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Norwegian Cruise Line Commits to Sailing from New Galveston Terminal

Port News

Melissa Mayntz

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Oct 17, 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line Commits to Sailing from New Galveston Terminal

Everything is bigger in Texas, including cruising! Now, following months of negotiation, Norwegian Cruise Line and Galveston Wharves have officially announced a long-term agreement for Norwegian ships to homeport from the port’s newest cruise terminal after it opens in November 2025.

The announcement was made at the annual Galveston Economic Development Partnership on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, with more than 300 community leaders, corporate executives, port officials, and others in attendance.

“They say ‘Build it and they will come.’ We’re honored that this leading global cruise company is expanding its offerings in Texas, sailing from our new cruise terminal,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.

Norwegian Cruise Line has been offering limited, seasonal sailings from Galveston for two years, ever since Norwegian Prima first offered Texas-based cruises beginning in October 2022.

Now, the new agreement is a 10-year contract with various renewal options for further deployments well past that time frame. Not only Norwegian Cruise Line, but all also ships from all of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) will be able to homeport from Galveston. This includes Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“Galveston is a key hub for NCLH. We recognize the strategic importance of this city, not just for its prime location but for the warmth and hospitality of the people here,” said Dan Farkas, NCLH executive vice president. “This long-term partnership is a promise to grow alongside Galveston, to invest in its future, and to bring world-class cruise experiences through our award-winning cruise brands.”

The terminal in question is the upcoming complex at Pier 16, which broke ground under an agreement with MSC Cruises in August. Both Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises will use the new facility for their Texas-based ships.

The first Norwegian Cruise Line ships to homeport from Galveston will be sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, which will begin offering Western Caribbean itineraries from November 2025. The ships will visit top regional ports, including Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Harvest Caye, Norwegian’s private island destination in Belize.

Galveston’s Cruise Growth

The new cruise terminal complex is a $156 million development, which will include not only the fourth terminal – converted from an existing cargo warehouse – but also support structures and surrounding infrastructure.

The 165,000-square-foot terminal will offer state-of-the-art passenger processing, while an adjacent $55 million parking garage will ensure space enough for the anticipated surge in visitors.

This will include not only Norwegian Cruise Line Holding ships, but also cruise sailings from MSC Cruises’ MSC Seascape, as both cruise lines will base from the terminal.

Galveston Wharves officials expect that once the new terminal is fully operational, the port will welcome more than 2 million passengers annually. This should begin in 2026 and will mark a new milestone in the port’s 24-year cruise vacation history.

The cruise port is a tremendous economic boon to the local community, supporting 4,547 jobs and $732.5 million in local business revenue – hotels, restaurants, transportation, attractions, etc. – in 2023. This contributes $25.3 million in state and local taxes as well, which supports further projects to benefit the entire community.

When the fourth cruise terminal is operational, it is forecast to add another 925 jobs and $177 million in annual local business revenue. The city of Galveston will benefit directly from passenger and parking fees, plus the raised profile more cruise sailings will give to the community.

Cruise growth in Galveston is sure to continue as multiple cruise lines base more and larger ships from the Texas homeport, such as Carnival Cruise Line’s four-ship-deployment – a first for the cruise port – as well as Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class Harmony of the Seas.

Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises also all have ships either currently or soon-to-be homeported from Galveston, offering Texas-sized adventures for all types of cruise travelers.

Carnival Ship Arrives at New Homeport for Biggest-Ever Deployment

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Oct 16, 2024

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Carnival Ship Arrives at New Homeport for Biggest-Ever Deployment

Carnival Cruise Line has become the first-ever cruise line to set sail with four vessels simultaneously homeported from Galveston, Texas, bringing even more diversity and amazing cruise vacation options to the Lone Star State as Carnival Miracle has joined her fleetmates for her first Texas-sized sailing.

The 85,942-gross-ton, Spirit class ship sailed into Galveston Bay on Wednesday morning, October 16, 2024, ready to welcome guests aboard for the first in her season of Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries. The ship will offer a total of 18 departures through March 2025, giving travelers some amazing options to choose from.

