Galveston’s Cruise Terminal 25 is in the final stages of a significant renovation, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Carnival Cruise Line’s new flagship, Carnival Jubilee. The extensive project, with an anticipated total cost of over $53 million, sets the stage for ship’s maiden voyage from its new homeport on December 23, 2023.
The Port of Galveston and Carnival Cruise Line offered a first glimpse into the sparkling new cruise terminal, which will prepare guests for a week of fun onboard Carnival Jubilee.
A Glimpse into the Revamped Terminal
Guests eager to see what a 53 million dollar renovation looks like are in luck, as the Port of Galveston offered a glimpse into the newly renovated and revamped Terminal 25, the new home for Carnival Jubilee.
Updates that have been done include two new passenger boarding bridges, an expanded dock, a new roof, and a redesigned interior with modern finishes and furniture. The terminal’s capacity expansion is complemented by over 500 additional parking spaces in the port’s Express Lot.
“We’re putting the finishing touches on our beautifully refurbished Cruise Terminal 25 and will be ready to welcome Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Jubilee and her first passengers on Dec. 23. #cruisegalveston #carnivaljubilee,” the port stated.
These upgrades are not just cosmetic but strategic, enhancing the efficiency of embarkation and debarkation for the anticipated 6,500 guests and over 1,700 crew members aboard Carnival Jubilee.
Carnival Jubilee Galveston Cruise Terminal
Carnival Cruise Line:“Can’t wait to show off our new ship Carnival Jubilee & our updated Cruise Terminal in Galveston. 😍 Thanks to our partners at PORT OF GALVESTON for all their hard work to help us get ready!”
Besides the cosmetics and the strategy, the port has also needed to make several other improvements to be able to host Carnival Jubilee. As she is powered solely by LNG, a much cleaner fuel type than traditional marine fuels, the port also made significant investments and preparations for bunkering.
Carnival Jubilee is Carnival’s first newly built cruise ship to homeport in Galveston and the first new build to be based in the port in general since the port became a base for cruise ships over 23 years ago. Carnival Jubilee will join Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream to offer Western Caribbean cruises year-round.
Unique Features and Experiences
Carnival Jubilee will offer 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries, including stops in Honduras, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, Mexico. Although she is the sistership to both Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, she brings her own unique experiences in new zones like Currents and The Shores.
Carnival Jubilee Conveyance on the Ems (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Guests can also look forward to popular features like the BOLT rollercoaster and a three-deck atrium. The 183,521-gross-ton, Excel-class cruise ship, built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, was recently handed over by the shipyard to Carnival Cruise Line and is currently making her way across the Atlantic Ocean.
After a quick stop in Nassau on or around December 17, she is expected to arrive in Galveston between eight and nine in the morning of December 20.
Galveston is preparing a Texas-sized welcome for Carnival Jubilee on December 20. Carnival Cruise Line fans are encouraged to join the celebration at piers 20-21, complete with an airplane banner and a traditional tugboat water cannon salute.
Royal Caribbean International has reached out to booked guests on upcoming sailings with the news that some shore excursions are now cancelled at least through mid-January.
This follows the recent accident on a Blue Lagoon excursion in Nassau, and those tours will remain cancelled for the time being while the investigation into the incident continues.
Blue Lagoon Shore Tours Remain Cancelled
On November 14, 2023, a Blue Lagoon tour boat sank and one Royal Caribbean cruise passenger died near the popular excursion island. This led to the temporary cancellation of all shore excursions to Blue Lagoon Island as the investigation in the cause of the accident and the response to the incident has been ongoing.
Royal Caribbean International has now notified guests booked on upcoming sailings that all Blue Lagoon tours continue to be cancelled at this time.
“We’re currently working with authorities to evaluate a boat incident that took place during a shore excursion in Nassau, Bahamas,”the email notification read.“In light of this incident, we have decided to cancel all Blue Lagoon tours through mid-January.”
Blue Lagoon is a popular spot for a variety of shore tours, including snorkeling, beach breaks, dolphin swims, sea lion and stingray encounters, shark encounters, and other excursions.
Cruise Passengers on Sinking Boat in Nassau, Bahamas
Guests who have already pre-paid for such tours through Royal Caribbean for the next month will have their excursions automatically cancelled and fully refunded back to the original form of payment. This may take 14 business days, though processing times vary for different banking institutions.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by this but we appreciate your understanding,”the notification concludes.“Please know your safety is our top priority.”
While the notification and the extension of tour cancellations is only for Royal Caribbean cruise guests, it is possible that other cruise lines may also continue to cancel these tour offerings for the time being. Nassau is one of the most popular cruise ports in the world – having already broken its all-time cruise passenger record just this month – and the safety of all visitors is very important.
