blog - Page 451 of 602

New Disney Cruise Ship Receives Iconic Funnels

Disney Cruise Line News

Donna Tunney

-

Dec 5, 2023

New Disney Cruise Ship Receives Iconic Funnels

The construction of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship is continuing apace at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where Disney Treasure is receiving her iconic funnels.

The 4,000-guest ship is scheduled to enter service in December 2024 with plenty of new features and many Disney favorites.

Disney Treasure Receives Funnels at Shipyard

Disney Cruise Line’s forward and aft funnels, with their blazing red color, are classic features on the top decks of its ships. They have officially been installed on Disney Treasure at her construction bay at Meyer Werft, and the funnels have received a coat of primer paint.

Eager to satisfy Disney Treasure construction-watchers, Disney Cruise Line provides building updates on a regular basis. Even though the first steel was cut less than a year ago, in January 2023, the keel was laid in March 2023, and the installation of the ship’s bridge block was completed in June 2023. The block houses the ship’s navigational systems.

With the funnels in place, work can continue on other aspects of the ship. However, the funnels atop Disney Treasure are designed not only for appearance. They also will play a big role in activities and accommodations.

Disney Treasure Under Construction (Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line)

The forward funnel will be part of the ship’s AquaMouse water coaster thrill ride, where powerful jets will propel two-person vehicles through 760 feet of winding tubes.

The funnel will also house a new EPCOT-inspired Tomorrow Tower Suite, an accommodation for up to eight guests that overlooks the ship’s top deck. Its nearly 2,000 square feet will provide multiple rooms, a full kitchen, and a private elevator.

New Features Include Shows, Dining Venues, Magic Spaces

Cruisers who step aboard the new Disney Treasure starting in late 2024 will find several new experiences along with many Disney Cruise Line favorites.

A new dining experience inspired by Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios is called Plaza de Coco, and is billed as a theatrical dining concept tied to the Disney and Pixar movie “Coco.” Set in a theater-in-the-round venue, dining tables will surround the performance stage.

Disney Treasure will be the line’s first ship to reimagine some of the experiences found at the Disney theme parks and in its movies. Periscope Pub, for example, is a lounge inspired by the 1954 film “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” The submarine-style decor is designed to evoke underwater mysteries.

In another nod to Disney’s classic movies, the new ship’s Grand Hall will highlight three iconic Disney characters – Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, and the animated Magic Carpet from the hit movie “Aladdin.”

Also new to the cruise line, a ghostly experience awaits cruisers onboard Disney Treasure. The Haunted Mansion Parlor is a lounge that will feature spirit-inspired cocktails in a spooky setting. The bar’s concept is based on an existing magic attraction found at Disneyland, in California, and at Magic Kingdom in Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Treasure also will introduce a stage production called “Disney: The Tale of Moana,” an adaption of the 2016 animated film “Moana.” The show will follow the story of Moana, the daughter of the village chief, as she undertakes an adventurous ocean voyage to save her Polynesian island homeland.

Classic favorites, such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “Disney Seas the Adventure,” will be featured on the ship as well, along with the line’s signature pirate deck parties and fireworks displays.

Disney Treasure, which will homeport at Port Canaveral, is scheduled to sail her maiden voyage on December 21, 2024. She will offer 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Eastern Caribbean cruises will call at Tortola, BVI, Disney Castaway Cay, and either San Juan, Puerto Rico, or St. Thomas. Western Caribbean itineraries aboard Disney Treasure will visit Falmouth, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico.

Royal Caribbean Opens Bookings for Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean News

Lissa Poirot

-

Dec 5, 2023

0

Royal Caribbean Opens Bookings for Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International has officially opened bookings for Star of the Seas, the groundbreaking addition to its Icon-class fleet. Set to embark on its maiden voyage in August 2025 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, passengers can expect innovative design and exclusive amenities.

Star of the Seas Bookings Open

Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s second ship in its new Icon-class fleet, is now accepting bookings for its inaugural sailings. Bookings are expected to outpace Royal Caribbean’s phenomenal first Icon-class ship, Icon of the Seas, which broke every single-day booking record in the cruise line’s 53-year history when it first accepted bookings in October 2022.

