Lokono Cove is set to join Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive private destination, Celebration Key, on Grand Bahama Island, emphasizing Bahamian culture and craftsmanship.
A New Marketplace in the Bahamas
Carnival Cruise Line revealed its latest addition to the much-anticipated Celebration Key by announcing details of Lokono Cove during the annual Seatrade Cruise Global conferencein Miami Beach on April 9.
One of Celebration Key’s five portals, Lokono Cove will be an exclusive retail portal offering a variety of stores and kiosks featuring everything from souvenirs to fine jewelry, designed to immerse guests in the richness of Bahamian heritage and creativity.
During the announcement of the new portal, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said, “Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove, a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of The Bahamas and find locally inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones, or cherish for themselves for years to come.”
Duffy added that Lokono Cove will honor the beauty and culture of The Bahamas.
The chosen name, Lokono, pays homage to the Lucayans, the island’s original inhabitants, and was submitted by Deidre Rahming, in a naming competition held by Carnival Cruise Line. Rahming received $5,000 for the winning name and will have the opportunity to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including transportation, food, and beverages, as well as a day-pass to Celebration Key with drink vouchers, food, and a cabana.
Winning Lokono Cove Submission
The area will be a departure point for passengers visiting the private port, located 20 miles east of Freeport on Grand Bahama. The port will be dedicated specifically to Carnival Corporation cruise ships, mainly Carnival Cruise Line, but not exclusive from Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, or Cunard Line, which are also a part of the Carnival family.
Celebration Key’s Newest Addition
The unveiling of Lokono Cove marks just the beginning of what’s to come on Grand Bahama’s latest gem, which represents Carnival Corporation’s most significant investment to date at $600 million for the phased development.
In addition to Lokono Cove, Celebration Key will feature four more distinct “portals,” mirroring the themed zones found on Carnival’s Excel-class ships. At the heart of the port lies the Welcome Portal, to be called Paradise Plaza, which will feature a towering sandcastle and live music as a gateway to the island.
Celebration Key Lokono Cove
The Family-Friendly Portal will feature a sprawling freshwater lagoon, splash pad, and shallow pool, with waterslides embedded in a grand sandcastle for the adventurous. The area will also feature sports courts, dedicated areas for kids and teens, a beach adorned with various loungers and exclusive cabana rentals, and a diverse selection of dining options.
For adults, Calypso Lagoon, the Adult-Friendly Portal, will set a tranquil escape by another freshwater lagoon, complete with a swim-up bar and tunes from a live DJ. Cabana offerings include beach cabanas, floating cabanas, or villas with private waterslides. The area will also offer a full-service restaurant focusing on Bahamian delicacies.
Carnival’s Celebration Key
For those seeking exclusivity and luxury, the Private Club Portal will provide an additional adults-only sanctuary featuring an infinity pool with views of the Bahamian sea. The club will elevate the experience with sophisticated dining options.
Lokono Cove and Celebration Key are scheduled to open in July 2025. More than 500 Carnival itineraries are already scheduled to call at the port, with 12 ships from eight different homeports in its initial years.
A guest on a recent Carnival cruise has reached out to the cruise line’s brand ambassador, upset because their stateroom attendant ignored the do not disturb sign on the door and entered their cabin all the same.
While this may seem like a violation of guests’ privacy, it is actually part of the cruise line’s policy and the attendant was taking the appropriate steps to ensure the guests’ wellness.
Why would a cruise line ignore a do not disturb sign, and how should a guest react if this happens on their cruise vacation?
Do Not Disturb Sign Ignored
A guest on a recent Carnival cruise had their “Snoozin'” door hanger outside their stateroom, indicating they did not wish to be disturbed. To their dismay, however, their attendant knocked on the door and proceeded to enter the cabin anyway, despite the sign.
The guest – who has not been identified – reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, to notify him of the incident and express their displeasure at the sign being ignored.
“How would you like it if the cabin cleaner walked in on you John Heald. Our cleaner knocked and walked in on us ignoring the do not disturb sign we had out. This was not acceptable,”the guest wrote.“Is this how Carnival trains their workers?”
Heald, who routinely answers thousands of questions each week on his popular Facebook page, investigated the incident to determine the circumstances, and responded to the guest to explain the situation.
“I have since spoken with the Housekeeping Manager who explained what had happened. The guests had their ‘SNOOZIN’ sign out for more than 24 hours. So it is company policy that we check the safety and well being of the guests and that is what happened here,”Heald explained.