Other Tour Options
While Blue Lagoon tours may not be available – unless guests choose to make private arrangements on their own to visit the destination – there are many other amazing tours to enjoy while visiting Nassau.
Top options include the Baha Bay Water Park, Atlantis Resort, shopping tours, historical sites, catamaran trips, swimming with the pigs, a local pirate museum, the iconic Straw Market, Ardastra Gardens and the dancing flamingos, and more. Different local options are also available for beach breaks, snorkeling, and water sports, even while Blue Lagoon remains unavailable.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Docked in Nassau, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
Guests can also enjoy the new cruise terminal facilities in Nassau, which just opened in May 2023. The revitalized area includes an open-air amphitheater for local concerts and events, Bahamian retailers, green space, and a Junkanoo museum to explore Bahamian culture.
When Will Blue Lagoon Tours Resume?
The cruise line has not clarified exactly when Blue Lagoon tours may resume, only that they are now cancelled through “mid-January.” It is possible the cancellations may be extended even longer depending on the results of the ongoing investigation.
Royal Caribbean International – and all major cruise lines – work only with the most reputable tour operators, those who follow strict safety standards. Safety inspections and certifications may be necessary before the cruise line will permit Blue Lagoon tours to resume being offered through Royal Caribbean.
Guests sailing to Nassau in the next few weeks who are interested in Blue Lagoon shore tours will want to remain flexible with their excursion plans, and stay in close contact with their cruise line in case of continued cancellations.
A TikTok video has gone viral showing a Princess Cruises ship barely departing the homeport with guests left behind in the adjacent parking lot, one of whom is sobbing into their luggage while another is on the phone, presumably trying to sort out the situation. But what really happened, and how can cruise passengers prevent such a mishap?
Passengers Miss Cruise Ship by 20 Minutes
A TikTok poster by the name of Alexis B (alexisb639) posted a video showing Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess pushing away from the pier in Long Beach, California. The only catch is that Alexis, along with several other passengers, are still in the parking lot – not on the cruise ship beginning their vacation.
The dramatic video, which to date has garnered more than 22.5 million views, shows one guest sobbing into their luggage, while another can be heard on the phone reciting a booking number. It is unknown whether that number is for a flight or the cruise itself, as the 16-second video doesn’t contain thorough information.
You can watch the footage in the video below:
Subsequent videos do tell more of the story, however. Alexis was traveling from Flagstaff, Arizona flying to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), when her flight was delayed. That delay would ultimately cost her the cruise vacation.
The first video was posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 – the same day that Discovery Princess set sail on a 5-night roundtrip cruise to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
While there is no confirmation that this is the sailing Alexis missed – the video could have been taken weeks earlier – it is likely this was the barely missed cruise. A follow-up video has text with an explanation of the situation.
“Flagstaff Airport screwed up the flight. Had to get the next flight to LAX. Had to be at port by 2pm, with traffic, got there at 2:20,”the text reads.
Experienced cruise travelers know that cruise embarkation times are strictly enforced, whether at a ship’s homeport or at a port of call, and guests can and do get left behind if they don’t reach the ship in time.
Discovery Princess in Los Angeles (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
There is no indication of which airline the poster used, nor what the timing of the original flight had been. The drive between LAX and the Long Beach cruise terminal is just 22 miles, but could take an hour or longer depending on traffic conditions, accidents, and road construction, as well as whether travelers use taxis, ride shares, or public transportation.
The 145,000-gross-ton Discovery Princess is the newest ship in Princess Cruises fleet and the first ever to homeport on the West Coast. She offers a variety of Mexican Riviera and California coast itineraries, as well as occasional longer sailings to Hawaii. In May 2024, the ship will reposition to Seattle for the Alaska sailing season.
Comments Not Forgiving
The original video has had more than 40,000 comments, many of which are admonishing Alexis for not flying in a day or two before the cruise and staying in a hotel prior to sailing.
Other comments note how long embarkation takes on a cruise – usually 4-5 hours at least – and offer criticism for her timing.
It should be noted, however, that it isn’t always possible for every traveler to arrive days ahead of their sailing, depending on their individual situation with time off work, vacation budget, and available travel arrangements, such as flight or hotel availability.
A Happy-Ish Ending
Fortunately, Alexis was able to get some satisfactory resolution to her missed cruise. A follow-up post filmed in front of a stunningly decorated Christmas tree and labeled “Cruise Update” explains more about the situation and the next steps.