Crown & Anchor Society members receive first access to bookings on December 5. Bookings for the general public begin on December 6.

The ship will be based in Port Canaveral, Florida, with its inaugural cruise launching on August 24, 2025. Cruisers will find 7-night itineraries to both eastern and western Caribbean destinations.

“Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day” bookings begin at $1,496 per person for interior cabins, $1,776 for outside-view cabins, $2,126 for balcony cabins, and $3,186 per person for suites. Four dates are currently available for booking: August 24, September 14, October 5, and October 26.

Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

Sailings will be roundtrip from Port Canaveral and include visits to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

“Western Caribbean & Perfect Day” bookings begin at $1,506 per person for interior cabins, $1,806 for outside-view cabins, $2,156 for balcony cabins, and $2,916 for suites. Fifteen dates are available for booking between August 31, 2025, and April 12, 2026. Sailings include stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay; Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico.

What Features Will the Second Icon-Class Have?

Like its sister ship, Icon of the Seas, launched earlier this year, Star of the Seas will invite passengers to explore eight distinct neighborhoods, each offering diverse experiences. However, Royal Caribbean promises the new ship will offer unique features and experiences, from thrilling adventures to serene retreats, and more than 40 dining and drinking options.

Worth Reading: World’s Two Largest Cruise Ships Meet for the First Time

Passengers can expect to find Thrill Island, delivering an adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers with a Category 6 waterpark boasting six record-breaking waterslides.

At the same time, Crown’s Edge will feature a “part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride.” Additional fun zones will include Water’s Edge, Splashaway Bay, a Flowrider, sports courts, and Adrenaline Peak rock climbing.

For relaxation, Royal Caribbean reveals Star of the Seas will feature seven pools tailored to different moods and preferences, including the Hideaway, a one-of-a-kind infinity pool suspended 135 feet above the ocean located on Deck 8. An adults-only retreat, Cloud 17, will provide a poolside oasis with private access to The Lime and Coconut bar, while Swim & Tonic will offer a swim-up bar option for guests.

Families will find a haven in the Surfside neighborhood, designed specifically for young families. Surfside will provide age-appropriate splash areas and family-friendly dining options. Additional family-friendly experiences will be revealed in 2025.

Star of the Seas at PerfectDay at CocoCay

Entertainment options aboard Star of the Seas will include AquaDome, which transforms from a tranquil daytime oasis into a vibrant nighttime hotspot featuring stunt-filled performances beneath a waterfall, and Absolute Zero, featuring a performance ice arena for signature shows. Broadway-style shows will also be offered at additional theaters.

All itineraries include a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the award-winning island featuring the lounging Coco Beach Club, adults-only Hideaway Beach, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, and a water park.

Construction Continues in Finland on Star of the Seas

While specific details about size and capacity remain undisclosed, Star of the Seas is expected to resemble the Icon fleet’s first ship. Icon of the Seas, currently the largest cruise ship in the world, features 20 decks and 2,805 staterooms, measures 1,198 feet in length, weighs 250,800 gross tons, and can hold 7,600 guests and an international crew of 2,350.

Star of the Seas remains under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, the same ship that delivered Icon of the Seas. More details will be announced in the coming months.

Carnival Cruise Line Quietly Hikes Dining Prices

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

-

Dec 5, 2023

0

Carnival Cruise Line Quietly Hikes Dining Prices

Carnival Cruise Line has recently increased the pricing at multiple specialty dining venues fleetwide, with cost going up from just $1 per person to staggering increases of as much as $51 per person, depending on the ship and restaurant.

The new prices went into effect on December 1, 2023 and are now implemented on all of the line’s ships as holiday sailings get underway.

Specialty Restaurant Prices Increase

Multiple specialty restaurants aboard Carnival ships are now commanding higher prices after recent rate increases. While no official announcement was made for the price changes, the new rates for the most popular specialty restaurants in the fleet are confirmed on the cruise line’s website.

Not every restaurant onboard is impacted, and there is no associated increase in gratuity fees or other service charges at this time. Gratuities are automatically included in the per person rates for some specialty dining restaurants, though an additional 18% gratuity is assessed for Bonsai Teppanyaki reservations and guests may always extend additional gratuities at their discretion.

