If you’re a seasoned Disney cruiser booking your next voyage, your final payment is due sooner and your chance to cancel for a refund has been changed, according to Disney Cruise Line’s (DCL) recent policy changes.
Effective September 30, 2024, DCL has updated its cancellation and final payment policies, applying to new bookings, that impact how guests manage their trip cancellations and payment plans moving forward.
Guests will now need to cancel their bookings earlier than before to avoid penalties, and final payment deadlines have also been adjusted to earlier dates. Now, for sailings 1 to 5 nights, that window has been changed to 90 days.
In addition, the final payment for cruises of five nights or less is now due 90 days before departure. This is a change from the previous policy, where final payments were required only 75 days before sailing.
However, for longer cruises of six nights or more, the window has been extended to 120 days.
Suite and Concierge stateroom guests face slightly different terms, with 45 days or more before shorter sailings (one to five nights) and 56 days or more for longer cruises (six nights or more) to cancel with the fee being the deposit per guest.
Under the old policy, Suite and Concierge guests enjoyed a 90-day cancellation window for all sailings.
The changes signal a return to more traditional booking standards for the cruise industry as a whole. Disney Cruise Line, like many others, is moving away from the more lenient pandemic-era policies that offered increased flexibility.
For those who have already booked their sailing before the announcement, the old cancellation and payment policies will still apply.
Cancellation Policy Tightened
Though the timeframe has shortened, the fees have not changed. For longer cruises, cancellations made between 119 and 56 days before departure result in the loss of the deposit. Those made between 55 and 30 days incur a 50 percent charge of the total vacation cost per guest.
This cost increases to 75 percent for cancellations made 29 to 15 days before the voyage, and cancellations made 14 days or less before departure result in a 100 percent charge per guest.
Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
For shorter sailings (one to five nights), guests who cancel between 89 and 45 days before the cruise will forfeit their deposit, with a 50-percent charge applying for cancellations made 44 to 30 days before departure.
Guests cancelling between 29 and 15 days will face a 75 percent charge, and cancellations made 14 days or less before sailing will be charged the full cruise fare.
While Suite and Concierge guests have a slightly more flexible policy, the fees for later cancellations remain the same, with a 50 percent charge for cancellations made 44 to 30 days before short voyages and 55 to 30 days before longer ones.
Regardless of the cruise length, cancellations between 29 and 15 days will incur a 75 percent fee, and cancellations within 14 days, as for all stateroom categories, result in the full 100 percent penalty.
All cruise travelers quickly come to realize how hard working crew members can be, and few work harder than the dedicated stateroom stewards. Many passengers enjoy rewarding that hard work and dedication with an extra gratuity, but how should that extra acknowledgement be offered?
A fun trend embraced by many travelers is to use cash bills to spell out “Thank You!” “Thanks!” or other messages of gratitude on the stateroom bed or beds, leaving the money for stewards to find. But not all guests agree with this practice.
“STOP showing these photos John. You are just virtue signaling,”one upset guest wrote to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador.“This is outdated, offensive and demeaning. If you are going to give a worker cash, hand it to them or place in an envelope. They are not children. This kind of photo should be trashed, not celebrated.”
Heald responds to several hundred questions, comments, and requests nearly every day via his popular Facebook page, and the subject of tipping and gratuities is a common one.
In response to this particular guest comment, Heald obviously does not share the commenter’s opinion, but is open to what other travelers think of the trend.
“This lady is referring to this photo which I think is, well, simply lovely. And I am sure the cabin attendant was smiling when he saw it and appreciated it so very much,”he said.
Heald does point out that the money crew members earn through their employment with the cruise line allows them to support their families with a far better life than what they might be able to do through other careers. Extra gratuities are always appreciated, however guests may choose to offer them.
The practice of spreading the money out, however, can be very polarizing among travelers. Some view it as cute and whimsical, a fun way to express appreciation.
Other guests, however, consider it making more work for the already hard-working crew to have to “pick up” an extra tip in such a way. Even it if only takes a few moments, that adds one more task to already very busy days.
“Is this lovely way of saying ‘thank you’ wrong?”Heald asked.
Some travelers think the trend is a fun and entertaining one, sure to be pleasant for everyone’s day.
“This is so adorable! And yes, I’m positive it brought a smile to the cabin attendant!”
“Anybody can do an envelope, but they took time to be creative to tell them how much they appreciated them!”
Other cruise guests, however, disagree with trend, even though it may be well-meaning.
“I think while it’s meant as a cute gesture, it’s one more thing for them to clean, and should be handed to the cabin steward or in an envelope.”
“I kind of agree that this is a silly way of giving an adult a tip. Bring a thank you card, write a short personal thank you and put the money in the card. Having the employee scooping up the dollar bills is very impractical and unnecessary.”
Cash Tipping on Carnival Cruise Line
Heald also asked whether an extra gratuity should be offered in an envelope or spread over the bed in the word thank you as part of a larger round-up poll.
Of the votes collected, nearly 10 times as many guests believe an envelope or handing the gratuity to the attendant personally is a better choice than writing out words with cash.
Of the more than 50,000 votes cast, 32% (roughly 15,800 votes) prefer an envelope, while just 3% (roughly 1,480 votes) would create a cute sentiment.
Can Giving Gratuities Be a Form of Virtue Signaling?
Part of the issue and why this trend can be controversial is the idea of whether or not it is virtue signaling and more about the guest’s reputation rather than actually showing gratitude to the stateroom attendant.
Virtue signaling is the act of using social media to show how good one is with posts, comments, or photos that supposedly demonstrate one’s high moral stance or highlight positive noteworthy actions. Ultimately, virtue signaling in itself is not seen as a positive trait.
“I left my cabin steward a $100 in an envelope with a thank you note. I don’t need to glorify my tipping to make myself feel important.”
“I think its a great way to bless a worker, but I like to bless people in secret and not telling everyone what I did.”
“The person is tipping this way, taking this photo, and sharing it with the world to show how great THEY are, not how great their steward is, in my opinion.”