“Galveston continues to grow in popularity with our guests,” said Fred Stein, vice president of itinerary planning for Carnival.

“Adding a fourth Carnival ship to homeport in this great city gives our guests expanded choices, especially with the upcoming longer cruises Carnival Miracle will sail, which are ideal for those who want to experience a wider variety of beautiful ports of call and enjoy more time at sea.”

Among the highlights of Carnival Miracle‘s Texas-based deployment are her four Panama Canal sailings, with departures on November 15, December 27, February 7, and March 3. Each 10-night cruise will visit ports in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras (or Grand Cayman for the March 3 sailing), with the partial transit of the famous canal a highlight of each voyage.

Also of special interest are the ship’s 12-night Southern Caribbean voyages, a unique option not typically seen departing from Galveston. Carnival Miracle is offering these departures on November 3, December 15, and January 26.

From Texas, the ship will turn her bow south to visit the highly desirable destinations of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao – the famed “ABC” cruise itinerary that is a bucket-list sailing for many travelers – along with other top Caribbean ports along the way.

Carnival Miracle will also offer several Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Texas, visiting popular ports such as Costa Maya, Belize, Cozumel, Amber Cove, Princess Cays, Nassau, and more, depending on cruise length and departure date.

Four Carnival Ships in Texas

Carnival Miracle joins three of her sister ships in Texas: Carnival Dream, Carnival Breeze, and Carnival Jubilee. Each ship offers unique options for guests and great fun for all cruise travelers.

The 128,251-gross-ton Carnival Dream and the 128,052-gross-ton Carnival Breeze are both Dream-class vessels, but with slight differences.

While Carnival Dream debuted the popular class, Carnival Breeze is the most unique as the first Carnival cruise ship not to have been designed by Joe Farcus, whose classic colorful vibes and vibrant architecture are characteristic of older ships in the fleet.

Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)

The 183,521-gross-ton Carnival Jubilee, however, is the cruise line’s current flagship and newest vessel, having just debuted in December 2023. With special connections to the Lone Star State, including the iconic star on her bow, the Excel-class vessel is one of Carnival’s largest.

Along with Carnival Miracle, the four ships together can welcome more than 15,000 guests simultaneously, offering tremendous variety for cruise fans in Texas.

While Carnival Miracle may be the smallest of the ships currently homeported from Galveston, she still offers Carnival Cruise Line’s signature style and fun with phenomenal production shows, live comedy appearances, the award-winning Guy’s Burger Joint, and much more.

Following her season in Texas, Carnival Miracle will reposition to Europe for the 2025 summer season, and in the fall, Carnival Legend will be homeported from Galveston as the fourth vessel. Carnival Miracle will return in fall 2026 to offer more Texas-sized fun, rejoining Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Dream, and Carnival Breeze at that time.

Iconic Ship Burglarized Before Being Moved for Reef Project

Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Oct 16, 2024

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Iconic Ship Burglarized Before Being Moved for Reef Project

Even as the SS United States is being prepped for her move to Florida following the ultimate resolution of her legal difficulties, surveillance video has surfaced showing the ship being burglarized.

The video, released by the Philadelphia Police Department South Detective Division, shows multiple male suspects accessing the SS United States without permission, climbing up ropes to board the vessel.

Roughly three hours later, they were then seen leaving the vessel from the same access point, carrying several items without permission. The exact items are not able to be identified, but some appear to be signage from the ship.

The trio also appears to be carrying a pair of bolt cutters as well as flashlights and other tools, which may have been used to access the pier or to make their way through the ship’s interior.

Police have also reported some damage to the vessel following the incident, which may be deliberate vandalism or could be how the suspects moved through the ship, if they damaged access points or broke into sealed areas.

The incident happened on Wednesday, October 3, 2024, just days before the SS United States Conservancy confirmed a deal with Okaloosa County, Florida for the decaying ship to be scuttled as an artificial reef off the Destin-Fort Worth Beach coast.

