruise Reviews

There are some entertaining video reviews of cruises from Boston to Bermuda. A young woman posted Norwegian Dawn cruise -- Boston to Bermuda . It shows the recently renovated ship, their stateroom, the spa, leaving from the Black Falcon cruise terminal, dining at specialty restaurants, entertainment, the pool deck, casino, and many scenes from around Bermuda.

Here's a shorter one entitled Vlog: Cruise to Bermuda! She seemed to have a great time. What to wear. Sights in Bermuda. Snorkeling.

Norwegian Gem - April 5, 2024

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April 5, 2024

April 5 - 12, 2024

Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Cruise Line

7 Night Bermuda

from Boston, Massachusetts

The April 5, 2024 cruise on the Norwegian Gem departs from Boston, Massachusetts. On this 7 Night Bermuda sailing, the ship will visit a total of 5 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Norwegian Gem sets sail on a Friday (April 5, 2024) and returns on a Friday (April 12, 2024).

The Norwegian Gem was built in 2007 and is amoung Norwegian's 19 ships in it's fleet. The Norwegian Gem is included in the cruise line's Jewel Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Norwegian Gem vs all other Norwegian ships.

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Stroll the cobblestone streets of one of America's most historic cities, home to such patriots as Paul Revere, Ben Franklin, and Drew Bledsoe. Discover a living museum where almost four centuries of American history can be traced. When it comes to variety, see why Boston is called the Hub. Nightclubs and theaters, the North End and Chinatown, Fenway Park and Boston Common can all be found here.

Stroll the cobblestone streets of one of America's most historic cities, home to such patriots as Paul Revere, Ben Franklin, and Drew Bledsoe. Discover a living museum where almost four centuries of...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. Explore the Norwegian Gem Deck Maps and make sure to view our list of Ship Venues and Features. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Royal Naval Dockyard

Visit the Royal Naval Dockyard in the West End, which served a vital function in the War of 1812, World War I and II, and the Cold War. Visit the Royal Naval Cemetery and the Navy Crest Wall, featuring art from the British Royal Army and Navy and other NATO members.

Visit the Royal Naval Dockyard in the West End, which served a vital function in the War of 1812, World War I and II, and the Cold War. Visit the Royal Naval Cemetery and the Navy Crest Wall...

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We’re excited to introduce even more of everything you love about sailing the world. This new season of sailings alone will visit more than 250 destinations in more than 70 countries. This is definitely the season that will inspire you to turn your bucket list into your book it list.

Our new season has something for every type of traveler—from first-time, year-round sailings in Asia and Europe to the first Celebrity Edge® Series ship in Alaska. From Celebrity Apex® sailing from London to Iceland, and every incredible place in between, to new itineraries in the sun-drenched Caribbean, including new weekend sailings for those quick and rejuvenating trips to paradise.

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6 Top Transatlantic Cruises for 2024

T ransatlantic cruises are unique when you compare them to traditional cruises most people book for family trips and romantic getaways. These voyages tend to be longer in general, and they have more built-in days at sea and offer a lot more time on board as a result. Repositioning cruises that include a transatlantic crossing tend to attract more retirees and travelers who just want to relax and enjoy their ships' amenities, especially since fewer days in port means fewer excursions and more time doing nothing at all.

That said, the fact that transatlantic cruises can last as few as seven nights means they may fit in your plans more easily than you may think. There are also some benefits to transatlantic crossings that may not be obvious, including lower nightly rates, more onboard credit, and more time to kick back and relax at a floating luxury resort in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're curious which transatlantic cruises are best for 2024, here are six top picks with different cruise lengths, itineraries and unique destinations to explore.

Explore cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

Starting price: $2,449 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

In May of 2024, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 vessel will offer three different transatlantic crossings of various lengths. Choose from a seven-night sailing from Brooklyn, New York , to Southampton, England; a nine-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany ; and an 18-night round-trip sailing that departs from Brooklyn and crosses the Atlantic twice on the way back to its starting point. This unique combination of itineraries lets you cross the sea and tailor your trip to how long you want to be away from home.

The 18-night itinerary is especially interesting, since it lets you depart from the United States and arrive back in Brooklyn in the end with stops in both England and Germany, as well as plenty of sea days in between. Luxury cruise line Cunard is known for its elegant design, lush amenities and upscale feel, and the Queen Mary 2 is one of the line's most luxurious ships. Highlights on this exclusive vessel include the Royal Court Theatre, a casino, gala evenings, an onboard spa and a vast library. The Queen Mary 2 holds up to 2,691 guests with 1,173 crew to cater to your every need.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Starting price: $5,949 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 21 nights

Seabourn is offering a 21-night transatlantic cruise from Miami on Seabourn Quest in March 2024 that offers a diverse range of ports of call before ending its voyage in Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands . Departure from Miami is followed by nine days at sea. Then, you'll enjoy multiple stops in the Canary Islands – including Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera – as well as stops in Praia and Mindelo the Cape Verde archipelago.

This journey with Seabourn makes it possible for travelers to see some of the most beautiful and remote tropical islands in the world. The Canary Islands are known for their white sand beaches , volcanoes and lush greenery; similar landscapes can also be found in Cape Verde's coastal towns and villages. Seabourn Quest, a smaller ocean vessel, accommodates just 229 guests.

MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

Starting price: $769 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 16 nights

The MSC Virtuosa from MSC Cruises is repositioning from Europe to the Caribbean in November 2024, which gives travelers the chance to enjoy a lengthy transatlantic crossing with plenty of unique ports. This sailing departs from England with eight sea days plus stops in France, the Azores of Portugal, St. Maarten , Antigua and Barbuda, and Martinique . The ship ends its journey in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

The MSC Virtuosa is a larger cruise vessel that boasts an impressive grand promenade with a LED dome ceiling, dedicated clubs for children and teens, an onboard spa, a lavish casino and the luxurious MSC Yacht Club section of the ship. This vessel holds a maximum of 6,334 passengers at once.

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Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

Starting price: $4,098 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 31 nights

Princess Cruises also offers its share of transatlantic sailings on various vessels. Its 31-night crossing from New York to Barcelona, Spain , on Island Princess in July 2024 is jam-packed with exciting destinations to explore. This lengthy transatlantic voyage has only 13 sea days with planned stops in Canada's Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England, Spain, Portugal and Morocco before the journey ends in Barcelona.

