Guests onboard a small cruise ship in Portland Harbor, Maine, experienced a terrifying moment on Wednesday morning when an explosion occurred in the engine room. The incident resulted in one crew member sustaining serious injuries and the evacuation of 128 guests from the ship.
The American Queen Voyages cruise ship Ocean Navigator had just completed its cruise from Montreal, Canada, returning to Portland to begin a cruise around the East Coast.
Incident Onboard Small Cruise Ship
An explosion onboard the Ocean Navigator around 7:25 AM on October 18, 2023, caused guests and crew members to be evacuated from the vessel. Ocean Navigator, which has space for 202 guests, had just arrived at the Ocean Gateway Terminal in Portland.
A spokesperson from the Portland Fire Department said that one crew member suffered burn injuries to the hands and arms during the explosion. The crew member was taken to hospital to receive treatment for his injuries. The crew member’s condition is stable, and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Generator explodes on cruise ship in Portland, Maine; 1 person injured https://t.co/qF9HHKCwXM
Initial reports point to a generator in the engine as the fire’s origin. The Portland fire department and the cruise ship’s crew acted promptly to put out the flames. Guests were evacuated to the nearby cruise terminal and are awaiting news on whether they can return to collect their possessions.
Ocean Navigator had docked in Portland early on October 18, marking the conclusion of its current voyage, which began in Montreal, Canada, ten days ago. Guests are due to embark on the cruise ship today, however, it remains to be seen whether this cruise will leave on time or if it will be cancelled altogether.
Cruise ship docked in Portland evacuated due to engine room explosion https://t.co/UrBFGpUJP5
The vessel is scheduled to sail to several picturesque ports around Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island, such as Provincetown, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, Plymouth, Gloucester, Eastport, and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, all part of the popular fall cruises around New England.
Safety and Further Assessments
The U.S. Coast Guard is now assessing the cruise ship to determine if it’s secure for guests to proceed with their cruise. The Ocean Navigator, constructed in 2001 and receiving a refurbishment in 2019, was due to stay overnight in Portland, with plans to depart on Thursday.
The U.S. Coast Guard has yet to release any statements on the current state of Ocean Navigator and whether any decisions have been made over the vessel’s seaworthiness.
While distressing for guests, cruise lines have extensive safety policies in place to ensure the safety of guests and crew members onboard their ships. Besides the safety drills performed when guests board the ship, crew members routinely perform fire safety drills that include incidents such as engine room fires.
Ocean Navigator Cruise Ship Explosion
The incident does bring into focus the future of Ocean Navigator, especially considering recent announcements from American Queen Voyages. In June, the company announced its intentions to decommission both the Ocean Navigator and its sistership, the Ocean Voyager.
In fact, the coming voyage is the last one for American Queen Voyages, with the vessel going into winter layup from the end of October, and the company already making clear it does not intend to bring her back to the Great Lakes next year.
Eager travelers hoping to plan ahead for that dream cruise vacation in 2025 or 2026 can set their alarms, alerts, and reminders for when to book Royal Caribbean International sailings.
The cruise line has now released the opening schedule for those future deployments, when bookings can begin to be made for cruises in different parts of the world.
When Will New Cruises Go on Sale?
Exactly when new 2025 and 2026 cruises will be available for booking depends on the sailing region and sailing date of the upcoming voyages.
The first new sailings that will open up are the 2025 Alaska season cruises, which set sail from April through October that year. Prospective guests will be able to book these itineraries to the Last Frontier beginning the week of October 30, 2023.
Next up is Europe, an ever-growing hotspot for cruise travel, especially as summer sailings offer enriching and phenomenal family vacation experiences. These 2025 cruises will also set sail between April and October, and can be booked beginning the week of November 6, 2023.
Starting on the week of November 13, 2023, the first phase of 7-night Caribbean sailings will be available for reservations, with departure dates between April 2025 and April 2026. Additional 7-night Caribbean cruises, with departure dates from July 2025 through April 2026, will be opened the week of December 4, 2023.
Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas (Photo Copyright: Melissa Mayntz / Shutterstock)
Guests looking for shorter cruise sailings in the Caribbean, as well as cruises from Los Angeles or sailings in the Northeast, such as Canada and New England itineraries, can begin booking those journeys the week of February 12, 2024. These itineraries will set sail from April 2025 through April 2026.
Finally, longer Caribbean cruises – typically those that will visit more exotic ports of call – will open to guests during the week of February 19, 2024, with departure dates from October 2025 through April 2026.
Interested travelers should note that Royal Caribbean only specifies that bookings will open “the week of” the listed dates, but it is possible that reservations may not be made until later in the week rather than on the first date listed.
Sailings Already Released
If guests are interested in one specific ship – the upcoming record-breaker, first-in-class, revolutionary Icon of the Seas – sailings for that ship have already been released through April 2026.
