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Overboard From Royal Caribbean Ship Has Successful Rescue

Melissa Mayntz
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Overboard From Royal Caribbean Ship Has Successful Rescue

An individual who went overboard from a Royal Caribbean ship was quickly rescued off the west coast of Spain on Sunday night, thanks to the fast actions of the ship’s crew.

The incident occurred on Symphony of the Seas, on the first night of the ship’s repositioning sailing after ending her Mediterranean cruise season.

Person Overboard From Symphony of the Seas

Guests onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas have reported the “Oscar! Oscar! Oscar!” emergency call heard just after 11 p.m. on Sunday night, October 29, 2023.

This emergency call signifies a person overboard, and warrants immediate attention for all crew members. The Oasis-class ship began turning right away, and was diverted from its course for approximately one hour while the water was searched for the overboard individual.

Shortly afterward, the ship’s captain announced that the rescue had been successful and the individual was receiving appropriate care in the ship’s medical center. Their overall condition was not announced.

The incident happened approximately halfway between Barcelona and Valencia, Spain. Symphony of the Seas had departed Barcelona at 5 p.m., with Valencia as its first destination on the 14-night transatlantic cruise that will bring the ship to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the winter Caribbean season.

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys)

No details have been released about the person overboard, and it is unknown whether the individual is a guest onboard or a crew member. Similarly, the person’s age, gender, and other identifying details have not been released so as to safeguard everyone’s privacy at this difficult time.

The circumstances of the overboard are not yet known, but a full investigation will be held to determine how the incident happened and whether or not any safety violations are noted. Support will likely be offered both to the individual and others close to them if necessary.

Symphony of the Seas has arrived in Valencia as planned for her port-of-call visit on Monday, October 30, and there should be no impact on the remainder of the ship’s itinerary. As she crosses the Atlantic Ocean, the ship will also call on Cadiz, Spain and Nassau in the Bahamas before arriving in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

From Fort Lauderdale, the 228,018-gross-ton ship will offer a variety of Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean itineraries through early May 2024, at which time she will move to New York to offer Bahamas cruises from the Big Apple through October 2024.

Symphony of the Seas can welcome 5,518 guests aboard at double occupancy, or as many as 6,680 passengers when fully booked with all berths filled. Also onboard are approximately 2,200 international crew members.

Other Overboard Incidents

Symphony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

Overboard incidents are not common on cruise ships considering the tens of thousands of travelers and crew members who safely sail each week, but such unfortunate events do happen.

In late July, a woman went overboard from Spectrum of the Seas while the ship was sailing to Singapore, and in April, an Australian man went overboard from Quantum of the Seas en route from Australia to Hawaii.

Overboard incidents are not limited to Royal Caribbean ships, of course. All cruise lines have needed to deal with such difficult incidents when sailing in any region of the world. Foul play, accidents, and intentional overboards all happen depending on individual circumstances and behaviors.

Read Also: What Happens During a Cruise Ship Overboard Alarm?

Cruise Ship Life Ring

When an overboard is reported, emergency operations are immediately initiated onboard the ship, and the closest local authorities are notified for assistance as needed. Search efforts may continue for several hours or even days, depending on local conditions and the expectations of survival.

Fortunately, an extended search was not required in this instance, and Cruise Hive commends the quick actions of the crew aboard Symphony of the Seas that led to this successful rescue.

New Dining Fee Introduced on Two Carnival Cruise Ships

Melissa Mayntz
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New Dining Fee Introduced on Two Carnival Cruise Ships

Carnival Cruise Line has updated its specialty dining fees with a new charge added to one popular venue aboard the cruise line’s two biggest ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. The new charge applies to dinner at Cucina del Capitano, the Italian eatery found on the Excel-class ships and a number of other ships in the Carnival fleet.

Free Meals Reduced at Dining Venue

Travelers setting sail aboard Mardi Gras or Carnival Celebration since the two ships debuted in July 2021 and November 2022, respectively, have been enjoying free lunches and dinners in the popular Cucina del Capitano restaurant, but new fees have now been added to dinnertime.

The minimal $8 fee applies only to dinner, and only after a guest’s first free dinner in the Italian restaurant. All passengers can continue to enjoy lunch in Cucina del Capitano as frequently as they wish on each cruise with no additional charges.