The new prices (all in USD) are as follows:

Steakhouse – $49 per person (+$1 / 2% increase)
JiJi Asian Kitchen – $24 per person (+$6 / 33% increase)
Cucina del Capitano – $24 per person (+$6 / 33% increase)
Bonsai Teppanyaki – $38 per person for lunch, $42 for dinner (+$3 / 9% increase for lunch; +$4 / 11% for dinner)
Rudi’s Seagrill – $49 per person (+$1 / 2% increase)

Cucina del Capitano, Carnival Cruise Line

It must be noted that prices differ for Cucina del Capitano aboard Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, as that venue operates differently aboard the Excel-class ships. All guests on those vessels receive one complimentary dinner at Cucina del Capitano (unlimited free dinners on Carnival Jubilee), and a nominal $8 per person charge is assessed for additional dinners.

Other specialty venues and dining events, including Il Viaggio and the popular Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, have not had any price change at this time. Similarly, fees for room service are not increasing at the moment.

Most Dramatic Price Increase

The most dramatic of the specialty dining price increases is the Chef’s Table exclusive experience, a private, small-group dining event with a multi-course, wine-paired meal that includes exclusive menu items, behind-the-scenes insights, and other unique experiences. On some ships, a galley tour may be included, or a premium upgraded menu and “enhanced experience” may be offered for the elite meal.

Chef’s Table pricing has always varied among different ships depending on the size of the ship and how exclusive the event can be. Prices may also vary for select sailings, such as during inaugural seasons or holiday cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line Chef's Table — Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

The old pricing ranged from $80-99 per person, while the new price is $90-150 per person. This is an increase of $10 to $51 depending on the ship – an increase of at least 13% and as much as 52% per person. For an entire family hoping to enjoy this elegant and entertaining meal, this can be quite a shock to the cruise budget.

The rates for the Chef’s Table do not include an additional 18% gratuity that will be added to each reservation, making the cost on the most expensive ships – Carnival Panorama, Carnival Venezia, and the upcoming Carnival Firenze – a whopping $354 for a couple to enjoy the experience.

Why No Notice of the Increases?

While prices for specialty dining can be increased at any time without prior notice, Carnival Cruise Line does generally notify guests of impending increases a few days or weeks before the new pricing takes effect.

This typically gives booked guests the opportunity to make their reservations at the lower price point to take advantage of savings before they set sail. After the date of the increase, all new restaurant reservations – even for existing cruise bookings made before that date – are subject to the new specialty dining pricing.

Carnival Cruise Line Deck — Carnival Panorama Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock)

There is no information available about why the price increases were not advertised ahead of time, which – while not required – is often considered a courtesy to booked guests. It is possible these increases may only be temporary tests, or an announcement may yet be forthcoming if additional price changes are still being finalized for other venues.

Of interesting note is that these dining price changes come at the same time Carnival Cruise Line announced increased Wi-Fi prices fleetwide. The internet price change does not take effect until December 8, and guests do have the opportunity to lock in the lower rates by booking a plan before the increase date.

Multiple Itineraries Changed for Norwegian Cruise Line Ship

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

-

Dec 5, 2023

0

Multiple Itineraries Changed for Norwegian Cruise Line Ship

Norwegian Cruise Line has notified guests booked on several early 2024 departures of Norwegian Encore that the ship’s itinerary has been changed. The changes apply to the January 28 and February 4 sailing dates.

While each cruise will still be visiting the same ports of call, the arrival and departure times have been adjusted which could impact any shore tours passengers may have privately arranged.

Norwegian Encore Itinerary Changes

Guests booked on the January 28 and February 4 departures of Norwegian Encore – both 7-night cruises – have received notifications of slight itinerary changes. Every port of call on each cruise has been adjusted, though the changes are somewhat minor. No ports are cancelled and the port order remains the same, but the times in every port have been altered.

“We are committed to providing the best vacations at sea and have been working tirelessly to continue to elevate the quality of our offerings and overall guest experience while driving a positive impact on society and the environment,” the notification read. “As we optimize itineraries for fuel efficiencies, we have modified Norwegian Encore’s itinerary.”

