Following months of protracted legal arguments, the fate of the SS United States has now been set and the ship will formally be handed over to Okaloosa County, Florida on Saturday, October 12.
This follows court-ordered mediation between the SS United States Conservancy and Penn Warehousing, which owns and operates the pier the vessel has called home since 1996.
Through the mediation, the final agreement has been reached with compromises on both sides. While the SS United States Conservancy is not liable for the dramatically increased rental fees imposed by Penn Warehousing, the ship must still vacate the pier as ordered.
The full details of the confidential settlement have not yet been confirmed by the court, though this formality is assuredly coming and the ship will begin her move in the days to come.
The goal of the SS United States Conservancy has been to preserve the ship’s incredible legacy as “America’s Flagship” and ensure she is able to delight and educate visitors for generations to come. Unfortunately, this will not happen as the Conservancy had hoped.
“We worked with a prominent New York developer for over five years on an exciting plan for the ship’s commercial activation. Late last year, we revealed details of this design and program that showed how America’s Flagship could have been transformed into a privately funded, world-class, mixed-use destination in New York,”the Conservancy explained.
While those plans were in place, a pier location and government support of the project was not to be found, and ultimately, the plan proved unfeasible. In the meantime, the ship continued to decay and pressure from Penn Warehousing mounted through repeated legal challenges.
“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 acknowledged.“We chose the latter as the most dignified path.”
Okaloosa County, Florida, approved a contingent contract of for the ship’s purchase and conversion to an artificial coral reef, which will be located off the Destin-Fort Worth Beach coast. More than $10 million will be necessary to move the vessel, prepare for its conversion, and ultimately sink the ship in the proper location.
What the Ship Will Now Provide
While the outcome of the negotiations may not be what the SS United States Conservancy had ultimately hoped for, the entire ship will not be lost.
Part of the deal with Okaloosa County is that a land-based museum will be part of the ship’s future experience, and key parts of the vessel will be preserved in that museum to showcase the vessel’s history.
“This unique experience will be enhanced by a state-of-the-art museum that will blend the latest technology with our expansive collections of original artifacts and artwork from the ship,”the Conservancy said.
SS United States Docked in Philadelphia (Photo Credit: Patty Ballay)
Among those artifacts for the future visitor center will be one of the ship’s statuesque funnels, her radar mast, and detailed recreations of key spaces that utilize original materials and artifacts salvaged from the vessel.
While this is not the best case scenario the Conservancy had hoped for, it does ensure the ship is preserved in some fashion, making her available for guests.
“Once deployed by Okaloosa County, more people will be able to visit and learn about the ship in the space of one year than have had that opportunity since she left seagoing service more than a half century ago,”the Conservancy said.“Together we will see the extraordinary story of America’s Flagship, and her inspiring spirit, continue to endure — above and below the waterline.”
This museum will preserve the ship’s legacy and introduce her to future generations, enlightening them to American ingenuity, engineering expertise, and oceangoing strength.
No timeline has yet been set for when the museum and reef may be open, but the Conservancy is sure to continue to be involved in ensuring the ship is properly honored and preserved as befits her amazing story.
As the 2024 Alaska season comes to an end, Norwegian Jewel is one of the final ships still sailing in the region. But even the Jewel-class ship will be redeployed to Tampa, Florida, to pivot to Caribbean cruises at the end of October.
Unfortunately, one of her final two cruises of the season isn’t quite going to plan. The 2,376-guest ship only embarked from Seattle, Washington, yesterday, on October 10, 2024, but she has already had a last-minute change to the itinerary.
The first port call of the 9-night sailing, which was supposed to be on Sitka, Alaska, on Saturday, October 12, will be skipped due to inclement weather.
“Due to expected adverse weather conditions, the Norwegian Jewel will be canceling its port call to Sitka this Saturday, October 12th. With this cancellation, there will be no ships porting this Saturday,” Sitka Tourism announced.
According to the local weather forecast, the city, which is situated in the Alexander Archipelago of the Pacific Ocean, will experience rain and high winds with gusts of up to 60 mph on Saturday.
A high wind advisory will be in effect from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. that day – which conflicts with when the 93,502-gross ton vessel would have arrived in port at 11 a.m., likely creating unsafe docking conditions.