This intriguing sailing experience with Princess takes passengers to eight different countries in the span of a month. Island Princess is a nice ship for a long sailing because of its smaller size, with just 2,200 passengers and 900 crew. But the ship is also large enough to have a huge selection of included and specialty dining options, a Vegas-style casino, a sports court, a large central atrium for gathering, and several pools and hot tubs to enjoy.

Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Starting price: $760 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 12 nights

Celebrity Cruises is offering a 12-night sailing on Celebrity Equinox in April 2024 that starts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and ends in Lisbon, Portugal – making it possible for travelers to enjoy eight relaxing days at sea. What's interesting about this sailing is its stops along the way, which include the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda; Porta Delgada in Portugal's Azores archipelago; and Porto in mainland Portugal.

The Celebrity Equinox accommodates a maximum of just 2,852 passengers at once, so this Celebrity vessel is a solid choice for travelers who want just the right size ship instead of a smaller vessel or a megaship. There are also plenty of onboard features to keep you happy and entertained as you float across the Atlantic Ocean, including The Casino, The Lawn Club with outdoor games like bocce ball and croquet, The Martini Bar, the adults-only Solarium and more.

Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

Starting price: $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 14 nights

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is hosting a transatlantic voyage in October 2024 that departs from Barcelona, Spain, and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This vessel will make stops in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena and Málaga in Spain, then spend eight days at sea. After that, enjoy a day in Nassau in the Bahamas before the cruise drops passengers off in sunny Florida.

Interior staterooms on this Royal Caribbean sailing start at just $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees), which works out to around $60 per night, per person. The Oasis of the Seas megaship can hold a total of 6,771 guests and 2,109 crew, so it's an enormous vessel – to put it mildly. This size may not be ideal for travelers who want a more intimate cruising experience, but it's perfect for cruisers who want plenty of space to spread out and endless activities to take part in. Oasis of the Seas boasts 20 different restaurants and cafes, 11 bars and lounges, a variety of pools and whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, the AquaTheater diving and entertainment venue, mini-golf, a casino and plenty more.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Solo Cruises (With No Supplement Fare)
• Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress
• Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials Chosen by Experts

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Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Nearly 44 Million Travelers Leaving Town for Unofficial Start of Summer

Second highest memorial day holiday travel forecast since aaa began tracking in 2000.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2024) – AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period*. This year’s total number of travelers is a 4% increase over last year and comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers.  

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”   

Road trips are expected to set a record. AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019. Traveling by car is appealing for many people because of the convenience and flexibility it provides. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston and Las Vegas are the cities displaying the highest rental demand , with the busiest pick-up days projected to be Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24.  

This Memorial Day weekend drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was roughly $3.57.  Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks. Prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway. The wildcard remains the cost of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.  

Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11. This Memorial Day weekend, air ticket prices are comparable to last year. AAA booking data shows a 1% to 2% increase in prices for domestic flights. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover.  

  Nearly two million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year. “This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic with fewer people taking public transportation or not cruising at all,” Twidale said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways.”  

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro 

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.   

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX.  

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.   

For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT

Source: INRIX   

Source: INRIX  

Top Destinations 

This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed. European cities dominate the international list. The top 10 domestic and international destinations below are based on AAA booking data.  

Travel Trends   

As travelers make plans for summer and beyond, AAA Travel has identified the following trends:  

• Bucket Lists : Travelers taking once-in-a-lifetime trips  
• Milestones : Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips  
• Asia : More travelers interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan   
• Solo Trips : More people, especially women, interested in traveling by themselves  
• Luxury Vacations : More travelers seeking high-end cruises and tours  
• Trains : Many travelers interested in rail vacations across New England, Canada, and Europe  
• Adventure in Nature : Travelers booking trips to Antarctica, Africa, and South Pacific  

  Travel Agent Survey  

A recent survey of AAA travel agents highlights topics travelers are frequently discussing when booking trips:  

• Travel Insurance : 51 % of agents say more travelers are interested in protecting their trips  
• 77% of agents say ocean cruises  
• 70% of agents say all-inclusive vacations  
• 67% of agents say river cruises  

Holiday Travel Forecast Methodology   

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.   

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.  

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of April 15, 2024.   

*Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period   

For this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27, 2024.   

AAA Travel Agent Survey Methodology 

AAA clubs distributed surveys to a random sample of their travel agents between March 18 and March 29, 2024 to understand recent traveler trends over the past 60 days. 186 AAA agent responses were collected from 13 AAA clubs (representing 97% of AAA membership overall as of February 2024).  

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.   

About S&P Global   S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses, and individuals with the right data, expertise, and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges, and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow today. For more information, visit  www.spglobal.com .   

About DKSA    

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually, and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.   

About INRIX     

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

‘It's definitely a nightmare': US tourist speaks for first time since arrest in Turks and Caicos islands

Tyler wenrich is the latest american arrested on the islands of turks and caicos for possession of ammunition. he spoke exclusively to nbc boston  , by leslie gaydos • published may 8, 2024 • updated on may 9, 2024 at 5:06 pm.

In his first interview since being arrested on April 20, Tyler Wenrich is sharing his story of arrest and detention on the islands of Turks and Caicos on charges of possession of ammunition.

“I can almost not wrap my head around it still, and I'm living in it. You know, it's hard to. It's hard to believe that it's happening. And it's definitely a nightmare,” Wenrich told NBC10 Boston’s Leslie Gaydos.

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The 31-year-old has been on Grand Turk Island since his arrest over two weeks ago after two 9mm rounds were found in his bag as he tried to reboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship after a beach excursion.

“I've used that bag to go to the shooting range with friends and to carry my firearm in the past. So it was, you know, I checked it before I left, and it was just a complete oversight on me. TSA and, the port security, you know, three groups missed that ammunition,” said Wenrich.

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Wenrich posted bail last week pending a court hearing. He told Gaydos that Royal Caribbean security turned him over to Turks and Caicos authorities. NBC10 Boston reached out to Royal Caribbean about the incident and has not heard back.

“I spent, about three nights, in the jail and then I moved to the prison for about nine nights. It was extremely difficult,” said Wenrich. “The conditions were difficult but the people were more phenomenal, which helped.”

“It was still a very it was a very hard situation to be in,” shared Wenrich. “It's definitely the hardest thing I've ever had to go through.”

It's definitely the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. Tyler Wenrich

Wenrich is a paramedic and said it has been hard being away from his wife and 1 1/2-year-old son, who live back in Virginia.

“They're not doing great. You know, my son's having trouble sleeping that night… something's wrong,” shared Wenrich. “He's old enough to know there's something wrong and my wife is trying to do the best she can.”

