Blog Page 465

Newest Carnival Ship Arrives at US Homeport

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Newest Carnival Ship Arrives at US Homeport

Carnival Jubilee has officially docked in the US for the very first time as the brand new ship arrived at her Galveston, Texas homeport at approximately 8 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

A Texas-sized welcome greeted the new vessel with hundreds of Carnival cruise fans lining the docks a welcome party thrown by Port of Galveston to officially greet the new ship with style and hospitality.

Welcome Home, Carnival Jubilee!

Carnival Jubilee has officially arrived in Galveston, Texas on Wednesday morning, December 23. The ship’s arrival has been greatly anticipated by cruise fans and port officials, as it marks a new era of fantastic cruising from the Lone Star State.

“What a special day it is for Galveston, Texas,” said John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador.

Carnival Jubilee Arriving in Galveston
Carnival Jubilee Arriving in Galveston

The ship’s journey from Bremerhaven, Germany has been followed closely by fans ever since the ship was delivered to Carnival Cruise Line on December 4, 2023, as she has made her way across the Atlantic Ocean for the first time en route to Galveston.

“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,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, when the ship was delivered. “Now, we start sailing her home so we can deliver her to our guests just in time for the Christmas holiday.”

The ship stopped first in Tenerife in the Canary Islands and then in Nassau in the Bahamas to take on additional supplies and crew members in preparation for her first passenger sailing on December 23, 2023.

Fans Welcome Carnival Jubilee to Galveston
Fans Welcome Carnival Jubilee to Galveston (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

The 183,521-gross-ton, Excel-class ship arrived in Galveston Bay under a tugboat water salute escort and an airplane overhead with a welcome banner, with crowds lining the adjacent docks cheering the ship’s arrival. Many revelers brought signs to welcome the ship, adorned with greetings, hearts, the Texas state flag, and Carnival’s iconic whale tail funnel.

Crew members lined the decks as the ship made her way to the pier, many of them holding signs saying “Howdy Galveston” and similar sentiments. Even Santa Claus was spotted on the deck, ready for the ship’s first sailing, a very celebratory Christmas cruise.

Carnival Jubilee Arriving in Galveston
Carnival Jubilee Arriving in Galveston

Carnival Jubilee docked at Cruise Terminal 25 just after 8 a.m., officially taking her place as the first-ever new-build ship to be homeported from Galveston, and cementing Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to Texas cruising with the Texas Lone Star dramatically displayed on her bow.

“The Texas star on her bow isn’t just decoration, it’s a symbol of our gratitude to our  guests sailing from Texas who’ve made us the number one cruise line in Galveston, and our commitment to the future of cruising from this great city and state,” said Duffy. “When we cut the ribbon to welcome our first guests on this ship this weekend, we’ll be celebrating the beginning of a new era of operations here.”

Setting Sail With Carnival Jubilee

The new ship will be offering 7-night Western Caribbean cruises, visiting Roatan, Honduras as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico. The port order may occasionally vary depending on the ship’s sailing date.

Carnival Jubilee is permanently homeported in Texas at least through April 2026. Carnival Cruise Line has not yet announced itineraries past that date.

Carnival Jubilee Sea Trials
Carnival Jubilee Sea Trials (Photo Courtesy: Meyer Werft)

Onboard, guests will not only enjoy all sorts of Carnival favorites – Guy’s Burger Joint, the Punchliner Comedy Club, the adults-only Serenity area, BlueIguana Cantina, the WaterWorks aqua park and much more – but also features exclusive to the Excel-class ships, such as the BOLT rollercoaster and the expansive central atrium where unique and dynamic shows amaze guests.

Carnival Jubilee also features new and unique venues found nowhere else in the Carnival fleet, including the immersive, ocean-themed Currents and Shores zones. Dr. Inks, Ph.D is a new, quirky bar that will offer themed drinks, while The Golden Mermaid will tantalize guests with secret cocktail recipes inspired by mermaid adventures.

Guests will also get to enjoy an exclusive onboard “Lone Star Tailgate” party with entertainment, games, dancing, and more, as well as a brand-new, wedding-themed production show, “Dear Future Husband” that also includes an interactive party element for guests to join in. Of course, the ship’s first two sailings are holiday cruises and will also include all types of seasonal fun and special guests.

Santa and Mrs. Claus on Carnival Jubilee
Santa and Mrs. Claus on Carnival Jubilee (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

Sister ship to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee can welcome 5,374 guests when booked at double occupancy, or as many as 6,631 passengers when fully booked with all berths filled. Also onboard are 1,735 international officers and crew members, all of whom are now a little bit Texan.