The time of the video puts the trespassing and burglary between 1:40 a.m. and 4:40 a.m. at Pier 82, 2205 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard. The ship has been berthed at the pier since 1996.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call 911 or submit a tip via telephone, text, or an online form to help police apprehend the suspects. All tips are confidential.

In addition to burglary charges, trespassing charges for both the pier and the ship may apply in this case, as the area around the ship is fenced off and not accessible to the public.

While it is unlikely the suspects were able to remove anything of significant value from the ship as artifacts and other items were removed long ago, it is possible that the pending sale and departure of the vessel could have prompted the crime.

With “America’s Flagship” now destined for a watery future as an artificial coral reef, even small mementos or memorabilia could increase in value and attract the attention of collectors and dealers.

Future Fate of the SS United States

Following a protracted legal battle with Penn Warehousing over pier fee increases, back rent, and berth eviction, the SS United States Conservancy has opted to gracefully end the ship’s days with a deal to move the ship to Florida to become an artificial coral reef.

“Faced with no options to save the SS United States in her current state and under a binding court order, we were left with the painful but unavoidable choice between scrapping America’s Flagship or converting her into an artificial reef in tandem with a land-based museum,” the Conservancy said. “We chose the latter as the most dignified path.”

Part of the arrangement includes a land-based museum that will highlight the ship’s distinctive career and record-setting service, further educating the public about the vessel and ensuring her legacy is not lost.

SS United States Ocean Liner (Photo Credit: PTS Aerial Services)

Various memorabilia, including one of the ship’s funnels, will be part of that museum, giving visitors a glimpse of the vessel’s engineering advancements as they learn of her history and the ongoing support she will provide to the local marine environment.

The total deal is in excess of $10 million to prepare the SS United States to move in the coming days, to convert the vessel for use as a reef, and ultimately to safely sink her in the proper location for the best environmental results.

Prior to her journey to Florida, the ship will likely be towed to Norfolk, Virginia for the conversion work, though the exact timeline for her departure from Philadelphia has not yet been announced.

Royal Caribbean Plans to Build New Cruise Port in Juneau, Alaska

Port News

Lissa Poirot

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Oct 16, 2024

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Royal Caribbean Plans to Build New Cruise Port in Juneau, Alaska

As Juneau, Alaska, grapples with local regulations limiting cruise ship passenger arrivals, Royal Caribbean Group is partnering with Alaskan Goldbelt Incorporated to develop a new cruise port on Douglas Island, Alaska.

Located directly across the Gastineau Channel from downtown Juneau and connected by the Juneau-Douglas Bridge, the new port aims to reduce traffic congestion in downtown Juneau while enhancing both local infrastructure and the visitor experience.

Plans for the port include two floating berths with views of the Chilkat Range and a recreated 1800s Tlingit village, where visitors can learn about Alaska Native history and culture through art, music, dance, and traditional foods.

The port’s location will be on Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act land and will enable easy access to whale-watching tours and other visitor activities without overwhelming downtown Juneau.

“We look forward to the prospect of bringing this sustainable, culture-rich cruise ship terminal to life in partnership with Royal Caribbean Group, providing community solutions to local transportation and economic development issues,” said McHugh Pierre, president and CEO of Goldbelt Incorporated.

Guests disembarking in Juneau will be transported to excursions and the city by shuttle boat, bypassing some of the Alaskan capital’s most congested streets and potentially reducing downtown traffic by as much as a third.

The port’s design also incorporates environmental benefits with its location helping to reduce travel time and fuel consumption for cruise ships heading north to other Alaska destinations like Skagway.

Goldbelt Incorporated says the port can be a long-term economic driver for the region, creating jobs and possibly leading to the development of much-needed infrastructure like employee housing and a second crossing between Juneau and Douglas Island.

The new port is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2027 Alaska cruise season with Turnagain Marine serving as the design builder for the project.