The ship will still be departing Miami, Florida, but will leave at 5 p.m. rather than 5:30 p.m. as originally planned. Guests with very late arrival appointments will want to be sure their travel to the cruise port is adjusted so they arrive well before the cutoff for check-in and boarding.

The first day of the cruise is a day at sea, but the ship’s visit to Puerto Plata on the second day has been trimmed by one hour. Norwegian Encore will still arrive in the Dominican Republic at 7 a.m., but will now be leaving at 3 p.m. instead of 4 p.m.

Norwegian Encore in Dominican Republic (Photo Credit: ackats)

The next day’s arrival in St. Thomas will be two hours earlier than the original schedule, now at 9 a.m. rather than 11 a.m. The ship will still remain docked until 7 p.m., giving guests an extra two hours in the morning to enjoy the picturesque destination.

The fourth day’s visit to Tortola, however, has been trimmed both in the morning and the afternoon. The ship will now arrive at 6:45 a.m. rather than 6 a.m., and will depart at 2:30 p.m. instead of 3 p.m.

The stops in the Virgin Islands are followed by a day at sea as planned, and the last port of call is at the cruise line’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. That visit has also been trimmed by one hour, with Norwegian Encore departing at 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. as originally scheduled.

The arrival back in Miami is unchanged at 7 a.m., so guests’ onward travel plans after the cruise do not need to be adjusted, which will be a relief for passengers with early flights to reach as they return home.

In total, the overall time in all ports of call has been reduced by 75 minutes. While not a significant change, the small adjustments do add up.

Why Such Slight Changes?

The reasoning given for these tweaks to Norwegian Encore‘s cruise schedule is “fuel efficiency.” With earlier departures, the ship can sail more slowly between ports of call, conserving fuel along the way.

It is also possible that dock availability and other ships’ schedules may be influencing Norwegian Encore‘s timing in order to avoid time idling while waiting for other ships to clear channels or turning basins. The timing of tides might also have a slight influence on the ship’s schedule, though this is unlikely.

Norwegian Encore Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock

Notifying guests about these changes gives travelers time to contact any private tour companies they may have used for shore excursions to reschedule or cancel if necessary. Pre-paid tours booked through Norwegian Cruise Line will be automatically adjusted to the new port times if needed.

Cruise lines often make schedule adjustments in the weeks or months before sailing as port times become more clear. Factors like port dredging or construction, other ship schedules, cargo operations, and staffing changes can all impact cruise ship schedules.

Guests booked on any upcoming Norwegian Encore cruise should stay in close communication with their travel agent or directly with the cruise line in case of similar adjustments to their sailing.

The 169,116-gross-ton Norwegian Encore is a Breakaway-plus vessel that joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2019. The ship is able to welcome 3,998 guests per sailing (double occupancy), and is also home to more than 2,000 international crew members.

Virgin Voyages Guests Get Special Welcome to Australia

Virgin Voyages News

Melissa Mayntz

-

Dec 5, 2023

0

Virgin Voyages Guests Get Special Welcome to Australia

As Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady sailed into Sydney Harbor for the first time on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, guests were greeted by a very special visitor as Sir Richard Branson met the ship in a classic wooden speedboat for an elite escort into the harbor.

Resilient Lady‘s arrival is the first time Virgin Voyages has sailed Australian waters, offering distinctive adults-only getaways while visiting unique destinations in Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand.

Resilient Lady Arrives in Australia

Virgin Voyages’ newest “ladyship” – Resilient Lady – has arrived in Australia, cruising into Sydney Harbor at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5 for the first time. Upon arrival, a gorgeous wooden speedboat headed out to meet the 110,000-gross-ton vessel, sleekly escorting her toward Circular Quay.

None other than Sir Richard Branson was at the helm of the speedboat, smiling and waving a thumbs-up at guests lining the decks of the cruise ship.

“What a beauty! Just so lovely,” he said as the ship arrived. “It’s just incredible to think it’s come all the way from Europe to here. A lot of people are very excited to see it, and me, maybe number one that’s excited!”

After the speedboat greeting, Branson went to the summit of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge to oversee the ship’s arrival and docking, and to wave to guests as they passed beneath the iconic bridge.