Passenger Missing Cruise Ship
“After countless hours on the phone, I was able to get a refund for the flight due to airline mistake (changed flight time and didn’t notify us), and a refund for the cruise plus all the additional expenses,”Alexis posted.
“I don’t know who the lady was that was crying, but she was devastated and my heart goes out to her. Thank you for all the comments. I learned my lesson and will fly in a day or two early next time!”
Further explanation in comments indicated that Alexis did have travel insurance, a wise precaution for any cruiser, especially if they have to fly to the embarkation port.
While Alexis was not able to take this particular cruise, her great attitude – illustrated through various other videos showing gratitude and positivity – is a good lesson for all travelers who get put out by itinerary changes, poor weather, or other snafus.
Alexis, however, is already planning her next vacation – with plans to arrive early!
Sir Richard Branson’s playful antics light up Resilient Lady’s maiden voyage sail away party, heralding a new chapter in cruising Down Under and announcing an exciting return with expanded routes.
Sir Richard Branson Celebrates Resilient Lady’s Maiden Voyage
Virgin Voyages’ newest cruise ship, Resilient Lady, set sail from Melbourne, Australia on December 11, embarking on a five-day journey to Tasmania. The inaugural voyage marks a significant milestone for the Virgin fleet, an initiative spearheaded by the company’s founder, Sir Richard Branson.
This news followsthe ship’s maiden arrival in Sydney earlier in December, with Branson himself surprising passengers with a special welcome.
The launch event, hosted by Branson on the 110,000-gross-ton ship’s pool deck, was a celebratory affair marked with a Champagne toast. The momentous occasion underscored the importance of Resilient Lady’s debut, as Virgin Voyages extends its reach into the South Pacific market.
“Australia has always held a special place in my heart and I’m so thankful for the warm welcome,” said Branson during the event. “We are excited to show you Resilient Lady and we’re determined to make waves Down Under with this new way of cruising.”
The festivities continued with a lively sailaway party at Test Kitchen Restaurant, an innovative dining venue on Resilient Lady. Here, Branson playfully initiated a food fight while residential entertainer and former “My Kitchen Rules” contestant Jake Harrison perfected his Aussie Lamington.
Resilient Lady Arrives in Sydney (Photo Courtesy: Virgin Voyages)
Amidst the lively interaction, Branson revealed Virgin Voyages’ plans to return to Australia and New Zealand in December 2024. The upcoming season will feature an expanded itinerary, including nine new ports of call to be announced at a later date, further enhancing the cruise line’s offerings in the region.
Resilient Lady Enhances Australian Cruise Market with Luxurious Amenities
Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, boasting a series of 17 scheduled voyages during Australia’s summer season, sets a new standard for luxury cruising in the region.
Since arriving in Darwin on November 27, the ship has charmed Australian shores with stops at Yorkeys Knob and Airlie Beach, followed by a grand entrance into Sydney Harbor on December 5. Branson himself escorted the ship on a sleek wooden speedboat before signaling from the Sydney Harbor Bridge as the ship docked.
Designed exclusively for adults, Resilient Lady offers a wealth of luxurious amenities, with the ship’s interiors crafted by renowned architects like Tom Dixon and Concrete Amsterdam, and culinary experiences by New Zealand’s own Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert, promising an unparalleled experience.
Resilient Lady in Australia (Photo Credit: FiledIMAGE)
Entertainment is provided by world-class producers such as Randy Weiner of “Sleep No More,” House of Yes, and MISCHIEF, with a range of “Happenings” tailored for an adult audience, including 80s-style dance classes and wellness programs. Over 20 bars and restaurants, a unique onboard tattoo parlor, and 13 passenger decks await guests.
The ship’s diverse seasonal offerings range from short 2- to 4-day getaways to longer 12- and 14-night voyages, with Melbourne and Sydney serving as primary embarkation ports and select voyages commencing from Auckland, New Zealand.
Depending on the cruise length, destinations include Picton, Napier, Tauranga, Wellington, Dunedin, and Christchurch, New Zealand, and the beauty of Tasmania, with stops in Hobart and Burnie. Prices begin at $264 per cabin on short cruises, and start at $4,340 on longer sails.
After completing her inaugural Australian season in mid-March 2024, the 2,700-passenger Resilient Lady will depart Sydney in late March for a 15-night journey to Singapore.
The ship will then spend the northern summer offering cruises around the Greek Isles before homeporting in Portsmouth, UK, in the late summer and early fall of 2024.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Vista rescued six men near the Dominican Republic in the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 13, 2023, after a small cargo vessel capsized overnight. Six additional crew members are still missing and search and rescue operations are underway by United States Coast Guard authorities.
