Disney Cruise Line announced a significant progress update for Disney Treasure, marking a key milestone in her construction. The final block, which will house several key components of the vessel, has been put in place, an important step in the ship’s assembly.
The achievement signals the completion of structural construction of the vessel, which will now enter a new stage, the interior outfitting of the vessel, which is due to start sailing one year from now, on December 21, 2024.
Disney Treasure Structure Completed
Disney Treasure has reached another important stage in the construction phase as the last large block has been put into place at the Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany.
This part of the ship is set to feature exclusive areas like the Quiet Cove, an adults-only retreat, and Hero Zone, a dynamic sports arena combining physical activity with imaginative experiences.
Modern cruise ships are nearly entirely built up from large steel blocks that are put together like a puzzle. These are often constructed by outside contractors and shipped to the shipyard just in time to be put on to the new vessel. This means that shipyards such as Meyer Werft can build a vessel much faster than what was possible in the past.
With the structural work now completed, the shipyard will start focusing on the next step in the construction of Disney Treasure, preparing her for the maiden voyage scheduled for December 21, 2024. Disney Treasure will be based in Port Canaveral, Florida, and sail on seven-night cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean.
Disney Treasure Construction
The maiden voyage and future western Caribbean cruises sail from Port Canaveral to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Castaway Cay, Bahamas, with some cruises replacing St. Thomas with San Juan, Puerto Rico.
While Disney’s Lighthouse Point, the cruise line’s newest private island resort, is opening in June 2024, there are currently no cruises available where Disney Treasure sails to Lighthouse Point. Western Caribbean cruises onboard will sail to Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.
Construction of Disney Treasure Progressing Steadily
Disney Treasure‘s construction has been progressing steadily since the steel-cutting ceremony on January 19, 2023. On March 30, 2023, the keel was laid down, involving the placement of a newly minted coin under the ship’s keel for good fortune.
Disney Treasure Cruise Ship
Key components have been installed throughout the year, including the Floating Engine Room Unit (FERU) and the ship’s bow. The bridge block, essential for navigation and control, was added on June 26, 2023.
Another highlight was the installation of the iconic forward and aft funnels, integral to the ship’s aesthetic and functional design, earlier this month on December 5. These funnels house unique attractions, like the AquaMouse and the Tomorrow Tower Suite.
Disney Treasure Design and Features
As the sister ship to Disney Wish, launched in 2022, Disney Treasure shares several features with its predecessor. The ship’s design, inspired by Walt Disney’s passion for travel, promises an air of grandeur and adventure, which features themes from Aladdin, Moana, and many more Disney favorites.
The 144,000 gross-ton Disney Treasure will accommodate 4,000 guests in 1,254 cabins, supported by a 1,555-member crew.
Disney Treasure is the second LNG-powered ship in the Wish-class series, which includes Disney Wish and a third unnamed vessel set to enter service in 2025.
Carnival Cruise Line announced it is enhancing its Seuss at Sea program, adding space-themed fun in collaboration with Kennedy Space Center, and enhancing facial recognition technology for secured check-ins to Camp Ocean.
Carnival Jubilee Revamps Family Fun
Carnival Cruise Line announced its newest flagship, Carnival Jubilee, will host an array of new innovative family experiences, including an enhanced Seuss at Sea program.
First introduced on Carnival Splendor in 2014, Seuss at Sea has been a staple of Carnival’s family entertainment and features an array of Dr. Seuss-themed activities, dining, and interactive fun. Jubilee will debut new programming to elevate the Seuss at Sea experience, starting with a reimagined Dr. Seuss Breakfast.
Beginning January 6, 2024, the breakfast will transform into a festive birthday party hosted by Thing 1 and Thing 2, featuring new menu items and engaging activities. This updated version will later be rolled out across the entire fleet.
The excitement continues with the introduction of a new character, “Fox in Socks,” in the Seuss-a-palooza Parade, starting February 17, 2024. Additionally, Seuss-a-palooza Story Time will bring the popular “Green Eggs & Ham” to life, hosted by Cruise Director Kyndall Magyar.
Carnival’s Thing 1 and Thing 2
These events unfold in the ship’s two-deck Currents zone, where LED screens displaying colorful and whimsical Dr. Seuss-inspired scenes will create an immersive underwater world experience. Here, guests can interact with virtual aquarium-like “portholes,” creating their own sea creature and seeing it animated on screens around the room.