This early release of booking dates is in response to the epic response to the new vessel, which officially opened for bookings on October 25, 2022.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas
The new ship shattered all previous single-day booking records in Royal Caribbean’s 53-year history. While the cruise line has not detailed exactly how the booking records were set – volume of sales, total financial amount of bookings, projected revenue, etc. – it is no surprise that the hotly anticipated ship is quickly filling up future bookings.
Icon of the Seas will be homeported from Miami, Florida, with her maiden voyage set for January 27, 2024. The 250,800-gross-ton vessel will offer alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, including calls on the cruise line’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Cruises Yet to Come
Some limited itineraries for 2025 and 2026 are not yet scheduled for release, but are only noted as “coming soon” with respect to the opening schedule. This includes cruises from Singapore, China, and Australia, as well as other isolated sailings.
It is also possible that transatlantic or transpacific cruises – even within the windows noted for sailing dates – may not yet become available for booking in the announced schedule.
Interested travelers should always be aware that cruise itineraries can change due to a number of factors, including deployment changes, weather, socio-political events, port closures, dry dock schedules, and more.
This is especially true for bookings made years in advance, but it is still a good idea to begin planning that future cruise vacation when bookings open to secure the best deals, most desirable cabins, and preferred itineraries.
Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to booked cruisers to alert them to itinerary changes, embarkation port changes, and port cancellations with respect to the situation in Israel.
The safety and security of all guests and crew members is the topmost priority, and all the applicable changes are being made to ensure smooth sailing for everyone aboard.
All 2023 Israel Calls Cancelled
In notifications to guests, Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that all scheduled calls in Israel for all Norwegian Cruise Line ships have now been cancelled for the rest of 2023. On impacted itineraries, alternative port calls are being arranged where possible.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic situation in Israel. Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this time,”a statement from a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson reads.“As always, the safety and security of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our top priority. As a result, we have made the decision to cancel all calls to Israel for the remainder of 2023.”
Photo Credit: Ian Dewar Photography / Shutterstock
Guests booked on individual sailings will be contacted when itinerary changes are confirmed, as it is now necessary to make multiple adjustments on some sailings that had planned multiple calls in Israel.
Furthermore, as many cruise lines are making similar adjustments to sailings within their respective fleets, it is becoming increasingly challenging to arrange alternative ports as the most convenient berths are full and dock space is limited.
Embarkation Port Changes
Some sailings face even more significant challenges that will have hefty impacts on cruise guests.
For example, the November 20, 2023 departure of Norwegian Epic was to have departed from Haifa, Israel, which is now no longer possible. The departure port has therefore, been changed to Piraeus (Athens), Greece, along with other port of call adjustments.
This can create travel difficulties for reaching the cruise departure port, especially only a month before setting sail when airline schedules may not have availability at the right time to reach the cruise.
Guests on this sailing – and likewise on others with affected departure ports – are having their flights automatically adjusted if they booked air travel through Norwegian Cruise Line. Guests who made independent air travel arrangements will need to contact their airline directly to reschedule flights.
Norwegian Cruise Line will reimburse air travel change fees up to $300 (USD) per person for such changes if they are not covered by the airline or any applicable travel insurance, but appropriate receipts must be submitted for consideration.
Refunds Not Offered for Everyone
Different cruise lines have different policies about refunds in the event of itinerary changes and port of call adjustments, especially in unexpected or extreme situations.
Cruises that are simply missing ports of call in Israel on sailings that embark and debark from other locations are not eligible for refunds from Norwegian Cruise Line. In particular, this applies to impacted sailings aboard Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Dawn.
Guests booked on cruises that begin or end in Israel through the end of 2023, however, are being offered the option to cancel their sailing and receive a future cruise credit of the fare amount, which will be valid for any sailing through December 31, 2024. This applies to the November 8 and November 20 departures of Norwegian Epic.
Additional charges – taxes, pre-paid gratuities, pre-paid Norwegian shore tours, airport transfers, etc. – will be refunded back to the original form of payment.
Israeli citizens and residents, however, can receive a full, monetary refund for any Norwegian Cruise Line sailing through the end of 2023, regardless of the cruise departure port, itinerary, or sailing region.
What About 2024?
At this time, Norwegian Cruise Line has not made any sailing adjustments for Israeli cruises in 2024. The situation continues to be monitored and future cruises will be adjusted as necessary to protect guests’ safety and to ensure smooth, comfortable cruises.
Similarly, there have been no changes at this time for sailings to Egypt, which has also seen recent tensions. Guests booked on any upcoming cruises to Egypt will want to remain in close contact with Norwegian Cruise Line for further updates as their sailing date approaches.
Carnival Cruise Line announced it will deploy Carnival Miracle to Europe in summer 2025, offering a series of sailings from ports in England, Portugal, and Italy.