Wenrich said that while his wife has a strong support system it has been hard having him thousands of miles away living in uncertainty.

Wenrich is now living on the island with his father as his case moves through the courts. He said the situation has taken an emotional and financial toll. 

“Tens of thousands of dollars that we're facing and just trying to survive here and legal fees," he explained.

He and his family have set up a crowdfunding website to help cover legal fees and expenses while he awaits his fate.

Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvania and Ryan Watson of Oklahoma both pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition after bullets were found in their bags when they tried to board flights home after vacations on the island earlier this year. Hagerich will be sentenced May 29 and Watson will be in court next month. NBC10 Boston was the first to break the story of their detainment.

The TSA launched an investigation after our story aired, they confirmed they did a review of the airport Watson departed from and issued a statement saying, “TSA takes its security mission very seriously. TSA can confirm that four rounds of ammunition were not detected in the traveler’s bag during security screening at Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), which was the originating airport.”

“TSA is here to protect our transportation security systems, and an oversight occurred that the agency is addressing internally.” They confirmed to

A fourth American, Michael Evans was arrested in December, and pleaded guilty to possession of seven rounds of ammunition, according to police.  He is in the U.S. on bail and has a June 18 sentencing hearing. All of the men face a possible 12-year prison sentence under TCI’s guns and ammunition law, but judges can consider exceptional circumstances.

The Turks and Caicos attorney general and the director of public prosecutions issued a statement last month saying the islands’ firearm ordinance “requires the Supreme Court to impose a mandatory minimum sentence and fine for certain firearm offenses, except in circumstances where the court finds that there are exceptional circumstances….”

The statement went on to add that there have been five separate cases within a two-year period where the Supreme Court on the islands has found exceptional circumstances. Four of the offenders were fined and one was given a custodial sentence below the mandatory minimum.

Michael Grim of Indiana was arrested last August for possession of ammunition and sentenced to eight months in prison.

It is a frightening waiting game but Wenrich said he is grateful for all of the support he has received.

“It's overwhelming. I am surprised and thankful about how many people and organizations have been supporting all of us,” said Wenrich. “My boss and my work has been phenomenal and they have helped us so much through this and I just can't thank people enough for getting the word out there, supporting us and praying for us to get through this.”

Wenrich said he is, “Just trying to lean on my faith and pray and, I’m thankful for the support system that we have.”

“I'm hoping for the best outcome for everybody….it's an unimaginable situation that we're in and we're all just trying to take it day by day to get through it.”

Unrelated to their cases, there have been a series of bomb threats on the islands of Turks and Caicos. The police commissioner of the Royal TCI Police Force issued a statement about a series of bomb threats on officials and the island’s two airports in recent weeks. They said no devices have been found and have asked the public for information about the hoax threats.

There have been a number of social media posts that have since made claims linking the threats to the American tourists, which prompted Hagerich and Watson to issue a statement:

“We condemn the recent threats against Turks and Caicos Islands officials and places, including airports and schools. We have nothing to do with them and hope authorities bring the perpetrator(s) to justice. Our families use the Turks and Caicos airports, we are parents of young children, and we take the safety of the TCI and everyone on them seriously.”

More on the threats

More coverage on the turks and caicos ammunition laws.

American dad awaits sentencing in Turks and Caicos ammo case

US State Department apologizes to mother of American imprisoned in Turks and Caicos

Virginia man charged with ammunition possession in Turks and Caicos granted bail

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First step to increasing cruise ship fees in Newport gets OK. See how much they could go up

Next summer’s wave of cruise ships may see higher per-passenger fees for docking and disembarking from the City of Newport following a recently passed bill in the House of Representatives.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 8027, which will allow the City of Newport to increase the fees cruise ships have to pay in order to land and disembark from the City of Newport. Reps. Laura Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport) and Marvin Abney (D-Dist 73, Newport) co-sponsored the legislation which was requested by the Newport City Council in a resolution earlier this year.

“Cruise ship stopovers in Newport are a unique part of our tourism industry,” Carson said in a press release on the House vote. “While they each can bring well over 1,000 visitors into the city at once, those passengers already have a place to stay and a place to eat on board the ship, so landing and embarking fees represent most of the revenue the city can make. Newport needs to invest considerably in our infrastructure to keep our city a safe, resilient and attractive place for our residents and visitors alike, so bringing this fee up to the level that other coastal cities charge is a sensible way to help raise revenue without burden to taxpayers.”

Currently, cruise ships pay $6 per passenger when they make a stop in Newport, $3 for landing and $3 more for boarding for when the ship embarks from the city docks. This fee was established in 2014, having been raised from the $2 per passenger per stop cruise ships had to pay when the legislature established the fees in 1999.

Suppose the Senate passes its sister bill 2024-S 302, sponsored by Sens. Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) and Louis DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton). In that case, the city will be able to increase the total fee to $20 per passenger, $10 on landing and $10 for boarding to embark from the city.

While $10 is the maximum to which the city can raise its cruise ship fees, Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong assured the General Assembly during a hearing on the item that the fee would be increased over several years, with the first increase to $6 imposed in the next 18 months, after the current wave of cruise ships passes through. He said the additional revenue will be enough to support the capital improvements made to Perrotti Park, where these cruise ships typically dock.

Set a course for adventure: 'Love Boat' cast reuniting for cruise – and a stop in Newport

Last year, 56 cruise ships made stops in the city according to testimony from Khamsyvoravong during the General Assembly hearing on the bill in April. This year, they expect 65 ships, carrying over 110,000 passengers. Khamsyvoravong explained to the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing that the influx of tourists these ships bring, while welcome, significantly impacts the city, especially its roads and infrastructure. Additionally, he noted that while Newport is one of the highest-rated cruise destinations in the Northeast, its fees are significantly less than its peers, such as Bar Harbor, Maine; Rockland, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia and Boston, which charge $13, $10, $11.50 and $23 each way, respectively.

“We are certainly within market,” Khamsyvoravong said. “It is time for us to catch up, and in Newport, we’re looking at dedicating those funds to the waterfront infrastructure that’s serving this industry.”

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Princess Cruises to Sail Largest-Ever Europe Cruise and Cruisetour Season in 2026

New sun princess one of five to sail region. season also features total solar eclipse cruise - return to copenhagen – plus new roundtrip rome itineraries..