Carnival Vista Rescues Stranded Mariners
Before sunrise on Wednesday, December 13, Carnival Vista rescued six men on a life raft. Carnival Cruise Line’s Fleet Operations Center in Miami had received an emergency alert, and reached out to Carnival Vista as close to the reported location. The ship’s master, Captain Paolo Severini, immediately altered the ship’s course to search for the craft.
Carnival Vista‘s officers spotted the life raft and went into action to bring the six men onto the cruise ship. Their condition is unknown, but they will undoubtedly be given food, water, and medical care as necessary.
The cruise ship also learned that six additional crew members were still missing, and alerted Coast Guard officials in the Dominican Republic for assistance.
Carnival Vista Rescue
The USCG launched a search, and released Carnival Vista to continue on its itinerary. It is not known whether the rescued crew members have remained aboard the cruise ship or if they were transferred to Coast Guard authorities. It is also possible they will be turned over to the appropriate authorities at the ship’s next port of call, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.
The ship is currently sailing a 6-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, having departed Port Canaveral, Florida on Sunday, December 10. The ship has already visited Nassau, and is visiting Amber Cove on Wednesday, just hours after the rescue.
On Thursday, Carnival Vista will visit Grand Turk, before returning to Port Canaveral on Saturday, December 16.
The 133,500-gross-ton cruise ship can welcome 3,934 passengers aboard at double occupancy, or as many as 4,977 guests when fully booked with all berths filled. Also onboard are 1,450 international crew members.
Carnival Vista Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: SeregaSibTravel / Shutterstock)
Cruise Ship Rescues
All cruise ships are obligated to safeguard all life at sea and offer assistance to anyone who may be in distress, whether they are commercial fishermen, cargo vessels, pleasure craft, ferry boats, or even makeshift refugee boats.
Carnival cruise ships have made a number of such rescues in 2023, as have other cruise line’s ships all over the world.
In late October, P&O Cruises’ Iona was instrumental in search and rescue efforts in the North Sea after two cargo vessels collided, with one vessel sinking. Earlier in October, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway helped rescue hundreds of immigrants near Greece, and P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Explorer rescued a stranded mariner on October 6 near Vanuatu.
In May, Carnival Breezerescued 17 people from a capsized craft near Belize, while in March, Carnival Valor had a similar rescue of three stranded boaters nearly 400 miles offshore of Alabama. Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Spirit have likewise made rescues in 2023, as have other cruise ships.
Sometimes, small boats are not in significant distress and can refuse aid if preferred. For example, in March, Carnival Celebration offered rescue to an overcrowded refugee boat near Cozumel, but those aboard refused the aid and were able to continue on their way. In these instances, cruise ship may still offer emergency supplies, and they will report the encounters to the appropriate authorities.
Caribbean refugee rescues are often more common in the winter months, outside of the active hurricane season. This is also the time of year when more cruise ships are operating in the Caribbean, making it easier to spot makeshift craft and render aid as necessary.
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its fall and winter itineraries for 2025-26, showcasing a new ship debut in Asia, the introduction of New Orleans as home to the first Breakaway-Plus class ship, and the inaugural season of a Prima-class ship homeported in Galveston.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Fall and Winter 2025-26 Sailings
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is set to set sail to a diverse range of global destinations in its fall and winter 2025-26 collection. Highlights include Norwegian Sun’s inaugural season in Asia with first-time visits to Kyoto (Kobe), Japan, and Jeiu (Jeju Island) and Incheon, South Korea, along with the debut of Norwegian Viva homeporting in Galveston, Texas, for its Caribbean adventures, including a first-time stop in George Town, Cayman Islands.
Norwegian Escape is also set to launch in New Orleans, marking the first ship of its class to be based there, and includes new destinations such as in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Colon, Panama; and Cartagena, Colombia. Norwegian Jade is also set to introduce new ports in Acajutla, El Salvador; Huatulco and Manzanillo, Mexico; and Callao, Peru.
“[Our] positive momentum is a sure sign that our guests are delighted with our offerings and are looking forward to exploring the world with us,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Our new 2025 and 2026 itineraries will bring [guests] more of what they want and more opportunities to enjoy their ideal vacation visiting their dream destination aboard any NCL ship.”
Caribbean and Panama Canal Destinations Revealed
NCL is set to offer an exciting range of Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises from late 2025 through early 2026. The Norwegian Viva will homeport in Galveston, Texas, featuring 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries to locations like Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras, and NCL’s private destination, Harvest Caye in Belize. In January 2026, a special 14-day Eastern Caribbean voyage will include new stops like George Town in the Cayman Islands.
