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Campbell River, Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise

Campbell River Whale Watching

Explore the waters of the Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait on this Campbell River cruise. Catch glimpses of wildlife.

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Spend a day on the water and discover local wildlife on this Campbell River cruise. Visit the Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait. With an abundance of wildlife in the area, you are likely to encounter many animals both on land and at sea. Choose from two vessel options for your cruise. A covered vessel with indoor seating offers a good option for families. Alternatively, a zodiac-style vessel offers a good option for those who like being outdoors and want to feel the wind through their hair. Hop aboard your chosen vessel, then sit back and relax. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, killer whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, bears, Steller sea lions, and more. Learn from an on-board naturalist and listen to the sounds of whales through hydrophones. While it might not be possible to guarantee you’ll see all of these animals on your tour, this tour offers a great opportunity to see everything that is possible.

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve now & pay later

Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.

Duration 4 hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Private group available

About this experience

What to do in campbell-river.

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THE 10 BEST Campbell River Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in campbell river.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Cape Mudge Lighthouse
• Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
• Eagle Eye Adventures
• Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Spring Bears and Whales in Campbell River Tour

2. 4 hour Zodiac Whale and Wildlife Tour

3. Full Day Grizzly Bear Tour to Toba Inlet

4. 6 hour Covered Boat Whale Watching Tour

5. Private Sailing tour Explore Beautiful British Columbia

6. Inside Passage & Rocky Mountain Tour - From Vancouver

7. 7-8 Hour Zodiac Whale Watching Tour

8. 2 Hour Coastal Sunset Tour By Boat

9. 4 hour Covered Boat Whale and Wildlife Tour

10. Salish Sea Whale Watching

11. 6 Hour Whale Watching Tour With Lunch Included

12. Spring Bear and Waterfall Tour

13. Great Bears of Bute: Grizzly Bear Viewing & Indigenous Cultural Tour

14. 6 hour Zodiac Whale Watching Tour

15. Full Day Grizzly Bear Tour to Bute Inlet

16. People Water Land- Indigenous Cultural and Wildlife Tour

17. Full Day Grizzly Bear Expedition in Desolation Sound

18. 4 Hour Wildlife Tour Featuring Whale Watching

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

4 Hour Afternoon Whale Watching Tour

4 Hour Morning Whale Watching Tour

Full Day Whale Watching Campbell River

4 hr Into The Wild Whales & Wildlife Adventure

Parksville Sunset Whale and Wildlife Adventure

Howe Sound Islands Cruise

Parksville Half Day Whale and Wildlife Adventure

What travellers are saying.

• Salish Sea Whale Watching
• 2 Hour Coastal Sunset Tour By Boat
• Kayaking with Whales and Wildlife
• Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours
• Adventure Quest Tours Canada Inc
• Big Animal Encounters
• Aboriginal Journeys Wildlife and Adventure Tours
• Outsider Charters Inc.
• 50 North Adventures
• Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
• Coastal Wilderness Adventures
• Discovery Marine Safaris Ltd.

Campbell River: Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise

Indulge in a fascinating statistic: over 16 different species of whales and dolphins have been sighted in the waters surrounding Campbell River. Imagine the thrill of encountering these magnificent creatures up close, their powerful presence leaving a lasting impression.

But there’s more to this cruise than just whale watching . Stay tuned to uncover how this adventure promises an immersive experience amidst stunning landscapes and diverse marine life, offering a unique perspective on the wonders of the Salish Sea.

• Cruise through Salish Sea, Discovery Passage , and Johnstone Strait for prime whale watching .
• Encounter humpback whales, killer whales , dolphins , bears , and sea lions .
• Enjoy personalized small group tours with knowledgeable naturalists.
• Benefit from exceptional service, memorable wildlife encounters , and value for money.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Campbell River: 6-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour
• Campbell River: Whale Watching Cruise With Lunch
• Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride
• Campbell River: Scenic Sunset Tour By Boat

Booking Details

When booking the Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise in Campbell River, travelers can take advantage of the flexible reservation policy that allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This policy provides peace of mind for those needing to adjust their travel plans .

Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later adds to the convenience of booking. The cruise offers a duration of 2 to 4 hours, catering to various schedules and preferences. This flexibility ensures that visitors can plan their day around the cruise without feeling rushed.

Experience Highlights

Visitors embarking on the Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise in Campbell River can anticipate an exhilarating experience filled with scenic views, wildlife encounters , and expert guidance from onboard naturalists.

The cruise takes guests through the stunning Salish Sea, Discovery Passage , and Johnstone Strait , offering prime opportunities for whale watching and spotting a variety of wildlife.

Onboard naturalists enhance the experience by sharing insights into the animals and their habitats, enriching the journey with valuable information.

Guests also have the unique chance to listen to whale sounds through hydrophones, adding a new dimension to their wildlife encounters.

This cruise promises unforgettable moments surrounded by the beauty of nature and the majesty of marine life.

Full Description

Set out on a day of marine exploration, encountering a diverse array of local wildlife on the Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise in Campbell River. Explore the following aspects of this exciting adventure:

Vessel Options: Choose between two vessels to enhance your wildlife viewing experience.

Land and Sea Animals: Encounter animals both on land and at sea, offering a comprehensive wildlife experience.

Learn from Experts: Benefit from the knowledge of an on-board naturalist who’ll enrich your experience with insights into the behavior and habitats of the creatures you encounter.

This cruise presents ample encounter opportunities with humpback whales, killer whales , dolphins, bears , sea lions , and more. Prepare for a day filled with remarkable animal encounters on the picturesque waters of Campbell River.

Encounter a personalized small group cruise experience with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included in the inclusions of the Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise in Campbell River. This cruise offers an intimate setting for wildlife encounters, ensuring a memorable and educational experience.

On board, guests have the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable naturalists who provide insightful commentary on the diverse marine life of the area. The small group size allows for a more intimate setting, where guests can ask questions and engage in on-board education.

This cruise isn’t suitable for children under 4 years old, ensuring a serene environment for all participants to enjoy the sights and sounds of the local wildlife.

Review Summary

With top ratings across various aspects of the experience, the Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise in Campbell River has garnered high praise for its knowledgeable guide, excellent transportation , and overall value for money. Customers have left glowing feedback about the exceptional service and memorable wildlife encounters on this cruise.

The guide’s expertise received a perfect 5/5 rating, highlighting their in-depth knowledge and passion for the local wildlife. The transportation aspect was also highly commended, with a rating of 4.9/5, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all passengers. Plus, the value for money was rated at 4.6/5, indicating that guests felt they received an enriching experience that was worth the cost.

Navigating your way to the embarkation point for the Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise in Campbell River is straightforward and convenient for all travelers. The cruise departure location is easily accessible by car, and ample parking facilities are available for those arriving with their vehicles. For those using public transport, the embarkation point is conveniently located near bus stops and taxi stands. Below is a simple guide to help you find your way:

Prepare to set sail for an exciting ocean adventure filled with wildlife spotting opportunities!

Tips for the Cruise

When preparing for the Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise in Campbell River, visitors can enhance their experience by considering valuable tips for maximizing wildlife sightings and overall enjoyment during the journey.

Arrive Early : Getting to the dock early ensures you have time to check-in, get settled , and maybe even grab a prime viewing spot.

Bring Binoculars : A good pair of binoculars can help you spot wildlife from afar, enhancing your whale watching experience.

Pack a Camera : Don’t forget your camera for capturing breathtaking moments of whale watching and stunning nature photography opportunities.

These simple tips can make a significant difference in your whale watching and nature photography experience during the cruise.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Campbell River: Wildlife Tour by Covered Boat
• Campbell River: Salish Sea Whale Watching Adventure
• Campbell River: Full-Day Grizzly Bear Tour
• Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour

Common questions

Are there any restroom facilities available on board the vessels for the whale & wildlife discovery cruise.

Restroom facilities are available on board the vessels for the whale & wildlife discovery cruise. The cruise is not suitable for children under 4 years. Passengers can enjoy the journey without worrying about restroom access during the experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children to Participate in the Cruise?

There is no minimum age requirement for children to participate in the cruise. The experience is family-friendly, offering a memorable wildlife encounter for all ages. Children can enjoy the scenic cruise, spot whales , learn from naturalists , and more.

What Type of Snacks or Refreshments Are Provided During the Cruise?

During the cruise, passengers can enjoy various snack options and a selection of beverages. Whether craving a light bite or a refreshing drink, guests will have choices to complement their wildlife viewing experience.