Carnival Cruise Door Signs (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
Carnival Cruise Line provides two-sided “Cruisin'” and “Snoozin'” signs for each stateroom so guests can indicate their privacy or service needs. The red “Snoozin'” side also states “Privacy Please” while the blue “Cruisin'” side says “Service Please” so stateroom attendants can adjust their attention to each cabin as desired.
It is Carnival Cruise Line’s policy, however, to ensure there has been direct contact with each guest onboard in every 24-hour period. This is to ensure there have been no medical emergencies, accidents, or injuries that might leave someone unable to summon help. If a “Snoozin'” sign is not removed so the cabin attendant can check the room, they will ask permission to enter despite the sign.
“The state room attendant did knock as they always do before entering and as there was no reply they entered the room with the floor supervisor also there,”Heald confirmed.“The crew member was simply doing her job.”
Stateroom attendants do have a guest checklist to keep track of having seen travelers to confirm they are okay. This does not mean they must always enter a cabin, however – if an attendant sees “their” guests in the corridor, they can mark the checklist for that day as having seen the passenger.
When it is necessary to enter a stateroom despite the presence of a privacy sign, a floor supervisor or security personnel will accompany the stateroom attendant just in case help is needed. This is also to serve as a witness that the wellness check was done in accordance with the cruise line’s policy.
How Can You Guarantee Privacy?
There are several ways that cruise guests can ensure their “Privacy Please” requests are not violated. If the guest is not in the stateroom, remove the sign so the attendant can easily check the room to know that no one is in distress inside.
If a guest passes their attendant in the hallway, a simple “Hello” is sufficient to ensure they have been adequately seen and their privacy in the stateroom will not be violated, as they are indeed well and out and about enjoying their cruise.
Some travelers prefer not to have housekeeping services daily in their stateroom, and making contact with their cabin attendant in the corridor is the best way to ensure they will not be disturbed.
What Not to Do
A further wrinkle to this incident is that the impacted guest was upset enough at the situation to remove gratuities from the housekeeping staff.
“We took away the gratuity and gave it to other crew people,”the guest said.
While it is Carnival Cruise Line’s policy that travelers are always welcome to adjust gratuities onboard (though prepaid gratuities cannot be adjusted), the cruise line prefers that if there is something wrong, the matter be addressed through Guest Services before such a drastic step is taken.
This gives the crew an opportunity to either explain the policy or correct the incident without punishing the crew member by impacting their hard-earned paycheck. This is especially important when an incident like this is a misunderstanding of cruise line policy.
It can be difficult, especially for first-time cruisers, to understand the ins-and-outs of how a cruise ship operates and what services to expect onboard. Crew members are always happy to explain and will work hard to accommodate requests, and polite communication would go a long way to ensure everyone understands what service they may encounter during their cruise vacation.
As MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesia at the Port of Quebec on April 10, Cruise the Saint Lawrence (CSL) marks the official beginning of the region’s cruise activities. More than 46 cruise ships are planned across nine-member ports in 2024.
Quebec’s Season Poised for Growth
With more than 400 visits scheduled across nine ports representing more than 400,000 passenger days, Cruise the Saint Lawrence (CSL) is set to embark on what will be a record-breaking year for cruise tourism to Quebec, Canada.
Across the nine ports of call included in CSL are Montreal, Trois-Rivières, Quebec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Gaspe, and Iles-de-la-Madeleine, in Quebec, Canada. Each is expected to welcome 10 vessels on inaugural cruises to the region, with 46 different ships spanning 29 cruise lines scheduled to arrive.
“Once again this season, the nine member ports of call of Cruise the Saint Lawrence will welcome many thousands of visitors eager to discover the wonders of the Saint Lawrence, to immerse themselves in our culture, and to partake of the myriad attractions on offer in our communities,”said Yves Gilson, president of Cruise the Saint Lawrence.
Port of Montreal (Photo Credit: Denis Roger)
CSL reports bookings will bring approximately 500 days in port and close to 70 embarkation and disembarkation operations between early April and late October. Traffic is forecasted to increase, with overall figures comparable to 2023.
Ports Ready to Shine
The arrival of MSC Poesia in Quebec City on April 10 marks the opening of the 2024 cruise season. After touching the historic ports of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada, on its 114-night World Cruise, MSC Poesia will visit Quebec’s capital city before continuing to Greenland.