While cruise ships are built to safely navigate rough seas, docking is often a little harder in choppy waters because of shallow depths and close proximity to other ships.
But while adverse weather leading to early cancellations may worry current passengers, the weather appears to be limited to Sitka.
The rest of the itinerary – which includes calls on Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria, Canada – is expected to go ahead as planned.
The Final Cruise Call of the Season
Luckily, Norwegian Jewel will get one final chance to call on Sitka on October 21, 2024 – assuming the weather allows. This visit is particularly significant, as she will be the final cruise ship to visit the Alaskan port for this season.
“The Norwegian Jewel is still set at this time to arrive in Sitka on Monday, October 21st as the final cruise ship of the season. Updates regarding this port call will be provided if any changes occur,”said Sitka Tourism.
Sitka specifically was expecting a record number of cruise guests in 2024 – although the final numbers for this year have not yet been released.
In 2023, the port also broke a record with more than 550,000 guests visiting the island, which more than doubles the number of tourists in pre-pandemic years and surpasses the 2022 record of 383,000 cruise visitors.
In the height of Summer, there were days when the number of cruise visitors exceeded Sitka’s own population of around 8,300.
It’s actually become so crowded in the port during the peak season that local residents have been pushing for restrictions on the number of cruise passengers due to concerns about safety and quality of life.
Their initial initiative was denied in July of 2024, but locals – guided by Small Town SOUL, a nonprofit advocacy organization – plan to make a new request for a partial cruise ban in the near future.
When you book a cruise, you do so with the hope that you’ll have as much fun as possible, while getting a much-needed dose of R&R, coming home happy and refreshed.
You don’t imagine your cruise being more stressful than “real life” back home, or that cruising would be one frustrating experience after another.
However, unless you take the right precautions and make the right plans, you could just find that your cruise isn’t as restful and relaxing as you’d hoped. Here’s how to truly relax and de-stress during your cruise.
Book a Cabin that Will Truly Allow You to Relax — and Then Use it!
Cruise ship cabins come in all shapes and sizes, from the miniscule singles-dedicated staterooms in the ship’s interior, to the massive suites at the very top of the ship, offering thousands of square feet of space and 360-degree views.
As you choose your cabin for an upcoming cruise, though, think about more than just cost or the number of beds. What kind of cabin will truly allow you to relax?
No, you don’t necessarily need to spend big bucks on the biggest suite on the ship. However, you probably don’t want to be crammed into your cabin like sardines, either.
If you’re traveling with more than one or two other people, really think about if you’ll be able to unwind in your interior stateroom, with its one queen bed and sofa bed surrounded by four boxy walls.
If you’re traveling with children or family, do you really want to spend as much time as possible with them? Or would you like a little separation?
If the latter, you may want to look into adjoining cabins, or consider a family-geared stateroom or suite (Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has some awesome options in its Surfside neighborhood!).
Surfside Neighborhood
If your idea of relaxation includes plenty of trips to the spa, maybe you book a spa cabin, which usually comes with spa-specific amenities and relaxation-focused touches, like better showers and toiletries.
For example, if you book a Carnival Cruise Line Cloud 9 Spa stateroom or suite, you’ll enjoy private access to the spa, as well as exclusive discounts and amenities like priority spa appointments, a cruise-long pass to the thermal suites, unique welcome ritual, complimentary scrub kit, complimentary body composition analysis and access to two complimentary fitness classes.
Beyond considering just cabin type, also think about cabin location. For the most relaxation possible, don’t book a room near a high-traffic area, like the buffet or elevators. You won’t want the abundance of noise.
Additionally, if you suffer from sea sickness, book a cabin that will help you feel as healthy as possible — preferably one with an ocean view (looking at the horizon can help alleviate symptoms) and near the middle of the ship.
Whatever type of cabin or suite will allow you to relax as much as possible, book it, and then actually use it. If you have a spa cabin, use all those spa-related amenities. If you have even just a balcony, make time to relax on that balcony.
There’s nothing more calming and enjoyable than sitting on the balcony in the early morning, watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee, or watching it set in the evening as you sip a cocktail.