Changes May Be Coming to a Popular Cruise Line Private Island

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Changes May Be Coming to a Popular Cruise Line Private Island

Norwegian Cruise Line recently sent out a survey to a select group of past passengers with questions that may indicate changes coming to the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, or their private island in Belize, Harvest Caye.

The survey included options for both land and water activities, some of which are already offered and many of which would be new attractions visitors could greatly enjoy.

Norwegian Cruise Line Asking Guests About Private Islands

A recent survey sent to members of Norwegian Cruise Line’s “NCL Inner Circle” asked intriguing questions about what could be additions to the cruise line’s private island facilities, from activities to events to excursions.

“Which of the following activities would you be most interested in visiting/participating in on a private island owned by a cruise line?” the survey asked.

The questions included a list of more than 35 choices of land and water activities as well as events. Among the selections were new and interesting options not yet found on any cruise line private island, such as a Ferris wheel, casino, dune-buggy racing, go-kart track, and bumper cars.

Also on the list were some items very common on all private islands, including luxury villas, snorkeling, and swimming/lounging by the ocean.

Great Stirrup Cay Private Island
Great Stirrup Cay Private Island (Photo Credit: Just dance)

Other choices included horseback riding, shopping, a wildlife sanctuary, beach bikes, kayaking, swim-up bars, and a waterpark, as well as “swim” experiences with dolphins, stingrays, pigs, or sharks. Some cruise line private islands already include these features, while others do not.

Four events were listed in the survey: a fireworks show, an adults-only pool party, parades, and a more generic “shows” without further details about the type of show. Some cruise lines do offer live music, character appearances, or other entertainment on private islands, though this could mean more extensive shows such as local dance or music performances, speedboat shows, or other unique options.

Which Island?

The survey did not clarify whether or not Norwegian Cruise Line was seeking feedback for Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, or for Harvest Caye, the private island the cruise line owns in Belize. Both destinations are popular with cruise guests, and it is conceivable that upgrades or enhancements may be coming to either island, or even both.

Norwegian Cruise Line could also be investigating options to develop another private destination in a different location to give cruise passengers an entirely new port of call to explore.

Several cruise lines are currently developing brand new destinations, such as Carnival Cruise Line’s upcoming Celebration Key near Freeport in the Bahamas, which is scheduled to open in July 2025. While Celebration Key is not a complete private island – it is on Grand Bahama Island – it will be an exclusive destination just for Carnival Cruise Line.

Harvest Caye, Belize
Harvest Caye, Belize (Photo Credit: Christina Calvo)

Disney Cruise Line is also developing a new Bahamas destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which is being built on Eleuthera, a lengthy island already popular for resorts and tourist visits. Disney Cruise Line’s new location will be an exclusive, private area for cruise guests. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is scheduled to open in July 2024.

Royal Caribbean International is also developing a new private destination in the Bahamas, the Royal Beach Club that will be a 17-acre resort on Paradise Island, making it convenient for ships visiting Nassau. Few details have been revealed yet about the destination, which is planned to open in 2025.

Royal Caribbean is also enhancing its already wildly popular Perfect Day at CocoCay with the new adults-only area, Hideaway Beach, opening in January 2024.

Surveys as a Development Tool

It should be noted that Norwegian Cruise Line has not announced any official plans for changes or additions to its private island destinations. It is not unusual for cruise lines to use surveys to gauge interest in new marketing ideas or to judge feedback on existing options.

Often, such surveys may come to nothing if the feedback does not show a clear option for the cruise line to pursue, or if further investigation shows a lack of feasibility for an idea.

Even if an idea does receive overwhelming support from respondents, it may be years before new plans come to fruition as a new offering for cruise travelers to enjoy.

What fun, new activity or feature would you like to see on a cruise line private island? Share your ideas on the Cruise Hive boards!

Another Destination Begins Tax on Cruise Passengers

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Another Destination Begins Tax on Cruise Passengers

Cruise guests visiting Lisbon, Portugal will soon be required to pay a new tourist tax, with the fee beginning in January 2024. While details of the payment procedure are still being finalized, this tax is the latest in extra fees more and more ports are imposing on cruise travelers as part of efforts to either curb visits or raise funds to support local infrastructure.

Lisbon to Begin Cruise Passenger Tax

Port of Lisbon is poised to begin charging cruise visitors a €2 (approximately $2.20 USD) per person tourist tax beginning in January 2024. The exact date for tax collection to begin has not been announced, as payment details are still being finalized.

Cruise ship operators will likely be the collected fees for passengers via the Janela Única Logística platform, a digital port logistics network. Individual guests will not need to pay the fee when debarking in Lisbon, but instead the extra charge will most likely be connected as part of the cruise fare, and the cruise line will pay the fee upon arrival in Lisbon.