Are There Any Specific Safety Instructions or Guidelines That Passengers Should Be Aware of Before Boarding the Vessels?

Passengers should follow safety instructions and guidelines before boarding vessels. Life jackets must be worn, stay seated while the boat is moving, and follow crew directions. Be aware of emergency procedures. Enjoy the cruise!

Can Passengers Bring Their Own Cameras or Binoculars to Enhance Their Wildlife Viewing Experience During the Cruise?

Passengers can enhance their wildlife viewing experience by bringing their own cameras or binoculars. Remember to follow camera etiquette for respectful photography and maintain binoculars for optimal nature observation. Enjoy capturing unforgettable moments on the cruise!

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Campbell River: Discovery Passage Wildlife Zodiac Boat Tour
• Campbell River: Whale Watching Covered Boat Tour With Lunch
• Campbell River: Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing Day Tour
• Campbell River: Grizzly Bear-Watching Tour With Lunch
• Vancouver Island: People Water Land – Indigenous & Whales
• Vancouver Island: Spring Bears and Whales Full-Day Tour
• Campbell River: 4-Hour Ocean Rapids Ride
• Campbell River: Waterfall and Wildlife Guided Boat Tour
• Campbell River: Spring Bear Watching & Waterfalls Boat Tour
• Campbell River: Whale Watching Zodiac Boat Tour With Lunch
• Vancouver Island: Full-Day Grizzly Bear Tour at Toba Inlet

Set out on a thrilling adventure with Campbell River’s Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise.

With the chance to witness majestic whales and diverse marine life, this experience promises unforgettable memories.

From knowledgeable naturalists to the unique opportunity to listen to whale sounds through hydrophones, this cruise offers a truly immersive wildlife encounter.

Book now for flexibility and excitement on the beautiful waters of Campbell River.

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• Due to the city's over 100 year long history of being the best salmon fishing site, the activity leads as one of the city's attractions. Visitors can fish various species of fish for sport, but the most popular species are the King Salmon, especially in July to September.  
• The coastal city, also boasts of having some exquisite dive sites that encourage scuba diving for visitors. The emerald green waters of the region provide improved visibility with an aesthetic touch. These same waters host a wide variety of marine wildlife that is appealing to get closer to.  
• Nature lovers and adventurers alike should pay a visit to the Baikie Island Nature Reserve, which was rehabilitated from an industrial setting. The park is peaceful and tranquil making it an ideal choice for visitors interested in the serene outdoor setting.  
• Visitors interested in interacting with the local population should pay a visit to the Centennial Outdoor Pool. It is a heated pool that is open from June all through to August. It is an ideal family destination that has facilities for handicapped people.

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Cruise passengers left stranded on african island to be reimbursed for some travel cost paid to return to ship.

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The eight cruise passengers who were stranded on an African island after their ship left the port without them will be reimbursed for some of the costs they endured while trying to make it back onto the ship, the cruise line said.

Jill and Jay Campbell, of South Carolina, along with four other Americans and two Australians, had to race through seven different countries in 48 hours to reboard the Norwegian Dawn in Senegal on Tuesday.

They had earlier hoped to board the ship at the port in Gambia in West Africa, traveling 15 hours through six countries to reach the port on Sunday, only to find that the ship could not dock due to low tides, according to WPDE.

From there, the group boarded a bus and had to take a ferry across a river, Kurt Gies, the son-in-law of another passenger who was left on the island of São Tomé and Principe after she suffered a stroke , told The Post.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line says the passengers will be reimbursed for the costs they endured while trying to race from Gambia to Senegal.

“Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal,” the cruise line said.

It had earlier said the passengers — who were left on the island without any of their belongings from the cabin, including money, medicine and necessary travel documents — were “responsible for any necessary travel arrangements to rejoin the ship.”

Keep up with The Post's coverage of the Norwegian Cruise debacle

• Eight Norwegian Cruise passengers, including a pregnant woman and an elderly man with a heart condition, were stranded on an African island without money and vital medications after the vessel left port without them.
• A spokesperson for the cruise line claimed the passengers were left on the island “on their own or with a private tour” and missed the “all-aboard time” by over an hour, according to the company.
• Americans Jill Campbell and her husband, Jay Campbell, said they are unsure whether they even want to resume the 20-day voyage after Norwegian Cruise Lines forgot about its “basic duty of care.”
• The eight passengers raced through seven different countries over a span of 48 hours to make it to Senegal, where the ship docked Tuesday morning,
• Doug and Violeta Sanders, a stranded Australian couple, have spoken out about their ordeal , saying it was “the worst experience of our lives.”
• Julie Lenkoff, 80,  suffered a stroke during an excursion on the cruise — and was left “alone” and “helpless” to find her way back to the US, according to her family.
• COLUMN: Cruise ship was right to ditch the late passengers in Africa

Check out The Post’s tips on what to do if you’re left stranded like the Norwegian Cruise passengers

As they scrambled to find a way back to the ship, working with the US Embassy in Angola, the Campbells had to shell out more than $5,000 in food, toiletries and hotels — as they were the only ones in the group that had a Visa credit card on their persons, they told WRAL.

The group finally reboarded the Norwegian Dawn Tuesday morning, but they hadn’t spoken directly with cruise officials, Gies said.

The Dawn is now expected to continue its 21-day African voyage through next Wednesday, when it will dock for the final time in Barcelona, Spain.

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A group of cruise ship passengers were stranded on an African island. What happened?

An American couple who endured traveling through seven countries in 48 hours to catch up to a cruise ship that left them at a previous port said they may not re-board the boat.

A 21-day dream cruise along the coast of Africa turned into an international ordeal for couple Jill and Jay Campbell and a group of six other passengers after they said they were left behind during a tour stop on an African island off the coast of Nigeria.

What happened to the cruise ship passengers?

Six Americans and two Australians were on a privately-run excursion on the island of Sao Tome on March 30 and were supposed to be back by 3 p.m. local time, according to the couple.

When they didn't make it back in time due to what they said were issues with the tour, their Norwegian Cruise Line ship left without them.

The Campbells, who are from Garden City, South Carolina, told NBC News their tour operator notified the cruise captain that they were going to be late rejoining the ship, but the vessel left anyway. They added that the island's coast guard tried to get them and several others to the cruise ship, but they said they weren't allowed to board.

The stranded guests made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia, but the vessel could not safely dock there due to "adverse weather conditions," Norwegian said.

The couple then had to make their way from Sao Tome to Dakar, Senegal, where the cruise ship was docked on April 2.

“It’s one of those, ‘You can’t get there from here,’” Jay Campbell said on TODAY on April 2. “I think we flew through six countries just to get to Gambia yesterday.”

When will the passengers return home?

The couple traveled through seven countries in a 48-hour period to reach Senegal, according to Jill Campbell.

Following that ordeal, they said they aren’t sure if they’re going to board the ship again to rejoin the cruise.

“After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly,” Jill Campbell said.

“I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and that really the safety and the well-being of the customers should be their first priority, and that should be placed first," she said.

“We believe there was a basic duty of care that they’ve forgotten about so it does concern us.”

What has Norwegian cruises said?

Norwegian Cruise Line told NBC News in a statement that the Campbells’ situation was unfortunate, saying “guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time” and noting the group was on a privately-run tour.

The Campbells were thankful for the people of Sao Tome as they tried to navigate how they were going to catch up to the ship.

"It’s a very difficult process," Jay Campbell said. "You’re dealing with multiple languages, language barriers.

"You’re dealing with different currencies, currency exchanges, finding someone that even has dollars, taking dollars, the minimum amount that we had, trying to convert them to local currency, (and) trying to get an agent to understand where we need to get to."

Scott Stump is a trending reporter and the writer of the daily newsletter This is TODAY (which you should subscribe to here! ) that brings the day's news, health tips, parenting stories, recipes and a daily delight right to your inbox. He has been a regular contributor for TODAY.com since 2011, producing features and news for pop culture, parents, politics, health, style, food and pretty much everything else. 

The Original Vegan Cruise – “One of the 100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life.”

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Your Voyage to Wellness

Celebrate 20 years.

Nourish your body and mind while exploring some of the most beautiful destinations in the world while diving deep into the benefits of vegan nutrition. Join world-renowned plant-based leaders and chefs for the 20th Anniversary of the Voyage to Wellness (italic) cruise!

Travel from Miami to the verdant jungles of Ocho Rios, Jamacia, onto the famous long crescent of coral-sand beach in George Town, Cayman Islands, then scuba dive in beautiful Cozumel, Mexico, and finally relax in the tropical paradise of Ocean Cay, Bahamas.