At the same time, it opened a slew of new cruises from US ports in 2025-26, with 100 of those sailings calling at Celebration Key, the cruise line’s new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama Island.
Carnival Miracle Heads to Europe in 2025
The Spirit-class Carnival Miracle, a 2,124-guest ship, will operate a 16-cruise series in Europe during the summer of 2025, Carnival Cruise Line revealed on October 17, 2023. With three homeports planned, the ship will offer British Isles, Northern Europe, and Western Mediterranean voyages.
Carnival Miracle will launch her first season in Europe with a 7-day, May 11, 2025, sailing from Lisbon, Portugal, to Dover, UK, with calls in Spain and France. Sailing from Dover, Carnival Miracle will operate nine cruises on 9- to 15-day itineraries.
Sailings from Dover will include British Isles ports, such as Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Liverpool, England. Several cruises will venture farther afield, including north to Iceland, and east to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Helsinki, Finland. Some sailings will feature ports in the Western Mediterranean, including in Spain, Portugal, and France.
Sailing on August 10, 2025, Carnival Miracle will operate a 15-day repositioning cruise from Dover to Rome (Civitavecchia), and begin a series of 8- to 14-day voyages with port calls in Istanbul and Kusadasi, Turkey; Athens and Mykonos, Greece; Naples, Italy; and Messina, Sicily.
Carnival Miracle, on November 8, 2025, will depart Rome to sail a 14-day transatlantic voyage to Tampa, Florida, where she will be based for a series of winter cruises in the Caribbean.
The repositioning cruise to Tampa will be a Carnival Journeys voyage, and will feature port calls at Cartagena, Spain; Ponta Delgada, the Azores; and Nassau, Bahamas.
Once in Tampa, Carnival Miracle will offer 6- to 8-day sailings toward the end of 2025 and into 2026. Her series of sailing will include visits to destinations such as Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, Honduras; Belize; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Colon, Panama; Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico, and others.
Line Opens 100 Sailings From US Ports
Carnival Cruise Line has opened for bookings a slew of sailings in 2025 and 2026 from Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral, and New Orleans.
The cruise line’s new private destination, Celebration Key, will be a port call on 100 of the newly opened sailings. The additional cruises bring to 500 the number of itineraries that will feature the private retreat.
With the latest announcement, 18 Carnival Cruise Line ships from nine US homeports will call at Celebration Key. Among the ships now scheduled to call is the 2,214-guest Carnival Paradise, which will offer 4- to 6-day cruises from Tampa.
From PortMiami, three ships will include Celebration Key on their itineraries, including the 4,000-guest Carnival Horizon, the 3,690-guest Carnival Magic, and Carnival Sunshine, accommodating 3,000 guests.
Guests sailing from Port Canaveral can visit Celebration Key onboard the 3,934-guest Carnival Vista, which will sail alternating 6- and 8-day cruises to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Also from Port Canaveral, the 5,200-guest Carnival Venezia will operate three Carnival Journeys voyages, each 14 days.
And from New Orleans, the cruise line has opened a series of sailings onboard Carnival Valor. The ship, with a capacity for 2,980 guests, will sail Western Caribbean cruises of 4- to 5-days, plus two Carnival Journeys voyages.
Both are transatlantic sailings, as the ship repositions to Barcelona. The crossings are 16 days each, with the New Orleans to Barcelona cruise in April 2025 and the reverse route in June 2025.
Just two weeks after making adjustments to the Crown Lounge that promised no change in access requirements or services offered, Royal Caribbean International has notified guests aboard its newest, largest vessel that access is indeed restricted – at least on one sailing.
The restriction is for several evening hours throughout the current 7-night cruise aboard Wonder of the Seas, but does lead to speculation about further changes that may be coming to how the exclusive lounge is offered to loyal guests.
Crown Lounge Sets Restricted Hours
Guests aboard Wonder of the Seas have been notified that the newly renamed Crown Lounge will only be available to Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members from 5-8 p.m. each evening of the cruise. That “cocktail hour” timing is when the exclusive venue is most popular, and because of that popularity, it is not possible to also accommodate Diamond members at that time.
“Due to the high number of Top Tier Crown & Anchor Society members on this cruise, we’ve made a slight adjustment to Crown Lounge access during our nightly beverage service,”the letter from the ship’s Crown Lounge Concierge, Lou Ann Pataueg, reads.
The letter does not specify how many top-tier cruisers are onboard, though Wonder of the Seas can accommodate 5,734 travelers at double occupancy, and up to 7,084 guests when fully booked with all berths filled.
Photo: Royal Caribbean
The Crown Lounge – formerly known as the Diamond Club Lounge – on the Oasis-classWonder of the Seas is located on Deck 4, just forward of Studio B on the ship’s starboard side. Guests in the Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club levels of the cruise line’s loyalty program typically have access to the lounge 24 hours a day.
