When the day finally arrives when a cruise is scheduled to depart, it’s difficult for passengers not to get excited and want to get onboard as soon as they can.
It’s the same for Carnival Cruise Line passengers, including those loyal cruisers who have earned priority status that allows the earliest embarkation times.
However, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has an urgent request for the Diamond, Platinum, Faster to the Fun, and suite guests able to board before 1:30 p.m. on the day of their voyage.
Leave the room.
“This is another heartfelt plea to please leave straight away,”Heald recently posted on his Facebook page, followed by more than half a million people.
The message was a reminder for Diamond and Platinum status members, passengers staying in a Deluxe suite, and guests who purchased Faster to the Fun privileges. “If you have that, then yes, you can go to your cabin and drop off your luggage,” he stated.
But he continued,“You can’t tell – as happened on four different ships with a housekeeping attendant – ‘Please come back because you need a nap, you want to unpack, and other stuff or whatever’s going on in the cabin.’”
The reason is simple: Housekeeping is working hard to clean and flip cabins from the previous cruise, which may have seen guests disembark as late as 11 a.m.
This isn’t the first time Heald has pleaded for guests to stay out. He regularly has to deal with passengers who say they are having confrontations with housekeeping staff, demanding crew leave before a room has been properly cleaned.
“I am asking you this on behalf of the crew who are doing everything they can to make sure that the room is ready to the very highest of standards,”he said.
While Carnival Cruise Line allows some guests to drop their bags in their staterooms as soon as they board, it requests that’s all they do.
Passengers are, however, welcome to enjoy the ship, including grabbing a drink at a bar, sampling the fare at one of the open dining facilities, and taking a dip in the pool.
It’s also a great time to hit up Guest Services to make dinner reservations, book spa treatments, or find excursions if one hasn’t done so before the voyage using Carnival Cruise Line’s HUB app.
Housekeeping as Quick-Change Artists
Carnival Cruise Line passengers can select an arrival time for their cruise up to 14 days before it departs.
For members of the cruise line’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program with Diamond and Platinum status – meaning those with 75 to more than 200 points – that window begins at 16 days.
This perk is also available at 16 days for guests who have booked Deluxe Suite category accommodations or the Faster to the Fun add-on. (The limited-availability perk varies by departure, with rates beginning at $79.95.)
Two extra days of choosing an arrival time means the best pickings. Arrivals may be as early as 10 a.m., with actual embarkation at 11 a.m.
But the problem is that embarkation day is also disembarkation day for most Carnival ships.
With thousands of passengers leaving a ship typically between 8 and 10 a.m., housekeeping staff have to work quickly to prepare cabins for the next group of passengers arriving.
This is why room availability doesn’t officially begin until after 1:30 p.m., as Heald, Carnival Cruise Line, and onboard signage remind passengers.
A cruise ship pilot is a highly skilled maritime professional responsible for guiding cruise ships into and out of port and through other congested waterways, like canals, river mouths, and more.
Let’s discuss what they do, their specialized skills and knowledge, and why they have such an important job.
A cruise ship pilot, also called a maritime pilot or harbor pilot, is a highly specialized maritime professional given the important task of guiding large passenger vessels into port.
It may sound like a fairly straightforward role, but cruise ship pilots need to have an incredible understanding of these enormous vessels, the harbors and other waterways where they work, and skills that they have honed with many years of experience.
It’s an incredibly intricate job that requires calm nerves and truly specialized knowledge.
But what do cruise ship pilots actually do? As for how they actually guide cruise ships, they board a cruise ship by taking a pilot boat out to meet it outside of the port.
Cruise Ship Pilot: (Photo Credit: Stories In Light / Shutterstock)
Once they reach the ship, they board and instruct the captain and crew to steer the ship. In some cases, they even assume temporary control of the vessel and work in tandem with the ship’s captain and navigation crew to actively steer it.
Since cruise ships are enormous and ports can be tight, these specialists help ensure the safety of the ship and all of the passengers and crew it is carrying.
To steer the ship safely, they need to understand everything about the port, including local weather conditions, water depths, tides, daily ship schedules, and any potential hazards in the area.
Their job is to ensure that the ship navigates safely past obstacles like breakwaters and other obstructions while keeping the ship at a safe speed.
Responsibilities of a Cruise Ship Pilot
Just saying that cruise ship pilots help guide cruise ships in and out of port would minimize all of the work they do. The truth is, they fulfill an extremely complex role that covers a huge range of responsibilities.
Let’s break down each of the key aspects of their job in detail, so you can appreciate just how much they are responsible for.
Guiding the Ship from Start to Finish
Navigation Systems (Photo Credit: Alexey Seafarer / Shutterstock)
Beyond more overarching responsibilities, cruise ship pilots have a huge list of tasks they must complete each and every time a vessel they are tasked with guiding comes into port. This actually begins way before the vessel even approaches the port or waterway.
After being notified that the ship is arriving, they start with a comprehensive pre-arrival briefing, meticulously reviewing the ship’s schedule, weather forecasts, tidal information, and any potential hazards along the route.
As the ship comes within range, the pilot establishes direct communication with the ship’s crew and officers, which helps set the stage for a smooth transition.