Take Advantage of Adults-Only Areas
Adults-Only Serenity Area (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock)
The main pool and sun decks on a cruise ship can get hectic and loud, especially during sea days. However, don’t let that keep you from getting a tan or taking a dip. Thanks to cruise ship adults-only areas, you can relax in a quieter, more tranquil setting, with no screaming or splashing kiddos.
Cruise ship adults-only areas differ from cruise line to cruise line, but most include at least a small pool, maybe some hot tubs, an array of loungers and a bar.
Many are free to use, but some do come with a cost. For example, on Norwegian Cruise Line, the Spice H20 area is free, but you have to buy a pass to access the Posh and Vibe adults-only areas (the fee is minimal). All of these areas function a bit like a beach club, with Spice H20 even hosting club-like parties after dark.
Find Other Quiet Spots Aboard the Ship (they really do exist!)
Cruise Passenger in Jacuzzi (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Maybe you’re on a ship that charges for accessing its adults-only areas, and you still want to find a quiet spot, without any extra spending. Or, maybe you want a quiet spot out of the sun, where you don’t necessarily need to don your swimsuit.
Whatever the case, it is possible to find other quiet spots aboard most cruise ships, if you just know where and when to look.
For example, during the day, most cruisers aren’t flocking to the club-centric bars. If your cruise ship has a nice one that offers views, and is open during the day, head there for fewer crowds and maybe a drink.
While everyone else is headed to dinner or the theater, take a stroll along the open deck. Sunset walks offer unbeatable views. Promenade decks sometimes also offer seating in the shade, and may be less crowded during the morning or afternoon, when adjacent restaurants aren’t open.
Many cruise ships also have libraries, which don’t get a ton of foot traffic and are reliably quiet.
Put Away Your Devices for the Duration of Your Cruise
Yes, we get it. You want to share as many selfies and videos from your vacation as possible. With the various WiFi packages that cruise ships now offer, it’s more than do-able.
However, is scrolling social media all day really how you want to spend your relaxing, rejuvenating vacation?
Consider pulling out your phone for a few moments, grabbing that pic and then tossing it into your bag the rest of the time. If you feel like you’ll struggle to stay off your phone, consider buying a more limited data plan that either comes with usage limits or doesn’t allow for certain types of internet usage (like media streaming).
Plan Your Days Around Relaxing Activities — But Don’t Plan Too Much!
Passengers on Cruise Deck (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
Don’t just plan to show up to the cruise ship and relax. Not having some sort of plan in place can lead to a frustrating experience as you try to decide among the plethora of activities and entertainment available each day. Instead, think about how you’d like to spend your time on the cruise ship, ahead of time.
As you consider how you’d like to spend your days, think about which activities are truly going to be the most relaxing for you. Certainly head to the spa and indulge in a few treatments, but also consider other low-key activities, like seminars or classes.
Think about your dining, too. Would you rather spend time waiting in line at the buffet, battling the hordes of cruisers for a spot at the dessert station, or would you rather enjoy a romantic dinner at a high-end specialty restaurant?
That said, don’t plan your days down to the very minute. You want to have a little bit of flexibility, as well as room for spontaneity. Maybe you didn’t even know that there was a sea day brunch, but that sounds perfect for you! You’d hate to have to miss it all because you scheduled a fitness class for the same time.
Book as Much as Possible in Advance
Carnival Cruise Line on Phone (Photo Credit: rafapress)
Along these lines, there will be certain cruise activities that you’ll want to book in advance — specialty dining reservations, seats for certain shows at the theater, shore excursions, etc.
While it is totally possible to wait until you’re actually on the cruise ship to make these reservations, doing so can mean you either miss out entirely on the reservations you want, or that you end up spending a huge chunk of time making these reservations. That’s time that you could be spending relaxing instead!
Most cruise lines have certain windows in which you can book these activities. For example, Disney Cruise Line allows first-time cruisers to book activities 75 days before their sailing and up until the time of sailing, but past cruisers have earlier access and can book activities 120 days before their sailing.
If you’re unable to book activities or make reservations ahead of your cruise, do it first-thing after you board the cruise ship. It’s an excellent way to use up the few hours of time you might otherwise spend just waiting until your cabin or suite is ready.
Skip the Lines
Long Lines for Quantum of the Seas (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
You may also want to consider purchasing skip-the-line-style passes with certain cruise lines. Carnival Cruise Line’s Faster to the Fun pass is one popular option, as it allows you to get certain VIP services, without actually paying for a VIP-level suite.