The letter does note that no matter what time of day, “lounge space is limited – seating and service is available on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Other than the daily restriction from 5-8 p.m., Diamond members still have full access to the lounge at all other times.
Guests are also reminded that their complimentary drink vouchers reset daily at 5 a.m. and can be used at most bars and lounges onboard the ship. Diamond-level guests receive 4 free drinks per day, while Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members receive 5 and 6 free drinks per day, respectively.
To reach these upper levels of the loyalty program, guests must have accrued 80 (Diamond), 175 (Diamond Plus), or 700 (Pinnacle Club) loyalty points respectively. Points are earned based on how many days a guest has sailed with the cruise line, with double points awarded for sailing in a suite stateroom.
It should be noted that the terms and conditions of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society (subsection 15) does state the following:
“Royal Caribbean may limit or remove access to the Crown Lounge as needed to accommodate special sailings including, but not limited to: Charters, Crossings, Repositionings, Inaugurals, Trade Events, and President’s Cruises.”
While the current sailing of Wonder of the Seas – a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary calling on CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten – is not one of the designated special sailings, it is not uncommon for a new ship to attract great interest from loyal cruisers, and therefore the access would need to be more limited to ensure the expected service quality.
Royal Caribbean Diamond Lounge (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock)
Experienced Royal Caribbean cruisers have noted that these types of restrictions do happen on different cruises when more past passengers are sailing. Since the limitation is only for a few hours and drink vouchers can be redeemed elsewhere onboard – Wonder of the Seas has plenty of bars and lounges to choose from throughout its eight distinct neighborhoods – the inconvenience is relatively minimal.
It is also possible that if these restrictions become more frequent, the cruise line may adjust overall access privileges to the exclusive lounge. While no such adjustments have yet been announced, guests who prefer spending time in the Crown Lounge will want to stay alert to such possibilities in the future.
The 235,600-gross-ton Wonder of the Seas debuted in March 2022 with great fanfare as the largest cruise ship in the world, but will be eclipsed by the even larger Icon of the Seas when the new ship debuts in January 2024.
Undoubtedly, Crown Lounge access will be similarly limited on many Icon of the Seas cruises as eager Royal Caribbean cruisers set sail with the new vessel.
Like any other international vacation, bringing the correct travel documentation is essential to enjoy a cruise. Many first-time cruise vacationers wonder if they should bring a passport book or a passport card.
Today, we will take a detailed look at the passport book vs card debate. This will help you learn the difference between the two types of travel documents, where you can travel with them, and which type you should bring for your cruise vacation.
What Is the Difference Between a Passport Book and a Passport Card?
Before we explain which type of document is the better option for cruise vacations, it is worth explaining the difference between them.
Passport Books
Most people are already familiar with passport books because they are the standard travel document issued to travelers from all countries. While each nation has its own unique passport that it will issue to qualified citizens, they all have a similar appearance and serve the same basic function.
The passport book serves as a verifiable form of valid identification that allows you to enter a foreign country by land, air, or sea. Not only does the passport book allow border personnel to identify you, but it also has relatively blank pages used for travel visas and entry stamps.
Passport Card
A passport cardis a smaller alternative to a standard passport book. While it may seem more convenient, it is only designed for land and sea travel between specific countries, like the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and various Caribbean nations.
This type of document must include many pages and pieces of information required for air travel between nations, so they are useless if your cruise vacation involves flying to a departure point outside your country of residence.
Where Can You Travel with a Passport Book?
A valid passport book will allow you to travel anywhere, including any cruise vacation. It is the most flexible option. With a passport and the appropriate travel visas, you will be able to explore any port of call and board from any country in the world. Traveling with a passport book is always a good idea if your cruise starts and ends in different countries.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Traveling with a Passport Book?
Pros
Far more flexibility. You can travel to just about every country using your passport. Enjoy cruise vacations in the Mediterranean, South America, and more. You can also add flights to and from foreign countries to your vacation if you carry a valid passport.
Peace of mind in emergencies. If an unexpected emergency arises and your ship has to dock in a foreign port, you would not have to worry about being able to enter the country and potentially fly home.
The ability to enjoy extended vacations. If you decide to enjoy a lengthier vacation, carrying a passport will enable you to do so with fewer issues. For some people, especially retired, a cruise can simply be a leg of a much longer vacation. In these situations, you would always want that extra layer of protection that you get with carrying your passport.
Cons
Cost. Passport books are almost always more expensive to apply for and renew than a passport card.
Risk of losing or damaging your passport. Replacing a lost passport can be a significant and costly hassle. It is understandable if you are worried that you will be too busy enjoying your cruise to focus on keeping your passport safe.
Lengthy application process, especially for large families. Securing a passport for each member of your family can be time-consuming. If you are planning a cruise for your family but are short on time, applying for passport cards could take less time.