Boarding the vessel via a pilot ladder from their own pilot boats, cruise ship pilots must assess the onboard conditions as quickly as possible, ensuring they clearly understand the current situation.
Once onboard, the pilot assumes full navigational command, setting the proper course and executing necessary alterations as the vessel nears the port. As they do so, the pilot works closely with the ship’s licensed deck officer and other members of the navigation crew.
In addition to working with the ship’s crew, they maintain constant coordination with local coast guard and harbor officials to ensure a seamless approach to the designated berth.
In the final maneuvers, the pilot carefully guides the ship into its assigned dock, verifying that all parameters, like water depths and tidal movements, are optimal for a safe arrival.
After securely docking the vessel, the pilot conducts a thorough post-arrival review with the ship’s crew, offering feedback and discussing any challenges faced during the operation.
Cruise ship pilots need to be flexible, making necessary course alterations as the situation demands. From aligning the ship with its designated berth spot when it’s time to dock, to helping the ship leave port without delays, their job requires a lot of quick thinking.
It’s also not enough just to dock the ship; they also have to ensure it’s positioned optimally for unloading and boarding passengers and restocking supplies.
When the cruise ship is ready to leave the port, they remain on the ship and help guide it out of the harbor. A cruise ship pilot’s partner follows in a pilot boat, so the pilot can climb down and return to port after the ship has been safely navigated to open water.
Coordinating and Communicating
Officer on the Bridge (Photo Credit: Lakeview Images / Shutterstock)
Maintaining effective communication procedures is essential to any cruise ship pilot’s job. Once the cruise ship pilot has boarded the vessel, they establish a clear line of communication with the ship’s crew and ship’s officers, as well as with port authorities and even the local coast guard.
This communication is incredibly important when it comes to coordinating maneuvers and safety timing movements of the ship.
In a sense, the pilot acts as a vital link between the cruise ship and the port itself. Through consistent updates and clear instructions, the pilot ensures that everyone involved in the operation is aware of the ship’s status and upcoming maneuvers.
Ensuring Safety and Managing Risks
Princess Cruises Pilot (Photo Credit: Stories In Light / Shutterstock)
For any cruise ship pilot, the safety of the ship is paramount. This means they must constantly assess, identify, and mitigate potential hazards.
Another critical safety responsibility is managing pilot transfers. If you’ve ever seen videos of cruise ship pilots boarding cruise ships, you know it can be a pretty dangerous job.
From pulling their pilot boat alongside a massive cruise ship to using a pilot ladder to board and disembark a cruise ship quickly, it’s a dangerous part of the job that requires quick thinking and focus.
Any mistakes or missteps could compromise the pilot’s safety and interfere with the ship’s safety.
Monitoring and Adapting to Dynamic Conditions
Pilot Boat in Rough Weather (Photo Credit: Wojciech Wrzesien)
Cruise ship pilots are constantly monitoring the environment to anticipate any challenges that may arise. They rely on their deep understanding of local geography and experience with various hazards to make rapid decisions.
Whether adjusting the ship’s speed to maintain an optimal rate of reverse thrust or altering the approach based on shifting weather conditions, these decisions are made in real-time to ensure that the vessel remains on a safe trajectory.
Pilots must also be adept at reading maritime signals and instrumentation. They interpret data from radar, sonar, and other navigational aids to determine the best route for the ship.
This technological proficiency and hands-on experience enable the pilot to navigate despite poor visibility or heavy traffic near the dock.
Challenges Faced by Cruise Ship Pilots
Even though cruise ship pilots are required to have the required skills to complete their job safely and efficiently, it’s also a job that involves ever-changing challenges. These are just a few of the challenges that these highly skilled professionals encounter:
Navigating Unpredictable Weather and Waterways
Carnival Cruise Line Fog Complaint (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
One of the most significant challenges is dealing with ever-changing weather conditions. Pilots must constantly adapt to variations in wind, rain, and fog, which can dramatically alter visibility and water conditions.
Storms and even the natural rhythm of tides can create dangerous scenarios if they are not taken into consideration.
Other environmental factors, like current movements and how the water reacts to breakwaters, need planning. This is why a thorough understanding of the area and waterway is essential.
Accounting for Complex Port Environments and Traffic
Cruise Ships Docked in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: BLAZE Pro)
Another major challenge is maneuvering through busy harbors and canals. Cruise ports aren’t just busy with other cruise liners, many are located within larger port structures, so pilots need to anticipate the movements of cargo ships, local ferries, and even small pleasure crafts and fishing boats.
Not only must the pilot have an exceptional awareness of their surroundings, they need to be aware of the port schedule for that specific day and stay in contact with port authorities, ship captains, and other marine pilots.
Personal Hazards and Safety Risks
Pilot Boat Approaching Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Zigmunds Dizgalvis)
Every time I see a video of a cruise ship pilot climbing a pilot ladder, my heart skips a beat. Just the process of transferring from the pilot boats to the ship can be incredibly risky, especially in rough seas or adverse weather conditions.
Sadly, injuries and even deaths are relatively common, making it one of the most dangerous professions in the entire cruise industry. If you look internationally, there’s a statistic that one in twenty harbor pilots will be killed or injured at some point during their career.