The Faster to the Fun pass comes with priority check-in at the cruise terminal, priority stateroom access, express luggage delivery, dedicated guest services, priority dining reservations and priority water shuttle boarding.
If you hate the idea of waiting in line — and the cruising experience does come with a fair amount of it — then this kind of pass could be well worth the relatively small investment.
Budget Appropriately for Your Cruise Experience
Vitality Spa Entrance
Speaking of investment, are you budgeting appropriately for your cruise?
Yes, while you can definitely have an amazing cruise by just paying for your cruise fare and relying on all the inclusions therein, many choose to spring for additional experiences.
These might include dining at specialty restaurants, shopping in the ship’s duty-free shops, taking shore excursions, indulging in the occasional alcoholic beverage or getting those spa treatments.
If your vision of your cruising experience includes activities like these, be aware ahead of time of just how much they’ll cost you. As an example, if you’re traveling with Norwegian Cruise Line and heading to the Mandara Spa, you can expect to pay at least $159 for a basic hot stone massage.
Likewise, if you want a beverage package on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise, you’ll need to spend at least $109 per person, per day, for unlimited select cocktails, beer and wine.
To ensure you have the most amazing cruise possible, think about your budget and how much you’ll need in order to make that amazing cruise happen. That way, you’re not blindsided when you get on the cruise and discover the relaxing time you’re envisioning is out of your budget’s reach.
Spring for the VIP Service When Appropriate
The Haven Pool
Maybe you aren’t restricted to a specific budget, though, and you really just want to have the most relaxing, wonderful time, no holds barred. If that’s the case, you may want to spring for a trip on a cruise ship within a cruise ship — via cruise lines’ VIP areas, where select cruisers enjoy a private setting away from the masses.
More and more cruise lines are adding these small areas to their ships, wherein guests in premium staterooms and suites have access to restaurants, lounges, pools, sundecks and more, that are only accessible to them.
These guests also typically get special perks and services elsewhere on the ship, too, such as priority reservations or butler service.
These VIP areas include The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line, the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Cruises and The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises, among others. Upgrading to one of these classes can really take your cruise to the next level.
Don’t Put so Much Pressure on Yourself!
Last, but certainly not least, don’t put so much pressure on yourself (and on the cruise line!) to have the perfect cruise! Every cruise comes with a few mishaps and hiccups — maybe you don’t get that restaurant reservation precisely when you wanted it, or perhaps the cruise line has to skip a stop on your itinerary due to bad weather — but taking them in stride will go a long way to make your cruise more enjoyable and, ultimately, relaxing.
A cruise ship that sails without a single drop of fossil fuel is getting closer to a reality.
Hurtigruten, the 130+-year-old Norwegian-based transportation company, has just revealed new updates on its Sea Zero cruise ship project. The new ship will be the first zero-emission ship to sail without fossil fuels.
The company, popular for expedition cruises, released its latest renderings on October 11, 2024. Developed in partnership with Vard in Ålesund, Norway, the renderings showcase the ship’s new design changes and technological advancements.
Initial renderings for the project, unveiled in summer 2023, have been adjusted to shift its sail design to an OceanWings model used in French cargo shipping. These modern sails, paired with solar panels, could yield energy savings of up to 10 percent.
“We still see significant energy savings from having retractable sails with solar panels, but this requires thorough studies, including model tests to be conducted in the coming months,”said Gerry Larsson-Fedde, COO of Hurtigruten.
“As with all development projects, there will be adjustments to both the design and specifications along the way,” he added.
However, at the heart of Hurtigruten’s energy efficiency are large batteries with a capacity of around 60 megawatt-hours that will serve as the primary power source. The company is targeting a 40 to 50 percent reduction in energy with this model compared to current ships.
The ship’s design will also incorporate air lubrication technology, where air bubbles reduce friction between the hull and water, potentially offering another 5 to 10 percent energy savings.
Alongside this, Hurtigruten plans to implement advanced hull coatings, regular cleaning routines, and optimized hull shapes to further minimize drag.
The Hurtigruten ship will also be equipped with contra-rotating propellers for propulsion and two retractable thrusters for smooth maneuvering during port operations.