“Sydney is one of my favorite cities in the world, and we wanted to ensure our arrival was as spectacular as the Sydney Harbour itself,” he said. “To stand at the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and watch Resilient Lady come into Circular Quay was one of the most exciting moments since we founded the Virgin brand.”

Richard Branson Welcomes Resilient Lady (Photo Courtesy: Virgin Voyages)

The founder of the Virgin Group has been celebrating this milestone for Virgin Voyages in a big way. In mid-November, Branson gave a full plane of Virgin Airline travelers each a free Virgin Voyages cruise, as the flight was flying nearly the same route that Resilient Lady will take between Melbourne and Hobart on her official “mermaiden” voyage, now just days away from her December 11 departure.

The cabin crew, baggage handlers, and pilots associated with that special flight also received free cruises, and in total, more than $1 million of prizes were given away.

Resilient Lady has actually been in Australia since November 27, when the ship visited Darwin as part of her repositioning itinerary from Singapore. The ship has also already visited Yorkeys Knob and Airlie Beach on her way to Sydney.

It is the arrival in Sydney at the conclusion of that voyage, however, that truly sets the ship in Australian waters for the season. Resilient Lady will remain anchored in Sydney for two nights, then will make her way to Melbourne to begin her Down Under tenure.

Sailing Virgin Voyages in Australia

Resilient Lady will offer a diverse season of Australian cruises, ranging from short 2-, 3-, and 4-night getaways to much longer 12- and 14-night voyages. Melbourne and Sydney will both serve as embarkation ports for different sailings, and select voyages will also embark from Auckland, New Zealand.

Resilient Lady Arrives in Sydney (Photo Courtesy: Virgin Voyages)

Depending on the sailing date and cruise length, Resilient Lady will be visiting a variety of amazing destinations, including Burnie, Hobart, Picton, Napier, Tauranga, Wellington, Dunedin, and Christchurch.

The ship will finish her inaugural Australian season in mid-March and will depart Sydney for the last time on March 27, 2024 for a 15-night one-way trip to Singapore, visiting several final Australian ports along the way. She will spend the northern summer offering Greek Isles cruises, and in late summer and early fall 2024 will homeport from Portsmouth, UK for several weeks.

The newest of the Virgin Voyages’ fleet, Resilient Lady debuted in Greece in May 2023. The ship can welcome 2,700 guests aboard at each sailing, offering a unique, elevated, adults-only vibe with 13 passenger decks to enjoy. Guests can indulge in the onboard tattoo parlor, more than 20 bars and restaurants, cozy hammocks on every balcony, five elite production shows, and much more.

Also onboard are over 1,100 international crew members to ensure that everyone has an amazing cruise vacation, no matter where the ship is sailing.

UK Port Celebrates Record Cruise Arrivals

Port News

Robert McGillivray

-

Dec 4, 2023

0

UK Port Celebrates Record Cruise Arrivals

Portland Port in the UK marked an exceptional year, celebrating a record-breaking cruise season. Over the span of eight months, Portland Port welcomed an unprecedented number of guests, the highest in its history. These guests arrived on 56 cruise ships, contributing significantly to the local economy in South Dorset.

Portland is a coastal town located in the South West of England. Known for its unique geology and maritime heritage, the area is known for its rugged landscape, historic sites, and as an important D-Day embarkation point.

Portland Records Busiest Year To Date

Portland, a small island connected to the UK mainland by a narrow causeway, has recorded the busiest cruise year to date.

More than 130,000 passengers visited the island during 56 cruise ship calls between March and November 2023. Of those 130,000, there were 50,000 visitors from the United States, 24,000 German visitors, 20,000 from the UK, and almost 10,000 Canadian passengers.

The small island’s popularity is growing with cruise ships sailing from major cruise homeports in the UK, particularly nearby Southampton and Portsmouth.

The 56 calls included visits from AIDAbella, MS Zuiderdam, Oceania Vista, Disney Dream, MSC Euribia, and MSC Virtuosa. The season concluded with AIDAmar’s visit, which brought 2,134 guests.