Luckily, these numbers aren’t quite as dramatic for cruise ship pilots, but they still face a lot of the same dangers, and fatalities are not unheard of.
For example, in 2023, an experienced Japanese pilot tragically died falling into the sea while boarding a Princess cruise ship. According to the American Pilots Association, eight cruise ship pilots have been killed in the United States just since 2006.
Maintaining Focus Under Pressure
La Place Carenage Cruise Pier (Photo Credit: Luciavonu)
You probably get the idea; cruise ship pilots work in a very high-stress environment. The margin for error is minimal, so even just the mental demands of the job can be taxing. Long hours, unpredictable conditions, and being highly alert at all times require exceptional concentration and resilience.
When you’re in control of an enormous and hugely expensive ship carrying thousands of people, navigating tight waterways can put you under immense pressure. Plus, cruise ship pilots also need to comply with all local regulations. There is no part of the ship where you can switch off and coast.
How Does a Ship Pilot Get on a Cruise Ship?
Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock
While you need nerves of steel to guide a ship that could be worth over $2 billion, the part of the job that is the most nerve-wracking is getting on the ship while it is in open water.
It begins when the cruise ship is within a designated distance from the dock. The pilot, who is stationed on a small, agile pilot boat, will then receive a signal from the ship’s officers to prepare for boarding.
The pilot crew then skillfully maneuvers their boat alongside the cruise ship and uses a specialized rope ladder to transfer onto the ship. This carefully coordinated process, known as a pilot transfer, must be executed quickly. While the pilot is on the ship, their partner will keep their vessel a safe distance from the cruise ship.
The pilot transfer can be really complicated, as they need to contend with the ship’s motion, wind, waves, and swaying of the ladder itself.
In challenging conditions, the transfer becomes even more daunting. However, with rigorous training and extensive local knowledge, experienced pilots are able to handle all of these tasks.
When a cruise ship departs from a port, the pilot boards the ship from the pier. Their partner will then follow in a pilot boat, so the pilot can descend a pilot ladder and board the pilot boat, allowing them to return to their own smaller vessel.
This can be just as risky, and in some cases, even more dangerous, as the smaller pilot boats tend to bob in the water more than a stable cruise ship.
If you want to see for yourself just how intimidating the job can be, there are plenty of videos on YouTube that provide visual demonstrations of how skilled pilots execute transfers using a pilot ladder and shell door. Here are some examples of this process in action:
Before the ship reaches the harbor, the pilot conducts thorough pre-entry preparations by reviewing updated information on water depths, tides, and weather conditions to map out the safest and most efficient route to the berth.
Once on board the cruise ship, the pilot assumes full control of the vessel as it approaches port. They also work closely with the ship’s helmsman and officers, discussing the optimal approach path while considering obstacles like breakwaters and areas with limited clearance near piers.
Using advanced navigation systems, the pilot uses established maritime markers such as the fairway buoy to maintain the correct course, making incremental adjustments to balance the ship’s momentum with the harbor’s constraints. The ship must also be kept at a constant and safe speed, as ports have strict limits to minimize wake.
In the final approach, the pilot carefully aligns the ship with the dock while accounting for the ship’s own inertia. The pilot then communicates final instructions to the helmsman, ensuring the ship comes to a complete and secure stop at its assigned berth.
This seamless transition from open water to the dock may seem like routine business from the perspective of the ship’s passengers, but it’s actually an incredibly complex process that requires an incredible amount of coordination and skill.
Cruise Ship Pilot vs Captain: Who Has Seniority?
Photo Credit: Philip Schubert / Shutterstock
Given that cruise ship pilots assume control of cruise ships while in port, a common question I hear is who has seniority and ultimate control: a cruise ship pilot or the ship’s captain?
While both roles are incredibly important, the ship’s captain holds ultimate authority over the entire ship, overseeing its overall management and ensuring the safety of the ship.
Think of the interaction between the captain and pilot as a partnership. Thanks to their specialized expertise and extensive local knowledge of the harbor environment, they provide critical assistance to the captain and crew.
And while a cruise ship pilot’s role is largely advisory, their recommendations are followed closely because they possess the necessary skills to keep the ship safe and compliant with harbor protocols.
Plus, in some ports, the captain may not be fluent in the local language, where the pilot can speak to harbor representatives on behalf of the ship.
This cooperative dynamic ensures that while the captain maintains ultimate command of the ship, the pilot’s critical guidance during the maneuvering phase guarantees a smooth and safe approach to different ports around the world.
How to Become a Cruise Ship Pilot
Like the job itself, becoming a cruise ship pilot takes a lot of effort. Not only does it have specific education requirements, you also have to have extensive practical experience and lots of specialized training. Here’s a closer look at what it takes to join this elite group of maritime professionals.
Educational and Professional Requirements
The Pilot and His Boat! (Photo Credit: byvalet)
You will want to start with a bachelor’s degree in a maritime field, like marine engineering or nautical science. From there, you’ll be able to apply to one of the country’s maritime academies, where you can obtain a US Coast Guard approved degree, as well as the Marchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Not only will you be able to earn a degree that will allow you to get started in the field, these specialized institutions and programs provide the foundational knowledge in navigation, ship handling, and maritime law required for the job.