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The Original Vegan Cruise

Since setting sail in 2004, Holistic Holiday at Sea has earned an international reputation for combining vegan travel with the medicine, nutrition, and activism of the plant-based movement!  That’s why  National Geographic Traveler named it “One of the 100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life.”

Make your next vacation healthful, energizing, and meaningful.

While sailing with Holistic Holiday at Sea, you will enjoy delicious five-course vegan meals prepared by our team of well-known plant-based chefs. Imagine beginning your day embracing yoga and meditation classes in the fresh air and the ocean at your side, then completing your evenings with nightly entertainment and social events.

You will also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded guests throughout our voyage to wellness. We offer a multiple lineup of workshops, lectures and classes led by plant-based world-renowned leaders, physicians, and coaches with expertise in nutrition, fitness, mindfulness and wellness! 

We know that when it comes to cruises, the journey and destinations are equally important. That’s why the itineraries for our vegan voyages include the most beautiful destinations of the Caribbean Island. Explore on your own, or experience through a variety of shore excursions that we offer at each port.

Exotic Ports

We know that when it comes to cruises, the journey and destinations are equally important. That’s why the itineraries for our vegan voyages include some of the most heavenly oases bordering the Caribbean Sea. Cruising with Holistic Holiday at Sea will bring relaxation as well as excitement in dreamy coastal destinations. A variety of shore excursions are offered at each port.

Renowned Vegan Speakers

Meet with some of the world’s most engaging plant-based experts and advocates as we sail. Year after year, our forward-thinking presenters create life-changing experiences that motivate, inspire, and rejuvenate our guests. Our leading plant-based physicians discuss cutting-edge research that is making huge strides in the plant-based movement by challenging societal norms and inspiring people to live their healthiest and fullest lives.

See Past Presenters

Delicious Vegan Cuisine

Exceptional food can heal and transform, and that’s exactly why our voyages offer a 100% whole-foods, plant-based menu.

Cooking Classes

Envisioning your place aboard the newest luxury ships? Sign up for the Holistic Holiday at Sea newsletter to learn about our upcoming trips, events, announcements, and savings!

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2024 Presenter Series: Interview with Nathan Crane

Jan 18, 2024

Are you curious about the inspirational presenters joining us on the next Holistic Holiday at Sea? We’ll host an incredible group of renowned experts who will share their wisdom and knowledge throughout the upcoming vegan cruise trip in March 2024. Today, we’re...

2024 Presenter Series: Interview with Dr. Scott Stoll

Who are the pioneers of plant-based health and wellness joining the upcoming Holistic Holiday at Sea in March 2024? We were fortunate to sit down with several of the inspirational presenters who will be on board the next vegan cruise, and today we would like to...

2024 Presenter Series: Interview with Robert Cheeke

Jan 12, 2024

We recently caught up with Robert Cheeke, a  plant-based pioneer and beloved Holistic Holiday at Sea veteran. We were delighted to learn that Robert, who is an expert in the realms of fitness, wellness, and vegan living, will release a new book in June 2024!  The...

Great cruise! A life changing experience. You brought to one venue almost every Whole Food Plant Based expert. My wife and I loved every minute!

– Marc Slavin

More than a cruise to the Caribbean, more than gourmet vegan macrobiotic meals three times a day, more than educational workshops, more than inspirational speakers, the Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise is a voyage to discover the joy of living – a joy so grand that it permeates everyone on board.  

– Julia Ferre

It’s an opportunity to expand your knowledge and eat perfectly healthy foods while relaxing in the beautiful Caribbean. It wouldn’t surprise me if you came back from your vacation a different person.

– Neal Barnard, M.D.

See more sponsors

Deluxe Interior IR2

Deluxe Interior Staterooms feature a comfortable queen bed that can be converted into two single beds on request. Your stateroom has a bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer, Interactive TV, telephone, safe, and minibar. Approx. 150 sq. ft.

Miami, Florida

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Holistic Holiday At Sea will be offering group rates for your pre and post hotel accommodations. Please check back in October 2023.

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Miami moves to a rhythm all its own— from the sun-drenched beaches to a diverse blend of cultures. Indulge in the glitzy chic of Miami Beach and explore Little Havana’s deep-rooted Cuban heritage. Unwind on Key Biscayne’s serene shorelines, pedal along Ocean Drive or paddle a kayak through Oleta River State Park’s winding mangrove channels. Head to Coconut Grove to take in the bohemian vibe. Whether it’s Art Deco architecture, world-class cuisine or endless nightlife, adventure shines bright in The Magic City.

Win Raffle Prizes!

Raffle prices and full details coming soon!

Continuing Education Credits CME / CEU

Unfortunately, Holistic Holiday at Sea will not be offering continuing education credits for the 2024 cruise. Please check back for our status for 2025.

Benefits of Vegan Lifestyle

Our philosophy.

We believe that food should be deeply satisfying, healing, and nutrient dense. We know that what we eat is the most important component in the formula for a successful holistic lifestyle. We are deeply committed to feeding our guests plant-based meals that promote and sustain optimal health.

Kids Club and Events

MSC Cruises also designed for kids. From activities like excursions, to clubs and events that give both kids and their parents time for themselves and an opportunity to make new friends.

MSC Cruises have been named "Best Cruise Line for Families" in the Cruise Critic UK Editors' Picks 2019 and "Best Family Cruise Line" at the Wave Awards 2018.

Learn to prepare best tasting vegan dishes by well-known chefs in the cooking classes.

Fall in love with Beans! with Jenne Claiborne 

Tasty Tantamount Tofu with Jenne Claiborne                  

Brain-Healthy Bites with Ayesha Sherzai, MD MAS

The Joy of Asian Cooking with Kim Campbell     

Meat Replacers with Kim Campbell       

Singles Tables

On Sunday at dinner, and Monday at lunch and dinner, we have “singles only” tables on Deck 6 in the Cala Jondal Restaurant on the right side (portside)as you enter the dining room. The maître d’ will be happy to direct you.

Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Welcome to your own private island.

Friday March 8, 2024

Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve is founded on a deep commitment to ecological principles that shape everything from how the venues are built and how the island is run, to the kinds of activities featured on the island.

Formerly a sand extraction site, MSC Cruises has made significant efforts to clear the island and the surrounding ocean bed from all discarded debris – while removing a total of 7,500 tons of scrap metal – and relocating coral with the longer-term vision of encouraging coral to grow and repopulate. These efforts will give guests the opportunity to learn about the protection of the oceans and the importance of preserving coral reefs through dedicated edutainment programs.

Deluxe Balcony Aurea

Balcony Aurea Staterooms have a comfortable queen bed that can be converted into two single beds on request, a sitting area with a sofa and a private balcony. Your stateroom features a bathroom with a shower or bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer, Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar. Approx. 183 sq. ft. & balcony approx. 54-97 sq. ft.  Best ship position for Balcony cabins.

Yacht Club Deluxe Suite YC1

Enjoy privacy and exclusivity in MSC Yacht Club with a private restaurant, pool, lounge, and more. Yacht Club Deluxe Suite features a comfortable queen bed that can be converted into 2 single beds on request, a private balcony, sitting area with sofa, Spacious closet, bathroom with shower or bathtub, vanity area, hairdryer, Interactive TV, telephone, safe, and minibar. Approx. 269 sq. ft. & balcony approx. 86 sq. ft.

Vegan Ethics and Activism

The vision of Holistic Holiday at Sea is to help people help themselves by offering holistic methods for achieving health and spiritual wellness and by offering financial support to other organizations that share their goals.

Education is the key to create public awareness about the important roles that diet, nutrition, and lifestyle play in the maintenance of health and prevention of disease. 

Premium Suite Aurea with Terrace SLT

Premium Suite Aurea SLT cabins feature a comfortable queen bed that can be converted into two single beds on request, a sitting area with a sofa and a large private balcony terrace. Your suite features a bathroom with a shower or bathtub, vanity area, and hairdryer, Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar. Approx. 300 sq. ft. & balcony approx. 409 sq. ft.

MSC will offer an extensive Wine Menu for your choice.

Food Allergies and Special Diets

Ingredients for the vegan dishes being served at any given meal will be posted at the entrance to the dining room. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, please check the ingredient lists carefully, so you know what courses you may have to avoid.