Quebec City, one of the most popular of the region’s calls, is set to host a diverse roster of ships, including Holland America Line’s ms Volendam, which embarks on multiple 7-night “Canada & New England Discovery” voyages beginning April 30. The city will also welcome Seabourn’s Seabourn Quest on August 16, kicking off a series of 12-night “Canada & New England Discovery” journeys.
The fall season will see an array of prestigious vessels, including offerings from Celebrity Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Viking Oceans, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2, extending the cruising excitement into the cooler months. Notably, Queen Mary 2 will also make her appearance in Sept-Îles and Saguenay.
The Saint Lawrence River, Quebec City (Photo Credit: Gabe Shakour)
Saguenay stands out with its first ship call on June 3, benefiting from its strategic location at the mouth of the Saint Lawrence and Saguenay Fjord. This northern locale is attracting a variety of cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and P&O Cruises.
Trois-Rivières, which is named for its geographical location at the confluence of the Saint-Maurice River and the Saint Lawrence River, where the former splits into three channels, will receive 18 calls, beginning with the May 31 arrival of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ ms Europa 2 on a 14-night “Montreal-Hamburg” cruise. The port will also host several visits from Seabourn’s Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Sojourn, beginning in August.
Baie-Comeau, a smaller but no less significant port, will welcome multiple ships from Oceania Cruises and other luxury lines. Meanwhile, Montreal, despite being the least visited of the nine ports, anticipates nine calls from an international array of cruise ships.
The season extends to the edge of Newfoundland with Havre Sainte Pierre, Îles-de-la-Madeleine, and Gaspe each hosting a varied lineup of cruise ships. Îles-de-la-Madeleine will end its season with Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride on October 12; Havre Sainte Pierre’s last call will be October 21’s arrival of Oceania’s Insignia; and Crystal Cruise’s Crystal Serenity will arrive in Gaspe on October 24 to conclude its season.
MSC Cruises has announced a first-of-its-kind thrill attraction to be found aboard the upcoming MSC World America. Cliffhanger is an over-water swing ride, dangling above the ocean from the ship’s top deck and giving thrill seekers an unparalleled view along with an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
This announcement comes exactly one year before the ship’s anticipated naming ceremony on April 9, 2025, and will undoubtedly help build excitement and interest in the new mega-ship, with even more new features to be revealed in the months to come.
Cliffhanger to Debut on MSC World America
Guests sailing aboard MSC World America will be able to indulge their thrill-seeking urges with a new and exclusive ride, Cliffhanger, the world’s only over-water swing ride at sea.
The ride features two two-person swing seats (guests can ride individually if they prefer) that will be lifted over the side of the ship by powered arms before the swing begins to propel back and forth 160 feet above the ocean. Riders will be secured by a t-style lap bar restraint that fits over the thighs.
Other features of the ride – such as a weight limit or minimum height requirement – have not yet been announced. Also unknown is whether or not the ride will be an extra-charge attraction or if it will be free for guests to enjoy. Similarly, the duration of the ride is not yet known and may vary depending on wait times and operational needs.
MSC World America Cliffhanger Ride
The exact extent of the powered swinging motion has not been determined, but guests’ views will oscillate between the broad blue sky above and the wide blue ocean below – if riders are brave enough to keep their eyes open during the thrilling experience! Cliffhanger will be located off the ship’s upper deck on the starboard side, just aft of the funnel and next to the ropes course.
Guests interested in riding Cliffhanger should note that the attraction’s operation is likely to be subject to weather, and it may not operate in windy or rainy conditions.
When Can You Ride Cliffhanger?
MSC World America is scheduled to debut in April 2025 from Miami, offering Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with each cruise having a visit to MSC Cruises’ private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Most likely, the new ride will be operated on port days, though it is possible that it may be run while the ship is at sea as well, depending on operating guidelines and tolerances.
MSC World America Cliffhanger Ride
The new ship will also offer much more than just one new thrill ride. MSC World America will be themed into seven distinct districts with unique vibes and offerings, including dining, attractions, and entertainment, including the first dedicated comedy club aboard any MSC Cruises’ ship.
MSC World America is the cruise line’s second World-class ship, following MSC World Europa that debuted in 2021. The sister ships are powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and offer a variety of environmental innovations to be among the most sustainable ships at sea.