“We are thrilled to introduce a new level of excitement and imagination aboard the Carnival Jubilee,” said Melissa Mahaffey, Carnival’s director of Youth and Family Experience. “Our aim is to craft a journey that resonates with every age group, integrating new characters, exclusive spaces, and captivating stories.”
Carnival Jubilee Debuts STEM Adventures and Expanded Youth Programs
Carnival Jubilee further enriches its onboard offerings through a partnership with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The collaboration introduces a high-tech, space-themed area in Camp Ocean, aimed to promote STEM learning and providing engaging, hands-on experiences.
The 5,400-passenger ship also broadens its “See the World” program for teens, including the addition of the Panagbenga Festival. This authentic Filipino cultural experience will feature additional hands-on programs like a flower parade and jewelry-making activities.
Carnival Jubilee Space for Young Passengers
Meanwhile, younger guests can enjoy the updated Night Owls Camp Out, featuring outdoor-themed activities, obstacle courses, and a simulated campfire experience. Additionally, the introduction of Planet Play at Sea, a space-themed playground, and the implementation of enhanced facial recognition technology for secure check-ins at Camp Ocean will prioritize both safety and fun for junior cruisers.
Ship Will Call Galveston Home and Launches Caribbean Itineraries
Carnival Jubilee’s arrival in Galveston marks the beginning of a new chapter for Carnival Cruise Line. After her delivery on December 4 in Bremerhaven, Jubilee completes a transatlantic journey to her new year-round homeport, stopping in Tenerife, Spain, and Nassau, Bahamas, for supplies and crew.
Weighing 183,521 gross tons and joining sisters Mardi Gras and Celebration, Jubilee will depart on a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary on December 23, visiting Roatan, Honduras and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.
Her inaugural holiday cruise promises to be a festive affair with special decorations and a special Christmas Gala Dinner.
Disney Cruise Line has notified booked guests of upcoming changes for the youth activity spaces onboard its ships, changing which young guests will be entertained in which facilities.
This change will permit the cruise line to revise activities for each age group to be more appropriate and engaging for young cruisers on every Disney cruise ship.
Disney Youth Age Ranges Revised
Disney Cruise Line is well known for its spectacular youth programs and experiences for all ages onboard. Now, the cruise line is revising the age ranges for its youth programs to better offer great activities young cruisers will enjoy.
Booked guests received an email with notification of the changes so they can be aware of which programs their children will be participating in during their upcoming cruises.
“Based on Guest feedback, and to enhance the youth activities experience for our youngest and tween guests, we are updating the age range for Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab,”the email read.
Now, young cruises between ages 3 and 10 will participate in the two programs. Previously, the age range was 3-12 years old. Guests ages 11-14 years old will enjoy Edge, while teens ages 14-17 will have their own space at Vibe.
Oceaneer Lab
These changes will take effect for all sailings that depart on or after Thursday, December 21, 2023. If a cruise is already in progress on that date, however, the age ranges will not change until the ship’s next sailing.
Parents should note that during Open House times – which are published in the onboard daily newsletters and may vary for each sailing – guests of all ages are welcome in all youth activity spaces, regardless of the aforementioned age divisions. This is a great time for families to enjoy the spaces together and can be a chance for kids to check out other spaces they may be able to enjoy in future cruises.
Registration No Longer Required
In addition to the age range adjustments, guests with children who are 11 or 12 years old will not need to register for youth activities as part of their online check-in before setting sail.
If guests have already completed that registration for upcoming cruises, there is no need to adjust the check-in, but the children will attend Edge rather than the Oceaneer Club or Oceaneer Lab. If passengers are 10 years old or younger, the online youth activities registration should still be completed.
Oceaneer Lab
Parents should note that it is the child’s age at the time of embarkation that is used for registration. If a child is celebrating a birthday onboard, their age at embarkation is still figured for registration purposes.
“We appreciate you sailing with us and look forward to creating magical memories at sea for your family,”the email concludes.
Youth Programs Onboard
Disney Cruise Line’s youth programs offer age-appropriate activities for young cruisers, with great options for all ages.
The Oceaneer Club features fun interactions with favorite Disney characters and interactive play with different themes. Each Disney cruise ship offers unique experiences, ensuring that all youngsters have a fabulous time on their cruise. The Oceaneer Lab offers educational and creative experiments and workshops to keep kids entertained and engaged.