Oil-free and Gluten-free Menus Are Available

In addition to our 100% vegan whole food menu, we offer a second vegan menu with no added oil. Eating gluten-free is easy on the cruise – most of the courses are gluten free. Dishes containing gluten are clearly marked on the menu; just ask your waiter for the gluten-free version.

It is each person’s responsibility to read the ingredients. Please take a moment to check the list if you have any special needs. Waiters may not understand your questions.

Deluxe Ocean View OR1

Enjoy the view of the ocean from your stateroom. Deluxe Ocean View Staterooms feature a comfortable queen bed that can be converted into two single beds on request and a window with a sea view and a small sofa. Your stateroom has a bathroom with a shower, vanity area, and hairdryer. Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar. Approx. 183 sq. ft.

Parties and Entertainment

Our Welcome Cocktail Party is Saturday night at 8:30 PM on Deck 16. Come celebrate and mingle with our presenters, new and old friends, and staff. Enjoy snacks, beverages, and an open bar from 8:30 PM to -9:30 PM. Be sure to check the daily schedule and join in the fun at our evening socials, parties, and entertainment throughout the week, including our vegan ice cream, sushi, and pizza dance parties.

If you wish to participate in the talent show on Friday afternoon at 2:00 PM in Le Cabaret Rouge, you must either sign up directly with Blair Karsch or leave your name and cabin number at the Holistic Holiday at Sea Hospitality Desk on Deck 7 by Wednesday evening. Blair will contact you with more information.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Wednesday March 6, 2024

The northern shores of the Dominican Republic were first discovered in the late 15th century when they were christened San Felipe de Puerto Plata or “Port of Silver” after the glistening silver mountain peak shrouded in fog. Puerto Plata draws vacationers from around the world to its numerous tourist attractions, including whimsical waterfalls, stretches of pristine beaches, and spectacular snorkeling sites. Delve into local traditions in town for an immersive cultural experience. Listen to merengue, shop for hand-rolled cigars, and stop at the Brugal Rum distillery for a tasting of top Dominican rums. No matter your adventure, salty breezes and translucent blue waters await you in beautiful Puerto Plata.

HHAS Exclusive Shore Excursions:

• Puerto Plata City & Cabarete Beach with Lunch
• Playa Dorada Bech Escape
• Sosua Bay Catamaran and Snorkling Experience

Premium Suite Aurea with Whirlpool SLW

Premium Suite Aurea SLW cabins feature a comfortable queen bed that can be converted into two single beds on request, a sitting area with a sofa and a private balcony with a private whirlpool. Your suite features a bathroom with a shower or bathtub, vanity area, and hairdryer, Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar. Approx. 300 sq. ft. & balcony approx. 75 sq. ft. with whirlpool.

Junior Suite Aurea SM

Junior Suite Aurea cabins feature a comfortable queen bed that can be converted into two single beds on request, a sitting area with a sofa and a large private balcony. Your suite features a bathroom with a shower or bathtub, vanity area, and hairdryer, Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar. Approx. 183 sq. ft. & balcony approx. 172 sq. ft.

Deluxe Interior IR1

San juan, puerto rico.

Tuesday March 5, 2024

Discover San Juan, a city renowned for its historic buildings, charming Spanish colonial facades, and verdant balconies. Visit Old San Juan to view mighty fortresses like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal. Delve into the world of rum-making at Casa Barcardí to discover the story behind Bacardí’s legendary cocktails, sniff the products on display, and learn about the rum-making process including wood barreling, ageing, and finishing. Lastly, savor the flavors of the local cuisines while sipping a piña colada, the national drink of Puerto Rico. Experience a lifetime of cultural discoveries on the “Island of Enchantment.” 

• El Yunque Rain Forest Tour
• City and Rainforest Experience

Book Signings

Get your books signed by your favorite Authors!

Nassau, Bahamas

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Embark on a pirate-inspired journey and delight in the Caribbean charms and excitement of the Bahamian Capital. Discover the vibrant streets of Nassau, once a notorious pirate hub in the 1700s. Immerse yourself in the city's colonial and Georgian architecture and enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment along the bustling Bay Street. Shop for handmade trinkets at the charming Straw Market or take a refreshing dip at popular tourist destinations like Cable Beach or Paradise Beach. No matter your interest, a captivating experience awaits you on the lively island of Nassau.

• Sun Cay Beach Adventure
• Seahorse Sailing Adventures THIS IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE – STAY TUNED!

Deluxe Balcony BR2

Premium Balcony Staterooms have a comfortable queen bed that can be converted into two single beds on request, a sitting area with a sofa and a private balcony. Your stateroom features a bathroom with a shower or bathtub, vanity area, and hairdryer, Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar. Approx. 172-183 sq. ft. & balcony approx. 54-65 sq. ft.

Deluxe Balcony BR1

Deluxe Balcony Staterooms have a comfortable queen bed that can be converted into two single beds on request, a sitting area with a sofa and a private balcony. Your stateroom features a bathroom with a shower or bathtub, vanity area, and hairdryer, Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar. Approx. 172-183 sq. ft. & balcony approx. 54-65 sq. ft.

Flight Arrivals and Departures

For air arrivals and departures, it is recommended that guests allow adequate time for transfers between the airport and pier, customs inspections, and airport security checks.  

Departure time is 6:00PM

On the day of departure (Saturday, March 2) flights should arrive no later than 12:00 noon into Miami (MIA). If you do not require a pre-cruise transfer, you should arrive no later than 1 pm on the day of departure from Miami Airport.  

On the day the ship returns, Saturday, March 9th, you should depart Miami after 1:30 pm, if you require MSC transfers. If you do not require a post-cruise transfer, you should depart Miami no earlier than 12:00 Noon.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

On the day of departure (March 2) flights should arrive no later than 11:30 am into Ft. Lauderdale (FLL). If you do not require a pre-cruise transfer, you should arrive no later than Noon on the day of departure from Ft. Lauderdale.  

On the day the ship returns, March 9th, you should depart Ft. Lauderdale after 2:00 pm, if you require MSC transfers. If you do not require a post-cruise transfer, you should depart Ft. Lauderdale after 1:00 pm.

Pre/Post Cruise Hotels

The follow hotels are recommended by Holistic Holiday at Sea passengers.

Please book your reservation directly with the hotel. If Holistic Holiday at Sea is offering a group rate special, it’s noted below the hotel. All rooms are the responsibly of each passenger.

Please note: Life Journeys does not have any information regarding hotels, and all questions or concerns must be directed directly to the property that you have chosen.

• Miami Airport Marriott 1201 NW Le Jeune Road, Building A Miami, Florida 33126 Ph: 305-649-5000 *Airport Shuttle Available
• Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport 1201 NW Le Jeune Road Miami, Florida 33126 Ph: 305-642-8200
• Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon 5101 Waterford District Dr. Miami, FL 33126 Ph: 305-262-1000
• Embassy Suites by Hilton 3974 NW South River Drive Miami, FL 33142 Ph: 305-634-5000
• Avalon Hotel 700 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 Ph: 305-538-0133

Holistic Holiday at Sea Group Rate available 1-night stay, 3/1 -$264 Click to book your Group Rate for Friday, March 1

Fort Lauderdale 

• Courtyard Ford Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port 400 Gulf Stream Way Dania Beach, Florida 33004 Ph: 954-342-8333 *Shuttle to Cruise Port available through 3 rd Party Booking

Click to book your Group Rate for Friday, March 1, 2024 Click to book your Group Rate for Friday, March 9, 2024

• Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port 141 Southwest 19 th Court Dania Beach, FL 33004 Ph: 954-889-2600 *Shuttle to Cruise Port available through 3 rd Party Booking
• Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort 2900 Riomar Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 Ph: 844-684-9427

Yacht Club Royal Suite

Coming Soon

Yacht Club Deluxe Grand Suite

Lectures and workshops.

Please check back with us in late-summer for a complete list of Schedule Workshops and Venue.

Let’s Talk with the Recovery Panel

Our recovery panel is always truly inspirational. If you have recovered from a serious illness using holistic and alternative therapies, we invite you to join us and share your story in this year’s recovery panel. Visit our Hospitality Desk and leave a message for Sandy Pukel. The Recovery Panel is on Monday, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM, in Le Cabaret Rouge, Deck 7, back of ship.

Cabin Information

Info coming soon!