If you leave extra gratuities for a stateroom steward, how do you do it? Share your “tip tips” on the Cruise Hive boards!
How do you imagine you’ll spend your very first cruise? If you want to experience your first cruise to the fullest, don’t just lounge by the main pool all day, waiting for the next island on your itinerary.
While pool lounging and island hopping are requisite parts of the cruising experience, today’s cruise ships offer so much more to enjoy. Here are 11 things new cruisers should always do on a cruise.
First things first, you need to get to know your ship. Explore the ship virtually, ahead of your embarkation date, by looking at deck plans for your chosen ship online, but then explore the ship on foot as well, as soon as possible.
Why is this important? Well, modern cruise ships are massive. Just take a look at Icon of the Seas. It has 18 decks that are open to passengers. It’s as long as three-and-a-half, full-sized NFL football fields. It has more than 20 elevators, more than two dozen restaurants and bars, and thousands upon thousands of staterooms.
In other words, it’s easy to get lost.
Getting to know your ship — walking your way through the various decks (or, if you’re traveling on a Royal Caribbean ship, the various ship neighborhoods) — will not only likely introduce you to a few features and venues you didn’t even know existed, but will also help you get your bearings.
Then, later on in the cruise, when you want to make tracks fast for the pool or you’re trying to beat everyone to a favorite restaurant or the buffet, you’ll know how to get there without a lot of roaming around.
2. Get Off the Ship — But Don’t Limit Your Shore Experiences
Cruise Ships Docked in Ketchikan, Alaska (Photo Credit: WESLEY FOULDS)
While there are many reasons to stay on the ship while it’s in port, there are just as many reasons to leave the ship while it’s in port, and shore excursions are one of them.
As mentioned, shore excursions are a requisite part of the cruise experience, especially for new cruisers. Snorkeling in tropical waters, ATV tours through deserts, walking tours through historic cities — these options are just a taste of the many shore excursions offered by major cruise lines.
However, don’t limit your shore experiences to just the guided tours offered by the cruise lines. These can be a bit pricey, you’re usually shoved into large groups and you may not get as authentic an experience as you would otherwise.
Instead, look to third-party tour and experience providers based in your destination. If you’re traveling to a very large and popular cruise port, like in the Bahamas, Jamaica or U.S. Virgin Islands, you’ll have no trouble finding a provider who can give you a great experience, while also ensuring that you make it back to the cruise ship in time for departure.
That said, if you do decide to just stick with the cruise line-offered excursions, there’s no shame there. For new cruisers, doing so can come with added peace of mind and ease of planning.
If there’s one person you want to be friends with during your cruise, it’s your cabin or room steward. While, when traveling on land, you may check in to a hotel and never even see the multiple people who clean and stock your room, that’s not the case on a cruise.
Instead, you’ll have one cabin attendant or steward who generally takes care of a group of cabins, and who’s responsible for ensuring your cabin is in great shape throughout the duration of your cruise.
They can also help with any needed maintenance and answer questions. Their general duties include restocking your toiletries, delivering your luggage, tidying your room, removing towels and trash, etc.
As such, meeting your room steward and establishing a friendly relationship with them the first or second day of your cruise can help ensure better service throughout the cruise.
Do note though that a room steward is not a butler. They can’t provide the same level of service a butler provides, such as delivering food or drinks, arranging special events, or unpacking or repacking your luggage.
If you’d like butler service during your cruise, then you’ll need to book a cabin that comes with it. For example, on Celebrity Cruises, all suite passengers get butler service. On Norwegian Cruise Line, cruisers staying in The Haven all receive butler service. On some luxury cruise lines, though, every single passenger gets butler service, such as is the case on Silversea.
4. Experience the Main Dining Room
Dining Room on Holland America’s Zaandam Ship (photo Credit: WESLEY FOULDS)
Cruise ship specialty restaurants get a lot of love, and for good reason. Cruise ships have really upped their culinary standards and now offer fine dining experiences that rival anything you’d find on land.
For example, Crystal Cruises has partnered with Nobu Matsuhisa to offer restaurants and sushi bars on select ships and Seabourn has likewise partnered with Michelin star-rated Thomas Keller.
However, don’t think that you need to spend extra to dine at the specialty restaurants, in order to have an amazing culinary experience on your cruise. In fact, you’ll want to definitely make sure that you don’t miss out on a meal in the main dining room.
A cruise ship main dining room offers a classic dining experience, with often exceptional service, a three-course menu, plenty of options and a high-end environment (even if you’re not expected to dress to the nines). And the best part? It’s all entirely free.
It’s truly something that you can’t find anywhere else, so it’s worth adding to your cruise itinerary, particularly if you’ve never been on a cruise before.
5. Book at Least One Specialty Dining Venue
Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas
On the flip side of this, though, don’t only go for the complimentary eats. While cruise lines offer tons of delicious free dining options, even beyond the buffet and main dining rooms, you still might want to try out the specialty dining venues.
Some specialty dining venues are far more than just a meal — they’re an experience. Take, for example, the new Royal Railway Utopia Station on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas. The dining venue is set within two full-size rail cars and, as you eat, you’ll watch a virtual train ride pass by the “windows.”
Scope out the various specialty dining venues that are available on your ship and then consider where you might enjoy the best meal, based on your specific tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for an entertaining experience, elegant date night or just some world-class fine dining, you’re sure to find it.
6. Try Out the Different Pools
Pool Deck on Celebrity Equinox (Photo Credit: JJava Designs / Shutterstock)
Yes, the main pool is where all the action is, and you should definitely swing by for some sunning and swimming at some point during your cruise — but don’t spend all your time there. Cruise ships often have a bevy of different pools and other water features to try. Some are big, some are small, but all are sure to please.
If you’re staying in a VIP area of a ship, like in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Haven area, you’ll enjoy your own small, private pool available to Haven guests only. Go there for quieter times and a more intimate setting.
If you’re not a VIP suite guest, but you do want a quieter space with less shouting or kiddos, try the Solarium Pool on Royal Caribbean’s ships, which offers an adult-only setting. Celebrity Cruises likewise has an adults-only pool, also dubbed the Solarium Pool.