The addition of the fee is the same as was added to ChiBang, the unique dual-menu Chinese and Mexican restaurant onboard Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. That venue had an $8 fee added in April 2023 for every dinner after a first free dinner. At the time, the fee was a “test” that has obviously proven successful.

Cucina del Capitano offers an authentic Italian experience for guests, with Italy-inspired décor and family-style service in a homestyle atmosphere. Brick walls and metal accents provide a rustic feel, while photos of Carnival Cruise Line’s history and family photos from the line’s Italian officers give a personal and endearing touch to the space.

Cucina del Capitano Wall
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

The menu is infused with homemade touches from officers’ families, with delicious options to give every diner a true taste of Italy. Meatballs, minestrone, Caesar salads, risotto, veal, and of course a selection of amazing pastas are on the menu, along with sweet treats like gelato, lemon sorbet, and more.

The lunch menu is simpler with fewer selections, but still offers guests delicious choices for a range of preferences.

The restaurant has been a hit with guests, and was voted the best specialty dining venue of 2022 among all specialty restaurants on all ships and cruise lines by Cruise Hive readers.

Don’t Miss: Vote in the 2023 Cruise Hive Awards!

What About Onboard Carnival Jubilee?

Of special interest has been whether or not Cucina del Capitano would be a free venue when the new Carnival Jubilee debuts from Galveston in December 2023. The Italian restaurant was free with no restrictions on the number of lunch or dinner visits for the inaugural seasons of both Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.

Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has confirmed that Cucina del Capitano will be free onboard Carnival Jubilee, though the length of the “inaugural season” may vary.

Carnival Jubilee at Meyer Werft
Carnival Jubilee at Meyer Werft

“How long is the inaugural season? The answer is I really don’t know. It could be a year as it was on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration and it could be a bit less,” Heald explained.

There are several reasons why the restaurant is offered free when the ship debuts. With the popularity of a new shop, Carnival Jubilee is sure to be sailing at or over her double occupancy capacity of 5,282 passengers, and providing more free dining venues for mealtime seatings helps alleviate some crowding at the main dining rooms and buffet.

Furthermore, offering Cucina del Capitano for free gives guests the chance to try the new restaurant and spread the word about its deliciousness, which can encourage more reservations once a nominal fee is added.

In addition to being found aboard the cruise line’s three Excel-class ships, Cucina del Capitano is also a mainstay on Carnival Breeze, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Magic, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Sunshine, and Carnival Vista.

What Is a Nautical Mile and Why Are They Used?

Emrys Thakkar
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What Is a Nautical Mile and Why Are They Used?

Whether you are new to cruise vacations or a seasoned traveler, picking up on some of the maritime language and terminology is always nice. One term you will likely encounter during your time aboard the ship is “nautical mile.” 

Today, we will explain in detail what a nautical mile is so you can understand the meaning, historical origins, and relevance of the term for cruise vacations. We will also explain how it differs from a land mile. If you are ready to expand your understanding of nautical terminology, let’s jump right in!

In This Article:

What Is a Nautical Mile? 

In simple terms, a nautical mile is a basic unit of measurement based on longitude and latitude coordinates and the circumference of the earth that is used when traveling on the water. More specifically, it measures distances across the surface of bodies of water. Using longitude and latitude is more practical for long-distance travel, which is useful for cruise ships.

In terms of the actual distance covered by the term, a nautical mile refers to exactly one minute of latitude, which is 1/60th of a degree of latitude. As you may know, latitude lines run horizontally across the globe. They provide a reference point when measuring distances from north to south and vice versa. 

There are 360 degrees of latitude surrounding the globe, with each degree being further divided into 60 minutes. This allows for more precise measurements and makes it easier to describe a specific location. 

What Is the Difference Between a Nautical Mile and a Mile on Land? 

While it may sound slightly strange, it differs from a land mile, also known as a statute mile.

As mentioned, a nautical mile is exactly 1/60th of a degree of latitude, which measures 1.15 miles, or 6027 feet, on land. On the other hand, the type of mile you are more familiar with, the statute mile, measures 5280 feet.