MSC Cruise Ship Docked at Portland (Photo Courtesy: Portland Port)

Ian McQuade, Portland Port’s commercial general manager and chair of Cruise Britain: “Our record season shows how Portland continues to increase in popularity as a cruise destination.”

“Our location so close to the main English Channel shipping lanes at the heart of the Jurassic Coast makes Portland Port an attractive transit port for guests wishing to see the many and varied attractions of Dorset and beyond.”

Portland Port’s recent success can be partly attributed to its considerable investment in infrastructure. This includes the significant £26m deep-water berth opened this year, enabling the port to host much larger cruise ships.

Investments Bring Economic Windfall for Portland Residents

Portland Port’s recent developments, particularly the inauguration of the deep-water berth, have brought significant economic benefits to the local community.

This investment in infrastructure enabled the port to welcome larger cruise ships, such as the MSC Virtuosa, which set a record by bringing in 5,015 passengers on its first visit and surpassing that with 6,025 guests on a later visit.

The port’s growing popularity and influx of international visitors has had a substantial economic impact on the local area, contributing over £10 million.

The economic benefits come not just from the spending of day excursion visitors in shops, bars, cafes, and takeaways, but also from cruise passenger spending at various local tourist attractions, such as UNESCO world heritage sites like the Jurassic Coast, Stonehenge, and Bath.

Looking forward, Portland Port is already planning for the 2024 season, with cruise calls scheduled for 11 out of 12 months, beginning in February with a visit by AIDAsol. Through June, there are visits scheduled from Regal Princess, Ms Rotterdam, Celebrity Apex, Seven Seas Splendor, and several others.

Overall, Portland’s strategic investments to attract more cruise ships yield significant economic benefits, especially with the increasing interest from cruise lines in homeporting their vessels in the UK. As more cruise ships sail to the UK, Portland’s businesses will continue to profit.

Margaritaville at Sea Expands With Second Ship and Homeport

Cruise News

Robert McGillivray

-

Dec 4, 2023

0

Margaritaville at Sea Expands With Second Ship and Homeport

Margaritaville at Sea is expanding its operations with the introduction of a new cruise ship and the addition of Tampa, Florida as a homeport. This expansion, starting in June 2024, signals the cruise line’s growth from its traditional base in Palm Beach, Florida.

The new ship will offer four and five-night itineraries in the Gulf of Mexico, including destinations in the western Caribbean and southern Florida.

Margaritaville at Sea Islander Joins In June 2024

Margaritaville at Sea has become one of the most popular small cruise lines sailing out of Palm Beach, Florida, with its two-night cruises to the Bahamas. However, the company announced today it will begin offering cruises out of Tampa, Florida, sailing to western Caribbean destinations Cozumel and Progreso, as well as Key West.

The first cruise onboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander will set sail on her maiden voyage on June 14, 2024. Cruises on offer will alternate between four and five nights and include a four-night Cozumel cruise, with a day in Cozumel, and a day at sea on days 2 and 4.

There will also be a five-night cruise to Key West and Cozumel, a five-night cruise to Key West and Progreso, and a five-night cruise to Progreso and Cozumel. The new cruises are already bookable on the cruise line’s website, with the cruise line offering exclusive preview incentives.

“Since we launched our first ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, last year, we’ve been working to expand what our guests have been asking for; more amazing views, longer itineraries, and new ports of call,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea.

“The addition of the Islander is an exciting moment for Margaritaville at Sea and marks the next chapter of growth for our business. We are also pleased to add Tampa as a new homeport – the perfect location to provide access to our adventurous new itineraries in and around the Gulf of Mexico.”

Margaritaville at Sea Islander to Homeport in Tampa

The news that the Margaritaville at Sea Islander will be homeported in Tampa has been welcomed by the port. She joins other cruise ships sailing from Tampa, such as Carnival Paradise, Enchantment Of The Seas, Carnival Pride, Norwegian Jade, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend, and more.

“We’re honored Margaritaville at Sea has chosen Port Tampa Bay to homeport this new addition to their fleet and we welcome them to the Gulf Coast,” said Paul Anderson, President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay.

“Our port’s cruise terminals are easy to navigate and provide a variety of unique and interesting activities just steps from the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. The ship will be a great addition to our portfolio of cruise lines and a fantastic new option for cruisers from Florida’s west coast.”