Plenty of aspiring cruise ship pilots will start as licensed deck officers and gain practical experience aboard various ships or other commercial vessels.
Not only does this allow you to accumulate the necessary years of experience, it also allows you to work your way up the ladder. You’ll make connections, build your resume, and gain the practical insights and technical proficiency needed to handle the complexities of modern pilotage.
Training and Licensing
Pilot Boat Near Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: PatrickWd)
Once you have the correct education and real-world experience, you’ll need to undergo specialized pilot training specific to the port or region where you want to work. During this phase, you’ll also learn the hands-on intricacies of pilotage and how to execute delicate pilot transfers.
Licensing is the final step in the process. Prospective pilots must pass rigorous examinations and demonstrate their competence through practical assessments.
They are issued a pilot’s ID that certifies their qualifications and ability to operate in a specific port. Only those who meet these stringent standards are permitted to assume the role of a cruise ship pilot.
Continuous Professional Development
Prospective pilots are expected to take refresher courses even after becoming licensed by passing a pilotage exam. This ensures they understand how to use the latest navigational technologies and stay up to date on changes in regulations.
Cruise Ship Pilot Salary and Hours
Given that it’s an incredibly demanding and dangerous job with strict credentials requirements, it’s no surprise that cruise ship pilots are well compensated for their job. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect if you pursue this type of position:
Salary and Benefits
Cruise Pilot Going on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Christian Rueger)
In the United States, cruise ship pilots typically earn a salary of $100,000 to over $400,000, depending on their experience and the harbor where they work.
Naturally, those working in the busiest cruise ports, like PortMiami, are more specialized and better compensated than those working in low-traffic harbors in more remote areas, like those in Alaska.
Industry reports also point out that a lot of cruise ship pilots enjoy generous benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and performance bonuses.
Working Hours and Schedules
Pilot and MSC Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Deni Williams)
Cruise ship pilots usually work more than 40 hours per week, with those hours lining up with the hours of operation for the port itself. Shifts vary from port to port and are generally based on visiting cruise ships’ arrival and departure schedules. This means they can extend into early mornings or late nights.
During busy periods, like peak cruise season, they tend to work more demanding hours. For ports located in remote areas, like those found in Alaska, pilots sometimes work bi-weekly schedules, meaning they work for two weeks, then are given two weeks off.
With this type of schedule, shifts can run for at least 12 hours per day and the pilot will work either 6 or 7 days each week.
According to the International Maritime Pilots’ Association, many pilot positions require full availability during days when the pilot is scheduled, as they need to be accessible if an emergency situation occurs in the port, such as a ship-on-ship collision.
Cruise Ship Pilot: A Crucial Role
Harbor Pilot
To say the role of a cruise ship pilot is important would be an understatement. Their work is essential to the smooth operation of the entire cruise industry. Without their expertise, cruise ships could not offer port of call visits on their itineraries or even depart from and return to their home ports.
These professionals are entrusted with the safety of all passengers and crew while the ship is in a port, navigating a narrow canal or channel, like the Panama Canal, or some of the rivers leading to major cruise ports, like New Orleans Cruise Port.
Their extensive knowledge of the areas where they are stationed and their specialized training enable them to navigate through challenging weather conditions, adjust to shifting tides, and overcome unexpected hazards.
By working closely with the ship’s captain, harbor officials, and even other cruise ship captains, they provide vital guidance that ensures the ship’s safe command and control during critical phases of the journey.
So, next time you are on a cruise ship headed into a port or departing from one to continue its journey, just know that there are highly trained professionals risking their safety to ensure that your vacation goes smoothly!
Did you know that Florida’s nickname is the Sunshine State?
It may seem a bit ironic considering it ranks fifth among the rainiest states in the US, averaging about 54-55 inches annually.
Florida is also a global hub for cruise lines, and its seven major ports hosted 29.8 million passengers in 2024.
While the weather frequently includes rain, thunderstorms, and high humidity, cruise lines work to ensure passengers are not affected by storms as best as possible.
Of course, Mother Nature is unpredictable, and sometimes the weather is not in the cruise lines’ favor, despite their best efforts to avoid it.
This was the case on the 5,362 passenger Carnival Celebration, which was set to depart from PortMiami on March 30, 2025, at 4 p.m. EST — that was until a storm caused delays and flooding.
While departure was only delayed roughly 30 minutes, the vessel was continuously hit by the storm while exiting the port.
It was recorded that Miami-Dade County received up to 7 inches of rain in some areas on this particular day (March 30), which accounts for 11.5% of the area’s total annual rainfall.
According to local weather reports, there were two separate flash flood warnings in effect and even a tornado warning for areas more inland. If you ever wondered if these warnings apply to cruise ships, they sure do!
Several passengers took to social media to share what was happening — and the videos revealed extensive flooding on upper decks.
TikToker deiylydosediaries posted a short clip of the water pooling near the bars, something that put a damper on the start of her cruise celebrating her 26th birthday.
Commenters asked what happened, and the TikToker replied saying,“just was raining very heavily + as the boat was rocking the water just flooded the common areas.”
Cruise influencer Dennis Post of PostCard Travel Planning was also aboard Carnival Celebration when the flooding occurred, and he shared some insight into the issues caused by the storm.