Edge is a dedicated “tween” space for cruisers on the edge of teenagerhood offering games, movies, creative activities, and high tech fun sure to appeal to all travelers at this sometimes challenging age. Trivia contests, physical challenges, DJ lessons, dance floors, photo booths, and more are all part of the fun.
Vibe is the cruise line’s dedicated teen space, offering great activities for teenagers to connect with each other, including dance parties, karaoke, a high-tech media room, board games, movie spaces, sundecks, and more.
Exact activities and youth venues onboard vary from ship to ship, and may also change for holiday offerings or on different itineraries to connect young cruisers to the fun destinations they will explore on their cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship and the fleet’s new flagship, Carnival Jubilee, will be arriving at her year-round homeport of Galveston, Texas on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 – just three days ahead of welcoming guests on board.
Port of Galveston is hosting a party to welcome the new ship, and Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald is planning a special contest as well. But exactly when will the ship arrive?
Carnival Jubilee Soon to Arrive in Texas
The new Carnival Jubilee, one of the most anticipated new cruise ships of 2023, has made her final stop before arriving in Galveston, Texas. The Excel-class vessel was officially delivered to Carnival Cruise Line on December 4, 2023, in Bremerhaven, Germany and in the two weeks since, has been making her way toward the Lone Star State.
First, the ship made stops in Tenerife in the Canary Islands and Nassau in the Bahamas, taking on additional supplies and crew members in preparation for her official debut. Her schedule while crossing the Atlantic Ocean for the first time has been tenuous, as weather can impact how quickly a ship can make that 3,700-mile (6,000-kilometer) journey.
Now, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has confirmed the ship’s arrival time to Galveston for Wednesday, December 20, an event that is sure to be momentous for the ship, her crew, the Port of Galveston, the state of Texas, and Carnival cruise fans everywhere.
“The Captain will be alongside at approximately 8:00am on Wednesday morning,”Heald confirmed.“So if you are there about 7:00am you will have brilliant views of the ship arriving home.”
Welcome Home Party and Contest
Port of Galveston is hosting a “Howdy, Carnival Jubilee Celebration” event from 8-9 p.m. at Piers 20-21 to greet the new ship with a “Texas-sized welcome.”
Refreshments will be served at the party, which is sure to be a festive and exciting event. While few details have been revealed about the party, new cruise ships are often greeted by fireboat escorts, live music, and local dignitaries.
“Bring your welcome signs and don your cowboy hats to cheer the Jubilee and her crew as they arrive to dock at their new home at Cruise Terminal 25,”the event announcement said.“An airplane flying overhead with a welcome banner and a tugboat shooting its water cannon will add to the festivities.”
Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship
Heald also noted that he will offer a prize for the best banner to welcome the new ship.
“I will be posting a space here on Facebook that day for all you to share photos and there will be a prize from me for the BEST BANNER so let’s see who wins that,”Heald said.
Photos will be able to be posted on Heald’s popular Facebook page, most likely in a special post dedicated to Carnival Jubilee‘s welcome. While Heald has not posted guidelines about banners for the contest – or what the prize for winning may be – undoubtedly they should be family-friendly and suitable for public display.
Setting Sail on Carnival Jubilee
The new 183,521-gross-ton ship, sister ship to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, will be based in Galveston year-round at least through April 2026, offering 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries that will visit Roatan, Honduras as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico. Depending on the departure date, the order of ports will vary.
Carnival Jubilee will welcome her very first guests for a spectacular holiday sailing departing on Saturday, December 23, 2023. The ship will be decked out in her holiday finest for the inaugural sailing, and will offer guests an amazing Christmas Gala Dinner.
Onboard, travelers will find the new Currents and Shores zones exclusive to Carnival Jubilee, as well as Emeril’s Bistro 717, the third BOLT roller coaster, and plenty of fan favorites – Guy’s Burger Joint, Cucina del Capitano, Big Chicken, the Punchliner Comedy Club, Family Feud Live, the adults-only Serenity area, WaterWorks with three spiraling waterslides and twin racing slides, and much more.
The new ship can welcome 5,374 travelers based on double occupancy, or as many as 6,631 guests when fully booked with all berths filled. Also onboard are more than 1,700 international officers and crew members dedicated to ensuring that every sailing is indeed a fun-filled jubilee.