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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 9, 2024) – Princess Cruises is going big in Europe for 2026. The “Love Boat” line today announced that its 2026 European cruise and cruisetour season will be its biggest ever, with five Princess cruise ships sailing the region, including the sensational new Sun Princess. Set to sail on a record-breaking 222 cruises, guests will have unparalleled opportunities to explore the beauty and diversity of Europe.

Running March through November 2026, the European season features 59 unique itineraries, visiting 101 destinations across 29 countries, ranging from five to 42 nights. Highlights of the upcoming season include an opportunity to experience the 2026 total solar eclipse; sail on the newest Princess ship – Sun Princess; the return of roundtrip cruises from Copenhagen and new itineraries from Rome. The robust season goes on sale May 23, 2024.

“There’s incredible demand for European vacations and we don’t see that slowing down anytime soon,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. “Guests should book early as our best pricing will be when these cruises first go on sale. Our 2026 season delivers the best of Europe with incredible voyages visiting a mix of marquee ports, as well as smaller, off-the-beaten-path spots offering guests their very own personalized journey.”

2026 Europe Highlights

Sun Princess , the next-level Love Boat from Princess, will sail 7-, 14- and 21-night Mediterranean voyages departing from Civitavecchia (Rome), Piraeus (Athens), and Barcelona. Guests on a 14- and 21-night voyage can enjoy an itinerary without calling to the same port twice for a Grand Mediterranean Adventure .

• Itinerary Sample: A seven-night Mediterranean voyage sails roundtrip from Piraeus (Athens) to Barcelona, calling at Santorini, Kotor, Corfu, and Messina (Sicily).

The newest Princess ship is a true engineering marvel, offering an extraordinary cruise experience with not-to-be-missed culinary, entertainment and luxury accommodations. Sun Princess debuts new eye-catching experience venues including The Dome, a groundbreaking geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. With 30 inviting restaurant and bar venues with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences, Sun Princess has something for every guest to love.

The 3,660-guest Sky Princess will return for its sixth year to home port in Southampton. Sky Princess takes guests on itineraries ranging from seven to 28 nights to destinations including Northern Europe, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean.

On August 12, 2026, Sky Princess will sail directly into the “path of totality” on a special 14-night Total Solar Eclipse Cruise which also visits France, Spain and Portugal. The cruise departs Southampton August 8, 2026.

NEW for 2026 is a 28-night Northern Europe and Mediterranean itinerary sailing roundtrip Southampton and calling to Skagen, Copenhagen, Warnemunde (for Berlin), Stockholm (overnight), Helsinki, Tallinn, Visby, Zeebrugge (for Brussels/Bruges), Southampton, Vigo, Cadiz (for Seville), Malaga, Cartagena, Gibraltar, Lisbon, Bilbao, Le Verdon (for Bordeaux). Departs September 12, 2026.

NEW for 2026, the 3,660-guest Enchanted Princess offers Mediterranean itineraries roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome), ranging from five, seven, eight, and 14-nights.

• Itinerary Sample: A seven-night Mediterranean & Adriatic sailing roundtrip Rome (Civitavecchia) to Dubrovnik, Kotor and Corfu.

For the first time-ever, the 3,560-guest Majestic Princess is sailing roundtrip from Southampton , offering British Isles and Northern Europe itineraries ranging from 11, 12 and 14 nights. British Isles voyages take guests to historic ports across England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, while the Northern Europe itineraries include stops in Scandinavia, Iceland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium.

• Itinerary Sample: A 14-night Northern Europe cruise visits Haugesund (Norway), Skjolden/Sognefjord (Norway), Olden/Nordfjord (Norway), Aalesund (Norway), Reykjavik (Iceland), Isafjordur (Iceland), Akureyri (Iceland).

Princess Cruises returns to Copenhagen after six years with the 2,670-guest Sapphire Princess , providing 12-night Northern Europe itineraries.

• Itinerary Sample: Visits to Skagen, Oslo, Gdynia, Klaipeda, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, Nynashamn (for Stockholm), and Visby.

Prior to sailing from Copenhagen, Sapphire Princess sails in the Mediterranean for two months between March and April 2026, from Barcelona, plus itineraries sailing roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome).

Cruisetours: Guests can combine a Europe cruise with multiple days on land to experience more of the region with five cruisetours to choose from. Guests can choose to sightsee in the cosmopolitan city of Madrid on the Highlights of Spain cruisetour, visit Florence and Rome on the Classic Italy cruisetour, explore Mediterranean treasures on the Best of Greece cruisetour or take in the spectacular landscapes of Ireland on the Ring of Kerry cruisetour.

Grand Adventures and Passages: All five ships sail ultimate transatlantic crossings, offering voyages ranging between 14- and 29-nights.

More Ashore: 19 ports include ‘More Ashore’ late-night stays on select itineraries, and three ports provide overnight stays – Alta, Hamburg and Stockholm.

With Princess Plus and Premier inclusive packages guests enjoy the ultimate in savings by adding popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, fitness classes, crew gratuities and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when amenities are purchased separately.

Princess Captain’s Circle members can take advantage of an early booking window starting May 16, 2024, and are eligible for a special discount if booking before August 31, 2024.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

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Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

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With Arms Wide Open

How did creed, the most hated band of the 1990s, become so beloved—and even cool i sailed the seas with thousands of fellow lunatics to find out..

It’s high noon on a blazing April day, which is the ideal time to be sitting in an Irish pub aboard a cruise ship the size of a small asteroid. The bar is called O’Sheehan’s—yes, pronounced “oceans”—and it’s located deep within the belly of the boat, just above the teppanyaki joint, the sake bar, and the lustrous duty-free shops. This consciousness-altering diorama of infinite seas and cloying Guinness-themed paraphernalia is where I meet Colleen Sullivan, a 46-year-old woman with a beehive of curly red hair and arms encased by plastic wristbands. She wants to tell me how Creed changed her life.

A few moments earlier, Sullivan dropped one of those wristbands on my table—an invitation to talk. It’s lime-green and emblazoned with pink lettering that reads “Rock the Boat With Creed.” I slip it past my hand and sidle up to her booth. Sullivan uses one nuclear-yellow-painted fingernail to hook back the wristbands on her right arm. Underneath is the pinched autograph of Scott Stapp, the band’s mercurial lead singer, enshrined in tattoo ink. This, it seems, is not her first rodeo.