This is similar to the process used to collect “port taxes and fees” for many cruise ports around the world. Lisbon City Council officials are still working out the payment procedure, but do expect that the new tax will raise approximately €1.2 million ($1.32 million USD) annually.

How the funds will be used has not been disclosed. Many port communities use taxes and fees from cruise visits to help fun port projects, such as regular maintenance, upgrades, or new construction, as well as to revitalize local areas that may appeal to cruise passengers to help create an even greater economic boom.

Cruise Ships in Lisbon
Cruise Ships in Lisbon (Photo Credit: AlexeMarcel)

The Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, has made vague threats against cruise operations if the lines refuse to pay the upcoming fees.

“I will make entry somewhat difficult. I can hinder the mobility of buses (at the port), and I will do so if they don’t pay,” he said.

Restrictions such as limiting port docking hours, limiting how tour buses can access the port, or otherwise impeding movements could make it difficult for ships to plan visits to Lisbon, or cause challenges with offer shore excursion opportunities for guests to enjoy. If this becomes too difficult, cruise lines may simply drop Lisbon as a port of call.

Cruising to Lisbon

Lisbon is a popular destination for both western Mediterranean and northern European cruise itineraries, as well as a common stopover for Canary Island voyages, depending on the voyage’s point of origin. Many transatlantic cruises also include a port visit to Lisbon.

In January 2024 – one of the slower months of the year for the cruise port – ten ship visits are scheduled, including vessels from P&O Cruises, Cunard Line, TUI Cruises, and MSC Cruises, as well as other lines.

Lisbon Cruise port
Lisbon Cruise Port

The spring, summer, and autumn months are the busiest for Lisbon and include calls from both large and small lines, including Disney Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, and more.

More Ports Imposing Fees

Cruise travelers are accustomed to port fees and taxes, which can often add up to $100 (USD) or more per passenger on each sailing, depending on the length of the itinerary, the number of ports visited, and what fees are charged. Different destinations may use different fee structures depending on the size of a cruise ship, how long it will be in port, and how busy the docking schedule may be.

As more ports add these fees, however, the costs are quickly adding up and may become insurmountable for budget-conscious travelers, particularly families and groups.

Just recently, the Mexican state of Quintana Roo – home to the popular destinations of Costa Maya and Cozumel – Proposed adding a $5 per person cruise traveler tax beginning in January 2025.

Meanwhile, authorities in Scotland are also pushing for new taxes on cruise ships, though details have not yet been determined.

Elsewhere in Europe, Amsterdam is hiking tax rates on cruise tourists and will soon have some of the highest of such fees anywhere in the European Union, including higher than those proposed for Lisbon, Portugal.

Will ever-increasing cruise fees make you reconsider your cruise plans or destinations? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

Carnival’s Huge Texas Ship Will Feature New Party and Show

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Carnival’s Huge Texas Ship Will Feature New Party and Show

The new Carnival Jubilee has a great deal to celebrate as she begins sailing from Texas, and guests will celebrate in a truly larger-than-life way with a brand new, exclusive party that will take over the ship’s Lido Deck on each sailing, as well as a new interactive production show.

The new Lone Star Tailgate is a Texas-themed event found only on the new ship, and further cements Carnival Cruise Line’s connection to the Lone Star State.

Lone Star Tailgate Party Coming to Carnival Jubilee

Guests aboard Carnival Jubilee are in for a fantastic time with a new, exclusive party that will be held on every sailing of the new ship as she begins service from Galveston, Texas.

Carnival Cruise Line has announced the Lone Star Tailgate party, an even that is carefully organized to showcase and celebrate all things Texas.

“The Lone Star Tailgate isn’t just a party – it’s a celebration of family, fun and fierce competition,” said Chris Nelson, vice president of entertainment for Carnival Cruise Line.

The party is organized as a three-hour celebration divided into four quarters, just like a football game – events that are a huge part of true Texas culture.

“We have created Carnival University, a fictitious university in the heart of Texas. It’s the big game night and we are throwing a tailgate party for the whole family,” said Nelson. “The activities, from races and challenges to a party band celebrating Texas born musical artists, put a fresh take on our crowd-pleasing fun.”

Details of the event haven’t been revealed, but are sure to include touches such as rodeo and country fairground themes, Texas-themed games, and giveaways, as well as appropriate food and celebratory souvenir drinks – perhaps served in fun cowboy boot or similarly-themed glasses.

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship
Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship

The tailgate party will happen once per sailing, and while the schedule may vary, Carnival Cruise Line typically plans these types of events for sea days when all guests will be able to join in.

While all Carnival cruise ships offer a variety of deck parties, some vessels do have exclusive themed parties. For example, Carnival Venezia has a special “Venetian Mask Night” party that includes the iconic masks that are a part of the ship’s unique culture.