After severe weather rerouted several cruise ships and forced PortMiami to temporarily close, the busy cruise terminal is back in business. But its reopening hasn’t all been smooth sailing, as all seven ships currently docked in the port have been delayed.
PortMiami Reopens After Severe Weather Forces Closure
Winter storms have arrived early on the East Coast, with intense storms ravaging the East Coast with heavy rain and winds beginning on December 13, 2023 — about one week before the official start of the winter season on December 21. The storm systems had a particularly intense impact on South Florida and the Bahamas.
Due to adverse weather conditions, PortMiami was forced to temporarily close its doors to cruise traffic on the morning of December 17, before reopening in the early afternoon.
There will be a delay on Sunday, December 17th embarkation due to recent weather conditions. Please contact your cruise line for instructions and more information. pic.twitter.com/3POAPbDODc
As a result, cruise ships arrived late to port from their previous sailings, creating a chain reaction that delayed disembarkation of the current guests and embarkation of new guests by several hours.
“There will be a delay on Sunday, December 17th embarkation due to recent weather conditions. Please contact your cruise line for instructions and more information,” PortMiami posted on its X account early Sunday.
PortMiami, Florida (Photo Credit: Gia Javarova)
The closure at PortMiami has not been the only hiccup caused by the recent weather. The storm systems brought about rough seas, high swells, and strong winds that forced many cruise lines to shift itineraries and cancel port calls in the interest of their guests’ comfort and safety.
Port of Palm Beach also temporarily closed on December 15 after the National Weather Service forecasted sustained winds of up to 40 mph and swells of up to 15 feet. Port of Palm Beach has re-opened to cruise traffic as conditions improved, although a gale warning and small craft advisory was in effect until the early afternoon on December 17.
PortMiami’s Closure Delays Future Sailings
On December 17, 2023, seven cruise ships were scheduled to arrive in PortMiami for their current guests to disembark and to begin embarkation for guests booked on the next sailings, all of which have been delayed.
The ships impacted include Carnival Horizon, Carnival Celebration, Norwegian Encore, MSC Divina, Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, and Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady.
Carnival Cruise Line, which has two ships currently in the port, reached out to guests via email and text to advise them of the delays. The cruise line asked cruisers on Carnival Horizon to delay their terminal arrival time by five hours and guests heading to Carnival Celebration to delay their arrival by seven hours.
Photo Credit: Eric Gilbert Creative / Shutterstock
The final advisory sent to guests of the Carnival Horizon reads: “Embarkation for your cruise has been revised. Please delay your terminal arrival appointment by 5 hours. For example, 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM appointment will become 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Please stick to your new time, so we can effectively manage the embarkation process. All guests must be on board by 7:45 PM ET. Watch for an email with additional details. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Carnival is also compensating guests by posting a $25 (USD) onboard credit per person to their Sail & Sign accounts.
Although the other cruise lines haven’t publicly commented on how the delay will specifically impact their passengers, PortMiami recommended that any guests set to embark today should reach out to their cruise line directly.
PortMiami also released a parking advisory on X explaining that it will be a particularly busy day after the delays and that parking may be difficult. The port recommended that cruisers confirm their cruise terminal in advance and park at the garage closest to that terminal.
But if garages become full, travelers should park at the closest available option and use transportation provided by PortMiami to reach their terminals.
Carnival Cruise line has reached out to booked guests for Carnival Sunshine‘s December 18, 2023 sailing date to alert them to an embarkation delay.
The ship is currently finishing a cruise with a day at sea returning to Charleston, South Carolina, but rough weather is impacting her overall speed and the ship’s return will be delayed. This will subsequently delay the next cruise.
Carnival Sunshine Delayed
On Sunday, December 17, 2023, Carnival Sunshine spent the day at sea as the last day of a 4-night roundtrip sailing to the Bahamas from her homeport of Charleston, South Carolina.
Along the way, however, the ship encountered rough weather, the same massive storm system that has impacted more than a dozen different ships not only from Carnival Cruise Line, but also Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Margaritaville at Sea.
Carnival Cruise Line has notified guests on the ship’s next sailing, her Monday, December 18 departure, that the ship will be delayed, which will impact their embarkation.
“The ship is experiencing unfavorable weather as she sails back to Charleston and arrival will be delayed. This will affect your embarkation,”the email explained.“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide you with an update by 8 AM, Monday, December 18. Please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you receive our final update.”