Exclusive Shore Excursions:

For Holistic Holiday at Sea Participants ONLY

• Sun Cay Beach Adventure (SOLD OUT)  

Sun Cay Beach Adventure with Lunch - Sold Out

Departure - 8:00 am (60 passengers)

Prepare to be whisked away on a journey combining relaxation and entertainment under the Caribbean sun. Board a ferry and enjoy views of the Nassau harbor with entertaining commentary and facts on the way to Sun Cay. Once on the island, bask in the sun on one of the beaches or lounge under the swaying palm trees, the choice is yours. You can also plunge into one of the pools overlooking the water. After some time in the sun, tantalize your taste buds with a lunch spread, featuring a selection of local flavors, or enjoy a refreshing cocktail or beverage at one of the local bars.

Please note: guests must be at least 4 years old to participate. It is recommended that guests bring a bathing suit, sunscreen, a towel, and cash or credit cards for any additional purchases. Lunch is included in the price of this tour. Drinks are available for an additional charge.

Vegan Curry

• Onion, garlic, and ginger
• Curry powder
• Sweet potato
• Cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and red bell peppers
• Coconut milk
• Thai red curry paste
• Salt and sugar
• Baby spinach

Basmati Rice Local Fruits

Non-Exclusive, MSC Cruise Shore Excursions include:

(open to all passengers sailing)

• ‣ Atlantis - full day Aquaventure is the largest water park in the Caribbean
• ‣ Catamaran cruise and panoramic motorcoach drive

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

• El Yunque Rain Forest Tour (SOLD OUT)  
• City and Rainforest Experience (SOLD OUT)  

El Yunque Rain Forest Tour - Sold Out

Departure - 10:45 (new max of 72 passengers)

• Vegan SNACK

ADULTS $105 - CHILD $74 (USD)

HHAS, Exclusive Vegan Shore Excursion is non-refundable

Drive to the north-eastern central area of the island and visit the only tropical rainforest in the United States territory, El Yunque. On this amazing excursion you will pass through several rural communities on your way to one of Puerto Rico's finest spots of natural beauty. Marvel at its small horsetail waterfalls, giant ferns, and tropical hardwoods. Encounter countless photo opportunities from these high mountaintops. Come along and enjoy this truly remarkable journey!

Please note: This is not a hiking tour; therefore, it is suitable for all ages. We recommend for guests to wear comfortable clothing with flat, comfortable shoes and bring their respective raincoat

• 2 bags of vegan and grain free chips per person (Siete)
• 1 NuGo vegan protein bar per person
• 1 water bottle

City and Rainforest Experience - Sold Out

Departure - 10:30 am (new max of 72 passengers)

ADULTS $105 - CHILD $74 (USD) NEW Adventure!

Explore two of the most popular places on the island, the Historic Old San Juan, and the spectacular “El Yunque” Rainforest. In the Old City, you will pass by many historical landmarks, such as the Capitol Building, and other displays of the 17th century architecture. You will have a chance to visit the San Cristobal Fortress, the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World. Travelling from the Old City, you will pass by New San Juan with panoramic views of the Condado District. You’ll then make your way to visit the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System. This national treasure exhibits jungle-like vegetation, small horsetail waterfalls, and the cool fresh air, all combined to deliver the utmost relaxation. Stop briefly at one of the waterfalls and at the historical “Yokahu” tower to have a panoramic view of this tropical woodland and the unique flora.

Enjoy the experience of this captivating ecosystem before returning to your ship.

Please note: It is recommended that guests wear comfortable shoes, clothing, and bring a light raincoat. The order of stops may vary. Traffic may become congested, and re-routing may occur. Guests may be required to walk on uneven grounds at the rainforest. Commercial use of photos or videos is not permitted.

• ‣ San Juan Panoramic Tour
• ‣ El Morro & More: Walking Tour
• ‣ La Bomba Native & Cultural Experience
• ‣ San Juan Sightseeing Experience & Fiesta Latina

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Playa Dorada Beach Escape

• Puerto Plata City & Cabarete Beach with Lunch (SOLD OUT)  
• Sosua Bay Catamaran and Snorkling Experience (SOLD OUT)  

Departure - 10:30 am (200 passengers)

ADULTS $95 - CHILD $67 (USD)

One of the best ways to spend your day in the Dominican Republic is under the sun! Your tour begins with a transfer to a private beach where you will enjoy a few hours of free time. Relax on your included beach chair, or take a dip in the beautiful waters. You’ll also be able to enjoy a typical Dominican lunch. Once your time here has come to an end, you’ll be transferred back to the port to catch your waiting ship.

Please note: It is recommended that guests bring a swimsuit, hat, towel, and sunscreen.

• Cassava chips and banana
• Garden salad with tropical fruits, dressed with balsamic and olive reduction.
• Lentil hummus
• Meatballs lentils in fresh tomato and basil sauce
• Rice with leek and ripe banana
• Black bean burger wrapped in lettuce.
• Zucchini pasta, potatoes, scented with truffles and rosemary.

Puerto Plata City & Cabarete Beach with Lunch - Sold Out

Departure - 10:30 am ( new max of 80 passengers)

ADULTS $75 - CHILD $53 (USD)

You will be picked up at the pier by coach for an enjoyable sightseeing tour of Puerto Plata. Make your way to Puerto Plata for an interactive visit of the Historic Center which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Center, with a photo stop at Plaza Independencia (former Central Park). We then drive to Cabarete to enjoy leisure time at the beautiful beach of Cabarete, including lunch. Cabarete beach is regularly voted one of the world's best wind-surfing locations (wind surfing is not part of the excursion).

Please note: Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate. It is recommended that guests bring a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Beach chairs are included. There is no lifeguard on duty.

• Stewed beans
• Fresh green salad
• Mix beans salad
• Tempura eggplants
• Wheat pasta criolla Dominican style
• Stewed veggie mix (carrots, eggplants, peppers, zucchini)
• 3 variety of seasonal tropical fruits (no sugar, no preservatives)
• Fruit juices: watermelon & melon, papaya (no sugar)

Sosua Bay Catamaran and Snorkeling Experience - Sold Out

Departure - 10:30 am (new max of 55 passengers)

ADULTS $109 - CHILD $76 (USD)

Depart the pier for an approximately 45 minutes’ drive to Sosua Beach, where after a short safety briefing, you will board a catamaran that will take you to the Sosua shoreline. Cruise along and have some fun in the waters. Seek some sun onboard the catamaran, or enjoy a light lunch, fresh fruits, and drinks. Listen to the rhythm of the tropical music while navigating around Sosua Beach Bay. You will arrive at Las 3 Rocas shallow water to enjoy some snorkeling or just take a swim. When your snorkeling experience is over, the fiesta time begins. Have fun and dance along with the crew as you make your way back to the dock for your 45-minute return drive back to the ship.

Please note: It is recommended that guests wear a bathing suit under comfortable clothes, and bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and sunglasses. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate and know how to swim. Alcohol will only be served after the snorkeling portion of the tour.

Buffet lunch served onboard catamaran.

• ‣ Damajagua Waterfalls
• ‣ Exploring Isabel de Torres Mountain & Puerto Plata City
• ‣ Protectours: Coralling Plantation Snorkelling Experience
• ‣ Puerto Plata Sightseeing and Ecolodge

Friday, March 8, 2024

Although there are no EXCLUSIVE shore excursions at Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas, MSC Divina does offer shore excursions.

• ‣ Ocean Cay Waverunner Tour
• ‣  Shipwreck Snorkeling Getaway
• ‣ Kayak Explorer Tour
• ‣  Ocean Cay Bahama Breeze Escape

The Itinerary / Exotic Ports of Call

Friday March 17, 2023

Please check back in July for a list of hotels with group rates for your pre-cruise stay.

Saturday March 18, 2023

Belize City, Belize

Sunday March 19, 2023

Isla de Roatan, Honduras

Monday March 20, 2023

Costa Maya, Mexico

Tuesday March 21, 2023

Wednesday March 22, 2023

Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Res, Bahamas

Thursday March 23, 2023

Friday March 24, 2023

FROM THE MSC CRUISES:

Charting a sustainable future

We have long been committed to environmental stewardship with a long-term goal to achieve zero emissions for our operations. We are also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry-wide.

Our commitment to sustainability goes above and beyond our efforts to reduce our environmental impact. It is also reflected in the way we support our employees and those who choose to travel with us, as well as how we interact with our partners and the communities and places we visit.

We have long been committed to environmental stewardship with a long-term goal to achieve zero emissions for our operations. We are also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry-wide.  

Arrivals and Departures

All flights into Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) should arrive prior to 12:00 p.m. on March 17, 2023.