Managing Tourism Amid Record Numbers

Alaska welcomes most ships to its ports between May and August and saw a record-breaking 1.6 million passengers in 2023. In recent months, Juneau has taken steps to manage its growing cruise tourism industry by limiting ships and guest disembarkment.

City officials and the cruise lines initially imposed a cap of five ships per day at the start of the 2024 season, which began May 24, 2024. However, on May 4, 2024, a new agreement was reached to limit the number of passengers disembarking from cruise ships to 16,000 per day.

The limit was lowered to 12,000 on Saturdays, greatly reducing earlier figures of as many as 21,000 passengers on the city’s busiest cruise days.

Cruise Ships Visiting Juneau, Alaska (Photo Credit: Steve Heap)

Residents of the city have also been pushing to establish “ship-free Saturdays” to further limit guests and ease congestion on days when locals are also exploring Juneau, but the petition to place the limitation on election ballots failed on October 16, 2024.

Royal Caribbean Group and Goldbelt Incorporated hope their partnership and new port will provide a solution to growing transportation issues in Juneau.

“We are thankful to Goldbelt Incorporated and to the Juneau community for the partnership to bring solution-oriented initiatives, such as this port, to life,” said Preston Carnahan, assistant vice president, west coast destinations for Royal Caribbean Group.

“We look forward to continuing to support Juneau as the cruise capital of Alaska by offering award-winning guests experiences through responsible destination management,” he continued.

Juneau’s last call of its 2024 season will be Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel, arriving on October 24, 2024, with up to 2,376 passengers. Norwegian Bliss will arrive on October 21, 2024, with up to 4,004 guests.

The city’s 2025 season is expected to kick off again on April 15, 2025, with the arrival of Norwegian Bliss.

DCL Unveils Unique Dining in Disney Adventure’s Discovery Reef

Disney Cruise Line News

Catie Kovelman

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Oct 16, 2024

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DCL Unveils Unique Dining in Disney Adventure’s Discovery Reef

Disney has finally revealed a first look of Discovery Reef on the upcoming Disney Adventure and all the delicious fun it entails.

As the largest ship to join Disney’s fleet with a capacity for 6,700 passengers, the new addition will be organized into seven themed areas that will allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the magic and storytelling.

With this number greatly exceeding the 4,000-guest capacity on the Triton-class vessels, such as Disney Wish and the soon-to-launch Disney Treasure, this also means that there needs to be more dining options onboard to feed everyone without long wait times.

Many of these new, exclusive dining venues will be found in the Discovery Reef area, which is a colorful outdoor space toward the back of the ship that is inspired by the relationship between the water and sky.

“Disney Discovery Reef will be a celebration of the relationship between water and sky, an intimate, open-air gathering space that immerses guests in dazzling colors and striking seascapes of a vibrant coral reef,” said Disney Cruise Line.

By day, the “Finding Nemo” themed space will be filled with soft sunlight filtered through colored glass canopies to make guests feel like they are in a stunning coral reef. By night, the area will be specially lit to create a breathtaking incandescent environment.

With such a special backdrop, it’s the perfect spot to share a meal with friends or family – ranging from quick service options and snacks to premier fine dining experiences – all of which are exclusive to Disney Adventure and created with the Asian market in mind.

Indeed, when the 208,000-gross ton vessel is completed by Germany’s Meyer Werft Shipyard and enters service in 2025, she will be homeporting from Singapore, offering shorter getaway sailings and cruises to nowhere.

Dining in Discovery Reef

So, what exactly are these new specialty dining venues in Disney Adventure’s Discovery Reef? On the quick service side of things, guests will want to check out Stitch’s Ohana Grill, Bewitching Boba and Brews, and Cosmic Kebabs.

The Ohana Grill, which is inspired by “Lilo and Stitch,” is a casual, Hawaiian-themed eatery that will serve up classic American fare, such as burgers, and sandwiches.

Meanwhile, Bewitching Boba and Brews is decked out in vibrant pop art and purple Neon inspired by Ursula, the wicked sea witch from “The Little Mermaid.” This quick service cafe will serve popular bubble teas (boba) and other delicious treats.