Guests are advised to sign up for text alerts to get the fastest notification of any changes and updates. The impacted sailing is a 5-night Bahamas itinerary, with calls to Half Moon Cay and Freeport before the ship returns to Charleston on Saturday, December 23.
Carnival Sunshine cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Vincent Doyle / Shutterstock)
“We apologize for this weather-related delay and thank you for your understanding. We will be in touch,”the email concluded.
The extent of the delay is not yet known, and will likely remain unknown through the evening and early nighttime hours as the ship continues to make her way back to Charleston. As of 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, her estimated time of arrival (ETA) into Charleston was 5 p.m. on Monday.
This may seem like an extreme delay, but it is also likely the ship will be able to speed up in the overnight hours as she reaches calmer water and when fewer guests and crew members are moving about the ship. Even a small increase in speed could significantly alter her ETA and minimize the delay.
Ship Has Reduced Speed
Because of the poor weather, Carnival Sunshine has had to reduce sailing speed, which helps reduce wind forces and can keep the ship more stable in rough conditions.
Satellite tracking data on Sunday afternoon indicates the ship is sailing at just 11 knots (13 miles per hour / 20 kilometers per hour), roughly half her maximum speed of 21 knots (24 mph / 39 kph). Carnival Sunshine is currently encountering near gale force winds, as well as rough seas with swells reaching 12-13 feet (3.9 meters).
Carnival Cruise Line Storm (Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas / Shutterstock)
While the ship is certainly safe – cruise ships are well able to withstand far more punishing sea conditions – the sailing may be less than comfortable for guests onboard. By reducing speed, the ship’s motion can also be reduced, and her course can be angled slightly to provide as smooth a sailing experience as possible.
Carnival Sunshine, formerly Carnival Destiny until her massive renovation in 2013, is a 102,853-gross-ton vessel, originally built in 1996 – making her the oldest ship in the Carnival fleet. She can welcome 3,002 guests aboard at each sailing, and is also home to 1,150 international crew members.
Multiple ships from multiple cruise lines are heavily impacted by expected severe weather from the Bahamas to South Florida this weekend, with changes ranging from Wednesday, December 13, through Sunday, December 17, 2023 as the weather has developed.
In the interest of guests’ safety and comfort, cruise lines are cancelling ports of call and shifting routes to find the smoothest sailing to take advantage of.
Bad Weather Causing Multiple Itinerary Changes
Rough seas, high swells, and strong winds are causing multiple cruise ships to change itineraries this weekend. Experienced cruise travelers are very familiar with such changes, and ports of call may always be adjusted due to inclement weather that could cause hazardous navigational challenges for docking or make it unsafe for guests to walk along exposed piers or use tender boats.
Depending on the ship’s original itinerary, some changes have been minor, while others are more extensive. In most cases, the ships may instead spend a day at sea, where they can safely ride out poor weather while keeping guests as comfortable as possible.
Each of the following ships has itinerary updates related to this weekend’s expected rough weather.
Sky Princess – December 16 Sailing
Due to the size and strength of the weather system over the Bahamas and Florida, the Sky Princess’s December 16 sailing out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been altered.
The vessel has cancelled its scheduled call to Princess Cays in the Bahamas on December 17. The call to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on December 19 is still expected to go ahead, a letter said to passengers.
Carnival Pride – December 17 Sailing
Carnival Cruise Line has informed guests arriving for their Carnival Pride December 17 departure from Port Tampa Bay that embarkation is delayed by two hours. The Spirit-class ship is still scheduled to visit Cozumel, Belize, and Costa Maya during its six-night voyage.
Carnival Freedom – December 14 Sailing
Carnival Freedom has a major impact on its itinerary due to the severe weather across the region. The ship was unable to safely call at Nassau on December 15 and Princess Cays on December 16.
Instead, the ship added an unscheduled visit to Freeport in the Bahamas, but this did not go to plan as Carnival Pride was also unable to dock there. The vessel is sailing a cruise nowhere until arriving back home to Port Canaveral on December 18. The cruise line is providing a $200 onboard credit per stateroom. More details can be found here.
MSC Meraviglia – December 16 Sailing
The Meraviglia-class cruise ship has a significant itinerary change, which guests were notified about on December 15. With the bad weather conditions impacting Florida and the Bahamas, the cruise line has decided to send the ship up north rather than heading south.