1 Mile Marker Sign
1 Mile Marker Sign (Photo Credit: Kent Weakley)

So, aside from the fact that one is used to measuring distance on the water while the other is a unit of measurement for distances on land, nautical miles and statute miles also differ in length. This is because nautical miles are more practical over the water, as they consider the curvature of the planet Earth.

This is less important on land, but it can make a significant difference when accurately measuring distances and describing locations while traveling over the water. 

What Are the Origins of the Term Nautical Mile?

The term is hundreds of years old. In fact, the first recorded use of the term was in a 1637 booklet titled The Sea-Man’s Practice. Centuries ago, sailors would navigate oceans, seas, and other large bodies of water using an astrolabe and nautical charts.

This tool allowed them to measure the angle between the horizon and objects in the sky, like the sun, moon, or constellations of stars, for celestial navigation. This would allow them to determine their latitude and accurately calculate the distance they traveled. 

Vintage Measuring Tools
Vintage Measuring Tools (Photo Credit: Scorpp)

Since this method of calculating and plotting distance considered the curvature of the planet, they needed a new term. The nautical mile is the standard unit of measurement for any sort of long distance voyage over the water. 

Today, nautical miles can be measured much more precisely, but the basic concept behind the term remains, as does the name. 

What Is the Relevance of Nautical Miles for Cruise Ships?

Now that you understand the term, we can explain why this unit of measurement is essential for cruise ship itineraries. 

Since cruise voyages are meticulously planned for safety and efficiency purposes, it is important to plot the route using the most precise unit of measurement. Nautical miles are much more precise when measuring distances on the water. Since a maritime navigation crew needs to be able to calculate routes, estimate travel times, and accurately track the ship’s fuel consumption, the precise nature of the nautical mile is perfect. 

Cruise Ships in the Dominican Republic
Cruise Ships in the Dominican Republic (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock)

Since many cruise vacations involve visiting various ports of call at specific times, the nautical mile helps maritime navigation crews measure arrival times and distances more accurately. If you are interested, you may even find that the itinerary made available to passengers uses the term to describe the journey. 

It is also used for measuring a ship’s speed. Without this unit of measurement, measuring speed in knots would not be possible. 

Beyond being able to show off your understanding of maritime lingo, understanding the concept behind the term will also help you stay more tuned into the ship’s location and the progress of your voyage.

FAQs

Do all countries use nautical miles for navigation?

The nautical mile is considered the standard unit of measurement internationally, meaning all nations use it to some degree when at sea. While land-based distance measurements tend to vary between the metric and imperial systems, the international nautical mile is used everywhere. 

How would you convert nautical miles to statute miles or kilometers?

If you want a more relatable understanding of the distance a ship has traveled, it is relatively easy to convert nautical miles to your preferred, land-based unit of measurement. While it will not be 100% accurate, a simple calculation will get you pretty close.

To convert nautical miles to statute miles, multiply the number of nautical miles by 1.15078. If you prefer the metric system, you can convert it to kilometers by multiplying the number by 1.852. 

Are nautical miles only used when measuring distance on the water?

No, nautical miles are also used to a certain extent to explain aviation distance. Many airlines, hobby pilots, and air traffic control personnel will use it when measuring distance in the air. This is because the nautical mile offers a more accurate measurement, as it takes the planet Earth’s curvature into consideration. 

With that said, most airline passengers will only see distance measured in miles or kilometers, as it would be somewhat confusing to display nautical miles. 

Final Words

The nautical mile plays a vital role in navigation at sea. For cruise ships, it helps the crew maintain safe and precise itineraries. This tried and tested unit of measurement has been around for centuries, and it still continues to prove its worth to the present day.

Read Also: Decoding Distance – Statute Miles vs Nautical Miles

The next time you are relaxing on a cruise ship, make sure that you take some time to take in the view of the open water. Knowing that even the planet’s curvature needs to be considered when planning your voyage will help you appreciate the vastness of the ocean or sea you are traversing. It will also help you appreciate the skill and effort that goes into keeping you safe and satisfied on the water!

Another Royal Caribbean Ship Joins Australian Cruise Season

Melissa Mayntz
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Another Royal Caribbean Ship Joins Australian Cruise Season

Joining in on the biggest season Royal Caribbean International has every had in Australia, Quantum of the Seas has arrived back in Brisbane for a summer of sailings to top Australian and South Pacific ports. Three of the line’s ships are sailing Down Under for the season, and Quantum of the Seas is one of the largest.