Want a pool with a view? Try Seabourn Cruises’ aft pools, or Viking Cruises’ infinity pools. Whatever the pool experience you’re seeking, you can find something that differs from the main pool.
7. See a Show
Show Theater on Icon of the Seas
When you think shows on a cruise ship, you may think of just theatrical performances, maybe music reviews or all-out musicals. While these are definitely easy to find on most cruise lines, with showings taking place in the ship’s large theaters, don’t think that these are the only show options.
Yes, see a show in the theater, but if you’re not intrigued by Broadway-style tunes, see what else is playing during your cruise that might catch your fancy.
Depending on the cruise line and the ship, you could catch acrobatic shows (MSC Cruises boasts Cirque du Soleil-created shows), ice skating spectaculars, comedy sets and more.
8. Find Your Personal Haven
The Haven Pool
You don’t have to be sailing on an NCL ship with The Haven VIP suite area to enjoy your own personal haven while cruising. On every cruise ship, it’s possible to find quieter, more private areas where you can relax, take in the scenery and overall get away from some of the hubbub and chaos that can come with crowded cruise ships.
Maybe you find a small spot on the deck with scenic views and few other cruisers. Maybe you hide away in the ship’s library. Perhaps you take to the spa’s steam room during a port day, when fewer cruisers are interested in going to the spa.
Wherever you end up going, rest assured that it is possible to find a small, special and quiet spot during your cruise, if you need it.
9. Try a New Drink
Tropical Green Cocktail on Cruise (Photo Credit: galka3250)
While, no, on most cruise ships, drinks are not included in the cost of your cruise fare, it’s still worth visiting some of your ship’s watering holes and trying a few drinks. Some cruise ships and even entire cruise lines have a very party-esque atmosphere, and the drinks are free-flowing, if not free.
Unless you’re buying a cruise drink package that comes with plenty enough booze every day, pick your chosen beverages carefully. You’re on vacation, after all, so don’t just stick with your standard light lager or glass of white wine that you might have at home.
If you’re cruising around the Caribbean, lean into it, with a fruity tropical beverage like those offered by Carnival Cruise Line’s RedFrog Rum Bar or BlueIguana Teqiula Bar.
Or, try a brew that’s only available while you’re on the cruise ship. Carnival likewise has a few beers that are brewed exclusively for the brand, including its ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat and ParchedPig West Coast IPA.
Cruisers are a friendly bunch. Don’t be afraid to get involved and make friends. You may just forge some lifelong relationships and end up with a crew of people that you cruise with over and over again.
The process can all start before your cruise even begins. There are myriad forums and Facebook groups that exist entirely to help cruisers all going on the same cruise connect.
You can get to know your fellow cruisers, plan group excursions or activities and more. Some groups will even plan to all wear similar outfits, either themed outfits in general or matching t-shirts, or they might coordinate similar décor on their cabin doors.
Another fun way to get involved with the cruising community? Ducking. Cruisers bring rubber ducks aboard the ship and hide them. As you find them, you catalogue their locations on social media and then hide them again for other cruisers to find.
11. Switch Off Your Phone!
Cruise Passenger on Phone in Pool (Photo Credit: Jacobus Djokosetio)
Last, but certainly not least, make sure that, as a newbie cruiser, you don’t commit a grave error: leaving your phone on after embarkation, resulting in expensive cell phone roaming and data charges! Put that phone in airplane mode before you set sail.
That doesn’t mean you’ll have to be completely disconnected from reality. If you still want to scroll social media or check your emails during your cruise, you can do so. You just need to buy a WiFi plan from the cruise line or purchase a cruising plan from your cell phone service provider.
These plans will allow you a certain amount of data privileges while you’re sailing, even if they don’t all come with talk and text privileges. Do note that the level of plan you purchase will dictate how much data you can use. Some, for example, aren’t suitable for streaming.
After days of uncertainty with storm closures, port diversions, and a cruise cancellation, guests eager to board Carnival Paradise will be relieved to learn that the ship’s September 30, 2024 departure is moving forward as planned.
Carnival Cruise Line sent out a notification to guests booked on the Monday departure to confirm embarkation plans and timing.
“Embarkation for your cruise will take place as planned,”the notification read.“Please get to the cruise terminal for check-in within your pre-selected Terminal Arrival Appointment. In preparation for departure, all guests must be on board by the final boarding time indicated on the boarding pass.”
Passenger choose their terminal arrival appointments when they check-in for their sailing. Online check-in is available 14 days prior to sailing and no later than midnight of the day before the cruise departs.
Guests who have reached the Platinum and Diamond levels of the cruise line’s VIFP loyalty program are able to check in 16 days prior to sailing. This is a coveted benefit of being able to select the most desirable terminal arrival appointments.
While the ship did proceed to the cruise terminal for debarkation as soon as possible, the vessel then moved off and away from the terminal – without new guests. This could give rise to anxiety that the ship may not, in fact, be ready to receive her next travelers.
Satellite tracking data now shows Carnival Paradise docked at a different part of Port Tampa Bay, however, an area that typically services cargo ships.
This temporary relocation may simply be to move the Fantasy class ship out of the way of other passenger cruise ships that required the terminal space to process passengers.
Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas were all debarking and embarking guests in Tampa on Sunday.
Because Carnival Paradise cancelled what was to be her current sailing following the extensive port closure delays, it makes sense that the empty ship would be moved to a different part of the port to wait until Monday, September 30, when her next guests arrive. This will not prevent the ship from being resupplied, cleaned, and refueled for her next sailing.
That next cruise is a 6-night Western Caribbean voyage leaving Monday with plans to visit Belize City (Wednesday), Roatan (Thursday), and Cozumel (Friday), weather permitting.
At the moment, a low-pressure system is developing in the Western Caribbean and may move toward the Yucatan peninsula in the coming days. This could impact ports of call, but it is too early at this point to predict any such changes.