MSC Meraviglia’s December 16 sailing out of New York City was originally scheduled to visit Port Canaveral in Florida, Nassau in the Bahamas, and its private island of Ocean Cay, also in the Bahamas. Instead, the ship is spending an overnight in Boston, along with calls at Portland and St. John in Canada, before returning to the Big Apple on December 23. Our full coverage can be found here.
Allure of the Seas – December 11 Sailing
Royal Caribbean International’s 225,282-gross ton, Oasis-class Allure of the Seas was unable to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay during the current sailing, a 4-night “Bahamas & Perfect Day” cruise that departed Port Canaveral on Monday, December 11. Guests were refunded the port fees and any pre-paid shore excursions for missing the popular destination.
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas (Photo Credit: Andres Felipe Perez)
Combined with wind from the ship’s movement, gusts near the ship were reported as high as 55 knots (63 miles per hour / 102 kilometers per hour), and the ship’s captain sought shelter between small islands to keep guests more comfortable overnight.
Allure of the Seas arrived back at Port Canaveral on schedule on Friday morning, though it is likely her next itinerary – a 3-night weekend getaway to Nassau and CocoCay, will also be impacted by the poor weather.
Mariner of the Seas – December 14 Sailing
Another Royal Caribbean ship, the 139,863-gross-ton, Voyager-class Mariner of the Seas has shifted her entire weekend itinerary to avoid the stormy seas. The ship departed Port Canaveral on Thursday, December 14, on what was to have been a 4-night “Perfect Day & Bahamas” cruise to CocoCay and Nassau. Instead, guests were notified at embarkation that the original itinerary was no longer possible.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
“We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority,”the notification read.“Please know being onboard is one of the safest places because we are faster and can move out of the way of any inclement weather.”
Instead of her original schedule, the ship is instead heading to Costa Maya, Mexico. Friday is a day at sea, the ship will be in Costa Maya from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and Sunday will be another day at sea while the ship heads back to Florida for debarkation as planned on Monday, December 18.
Liberty of the Seas – December 11 Sailing
Royal Caribbean’s 155,889-gross-ton, Freedom-class Liberty of the Seas has likewise missed a visit to CocoCay on the current sailing, a 4-night “Bahamas & Perfect Day” cruise that departed Fort Lauderdale on Monday, December 11. The stop in CocoCay was to have been on Wednesday, December 13, but was not possible due to high winds.
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas (Photo Credit: Debbie Ann Powell / Shutterstock)
The ship returned to Fort Lauderdale on schedule on Friday, December 15, but it is possible the next sailing – a 3-night cruise that is planned to visit Nassau and CocoCay over the weekend – will be severely adjusted. Guests will be notified as soon as plans are confirmed.
Carnival Vista – December 10 Sailing
Carnival Cruise Line’s 133,596-gross-ton Carnival Vista, which was just involved with an at-sea rescue of stranded crew members from a capsized cargo vessel, was forced to skip the scheduled stop in Grand Turk on Thursday, December 14. Instead, the ship enjoyed an extra day at sea on her way back to Port Canaveral.
Photo Credit: SeregaSibTravel / Shutterstock
“There is some very windy weather around the Bahamas and part of the western Caribbean,”said John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador.“Please trust the captain, trust the crew. They will keep you safe, always.”
The ship’s arrival on Saturday, December 16, should not be impacted, but the next sailing – a 6-night Eastern Caribbean sailing with visits to Nassau, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk – may be adjusted with cancellations or reordering the port visits for smoother sailing.
Carnival Venezia – December 10 Sailing
Carnival Venezia is another Carnival cruise ship that has been forced to make an itinerary change due to the bad weather. The scheduled port of call to the cruise line’s private island of Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas on December 15 was cancelled. Passengers currently onboard also report that the ship had a brief power failure shortly after departing Nassau on December 14.
The last day of Norwegian Cruise Line’s 164,998-gross-ton, Breakaway-Plus-class Norwegian Escape‘s current sailing has been turned into a sea day, with the call on Great Stirrup Cay cancelled.
The ship departed Port Canaveral on Saturday, December 9, for an Eastern Caribbean itinerary, visiting the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, and Tortola. Great Stirrup Cay was to have been the final port of call for the sailing, but now the ship is heading straight back to Port Canaveral.
Photo Credit: Mariusz Lopusiewicz / Shutterstock
Guests have been provided $50 of onboard credit as compensation for the missed port. The private island destination is a favorite among cruisers.