Where Can You Travel with a Passport Card?
Even though passport cards have relatively limited flexibility, enjoying a cruise vacation with this type of document is still possible. For starters, you can certainly enjoy a domestic cruise, meaning one that does not leave the country where you are a citizen.
Passport Card
If you are departing from the United States and hold American citizenship, you can also use a passport card to explore many countries in North America and the Caribbean, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and many Caribbean Island nations.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Traveling with a Passport Card?
Pros
Convenience. Passport cards are smaller and more compact, which makes them easier to carry in a pocket or purse.
Passport cards are easier to apply for. They also cost less to apply for and renew than a passport book.
Simplified travel. While passport cards have their limitations, they are a simplified version of a regular passport book. If your cruise will only stop in countries where a passport card is valid, it is a simple form of identification.
Cons
Limited flexibility. You can only travel to specific countries, limiting the types of cruises and other vacations you can enjoy.
You cannot fly internationally, which could be an issue if an emergency occurs in a foreign country.
Which Is Better for Cruises?
When deciding if you should pack a passport book or a passport card, the decision will depend mainly upon your preferred destinations and type of cruise. Naturally, if you plan to book a cruise in a country where a passport card would not be valid, you will need a passport book.
Make sure that you scrutinize your cruise itinerary. If the cruise makes any stops in countries where a passport card will not be accepted, you need to make sure you bring a passport book. Failure to do so would mean you could not exit the ship during those ports of call.
Passport for Cruise (Photo Credit: Ricardo Reitmeyer / Shutterstock)
If you are planning to apply for a passport card or passport book for the first time, make sure you also consider your future travel plans rather than just the cruise vacation ahead. If, for example, you planned to cruise around the Caribbean and visit Italy the following year, applying for a traditional passport book would be the superior option.
Finally, consider your budget. A passport card can be more affordable and convenient, but it comes with the above-mentioned limitations.
Again, assess your cruise itinerary, future travel plans, preferred travel style, and budget. Make the right choice for yourself rather than what anyone tells you to do!
FAQs
Do I need a passport book or card for a domestic cruise?
No, you will not need to bring either document if your cruise leaves from your country of residence and does not stop in other countries. With that said, make sure you bring some form of identification and proof of citizenship, like a valid government-issued photo ID card.
Can children use passport cards for cruise vacations?
Yes, like passport books, children and minors can apply for and use passport cards. Remember that your children will need their own passport card or passport book for international travel, including international cruises.
Final Words
Traveling with the right type of documentation will always ensure that your cruise vacation is a worry-free and enjoyable experience. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the passport application process for both passport books and cards. Once you understand what you need to obtain your preferred form of documentation in your country, you can apply for the most appropriate option.
Always consider your own international travel plans when choosing. Remember, it is always better to plan ahead so you will be prepared for leisure and business travel in the future. Good luck and safe travels!
Royal Caribbean International is using its Haifa-based cruise ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, to assist in evacuating Americans from Israel in light of the ongoing conflict in the region. The assistance was requested by the US Embassy in Israel, with evacuations on Monday, October 16, 2023.
Cruise Ship Evacuating US Citizens From Israel
The US government, via the embassy in Israel, is assisting US citizens and their immediate family members to evacuate from Israel to Cyprus on Monday, October 16, 2023. The evacuation will be via Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas, which will take travelers from Haifa, Israel, to Limassol, Cyprus.
Space onboard the cruise ship is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. As the passage between Haifa and Limassol is approximately 170 miles (274 kilometers), the trip is expected to take 10-12 hours. Meals and Wi-Fi service will be provided onboard, though guests will not likely be assigned individual staterooms for this short journey.
Under normal circumstances, Rhapsody of the Seas can accommodate 1,998 guests for a typical cruise at double occupancy, and up to 2,416 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled. This is not a typical situation, however, and the numbers of evacuees are yet unknown.
All travelers must be either a US national or the immediate family member of a US national, including spouses or children under the age of 21. All travelers must also have a valid passport, though assistance is available if eligible individuals do not have their passports in their possession. All travelers may bring on bag up to 50 pounds, plus one small carry-on bag. No pets are permitted.
Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: TAH Media)
Travelers have been asked to sign an “Evacuee Manifest and Promissory Note” as an agreement to repay the US government for the cost of the evacuation travel, though the costs of the travel are not immediately available.
The note does stipulate that the cost will be “no greater than the amount of a full-fare economy flight, or comparable alternate transportation, to the designated destination that would have been charged immediately prior to the events giving rise to the evacuation.”
Rather than flights, the cruise ship is being used for this evacuation because air travel has been largely suspended to Israel at this time, and most US airlines have cancelled flights both to and from Tel Aviv.
All travelers will be responsible for their own onward travel plans from Cyprus, whether returning to the US or traveling elsewhere. Charter options and assistance to arrange such travel will be available.