Inside the ship, “smart cabins” will enable guests to manage their own energy usage through dedicated apps and screens that will enhance awareness of energy consumption.
Hurtigruten is already testing sensors for these systems, and full-scale trials involving passengers are expected soon.
“The cruising industry is a significant polluter, and it is crucial that we now take major steps to reduce emissions,”said Hurtigruten CEO Hedda Felin.“Our goal is to have an emission-free ship in operation by around 2030.”
“We are still in the research and development phase,” she added. “But we have made significant progress.”
Prototype Ship Setting New Standards
The Hurtigruten prototype ship, measuring 443 feet long, is designed to host 500 guests and 99 crew members across 270 cabins.
Currently in a two-year testing and developing phase, the project includes sustainable operations onboard, including goals toward zero food waste. Through an advanced waste management system and onboard technology, the ship will track food consumption patterns to more accurately prepare meals and adjust food quantities to minimize waste.
Hurtigruten plans to use ingredients “grown, harvested, foraged, and fished in Norway” and will turn leftover food into fertilizer used on a Norwegian farm that will grow new food for the ship.
The Fit for 55 initiative is part of the EU’s strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030. It targets cleaner energy use and more efficient technologies across sectors, including cruising.
It has also set an ultimate goal of reaching net-zero emissions in cruising by 2050.
Norway additionally set ambitious net-zero goals. By 2032, the country will require cruise ships to operate emission-free in its fjords, pushing for advancements in battery power and other sustainable technologies.
Hurtigruten’s Sea Zero hopes to accomplish its zero-emission goals by 2030, 20 years ahead of the EU’s target and two years before Norway’s requirement for emission-free operations.
Carnival Cruise Line continues to celebrate its American patriotism with a brand new red, white, and blue hull on the Carnival Panorama, the last of the cruise line’s 27 ships to receive the new look.
Completing her dry dock in Singapore on October 11, 2024, the refurbished ship is departing on a 25-day transpacific cruise to Long Beach, California on October 12, where “America’s Cruise Line” will unveil the 133,500-gross-ton ship’s new enhancements to the States.
John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, expressed his enthusiasm for the refreshed vessel on his social media, saying, “As you can see, she looks absolutely fabulous in her new livery.”
Carnival Panorama’s recent dry dock at Sembawang Shipyard included a variety of additions, including a nonsmoking casino located near the main casino on Deck 4’s Mezzanine.
The ship also saw the opening of an Effy Fine Jewelry store on the mezzanine, adding a new shopping experience to the refreshed Fun Shops.
Additionally, a new mini golf course has been installed on Deck 12’s Sports Square, giving families and groups another activity option while at sea. A new Carnival Adventures area has also been added for short excursion purchases.
Guests interested in capturing memories can visit the newly established Dream Studio, where professional photographers are available for scheduled photo shoots.
Beyond these guest-facing enhancements, Carnival Panorama received several new technical updates for smoother operations during its voyages, as well as new carpeting, decking, and tiling across the ship.
“The ship is looking absolutely fabulous,” repeated Heald, who wished passengers of the transpacific cruise “the very best of times.”
Carnival Cruise Line began adding red, white, and blue hulls to its fleet with its 180,000-gross-ton Mardi Gras launch in 2020. So enamored with the look, it followed the new ship with Carnival Magic as the first to receive the new livery during dry dock.
“When we first saw the hull design for Mardi Gras, we knew it was something special, and, particularly as we [got] ready to celebrate our 50th birthday [in 2022],” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
She continued, “We’re delighted to incorporate this stunning livery as a signature exterior design element across our fleet.”
The hull design pays tribute to maritime tradition with a deep navy blue, inspired by officers’ uniforms, complemented by bold red and white accents spanning the entire length of each ship. Every ship received the new look when going into dry dock.
As Carnival Panorama completes the new branding for the cruise line, the 4,008-passenger vessel’s first cruise following its renovations will depart from Singapore and make an inaugural call in Manila, Philippines – a first for Carnival Cruise Line.
That stop, on October 18, follows visits to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Carnival Panorama then sails to Guam in the Mariana Islands and Honolulu, Hawaii, with a total of 18 sea days sprinkled in between its arrival in Long Beach on November 5, 2024.