Finally, Cosmic Kebabs, which is inspired by “Ms. Marvel” from Marvel Studios, will offer a variety of pitas and kebabs.

Getting more into the specialty and fine dining, Discovery Reef will be home to its own version of Palo – an adult-only restaurant that specializes in Italian cuisine.

Palo Trattoria will be similar to the upscale dining experience offered on Disney’s other ships, but will be themed a bit differently to celebrate Pixar’s “Luca.”

The indoor restaurant will also be connected to Palo Café, which will be situated on a cobblestone patio just outside of the Trattoria. This is a good option for guests looking for lighter fare with an elevated experience, as the café will function more as a coffee bar than a fine dining venue.

At this location, guests can expect to enjoy a variety of espresso, coffee, and snacks while taking in the real-life version of the seaside Italian town of Portorosso, where “Luca” takes place.

Similarly, Taverna Portorosso will be another Italian-themed venue inspired by “Luca,” but will function as an intimate sports bar where guests can connect, have a drink, and watch the biggest games of the season.

Read Also: How Much Is a Disney Cruise?

Last but not least, Mike & Sulley’s – Flavors of Asia will be a premier dining venue offering four different, but equally special experiences, including a full-service Japanese steakhouse, a teppanyaki room, a chic bar with an Omakase-style dining, and outdoor sushi and sashimi offerings.

As guests dine, they will be immersed in a real-life version of the famous Japanese restaurant in the “Monsters, Inc.” movie – where the other monsters first find out about Boo, the forbidden human child, in the beloved film.

Carnival Reveals New Loyalty Gift, Gets Immediate Criticism

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Oct 16, 2024

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Every traveler enjoys finding that perfect souvenir to remind them of all the fun they had on their oceangoing getaway. Carnival Cruise Line’s most loyal guests, those who have reached the Platinum and Diamond levels of the cruise line’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program, are given special gifts to commemorate their travels.

Carnival changes the loyalty gifts periodically, knowing that guests who have sailed with the cruise line so much enjoy new and different mementos. Now, Brand Ambassador John Heald has revealed the newest VIFP gift being offered to travelers – a blue baseball cap.

“I would like to show you the new Diamond and Platinum gift which will start making its way across the fleet over the next few weeks,” Heald said when announcing the new gift.

The canvas hat is classic Carnival blue with an embroidered whale tale funnel on the side. A rectangular patch on the front of the cap says “Carnival VIFP Club” and also appears to be embroidered.

While Heald indicates the cap will be rolled out across the Carnival cruise ship fleet in the coming weeks, guests are already reporting receiving it onboard Carnival Venezia.

The exact timing of when loyalty gifts change is based on several factors. The available supplies onboard individual ships, delivery of new gifts across the fleet, and overall numbers of Platinum and Diamond guests sailing who claim gifts can impact the timing of gift changes on each ship.

The baseball cap follows a trio of bags Carnival Cruise Line has been offering travelers for some time, which included a vanity bag, belt bag, and small tote bag, all of which had the same coloration and a similar VIFP patch.

Reaction to the cap’s reveal has been mixed, with a surprising number of Carnival guests believing it is a more appropriate gift for men than women (hey, I wear baseball caps). Some guests have expressed disappointment because they don’t personally wear caps and would have preferred a different gift option, but they don’t mind passing it on to someone else who might enjoy it.

“I wouldn’t want this item for myself because I don’t wear hats, but I would gladly give it to someone else to wear.”

“I wouldn’t personally use it but I would give it to my sons to use.”

“I don’t wear caps but will gladly pass it on to a brother that collects caps.”

Unfortunately, some guests have been less than polite with their criticism of the new gift, prompting Heald to delete a particularly descriptive comment from his Facebook page.

“If you don’t like the gift, perhaps I may kindly suggest you collecting it and then passing it on to someone else. It is a gift to show our appreciation for your loyalty. Like it, don’t like it. I respect both of those things,” Heald said. “I do not respect what you suggested I do with the hat. That was seriously uncalled for.”