The Crazy Schedule of Carnival Paradise
The 71,925-gross-ton Carnival Paradise is homeported year-round from Port Tampa Bay, typically offering 4-, 5-, and 6-night sailings to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas, depending on the sailing date.
Hurricane Helene drastically interfered with the ship’s schedule, however, when the storm system moved through the Western Caribbean and north up through the Gulf of Mexico off the west coast of Florida.
Carnival Paradise Cruise Ship
This not only caused itinerary changes for the vessel, but closed her homeport, delayed her eventual return, and cancelled her next sailing.
When the first changes happened, Carnival Paradise was on her September 21 cruise, a 5-night sailing. That cruise was altered as the ship was unable to visit Cozumel as planned, but instead diverted to Costa Maya as an alternative.
Then, Port Tampa Bay closed on the evening of September 25, meaning Carnival Paradise could not return home as planned on September 26. Instead, the ship remained out to sea to ride out the storm well out of danger.
As the port remained closed due to localized flooding and necessary inspections, the 5-night cruise became a 6-night, then a 7-night, then nearly an 8-night sailing. Port Tampa Bay finally reopened in the late afternoon of Saturday, September 28, and Carnival Paradise was the first cruise ship to return.
Because of the lengthy delay, the September 26 cruise was cancelled, but the ship will be fresh, clean, and ready to bring the FUN to up to 2,040 guests on Monday, September 30, as she sets sail again.
Following extended assessments to ensure channel safety and navigability, as well as the full operation of shoreside facilities, Port Tampa Bay officially reopened for marine traffic late Saturday afternoon, September 28, 2024 – three days after Hurricane Helene passed offshore of Florida’s west coast.
The port shared the reopening update at 4:15 p.m., noting a slight depth restriction for incoming vessels.
“Port Tampa Bay has resumed vessel operations and our port’s shipping channels are officially re-opened, with a 28′ depth restriction,” the notification read.
This depth would refer to a vessel’s draft, the portion of a ship that is underwater and must be carefully accounted for to ensure there are no below-the-surface obstacles or collisions.
The restrictions are expected to be only temporary, though no timeline has been given for exactly when the port may return to operation without any limitation.
“Our hope is that the port’s shipping channels will be functional at their full depths shortly. Port staff fully assessed the docks, wharfs, and terminals for safety,”the statement continued.
Port Tampa Bay is now permitting vessels to return, prioritizing vessels in different ways for the most efficient return to service and respecting different commercial considerations and needs.
“Some of the first vessels to return will be fuel tankers, cruise ships and vessels carrying perishable cargo,”the port explained.
The first cruise ship to enter the channel to Tampa Bay is Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Paradise, which is due to debark passengers but will not be embarking new travelers immediately, as her next sailing has been cancelled.
Not only is this ship the one most significantly delayed – she was originally scheduled to end her current cruise on Thursday, September 26, but the port was closed – but Carnival Paradise also has a maximum draft of just 25.5 feet. This ensures she is well within the temporary depth restriction for safely transiting the channel.
Additional cruise ships that have itinerary changes due to the port’s extended closure are three Royal Caribbean vessels: Serenade of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Enchantments of the Seas.
At this time, no other cruise ships have yet entered the channel to head for the cruise terminal. It takes roughly three hours for a vessel to transit the channel from the mouth of Tampa Bay, under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and to the cruise terminals on Channelside Drive.
Because of the restrictions as the port reopens, it is possible that only one ship is being permitted in the channel at a time, or else there may be greater speed limitations at the moment.
It is also possible that prioritizing fuel tankers and perishable card is taking precedence over additional cruise ships that are not as significantly delayed as Carnival Paradise has been.
Serenade of the Seas, for example, was to have returned to Tampa on Friday, September 27, and it is likely she will be the next cruise ship permitted to return to the cruise terminal. The Radiance-class ship has a trickier draft, however, at almost exactly 28 feet – the temporary limit set by the port.
Grandeur of the Seas has a smaller draft at 26 feet, but was only scheduled to return to Port Tampa Bay on Saturday, September 28, so while she is delayed, it is not yet as significant of a diversion.
Likewise, Enchantment of the Seas is a smaller vessel with a 25-foot draft and was also originally scheduled for Saturday, September 28.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander has a 25.5-foot draft and is not scheduled to return to Tampa until Sunday, September 29. At this time, the ship has already been delayed until Monday as other marine traffic is prioritized in the channel first.
Cruise guests are urged to contact their cruise lines directly as the port does not have details of itinerary updates, delays, or adjustments. Those changes will be communicated from individual cruise lines.
While the storm did not make landfall until reaching the Florida panhandle, the extensive wind field drove heavy storm surge and flash flooding along Florida’s west coast, including throughout the Tampa region.
Cruises Out of Tampa, Florida (Photo Credit: TetKabrit)
This made it difficult for port officials to thoroughly inspect the port facilities and ensure full operation, channel safety, and shoreside functionality.
“We want to express our sincere appreciation to those who helped our port prepare and recover from the impact of the storm,”the port said on its website.
“The port’s Operations, Security, Facilities and Engineering staff, maritime community, the U.S. Coast Guard, and our local law enforcement and emergency response agencies were critical to our ability to minimize the effects of the storm and help our port to return to operations as soon as safely possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was impacted by Hurricane Helene.”
A variety of agencies assisted with keeping the port safe and ensuring its reopening as quickly as possible.
While Port Tampa Bay has reopened with some temporary vessel depth restrictions and cruise vessels are beginning to return, one ship is further delayed and will not be able to return as planned on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander was supposed to return to her Florida homeport on Sunday to debark her current 5-night Key West and Cozumel sailing, and to begin her next cruise, an identical 5-night sailing.
Now, the current sailing is becoming a 6-night cruise with an extra day at sea, while the next cruise is being shortened to a 4-night voyage.
The cruise line reached out to guests booked on the September 29 departure to inform them of the change just one day before embarkation.
“This morning, the Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group, along with the U.S. Coast Guard surveyed the condition of the channel and have determined that Islander’s scheduled arrival into Port Tampa Bay is delayed until Monday, September 30, 2024,”the cruise line confirmed.