Nieuw Amsterdam – December 16 Sailing
One of the most dramatic adjustments for the poor weather is Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam. The ship is scheduled to return to service from a two-week dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas on Saturday, December 16, 2023, just when the worst of the weather is expected to impact South Florida.
Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line
Because of this, the cruise has now been shortened by two days and will not depart until Monday, December 18. Guests are receiving generous compensation for the dramatic adjustment, which includes cancelling most planned ports of call due to the shortened sailing time.
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise – December 15 Sailing
The boutique cruise line Margaritaville at Sea, which operates 2-night sailings to Freeport, Bahamas from Port of Palm Beach, Florida, has completely cancelled the Friday, December 15 departure of its only vessel, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.
Guests are urged to contact the cruise line directly by phone or email for updates and to rebook their sailing. Since the cruise line is a popular option for quick getaways for drive-in travelers, it should be possible for many travelers to change their plans to a different sailing date.
Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for further updates and itinerary changes as they are confirmed through the weekend.
Carnival Cruise Line has released the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner menu for 2024, with a wide range of delicious dishes on offer as guests prepare to ring in the new year at sea.
In addition to a special menu just for the New Year’s Eve dinner, guests can also choose from classic favorites and other great starters, entrees, and desserts to celebrate 2024.
New Year’s Eve Menu for Carnival Ships
Carnival Cruise Line outdoes itself with special Main Dining Room holiday menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. To bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024, the cruise line is offering an amazing selection of mouth-watering dishes for starters, entrees, and desserts across the entire Carnival fleet.
The special New Year’s Eve selections are a tantalizing appetizer of crab and pickled mushrooms with a fennel salad, followed by a selection of entrees: bourbon glazed ham with pear chutney and spiced pomegranate; parmesan crusted chicken with black eye beans, sautéed green beans, and shallot herb beurre blanc; and a cauliflower steak and fritters with beluga lentil ragout with feta cheese.
A special “celebration cake” with a pecan brownie, crispy peanut butter feuillentine, and white chocolate mousse is offered for dessert.
Guests also have other delicious options on the menu as well. For appetizers, a duck confit tart with spinach fondue and dark cherry sauce or spiced pork poppers with granny smith apple relish are just two options, along with a winter vegetable and cannellini beans soup, shrimp cocktail, and different types of salad.
Carnival New Year’s Menu
Entrees are equally appetizing with pan seared sea bass paired with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus; a duet of lamb with beluga lentils and roasted red skin potatoes; and grilled filet mignon with baby carrots and wild mushroom cream sauce. The featured entrée salad is turkey kale salad with dried cranberries, purple potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic dijon vinaigrette.
Guests can also order classic Steakhouse Selections for an extra fee, including surf & turf with lobster tail, New York strip steak, or grilled double cut lamb chops with au jus.
If the celebration cake dessert doesn’t sound quite worth celebrating, other dessert options include the classic Carnival melting chocolate cake, a no-added-sugar ricotta cheesecake with spiced cherry sauce, or a triple chocolate cake flavored with hazelnut, Baileys, praline, and truffled chocolate cream. The classic fresh tropical fruit plate, cheese plate, and ice cream selections are also available.
Comparing Holiday Menus
It is important to note that the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner menu is significantly different than both the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners offered fleetwide.
While the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners can be remarkably similar, those holidays are a month apart and few guests are actually cruising for both holidays. Many travelers, however, opt for back-to-back cruises that can encompass both Christmas and New Year’s, and therefore the cruise line makes a special effort to craft two distinct holiday menus that each celebrate the flavors of the season.
Carnival Cruise Line Dining Room (Photo Credit: gary yim / Shutterstock)
While the Christmas menu tends to incorporate more classic fare – tom turkey, roasted pumpkin soup, eggnog cheesecake – the New Year’s Eve menu is a bit more daring to ring in the new year with festive favorites.
Casual Dining Always Available
Of course, guests can also opt for specialty dining restaurants onboard, or have more casual meals at the Lido Marketplace buffet. Undoubtedly, the Lido buffet dinner on New Year’s Eve will also feature some delicious options, though without the same elegant presentation and atmosphere of the Main Dining Rooms.
Guy’s Burger Joint, Big Chicken, Pizza Pirate, soft-serve ice cream at Swirls, and other casual dining options will also be available (hours may vary), and guests can also partake of room service for more private dining or snacks.