Carnival Panorama then kicks off a series of 5- to 7-night roundtrip voyages to Mexico on the same day. The vessel will spend time in Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and La Paz on its various itineraries sailing through May 3, 2025.
The third ship in Royal Caribbean’s ground-breaking Icon class celebrated a major construction milestone as the vessel’s keel was laid at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.
The keel-laying, on October 7, 2024, marks the start of the ship’s hull assembly. The ship, which has not yet been named by the cruise line, is temporarily referred to as Icon 3, following the January 2024 debut of the first in the series, Icon of the Seas, and the scheduled introduction of the second, Star of the Seas, coming in August 2025.
Icon 3’s launch date is planned for sometime in 2026. During the ship’s keel-laying, a large steel block was lowered into the vessel by crane and set down on trestles, enabling the construction of the hull to begin.
Coins, said to bring good luck to the ship, had been positioned under the steel block by shipyard and cruise line officials in a maritime tradition said to have started in Roman times.
“Icon 3 is a very important vessel for both the shipyard and the partner network. During its construction process, we get to see what a combination of high-level know-how and sister ship experience can achieve today,” Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku, posted.
“Icon 3 will be an all-encompassing holiday experience to the tourism market, which is impatiently waiting for it,” added Meyer.
Work on the new Icon-class ship got under way with her steel-cutting ceremony on January 12, 2024.
The Icon-class ships are the biggest in the cruise industry, with Icon of the Seas, homeported in Miami, currently operating as the largest at 250,880-gross tons. She accommodates 5,600 guests at double occupancy, and sails alternating 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages.
The second in the series, Star of the Seas, will be slightly larger than Icon of the Seas when she enters service in August 2025. Also being built at the Meyer Turku shipyard, Star of the Seas celebrated her float-out from her construction bay on October 3, 2024.
The ship will be based in Port Canaveral, sailing Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Star of the Seas already has experienced construction delays. In February 2024, Royal Caribbean revealed that her debut would be postponed by about two weeks.
Coin Ceremony for Third Icon Class Ship
Star of the Seas’ original launch date of August 17, 2025 was pushed back to August 31, 2025. Booked guests and travel agents were notified of the cancellation of her first voyage.
Icon 3 will not be the final ship in the Icon series. Royal Caribbean, in August 2024, announced it had reached an agreement with Meyer Turku for a fourth ship and options for a fifth and sixth in the series.
Icon 3 Expected to Feature Best of the Class
While details of Icon 3’s design have yet to be announced, it is almost guaranteed to feature the public spaces and amenities of Icon of the Seas.
Like Icon of the Seas, the 20-deck Icon-class ship will likely feature the Aqua Dome, the largest waterpark in the industry, with multiple thrill rides and water-based experiences for all ages.
Besides Aqua Dome, the ship has seven other neighborhoods: Chill Island, Thrill Island, The Hideaway, Surfside, Royal Promenade, Central Park, and The Suite Neighborhood. The zones are geared to family or adult activities, shopping and dining, and private, exclusive areas for guests booking suites.
Thrill Island, for example, will offer six waterslides, a surf simulator, the Crown’s Edge Ropes Course that swings out over the water, a rock climbing wall, and a sports court.
In addition to entertainment and activity areas, Icon-class ships are constructed with environmentally responsible power technologies, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cells, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
With Port Tampa Bay remaining closed following the devastating impact of Hurricane Milton, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Paradise may not be able to return to her homeport for the debarkation of her latest sailing and embarkation of her next guests.
The ship departed Tampa on Sunday, October 6, 2024 on what was to have been a 4-night Western Caribbean sailing to Cozumel, Mexico. Hurricane Milton had other plans, however, and the ship will remain at sea longer in order to reach an open, operational homeport.
The ship’s next sailing – planned to depart Tampa on Thursday, October 10 – has already been cancelled, which gives the cruise line time to make alternative arrangements to debark the up to 2,124 travelers onboard.
Now, Carnival Cruise Line has notified guests on the October 14 departure that Carnival Paradise may be embarking not from Tampa after all, but could instead embark from Port Canaveral. The two cruise homeports are roughly 130 miles apart, approximately a 2-3 hour drive, depending on local traffic.