Meanwhile, Norwegian Escape, the first of the Breakaway-Plus class to be homeported in New Orleans, will embark on 7-day Western Caribbean voyages.
It will also offer two special 14-day Southern Caribbean cruises, introducing the new destinations in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. Concurrently, Norwegian Sky, based in La Romana, Dominican Republic, will provide a range of 7- to 12-day Southern Caribbean cruises featuring a new stop in Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic.
For Panama Canal enthusiasts, Norwegian Jade will run 11- to 17-day itineraries with various embarkation and disembarkation points, including Miami, New York City, Tampa, and Callao, Peru. A highlight 17-day voyage from Callao will visit the west coast of South and Central America, with new stops in El Salvador and Mexico.
Exotic Destination with NCL’s New Itineraries
Norwegian’s global itinerary expansion includes Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and South America. In Asia, Norwegian Sun will begin its season with an 11-day journey from Tokyo to Incheon, South Korea, and additional ports in South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan.
For Australia and New Zealand explorers, Norwegian Spirit will offer open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Auckland from, including voyages through New Zealand fjords.
Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship in Jacksonville (Photo Credit: NEFLO PHOTO)
In Africa, Norwegian Dawn will be offering various sailings featuring embarkation ports in Cape Town, South Africa; Port Louis, Mauritius; and Doha, Qatar, including four 12-day trips with unique stops in Antsiranana and Nosy Be, Madagascar.
The South American journey on Norwegian Star begins with a transatlantic crossing from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro in November 2025, followed by a 17-day cruise calling at ports in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile.
Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a fleet of 19 ships. Bookings are open through summer 2026, with the cruise line currently offering 50% off all cruises and Free at Sea programming through December 14.
Royal Caribbean International has revealed that iconic soccer player Lionel Messi will name their newest, biggest ever ship, Icon of the Seas. As both the ship and the player have broken many records and set new standards of excellence, the pairing is a great choice for the new ship’s naming and ushering in a completely new era of cruising.
Icon of the Seas Godfather Revealed
Traditionally, the individual who helps to name a new cruise ship is that vessel’s godmother or godfather, and Icon of the Seas – a vessel breaking all records and turning cruising expectations upside down – will have a suitably noteworthy godfather in Lionel Messi. Appropriately enough, the cruise line is not calling Messi the ship’s godfather, but instead, he will serve as the “Icon” of Icon of the Seas.
The Argentine native soccer player, who is now the star player of Inter Miami CF, will officially christen the ship in Miami in January 2024, offering good fortune to the ship and all who sail on her and officially welcoming the vessel into the Royal Caribbean fleet.
“I’m thrilled and honored to join the Royal Caribbean family to celebrate the arrival of the game-changing Icon of the Seas,”said Messi.“Icon is beyond anything else that’s out there for family vacations, with incredible never-before-seen features, all designed for making memories together.”
Lionel Andrés Messi is widely regarded as the GOAT – greatest of all time – soccer player in the world, with a long list of records throughout his stellar career. He has been named as Time’s 2023 Athlete of the Year, and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award – the most valuable individual award in professional soccer – eight times, the first time at age 22.
Royal Caribbean CEO and Lionel Messi (Photo Credit: Michael Bayley)
He has set goal records, been the top scorer in leagues, and been part of various championship teams. He was also a gold medalist at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, and has broken various records throughout the sport of soccer.
“It’s that ability to make such a widespread impact and change the status quo that the Icon of Icon must personify, and Lionel Messi has proven to be the perfect example of that for years in the world of sports and most recently in introducing a new era of excitement and passion for fútbol in Miami and the US,”said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
The exact date for the ship’s naming and other details of the naming ceremony have not yet been revealed, but will likely be close to the ship’s official debut. At the moment, Icon of the Seas is docked in Cadiz, Spain for final outfitting work before she will begin her historic first transatlantic crossing to reach her Miami homeport.
Icon of the Seas will welcome her first guests on January 27, 2023 with a 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary, sailing from Miami and calling on St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and CocoCay.
The phenomenal new ship will debut as the largest cruise ship in the world at 250,800 gross tons and 1,198 feet (365 meters) long. Icon of the Seas, which was built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland and delivered just over two weeks ago, can welcome 5,610 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 7,600 passengers when fully booked with all berths filled.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Jouni Niskakoski)
Just as Messi is well-known as a record-breaker, Icon of the Seas is already breaking records. Not only will the ship be the largest ever passenger cruise ship, but when her first itineraries were released in October 2022, Icon of the Seas set the cruise line’s single largest booking day and highest volume booking week ever in more than 50 years of cruise vacations.