“The September 29, 2024 sailing aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander will now depart Port Tampa Bay on Monday, September 30, 2024.”
The ship will have an altered itinerary and will no longer visit Key West on Monday as planned, as the vessel will only be departing Tampa that day. The ship will spend Tuesday at sea, then will be in Cozumel, Mexico on Wednesday, October 2.
Another day at sea will follow as Margaritaville at Sea Islander makes her way back to Tampa for debarkation on Friday, October 4 as planned.
No further changes are expected for the altered itinerary or additional upcoming sailings. Of course, last-minute alterations are always possible on any cruise vacation due to weather, port operations, mechanical difficulties, or many other reasons.
Embarkation Not Yet Confirmed
Booked guests now impacted by the altered itinerary have been contacted about their potential next steps and what compensation may be available. The cruise line does note that embarkation plans are not yet confirmed.
“Please be advised that embarkation on Monday, September 30 is likely to be delayed based on currently known information,”the notification read.“We will send another notice with exact timing as soon as additional guidance is provided by the U.S. Coast Guard.”
The delay of embarkation is another reason for the ship’s altered itinerary. With a day at sea as the first full day of the cruise, Islander will be able to adjust her sailing speed to easily compensate for a few hours’ change in embarkation.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander Cruise Ship
The 85,619-gross-ton, Spirit-class Margaritaville at Sea Islander, the former Costa Atlantica, is one of just two cruise ships for the small, niche cruise line Margaritaville at Sea.
The ship can welcome 2,114 guests per sailing at double occupancy, or up to 2,680 travelers when fully booked. Also onboard are nearly 900 international crew members.
Islander just debuted in mid-June, offering 4- and 5-night sailings from Port Tampa Bay, the first time Margaritaville at Sea has offered the city as a cruise homeport.
Satellite tracking data shows that Islander is currently still at sea, well away from Port Tampa Bay and not heading toward the cruise port at this time.
In fact, of the multiple delayed cruise ships that need to return to the Florida homeport, only Carnival Paradise has so far entered the channel to navigate toward the cruise terminals. This may be due to the limited channel availability for the port’s initial reopening, when marine traffic must be prioritized due to a variety of factors.
Of the different vessels impacted by the extended closure of Port Tampa Bay, Carnival Paradise is the most delayed cruise ship, and therefore it makes sense that she would be the first to return.
Passengers on the final 2024 Alaska cruise for Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas did not have the cruise they may have hoped for when a gastrointestinal illness outbreak made its way through the vessel.
A total of 167 passengers reported symptoms, including diarrhea, cramps, headaches, and muscle aches. The extent of the spread required the outbreak to be reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In total, 2,172 guests were onboard the 90,090-gross-ton ship, meaning 7.69% of travelers reported the illness, along with 3 out of 894 crew members (.34%). The CDC requires cruise ship outbreaks to be reported if just 3% of guests or crew report similar symptoms.
When ill guests and crew members are tallied together, 5.51% of individuals aboard reported the illness. It should be noted, however, that the totals are from the entire voyage and do not mean that every individual was sick simultaneously.
It is possible, even likely, that some travelers reported feeling ill earlier in the 7-night voyage, while others only began exhibiting symptoms closer to the end of the sailing.
Radiance of the Seas departed from Vancouver, Canada on Friday, September 20, 2024, for the weeklong cruise. The ship visited Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Ketchikan, all top ports for Alaska sailings, before returning to Vancouver on September 27.
At this time, the “causative agent” of the outbreak has not been determined, but additional testing and lab work is likely underway to be certain about the origin of the illness. For most outbreaks, norovirus or E. coli are the most common causes.
Onboard, crew members undertook several actions to ensure all travelers remained aware of the situation and helped limit spread as much as possible.
Announcements were made to encourage frequent, thorough hand washing (washy, washy!), and more frequent cleaning and disinfection was done throughout public areas and high-contact surfaces.
Travelers could also take what steps they felt were necessary to keep from contracting the illness, such as practicing social distancing and avoiding crowded areas, using more hand sanitizer, taking the stairs instead of crowding into a busy elevator, or other measures.
This particular sailing for Radiance of the Seas was the ship’s last Alaska voyage of the season, and the ship has now departed on a one-way, 8-night trip from Vancouver to Los Angeles as part of her seasonal repositioning. The ship’s September 27 departure was not delayed, but enhanced cleaning measures will continue onboard.
The ship’s next voyage will be a 16-night, one-way trip from Los Angeles to Tampa, transiting through the Panama Canal – a bucket-list cruise for many travelers. From Tampa, Radiance of the Seas will remain in Tampa offering Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries until she returns to Alaska for the 2025 summer season.
Prior Outbreak Onboard Radiance of the Seas
It is of special interest that this is not the first reported illness outbreak aboard Radiance of the Seas in 2024. The ship was also infected with a confirmed norovirus outbreak in April that included just 69 total cases – 67 passengers and 2 crew members.
That outbreak was definitively confirmed as norovirus, one of the most common viruses to cause diarrhea, vomiting, and similar “stomach flu” symptoms. To be clear however, it is not believed the two outbreaks are at all related.
Radiance of the Seas Docked in Juneau, Alaska (Photo Credit: Ken Schulze)
While such outbreaks are often reported from cruise ships due to CDC regulations, it should be noted that norovirus is also commonly reported from sporting events, restaurants, and social gatherings.
In addition to the two outbreaks this year aboard Radiance of the Seas (if this most recent one is confirmed), norovirus outbreaks have also been reported aboard 6 other cruise ships in so far in 2024: P&O Cruises Acadia, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Summit, Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess, Holland America Line’s Koningsdam, Cunard Lien’s Queen Victoria, and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Constellation.
Jacksonville Cruise Port is about 4 miles from downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Its strategic location along the St. Johns River provides cruise ships with easy access to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and other exciting destinations. This guide will cover everything you need to know about this popular departure point so you can enjoy a pleasant visit.