All departures from Fort Lauderdale, Fl (FLL) should leave no earlier than 11:30 a.m. on March 24, 2023.

All flights into Miami International Airport (MIA) should arrive prior to 10:00 PM on March 17, 2023.

All departure flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) should leave no earlier than 11:00 a.m. on March 24, 2023.

Please note all Transfers must be purchased directly through MSCCRUISESUSA.COM

Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Cuisine

The Holistic Holiday at Sea culinary experience is created by dedicated vegan chefs who stand out in the field of plant-based cooking. Using only the finest quality, natural whole foods available from companies with the utmost integrity, our nourishing cuisine will be one of the highlights of your vacation.

Food ALLERGIES:

Traveling with a Standard American Diet Eater?

The journey to wellness is a journey with many steps. While we highly encourage everyone to stick to our plant-based menu for optimal energy and health during their vacation, items from the regular ship’s menu are available on request as well.

Smoothies/Juice Bar

MSC will offer fresh pressed juices and smoothies at the Silver Lounge Bar located mid-ship on deck 6 on the right side of the ship, adjacent to the Holistic Holiday at Sea Hospitality Desk and Bookstore.

Private Massages

Pre-paid gratuities.

Ages 12+ $98.00 ($14 per day) per person Ages 2-11 $49.00 ($7.00 per day) per person. Children under 2 pay no gratuities.

MARCH 2-9, 2024

949-537-7270 x204 – Tina, Or email: [email protected]

Need a little more information before you book? Click on the button below for...

Or choose one of the following:

• Roommate Match
• Free Amenities
• Deposits Required
• Additional Costs

Or click on the following buttons for specific information about:

Cancellation Policy

Inside / Ocean View / Balcony / Suites Cabins

Cancellation/Change Policy*

From time of deposit – October 8, 2023  - $250 penalty per person

October 9 – November 27, 2023  - $850 penalty per person

November 28, 2023 – January 31, 2024 – 75% penalty of total cost

February 1, 2024 – Day of Sailing  – 100% Non-refundable

*Not applicable for Roommate Match Passengers. See separate policy.

For Roommate Match Passengers Only*

October 9 – Matching Date November 21, 2023  - $850 penalty per person

November 22, 2023 Matched Date – Day of Sailing – 100% Non-refundable. 

*See Roommate Match Terms and Conditions for additional details.

Yacht Club Suites

From time of deposit – October 8, 2023 - $750 deposit is non-refundable per person

October 9 – November 27, 2023 - $2,250 deposit is non-refundable per person

November 28, 2023 – Day of Sailing – 100% Non-refundable

Due to MSC’s policy, all Yacht Club reservations are non-refundable.

*Roommate Matches not available for Yacht Club Suites

Name Change Fee: $75 Only one name change is permitted per stateroom, should both guests need to be changed, this will be considered a cancellation as per the cancellation policy.

Cancellations must be in writing to: [email protected]

Suri Cruise Reportedly Doesn’t Want Tom’s Help Getting Into Showbiz As She Prepares To Start College

Despite reports that Tom wants to reconcile with his daughter, she apparently has no plans to make contact despite being a legal adult.

• Suri Cruise plans to enter adulthood without a relationship with her dad Tom Cruise, despite his efforts to reconnect.
• She aims to make her own mark in Hollywood and the business world, with no intention of relying on her father's fame.
• Katie Holmes, her mom, faces uncertainty as child support ends and she prepares to re-enter the industry, possibly with a tell-all book.

Suri Cruise is almost all grown up, as she’s preparing to celebrate her 18 th birthday and head off to college. Despite reports that her father, Tom Cruise, is hoping to repair his relationship with the teen once she becomes a legal adult, Suri may have other plans.

According to a new report, the teenager doesn’t want a relationship with her famous father after being estranged for over a decade.

What Are Tom Cruise And Nicole Kidman's Adopted Kids Doing Today?

Katie and suri reportedly don’t feel they need tom in their life.

“Katie’s very clear that Suri doesn’t need Tom’s money to be happy or afford the life they’re accustomed to,” a source revealed. “Katie’s made plenty of her own money and she can take care of her daughter and send her to whatever college she wants.”

There have been claims that Tom will continue to provide financially for Suri past her 18 th birthday, even though child support payments will come to an end. He’s reportedly been paying $40,000 a month since his divorce from Katie in 2012. Their divorce was settled in a matter of weeks, with the Mission: Impossible star not challenging Katie’s request for primary guardianship of their only child. Reports have suggested Tom’s involvement in Scientology was the deal breaker.

The source said that Suri is interested in getting into the entertainment industry, but won’t be relying on Tom’s star power. “Suri is going to be quite the superstar, whether she goes into business or Hollywood. But one thing that’s very clear as far as Katie’s concerned is that she doesn’t need Tom’s help to get ahead,” they continued.

Reports say that Suri is interested in studying fashion in New York, where she’s been raised by her single mom. She has expressed an interest in acting, though, as she starred in her school’s play earlier this year.

Reports Have Claimed Katie Is Worried About Money Without Tom’s Child Support

There were claims that Katie Holmes was desperate for work knowing her child support payments are going to come to an end.

“For years, Katie’s enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, thanks to Tom’s consistent support,” a source claimed to In Touch . “But as their child nears adulthood, both mother and daughter are facing an uncertain future. It’s a terrifying prospect — going from an amazing standard of living to a question mark overnight!”

The report claimed that Holmes is even considering a tell-all book now that her alleged NDA is set to expire, and knowing she could make millions from revealing her side of her marriage to Cruise.

“She’s actively looking for roles and is eager to throw herself back into the industry full-time,” they continued. “And don’t forget the non-disclosure agreement she signed — it’s set to expire, too. If things get tough, Katie could cash in by penning a tell-all book!”

While Katie may not be getting child support (though her rep denied she was worried about money or actively looking for work), reports say Tom will continue to financially support Suri , even if they don’t end up repairing their relationship.

Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them

A dream cruise vacation has turned into a nightmare for eight passengers left stranded on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe after their ship left without them because they were late to return from a private tour.

The tourists — six from the U.S. and two from Australia — were aboard the Norwegian Dawn, a Norwegian cruise line ship , which departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on March 20 for a 21-day voyage up the coast of Africa set to end in Barcelona, Spain, on April 10.

But on Wednesday, the group of eight tourists was late to return to the ship by more than an hour for the all-aboard time of 3 p.m. from a private excursion on the island, which was not organized by the cruise line.

Jay and Jill Campbell of South Carolina were part of the group that was left behind.

They said that their tour’s operator notified the cruise captain that they were going to be late to rejoin the ship and that the local Coast Guard tried to get them on the vessel but that they weren’t allowed to board.

As a result, the couple and the rest of the group have been stranded for days on the island off Nigeria, grappling with language, currency issues and complicated travel to catch up with the ship.

“The lovely people of São Tomé were very gracious, very hospitable. They had reached out as much as they could to help us find hotels,” Jay Campbell said on NBC's "TODAY" show Tuesday morning.

“We were able to get to a tour agency there to arrange flights to the next port of call. ... Very difficult process — you’re dealing with multiple languages, language barriers, you’re dealing with different currencies ... finding someone that even has dollars ... trying to get an agent to understand where we need to get to.

"It’s one of those ‘You can’t get there from here,’" he added.

A Norwegian spokesperson called the incident a “very unfortunate situation” and said, “Guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time.”

The cruise line said that after the guests failed to return, their passports were delivered to local port agents, in line with protocol. The company said it was working with local authorities to understand “the requirements and visas needed for the guests to reboard the ship at the next available port of call.”

On Monday, the guests had made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia, but the ship was unable to safely dock there because of “adverse weather conditions” and “tidal restrictions,” Norwegian said. The guests were then contacted and provided with information to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal, on Tuesday. 

Jill Campbell said they traveled through seven countries in 48 hours to arrive in Senegal on Monday night.

But the couple was reconsidering whether they even wanted to return to the cruise.

"We are considering whether or not we are going to board the ship. It is in dock here in Senegal," she said. "We believe there was a basic duty of care that they had forgotten about, so it does concern us."

"After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly. I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and really the safety and well-being of the customers should be their first priority," she added.

Ultimately, the eight passengers did rejoin the cruise before 8:30 a.m. ET Tuesday in Dakar, Senegal, Norwegian told NBC News in an e-mail Tuesday evening, after this story originally published.

Norwegian said the passengers were responsible for making their own travel arrangements to rejoin the ship.

"Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal," a cruise line spokesperson said in a statement. "We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available."