MSC World America Cliffhanger Ride
MSC World America is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France. When she sets sail, the the 215,863-gross-ton ship will be able to welcome 6,762 guests aboard, and will also be home to approximately 2,100 international crew members.
Thrill Rides on Cruise Ships
Cliffhanger will be the latest in a line of thrill rides and thrilling attractions available on cruise ships. Also planned for MSC World America are bumper cars, a roller rink, an 11-deck spiral dry slide, waterslides, and a ropes course.
Image: Courtesy MSC Cruises
Many of the major cruise lines have added thrilling rides to their newer vessels, such as the Bolt rollercoaster onboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ships, bumper cars on select Royal Caribbean ships, and go-karts on several Norwegian Cruise Line vessels.
Waterslides are a key feature on many cruise ships, from racing slides to funnel slides to twisty slides. Observation pods, rock climbing walls, ropes courses, dry slides, zip lines, and other features are fun options many guests enjoy on different ships.
Will you be brave enough to try Cliffhanger? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!
Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises will receive new ships representing 25,000 additional berths, says parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. The announcement includes news of an expanded pier at Great Stirrup Cay.
Unveiling a Bold Vision
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is embarking on an ambitious journey, revealing a comprehensive expansion strategy on April 8. The vision will unfold over the next decade and includes the introduction of eight state-of-the-art new ships and the development of a multi-ship pier at the company’s private island of Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas.
This extensive growth initiative is set to bring nearly 25,000 new berths to the company’s fleet. The strategic blueprint spans from 2026 to 2036 in a phased approach.
“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,”said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
He added, “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation, and enhance our ability to offer guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”
8 New Cruise Ships Planned Across Norwegian Brands
Amidst the excitement generated by this announcement are four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships being developed for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Each ship, subject to financing, will be capable of accommodating nearly 5,000 passengers. The plans are to stagger delivery on these ships in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036.
For Oceania Cruises, which is wrapping up the build of its final Allura Class ship in the latter half of 2025, the cruise line is scheduled to receive two 86,000-gross-ton ships. These 1,450-capacity ships will arrive in 2027 and 2029.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises will also take delivery of two new ships. The anticipated 2026 and 2029 deliveries will feature 77,000-gross-ton ships able to host 850 passengers.
Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship
Norwegian has received credit financing to fund 80% of the two Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships. Norwegian Cruise Line is currently seeking financing for its NCL orders, with Mark A. Kempa, chief financial officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, optimistic.
“With a favorable payment structure that includes pre-delivery financing and modest initial installment payments for these ship orders, we still anticipate strong Net Leverage reduction of 1.5 turns by the end of 2024, relative to 2023, and expect the company to continue reducing Net Leverage each year for the foreseeable future,” he said.
The ships will be built at Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy, with details on the ships’ amenities, staterooms, dining, recreational offerings, and other features announced in the coming months.
NCL has already been busy at Fincantieri, expanding its fleet with the creation of a total of six Prima Class ships. Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva were the first launched, in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Construction remains underway for Norwegian Aqua, slated to set sail between Bermuda and New York City in 2025. Three additional ships are set to arrive by 2028.
A New Pier for Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also unveiled it will invest $150 million for a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, allowing the private island call to accommodate two large vessels simultaneously.
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock)
“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island,”said Sommer.
The enhancement is expected to improve guest experience on the island and, along with Harvest Caye in Belize, position the islands as premier year-round destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The new pier will break ground in the summer of 2024 and will be completed by late 2025.
The cabin steward onboard a cruise ship is undoubtedly among the hardest working crew members and is the most visible face of the crew that most guests meet.
They perform numerous regular duties, take on extra challenges, meet special requests, and do a great deal more to ensure that every traveler has a wonderful and relaxing vacation.
Find out what a cabin steward does and how to make the stewards’ job just a little easier.
A stateroom steward is much more than just a housekeeper. Yes, they clean cabins – empty trash, exchange towels, make beds, scrub toilets, refill toiletries – but they actually do much more.
On the first day of the cruise, stewards typically introduce themselves and may offer a cabin orientation by describing how to adjust the air conditioning, lock the balcony door, change the shower settings, or use the in-room safe.
If passengers request extra pillows or hangers, fresh ice, or little extras to celebrate a special occasion, the stewards attend to those requests as well, and they are also the first crew members to contact in case of any problems in the cabin, such as a clogged toilet or flooding shower.