More Texas Touches

In addition to the tailgate party, Carnival Jubilee has a wide range of other touches of Texas found onboard. The first was revealed when the ship was floated out in July 2023 and showed off her Texas Star bow decoration for the first time.

“The Texas star on Carnival Jubilee’s bow is a symbol of our commitment to the Port of Galveston,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, when the bow was revealed. “As the first cruise line to sail year-round from Galveston, we have a long history with the community.”

Also onboard are special touches like music from Texas artists, including the Backyard Band mixing Texas tunes with party music at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse. Texas-themed trivia and games are also sure to be part of the activities lineup onboard Carnival Jubilee.

New Interactive Production Show

Also new onboard is a live show, “Dear Future Husband” that is exclusive to Carnival Jubilee. Described as an “interactive pop musical” the show follows a bride and groom through a wedding adventure, appropriately set aboard a cruise ship.

The happy couple and their best friends work through various crazy scenes in four acts, featuring top pop hits like like “Marry You” by Bruno Mars, “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5 and “Man! I Feel like a Woman!” by Shania Twain.

Carnival Cruise Line "Dear Future Husband" Show
Carnival Cruise Line “Dear Future Husband” Show

After the show ends, the party begins, and guests are invited to join in the wedding reception festivities as they dance the night away and interact with the show’s cast members. The uniquely themed party includes a first dance for the newlyweds, the iconic garter toss, a toast to the new couple, and more, all along with additional top song hits.

Also onboard Carnival Jubilee are many other entertainment options worth celebrating, including the “Family Feud Live” and “Deal or No Deal” interactive game shows, a variety of live musicians, the Punchliner comedy club, Dive-In Movies at the Seaside Theater, and much more.

Carnival Jubilee is arriving in Galveston on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, with a Texas-sized welcome party hosted by Port of Galveston. The ship will depart on her first sailing on Saturday, December 23, beginning her 7-night Western Caribbean cruises with visits to Roatan Island in Honduras as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico.

Disney Cruise Line Will Return to Catalina Island

Lissa Poirot
-
0
Disney Cruise Line Will Return to Catalina Island

Disney Cruise Line marks a renewed commitment to one of Southern California’s most cherished destinations in its spring 2024 and 2025 voyages.

Disney Is Returning to the Isle of Romance

Announcing a return to Catalina Island, known as the “Isle of Romance,” Disney Cruise Line will bring back Disney Wonder to the only permanently inhabited island among California’s eight Channel Islands. 

In the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Disney Wonder will integrate Catalina Island in its 3- and 4-night Baja Cruises, departing from its homeport in San Diego and visiting Ensenada, Mexico. Prices for these cruises start at $1,796 for a 3-night sailing for two guests and $2,244 for the 4-night itinerary, with a similar offering planned for spring 2025.

Jose Fernandez, vice president, port strategy, development and operations, Disney Cruise Line, expressed enthusiasm for the return, saying, “It’s a special destination that’s filled with charm, unique experiences, culture, and history. We know our guests will enjoy exploring the island, whether they’re connecting with nature, sightseeing, shopping, or dining.”

Disney Magic and Catalina Island
Disney Magic and Catalina Island (Photo Courtesy: Catalina Island)

Situated 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina was previously a port stop aboard Wonder’s “Mexican Cruise,” which visited various Mexican locales, including Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Also originating from San Diego, these Pacific Coast sailings became a highlight for many travelers and have led to the announcement of plans to return. 

Disney’s Warm Welcome Extended

Disney’s relationship with Catalina Island dates back to Disney Wonder’s initial visit to the Port of Avalon in the spring of 2022, followed by another season in spring of 2023. Disney Magic also made its inaugural visit in fall 2023.

During this visit, Avalon Mayor Anni Marshall and Jim Luttjohan, president and CEO of Love Catalina, the island’s tourism authority, presented a plaque and key to the ship as a symbol of their ongoing partnership.

Disney Magic and Catalina Island
Disney Magic and Catalina Island (Photo Courtesy: Catalina Island)

“We were honored to be chosen as an inaugural port of call for Disney Magic and look forward to welcoming Disney Cruise Line to Catalina for many years to come,” said Luttjohan. “We welcome and value Disney guests. We find that many cruisers who first visit by sea, often return for the island’s warm weather, sparkling blue waters, colorful structures and untouched green preserve that offers a truly unique Mediterranean vibe.”

Catalina’s Rich History and Exciting Adventures

William Wrigley Jr., famous for his chewing gum empire, acquired Catalina Island in 1919. He transformed the port city of Avalon into a sought-after resort destination. Notably, in 1972, the island’s conversancy began a significant preservation effort. Today, 88 percent of the island is protected, including the region’s longest publicly accessible undeveloped coastline.