The Jacksonville Cruise Port is officially known as JAXPORT Cruise Terminal, and it is operated by the Jacksonville Port Authority. This 63,000-square-foot facility was introduced in 2003 as a temporary cruise ship port but continues to operate as a major cruise hub for the northwestern corner of Florida.
The immense economic impact the cruise industry has had on the city was enough for the temporary port to remain busy right up until the present day.
The port is roughly 4 miles northeast of Jacksonville’s downtown core and just over 12 miles from Jacksonville International Airport, making it accessible to local and non-local cruise passengers. The port is also easily accessible to the I-95 and I-295 highways, making it easy for those driving from outside of the state.
As mentioned, the cruise port and the additional shipping facilities that are part of the Port of Jacksonville are located along the St. Johns River. This allows cruise ships to reach the Atlantic easily and provides visiting cruise passengers with pleasant views as their ship navigates the river.
Jacksonville Cruise Port Address:
If you are planning on driving to the port, you can find it at the following address:
JAXPORT Cruise Terminal, 9810 August Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32226
Which Cruise Lines Use Which Terminal?
Norwegian Sun Docked in Jacksonville (Photo Credit: NEFLO PHOTO)
In October 2003, Celebrity Cruises became the first major cruise line to begin running a regular service from Jacksonville Cruise Port. While this lasted for several years, their MV Zenith cruise ship, the only ship in their fleet that used JAXPORT as a homeport, was retired. Today, their cruise ships only occasionally use the port as a starting embarkation point.
Carnival Cruise Line is currently the only major cruise line that operates out of the port regularly, but it runs frequently enough to make JAXPORT a reliable departure point for affordable cruise vacations.
Carnival began using the port in 2004 and continues to do so to this day, with its ships Carnival Elation and Carnival Ecstasy regularly sailing from JAXPORT to destinations that include the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) plans to begin operating out of Jacksonville Cruise Port in late 2025. Norwegian Cruise Line plans to run 12-day voyages to the Caribbean and Key West, meaning the port will offer longer cruise vacations currently available through Carnival.
This move will involve relocating one of their ships from Miami Cruise Port further north to Jacksonville, which could represent a significant economic boom for the much smaller port.
Jacksonville Cruise Port Pier and Terminal
Cruise Terminal at Jacksonville Port (Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas)
The Jacksonville Cruise Port only features a single terminal building since it was originally a temporary cruise port. This structure, along with the single cruise ship berth, was constructed in just six months in 2003.
Despite its relatively limited scale, the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal Building still provides visiting cruise passengers a seamless security and boarding process. Minor renovations and upgrades were made in 2008 to help the port facility keep pace with the increasing number of passengers passing through it.
Terminal Amenities and Services
While it is a small terminal building, it does offer some basic services:
Wi-Fi
Unfortunately, free Wi-Fi is not currently available at the port, but Carnival Cruise Line passengers can connect to the onboard Wi-Fi service prior to boarding their respective ships.
Accessibility
Despite its limited size and amenities, the entire terminal building is entirely wheelchair accessible, with ramps and dedicated seating areas for passengers with accessibility needs. Several restrooms within the terminal building have wheelchair-friendly stalls.
Check-In and Baggage Area
Several check-in counters are available in the building so passengers can enjoy an efficient check-in and security processing experience. JAXPORT Security tends to be efficient, so you should not have to wait in line for very long. There is also a 28,000-square-foot dedicated baggage handling area, so luggage and carry-on baggage can be cleared quickly and efficiently.
Parking for Your Jacksonville Cruise
Regent Vessel at Jacksonville Cruise Port (Credit: JAXPORT)
Parking at Jacksonville Cruise Port is simple and affordable, with official parking options and nearby off-site lots available for travelers. Unfortunately, there is no free parking within a reasonable distance of the port, but it is still affordable and straightforward.
While parking is fairly easy, as there is an on-site parking lot at 9810 August Drive, the lot can only accommodate 600 vehicles at any given time, so you will want to book ahead of time if you plan on leaving a car behind during your cruise.
Official JAXPORT Cruise Terminal Parking Lot
As mentioned, the official cruise parking lot at JAXPORT is located directly beside the terminal on August Drive, so it is easy to locate. The lot is also gated and has 24-hour security, so you can feel confident leaving your vehicle behind while you enjoy your cruise.
Parking for standard-sized vehicles is $17 per day, and while reservations are not necessary, they are strongly recommended. Remember, the lot only has 600 parking spaces, and they tend to go fast during the fall and winter months.
Parking can be reserved in multi-day blocks, with a $68 rate for a 4-day cruise and $85 for a 5-day cruise. Oversized vehicles must pay an increased rate of $34 per day.
If you need a closer parking spot due to physical needs, the parking lot has handicapped-accessible spots set aside. These spots are located right beside the terminal entrance. Just keep in mind that you will need to present a valid pass.
Nearby Unofficial Parking Lot
If you’re looking for alternate parking options or even just want to save some money, there is a nearby off-site parking lot that provides a complimentary shuttle service directly to the cruise terminal building.
JAX Parking Mall
Located less than a mile from the terminal at 3372 Zoo Parkway, the JAX Parking Mall is an affordable lot with more spots available than the official lot. With rates as low as around $10 per day and full 24/7 security monitoring, it’s a great deal for those looking to save some cash. They even offer multi-day cruise parking packages that are cheaper.
In addition, they also provide a complimentary, on-demand shuttle service that will take cruise passengers across the bridge to the cruise terminal. They even offer a continuous luggage delivery service that runs every 15 minutes, so it is a stress-free option for those unable to park at the official parking lot.
Traveling to Jacksonville Cruise Port from Nearby Airports
For those flying into Jacksonville before their cruise, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is by far the most convenient option.