Quantum of the Seas Arrives in Brisbane

Quantum of the Seas began her Australian summer season on Saturday, October 28, 2023, arriving in Brisbane after finishing her 17-night transpacific cruise from Hawaii and setting sail already on her first cruise from Queensland’s capital city. The 7-night South Pacific itinerary will call on Mystery Island and Vila in Vanuatu before returning to Brisbane on Saturday, November 4.

The 168,666-gross-ton, first-in-class ship is the second Royal Caribbean vessel to begin Down Under sailings for the 2023-2024 season. The much smaller, 90,090-gross-ton, Radiance-class Brilliance of the Seas began sailing from Sydney on October 22, 2023.

Quantum of the Seas will offer a variety of sailings ranging from 3-9 nights, calling on amazing destinations such as Airlie Beach, Cairns, Noumea, and Yorkeys Knob.

Quantum of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Shorter sailings include cruise-to-nowhere getaways that will give guests the chance to enjoy all the ship has to offer, including 20+ restaurants, the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, rock climbing, bumper cars, the Vitality Spa, and so much more.

“With the highly anticipated return of Quantum of the Seas to Brisbane, Royal Caribbean’s biggest and boldest season in Australia is in full swing,” said Gavin Smith, vice president and managing director of Australia and New Zealand, Royal Caribbean International.

“Quantum and its signature line-up of experiences for all ages and types of travelers became a fan favorite right away during its first season in Queensland, and in response to that popularity, now there are 25 itineraries to choose from that vary in length and destinations.”

Three Ships to Choose From

With cruising back in full force in Australia since the nation ended vaccination and mask mandates in August 2023, many cruise lines are gearing up for amazing seasons Down Under, and Royal Caribbean is no exception, with three ships to sail the South Pacific region for the next few months.

In addition to Quantum of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas, another Quantum-class vessel, Ovation of the Seas, will also be offering Australian itineraries.

Quantum of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

While Quantum of the Seas is offering sailings from Brisbane, both Brilliance of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas are homeported from Sydney. Ovation of the Seas will return on Friday, November 3, 2023, to begin her sailing season offering 3-11 night itineraries visiting outstanding destinations in New Zealand.

Together, the three ships are the “biggest and boldest” season Royal Caribbean has ever scheduled for Australian waters, and all three are ready to present eager travelers with amazing oceangoing getaways.

Spectacular Season Expected

Overall, Royal Caribbean is anticipating more than 115,000 guests over the Australian season on sailings from Brisbane aboard Quantum of the Seas – 15% higher than during the 2022-2023 season.

When adding in passenger counts from Brilliance of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, more than a quarter-million guests will set sail with Royal Caribbean from Australia this summer.

Each sailing helps support the robust tourism economy of Brisbane and Sydney, not only with passengers, but also by supplying the massive cruise ships. Over 74,800 kilograms (165,000 pounds) of Queensland bananas, 112,000 kilograms (247,000 pounds) of Queensland pineapples, and 341,400 kilograms (752,600 pounds) of Australian potatoes will be served onboard the three vessels this summer.

Royal Caribbean is also celebrating a new partnership with Australian-owned Ponting Wines, bringing a range of locally and sustainably sourced wines South Australia and Tasmania onboard. What a perfect way to raise a toast to the Australian sailing season!

Quest for Cruise Ship Limits at Alaska Port Continues

Robert McGillivray
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Quest for Cruise Ship Limits at Alaska Port Continues

The picturesque town of Sitka, Alaska, known for its scenic views and rich cultural heritage, is currently at the center of a debate surrounding the growing number of cruise ships and cruise ship guests that visit the town each summer. 

For the second time, Sitkan Larry Edwards is seeking to place the issue of visitor limits before the local electorate. The first time around, in September 2023, his petition was denied, as it was confusing, misleading, and incomplete. However, Edwards hopes to have a better chance after making several amendments in October 2023.

Record-Breaking Numbers Spur Action

This summer, Sitka witnessed a vast increase in cruise ship traffic, with vessels bringing in more than half a million guests. This number shattered the previous year’s record and more than doubled any other year’s count. While cruise tourism brings in a vast amount of revenue for local businesses, the petitioner believes that the city is now being overrun. 