In addition, stateroom attendants make those quirky towel animals, pick up and deliver laundry, provide copies of newsletters, deliver printed announcements, and may attend to other special needs.
Need an emergency wardrobe repair, such as a popped button on a dress shirt or a stubborn wrinkle on a formal gown? Ask the steward for help. Need recommendations for port activities? The steward has been there dozens of times and can suggest unique options.
Stewards do all this and more with unending smiles and politeness, always representing the service of the cruise line and all the best an oceangoing vacation can be.
Lightening Your Cabin Steward’s Load
Because cruise ship housekeepers do so much, anything you do to make their work a tiny bit easier will be appreciated, from fewer duties to simply staying out of their way at the right time.
The easiest way to help your cabin attendant is to make sure they can do their work quickly and efficiently. Before you leave your cabin, put away your personal belongings so surfaces are easy to wipe down. Group used towels together in the bathroom (toss them on the shower floor so it’s easy to see which towels need changing), and be sure your toiletries are not cluttered in the sink.
Other ways to give your housekeeper easy access to refresh your cabin include putting your luggage out of the way under the bed or in a closet so the floor can be vacuumed, and making sure your clothes are put away in the closet or drawers so they don’t need to be moved for cleaning.
Next, don’t make unnecessary requests. Do you really use fresh ice twice a day? Don’t ask for it if you won’t be needing it. It’s not necessary to have sheets replaced daily, and if you don’t have excess clothes that absolutely must be hung, don’t ask the steward to track down extra hangers.
One of the best ways to help your cabin steward is to give them adequate time to do their job. Leave your cabin for several hours each day when the stewards are servicing cabins, and you won’t be disappointed by a rush job or missed cleaning.
Use door hangers, magnetic signs, or indicator lights to note when you do not want to be disturbed or when your cabin is empty, and let your steward know about your habits – if you are an early riser, for example, they will know to tend your cabin first thing.
Cabin Door on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Shutterstock)
Similarly, if you prefer evening service, be sure they know your dining time and they will be able to coordinate later services when you are out of the stateroom.
Time is especially critical on debarkation day, when every stateroom must be thoroughly cleaned and all bedding must be changed. Leave your cabin to wait in common areas or debark the ship as early as possible so your steward has enough time to turn the cabin over for the next passenger.
Communication can go a long way toward helping out your cabin steward. Whenever you see your steward – you’ll likely pass them in the halls several times a day – say hello. Greeting them by name is friendly and respectful, and if you have a moment, ask about their day or engage them in conversation.
How long have they been working with the cruise line? How are their families? What do they miss most about home? What do they enjoy most about the next port of call? Those personal touches are incredibly meaningful to crew members who work seven days a week for months at a time and can make a tough work day much easier.
Not all communication with your steward will be spoken, however. If you need to write them a note – asking for an extra blanket after a cold night, for example – be sure your handwriting is clear, and say please and thank you in the note.
Gratuities and Gifts
Rewarding a steward’s service is a great way to make their work easier and enjoy great service. Depending on their experience, position, and cruise line, a stateroom steward typically makes $1,200-2,200 (USD) per month.
Some cruise lines also offer bonuses for certain contracts or assignments, which may be contingent on successful contract completion, guest ratings, or performance evaluations.
Gratuities are often pooled and divided among the housekeeping staff (along with other positions onboard), but if your steward did something extraordinary to make your cruise even better, consider increasing their tip or leaving them extra cash on the last night of the cruise or on debarkation morning.
While many travelers want to bring a gift for their stateroom attendant, this can be tricky to do. Not all cruise lines permit crew members to accept gifts, especially any homemade food items. Prepackaged treats – candy or chocolates – can be a good option, but not everyone enjoys these items.
It is also important to note that crew member cabins are very small, and there isn’t always room to keep gifts. Instead, extra cash is appreciated the most.
You can also mention your attendant by name in a review or survey about your cruise or email the cruise line to compliment their work. Those personal recognitions can lead to paycheck bonuses, contract renewals, and promotions.
Insights Into a Cruise Ship Cabin Steward
Stateroom steward, cabin attendant, housekeeping staff – the titles for these crew members vary for different cruise lines. There may also be assistants and managers for the staff as well – assistant steward, senior cabin attendant, housekeeping manager, and so forth.