We are both here for “Summer of ’99,” a weekendlong cruise and concert festival for which Creed—as in the Christian-lite rock band that sold more than 28 million albums in the U.S. alone and yet may be the most widely disdained group in modern times—is reuniting for the first time in 12 years. Roughly 2,400 other Creed fans are along for the round-trip ride from Miami to the Bahamas, and the rest of the bill is occupied by the dregs of turn-of-the-millennium alt-rock stardom. Buckcherry is here. So are Vertical Horizon, Fuel, and 3 Doors Down, the latter of whom hasn’t released an album since 2016.

To celebrate, Sixthman, the booking agency responsible for this and many other cruises, has thoroughly Creed-ified every element of the ship. The band’s logo is printed on the napkins and scripted across the blackjack felt. The TV screens at the bar are tuned to a near-constant loop of Creed’s performance at Woodstock ’99. The onboard library has been converted to a merch store selling Creed hoodies and shot glasses. The stock music piped into the corridors has been swapped out for Hinder’s “Lips of an Angel,” Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy,” and 3 Doors Down’s “Kryptonite.” When I turn on the closed-circuit television in my cabin, a channel called New Movies plays Scream 3 and Can’t Hardly Wait . And four elevator doors in the boat’s central plaza are plastered with the words “Can You Take Me Higher or Lower?” Sixthman pulled similar stunts with 311’s “ Caribbean Cruise ,” Train’s “ Sail Across the Sun ” cruise, and Kid Rock’s notoriously debauched “ Chillin’ the Most ” cruise—the Kid Rock cruise also took place on the vessel I’m on, the Norwegian Pearl . The idea is to teleport a captive audience back into the dirtbags they once embodied and to a simpler time, when Scott Stapp controlled the universe.

Sullivan tells me that her relationship with Creed overlaps with her sobriety story. She first became a fan of the band in the late 1990s, when “Higher” and “With Arms Wide Open” were soaring up the Billboard charts. Then, Sullivan started using, and her appreciation for the divine proportions of those songs faded in service of more corporeal needs. Years later, after Creed broke up and Sullivan got clean, she returned to the music and discovered a dogma of her own: Maybe she had been put on earth to love Stapp—and Creed—harder, and with more urgency, than anyone else in the world.

“He helped me grow with those old Creed songs,” she tells me. “When I saw Scott for the first time live, he had just gotten clean too. I’d go to the shows and there would be tears streaming down my face.” Her left arm contains another Stapp tattoo, with the words “His Love Was Thunder in the Sky” scrawled up to her elbow, surrounded by a constellation of quarter notes. It’s a lyric taken from a 2013 Stapp solo song called “Jesus Was a Rockstar.” The singer Sharpie’d it onto her body himself.

“Summer of ’99” is Creed’s second attempt to reunite, after it disbanded in both 2004 and 2012 amid clashing egos and substance issues. The band couldn’t have picked a better time to get back together. If you haven’t noticed, we’re in the midst of an extremely unlikely Creed renaissance, redeeming the most reviled—and, perhaps more damningly, most uncool —band in the world. For much of the past 20 years, hating Creed has been a natural extension of being a music fan: In 2013 Rolling Stone readers voted the group “the worst band of the 1990s,” beating out a murderers’ row of Hootie and the Blowfish, Nickelback, and Hanson. Entertainment Weekly, reviewing Human Clay , the band’s bestselling album and one of the highest-selling albums of all time, bemoaned the record’s “lunkheaded kegger rock” and “quasi-spiritual lyrics that have all the resonance of a self-help manual.” Meanwhile, Robert Christgau, the self-appointed dean of American rock critics, wrote Creed off as “God-fearing grunge babies,” comparing the group unfavorably with Limp Bizkit.

The disrespect was reflected more sharply by Stapp’s own contemporaries. In the early 2000s, Dexter Holland, the frontman of the Offspring, played shows wearing a T-shirt that read “Even Jesus Hates Creed.” After leaked images of a sex tape filmed in 1999 featuring Stapp and Kid Rock and a room full of groupies made it onto the internet, Kid Rock retorted by saying that his fans didn’t care about the pornography but were appalled that he was hanging out with someone like Stapp. The comedian David Cross, who embodies the archetype of the exact sort of coastal hipsters who became the band’s loudest hecklers, dedicated swaths of his stand-up material to bird-dogging the singer. (One choice punchline: “That guy hangs out outside a junior high school girls locker room and writes down poetry he overhears.”) Then, in 2002, after a disastrous show in Chicago at which a belligerently drunk Stapp forgot the words to his songs and stumbled off the stage for 10 minutes, four attendees unsuccessfully sued the band for $2 million. Holland’s shirt didn’t go far enough—at the group’s lowest, even Creed fans hated Creed.

All this acrimony plunged Stapp into several episodes of psychic distress. His dependence on alcohol and painkillers was well documented during the band’s initial brush with success, but after Creed’s short-lived reconciliation, Stapp spiraled into a truly cavernous nadir. In 2014 the singer started posting unsettling videos to Facebook, asserting that he had been victimized by a cascading financial scam and was living in a Holiday Inn. That same year, TMZ released 911 calls made by Stapp’s wife Jaclyn claiming that he had printed out reams of CIA documents and was threatening to kill Barack Obama. But these days, Stapp—who announced a bipolar diagnosis in 2015—appears to be on much firmer ground, and the band has reportedly patched up some of those long-gestating interpersonal wounds.

But with time comes wisdom, and in 2024 neither the critical slander nor the troubling reports about Stapp’s mental state are anywhere to be found. It is a truth universally acknowledged that Creed is good, a shift that, as Stapp told Esquire , “just started happening” around 2021. The new paradigm likely solidified the next year, when Creed’s mythically patriotic post-9/11 halftime show, played on Thanksgiving in 2001, began to accrue latter-day meme status. The set was ridiculous and immaculately lip-synced by Stapp and company. Yoked, shirtless angels spin through the air, and cheerleaders pump out pompom routines synchronized with “My Sacrifice,” all while the live broadcast is interspersed with grim footage from ground zero. It’s garishly, unapologetically American, issued just before the unsavory decline of the Bush administration clicked into place. Today both of those relics—Creed and the unified national optimism—are worth getting wistful about. “This is where we peaked as a nation,” wrote football commentator Mike Golic Jr., linking to the video.

Creed nostalgia has only proliferated further since the resurrection of that halftime show. The band’s guitarist, Mark Tremonti, told the hard-rock site Blabbermouth that he’d recently noticed athletes bumping Creed as their “ go-to battle music ,” and in November, an entire stadium of Texas Rangers fans belted out “Higher” to commemorate their team’s World Series victory . Earlier this year, a viral remix of “ One Last Breath ” even began pulsing through some of the hottest parties in New York. The band has clearly crossed some sort of inscrutable cultural Rubicon and thrown reality into flux—up is down, black is white, and, due to a sublime confluence of biting irony and prostrating sincerity, Creed fucking rocks .