The sail away party was fully cancelled, and it was raining so hard that water from decks 17 and 18 were flooding down into the pool area on deck 16.
Post also shared that, “supervisors were on all the decks as the rain was coming inside —at deck 18 they had to block doorways with piles of towels to stop water from coming into the elevator lobby.”
The internet was fully shut down on the ship as lightning continued to strike close by. Additionally, the ship’s horn had to be sounded by the captain as they finally exited PortMiami in the low visibility conditions.
Of course, the crew tried to step in to help by attempting to sweep the excess water out of the guests way, but considering the rate of the rainfall this was largely unsuccessful.
In a later video shared by Post you could see just how much the vessel was rocking before it was even out in the open ocean as the water in the flooded decks sloshed around.
Out of precaution, ‘caution, wet floor signs’ were placed on affected decks to alert passengers about the pretty obvious flooding situation.
So far, no injuries or major damages have been reported. Thankfully, the weather has cleared up and the ship is currently sailing to its first stop in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, as planned.
The rest of the cruise includes visits to San Juan, Puerto andSt Thomas in the US Virgin Islands before returning to Miami on April 6, 2025 — where hopefully the ship will encounter better weather.
Is this Kind of Weather Common?
The short answer is yes, but also no!
As mentioned above, Florida can experience quite a bit of rainfall every year.
However, this weather is most common from May to mid-October, which is when the area is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes.
Carnival Celebration Departing Miami (Photo Credit: Grindstone Media Group)
There were only six days in 2024 when Miami-Dade County saw more than 7 inches of rainfall, and all of them fell between June and mid-August. So yes, not uncommon — but not the typical during the spring cruising season.
Other ships included Carnival Spirit, Carnival Magic, Symphony of the Seas, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, MSC Seaside, Scarlet Lady, and Explorer of the Seas. The majority of these ships opted to depart later on in the evening to avoid the storm.
As everyone aboard Carnival Celebrationis now enjoying better weather conditions, surely they will not forget their stormy experience anytime soon.
Hopefully, the remainder of their voyage only has sunny days ahead!
Cruisers are eagerly awaiting MSC World America’s debut, wondering what MSC Cruises will have in store for its newest ship.
It turns out that what’s in store is an elevated shopping experience found in over 10,000 dedicated square feet of retail space.
Included in the 216,638-gross-ton vessels’ offerings will be nine high-end shops providing up to 6,762 guests (at full capacity), everything from luxury brands to exclusive, innovative shopping concepts, including a first pre-owned, affluent-brand accessory store.
“We are thrilled for our future guests to experience our dynamic retail offering aboard our newest ship, MSC World America,”said Georg Schmickler, MSC Cruises’ senior vice president of onboard revenue.
“The shopping experience onboard has been thoughtfully designed to cater to every guest, featuring a diverse range of world-class brand partnerships, innovative new concepts, and returning guests’ favorites,” he said.
MSC World America, which is set to make her grand debut in Miami on April 9, 2025, with a christening ceremony featuring godmother Drew Barrymore, will give its North American cruisers a chance to shop until they drop as if they were strolling Paris’ Avenue George V or cruising through Rodeo Drive.
The Bulova Pop-Up Show, for example, will be a new addition to the cruise line. Found in the ship’s World Galleria, the store will feature a wide range of watches from Bulova, renowned for making high-end timepieces since 1875.
For guests interested in sustainable luxury, the Sif Jakobs Lab-Grown Diamonds store, also joining the fleet for the first time, will be a first-at-sea chance to buy ethically sourced 14k gold and lab-grown diamond pieces.
More jewelry from brands like Chopard, Messika, and Effy, already favorites on MSC Cruises, will be found in the returning The World of Jewels boutique and the Effy Jewelry store.
MSC World Europa, World Galleria (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)
Also reappearing is the popular TimeVallée, which appears on MSC Seascape and MSC Euribia. It has been added to MSC World America to offer passengers prestigious watch brands like Baume & Mercier, Cartier, and Tag Heuer, while the Omega Shop will join the fleet for the fourth time as a single-brand boutique unique to MSC Cruises.
MSC World America is also adding a new concept: Luxury at Sea. This retail space will feature pre-owned hard-to-get items from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Hermès.
“With our expanded retail offering, our aim is to provide our guests with an exceptional and tailored shopping journey while at sea,” Schmickler said.
Debut Around the Bend
MSC World America is currently making her way to Miami from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, where she was handed over to MSC Cruises on March 27, 2025, after more than two years under construction and anticipation.
Besides her retail space, the brand-new vessel will offer guests 19 dining venues, including new concepts like Paxos, which will serve up traditional Greek fare, and the first Eataly at Sea for Italian cuisine.
MSC World America Sea Trials
With 18 bars and lounges, passengers will soon discover The Loft for comedy and karaoke and the All-Stars Sports Bar, where guests can keep up with their favorite teams.
Across her seven distinct zones will be an array of new or improved amenities and spaces, with the most touted being the over-water swing ride called the Cliffhanger. This new feature will “hang” guests over the side of the ship 160 feet above the water.
The upcoming christening will take industry insiders and journalists out to sea for a 3-day introduction cruise before MSC World America hosts her first official voyage on April 12, 2025.