Whatever they are called, these crew members typically work a split shift every day. This means they are on call for several hours each morning and again for several hours each evening, with time off in the afternoon. This allows them to meet guests’ varying preferences throughout the day.
Towel Animals in Cruise Ship Cabin (Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock)
Each attendant has a set number of staterooms they service, though the exact number will vary based on cruise line, ship size, and overall occupancy. A steward who services suites, for example, may have fewer assigned staterooms than a steward who services interior cabins.
On most cruise lines, a business card may be left in the cabin or in a holder on the wall giving the name of the assigned steward. This may also have instructions for how to contact your attendant with any questions, concerns, or requests.
All cabin attendants will speak English, but cruise guests should be aware that English is not likely their first language. When speaking with your steward, be patient and kind, use common words (rather than slang), and pronounce clearly so they can understand your requests and deliver the service you prefer.
Stateroom stewards do so much to make your cruise comfortable, relaxing and amazing – won’t you do a little in return to make their jobs that much easier?
Holland America Line has become the first global cruise line to achieve both Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifications. Both mark the cruise line’s success in sourcing seafood in sustainable and responsible ways.
Esteemed Certifications Elevate Dining
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) have awarded certifications to Holland America Line, recognizing the cruise line’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The certifications, recognized worldwide as the highest standards for sustainable seafood, mark Holland America Line as the first cruise ship to receive the accolades.
All 11 ships in Holland America Line’s fleet will be Chain of Custody certified, allowing them to serve MSC- and ASC-certified and labeled seafood.
Gua Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, said of the certifications,“Our guests care about the quality and sustainability of the fresh fish we serve, and so do we. These certifications build on our commitment of bringing regionally inspired fresh seafood dishes from port to plate in 48 hours.”
He continued to add that he was proud to partner with the two organizations that “share our dedication to protecting the vitality of the oceans we sail.”
The certifications are part of Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program, which aims to provide guests with high-quality seafood sourced sustainably when wild-caught and raised responsibly when farmed.
Holland America Line ms Noordam (Photo Credit: Ken Schulze)
The rollout of MSC and ASC labeling will begin with five ships at the start of the Europe and Canada/New England season in May 2024. Onboard dining experiences will be enhanced across Holland America Line’s fleet, with certified seafood from nine regions worldwide incorporated into menu offerings.
The rollout includes ms Volendam, which begins its Canada and New England routes on May 4 in Montreal; ms Nieuw Statendam, which launches into a Baltic journey from Rotterdam on May 5; ms Zuiderdam, also starting a Baltic exploration in May from Imjmuiden, Holland;and ms Oosterdam, which will sail in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas from Piraeus (Athens) in May.
Sustainable Seafood Practices
Passengers on Holland American Line ships will find a diverse array of certified seafood dishes, marked with specific logos indicating the type of certification, in the Main Dining Room, Lido Market, and onboard specialty restaurants.
The certifications build on the cruise line’s existing Global Fresh Fish Program, which sources and serves fresh fish from 60 ports worldwide to all restaurants onboard. The program guarantees from “port to plate” in less than 48 hours.
Not all seafood will be certified, however. Menus will indicate the type of certification with a symbol next to the dish. Holland America’s ships in Alaska, including ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Eurodam, ms Koningsdam, ms Noordam, and ms Zaandam, serve 100% sustainable seafood under its Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification. The cruise line’s goal is to receive 100% accreditation of species that are eligible to meet MSC and ASC standards.
Chef Morimoto, Holland America’s Fresh Fish Ambassador of 2023 (Photo Credit: Holland America Line)
While the MSC focuses on sustainable wild-caught seafood, the ASC works with responsibly farmed seafood. Both aim to minimize environmental impacts and utilize Chain of Custody Standards designed for all companies in the supply chain that handle MSC- and ASC-certified seafood.
Said Erika Feller, Americas Director, Marine Stewardship Council, “As the first global cruise line to successfully complete the Marine Stewardship Council’s rigorous Chain of Custody audit, Holland America Line is extending our important work around sustainable, ocean-friendly fishing to a new category.”
Key requirements for certification from both entities include traceability of fish throughout every moment it appears in the supply change, keeping fish separate from non-certified products to prevent mixing and contamination, proper labeling, and keeping detailed records of fish, including purchase and sales invoices. Companies must also undergo regular audits by an independent, third-party auditor to obtain and maintain certification.