“The enthusiasm and excitement for Icon are undeniable in more ways than one,”said Bayley when the ship’s bookings began.
The new ship also features six record-breaking waterslides in the largest-ever waterpark at sea, seven pools, a new neighborhood exclusively designed for young families, more than 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, and so very much more.
“Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable vacations, and it’s set to live up to its name in more ways than one when it changes the vacation industry in January 2024,”said Bayley.
The wait has certainly been a long one for cruise fans, but with Icon of the Seas now less than 50 days away, anticipation for her official debut continues to build, and she is sure to be offering what will truly be an iconic cruise vacation.
The new Digital Debark procedure for Carnival Cruise Line is expanding to additional vessels, smoothing the way for faster, less crowded debarkation mornings. Guest feedback has been very positive, and the program is sure to be rolled out to the full fleet in the weeks to come.
New Debarkation Program Expanding
Carnival Cruise Line recently began testing a new “Digital Debark” program through the cruise line’s app, with the intention of streamlining debarkation day craziness and minimizing crowds, while giving passengers better control over the time they choose to leave the cruise ship at the end of their sailing.
The program has been working very well, with guests reporting generally smooth operation and positive debarkation experiences.
“I read some fabulous reports about the new Digital Debarkation and how using the App to disembark has really quickened up debarkation proceedings,”said John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador.
Now the program is being rolled out to additional ships. Heald has confirmed that Digital Debark is already available aboard Carnival Elation, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Dream, and Mardi Gras. Additional vessels are just days away from introducing the program.
Carnival Breeze, sailing from Galveston, will begin Digital Debark on Monday, December 18, while Carnival Panorama, sailing from Long Beach (and with newly repaired engines ready to resume service), will offer Digital Debark from Saturday, December 30.
The newest Carnival cruise ship and the fleet’s new flagship, Carnival Jubilee, is planned to offer Digital Debark from her very first cruise, the Saturday, December 23 inaugural sailing from Galveston.
It must be noted that Digital Debark does not impact the procedure for guests with priority debarkation benefits. This includes Diamond and Platinum level guests in the cruise line’s VIFP loyalty program, as well as guests booked in suite staterooms and those who have purchased the Faster to the Fun program. These guests still receive letters onboard with special debarkation instructions.
How Digital Debark Works
On ships where the program is being used, Digital Debark is available through the Carnival Hub app. Guests simply use the “My Planner” feature on the app for debarkation morning, and click “Schedule Debarkation” to be given their options.
Two options are available – “Express Debarkation” which is described as “Vacate the ship sooner by handling your own luggage and disembarking early.” This has also been known as “Self-assist” debarkation previously. The second option is “Checked Luggage” which is described as “Let us handle your luggage for a stress-free debarkation.”
Both options show listed times for approximate debarkation windows. There is also a notice that guests with early flights or early scheduled airport shuttles are advised to use Express Debarkation.
When guests choose Checked Luggage, a notice pops up about how luggage tags will be delivered, when to put tagged luggage outside the stateroom the night before debarkation, and when guests should leave their cabins on debarkation morning.
Carnival Cruise Line Ship Docked in Miami (Photo Credit: ByDroneVideos)
Guests then select how many travelers they are making debarkation plans for (there is also an option to select all guests in the same stateroom at once), and may note whether or not someone in the party requires assistance.
Next, guests select the number of checked bags they will be placing outside their stateroom for collection. This does not include any carry-on bags that passengers will remove from the ship themselves.
Once the number of bags have been selected and confirmed, travelers are able to choose a time slot for their debarkation, with 20-minute windows available. It should be noted that times are approximate, and may change if there are any delays to the ship’s arrival back to port.
Detailed instructions and a review of the debarkation reservation are displayed for guests to confirm as they complete their Digital Debark scheduling, which will then be displayed on the daily planner.
Have you used Digital Debark? Share your experiences on the Cruise Hive boards!
The fact that cruise ships can host thousands of passengers and crew members at the same time, all while floating on the water, is truly fascinating.
This becomes all the more interesting when you consider that these floating behemoths are outfitted with state-of-the-art amenities, varied dining establishments, and luxurious accommodations. When you think about it, the scale of a modern cruise ship almost boggles the mind.
When discussing the size of a cruise ship, you may come across terminology that refers to the “gross tonnage” or “gross tons” of a boat. To those with a limited understanding of maritime terminology, these words may not hold much meaning. To help you understand what they mean, we will take a deep dive into the meaning and relevance of gross tons for cruise ships.
Not only will we explain the meaning and the formula used to calculate this measurement, but we’ll also dive into the relevance of the phrase for cruise ship passengers. Learn what gross tonnage means and why it is important for the cruise industry.