That cruise will begin a series of alternating 7-night roundtrip voyages from Miami. Passengers will have a choice between the Eastern or Western Caribbean and visits to either the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico or Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras.
Both itineraries will feature calls at the cruise line’s private Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.
Guests interested in Caribbean getaways for Holland America Line’s 2026-2027 season will find more relaxation than ever with pampering upgrades at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
The cruise line’s award-winning private destination in the Bahamas – renamed in December 2024 to highlight its relaxation vibes – will feature even more enhanced experiences and luxury for everyone to enjoy.
A wide range of upgrades are planned for RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Cabanas, villas, and 2-person canopy loungers will all be updated, and all beach facilities will likewise be upgraded.
The island’s dining options are also being refreshed and will include food trucks with island-only treats and bites, as well as refurbishments to the Lobster Shack and food court. For visitors who prefer some liquid refreshment, Aperol Spritz tricycles and Bacardi Beach Buggies will be delivering beverages throughout the island.
“The Caribbean, with its crystal-clear blue waters and sandy beaches, is the perfect destination to unwind — and we’re enhancing the guest experience to ensure the most relaxing vacation possible,”said Michael Smith, senior vice president, guest experience and product development.
“Whether on board or at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, guests will feel immersed in the Caribbean’s charm and the award-winning, personalized service Holland America is known for.”
For an even more exclusive day, guests can opt for the beach club experience. This will include priority tendering to make the most of every moment on the island, as well as waiter service, private beach access, upgraded furniture, and outstanding ship views for that picture-perfect vacation selfie.
While everyone has a different definition of relaxation, guests who want to be a bit more active will enjoy the new pickleball courts on the island, while shoppers enjoy fantastic local shopping venues.
Of course, some cruisers might prefer to stay onboard their ship even when visiting the island. In this case, the new adults-only Signature Pool Experience will be available on Caribbean sailings.
This premium venture will focus on the Sea View Pool with spa-like amenities (bring me a glass of the cucumber water!) such as cold towels and sunglass cleaning. On sea days, live music will create a relaxing ambient atmosphere.
Visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on New Caribbean Itineraries
The new enhancements at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay will be prominently featured in Holland America Line’s Caribbean itineraries from October 2026 through April 2027. During that popular sailing season, six of the cruise line’s 11 ships will be offering sailings from 7-14 nights.
Especially geared to provide the ultimate relaxing getaway, Holland America Line is offering more than 70 sailings of 9+ days – more than any other cruise line sailing in the Caribbean. Eleven unique expanded itineraries give guests plenty of options.
Ships will be homeported at both Fort Lauderdale and Miami, offering guests convenient options for various itineraries.
Zuiderdam at Half Moon Cay (Photo Credit: Holland America Line)
Of special note is a themed voyage in partnership with The History Channel to the Southern Caribbean and the coveted “ABC” islands – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Offered aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, the 9-night voyage departs October 30, 2026 and also includes a call to the new Cabo Rojo port in the Dominican Republic.
Classic 7-night voyages will be available Eurodam, Zuiderdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Nieuw Statendam, while Rotterdam will offer a stunning 11-night Eastern Caribbean holiday sailing over both Christmas and New Year’s.
Likewise, Volendam will be offering a 14-night voyage over both holidays with eight ports of call, departing Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, December 22, 2026. The special highlight will be a late-night call to Aruba from noon until 11 p.m. Other ports include Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and Barbados.
So many options give travelers great control over their Caribbean cruise, with ports of call that include Jamaica, Cozumel, the Cayman Islands, Grand Turk, Key West, St. Thomas, Antigua, Costa Rica, Panama, and more, depending on ship, sailing date, and cruise length.
With so much to choose from, guests can certainly find a way to relax at exactly the Caribbean destinations that evoke the very best of the cruising life for their vacation preferences.
It’s raining, it’s pouring, the passengers are seriously concerned because this is happening inside the cruise ship!
This was the sad reality for cruisers aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic this past weekend as the ship experienced a major leak stemming from the floor of deck 5.
One guest on the ship posted a video of the leak on Reddit to warn fellow cruisers of the situation and share how it affected their cruise activities.
The clip clearly shows water falling from the ceiling near the chandelier lights in the main atrium, meaning it was leaking from deck 5 all the way down to deck 3. You can watch a video of the leakage below:
Along with the videothe poster added, “It started yesterday afternoon and it is still ongoing today and looks like has worsened. Floors 3/4/5 midship is closed with activities cancelled/moved and you also need to go to other floors to go from forward to aft.“
Fellow cruisers shared their own experiences in the comments, pointing out that this ship has a history with leaking issues.
“Hasn’t this been happening occasionally for a while now? I remember seeing something over a year ago about the leaks causing a horrible smell in the carpets and some people having to switch rooms,”replied one person.
Another passenger who is also currently on the ship also chimed in, adding“It’s been very annoying to have to navigate around it. But I’m curious if there is a scheduled dry dock to fix this issue? It’s kinda crazy.”
Others were asking if Disney Cruise Line was offering any resolutions for those affected, given that the leak did impact the guests directly.