Do you have any favorite dishes to ring in the new year? Share your traditions – oceangoing or otherwise – on the Cruise Hive boards!
Guests aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Freedom have not gotten the 4-night Bahamas weekend getaway they originally booked, thanks to rough weather that has cancelled both of the ship’s planned ports of call, as well as an alternative port that was to have been a replacement option.
Carnival Freedom Cancels All Ports of Call
Carnival Freedom departed Port Canaveral, Florida on Thursday, December 14, 2023 on what was to have been a 4-night Bahamas cruise. Instead, because of high winds and rough seas throughout the Bahamas, the ship has ended up taking a cruise to nowhere.
The original itinerary had the ship visiting Nassau on Friday, December 15, followed by Princess Cays on Saturday, December 16. After a day at sea, the ship will return to Port Canaveral on Monday, December 18.
Guests have been kept updated by the ship’s captain about various itinerary changes as the weather has been continually evaluated.
“In partnership with our Fleet Operations Center, we continue to monitor the weather. We are sorry, once again, for not being able to visit Nassau today,”a notification letter delivered to guests’ cabins on Friday read.
Carnival Freedom In Port Canaveral (Credit: Port Canaveral)
“Regarding [Saturday], adverse conditions, which could make water shuttle operations unsafe, are forecasted for Princess Cays. As a result, we have made the decision to cancel our planned visit and will call on Freeport instead.”
Shore tours purchased through Carnival Cruise Line are being automatically refunded to guests’ onboard accounts.
“Thank you for your understanding. Please continue to enjoy your time on board,”the letter, signed by Captain Mario Imbimbo, concluded.
Replacement Port Also Skipped
Unfortunately, the poor weather also extended to Freeport by Saturday, and satellite tracking data showed that Carnival Freedom was unable to make that visit as well. GPS markers indicate the ship’s next destination is Port Canaveral, scheduled to arrive Monday morning in line with the original itinerary.
This means the ship is now sailing a cruise-to-nowhere, with no ports of call. This is an unusual situation, as cruise lines do make every effort to maintain their original itineraries as closely as possible, or else to substitute alternative ports when necessary.
Carnival Freedom at Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock)
“We are sorry Mother Nature is not cooperating with us this weekend, preventing us from being able to visit a port,”a follow up letter read on Saturday.“We understand the disappointment that comes with these changes, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused.”
All port fees and taxes have been refunded to guests, and Carnival Cruise Line has also given a $200 onboard credit to each stateroom to help compensate for the inconvenience. The credit can be used for drinks, retail shopping, spa packages, photos, and other onboard purchases.
Furthermore, all guests are receiving a 50% future cruise credit based on the cruise fare, to use on another Carnival cruise vacation. The credit must be redeemed by December 31, 2024.
The 110,000-gross-ton Carnival Freedom is a Conquest-class vessel, able to welcome 2,980 passengers aboard when booked at double occupancy, and up to 4,075 travelers when fully booked.
Also onboard are 1,150 international officers and crew members who want to ensure everyone stays safe, comfortable, and has a great cruise vacation even in challenging conditions.
Why Are All the Port Visits Cancelled?
Cancelling all ports of call on a sailing is never an ideal situation, but may be necessary when a bad weather system is as large and widespread and the one impacting the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and the Bahamas this weekend.
Depending on the exact destination, wind direction, wave height, tidal conditions, and other factors, ports may not be safe for cruise ships to visit. Narrow harbor entrances or tight turning basins may be impossible to navigate if high winds push a ship, and using tender boats to ferry cruise guests ashore at some destinations is likewise impossible.
Photo Credit: A. Kiro / Shutterstock
Even if a ship can dock at a pier safely, the condition of the pier and how much rocking the ship will do while docked also impact whether or not a port visit is possible.
If the ship is rocking too much, the gangways will not be stable and safe for guests or crew members to cross, or the ship’s mooring lines might snap and the vessel could begin to drift.
Similarly, if waves are crashing over a pier, it will not be safe for guests to walk off the cruise ship, and so a port might not be accessible to visitors.
Of course, many shore tours may also be cancelled on stormy days, as local flooding, rain, winds, and otherwise poor conditions may make it impossible to operate the tour safely. With little to do on shore, guests will have a more enjoyable time while remaining safer and more comfortable on the ship out to sea.
Onboard, crew members will work to provide extra activities, more live music, and unique entertainment opportunities so everyone can still have a great time, even without visiting a port of call.