Larry Edwards conveyed his concerns, stating to KCAW News: “So what this initiative is about is giving citizens relief from the high numbers we’ve had and getting things back to the normal we had back in the period of 2001 to 2009 when we had a period of high tourism that was very controversial but was stable. It was at a level that was good for business.”

Sitka Cruise Visitors
Sitka, Alaska (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte)

In September, with the support of over 40 co-sponsors, Edwards put forth a petition with a proposal to create a port district and cap the number of cruise visitors at 240,000 for the next summer season. The original petition, which had the support of 40 co-sponsors, was proposed in September 2023.

The petition also mentioned weekly and daily limits for guests. However, the proposition faced rejection in late September. Municipal Attorney Brian Hanson highlighted the reasons, noting that a port district’s establishment through a public vote wasn’t feasible as the assembly has authority over public assets like land. 

Hanson also pointed out ambiguities in the petition concerning how the visitor limits would be implemented, terming it as “confusing, misleading, and incomplete.”

Second Chance for Cruise Ship Limits in Sitka?

Edwards is now taking a second swing at the issue. On October 26, he submitted a revised petition. The core proposition of capping the visitors to 240,000 next summer remains unchanged. 

It would mean that every week, one day there would be space for one-half of Sitka’s population visiting the town by cruise ship (4,500pax), one-day one-third (3000pax), two days at one-quarter (2,250 pax), one-day one-fifth (1,800 pax), one-day one-tenth (900pax), and one day no ships would be allowed in the port.

Sitka Cruise Limits Proposal
Sitka Cruise Limits Proposal

The total number of visitors each year would be capped at 240,000 visitors from cruise ships would be allowed ashore in Sitka. Cruise ships would also need to apply for a visit permit to Sitka beforehand, making effective cruise itinerary planning challenging for cruise lines.

Instead of creating a port district, the new proposal also advocates for a “tourism” section in the Sitka General Code. The update elaborates on enforcement measures and outlines fines for vessels that exceed their permitted number of persons ashore.

Heavy Fines for Offending Cruise Ships

In the petition, ships that fail to procure the necessary permits, face a $5,000 penalty, with an added stipulation barring them from disembarking passengers until permits are obtained. A cruise ship that exceeds its allotted persons ashore will be fined $10,000 for the first offense and $25,000 for the second. 

A third violation results in the ship’s permit being removed and a year-long landing prohibition in Sitka. This count of offenses does not accumulate across a cruise line’s multiple ships.

Additionally, an unscheduled, non-emergency port call attracts a $25,000 fine, with the offending ship barred from port calls for a year.

Ovation of the Seas in Sitka, Alaska
Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean

With the city having a fortnight to deliberate and decide on the validity of the petition, the path ahead is interesting, as a successful petition could serve as an inspiration for groups looking to limit cruise ship visits elsewhere. For now, it seems that Edwards’s petition could stand a chance.

Addressing potential challenges, Edwards stated, “We’ll have to have a plan B. But as the city attorney said in his rejection letter, he said that the assembly could do what you’re trying to do here. So I think the next step is to put the pressure on the assembly and say, ‘Do something for us for next year.’”

Interestingly, if Edwards’ revised initiative gets the green light, the subsequent vote would only need about 550 signatures, down from the previously required 800. 

Limiting cruise ships visiting Sitka would mean a massive blow for cruise ships sailing to Alaska. The number of cruise ports available in Alaska is already limited, and Sitka has always been a hugely popular call. Finding suitable replacements will be nearly impossible. There will likely be a pushback from the cruise industry, dragging the issue out over a longer period.

Mobility Scooter Causes Fire Scare on P&O Cruise Ship

Robert McGillivray
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Mobility Scooter Causes Fire Scare on P&O Cruise Ship

The central hub of the P&O cruise ship Iona became a scene of commotion before its scheduled departure when a mobility scooter battery malfunctioned and sparked a fire, necessitating an immediate evacuation. Onboard fire detection equipment and the onboard crew were able to take action quickly, preventing any serious damage to the vessel or injury to guests.

If this wasn’t enough, Iona was involved in a maritime rescue later in the voyage, playing a significant role in rescuing several individuals from the frigid waters of the North Sea.