US consular staff are onboard the cruise ship as well as in Limassol to assist with information and travel options. The US Embassy will provide busses from the cruise port to both international airports in Cyprus, one in Larnaca (42 miles / 68 kilometers from Limassol) and the other in Paphos (39 miles / 63 kilometers from Limassol).
Availability of Rhapsody of the Seas
The 78,878-gross-ton, Vision-class Rhapsody of the Seas is currently homeported from Haifa, Israel, but the remainder of the ship’s Mediterranean season has been cancelled due to the regional violence. With no sailings for the next few weeks, the ship is available to assist in such emergency evacuation options.
Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas (Photo Credit: ATGImages)
At the moment, it is unknown whether just one seagoing evacuation will be used or if additional voyages may be necessary in the coming days. It is possible that additional trips could be planned to accommodate US citizens in Israel who were unable to reach Haifa by Monday morning for the scheduled departure.
It is also possible the ship may be further used by other countries for similar operations for their citizens currently in Israel.
The next scheduled sailing for the cruise ship is its Sunday, November 12, 2023 departure from Barcelona, Spain. That voyage is a 14-night transatlantic cruise to Fort Lauderdale, visiting Alicante, Malaga, the Canary Islands, and Freeport in the Bahamas along the way.
At this time, no other cruise ships have been requested for similar evacuations, but the situation is fluid and new plans may be developed at any time.
Carnival Cruise Line has opened up bookings on its immensely popular Faster to the Fun add-on priority package for 2024 sailings, but prices have been raised for the new year.
The benefits of the package are highly sought after, however, and can be a great value for cruise travelers depending on their vacation needs and budget.
2024 Faster to the Fun (FTTF) Now Available
Carnival Cruise Line’s popular priority add-on package, “Faster to the Fun” (FTTF), has been opened for 2024 bookings, but with one notable difference from 2023 reservations – the price has gone up.
The amount of the price increase varies from $10-20 (USD) per stateroom, depending on the cruise length and class of ship. The 2024 prices are as follows:
2-3 night cruises – $69.95 (+$10 from 2023 rates)
4-5 night cruises – $99.95 (+$10)
6-8 night cruises – $139.95 (+$10)
9+ night cruises – $189.95 (+$20)
It must be noted that any 6-8 night sailings on Excel-class ships – Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, or the upcoming Carnival Jubilee – are priced at $159.95 for FTTF, which is also a $10 price increase from 2023 rates and remains higher than the same cruise length on other, smaller vessels.
Prices are per stateroom, and all guests booked in the same stateroom receive all the FTTF benefits for one price. Here’s a full table of the prices on the voyage length below:
Carnival Faster to the Fun Price
Guests booked on 2024 cruises are reporting FTTF is selling out quickly on popular sailings. Furthermore, the package is not available on every cruise the line offers – FTTF is not applicable to any sailings in Europe or cruises departing from Norfolk, Virginia or San Francisco, California.
As a general rule, the package is not available on Carnival Journeys cruises due to the extreme popularity of those longer sailings with high-level Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty guests, who have similar benefits as part of Carnival’s loyalty program.
Carnival Cruise Line does reserve the right to limit the sale of FTTF on any sailing, such as inaugural cruises, special sailings, holiday departures, or other unique offerings, though depending on the circumstances and booking numbers, FTTF may still be offered.
FTTF 2024 Benefits
The benefits of the priority package remain unchanged for 2024, with guests receiving priority check-in at the cruise terminal on embarkation day, as well as immediate stateroom access to drop their bags off until their room is officially ready. Any checked bags are also expedited to FTTF staterooms to be delivered sooner.
A dedicated phone number to Guest Services as well as a special line at the Guest Services desk onboard can help travelers save time if they have questions or need any issues resolved during their sailing.
Carnival Faster to the Fun (FTTF)
During the cruise, guests with the priority package receive priority reservations at the main dining room and any specialty dining restaurants, though this excludes the immensely popular Your Time Dining.
When visiting ports of call, FTTF guests have priority water shuttle access at any tender port, after guests with shore excursion tickets.
Finally, when the cruise ends, FTTF also gives guests their choice of early or late debarkation times, as well as priority with self-assist debarkation immediately after the high-level Diamond and Platinum VIFP guests and any guests staying in suites if they choose that option.
Will FTTF Be a Good Value in 2024?
The priority access package can be a great value for travelers, especially if they have not yet achieved the high benefits of the Platinum or Diamond tiers of the VIFP program.
If guests have already reached those loyalty levels, however, they receive many of the same benefits (and more) for free. When deciding if FTTF is a good value for their travel plans, guests should consider several factors.