A silver lining of the catastrophe was that the Campbells were able to connect with another Norwegian Dawn passenger — Julia Lenkoff, 80 — who was also left on the island, but for a medical reason.

Lenkoff was on a different day tour Wednesday. She had "medically disembarked" from the cruise to seek local treatment on that day, Norwegian said.

Norwegian said that its care team tried to call Lenkoff several times and was unable to reach her and that it worked with its port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe for updates on her health.

The Campbells met Lenkoff and were able to put her in contact with her family in California, who flew her home — a move Lenkoff's daughter said "saved her life."

"She's a world traveler. She travels all the time. So this was going to be one of her bucket list trips, because she's been to 120 countries so far, and she wanted to get to 130," her daughter, Lana Lenkoff Geis, said in an interview that aired Tuesday on "TODAY."

Norwegian said Lenkoff was escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, then put in the care of airport staff members to continue her journey back to the U.S., where she has safely returned.

Breaking News Reporter

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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Politics | Uncle Luke for Congress? Luther Campbell,…

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Politics | uncle luke for congress luther campbell, rapper turned civic activist, preparing to challenge congresswoman.

Luther Campbell, the civic and political activist who jolted the establishment status quo decades ago with his raunchy lyrics, has a new way to shake things up: challenging a sitting Florida congresswoman in a Democratic primary.

Publicly, Campbell hasn’t decided. But he’s been teasing a candidacy — sometimes in unorthodox ways even by current-day routines of celebrity politicians — in a way that makes it sound as if he’s going to run.

“I’m still on this fact-finding mission to figure out whether or not I’m gonna run for Congress,” Campbell said in a social media video posted on April 9, adding, “It’s gonna be very hard for me not to run. Let’s put it that way.”

In a subsequent interview with WFOR-Ch. 4, he edged closer. “I’m really leaning towards running. I’m really leaning because,” he said, there’s “nothing telling me that I shouldn’t do it.”

A decision has to come quickly. Even though the primary isn’t until August, Florida congressional candidates face a Friday, April 26, deadline to qualify to get on the ballot. In one of his many social media posts about running, Campbell promised a decision two days before the deadline.

Campbell, better known to many as Luke Skyywalker and later Uncle Luke from his career as a rap artist, would be challenging U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick , who is in her third year representing a Broward-Palm Beach county district.

He’s also known for his civic activism and coaching youth sports in Miami-Dade County, where he unsuccessfully ran for county mayor in 2011. Records show he’s a longtime registered voter in Miramar.

A Campbell candidacy would instantly make the primary contest one of South Florida’s highest profile, attention grabbing and unorthodox campaigns of 2024.

Unconventional path

Campbell exploded in the public consciousness as the leader of the rap group 2 Live Crew.

A federal judge in South Florida declared the lyrics of its platinum-selling album “Nasty As They Wanna Be” were obscene, a ruling eventually overturned by an appeals court.

In meantime, then-Broward Sheriff Nick Navarro had Campbell and other members of 2 Live Crew arrested in 1990 on obscenity charges after they performed at a club in Hollywood. The jury found them not guilty .

One response was another song, “F—  Martinez,” about then-Gov. Bob Martinez, who considered the album obscene and wanted legal action against the group. The lyrics also took aim at the sheriff with the line, “F— Navarro. F— F— Navarro.”

In recent years he’s been a civic and political activist, a columnist, and has promoted and coached sports programs for inner city youth.

In 2011, he ran for mayor of Miami-Dade County, finishing in fourth place with 11% of the vote.

He remains unconventional as a candidate.

In a social media post on Friday he wrote that “politicians are nothing but a bunch of bums.” He also included an obscene adjective to describe what kind of bums he was talking about. In a recent podcast interview, he wondered about Cherfilus-McCormick “what the … has this lady done.” He used the same four-letter word used for Martinez and Navarro.

Also on Friday, his social media promoted “Freaknik 4/20,” an event he’s hosting Saturday night at a gentlemen’s club in Jacksonville that features “over 20 of the cities finest ladies.”

In an interview on the WFOR-Ch. 4 “Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede” program, Campbell said the needs of people who live in the 20th Congressional District aren’t being addressed. “Either you’re gonna sit on the sideline or you’re gonna get in the game and try to make some change,” he said.

He cited homelessness and water issues in Riviera Beach, people in the Belle Glade in western Palm Beach County have been hurt “where the machines have taken over the jobs and no longer the people are cutting the sugar cane.”

And, he said, “some parts of Broward County (look) like a third-world country.” He later specified schools, including a high school in Lauderdale Lakes: “You go up in Broward and you go to some of these schools like Boyd Anderson and you look at, as soon as you pull in the parking lot it looks like a third-world country.”

Campbell said Black leaders currently in power aren’t able to adequately push back. “The majority of African American congressmen and women, I mean they’re old. They’re tired, they ain’t got no more fight in them. They need somebody to go up there and fight for them,” he said on WFOR before adding criticism of all politicians.

Campbell is 63. Cherfilus-McCormick is 45.

“Politicians lie. They lie all the time. They lie to the people,” he told WFOR.

He was especially critical of the Republican Party, and said it’s been on a negative trajectory from the tea party era in 2010 through today. “You see the party, the Republican Party in the direction that they’re going, they’re really bullying African Americans, African Americans get bullied on every level of politics.”

And, Campbell said, he wasn’t worried that serving in Congress would make it a circus. “It’s a circus already,” he told WFOR.

No additional comment

His potential candidacy was first reported by the political news site The Bulwark . He’s discussed his potential candidacy in multiple social media posts and videos and as a podcast guest.

He told the TV station he was declining all other interview requests. Campbell didn’t respond to multiple email, text and voicemail requests for comment left with multiple representatives.

Earlier this year, Campbell registered a political action committee called Don’t Stop Get It Get It with the Federal Election Commission. Earlier this month a super PAC with the same name registered with the FEC.

Serious candidacy?

The Bulwark reported that Campbell was being trailed by a documentary film crew, but he told WFOR he wouldn’t run just as a way to obtain footage for a reality show. “It’s not a thing for a TV show or anything like that.”

Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam said Campbell should be taken seriously if he decides to run.

“He’s resourceful. He definitely has an eye for those who are not represented or underrepresented. I would pay attention to him,” Messam said. “I would definitely take him seriously.”

Most people know him for his court fight over obscenity charges and his music career, Messam said. “But I also know him as an activist in the community.”

Messam also said Cherfilus-McCormick “hit the ground running in Congress and is representing (us) in Congress as well, so it’s going to be very interesting to see how all this plays.”

Chris Smith, a former Democratic leader in both the Florida Senate and in the Florida House of Representatives, said when he was in high school he was among the people who picketed on behalf of Campbell and 2 Live Crew at the federal courthouse.

“When Navarro locked him up, I was in front of the federal courthouse on his behalf. That doesn’t make him my Broward congressman.”

Campbell’s activism in Miami-Dade County doesn’t necessarily give him connections to a district based in central Broward and takes in a large share of Palm Beach County. “It doesn’t seem plausible.

“That is not a community that you can just pop up (in) based on your stardom and move to the front of the line,” Smith said. It would be hard, Smith said, because “it’s not a stardom that says ‘Send me to Congress.’”

Criticizing incumbent

Campbell has offered multiple critiques of the incumbent, though he doesn’t use her name.

Campbell told the “Because Miami” podcast that voters have told him “we supported this young lady and once she got in, she turned into a diva. We can’t find her. She comes in and has one meeting and sends staff and nothing basically has gotten done.”

Cherfilus-McCormick, a lawyer who had previously been CEO of a family owned home health care company self funded her previous campaigns. “When you pay for the seat you really don’t have a genuine love for the actual community,” he said on the podcast.

Campbell would bring name recognition to the contest, but Cherfilus-McCormick would be a formidable opponent.

Cherfilus-McCormick defeated 10 other candidates in a special primary election to choose a Democratic nominee to succeed the late Congressman Alcee Hastings. In early 2022 she easily won the special general election and then a full term later that year.

Neither Cherfilus-McCormick nor her campaign responded to a request for comment.

Mitch Ceasar, a former Broward Democratic Party chair who has served as a legal counsel to the Cherfilus-McCormick campaign in the past but isn’t currently working for her, said he is “sure the congresswoman takes every potential challenge seriously.”

“The voters of the district need a constantly hardworking individual. That’s Sheila,” Ceasar said. “She’s all about hard work and not about pseudo documentaries.”