The final decision has not yet been made, but it will be determined when Port Tampa Bay is able to reopen safely. Following the storm, power outages, localized flooding, and some building damage are already being assessed around the port facilities.
At the moment, Carnival Paradise is heading for PortMiami to debark guests from the October 6 sailing. A complimentary shuttle will return travelers to the Tampa cruise terminal if desired, or guests may reboard the ship to remain onboard as a hotel option until Monday, October 14.
Guests onboard have been provided with a questionnaire about their debarkation plans, including whether or not they will remain onboard the ship and if they require a transfer to Tampa.
All services aboard Carnival Paradise are fully functional, including hotel, restaurant, and entertainment operations. Travelers who opt to remain onboard the ship will still be able to enjoy all the 71,925-gross-ton vessel offers.
Cruise Lines Scrambling for Alternatives
All cruise lines are working hard to make shifts and adjustments following Hurricane Milton’s devastating impact on the Sunshine State, with cruises delayed, homeports closed, and itineraries cancelled.
Port Tampa Bay is the most strongly impacted, as the storm made landfall as a Category 3 major hurricane at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, at Siesta Key – less than 25 miles south of Tampa Bay.
Because the extensive channel now requires thorough assessment and inspections, as well as local flooding and damage near the cruise terminal, it may be several days before the port can resume normal passenger operations, leaving cruise lines seeking alternatives.
Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Margaritaville at Sea, and Celebrity Cruises have likewise had to make different adjustments for their own cruise operations out of various Florida homeports.
As of Thursday evening, while the storm has now been downgraded to a post-tropical-storm, Port Tampa Bay remains closed, as does the Port of Jacksonville.
Port Canaveral has begun its initial post-storm assessment and landside operations have reopened, but all marine operations remain closed.
The three southernmost and least impacted of Florida’s cruise homeports – Port Everglades, Port of Palm Beach, and PortMiami – have all fully reopened for all operations, and are doing their best to assist cruise lines with alternative arrangements wherever possible.
Because such arrangements can be fluid, cruise travelers are strongly urged to sign up for text and email alerts directly from their cruise line to stay updated on the most current delays, adjustments, and options for their individual cruise vacations.
While Hurricane Milton has now been downgraded to a post-tropical-cyclone and moved into the Atlantic, away from the Florida coast, cruise lines have a great deal of aftermath to contend with.
For Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Elation, the ship’s Jacksonville homeport remains closed at this time and the ship will be unable to return as planned on Thursday, October 10, or even Friday, October 11.
The exact reopening time for the north Florida homeport is not yet confirmed, but the ship is expected to be able to return to the cruise terminal on Saturday, October 12.
The continued delay is due to rough seas and strong winds in the Jacksonville area that are impacting how safe the St. Johns River is for the ship to navigate.
This means that Carnival Elation‘s next sailing, originally planned as a 4-night Bahamas voyage departing on Thursday, October 10, cannot operate as scheduled. Rather than cancelling the cruise, Carnival Cruise Line is opting to offer the sailing as a much shorter cruise to nowhere.
“We are now planning to operate his voyage as a 2-day cruise, departing Saturday, October 12. Given the shortened duration, there will be no port visit,”the notification read.
The itinerary was planned to visit Freeport on Friday, October 11 followed by Nassau on Saturday, October 12. Given the distance from Jacksonville to the Bahamas, however – roughly 450 miles – it is not possible for the ship to reach the planned ports on such a severely shortened schedule.
Instead, the ship will depart Jacksonville and spend the time at sea with all the onboard amenities, entertainment, restaurants, and activities operating as normal.
If guests do choose to set sail with the shortened itinerary, they will receive a 50% refund for all pre-paid amenities, including gratuities, drink packages, and Wi-Fi packages. All pre-paid shore tours booked through Carnival Cruise Line will also be fully refunded for both Freeport and Nassau.
Guests will also receive a $100 onboard credit (per stateroom), as well as a 50% refund of their cruise fare. That refund, however, may take up to three weeks to process back to the original form of payment.
Any travelers who prefer not to join the now-shortened cruise to nowhere will receive a full refund for their cruise fare and all pre-purchased items.