Mobility Scooter Incident on the Iona

Just before departing on a cruise from Southampton last week, Saturday, October 21, guests in the atrium of the P&O Cruises Excel-class cruise ship Iona witnessed an unexpected fire incident. As one guest made his way around the vessel on his mobility scooter, the device malfunctioned. 

This caused the scooter’s lithium battery to catch fire, sending smoke spiraling around the grand open space that is the epicenter of Iona.

The onboard detection systems and the vessel’s crew members were able to efficiently control and extinguish the blaze, according to a statement from a P&O spokesperson to The Mirror.

The P&O representative clarified: “There was a fire in Iona’s atrium which was caused by a lithium battery on a mobility scooter. Thankfully it was swiftly extinguished by our fire detection systems.”

Fire on P&O Iona
Fire on P&O Iona (Credit: Antonio Magtoto Lacson)

This unforeseen event occurred in the late afternoon, noted an anonymous guest aboard the ship. “The fire was a mobility scooter lithium battery. The atrium had to be evacuated, and crew worked hard to get everything back to normal. The battery was left in Southampton. It was more smoke than a fire.”

A video has been shared online, which shows several guests in the Atrium when a sudden spark emerged from the deck above, followed by screams and the activation of smoke alarms. Amidst the action, an older man with crutches was assisted by several individuals. 

Soon after the fire broke out, guests were evacuated as crew members ensured everyone was safe and accounted for. However, that wasn’t the only action guests onboard Iona experienced this past week. Just a few days later, the vessel found itself in the middle of a much more severe situation.

Iona Rescue Operation

Iona‘s cruise took another dramatic turn when, in the early hours of Tuesday, the 180,000 gross tons cruise ship responded to a maritime distress signal.

Unfortunately, the Verity sank, leaving one crew member dead, four missing, and two rescued. As she was near the accident, Iona participated in the search operations. The crew of Iona was widely praised for their composure and decisive action during the regrettable incidents with the Verity and the Polesie. 

Following the rescue operations, Iona was able to continue its cruise, sailing to Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Zeebrugge in Belgium, with a scheduled return to Southampton on October 28.

Iona‘s next cruise will head south to Portugal and Spain, visiting Vigo, Malaga, Alicante, Barcelona, Valencia, and Cadiz, Spain, and Lisbon, Portugal, returning to Southampton on November 11. Unlike her sistership Arvia, which has been built with warmer weather in mind, Iona will stay in Europe during the winter, sailing to Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands.

New Royal Caribbean Mega-Ship to Depart on Second Sea Trials

Robert McGillivray
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New Royal Caribbean Mega-Ship to Depart on Second Sea Trials

As the weekend approaches, the world’s largest cruise ship is all set to begin her second set of sea trials. Icon of the Seas set sail earlier this year on her first test voyage, with the vessel now being subjected to even more trials to ensure she is ready for her first voyage early next year. 

Icon of the Seas, the first of three Icon-class cruise ships Royal Caribbean International has on order, will sail from Miami, Florida, on seven-day cruises to the Caribbean. Subsequent Icon-class cruise ships will be launched in 2025 and 2026.

Icon of the Seas Second Round of Sea Trials

Meyer Turku, the shipyard in charge of constructing the largest cruise ship in history, revealed today that Icon of the Seas will be setting sail on its second set of sea trials this weekend, likely casting off from the dock on Saturday evening, October 27. 

When a ship departs for sea trials, it’s an important moment in its construction phase. Sea trials are paramount in evaluating various integral systems that cannot be inspected while the ship remains at the dock. The primary objective is to ensure every feature operates as intended before the official handover to the cruise line.

Meyer Turku wrote on its Facebook page: “We’ve been getting Icon ready for her second sea trials. Now it’s almost time to wish her a safe journey and succesful sea trials! Icon is scheduled to leave for the second sea trials this Saturday evening.”

Typically, there can be one or two sea trial sessions during the construction of a ship. The number and duration depend on the ship’s size, complexity, and any subsequent modifications or rectifications that might arise from the initial trial. 

In the case of Icon of the Seas, the first sea trials took place starting on June 19, 2023, spanning four days. This initial test assessed the vessel’s main engines, hull integrity, brake systems, and steering and observed noise and vibration levels. 