The 2025 Alaska cruise season has begun with Norwegian Bliss departing the Port of Seattle on Saturday, April 6 from the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal on a 7-night itinerary to favorite ports in the Last Frontier.
This year is the 25th year of cruise voyages from Seattle to Alaska, a momentous milestone that will only get better with port improvements and outstanding economic impact from hundreds of sailings through the next few months. At the same time, the port is working hard to ensure environmental responsibility, preserving its position for phenomenal, unspoiled sailings for generations to come.
Norwegian Bliss Departs Port of Seattle
Norwegian Bliss has officially sailed into the 2024 Alaska season with the ship’s first departure of the year from the Port of Seattle. The 168,028-gross-ton, Breakaway-Plus class ship is purpose-built for the Alaska market, with a tremendous observation lounge and other viewing areas onboard so travelers will never miss a moment of the region’s spectacular scenery and wildlife.
The ship will be offering 7-night sailings through mid-October, visiting destinations such as Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and Victoria, with scenic cruising in the phenomenal Glacier Bay.
Norwegian Bliss is only one ship that is part of the 275 planned sailings from the Port of Seattle this year. Up next is Carnival Spirit with her first departure on April 23, followed by Norwegian Encore departing on April 28.
In addition to ships from Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, vessels from Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean International Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruise Line, Seabourn, and Hurtigruten Expeditions will all set sail from the Port of Seattle this year. Various ships will also visit the city as a port of call.
In total, more than 800,000 unique passengers will embark from the cruise port in the next few months, until Norwegian Bliss closes the season with her October 26 departure.
Norwegian Bliss Docked in Seattle, Washington (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock)
This is a great contrast to 2000, the first season of passenger service from Seattle, with just 36 ship calls that began with the then brand-new Norwegian Sky, now one of the oldest ships in Norwegian’s fleet.
“Our history with the Port of Seattle runs deep, and it is a partnership we are very proud of,”said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Together we pioneered voyages to Alaska from Seattle, with Norwegian Sky’s inaugural sailing to the Last Frontier in May 2000. In 2018, Norwegian Bliss was the first ship to be christened in Seattle, and today, we continue to bring guests from all over the world to sail aboard our spectacular ships from this beautiful city.”
It is the collaboration between cruise lines and the city that has made it a remarkable homeport for Alaskan sailings, with many travelers extending their visits to enjoy all the Emerald City has to offer.
“The Port of Seattle collaborates with the tourism and small business community to ensure passengers are well informed of the sights, sounds, and adventures of our city. From our revitalized waterfront to our diverse neighborhoods, passengers have an abundance of experiences to embrace,”said Visit Seattle President and CEO Tammy Canavan.
“As the gateway to Alaska, we look forward to welcoming explorers this cruise season, and sending them home eager to return for more.”
Economic Impact on the Port City
The Port of Seattle estimates that 2024’s cruise season will bring nearly $900 million in economic impact to the region, including direct tourism and spending by passengers, provisioning cruise ships, and the 5,500 jobs supported by the cruise industry, from longshoremen and port workers to expanded workforces in other tourism and related sectors.
Norwegian Bliss Cruise Ship in Seattle (Photo Courtesy: Port of Seattle)
“The working men and women of ILWU local 19 welcome the start of this year’s cruise season and the family wage jobs it provides to our local,”said Rich Austin, President ILWU local 19. “Each year the cruise industry can rely on our highly skilled and efficient workforce to see that ships are fully provisioned and the needs of passengers and their baggage are met.”
Environmental Impact at the Forefront
While the cruise industry has undeniably expanded in Seattle, both the city and the cruise lines are working to keep the industry environmentally responsible and sustainable. This will ensure many years to come of amazing cruise vacations with travelers able to enjoy the pristine waters, remarkable scenery, and stunning wildlife of the region.
“Over the last 25 years, the cruise business has become a significant part of our local economy, contributing to hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs. All that activity comes with environmental impacts, however, and so the Port of Seattle is committed to providing a leadership role in advancing maritime decarbonization,”said Ryan Calkins, Port of Seattle Commissioner.
Photo Credit: lenic / Shutterstock
“Our objective is to provide a road map for maritime leaders worldwide that demonstrates the viability of a greener industry, one that serves our communities and passengers while minimizing environmental and social impacts.”
The port, cruise lines, and other regional communities are working together to create a green corridor for sustainable sailing. The integrated, cooperative effort is one of the first of its kind on such a massive scale to protect the delicate and unique environment of the region.