All this means that the inaugural edition of the “Summer of ’99” cruise is buoyed by very high stakes. It has been 12 long years since Creed last played a show, and the cruise is intended to be the dry run for a mammoth comeback tour that is scheduled for 60 dates, through summer and autumn, in basketball arenas and hockey stadiums across North America. The only remaining question is whether the band can keep it together. I’m there in a commemorative Creed Super Bowl halftime T-shirt to find out.

Several flights of stairs above O’Sheehan’s, the day before I meet Sullivan, I find Sean Patrick, a giddily beer-buzzed 34-year-old from Nashville who is standing in awe of a Coachella-sized stage that looks downright sinister on the pool deck. Creed is playing two shows this weekend, and the first is set for the very minute the boat leaves port and escapes Miami for the horizon. This means that everyone who purchased a ticket to “Summer of ’99”—which ranges from $895 for a windowless hovel to $6,381 for a stateroom with a balcony—has ascended to the top of the ship, preparing for Creed’s rebirth in a wash of Coors Light tallboys.

As of two days ago, Patrick was unaware he would be attending this cruise. Everything changed when a friend, who was on the waitlist, received a call from Norwegian Cruise Line informing him that a cabin with his name on it had miraculously become available. Patrick was suddenly presented with the opportunity to spend a tremendous amount of cash, on very short notice, to witness this reunion amid the die-hards.

Unlike Sullivan, Patrick doesn’t possess one of those highly intimate histories with the band, flecked with tales of trauma and perseverance. Still, he fell in love with Creed—even if it was only by accident.

“I think it started as a joke. The songs were good, but there was definitely a feeling of, like, Yeah, Creed! ” he tells me. “But then, next thing you know, you find yourself in your car, alone, deciding to put on Creed.”

The majority of the passengers on the Pearl have never been burdened with Patrick’s hesitance. Their relationship with Creed is genuine and free—cleansed of even the faintest whiff of irony—and, unlike Patrick, they tend to be in their late 40s and early 50s. The woman standing ankle-deep in the wading pool with a Stewie Griffin tattoo on her shin unambiguously loves Creed, and the same is probably true of whoever was lounging on a deck chair with a book, written by Fox News pundit Jesse Watters, titled Get It Together: Troubling Tales From the Liberal Fringe . Two brothers from Kentucky who work in steel mills, but not the same steel mill, tell me that loving Creed is practically a family tradition: Their eldest brother, not present on the boat, initially showed them the band’s records. Tina Smith, a 48-year-old home-care aide from Texas, crowned with a black tennis visor adorned with golden letters spelling out the name of her favorite band, loves Creed so much that she embarked on this trip all by herself. “This is my first cruise and my first vacation,” she says, proudly. (Smith is already planning her next vacation. It will coincide with another Creed show.)

Passengers I encounter that are a generation younger are clearly acquainted more with Creed the meme than Creed the band. These are the people who vibe with statements like “Born too late to own property, born just in time to be a crusader in the ‘Creed Isn’t Bad’ fight”—especially when they’re arranged as deep-fried blocks of text superimposed over the face of Keanu Reeves as Neo. If the establishment brokers of culture once settled on the position that Creed sucks, then it has been met with a youth-led insurgency that seems dead-set on shifting the consensus—if for no other reason than to savor the nectar of pure, uncut taboo.

Many members of this insurgency are aboard the Pearl , and they’re caked in emblems of internet miscellany that scream out to anyone in the know. Consider the young man, traveling with his father, who is draped in a T-shirt bearing the Creed logo below a beatific image of Nicolas Cage circa Con Air , or the many fans who wander around the innards of the Pearl in matching Scott Stapp–branded Dallas Cowboys jerseys, a reference to that halftime show. In fact, the best representatives of sardonic Creed-fandom colonists might be the youngest collection of friends that I’ve met on board. They are all in their 20s, most of them work in Boston’s medicine and science sectors, and each is dressed in a custom-ordered tropical button-down dotted with the angelic face of Scott Stapp in places where you’d expect to find coconuts and banana bunches. A week before “Summer of ’99” was announced, the four of them made a pact, via group text, that if Creed were ever to reunite, they would make it out to see the band play, no matter the cost. Their fate was sealed.

“I hated Creed. I thought they were terrible,” says Mike Hobey, who, at 28, is the oldest of the posse and therefore the one who possesses the clearest recollection of Creed’s long, strange journey toward absolution. “But then I started listening to them ironically. And I was like, Oh, shit, I like them now .”

His point is indicative of a strange tension in this new age of Creed: If “the worst band of the 1990s” is suddenly good, does that mean all music is good now? Is nothing tacky? Have the digitized music discovery apparatuses—the melting-pot TikTok algorithm, the self-replicating profusion of Spotify playlists—blurred the boundaries of good and bad taste? Am I, like Hobey, incapable of being a hater anymore?

This is what I found myself thinking about when Creed took the stage, right as the Miami skies began to mellow into a late-afternoon smolder, and put on what was, without a doubt, one of the best rock shows I’ve ever seen. The scalloped penthouses of Miami’s gleaming hotel district passed overhead as the Pearl ’s rudder kicked into gear, and Scott Stapp—looking jacked and gorgeous, chain on neck and chain on belt, flexing toward God in a tight black shirt—launched into “Are You Ready?,” the first song of the afternoon, his baritone sounding, somehow, exactly like it did in 1999. “Who would’ve thought, after our last show in 2012, our next show would be 12 years later, on a boat?” Stapp said. He is risen, indeed.

I later hear from Creed’s PR agent that Tremonti, the guitarist, was more anxious than he was excited to get this first show in the books. I also gather, from Stapp’s representative, that photographers are mandated to shoot the lead singer during only the first two songs of the set, before he begins to “glisten” (her word) with sweat. But if nerves were fraying, Creed conquered them with ease. The members of the band were enveloped by an audience that had paid a lot of money to see them, and in that atmosphere, they could do no wrong. They blitzed through a variety of album cuts before arriving at the brawny triptych of “Higher,” “One Last Breath,” and “With Arms Wide Open,” pausing briefly to wish Tremonti, who was turning 50, a happy birthday. (Stapp wiped away tears afterward, a genuinely touching moment, considering that during their first breakup, Tremonti had compared his years collaborating with Stapp—who was then in the throes of addiction— with surviving Vietnam .) Given Creed’s historic proximity to the Kid Rock brand of red-state overindulgence, I half expected the concert to detonate with violent pits and acrobatic beer stunts, but nothing remotely close to mayhem occurred. This crowd was downright polite—chaste, even—as if it had been stunned by the grandeur of Creed.