With facial recognition technology now being used in more US homeports, check-in time at the cruise terminal is getting shorter. Therefore, the priority check-in may not save as much time as it would have several years ago, though it can be a definite advantage if sailing on a larger ship or at a more popular time when cruises are fully booked, such as summer vacation or holidays.
The immediate stateroom access is another popular benefit, but if guests have an arrival appointment of 1 p.m. or later, their staterooms may already be open or will open very soon after boarding, and the extra cost to drop bags off just a few minutes early may not be worthwhile. Travelers boarding at noon, however, will find that benefit very useful indeed.
Ultimately, every cruise guest has to decide if the package is a good deal for their travel plans and timing, and be sure to book early before the limited reservations fill up for each sailing.
While a cruise vacation can be the ultimate way to relax and unwind, it is also important to be mindful of unnecessary costs and expenses. When budgeting for a cruise, most people focus almost exclusively on upfront costs and onboard spending; however, taxes and port fees can quickly dig into your vacation budget.
Many of these fees must be paid to board the ship, but they do not actually go to the cruise line itself. This is because they are fees paid to local authorities whenever a cruise ship docks in a port.
Today, we will explain everything you need to know about port fees. Not only will this help you understand these various fees and taxes, it will help you minimize costs and create a more accurate budget for your trip.
Port fees, or port charges, are fees and taxes that are levied on cruise ship passengers when they visit ports of call during a sailing.
While some cruise lines will include these fees and taxes in the upfront cost of your fare, the money they collect does not go to the cruise line itself. This is because the port fees and taxes collected cover various costs associated with maintaining and operating a port.
Whether you pay these fees on board the ship or during the booking process, it does not change where the money goes.
Let’s Look at Some Quick Examples
For a seven-night Disney Cruise on the Disney Wonder with glacier viewing and stops at Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, Alaska, the total taxes, fees, and port expenses are $441.38.
A seven-night trip on the same ship to the Mexican Riviera that stops at Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada, Mexico, has total taxes, fees, and port expenses of $328.22. Although it’s the same ship and the cruises are the same length, the Alaskan cruise fees are $113.16 more.
Now, let’s take a look at Royal Caribbean. For a six-night Pacific Coast cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia, with stops at Victoria, BC, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, total taxes, fees, and port expenses are $274.19.
Docked Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
For a six-night cruise on the same ship in Australia that leaves Sydney and sails to Melbourne and Hobart, Tasmania, has taxes, fees, and port expenses of $158.76. Again, same ship, same duration, but the California cruise costs $115.43 more.
These totals aren’t broken down or itemized on the cruise lines’ websites, so it’s hard to say exactly why the cost discrepancies are what they are, but this is a good illustration of how much the price or a cruise can vary depending on where the ship is sailing and how many ports of call are on the itinerary.
Why Do Ports Charge Fees and Taxes?
While it may just seem like an unnecessary cash grab, ports, and local governments charge port fees and taxes for a variety of valid reasons:
Maintaining Port Infrastructure
The primary justification for port fees is balancing the costs of maintaining and enhancing port facilities and equipment. Large-scale ports are expensive to operate, as are the passenger terminals and security checkpoints disembarking passengers. To reduce the financial strain on local governments, passengers pay a relatively small fee to help keep the port running safely and efficiently.
Environmental Initiatives and Security Measures
To protect the surrounding marine environment, many ports charge fees that help support environmental initiatives. One of the most enjoyable aspects of visiting any port of call is taking in the local area’s natural beauty. By contributing to sustainability measures that help preserve and protect the local ecosystem, you ensure that future travelers get to enjoy the same experience.
Nassau Cruise Port Upgrades
Some of the funds generated by port fees also help support security measures, which help keep passengers and port workers safe. This money can also help cover costs associated with operating customs and immigration services at cruise ports. This makes the process more efficient and helps reduce the economic strain on the local community.
Economic Contribution Initiatives
While they represent a small proportion of the funds paid in port fees, revenue can be generated to help support the local economy. Rather than view this money as a charitable donation, consider it a small tax paid to sustain local economies and communities.
In many cases, large-scale ports that can support modern cruise ships disrupt local fishing activities, so generating funds that help bring economic relief to these communities can be hugely beneficial.
Types of Port Fees and Taxes You Can Expect to Pay
In addition to port fees, you may also notice other charges in the breakdown of your cruise package:
Port Fees/Port Charges
Port fees vary from one port to another. They are delivered as a blanket fee that covers all costs associated with using port facilities but can include everything from the pilot fee, which covers the costs of bringing a local harbor pilot onboard to help guide the ship into the port, to head tax, which offsets the cost that the port incurs from cruise passengers using the local infrastructure.
Harbor Pilot
Everything from maintaining docking equipment to staffing passenger services is partially funded with these fees. Since each port and country is unique, these fees can vary and change over time.
Government Taxes and Local Tourist Fees
National governments and local authorities can also tax individuals visiting the region. Typically, these fees are small, but they help cover everything from customs and immigration expenses to environmental initiatives.