The Margaritaville at Sea Islander is the former Costa Atlantica, which Costa Cruises sold to Chinese cruise line Adora Cruises. Unlike her sister ship, the Costa Mediterranea, she never entered service with Adora Cruises and was sold off to Margaritaville.

Costa Atlantica Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: theataraxia / Shutterstock.com

The 85,619 gross tons Margaritaville at Sea Islander has space for 2,650 guests. The vessel is already undergoing work to transform her for her new owners, which includes a new livery and Margaritaville theming throughout, making her ready for her maiden four-night cruise to Cozumel.

Onboard, guests can enjoy a wide range of food and beverage options, befitting the Margaritaville feel. This includes the only three-story poolside LandShark Bar at Sea and a Margaritaville-inspired cornhole and mini-golf course.

Kids and those young-at-heart will enjoy the Caribbean Amphibian Splash and Slide on the outside decks. Margaritaville at Sea signature favorites like JWB Prime Steakhouse and Rita’s Taco House will also be present onboard.

Carnival Christmas Dinner Menu Released

Carnival Cruise News

-

Dec 4, 2023

0

The holidays are filled with delicious foods, from once-a-year treats to elaborate meals to both sweet and savory snacks. Holiday menus on a cruise ship are much the same, with fantastic options specially prepared for special dates, one more thing that makes a holiday sailing even more memorable.

Carnival Cruise Line has announced the Christmas Gala Dinner menu for all 2023 Christmas cruises, and it is filled with delicious options for all guests’ tastes and dietary needs.

Carnival Cruise Line Christmas Dinner Menu

Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has revealed the Main Dining Room Christmas Gala Dinner menu for the Carnival fleet, with amazing dishes on offer for a truly delicious dinner to celebrate the season.

The special Christmas menu includes baked brie with cranberry-pecan crumble and fig and olive crostini as a special appetizer. Other classic appetizers are also available, including shrimp cocktail, short rib and yam croquette, a BLT wedge salad, a classic Caesar salad, and a surf & turf with crab salad and beef tartare.

The delicious holiday entrees begin with a roasted tom turkey with sage stuffing, sweet potato casserole, giblet gravy, and cranberry relish – all the classic fixings many travelers would enjoy for a holiday at home, letting them preserve their holiday traditions onboard.

Honey glazed ham with herbed potatoes, roasted carrots, asparagus, candied pineapple, and raisin sauce is another special entrée offered for Christmas dinner, and for a vegetarian option, guests can opt for cauliflower and cheese pie with sautéed spinach and sweet pepper sauce or an Indian vegetarian entrée of paneer butter masala with spiced mixed vegetables.

Carnival Cruise Line Christmas Dinner Menu

For even more delicious entrees, the menu includes oven baked salmon, grilled black tiger jumbo shrimp with fava bean and pea stew, flame-grilled striploin steak, ahi tuna salad with sesame ginger dressing – one of Carnival’s new entrée salads on its revamped menus – and pappardelle pasta with wild mushroom sauce and freshly grated parmigiano cheese.

For an extra charge, guests can also opt for Steakhouse Selections – a great option for an extra-special holiday dinner.

Dessert will include several decadent holiday treats, including eggnog cheesecake with raspberry cremeux, spiced cream, and mint “snow” for extra flair. Bourbon pecan pie and buche de Noel – a chocolate log with coffee anglaise and honey oat crumble – will also be available for even more seasonal sweets.

Of course, guests can also indulge in the classic Carnival melting chocolate cake – always a top favorite on any sailing – as well as fresh tropical fruit for a lighter touch. Ice creams, sorbets, and the classic savory cheese plate are also available.

More Casual Fare

While the Main Dining Room selections are certainly offering an elegant Christmas dinner, guests can also enjoy delicious favorites at other dining venues onboard every Carnival ship.

The casual Lido Marketplace buffets are sure to be offering carved turkey and ham with appropriate trimmings, though without the elegant plating of the Main Dining Room service. A variety of other dishes will also be available, as well as several sweet desserts.