Gross tonnage is a type of measurement used across the maritime industry. It is used to quantify the internal volume of a vessel. Given the name and the fact that a ton is used to measure 2,240 pounds of weight, many people assume that a ship’s gross tonnage is simply a measurement used to describe the total weight of a cruise ship.
Instead, it calculates a ship’s internal space using “gross tons,” or GTs, as the primary unit. A gross ton is equivalent to an internal volume of 100 cubic feet.
So, if a cruise ship had an interior closed space of 200 cubic feet, it would have a total of two gross tons. This is different from net tonnage, which is the gross tons minus the space occupied by the engine room, fuel, navigation machinery, and crew quarters.
While it may seem like a fairly insignificant measurement for anyone other than the ship’s designers, we will explain later why gross tonnage is far more than a simple technical detail in ship design.
We’re going to take a good look at gross tonnage here, but there are actually a few different types of tonnage to be aware of when it comes to ships, including:
Gross tonnage
Net tonnage
Deadweight tonnage, the weight of the ship’s contents, including its fuel, crew, passengers, food, water, and cargo
Displacement tonnage, the volume of water displaced by the ship at sea
Lightship weight tonnage, the weight of the ship plus its permanent equipment; this doesn’t count supply, water, or fuel
How Is Gross Tonnage Calculated?
Since measuring internal space in a cruise ship is difficult, given the unique dimensions and proportions, the formula used to calculate its gross tonnage is fairly complex.
Just think how difficult it would be to add all the space in every single internal area in a ship, including passenger cabins and crew quarters, dining halls, public amenities, the engine room, the bridge, and even the lower cargo holds.
Cruise Ship During Dry Dock (Photo Credit: MartinLueke)
If you are interested, the calculations use the following formula: Gross Tons (GT) = K1V, where V is the volume of the ship’s internal space in cubic meters and K1 is 02 + 0.02.
As we said, it’s a little complicated, but don’t worry, nobody will ask you to calculate this unless you choose to become a marine engineer or naval architect. The main takeaway is that gross tonnage is a measurement of the internal space of a ship rather than its total weight out of water.
Why Is the Measurement of Gross Tonnage Important for Cruise Ships?
Aside from a practical need to understand how much interior space a cruise ship has, the gross tonnage of the ship plays an integral role in meeting various guidelines and safety regulations.
Like other types of large-scale vessels, like cargo ships and oil tankers, cruise ships have to abide by various international standards laid out by the International Maritime Organization, or IMO.
TUI Cruises Mein Schiff 7
Not only do they have to adhere to standard rules regarding stability, but cruise ships must also meet specific safety standards for all passenger ships. Many of these safety standards and regulations relate heavily to the ship’s gross tonnage.
Along with passenger capacity and the vessel’s length, width, and height, gross tonnage is one of the leading figures used to assess the size of a cruise ship. Many of these safety standards and regulations relate heavily to the ship’s gross tonnage.
Gross Tonnage and the Safety and Stability
Gross tonnage is related to buoyancy, as it measures the amount of interior space the ship has available. To carry a specific amount of weight, a ship must have the appropriate amount available while still maintaining stability in open waters, even if it is traversing rough waters.
Cruise Ship Hurricane (Photo Credit: PHkorsart)
Along with other regulatory bodies, the International Maritime Organization has specific regulations that regard a cruise ship’s gross tonnage. For example, any cruise ship with a gross tonnage of 500 or more GTs must adhere to various environmental standards.
There are countless other ways gross tonnage is used to assess compliance with various regulations. Some of these regulations concern the environment, while others are related to the types of equipment that the ship must be outfitted with.
Gross Tonnage for Docking Procedures and Port Fees
Since gross tonnage gives a more accurate picture of a ship’s size and proportions than weight, port authorities and port pilots need an accurate measure of a cruise ship’s gross tonnage before it is allowed into a port.
Cruise Ship Pilot: (Photo Credit: Stories In Light / Shutterstock)
Not only does this figure determine where and how a cruise ship will be able to dock, but it is also a measurement that plays a vital role in determining how much the cruise line that owns the ship will be charged in port fees and other charges. As you can imagine, larger ships with a greater gross tonnage tend to owe larger fees for using a port.
A cruise ship’s gross tonnage is also an important figure for charting a cruise ship’s route and itinerary. Since larger ships can be prohibited from certain waters, accurately understanding the ship’s gross tonnage will inform the navigation crew where they can take the ship.
How Does Gross Tonnage Impact Passenger Capacity?