Although she cleared the sea trials with flying colors, the second round is often more rigorous, designed to challenge the ship’s performance and functionality. This would include achieving top speed, going from full speed to a dead stop, heavy maneuvers, and much more. 

From Steel to Sea

Construction of Icon of the Seas began with the ceremonial cutting of the first steel back in 2021, now more than two years ago. After the steel-cutting, the ship’s hull was laid down, and on January 23, 2023, she was floated out. Now, as she prepares for her second set of sea trials, her maiden voyage isn’t far away. 

On January 27, 2024, Icon of the Seas will depart from Miami, Florida, on her maiden seven-day cruise to the Caribbean. Guests will visit popular destinations like Basseterre, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas, as well as a day at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

After her inaugural voyage, the Icon-Class cruise ship will continue to sail on seven-night cruises, covering Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Western Caribbean routes include stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and in some cases, Roatan, Honduras. 

On Eastern Caribbean cruises, the ship will dock at Philipsburg in St. Maarten, Basseterre, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. All cruises will include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Tipping the scales at 250,800 gross tons, and with space for 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity, Icon of the Seas will be larger in size than the current largest cruise ships in the world, the Oasis-Class ships.

But she won’t be the lone giant for long. Star of the Seas is expected to accompany her in the summer of 2025, and a third yet-to-be-named Icon Class ship is on the horizon for 2026.

Disney Cruise Line Begins First-Ever Sailings in Australia

Melissa Mayntz
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Disney Cruise Line Begins First-Ever Sailings in Australia

For the first time in the line’s 25-year history, Disney Cruise Line has begun offering sailings from Australian and New Zealand homeports, bringing Disney’s special brand of oceangoing magic down under.

Disney Wonder is now offering a range of cruise itineraries and lengths in the region, and will remain sailing in the South Pacific through mid-February 2024.

Wonderful News for Down Under Cruises

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Disney Cruise Line enjoyed a momentous first as Disney Wonder departed from Sydney, Australia for the first time. This inaugural sailing is a 4-night itinerary that will visit Hobart, Tasmania, and give guests aboard two full days at sea to enjoy all the ship has to offer.

This first season of “Disney Magic at Sea” cruises highlights the growth of Disney Cruise Line and the popularity of cruises in Australia and New Zealand.

Disney Wonder will be offering cruises from 2-6 nights in length from three different Australian homeports: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The ship will also offer select departures from Auckland, New Zealand as well.

This diversity of homeports will give more travelers the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of a Disney cruise, and will gauge the popularity of the cruise line Down Under.

Disney Wonder Cruise Ship
Disney Wonder (Photo Credit: Ievgenii Bakhvalov / Shutterstock)

Depending on the sailing date and cruise length, Disney Wonder will be visiting such amazing ports as Hobart, Tasmania; Noumea, New Caledonia; and Eden, Australia. Many of the sailings are also cruises-to-nowhere or else moving between homeports but without port of call stops in between.

Read Also: What Is a Cruise to Nowhere?

The 84,130-gross-ton Disney Wonder is the cruise line’s second vessel, having joined the fleet in 1999 with Tinker Bell as godmother and Steamboat Willie, the iconic mermaid Ariel, and Donald Duck and his nephews adorning the bow, atrium, and aft of the ship, respectively.

Onboard, guests will find immersive, one-of-a-kind rotational dining experiences, phenomenal shows, charismatic theming, and more, including Funnel Vision movies, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, the Twist ‘n’ Spout waterslide, the Senses Spa & Salon, pools, and Mickey’s Splash Zone.

Disney Wonder can welcome 2,400 passengers aboard, with more than 900 international cast members to provide truly magical service and experiences for everyone.

After Australia

Disney Wonder‘s first season in Australia and New Zealand will be a short one, as the ship will depart for the final time on Friday, February 16, 2024. A 15-night transpacific sailing will take Disney Wonder to Honolulu, calling on ports in New Caledonia, Fiji, American Samoa, and Hawaii along the way.

From Honolulu, the second leg of Disney Wonder‘s return to North America is a 10-night Hawaiian cruise that will first visit Maui, Hilo, and Kauai before moving on to Vancouver, Canada, arriving on Monday, March 11, 2024.