This commitment to conservation ensures that the island’s natural beauty and landmarks, such as the Catalina Casino, home to the Avalon Theater, Catalina Island Museum, Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens, Eagle’s Nest Lodge, Nature Center at Avalon Canyon, and Mount Orizaba, the island’s highest peak, remain pristine for future visitors.

Disney Cruise Line enhances the Catalina experience with unique port adventures, such as parasailing, seal safari cruises, undersea expeditions, a zip line eco tour, and a Catalina Aerial Adventure.

Currently enjoying its first season sailing in Australia and New Zealand, the 83,000-ton, 1,750-passenger Disney Wonder is set to return to the United States in spring 2024, ready to reintroduce its guests to the wonders of Catalina Island.

Carnival Cruise Line Joins First-Ever Partnership in Texas

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Carnival Cruise Line Joins First-Ever Partnership in Texas

Just as Carnival Jubilee is slated to arrive in the Lone Star State for her much-anticipated debut, Carnival Cruise Line has partnered with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as the Rodeo’s Official Cruise Line. This is the first-ever cruise line partnership in the event’s history and is a great addition to Carnival’s commitment to Texas.

Carnival Cruise Line Joins Rodeo Partnership

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced the partnership on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 – the day before Carnival Jubilee is scheduled to arrive in Texas. The new partnership begins in 2024 and will extend through 2026, even as Carnival Jubilee is homeported year-round in the Lone Star State.

“Carnival Cruise Line will be the Rodeo’s first Official Cruise Line in the event’s history,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO. “We are grateful to have such a great sponsor involved in this outstanding event and look forward to seeing Carnival on Rodeo grounds.”

The partnership includes the cruise line’s sponsorship of the Rodeo’s Cowboy Cam, an in-stadium “fan cam” that offers candid moments with fans at each event. Carnival Cruise Line will also have a physical presence at Rodeo events, as well as offering prizes – including a Carnival cruise giveaway. Details of the vacation giveaway and other prizes have not yet been announced.

Carnival Cruise From Galveston
Carnival Cruise From Galveston (Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock)

By homeporting Carnival Jubilee from Texas with a gigantic star on her bow, Carnival Cruise Line has already demonstrated its commitment to the Lone Star State, but this partnership shows even more dedication to the region and everything that makes Texas unique.

“This partnership comes at an exciting time for us, as we debute Carnival Jubilee in Texas this month, we’ve proudly adorned this ship with a Texas Star on its bow as a symbol of our commitment to cruising from Texas,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line.

“We’ve enjoyed many great partnerships here over the past two decades and we’re delighted to now become an official part of the world-famous rodeo. Just like at the Rodeo, at Carnival, we pride ourselves on bringing people together and creating lifelong memories, making this partnership a perfect match.”

About the Rodeo

The Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show began in 1932, showcasing and promoting agriculture with the annual 3-week event. A variety of events are part of the show, including live music performances, livestock awards, vendor booths, carnival games and rides, a parade, and many rodeo activities, including a calf scramble, bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, horse shows, and more.

The Rodeo is also heavily involved in charitable organizations, as well as local education and scholarships. In 2023, the show contributed more than $22.5 million toward scholarships, educational programs, and graduate assistantships.

In addition to Carnival Cruise Line as the Official Cruise Line of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show, the event has many other notable sponsors and partners.

Carnival’s Connection to Texas

As America’s Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line has the longest relationship of any cruise line with Texas, having begun sailing from the Lone Star State year-round in 2001.

Now, with Carnival Jubilee just hours from arriving in Galveston, Carnival’s commitment to Texas is bigger than ever, with the 182,800-gross-ton, Excel-class ship set to offer 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries visiting Roatan, Honduras as well as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico on each sailing. Port order may vary based on departure date or port operations.

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship
Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship

Carnival Jubilee is not the only Carnival ship sailing from Galveston, however. Also homeported from Texas are Carnival Dream and Carnival Breeze, both 128,000-gross-ton, Dream-class vessels.

Carnival Dream offers 6-night Western Caribbean cruises that visit ports such as Roatan, Costa Maya, Belize City, and Cozumel, depending on the sailing date. The ship also offers 8-night Eastern Caribbean sailings that visit Key West, Florida and several ports of call in the Bahamas.

Carnival Breeze offers shorter 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean getaways to Cozumel, Progreso, and Costa Maya, with the exact ports depending on the departure date.

All three ships are slated to remain sailing from Galveston at least through April 2026. Itineraries after that date have not yet been announced by the cruise line, but no matter what happens, Carnival Cruise Line is sure to continue offering amazing fun sailings from the Lone Star State.

Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels in Favor of Full Ship Charter

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels in Favor of Full Ship Charter

Guests looking forward to their February 6, 2025 sailing aboard Norwegian Joy are now disappointed to learn that the sailing has been cancelled for a full ship charter.

Norwegian Joy Cruise Cancelled

Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests and travel partners to notify them of the cancellation of Norwegian Joy‘s February 6, 2025 departure.

“We are committed to providing exceptional vacation experiences, both aboard our ships and by taking our guests to some of the most sought-out destinations around the world. As a result of a full ship charter, Norwegian Joy’s sailing on February 6, 2025 has been cancelled,” the notification email read. “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”

The impacted cruise is a 5-night Mexican Riviera itinerary with ports of call in Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles.

While guests will be understandably disappointed in the cancellation, the cruise is more than a year away. This gives travelers plenty of time to choose a different cruise or make alternative travel plans so they can still enjoy a fun getaway.

Norwegian Joy is one of the largest ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, able to welcome 3,883 passengers on each sailing (double occupancy), with 1,700 international crew members on board to ensure everyone has a joyous cruise.

Norwegian Joy Cruise
Norwegian Joy Cruise (Photo Credit: Just dance)

Because the cruise line has cancelled the sailing, all guests are receiving full refunds back to the original form of payment. These refunds will be processed from Norwegian Cruise Line within 30 days, but individual financial institutions may have different processing times.

If a guest used a future cruise credit for the now-cancelled cruise, the full amount of the credit will be automatically returned to their Latitudes loyalty account, with no further action required.

As further compensation for the cancellation, Norwegian Cruise Line is giving all guests a 10% discount in the form of a future cruise credit that may be used toward any published sailing through December 31, 2025. These new credits will be available for use from December 25, 2023.

More Cruises May Be Cancelled

While the information provided only applies to Norwegian Joy‘s February 6, 2025 cruise, it is possible that several cruises around the same time period may actually be impacted.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s booking engine on their official website does not show any available sailings for the 167,725-gross-ton, Breakaway-Plus-class vessel during February 2025.

Originally, there were three cruises aboard Norwegian Joy during that month – the February 6 departure, as well as a 16-night cruise from Los Angeles to Miami departing on February 11, 2025. That cruise includes a Panama Canal transit and calls in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, and Grand Cayman before arriving in Miami on February 27.

Similarly, the February 27 departure from Miami – a 4-night Bahamas cruise visiting Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay – is not available for reservations on the cruise line’s website.

Norwegian Joy Open Deck
Norwegian Joy Open Deck

While these cruises may indeed be chartered and therefore unavailable for new bookings, it is also possible they may be sold out with no further space available for reservations to be made.

Cruise lines do not generally reveal what groups arrange for full-ship charter sailings, as the charter organization handles the bookings. Music festival organizers, lifestyle groups, business corporations, and other large groups often arrange charter cruises to bring their members together for amazing getaways.

Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships – Newest to Oldest

Guests who are not part of charter sailings but have their cruises cancelled because of a new charter arrangement generally have no recourse about the cancellation, just as guests have no choice if a cruise line cancels a cruise for changes in dry dock schedules, ship redeployments, or other operational reasons.

More From Cruise Hive

Most cruise lines try to make such arrangements well before sailing dates, giving passengers plenty of time to choose another cruise or make alternative travel plans if they prefer.

Recently, Royal Caribbean International cancelled two cruises aboard two different ships for full-ship charter sailings, both of which are in 2024. Many other cruise lines also have charter sailings from time to time, and such arrangements are not unusual.

104 Cruise Ships Visiting Popular Caribbean Island Through December

Catie Kovelman
-
0
104 Cruise Ships Visiting Popular Caribbean Island Through December

The Dominican Republic is ending the year with a bang. The popular Caribbean destination will have welcomed a record number of tourists by the end of December 2023 and is celebrating the debut of five new cruise ships sailing to the country for the first time during this month. 

Five New Ships Arrive In The The Dominican Republic 

December 2023 has proven to be a busy travel month in the Dominican Republic. When all is said and done, the Caribbean nation will have welcomed hundreds of thousands of cruisers by the end of the month. 

According to the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM), 104 cruise ships will arrive in the provinces of Puerto Plata, Samaná, La Romana, and the National District during December 2023. 

Tuesday, December 19, is expected to see the largest amount of cruise traffic in the country to date, with eight ships sailing through Taíno Bay, Amber Cove, and Samaná terminals simultaneously.

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady, Carnival Vista, Carnival Celebration, Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas, and Norwegian Encore are expected in Puerto Plato and Amber Cove, while AidAdvida, Explora 1, and Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam will dock at Semana’s tender pier. 