Heald responds to hundreds of comments, inquiries, and requests nearly every day, often with dry wit and funny commentary, no matter how unseemly or ridiculous a comment might be.

For him to respond in such a direct and abrupt manner shows just how frustrating it can be when guests don’t appreciate the gestures that Carnival Cruise Line makes – bearing in mind that no loyalty gifts are ever necessary.

“Sometimes I have to be honest with you everyone, I don’t know why we bother,” he said.

Picking Up Loyalty Gifts

Carnival Cruise Line offers loyalty gifts to the upper levels of its VIFP program, travelers who have reached the Platinum and Diamond status.

Platinum level guests have reached a minimum of 75 points with Carnival Cruise Line, while Diamond level guests have reached at least 200 points.

Passengers earn one point for every night they sail with the line. For example, a 3-night cruise earns 3 nights, a 7-night sailing earns 7 points, etc.

While the next lowest level, Gold (25-74 points), cannot claim the logo-themed gift, those travelers do receive a special VIFP pin. Platinum and Diamond cruisers also receive a pin, but the design is different to denote the different loyalty level.

Eligible guests can pick up their gifts, both the pins as the logo gifts, at the onboard Pixels photo gallery during their cruise. Travelers must present their Sail & Sign cards to pick up their gifts, but they can also decline the gift if preferred – politely, of course!

Would you claim the new baseball cap as a loyalty gift? Would you keep it for yourself or give it to someone else? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

Adrenaline-Filled Adventures Coming Onboard New Disney Ship

Disney Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Oct 16, 2024

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Adrenaline-Filled Adventures Coming Onboard New Disney Ship

Cruise travelers interested in big thrills won’t find any bigger than those coming soon onboard Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line’s largest-ever ship debuting in December 2025.

The cruise line has announced three all-new, adrenaline-fueled attractions that will be part of the ship’s Marvel Landing adventure zone, a first for the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

Located on the ship’s upper deck where sea breezes and outstanding views will enhance every thrill, Marvel Landing celebrates favorite super heroes with supercharged attractions: Ironcycle Test Run, Pym Quantum Racers, and Groot Galaxy Spin.

Ironcycle Test Run will be the longest rollercoaster at sea at 820 feet – beating Carnival Cruise Line’s Bolt 800-foot rollercoaster by a slim but recognizable margin.

The themed coaster features two-seater motorcycle-style ride vehicles with the iconic red-and-gold Iron Man colors and helmet design.

The ride will begin with a thrillingly fast driving lesson from Tony Stark’s virtual assistant F.R.I.D.A.Y. before speeding around up to 30 feet over the ship’s deck with dips, turns, and curves sure to offer breathtaking thrills and one-of-a-kind views.

For fans of “Ant-Man and The Wasp” the new Pym Quantum Racers is inspired by the fast-paced car chase scene and offers guests the chance to navigate their own cars around an obstacle-strewn track. New “Pym Technology gadgets” will offer even more immersion into the high-tech world for the fun go-kart adventure.

Finally, the stomach-twisting Groot Galaxy Spin will bring guests into the whirlwind of “Guardians of the Galaxy” as they rise and fall above the ship’s upper decks in their very own Nova Corp Bass Jumper vehicles.

Guests will have the opportunity to control the vehicles’ height themselves, all while tuned to a fun mixtape of Groot’s favorite hits.

If speedy thrills aren’t quite the right vibe for travelers, the Infinity Pool and Bar is in a prime location to offer panoramic views with tributes to the Infinity Stones embedded in the décor. Snacks and drinks will be available for guests to refuel between all their amazing, hero-worthy adventures.

Read Also: How Much Is a Disney Cruise?

The entire zone will feature bright Marvel-themed artwork to add a high energy ambience to the space, bringing guests right into the Marvel universe.