With that said, some cruise passengers will choose to fly to other regional airports, either because they were able to book a cheaper flight or because they want to spend some time in another city prior to their cruise. Here’s a basic breakdown of everything you need to know about getting to the cruise port from the nearby airports.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
Jacksonville International Airport JAX (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
As mentioned, Jacksonville International Airport is just 12 miles northeast of the cruise port. This means that most travelers will be able to get from the airport to the cruise port in as little as 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
With nonstop flights from more than 30 major American cities and over 160 flights arriving daily, it is no wonder that flying into JAX is the most popular way to get to the cruise port from outside the city. Here are the driving directions:
Exit Yankee Clipper Drive and merge onto the I-95 South
Continue for 3.6 miles, then take exit 362A to merge onto the I-295 South
After 6 miles, take Exit 41 to join the South Zoo Parkway
Continue and cross New Berlin Road Bridge, then watch for August Drive
Keep an eye out for signs for JAXPORT Cruise Terminal
If, like most cruise passengers, you do not want to drive yourself, the following options are readily available.
Unfortunately, there are no direct public transport options, but taxis and rideshare vehicles are both readily available at Jacksonville International Airport.
While flat rates are not enforced, many cab drivers will offer a flat fare of $30 to travel one-way from the airport to the cruise port. There is a taxi pickup zone just outside of the airport’s arrivals terminal, so you don’t have to worry about calling your own cab.
Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, are popular in Jacksonville, so you can call one if you prefer to call your own vehicle. Rates tend to be a bit cheaper than the flat fare most taxis offer, but you should be aware of surge pricing if you arrive during rush hour.
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
Daytona International Airport Sign (Photo Credit: 4kclips)
Located roughly 97 miles south of Jacksonville, driving to the cruise port from Daytona Beach International Airport typically takes about an hour and a half.
While it is far less convenient than flying into Jacksonville, Daytona Beach is a popular tourist destination, so many cruise passengers will visit this coastal resort city for some on-shore adventures before or after their cruise.
Whether you want to tack on a trip to the Daytona International Speedway onto your vacation or just manage to find a cheaper flight, you can usually drive from the airport to the cruise port in about an hour and a half. Here are the driving directions:
Exit Catalina Drive and merge onto the I-95 North
After 92 miles, take Exit 41
Turn left onto FL-105 South and then take a slight left onto August Drive
Look for signs for JAXPORT Cruise Terminal
Since it is not a very popular route, no direct shuttle services run between Daytona Airport and Jacksonville Cruise Port. With that said, you could pre-book a private shuttle service to take you there.
Taxi drivers may drive between the two cities, but be prepared to pay between $100 and $150 for the ride. Most people planning to visit Daytona Beach before their cruise end up renting a vehicle and driving themselves. Since most of the drive is on the I-95 North, it’s a fairly straightforward journey.
How to Get to Jacksonville Cruise Port
Directions for Jacksonville Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Kristi Blokhin)
Getting to Jacksonville Cruise Port is incredibly easy. The city is located at the crossroads of Interstate 10 and Interstate 95, so driving from other parts of Florida and outside the state couldn’t be simpler.
If you do not have your own vehicle, there are also multiple other transportation options available to meet your needs:
Amtrak Railroad
The Jacksonville Amtrak Station is just 13.4 miles away from the cruise port on the city’s north end. With direct services to other major cities, it is an affordable way to get to the city from elsewhere. Once your train arrives in Jacksonville, you can easily take a short cab ride from the train station to the cruise port.
River Taxis
For something a little bit different, you can take the St. Johns River Taxi, which provides quick and easy transportation along the river.
With pickup locations in the heart of the city’s downtown and a taxi pickup terminal right outside of the EverBank Stadium, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s a surprisingly practical and enjoyable way to navigate the city. Plus, an all-day pass is just $15, so it’s even cheaper than taking a typical taxi.
Taxis and Rideshare Services
Like any major city, Jacksonville is home to plenty of taxis, which can be hailed from all major attractions. A ride from downtown Jacksonville to the cruise port will run between $20 and $30, so rates are fairly reasonable. You can also call a taxi to your hotel very easily.
There are plenty of Uber and Lyft drivers operating in the city, so you can also order a vehicle to your exact location, which can be more convenient than trying to hail a cab.
Shuttle Buses and Private Drivers
Private shuttle services, including JAX Town Car & Limo and SuperShuttle Express, are available in the city. These private shuttles can be booked beforehand, making them a practical option for larger groups.
Many of these shuttle providers offer reasonable rates between Jacksonville International Airport and hotels in the downtown area and to and from JAXPORT Cruise Terminal.
Dining Near Jacksonville Cruise Port
View of JAXPORT and Bridge (Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas)
While dining options within the port are pretty much limited to a few vending machines, several dining options are located within a short distance of Jacksonville Cruise Port. If you are looking for something to eat before or following your cruise, the following are great options that you won’t have to travel far to get to:
Chowder Ted’s
Located 3.3 miles east of the cruise port, Chowder Ted’s isn’t exactly walkable, but it is well worth visiting. This quaint seafood eatery offers a variety of fried ship baskets, fish sandwiches, and other Florida favorites. Plus, they have a full bar and several cold beers on tap, so it is a great place to kill some time.
Old Soul Donut Company
If you want to feel like you have traveled back in time, hop in a cab or drive your vehicle to Old Soul Donut Company. Located just 3 miles north of the port, this old-fashioned donut shop offers a wide variety of classic donuts, as well as fresh-made pitas, croissants, and more.
Slow down from the hustle and bustle of travel and take a bit of time to grab a hot cup of coffee and a tasty donut. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it’s well worth visiting while you’re in the city.
Sweet Mama’s Southern Homestyle Cookin’
If you want to try something different, Sweet Mama’s Southern Homestyle Cookin’ is 9 miles south of the cruise port. This soul food favorite serves all the standard soul food favorites, including chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread, and even some dishes unique to the city, like pan-seared fish and fried shrimp.
Sweet Mama’s is a little bit different, but why not try something unique while you are on vacation?
Sandollar Restaurant & Marina
If you are willing to travel a little further, Sandollar Restaurant is roughly 10 miles east of the cruise port. This Jacksonville favorite has been around since 1954 and serves some of the freshest seafood you will find anywhere in the state.