“He tried to dance pogo ,” says a disappointed German woman, basking in the pool after the show, gesturing toward her husband. Both of them explain to me that pogoing is the German word for “moshing” and that, even more astonishingly, Creed is huge in their native hamlet, just outside Düsseldorf.

“It’s a reunion after 12 years!” says her husband. “Everyone should be dancing pogo .”

Nothing about Creed’s music has changed in the past decade, which is to say that many of the quirks that people like Hobey once used to mock the band for were on brilliant display during its first show back. But the truth is that little of the smug hatred for the group has ever had much to do with the music itself. Creed’s first record, 1997’s My Own Prison , was nearly identical to the down-tuned angst of Soundgarden or Alice in Chains, drawn well inside the lines of alt-rock radio. (It earned a tasteful 4/5 rating from the longtime consumer guide AllMusic.)

The problems arose only after the band started writing the celestial hooks of Human Clay , solidifying its superstar association with other groups chasing the same crunchy highs with machine-learning efficiency: Nickelback, Staind, Shinedown, and so on. Post-grunge was the term music journalists eventually bestowed on this generation, and in retrospect, that was the kiss of death. Creed was suddenly positioned as the inheritor of the legacy of Kurt Cobain, the godfather of grunge, who bristled at all associations with the mainstream music industry and hired the notoriously bellicose Steve Albini to make Nirvana’s third album as sour and uncommercial as possible. Stapp, meanwhile, has long called Bono—he of the flowing locks, billionaire best friends , and residencies in extravagant Las Vegas monoliths —his “ rock god .” Creed’s sole aspiration was to become the biggest rock band in the world, and for a few years there, the group actually pulled it off. Cobain’s grave got a little colder.

Post-grunge steamrolled the rock business, reducing its sonic palette to an all-consuming minor-chord dirge. Nickelback’s “How You Remind Me” went quadruple platinum in 2001, eventually sparking a furious period of retaliation from the underground. (You could make the argument that the rise of the Strokes or the White Stripes or the indie-rock boom writ large is directly tied to the vise grip Creed once held on the genre.) Before long, music aesthetes adopted a new term, rather than post-grunge , to refer to the Creed phenotype: butt rock . In fact, by the late-2000s, the hatred of Creed had been so canonized that when Slate published a rebuttal —in which critic Jonah Weiner asserted that the band was “seriously underrated”—the essay was considered so “ridiculous” and contrarian as to single-handedly inspire the viral and enduring #slatepitches hashtag, instantly prompting parodies such as “ Star Wars I, II, & III, better than Star Wars IV, V, & VI .”

But, frankly, when I revisit Weiner’s piece, many of his arguments sound remarkably cogent to modern orthodoxies. “Creed seemed to irritate people precisely because its music was so unabashedly calibrated towards pleasure: Every surging riff, skyscraping chorus, and cathartic chord progression telegraphed the band’s intention to rock us, wow us, move us,” he writes. Yes, these easy gratifications might have been unpardonable sins in the summer of 1999, capping off a decade obsessively preoccupied with anxiety about all things commercial and phony. But now even LCD Soundsystem—once the standard-bearer of a certain kind of countercultural fashionability—is booking residencies sponsored by American Express. We have all become hedonists and proud sellouts, and with Creed back in vogue, it seems as if the band’s monumental intemperance has become a feature rather than a bug.

That does not mean Stapp no longer takes himself, or his art, seriously. The singer’s earnestness—some might say humorlessness—has always been a cornerstone of Creed’s brand, and there are millions of fans who will continue to meet him at his word. They brandish personal biographies that intersect with Creed’s records; they finds lines about places with “golden streets” “where blind men see” more inspiring than corny, and many of them are etched with the tattoos to prove it. But in the band’s contemporary afterlife, when all its old context evaporates, Stapp has also attracted a community eager to treat Creed like the party band it never aspired to be—the group of licentious pleasure seekers Weiner wrote about. They’re all here, sprinkled throughout the boat, ready to drink a couple of Coronas and shred their lungs to “My Sacrifice.”

After wrapping up the first night of the cruise, Creed, along with the rest of the bands on the bill, was scheduled to administer a few glad-handing sessions on the weekend itinerary. On Saturday, Tremonti chaperoned a low-key painting session while the Pearl floated into the Bahamas at a dock already crammed with other day-trippers. (Our boat was parked next to a Disney cruise, and when we disembarked, in direct earshot of all the young families, the PA blasted Puddle of Mudd’s “She Fucking Hates Me.”) Tremonti keeps busy: The previous evening, he had judged a karaoke tournament—on the main stage—alongside 3 Doors Down lead singer Brad Arnold. Toward the end of the competition, Tremonti grabbed the microphone for a rousing cover of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” which I’d like to think served as a tribute to Creed’s own tenaciousness.

Stapp, on the other hand, is slated for exactly one appointment mingling with the masses: He’ll be shooting hoops with some of the more athletically oriented Creed adherents on a helipad that doubles as a basketball court near the rear of the boat. Stapp is, by far, the most famous person on board, evidenced by the security detail that stands guard on the concrete. So I take my seat on the bleachers and watch him casually drain 10 free throws in a row in mesh shorts under the piercing Atlantic sun with the distinct tang of contractually obligated restraint. Afterward, Stapp slips back into the mysterious alcoves of the ship, while an awed buzz of fans—hoping for a selfie, an autograph, or a split second of euphoric surrender—tail him until they are sealed off for good. It is the one and only time I see him cameoing anywhere but the stage, drawing a stark contrast to the other musicians on board, who flit between the casinos, restaurants, and watering holes in the guts of the Pearl .

This makes some sort of cosmic sense. Stapp, to both his detriment and credit, has never embraced the flippancy that so many other people wanted to impose on Creed. “Sometimes I wish we weren’t so damn serious,” he said in a memorable Spin cover story from 2000, at the height of his mystique. “My agenda from the beginning was to write music that had meaning and was from the heart. You can’t force the hand of the muse.” If you’ll excuse the ostentation of the sentiment, you can maybe understand how someone like Stapp might not be able to feel like himself when he’s orchestrating photo-ops around a free-throw line with that same young man dressed in his Nic Cage–themed parody Creed shirt. He seems to find nothing trivial about Creed’s music. The threat of irrelevance shall never tame him. You cannot force the hand of the muse.