While it may sound fairly obvious, a cruise ship’s gross tonnage will determine how many passengers it can carry and how many crew members it will need to operate safely. Ships with a greater gross tonnage can accommodate more passengers and offer more space for amenities, like dining areas, pool facilities, and more.
Royal Caribbean Passengers
The world’s largest cruise ships have the greatest amount of gross tonnage. More importantly, they have more of this space that can be dedicated to passenger use. In addition to carrying more passengers and having more entertainment options, larger ships can offer a more comfortable experience for those carrying.
How Does Gross Tonnage Impact Passenger Comfort and Entertainment Options?
Naturally, larger ships tend to have more options available to passengers. The ship’s designers have more space to work with when choosing which onboard amenities and facilities will be available to passengers. They can also afford to offer larger cabins and suits, as the ship can afford to dedicate this space to private quarters.
What may surprise you, especially given how top-heavy they can look, is that larger cruise ships with a greater gross tonnage tend to be more comfortable and stable than smaller vessels.
If you have a history of suffering from motion and seasickness, you may want to opt for a larger cruise ship when booking your next cruise vacation.
Photo Credit: Dave R
Not only do larger ships displace water more effectively, which helps reduce the rocking sensation that causes seasickness, but they are also outfitted with more extensive and more effective stabilizers.
Imagine cruise ship stabilizers like giant wings that protrude outwards beneath the water. The larger these stabilizers are, the more effective they resist waves that would otherwise cause the ship to roll.
On top of that, larger ships also have more sophisticated gyroscopic stabilizers, making the ship more adaptable to changing sea and wind conditions.
While larger ships have their advantages when it comes to providing more entertainment options, larger and more varied accommodations, and a more comfortable passenger experience, you must remember that gross tonnage can impact a cruise ship’s ability to travel through certain waterways.
New and Old Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
While they may be somewhat limited in the amenities they can offer, the operators of smaller vessels have more flexibility when planning their ship’s itinerary. Plus, smaller cruise ships tend to pay reduced port fees; however, from a passenger perspective, this might not impact your price because those port fees will be spread across fewer people on a smaller ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average gross tonnage of a cruise ship?
While gross tonnage will vary quite substantially from one cruise ship to the next, the industry average gross tonnage is 120,000 GTs.
For perspective, Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas is considered an average-sized cruise ship with a gross tonnage of 137,308 GTs.
This translates to a total passenger capacity of 4,290 passengers and 14 decks. While impressive, it is still much smaller than some of the world’s largest cruise ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas.
Which cruise ship has the greatest gross tonnage?
Royal Caribbean International operates the cruise ship with the greatest gross tonnage in the world – the Icon of the Seas. This revolutionary cruise ship has a total gross tonnage of 250,800 GTs.
Given its immense proportions and the incredible amount of internal space the ship offers, the Icon of the Seas raises the bar regarding onboard entertainment and amenities. Amongst other mind-blowing amenities, it boasts the largest water park ever seen on a cruise ship and the world’s tallest water slide.
What does the deadweight tonnage of a cruise ship mean?
While they may sound like fairly similar measurements, the deadweight tonnage of a cruise ship differs from its gross tonnage. Where gross tonnage refers to the internal space of a cruise ship in 100 cubic feet units, the deadweight tonnage refers to the weight the cruise ship can safely carry.
This measurement excludes the weight the ship must carry in the form of engine components and other vital pieces of equipment. Instead, it refers to the weight the vessel can carry in cargo, fuel, supplies, passengers, and passenger luggage. In other words, the weight will vary each time the ship departs. This is why you may notice that everything is meticulously weighed when you board a cruise ship.
How is gross tonnage measurement standardized across the cruise industry?
Since measuring the gross tonnage of a ship is so important for assessing adherence with certain international regulations and determining what a ship will owe in port fees, it is essential that determining the measurement is standardized and that gross tonnage measurements are reported accurately.
To ensure accuracy, all cruise lines must submit gross tonnage calculations using the International Maritime Organization’s International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships Formula. This was made mandatory in July of 1982 and included a standardized formula for measuring a ship’s deadweight tonnage.
Given that the IMO set out this rule, failure to use these standardized calculations can result in significant fines and other punishments for the cruise line that was proven to be in violation.
Final Words
While a cruise ship’s gross tonnage may seem like a fairly trivial measurement from a passenger perspective, it is one of the most useful and important measurements used within the entire maritime industry, including the cruise industry.
Gross tonnage accurately measures a ship’s internal space and determines how stable and safe the cruise ship will be once it is out on open water. As cruise ship designers continue to innovate and release even larger cruise ships, this measurement will remain relevant across the entire industry.