Disney Cruise Line has not clarified whether or not the three high-thrill attractions in Marvel Landing will be complimentary or will incur extra charges, but such details are sure to be revealed over the next year leading up to the ship’s inaugural sailing.

Disney Adventure will be homeported year-round from Singapore. The 208,000-gross-ton ship will offer short 3- and 4-night sailings “with only magical days at sea” so travelers can truly escape and enjoy everything the ship features, one adventure at a time.

More Thrills at Sea

Disney Cruise Line is not the first to offer thrill-based attractions onboard their vessels. Most major cruise lines have introduced some variety of thrill-seeking attractions over the past few years, in addition to classic waterslides that are a mainstay on most vessels.

Royal Caribbean has a number of thrills on its ships, from the classic rock-climbing wall to bumper cars, surfing simulators, observation pods, and zip lines.

Carnival Cruise Line introduced the roller coaster Bolt onboard Mardi Gras in 2021, which is also featured on the other two Excel-class ships, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee.

Norwegian Cruise Line has go karts, high-speed slides, other thrills on various ships, including the forthcoming hybrid water slide and roller coaster coming on Norwegian Aqua.

MSC Cruises also offers thrill rides on select ships, such as the Cliffhanger to be featured on the new MSC World America, as well as the hair-raising Robotron onboard MSC Seascape.

Disney Adventure is sure to offer even more thrills as the cruise line releases additional details in the months to come. Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for all the new options as they are revealed!

Juneau Voters Soundly Reject ‘Ship-Free Saturday’ Rule

Port News

Donna Tunney

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Oct 16, 2024

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Juneau Voters Soundly Reject ‘Ship-Free Saturday’ Rule

Cruise ships operating Alaska itineraries can continue to call at Juneau on Saturdays following a failed attempt to ban large vessels on the weekend day and on the July 4 holiday.

With all votes tallied and the outcome certified by the City & Borough of Juneau on October 15, 2024, opponents of a citizen petition that appeared on the October 1, 2024 municipal election ballot won the day.

Residents voting against the measure totaled 6,575, while those who supported the Saturday ban totaled 4,196. With a total of 10,771 votes, the petition failed by a margin of about 60%.

The ballot question asked voters whether cruise ships carrying more than 250 guests should be prohibited from calling at the destination on Saturday and the Independence Day holiday.

Proponents of the measure argued that the presence of large ships every day throughout the summer season negatively impacts the local population with overcrowding, damage to infrastructure and the environment, and other quality of life elements.

Preliminary results immediately following election day indicated the petition would fail. Unofficial tallies released by the city found that 2,586 residents voted in favor of the measure and 3,873 voted against it — also a 60% margin.

Juneau, the capital of Alaska and a port call on virtually every cruise ship itinerary, has struggled with the presence of ships for years. The situation came to a head after the destination, known for its proximity to the popular Mendenhall Glacier, experienced a post-Covid-era influx of ships.

In 2023, the destination received 1.7 million cruise guests, which represented a 23% spike compared to pre-pandemic 2019. Under an agreement the city reached with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) earlier this year, Juneau set a limit of 16,000 cruise arrivals per day, with a lower amount, 12,000, on Saturdays.

The city and CLIA signed a Memorandum of Agreement on May 4, 2024. Not satisfied with the pact, some residents in the city continued to argue for a one-day respite from the cruise-tourism crowds.

Read Also: Your Guide to the Best Alaska Cruise Ports

Cruise Ships Docked in Juneau, Alaska (Photo Credit: sreesankar RS)

In the citizen petition that failed, supporters had specifically stated that the so-called Ship-Free Saturdays would provide one day a week “in a consistent and predictable manner, for rest, recovery, recreation, fishing, gathering, and events and activities at home, downtown, and elsewhere in the community.”

However, local business owners dependent on revenue from cruise ships during the short Alaska season had largely opposed the effort.

Other Ports Take Steps to Ease Environmental Impacts

Juneau is one of several leading cruise destinations around the world that have taken steps to mitigate the effects of visiting cruise ships.