Disney Wonder Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: cpaulfell / Shutterstock

Finally, the ship will move from Vancouver to San Diego to begin offering Baja and Mexican Riviera sailings for several weeks until beginning the 2024 Alaska sailing season in May.

Disney Wonder will return Down Under in October 2024 to once again offer “Disney Magic at Sea” sailings for the 2024-2025 Austral summer cruise season until February 2025.

More Options in Australia

The cruise season Down Under is heating up as the Southern Hemisphere days grow longer. Multiple cruise lines are offering Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific sailings both this year and for future southern summers, such as Princess Cruises committing to position the line’s flagship, Discovery Princess, from Sydney for the 2025-26 summer season.

This summer, Royal Princess has already debuted from Auckland, New Zealand – that ship’s first time Down Under, just as Disney Wonder is also making her debut.

Ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, and more are all offering cruises from Australia and New Zealand, providing ever more options for travelers eager to visit these dream destinations in a unique and diverse region of the world.

Huge Milestone for New Carnival Ship as Sea Trials Approach

Melissa Mayntz
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Huge Milestone for New Carnival Ship as Sea Trials Approach

Carnival Cruise Line’s upcoming Carnival Jubilee will mark an impressive milestone on Monday, October 30, 2023 as the vessel leaves the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and moves to Eemshaven on the River Ems in preparation for her upcoming sea trials.

This critical part of the ship’s construction will test her technical and safety systems and is essential before she can be handed over to Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival Jubilee to Move to the North Sea

Carnival Jubilee‘s transfer down the Ems from Papenburg to Eemshaven will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time on Monday, October 30, and the ship will pass Emden at the mouth of the river on the Wadden Sea at roughly 3:15 a.m. on Tuesday morning, October 31.

It must be noted that all times are approximations, and last-minute schedule changes may be necessary due to local winds and weather conditions, as well as water levels. There is no guarantee that the transfer, however carefully planned, will absolutely happen on this day until the ship is underway, and delays may also happen during the process.

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship at Meyer Werft
Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship at Meyer Werft (Photo Credit: Meyer Werft)

Two tugs will assist the 182,800-gross-ton, Excel-class vessel down the river to ensure safe maneuverability. Interestingly, at least part of the journey will be made with Carnival Jubilee in reverse as the ship moves toward the North Sea, which has proven to be successful and more maneuverable with different vessels.

The pilot brotherhood Emden will provide a team to carry out the ship’s transfer with cutting-edge technology, with the support of the Ems barrage to adjust water depth as necessary en route to ensure a smooth, safe passage.

Sea Trials Imminent

Once the ship has cleared passage along the river and entered the North Sea, her sea trials can begin. These rigorous tests will engage all of the ship’s critical systems – navigation, steering, propulsion, braking, turns, maneuverability, safety response, and more. These tests may take just a few days or as long as two weeks, depending on local conditions and the ship’s performance.

Carnival Jubilee Funnel Installation
Carnival Jubilee Funnel Installation

The purpose of sea trials is to ensure a vessel is certified as fully operational and ready to be handed over to the cruise line, as the shipyard’s role will then be finished and the ship’s construction complete.

Once the sea trials are finished, Carnival Jubilee will be one very important step closer to her planned December 23, 2023 debut from Galveston, Texas.

First German-Built Carnival Ship

Of special note is the fact that Carnival Jubilee is the first cruise ship to be built in Germany for Carnival Cruise Line. The Meyer Werft shipyard built Carnival Jubilee‘s sister ships – Mardi Gras (2021) and Carnival Celebration (2022), but both earlier vessels were constructed at the Turku, Finland shipyard rather than the facility in Papenburg, Germany.

The German shipyard has also built notable ships for other cruise lines, including Disney Wish and the upcoming Disney Treasure, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, and ships for AIDA Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises, and many more.

All three Excel-class ships are the largest in the Carnival fleet at approximately 183,000 gross tons and with passenger capacities of 5,282 at double occupancy and as many as 6,465 when fully booked with all berths filled. The ships are all powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making them cleaner and more fuel-efficient than conventionally-powered ships.

Once Carnival Jubilee joins the fleet in December, she will homeport year-round from Galveston offering 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries visiting Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico as well as Roatan, Honduras. Each sailing will also offer several days at sea so guests can enjoy all the new ship has to offer.

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