Carnival Cruise Line Christmas (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin)

Guests can also make Christmas dinner extra special by indulging in the specialty restaurants onboard, such as the steakhouse, the Italian eatery Cucina del Capitano, the fun of Bonsai Teppanyaki, fresh seafood at Rudi’s Seagrilll, or other great restaurants depending on which ship guests are spending the holidays with.

For more casual fare on Christmas Day, Carnival’s delicious eateries will still be available, including Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Pizza Pirate, Big Chicken, and more.

The hours of different dining venues will vary, and passengers should check the Carnival Hub app during their cruise to see exact hours, preview menus, or make specialty dining reservations for all the holiday cruise deliciousness.

Carnival Cruise Line Takes Delivery of Its Massive New Ship

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

-

Dec 4, 2023

0

Carnival Cruise Line Takes Delivery of Its Massive New Ship

The new Carnival Jubilee has officially been delivered in Bremerhaven, Germany, in a special ceremony that has handed over the vessel to Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival Jubilee is the first ship for the cruise line that Meyer Werft has built in Papenburg, which makes the occasion even more memorable for both the shipyard as well as Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival Jubilee Delivered

In a momentous occasion for all, the new and highly anticipated Carnival Jubilee has officially become part of Carnival Cruise Line following the handover ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany on Monday, December 4, 2023 – just 19 days before the ship will welcome her first guests in Galveston, Texas.

The ceremony marks the finished construction and testing of the ship, and transfers ownership of the vessel from the shipyard to the cruise line.

“With a strong team effort and a lot of commitment from everyone involved in the MEYER Group and our partner companies, we have once again managed to deliver a particularly innovative cruise ship to Carnival Cruise Line. I would like to thank everyone involved in its completion for their work,” said Jan Meyer, Managing Director of Meyer Werft, during the ceremony.

Carnival Jubilee Delivery (Photo Meyer Werft)

Likewise, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and other cruise line executives were on hand to welcome Carnival Jubilee to the fleet.

“Our first ship built in Papenburg for Carnival Cruise Line is stunning, and being on board to take delivery, I’m proud of all the work our team and our partners at Meyer Werft have done in collaboration to bring Carnival Jubilee to life,” Duffy said. “Now, we start sailing her home so we can deliver her to our guests just in time for the Christmas holiday.”

Next Steps for Carnival Jubilee

The tremendous ship – third of the LNG-powered, Excel-class vessels for Carnival Cruise Line and sister ship to Mardi Gras (2021) and Carnival Celebration (2022) – will now set sail for her homeport in Galveston, Texas as the 26th ship in the Carnival fleet, dramatically expanding the cruise line’s overall capacity.

“Carnival Jubilee is the fifth additional ship we’ve welcomed into our fleet since 2021 and an integral part of our growth strategy,” explained Duffy. “This ship will bring our most dynamic offering of fun to one of our most popular homeports and will be a great addition to our plans to remain the number one cruise line in Galveston.”

Carnival Cruise Line was the first cruise line to sail year-round from Galveston when they began operations from Texas in 2001, and the dramatic star on Carnival Jubilee‘s bow – the first of its kind for the fleet – symbolizes her connection to the region and Carnival’s commitment to Galveston.

While there will be no paying guests onboard Carnival Jubilee until she embarks her first passengers in the Lone Star State, crew members are already aboard and familiarizing themselves with the vessel.

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship at Meyer Werft

Before reaching Galveston, the ship will make supply calls in Tenerife in the Canary Islands as well as Nassau in the Bahamas. At both ports, the ship will take on additional supplies and crew members as she prepares for her Texas debut.

While the pre-maiden-voyage schedule is still tentative and may be impacted by weather as the ship crosses the Atlantic Ocean, Carnival Jubilee should arrive in Galveston with great fanfare on Wednesday, December 20.

The maiden voyage for Carnival Jubilee will depart Texas on December 23, 2023 for a very memorable Christmas holiday cruise indeed. The 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls on Roatan, Honduras as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, before the ship will return to Galveston on Saturday, December 30.

The 183,521-gross-ton ship can welcome 5,374 guests at double occupancy, or up to 6,631 travelers when fully booked. Also onboard are more than 1,700 international officers and crew members to ensure that every guest truly has the very best cruise aboard the brand new ship.