Not only is the country receiving a record number of cruise ships during the month, but five of the cruise ships are sailing to the Dominican Republic for the first time.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock)

Norwegian Prima, Celebrity Ascent, Oceania Vista, and Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Sea already made their debuts earlier in December 2023. Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady will be the last ship to make its debut with a scheduled arrival on December 26. 

Brilliant Lady will sail to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I.; and San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of a five-night holiday sailing beginning in Miami, Florida, on Christmas Eve. 

Explorer of the Seas will return to the Dominican Republic two more times in late December and early January 2024 as part of its nine-night Eastern Caribbean holiday cruises, but the other ships will not be returning until later in the new year. 

The Dominican Republic Celebrates Record Number of Visitors in 2023

The 104 cruise ships sailing to the Dominican Republic is a welcomed increase from past years, spelling good news for the nation’s economy. Looking back at the past December months, the country welcomed 76 cruise ships in 2019 and 97 in 2022.

Cruise Ships in the Dominican Republic
Cruise Ships in the Dominican Republic (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock)

“Cruise passengers who arrive in our country will have the opportunity to explore the natural and cultural beauties of these destinations, and at the same time they will consolidate the economy by promoting tourism for our population and even interaction with businesses and services in the area,” says Jean Luis Rodríguez, executive director of the Dominican Port Authority.

This is the icing on the cake for a great year of tourism in the Dominican Republic. The Caribbean nation welcomed more than 7 million tourists during the first three-quarters of 2023, a record number marking a 25% increase in visitors over the same time period in 2022.

Read Also: Amber Cove, Dominican Republic – Everything You Need to Know

Cruise guests account for over 1.5 million of these visitors, with hundreds of thousands more expected during December. This number surpasses the 1.1 million cruise vacationers the country welcomed in 2019. 

By the end of the year, the country expects more than 10 million visitors (combining those coming from land and from the sea), exceeding the country’s previous record of 7.5 million tourists in 2019, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Dominican Ministry of Tourism. 

What Are the Worst Months to Cruise the Caribbean?

Emrys Thakkar
-
0
What Are the Worst Months to Cruise the Caribbean?

One of the unique features of the Caribbean Sea is that it is suitable for cruises throughout the year. In fact, that is a significant reason why it is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world!

That said, there are better times to schedule your trip than others. Like anywhere else, you want to ensure great Caribbean cruise weather and calm sea conditions, and you want to encounter as few crowds as possible when booking your vacation.

The worst months to visit the Caribbean are the mid-summer months of June, July, and August. You might think that these warm, sunny months would be ideal, but June, July, and August are peak hurricane months and the worst months to cruise the Caribbean. Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to consider before booking your cruise.

Avoid disappointment by using this guide to learn which months you should try to avoid. Let’s get started!

In This Article:

What Should You Try to Avoid When Planning a Caribbean Cruise?

Before we nail down which specific months are best to avoid, explaining the factors that could impact a Caribbean cruise is useful. Not only will this help you learn why certain months should be avoided, it will give you a greater understanding of conditions in the Caribbean.

A year in the Caribbean is loosely divided into two primary seasons – the dry season and the wet season. Sure, they still experience the same four seasons that any other region would, but conditions are far less pronounced than what separates the wet and dry seasons. 

As the names suggest, the Caribbean experiences the most precipitation in the wet season, while the dry season is far less rainy. The wet season usually runs from the beginning of May until the end of October. As you’d expect, the dry season runs from November until roughly midway through April.

Caribbean Cruise Destination
Caribbean Cruise Destination (Photo Credit: Iren Key)

Along with more precipitation, the wet season also brings much higher daytime temperatures. While some people might enjoy the heat, it can be uncomfortable if you are not used to it. This is particularly true for the higher humidity levels you usually get during the peak wet season. 

Read Also: When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?

Assuming you want to enjoy the sunshine and clear skies, the Caribbean is famous for, it only makes sense that you would want to avoid booking your Caribbean cruise during these wet season months.

In the Caribbean, peak rainfall usually occurs during mid-summer, so any local would tell you to avoid booking a cruise during these summer months.

Avoiding Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

As more precipitation, higher temperatures, and increased humidity levels were not enough to put you off booking during the wet season, this is also when the Caribbean is under the most significant threat of experiencing a hurricane or major tropical storm. 

Hurricanes and major storms often cause cruise ships to alter their itineraries. While many will try to continue the voyage while avoiding the storm, it is not always possible.

Even though it is pretty unlikely, there is always the risk that your cruise vacation will be cancelled or postponed if a major hurricane or tropical storm strikes.

