Southwest to offer cruises through new partnership

Southwest offers cruises on new website

By Mark Reif Published October 2, 2024

Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas — Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas Royal Caribbean / Royal Caribbean

Southwest will begin offering cruises in collaboration with World Travel Holdings. Southwest Cruises lets Rapid Rewards members earn one point for every dollar spent booking on Southwestcruises.com. That allows loyalty members to accrue points for their future travel adventures.

Travel the seas on Southwest Cruises

Princess Cruises - Royal Princess Cruise Ship — Princess Cruises – Royal Princess Cruise Ship Princess Cruises / Princess Cruises

The Southwest Cruises booking site is powered by World Travel Holdings, and offers an array of ocean-bound adventures. Top cruise lines — like Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean — offer trips to picturesque places around the world. Besides that, deals abound, with prices starting around $300 for each company. Not only does that put a dream trip within reach, but it lets Rapid Rewards members save points for their next excursion.

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Example cruise deals on Southwestcruises.com include:

Norwegian Cruise Lines: Up to $400 to spend on board, “More at Sea” deal gives 70% off second guests
Carnival: Up to $75 to spend on board, “Great Rates Sale” offers 40% off and free upgrades
Royal Caribbean: Up to $100 to spend on board, 48-hour flash sale provides up to $500 instant savings
Princess: Up to $100 to spend on board, up to $1,800 in coupon savings

George Andreopoulos, World Travel Holdings’ Vice president of Business Development, Partner Brands, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Southwest Airlines to our family of partner brands and look forward to providing remarkable cruise experiences along with even more ways to earn points for their loyal members.”

Southwest Airlines Vice President of Product Development Phil Gouel commented: “Customers told us that cruises are one of the top travel experiences that they’re looking for, and our new partnership with World Travel Holdings gives Customers access to all major cruise lines to complement their travel with Southwest.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Travel

How much is a first-class flight? Here’s the breakdown

This is the true cost of flying first class (and how to save)

First class on an airplane

Have you ever found yourself wondering, how much is a first-class flight? I know I did. Before I had the chance to experience it myself, first class always felt like a luxury that was just out of my reach. But now that I know what it actually costs, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about the true price of flying first class. So, here’s how much a first-class flight really costs.
Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class.
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
What do you get for the price of first class?

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This is the best state for a luxury vacation, according to a new study

Want a luxury vacation? Head to the Sunshine State

Key West, Florida

If you’re planning a luxury vacation without crossing any borders, you might want to consider heading south. A new study from Wander, a high-end vacation home rental platform, has crunched the numbers to determine which U.S. states offer the most luxurious travel experiences. By analyzing premium offerings like Michelin Guide restaurants, five-star spas, luxury yacht marinas, and golf courses, Wander has unveiled the ultimate destinations for upscale getaways.

Topping the list is Florida, with an impressive luxury escape score of 8.04 out of 10. The Sunshine State has long been known for its glamorous beach resorts and year-round warmth, and the data backs it up. Florida boasts the third-highest number of Michelin Guide restaurants in the country and ranks sixth when adjusted for population. It also comes in second for the number of five-star spas, and eighth for the percentage of spas rated five stars, making it an ideal destination for both food lovers and wellness seekers.

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Unclaimed Baggage’s 2025 ‘Found Report’ offers quirky peek inside America’s lost luggage

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inside of unclaimed baggage store

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