Campbell did not offer specifics on two key issues in the WFOR interview.

Asked about his position in relation to support for Israel after the Hamas terrorist attacks, Campbell said, “I’m for peace,” adding that the war “has been going on too long, you know. There has to be a solution to it.”

Campbell said he could contribute to a solution in Haiti. He said he would “hop on an airplane right now and go have a conversation with Barbecue.” Jimmy Chérizier, a former elite police officer, is the Haitian gang leader known as “Barbecue.” Campbell said the U.S. has had conversions with “more notorious gangsters than this young man. … You need to hear him out, hear what the issues are.”

Cherfilus-McCormick, the only Haitian American member of Congress, has been outspoken on the issue , pressing the Biden administration, Republicans in Congress and the international community.

Cherfilus-McCormick has taken a hard line on gang leaders like Chérizier, who are responsible for the deadly violence that has caused chaos in the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince. She said they must have no role in the interim government the international community hopes moves Haiti toward a diminution of violence.

The district

The 20th Congressional District takes in most of the African American and Caribbean American communities in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

It includes much of central Broward, including all or parts of Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale Lakes, Plantation, Lauderhill, North Lauderhill, Sunrise and Tamarac. It also takes in a large swath of the Everglades and goes north to the Glades communities near Lake Okeechobee and extends back east to include parts of Royal Palm Beach, West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach.

The district is one of the most heavily Democratic in the nation. And the partisan voting index from the independent Cook Political Report rates the district as D plus 25, which means it performed 25 points more Democratic than the nation during the past two presidential contests.

It is so Democratic that the winner of the Aug. 20 primary is all-but-guaranteed to win the November election and serve a term in the House of Representatives.

Correction: This article has been updated to accurately reflect the 2011 race for Miami-Dade mayor. Campbell finished in fourth place.

Information from Sun Sentinel archives was used in this report.

Anthony Man can be reached at [email protected] and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Post.news.

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Your A to Z guide for the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit

• Updated: Apr. 23, 2024, 5:12 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 23, 2024, 8:30 a.m.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan held a news conference on March 26, 2024, at the ground site of the NFL draft theater, as the event is just 30 days away from taking place in Detroit, MI. Photo credit: Kory Woods/MLive Kory Woods

• Samuel Dodge | [email protected]

DETROIT, MI - For the third time, the NFL universe will be centered in Detroit.

The city has hosted two Super Bowls (though Super Bowl XVI was technically at the Pontiac Silverdome). On Thursday, the 2024 NFL Draft will kick off in Hart Plaza in downtown.

The city is hosting the draft for the first time, as it has rotated cities since moving in 2015 from its longtime spot in New York City.

For those visiting the Motor City Thursday through the end of the draft on Saturday, here is what you need to know.

2024 NFL Draft info

Start times: Area opens at noon the first two days and 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 27.

• First round starts at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 25. Rounds two and three start at 7 p.m. Friday, April 26 and rounds four through seven start at noon Saturday.

Where: Hart Plaza in Detroit

How to watch: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network

How to stream: Fubo (free trial) ; DirectTV stream ; Sling

How to buy tickets

Entry to the NFL Draft is free as long as you register at NFL.com/DraftAccess prior to coming. You can register for all three days of the draft for you and up to five children.

Weather forecast

Thursday expects to be sunny with temperatures as high as 57 degrees, according to the National Weather Service . Friday will see warmer temperatures with a high of 67 degrees, while rain is likely on Saturday.

Terrance Morrow, second from the left, plays drums with the Chicago Bucket Boys, as fans leave Ford Field as the Detroit Lions defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, January 21, 2024. The Lions will take on the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC championship next Sunday. Julian Leshay Guadalupe | MLive.com

Fun times at Hart Plaza

There will be a variety of activities at Hart Plaza throughout the three days, from a 40-yard dash with times displayed on a large LED screen to a vertical jump to a “Hail Mary” throwing event.

You will be able to get free autographs from current and former NFL players and visit replica NFL locker rooms. You can check out the NFL Hall of Fame bronze busts of Lions legends such as Lem Barney, Calvin Johnson and Barry Sanders, as well as Michigan Wolverines legend Charles Woodson.

You can also take a picture with the Lombardi Trophy. When done with the activities, there are dozens of food and drink options, and the full list can be found at nfl.com/draft/event-info/attractions .

Draft Day in the D

While the draft will take place in Hart Plaza, Draft Day in the D is a celebration taking place across Detroit over the three-day event.

The event will take place at the following areas in the city: Capitol Park, Beacon Park, Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park, Grand Circus Park and a closed-off portion of Woodward Avenue between State and Witherell streets.

The free event to the public will show the draft on large television screens and showcase food vendors such as All Things Detroit Marketplace, Poppa’s Gourmet Hot Sauce and Sweet Potato Sensations. The daily food truck lineup can be found at downtowndetroit.org/event/draft-day-in-the-d/ .

There will also be music from an array of local musicians and entertainers, as well as cigar rolling at Buck Park on Thursday and daily cornhole tournaments from 4 to 6 p.m. at Beacon Park.

The 665-foot Viking Octantis cruise ship docks at the Detroit Riverwalk near Hart Plaza in Detroit on Monday, May 1, 2023. Edward Pevos | [email protected]

Driving to Detroit

There are multiple road closures to accommodate the NFL Draft, creating detours across Detroit. For the full list of road closures, visit nfl.com/draft/event-info/transportation . These areas have significant closures around them:

• Site of the former Monroe Street Midway, 22 Monroe Street
• Parts of Campus Martius Park, including portions of Woodward Avenue and eastbound Cadillac Square
• Hart Plaza, including the southbound M-10 exit to Jefferson Avenue. Exits at West Jefferson Avenue and Larned Street will remain open. All tunnel traffic must use I-375, while all traffic heading to Windsor should use Jefferson Avenue and Randolph Street to access the tunnel.
• Woodward Avenue from Larned Street to State Street.
• Woodward Avenue to the area by Grand Circus Park
• Road around Comerica Park

Other Transportation

There are multiple other methods to navigate the city. The Detroit People Mover will operate 24 hours a day from 7 a.m. Thursday to noon on Sunday, April 28 with trains every five minutes. Fares are free.

The QLINE will have higher frequency service during the draft, will a short-run that takes passengers to Little Caesars Arena. Park and Ride services are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for $5 per vehicle from the:

• Wayne State Lot 12, 6050 Woodward Ave.
• New Center Garage at 116 Lothrop St.
• Cass Garage at 6540 Cass Ave.
• John R & Piquette lot at 6230 John R St.

SMART will operate park-and-ride services to downtown from across the Detroit metropolitan area. More details on other locations, times, and frequency can be found here .

The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) and Detroit Air Xpress will offer bus routes to the city. More information on RTA can be found here . Detroit Air Xpress will make 16 round trips per day from the airport to 1119 Washington Blvd. in the city.

The D2A2 bus that connects Detroit to Ann Arbor has hourly trips between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. with limited service on Saturday. The bus will stop at 1508 Park Ave. in the city.

DDOT service will continue as scheduled, but routes are changed due to road closures. DDOT riders can click here for all updated re-route information and a full map.

Where to park

NFL and city officials are encouraging visitors to pre-arrange parking if planning to drive downtown. Those seeking parking options can visit the Park Detroit app or Park Whiz .

These parking structures have shuttles for fans to take them to Hart Plaza:

• WSU Structures 1, 5, and 2 at 450 W. Palmer Ave. for $10 per car.
• Bagley Mobility Hub at 1501 Wabash St. Prepay here for $15 per car.
• River East Garage at 214 Rivard St. Prepay here for $15 per car.

What to bring and what not to bring

A full list of prohibited items for the NFL Draft at Hart Plaza can be found at nfl.com/draft/event-info/security-procedures .

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown during the NFC Championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

A decade of Lions first-rounders

After last season’s NFC Championship Game appearance, the Lions are schedule to make their first-round selection as late as they have in the last decade.

If the Lions do not move their draft pick, they will take the No. 29 pick in this year’s draft. The next latest pick in the last decade came at No. 28 in 2015, when the team took guard Laken Tomlinson.

The Lions have had five top-10 picks in the last decade, including four straight seasons from former head coach Matt Patricia’s three years and the first season under current coach Dan Campbell.

For this year’s seven draft picks (pending any trades), here is what MLive Lions reporter Benjamin Raven sees as the needs and priorities for the team.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free “ 3@3 Ann Arbor ” daily newsletter.

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