Venice since 2021, has banned large ships from docking in the city center after sailing through the Guidecca Canal. Officials contended that big ships were displacing water in the canal and causing environmental damage to the waterway. Ships over 25,000-gross tons are now required to dock in Marghera, on the mainland, and ferry guests into the city center.

Also looking to protect its city center, Barcelona in 2023 banned cruise ships from docking at terminals closest to the city. The move was intended to reduce emissions in the city center.

Other ports have taken more limited actions. Haines, Alaska, in 2025 will begin charging a $9 head tax on cruise arrivals. The funds will be used to build, repair, and import its port facilities. The fee will rise to $12 per person in 2027 and to $13 per person in 2029.

‘Toy Story’ and ‘Moana’-Inspired Themes Revealed for Disney Adventure

Disney Cruise Line News

Lissa Poirot

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Oct 16, 2024

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‘Toy Story’ and ‘Moana’-Inspired Themes Revealed for Disney Adventure

Families setting sail on Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Adventure will have new ways to “reach for the sky” when it welcomes guests aboard in December 2025.

Details about the highly anticipated ship released on October 16, 2024, reveal she will launch with a new “Toy Story”-themed water play area, Pixar-themed dining, and an open-air “Moana”-inspired relaxation area on its top decks.

Serving as a central area for families aboard the 208,000-gross-ton vessel, “Toy Story Place,” will feature an imaginative outdoor water playland inspired by characters from the beloved Pixar film series, including Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear – all set against breathtaking ocean views.

For younger children, the Toy Story Splash Pad will provide a playful area with characters reimagined as rubber bath toys. Here, pop jets, geysers, and bubblers will fill the area and offer safe and engaging water fun for toddlers.

Families can also wade into a giant Pizza Planet toy set, where rockets, more pop jets, and mini slides are the feature of a giant splash zone called the Flying Saucer. Here, kids will encounter the green aliens from the films.

Guests looking for more thrills can check out Woody and Jessie’s Wild Slides, featuring bright red and yellow slides that twist and turn before splashing into a pool below.

In addition to the water play, guests will find seating around the sundeck and on the terraces, where two large screens will show Disney movies and trivia throughout the day.

Dining here will feature quick-service spots, including pizza at Pizza Planet and soft-serve ice cream at Wheezy’s Freezies, taking inspiration from “Toy Story’s” squeeze-toy penguin.

For a more elaborate meal, the ship will offer Pixar Market Restaurant, a buffet-style eatery celebrating Pixar’s iconic films beyond “Toy Story,” including “Inside Out,” “Cars,” “The Incredibles,” and “Monsters University.”

Designed to resemble Pixar Animation Studio’s headquarters in Emeryville, California, the restaurant will feature exposed steel and red brick and will serve breakfast and lunch in a casual setting during the day.

In the evening, Pixar Market restaurant will switch to table service with a diverse menu, becoming part of Disney Cruise Line’s signature and rotational dining.

Additionally, the Market Bar will provide beverages ranging from specialty coffees to cocktails.

Moana-Inspired Relaxation

When it’s time to relax, the 6,700-passenger Disney Adventure will also feature a serene, open-air escape for unwinding, while taking in spectacular views.

Located at the rear of the ship, Wayfinder Bay is designed with Oceania-inspired artistry from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana.” Here, plush seating and loungers will be scattered across tiered decks with a décor reflecting the film’s island themes.

Neutral tones and patterns across Wayfinder Bay will echo the Pacific Islands’ influence, while subtle pops of color pay homage to Moana’s signature attire. Scenes from the movie will also be depicted as murals around the space.

Its pool area will feature a wading pool for little ones, the Voyager Bar serving classic cocktails for adults, and live entertainment for all ages.

In fact, a built-in jumbo LED screen above the pool will transform the space into a unique venue for live shows and interactive events, including the new musical performance, “Moana: Call of the Sea,” which retells Moana’s journey.

Disney Adventure is currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Wismar, Germany, and expected to sail her maiden voyage out of Singapore on December 15, 2025.