It’s hugely popular with city residents and just as welcoming to tourists. With live music, stunning views of the river, and, of course, incredible seafood, you will want to spend the whole afternoon enjoying everything the Sandollar Restaurant has to offer.
Historically Hoppy Brewing Company
For beer lovers hoping to enjoy some local suds, Historically Hoppy Brewing Company is 9 miles from the port but offers a wide range of delicious beers and a tasty food menu.
Even though it has only been around since 2018, the brewery has become a fan favorite in Jacksonville, with many of the local bars and restaurants carrying its beers on tap. Why not head down for yourself and see what all the hype is about?
Shopping Near Jacksonville Cruise Port
Ross Store Near Jacksonville Cruise Port
If you want to do a little shopping in Jacksonville, there are a few options that aren’t too far from the cruise port. Unfortunately, the cruise port only has a small souvenir shop, which basically just carries snacks and a few trinkets, but you can scratch your shopping itch at either of the following locations.
River City Marketplace
Located roughly 9 miles north of the cruise port, the River City Marketplace is a semi-outdoor shopping mall with over 70 stores and a movie theater. While you can easily find a blend of independent retailers and major retailers, it is also located beside Wal-Mart and Best Buy, so it is a good place to visit if you just need a few last-minute cruise supplies and essentials.
You will also find a variety of fast-food chain restaurants, including Panera Bread, Chipotle, McDonald’s, and more. If you are traveling with a picky eater who does not want to try some local seafood, these nationwide chain restaurants are a good option.
St. Johns Town Center
For those seeking more upscale shopping, St. Johns Town Center is just 13 miles south of the cruise port. This high-end mall is one of the premium shopping destinations in Jacksonville. With major retailers like Nordstrom, an Apple Store, and designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton, GUCCI, Tiffany & Co., and BOSS, there are plenty of options for those looking to spoil themselves.
The St. Johns Town Center features over 175 stores, spread among a standard indoor mall and a series of street-side shops. Across from the mall, you will also find a wide range of local eateries and recognizable chain restaurants, like a Cheesecake Factory.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Jacksonville?
Jacksonville Skyline (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
While it is relatively small compared to some of the larger ports in Florida, Jacksonville Cruise Port is still a year-round cruise ship departure point.
Undoubtedly, the busiest time to visit is between late fall and early winter, with January being one of the busiest months of the year. This also happens to be when some of Carnival Cruise Line’s cruise ships return from their summer itineraries in Europe.
The stretch between November and April is the best time of year to explore the city, as the weather is cooler and the humidity drops to far more enjoyable levels. If you are traveling during the summer, remember that Jacksonville can be a hot and muggy city, with average temperatures in the high 80 to low 90° F range.
With that in mind, cruising during these much hotter months is also a time when you’ll encounter fewer crowds and may be able to score better cruise deals.
While Helene has currently been downgraded to a post-tropical storm following wreaking havoc on Florida and much of the southeast after making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, not all cruise homeports have yet reopened.
This has led Carnival Cruise Line to make a very difficult decision that will undoubtedly be disappointing to many travelers.
Because Port Tampa Bay has not yet reopened after the storm, Carnival Paradise has been unable to return to her homeport as planned. Originally, the ship departed on what was to have been a 5-night Western Caribbean sailing on Saturday, September 21.
That cruise was scheduled to return to Florida on Thursday, September 26, but the port was closed as the massive and rapidly strengthening storm passed offshore up the west coast.
While then-Hurricane Helene was fast moving, she also brought strong storm surge and heavy rains to the region, complicating reopening issues for Port Tampa Bay.
While the ship remained safely offshore, guests onboard have had the unexpected bonus of a longer cruise, while guests eagerly waiting for their cruise have not been so fortunate.
Now, Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to upcoming guests to confirm that their sailing, originally the September 26 departure date, must be cancelled.
“Thanks for your patience while you waited for updates about your cruise. Port officials have informed us that we will not be able to return to Tampa until tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, 9/28,”the email notification explained.“This would not allow us enough time to deliver the experience we had planned for you. So, disappointingly, we must cancel the sailing.”
All passengers booked on that sailing will be issued a full refund and further details will be emailed as they are confirmed.
The September 26 sailing was to have been just a 4-night cruise visiting Cozumel. With the extensive delay – and the ship’s docking time is not yet confirmed but may be late Saturday afternoon – there is no way to reach the port of call, and in total, guests would likely have less than 48 hours onboard the ship.
While the 71,925-gross-ton, Fantasy-class Carnival Paradise is one of Carnival Cruise Line’s smallest ships, travelers would certainly want more than such a short time to enjoy their cruise vacation.
Was There Another Option?
Cancelling an entire sailing is never a cruise line’s first choice for a resolution in a difficult situation, but in this case, it has become the only viable option.
With the extensive delay, there is no way Carnival Paradise could have reached Cozumel to enjoy that originally scheduled port of call. Even sailing at top speed, it would take the ship more than 23 hours to sail the 590 miles from Port Tampa Bay to Cozumel. This means 48 hours are necessary for the roundtrip voyage.
Assuming the ship could depart at noon on Saturday, the earliest possible time for docking “Saturday afternoon,” there is no physical way for the vessel to reach Cozumel while still returning to Tampa by 8 a.m. on Monday, September 30 as planned.
Carnival Paradise Docked in Tampa, Florida
Even if Carnival Paradise diverted to visit Nassau instead – the closest available Bahamas port of call – that is actually further away than Cozumel, at 625 miles, and therefore also not possible.
Visiting Key West might be an option – that destination is just 260 miles away and could be reached in roughly 11 hours – but US law requires cruise ships that depart from and return to the same homeport must visit a foreign port of call. In this case, this is not possible in any direction.
It might have been possible for the ship to get an exemption and offer a cruise to nowhere without any ports of call, but the extremely short time frame for the sailing makes even that last-ditch alternative less desirable.
At this time, there are no changes anticipated for the ship’s next sailing, her September 30 departure. That cruise is a 6-night Western Caribbean sailing with visits planned for Belize, Roatan, and Cozumel, and should go ahead as planned and without delay.