The poster replied that some people in the 6500s cabins had to change rooms and were given some sort of compensation, but that was it.
While some of the commenters were concerned about their upcoming cruises on Disney Magic, many reassured them that the 30-year-old cruise ship had seen it all and that the leak would likely be fixed quickly.
The leak began on March 29, 2025, while the ship was in the middle of sailing a 7-night itinerary to the Bahamas as well as Disney’s Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay.
Neither the poster nor the cruise line has shared any updates about the status of the situation, but the ship is disembarking passengers today, March 31, 2025, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, so hopefully the leak can get fixed before the ship departs again tonight.
How Common are Leaking Issues on Disney?
It might seem like deja vu for the crew on the 2,700 passenger Disney Magic, as it had another very unfortunate leak just in the last two weeks.
Passengers in the 6500s rooms were impacted by pressure issues with the ship’s plumbing system, which caused sewage leakages.
Since there were no available rooms for guests to move to, the cruise line stepped in and cleaned what they could in the cabins and ran fans in the hallway to help expedite the drying process.
Disney Cruise Line claimed just one room was affected, but passengers claimed there were more cabins impacted than was being shared.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
The most recent leak that started on March 29, 2025, also forced some guests to move cabins, so this seems to be a recurring issue on deck 6 on this particular vessel.
While Disney Magic may have seen better days, the newest ship in the fleet has also experienced issues with the less-than-magical indoor leaking issues.
Cruise tourism is expanding so much that, year over year, cruise ports around the world are breaking records in the number of ships and the number of passengers arriving.
For Southern England’s cruise pub, Southampton, the momentum is building. After welcoming more than 3 million passengers in 2024 – breaking port records – the Port of Southampton is bracing for even more visits in 2025.
With the first quarter of the year ending on March 31, 2025, the port has already seen a significant number of vessel calls, including the inaugural voyage of the new Norwegian Aqua by Norwegian Cruise Line.
The brand-new ship, constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, set off from Southampton on March 28, 2025, to begin its inaugural season.
Up to 3,571 passengers set off from the port as it embarked on an unfortunately – or fortunate for some passengers getting extra time – weather-delayed voyage to New York City, wrapping up an impressive first quarter.
“2025 will be another fantastic year,”said Rebekah Keeler, cruise strategy manager at Associated British Ports (ABP).
“We continue to see growth in the global cruise sector, and Southampton is leading the way for the UK and Northern Europe,”she continued.
“As a port city, Southampton has welcomed cruise liners since the 1800s, and we are proud to continue offering cruises from Southampton, maintaining our position on the cruise circuit.”
Cruise Growth and Green Goals at Southampton
The Port of Southampton supports 85 percent of the UK’s cruise market and is a launching point for many big names in the industry.
On March 8, 2025, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 embarked on a 29-night roundtrip voyage from Southampton to the Caribbean, beginning what will be a busy spring and summer season for the port.
In March, a relatively quieter month for cruising, the port saw 18 ships arrive in its docks and watched Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway, P&O Cruises’ Iona and Aurora, Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess, and Cunard’s Queen Victoria each set off from the port.
Located about 80 miles southwest of London, the port is jumping-off point for Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Silversea, Celebrity Cruises, and MSC Cruises, among others.
It also sees an array of other major lines stopping by on calls, including AIDA Cruises, TUI Cruises, and Costa Cruises.
Last year, when the port surpassed 3 million cruise guests, it bested 2023’s 2.6 million passengers. This was a 15 percent growth and infused the local economy with more than $1.2 million.
While the port is growing, it’s also working hard to minimize its environmental impact, utilizing shore power connectivity that Keeler says in 2025 will be “the highest number of shore power connection confirmed.”
Port of Southampton (Photo Credit: Ben Gingell)
The port began utilizing shore power in 2022 at its Horizon Cruise Terminal and Mayflower Cruise Terminal.
This means ships can connect to a port to help minimize emissions by allowing them to operate using the port’s electrical grid instead of running diesel engines.
“We are proud to have the capability, infrastructure, and partnerships in place to facilitate this incredible economic value for our city,”said Keeler.
In 2024, the port saw a 50 percent increase in the number of ships using its power grid, and it anticipates an even higher number in 2025 as ships work to meet the EU’s Green Deal goals to reach zero emissions by 2050.
While Norwegian Aqua may be the most exciting welcome of 2025 as one of the newest cruise ships to sail the high seas, the Port of Southampton will see more than 200 cruise vessels and their passengers visit before the year ends.
MSC Poesia is the last vessel scheduled to call in Southampton this year, arriving on December 26, 2026, but it certainly won’t be on the 182-year-old port’s last.
Carnival Sunshine has come perilously close to failing her most recent public health inspection from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While a score of 85 or lower (out of 100) is considered failing the inspection, Carnival Sunshine rated just four points higher – an overall score of 89.
CDC inspections can be notoriously nit-picky and cruise ships can get lower scores for seemingly simple infractions, such as the wattage of light bulbs, a clogged drain, or a spill in the Lido Marketplace buffet.
A total of 26 items of concern were noted in the inspection report, many of which could be corrected immediately.