“The cruise industry is committed to sustainable operations, with some of the most technologically advanced ships sailing in the region, use of shore power to reduce emissions, and investing in new solutions to protect beautiful destinations like the Pacific Northwest,”said Sally Andrews, Vice President Communications & Public Affairs, Cruise Lines International Association.
Among the advancements to be made in 2024 is finalizing shore power for all three Seattle cruise berths, six years earlier than initially forecast.
The newest and largest ever Princess Cruises ship, Sun Princess, will have a godmother worth of her amazing presence. Award-winning British actress Hannah Waddingham will fulfill the ceremonial role for the new ship and will officially christen the vessel at a star-studded naming ceremony in Barcelona on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Sun Princess Godmother Named
Hannah Waddingham will serve as godmother for the stunning new Sun Princess, fulfilling the role with her distinctive elegance and grace that she has brought to multiple roles as both an actress and a singer.
Waddingham has been well-known in the Apple TV+ show “Ted Lasso” for which she earned multiple accolades, among them a Primetime Emmy, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and two Golden Glove and Screen Actors Guide nominations. Her own shows have also earned her BAFTA TV Award nominations and Best Entertainment Performance awards.
“We’re delighted to welcome the illuminous and elegant Hannah Waddingham to serve as Godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess,”said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president.“Just like Sun Princess, she exudes sophistication, beauty and wonderment through her inspiring work as a talented and award-winning actress and performer.”
Naming Ceremony Announced
The ship’s official naming ceremony is planned for Port of Barcelona on Tuesday, April 23, during a 10-day roundtrip sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome). Along the way, the ship will be visiting top Mediterranean ports of call including Gibraltar, Cartagena, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, Genoa, and La Spezia.
Hannah Waddingham
Few details of the naming ceremony have yet been announced, but the event is sure to include celebrity and VIP appearances for special performances, as well as time-honored maritime traditions that include blessings for the ship and all who sail on her.
Guests onboard for the special even are also likely to receive special keepsakes of the occasion and will have the opportunity to participate in once-in-a-lifetime events as the new ship is officially sworn into service.
It is not uncommon for new cruise ships to sail for several weeks or months before they are officially christened. This provides ample time for any finishing details to be completed on the new vessel, as well as for any operational or onboard needs to be refined.
Princess Cruises’ Godmothers
Waddingham joins an elite cadre of amazing godmothers who have symbolically represented Princess Cruises’ illustrious fleet, including Diana, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 1984), Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 2013); Audrey Hepburn (Star Princess, 1989); Sophia Loren (Crown Princess, 1990); Jill Whelan (Caribbean Princess, 2004) and Martha Stewart (Crown Princess, 2006).
“We’re truly honored Hannah will officially name our most impressive, luxurious and stunning Love Boat ever created, and join an esteemed group of Princess Godparents including members of the Royal family,”said Padgett.
It is entirely appropriate for a distinctive and renowned figure to be chosen as Sun Princess’ godmother, as the vessel is one of the most distinctive ever to be part of the Princess Cruises fleet.
The Giant Sun Princess Cruise Ship
At 177,882 gross tons, the new Sphere-class Sun Princess is the largest ship ever built for Princess Cruises, and is the first vessel in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas.
She is also home to outstanding new and reimagined venues, such as The Dome – a geodesic, glass-enclosed transformational space inspired by Santorini’s iconic terraces. The Sphere Atrium, the ship’s central piazza, offers a new open concept with phenomenal ocean views, evoking relaxation and a sense of space right into the heart of the ship.
Sun Princess Cruise Ship
Guests onboard will be treated to phenomenal culinary options, such as Spellbound by Magic Castle, an immersive dining experience that brings a sense of magic to the taste buds, as well as Makoto Ocean for creative sushi with Chef Makoto Okuwa and a new pop-up specialty restaurant, The Butcher’s Block by Dario, with curated steaks and prime cuts from Dario Cecchini.
The new ship is now sailing amazing Mediterranean itineraries with departures available from Rome, Athens, and Barcelona, depending on the sailing date. In September, Sun Princess will make her first transatlantic voyage to move to Fort Lauderdale, where she will homeport through March 2025, offering a variety of Caribbean and Mexico cruises.
The ship will return to the Mediterranean for the summer 2025 season, and will be back to Fort Lauderdale once again in November 2025.