Unfortunately, Stapp’s remoteness is also why Kelly Risch, a 58-year-old from Wisconsin with streaks of ringed, white-blond hair and glam-metal eye shadow, is currently fighting back tears in the Atrium, the ship’s lobby and central bar. Risch is sipping mimosas with her sister Shannon Crass, and, like so many of the others I have spoken to on this cruise, they each have matching Creed tattoos memorializing a personal catastrophe. Twenty years ago, Risch suffered a massive blood clot in her leg and almost died. Crass printed out the lyrics to the latter-day Creed ballad “Don’t Stop Dancing”—a song about finding dignity in the chaos of life—and pinned them in Crass’ intensive care unit during her recovery. Today the chorus is painted on their wrists, right above Scott Stapp’s initials.

The sisters were two of the first 500 customers to buy tickets to “Summer of ’99,” which guaranteed them a photo with the band at its cabin. This is why Risch is crying. The photo shoot came with strict rules, all of which she respected: no Sharpies, no hugs, and no cellphones. She’d hoped for a moment, though—after spending $5,000 and traveling all the way from the upper Midwest, after clinging to life with the help of Creed, and after waiting 12 long years to have the band back—to thank the singer for his comfort. But Stapp, even indoors, was wearing dark, face-obscuring sunglasses. She didn’t even get to make eye contact.

“He’s so great with the crowd. He’s so engaging onstage,” says Crass. “I think that’s why this is disappointing.”

The two sisters are determined to make the most of the rest of their vacation. The Pearl will be pulling into Miami tomorrow at 7 a.m., and there are plenty more mimosas left to drink. I tell them I’m going to speak with Stapp, and the rest of Creed, in an hour. Do they have anything they’d like me to ask?

“Tell him not to wear sunglasses during the photos,” they say.

Creed is finishing up the meet-and-greet obligations in a chilly rococo ballroom, paneled—somewhat inexplicably—with portraits of Russian royalty. The band members have been at this all morning, after a late night finishing off the second performance of their two comeback sets. A molasses churn of Creed fans, all sea-weathered and scalded with maroon sunburns, weaves through a bulwark of chairs and tables toward the pinned black curtains at the rear.

Creed has this down to an art. The band is capable of generating a photo every 30 seconds, and afterward, the fans exit back down the aisle, with beaming smiles, their brush with stardom consummated. Stapp chugs a bottle of Fiji water and holds out his hand for a fist bump after the last of those passengers disappear. A crucifix dangles above his navel, and an American flag is stitched to his T-shirt. He’s still wearing those sunglasses.

I am given just 15 minutes to ask questions, in a makeshift interview setup against the portside windows, under the watchful surveillance of the entire Creed apparatus—both PR reps, a few scurrying Sixthman operators, the photographer, and so on. I ask what their day-to-day life is like aboard the “Summer of ’99,” in this highly concentrated environment of super fans, with no obvious escape routes. Stapp says that he has spent most of the time on the cruise “resting and exercising,” while Brian Marshall, the band’s bassist, told me he executes his privilege of being one of the band’s secondary members by frequenting the sauna and steam room. Throughout the weekend, Marshall is hardly recognized.

Scott Phillips, Creed’s drummer, confirms my suspicions about the cruise’s demographics. The ticket data reveals that a good number of the passengers aboard are under 35 years old. I’m curious to know how the band members are adjusting to this new paradigm shift, and if they wish to settle common ground between the post-ironic millennials and the much more zealous Gen Xers, who bear Creed insignias on their calves and forearms.

“People are drawn to our music for different reasons,” Stapp says. “That’s probably why you have the guys you were talking about, who want to chill and drink light beer and scream ‘Creed rocks!’ and the others, who have a much deeper, emotional impact.”

“And maybe, at some point, with the light-beer guys, it does connect with them,” Phillips adds. Stapp agrees.

But, really, the reason I’m here is because I want to ask Stapp a question I’ve been curious about for the entirety of Creed’s career. The band’s bizarre odyssey, from its warm reception among youth groups across America to the bloodthirsty backlash that met its success to this current psychedelic revival, has all orbited around a single lasting question: Why is Scott Stapp so serious? Could he ever mellow out? Does he want to? Surely now is the time. If Stapp allocated some levity for himself, then so many of the bad things people have said about him would be easier to process. Who knows? Maybe he’d have an easier time getting his arms around the current state of Creed, a group that is now, without a doubt, simultaneously the coolest and lamest band in the world. Why must he make being in Creed so difficult?

“It’s just who I am,” he says. “It’s what inspires me. It’s where I come from. And it’s tough, because you have to live it. That’s the conundrum of it all. That’s the double-edged sword. If I started writing [lighter material], there would be a dramatic shift in my existence.”

There’s a break in the conversation, then Stapp asks me to identify the name of the new Taylor Swift album. The songwriter’s 11 th record has dropped like a nuclear bomb while we’ve all been out to sea, but data restrictions mean that nobody on board can access Spotify or any other streaming service. The Norwegian Pearl serves as a butt-rock pocket dimension: The biggest story in pop music simply can’t penetrate our airtight seal of Hinder, Staind, and so much Creed. “It’s called The Tortured Poets Department ,” I reply. Outside of my fiancée, he is the only person on the entire cruise I will speak to about Taylor Swift.

“That’s what I feel,” he says, without a shred of artifice. “I connect with that title.”

Later that evening, I climb to the top of the Pearl for a final round of karaoke, where fans keep the spirit of 1999 alive for a few more hours. The bar is more hectic than it’s been all trip—everyone is willing to risk a hangover now that Monday is all that looms on the horizon. The host asks a guest if they intended to sing “Torn” by Creed or “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia. “I assume Creed, but Natalie would be a fun surprise.”

The playlist is more diverse than I expected. We are treated to both Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin’ ” and Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine.” Brandon Smith, one of the very few people of color aboard the cruise, crushes Maroon 5’s “She Will Be Loved.” A lanky kid from St. Louis unleashes a Slipknot death-growl into the microphone. A queer couple quietly slow-dances on the otherwise empty dance floor. And a 16-year-old, teeth tightened by braces, orders his last Sprite of the night. “Rockers are the most awesome people!” shouts one transcendently inebriated guest over the clamor of his Rolling Stones cover. “Creed is awesome!” On this one thing, at least, we can all agree.