Some of the simpler items that impacted Carnival Sunshine‘s recent score include such issues as an open ice machine door in the pantry, some debris residue in crew handwashing stations, small drips from equipment creatin puddles on the floor, and a few burned-out lightbulbs in a dishwashing area of the galley.
Of greatest concern may have been the food employee who apparently had “an onset of acute gastroenteritis symptoms” at 1 p.m. on December 13, 2024, but who stayed at their duties until 4:40 p.m. and did not report to the medical center until nearly 6 p.m.
That delay cold have resulted in significant contamination of services, utensils, or even foods, depending on the crew member’s exact duties. Additional training was given to crew members about appropriate protocols when feeling ill or exhibiting any potential symptoms.
Fortunately, no norovirus or other gastrointestinal illness outbreak was reported aboard Carnival Sunshine for December 2024. In fact, the ship has not had any outbreaks reported at all since at least 2019.
The “ickiest” violation of the report to this frequent cruiser is the note that “numerous insects were present throughout multiple food service areas” including the Lido buffet.
Further reading of the details, however, clarifies just two “small” cockroaches (who’s measuring that? There’s no such thing as a small one to me…) and a total of nine fruit flies across five different areas. Maybe I won’t worry too much.
Fortunately, many of the necessary “corrective actions” would be easy to take, such as wiping up spills, discarding broken food trays, closing the ice machine door, and changing light bulbs.
The ship’s crew will take those actions and submit a report on the different tasks, at which point the CDC may either re-inspect the ship or simply monitor for future compliance with health and cleanliness guidelines.
Most Ships Easily Pass CDC Inspections
So far in 2025, Carnival Sunshine‘s score of 89 is the second-lowest of all cruise ship inspection reports.
That ship’s violations included similar issues as those aboard Carnival Sunshine, as well as reporting problems with children in the youth programs exhibiting illness symptoms, broken soap dispensers, and improper food storage.
Most ship inspections score in the 90s, but some vessels do exhibit perfect 100 scores. So far in 2025, those accolades belong to the new Disney Treasure, MSC Cruises’ Explora I, and Norwegian Escape.
For the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, four other ships have so far been inspected in 2025, in addition to Carnival Sunshine. Each one has scored well – Carnival Conquest (96), Carnival Elation (96), Carnival Freedom (99), and Carnival Sunrise (99).
Up-and-coming British cruise line Marella Cruises is looking to expand and create its own unique presence with its first-ever new build ships, coming in 2030 and 2032.
The cruise line signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilder also responsible for such amazing vessels as Cunard Line’s Queen Anne, Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new Norwegian Aqua, and Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess.
“We are proud to welcome Marella Cruises as a new customer and to support its vision as it enters the newbuild segment,”said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri.
TUI Group, parent company of Marella Cruises, is also the parent of German line TUI Cruises, which is a joint venture with Royal Caribbean Group.
In February 2025, Fincantieri delivered Mein Schiff Relax to TUI Cruises from its shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The 160,000-gross-ton, 4,100-passenger ship is the largest ever built for TUI Cruises, and the first vessel in the line’s new InTUItion class.
The new Marella Cruises ships will be designed especially for the British market, with refined touches that elevate the premium cruising experience. Further details, including gross tonnage and onboard features, will be announced at a later date.
What is already known is that the two ships will have a strong focus on environmental sustainability. This is a keen goal for many cruise lines with new ships, ensuring not only luxury getaways but responsible stewardship of the seas they sail.
“The project will bring together our expertise in ship design, innovation, and sustainability to deliver vessels that meet the evolving expectations of modern cruise passengers,”said Folgiero.
Furthermore, adding Marella Cruises as a new build client ensures ongoing “capacity saturation” for Fincantieri’s shipyards. This is great news for cruise travelers, as new ships offer new experiences and itineraries to enjoy.
While the new build order with Fincantieri is still subject to financing and other terms and conditions, this is a typical arrangement for new ships and there are no expected difficulties that may cause significant delays as the new ships take shape.
Why New Builds Matter for Marella Cruises
This first order for new builds is a big step for Marella Cruises, as the line’s current fleet is a hodge-podge of older ships purchased from different cruise lines and rebranded over the years.
Many cruise lines begin as rebranded older vessels from bigger lines, and it is only as a cruise line grows more successful and is able to expand that new build ships are ordered.
For example, Carnival Cruise Line’s first three ships – Mardi Gras, Carnivale, and Festivale – were all ships from other cruise lines.
Marella Explorer Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)
Marella Cruise’s current fleet of five ships are from a variety of different cruise lines. Marella Discovery was originally Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas, while Marella Discovery 2 was formerly Legend of the Seas – predecessor and namesake to Royal Caribbean’s third Icon-class ship, due for delivery in 2026.
Marella Explorer was previously Celebrity Galaxy, Marella Explorer 2 was first Celebrity Century, and Marella Voyager was first Celebrity Mercury.
All five ships were built in the mid- to late 1990s, and older ships are not always able to be updated and renovated to meet modern environmental and guest experience expectations.
The two upcoming ships are sure to offer not only Marella Cruises’ premium experiences and services, but will start to forge the cruise line’s own distinctive personality.
This may be seen with unique interior architecture and exclusive spaces, as well as elevated finishes and attention to detail that will be sure to offer an amazing experience for all travelers.