Hurricane in the Caribbean
Hurricane in the Caribbean

Even if the voyage goes as planned, storms can result in port closures, rough seas, cloudy days, heavy rainfall, and many other factors that could impact your cruising experience. Not only that, but severe storms and hurricanes can also ground flights for days at a time, which could affect your travel plans. 

While it is true that the severity and timing of hurricanes and tropical storms can vary from year to year, June, July, and August have continually proven to be the months when they are the most frequent and destructive.

It is no coincidence that peak hurricane and storm season also lands in the heart of the wet season, another reason these months are best avoided. 

Sea Conditions

While it may sound obvious that the Caribbean Sea would become rougher and choppier during storms and hurricanes, you may be surprised to learn that rough waters are pretty typical throughout the wet season, even without a severe weather event.

While modern cruise ships are designed to be incredibly stable, some passengers will still experience some degree of motion in rough waters even as they navigate rough waters. This is particularly true for passengers who are more sensitive to motion sickness.

Tropical Storm Cruises
Photo Credit: Toni Arsovski / Shutterstock

Not only will the calmer waters of the dry season help you enjoy a more comfortable experience while you are on board the ship, but the tranquil Caribbean Sea is truly a beautiful sight.

When you can look out from the ship at calm coastlines and endless turquoise waters that look completely still, you can understand why the Caribbean is one of the world’s premier cruising destinations.

Other Considerations

Since the wet season is less desirable than the dry season, it does mean that fewer cruise lines plan voyages during the summer as it’s not peak tourist season.

While the low season can mean fewer tourists and less crowded ports, it also means your options are pretty limited when booking. If there are specific dates that you plan on traveling, you may find it somewhat challenging to find the exact type of cruise experience you are looking for.

Bad Weather at CocoCay
Bad Weather at CocoCay (Photo Credit: dnaveh)

Then, of course, there is also the risk that hurricanes and storms could result in itinerary changes or departure delays. Even on a smaller scale, storms and heavy rainfall can make it far less enjoyable to explore ports of call or sign up for excursions. 

If you book your cruise vacation during the wet season, you’ll have to be flexible and understand that parts of the itinerary can change at the last minute. If this isn’t for you, you’ll want to book during the dry season.

So, What Are the Worst Months to Cruise the Caribbean?

While we have clarified that the dry season (November to April) offers many advantages over cruising the Caribbean during the wet season (May to October), we still have not nailed down which specific months are the worst. 

While everything is subjective regarding traveling, it is clear that peak hurricane season months are the worst months to cruise the Caribbean. This means the mid-summer months of June, July, and August.

Bad Weather in Grand Turk
Bad Weather in Grand Turk (Photo Credit: Lisa Bronitt)

While things vary from year to year, we would highly recommend avoiding these months if you can. Rather than risk disruptive weather, sweltering heat and humidity, and potential itinerary changes, do yourself a favor and try to book during the first months of the dry season. 

That said, it is worth stressing that the Caribbean is a year-round cruise destination. If you want to risk cruising during the worst months for scheduling or financial reasons, there is still an excellent chance that you will enjoy yourself!

Even during the least desirable months, the Caribbean Sea can still be a stunning setting for a cruise vacation. You just have to be comfortable with the fact that you are taking a risk. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the cheapest time to book a Caribbean cruise vacation? 

Booking during the off-peak season will almost always be the cheapest time to book. For the Caribbean, this means booking between June and September. Unfortunately, these cheaper fares and rock-bottom deals also have a higher risk of rainfall, clouds, rough seas, and hurricanes.

We recommend booking during the shoulder months if you want to save money but still avoid the worst Caribbean weather. Both May and November are beautiful months in the Caribbean, and they are also months when prices tend to be a little lower than they are between December and April.

Like any other cruise vacation, there are also ways you can book a Caribbean cruise for less if you know how to check for price drops. 

How many tropical storms and hurricanes does the Caribbean get each year? 

While the exact number of storms and hurricanes the Caribbean experiences will vary yearly, the region tends to get an average of ten tropical storms yearly. Of these major storms, an average of six will develop into full-blown hurricanes. 

Unfortunately, hurricanes are just a fact of life for those living in the Caribbean Islands. With that said, you can usually avoid running into one if you book your cruise vacation during the dry season (late November to late April).

Final Words 

If we could offer any advice, it would be to avoid booking your Caribbean cruise during the middle of the summer. With that said, you should always weigh up the risks and benefits for yourself. What might not work for some travelers could be the best time for you to travel.

Worth Reading: Are Cruises Safe? What You Really Need to Know

Some people can only get away during the summer months, while others face budget restrictions that prevent them from booking during the more expensive months. 

When booking your Caribbean cruise, just be prepared for that type of weather. More importantly, go into your trip with a positive attitude, and we can almost guarantee you will still enjoy yourself!

1...464465466...613Page 465 of 613