To be clear, there is no damage to Carnival Elation and the ship is fully functional. The decision to shorten the next cruise so dramatically is made with respect to port operations and when the Port of Jacksonville can safely reopen and resume full operations.
Carnival Elation Cruise to Nowhere (Photo Credit: SeregaSibTravel)
As of Thursday evening, satellite tracking data showsCarnival Elation enjoying extra time at sea, sailing south of Florida where waters are calmer and not impacted by the storm.
Onboard, guests can continue to enjoy all the ship’s features while the 900 international crew members strive to provide the best possible service despite these exceptionally trying circumstances.
Why Is the Homeport Still Closed?
The Port of Jacksonville is uniquely located on the northeastern Florida coast, but the cruise terminal is actually about 13 miles upriver along the St. Johns River rather than on the coast. This upriver location creates extra challenges for ship navigability.
The entire length of the river leading to the cruise terminal must be inspected for any possible safety hazards following any hurricane or tropical storm that initiates a port closure.
Floating debris, channel shallowing, underwater hazards, and other potential obstacles must be assessed or cleared before a ship can return to the cruise terminal. Furthermore, the terminal itself must be able to operate efficiently with appropriate power and staffing.
The Port of Jacksonville does plan to reopen on Friday morning, October 11, but that is not the time the cruise terminal will be ready to receive guests for embarkation or debarkation processing. That reopening is yet to be determined.
Guests booked on Carnival Elation will want to opt in for text alerts from Carnival Cruise Line to receive the most updated information as soon as it is available.
Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas can’t catch a break.
After departing for a 5-night cruise from Tampa on October 7, 2024, the 73,817-gross-ton ship had to alter its course from Mexico to the Bahamas to avoid what was then-Tropical Storm Milton, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico on October 5.
As Milton gained strength and, at several points, reached Category 5 status, it headed straight for Tampa with a vengeance, forcing Port Tampa Bay to close.
The ship, fearful of damage to the port, made a contingency plan to return its passengers to shore on October 12 from either Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale or PortMiami, bussing guests back to Tampa.
However, now that Milton has passed, Royal Caribbean will instead return to Tampa a day later than expected and has altered the ship’s itinerary yet again by adding an additional day in Nassau, Bahamas, on October 11 and spending another day at sea on October 12.
As a result, Grandeur of the Seas will be delayed in returning to Tampa in time for its upcoming October 12, 2024, sailing. While passengers on the current voyage get an extra day, the following 5-night roundtrip Western Caribbean cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, will be cut short a day.
The 2,440-passenger ship will now set sail on Sunday, October 13, 2024, skipping its call in Costa Maya. It will cruise directly to Cozumel as its only port of call before returning to Tampa, as scheduled, on October 17, 2024.
“Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we have been tracking the aftermath of Hurricane Milton’s impact to Port Tampa Bay. As a result, our previous sailing will be delayed,”Royal Caribbean wrote in a letter to passengers.
“We’re terribly sorry for this last-minute change caused by the weather,” it continued.
The cruise line also noted its return to port is fluid and that times are not yet finalized, although the letter suggested the ship aims to arrive in Tampa by 7 a.m., and anticipates a 4 p.m. departure.
October 14 and 16 will be days at sea, and October 15th’s call in Cozumel will extend from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., as originally scheduled.
Compensation and Refunds
With the shortened duration, Royal Caribbean is offering refunds to passengers on the affected voyage. Guests will receive a refund equivalent to one day of their cruise fare, credited back as an onboard credit.
Additionally, the cruise line announced passengers will receive a prorated refund for any pre-purchased packages, including beverage plans, dining, VOOM Internet access, and pre-paid gratuities, as a way “to give us another opportunity to make it up to you.”
Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas (Photo Credit: Michael L Brown)
“All Onboard Credits can be used anywhere onboard, and any remaining refundable amounts at the end of our sailing will be refunded to the card on file up to 14 business days from final disembarkation,” wrote Royal Caribbean.
Any excursions booked through the cruise line in Costa Maya will also be refunded. Passengers who booked independent excursions will need to contact their providers to cancel and receive refunds.
As Cozumel’s schedule remains intact, pre-booked excursions remain unchanged.
Guests facing any out-of-pocket expenses, such as hotel expenses needed for the additional day in Tampa, can use the cruise line’s letter for insurance purposes.