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
For example, the CDC charges fees for vessel sanitation inspections. These fees vary according to the size of the vessel. Cruise ships between 60,001 and 120,000 gross tons pay $11,960 per inspection.
Those over 140,000 gross tons pay $23,920. Like port fees, these taxes may be collected by your cruise line, but the funds are given to local authorities on your behalf.
What Factors Impact the Cost of Port Fees and Taxes?
While individual passengers pay the port fees, either upfront when booking or while onboard the ship, some factors will determine how much those fees will cost.
In addition to being based on a passenger headcount, port authorities will also assess the physical size of the cruise ship. Naturally, larger vessels are more demanding on the port’s resources and available space, so it only makes sense that they are charged more.
The duration of stay also plays a significant role in determining the port fees a cruise ship’s passengers will be charged. Essentially, these fees are assessed in relation to the use of a port terminal. The port fee will be more significant if the terminal is used for a lengthy duration.
Two Cruise Ships in Port (Photo Credit: ODIN Daniel)
As we mentioned, the country where the port is located is another factor, as certain governments roll environmental fees and local taxes into the port fees that they charge visiting cruise ships.
When you are visiting can also play a role, as port fees will be higher when the port is in its busier season. Higher port traffic means there is more demand to use the port terminals. This almost always translates to higher port fees.
With all this said, there is no way to influence or negotiate these fees as an individual passenger, so the most important thing to do is simply look into the fees by contacting the cruise line directly before traveling.
If the port fees were not included upfront when you booked your cruise, you can expect to pay roughly 10% to 20% of the base cruise fare in fees and taxes.
Again, this is just an average, so it can certainly vary depending on the type of cruise you have booked and other factors.
Strategies You Can Use to Minimize Port Fees and Other Expenses
While there is no getting around the fact that you will have to pay port fees and taxes if you book a cruise vacation, there are ways to minimize these expenses if you are on a tight budget.
Research Your Options
One of the most effective ways to minimize port fees and taxes is to research cruises that avoid high-cost ports of call.
Even though you will most likely have to pay taxes and fees to your embarkation port, you have control over the cruise itinerary you book.
Naturally, booking a cruise vacation with fewer ports of call will help minimize the amount you have to pay in port fees. Cruises that visit fewer ports and countries tend to be more affordable, as they can plot more straightforward routes. You can also favor destinations with lower port fees and taxes, like many Caribbean nations.
Cruise Ships in Miami, Florida. Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock
While it is a less significant factor, the embarkation point of your cruise will also impact the amount you pay in port fees. More expensive countries, like the United States, will charge more than cruises leaving nations with less expensive ports.
You will also want to book reputable and well-established cruise lines that you can trust. These cruise lines tend to be more upfront about fees and taxes rather than disguising them until after you have booked.
If you book your cruise vacation through a third-party booking service, check that they include port fees and taxes in the quoted price. If you are unsure, contact them and double-check. The last thing you want is to be surprised by various fees when you show up for your vacation.
Book Your Cruise Vacation Early
While it may surprise you to learn, you can help lower the port fees you will pay by booking your cruise in advance. The cruise line can negotiate more favorable terms with the ports it will visit.
That said, it is also possible to score a last-minute deal on a cruise, which will help balance out what you pay in port fees and taxes for booking late.
Cruise Ships in Alaska (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock)
There is also something to be said about booking during the off-season. Not only can booking during the off-season reduce the cost you pay for your cruise, but some ports will even charge lower fees for ships that use their port facilities during the less busy seasons. Conversely, many will also charge higher fees during the busier peak seasons.
Consider All-Inclusive Cruise Packages
Booking an all-inclusive cruise package is often possible, depending on the cruise line you are traveling with. While this usually refers to food, drinks, and activities on board the ship, some packages will bundle certain port fees and taxes into the upfront cost of your cruise. If port fees are more expensive than the cruise line anticipated, they will cover your share of the added cost.
This is also a way to have a more predictable picture of what your cruise vacation will cost, which can be very useful for those with a set budget.
Avoid Shore Excursions
While each port of call will differ, some will charge cruise passengers extra fees if they leave the immediate port area. These can be environmental fees and taxes.
Photo Credit: JorgeSuarez / Shutterstock
By avoiding certain shore excursions, you can keep costs low and potentially avoid some of the fees and taxes you would have to pay to local authorities.
Look Into Loyalty Programs, Travel Insurance Packages, and Credit Card Rewards
While you will still have to pay the relevant port fees and taxes, some cruise lines have loyalty programs that can help you maximize savings in other regards. Some will waive other fees, so the financial impact of paying port fees and local taxes will be minimized.Â
Joining loyalty programs will also give you exclusive access to sales and priority booking to secure a more affordable package.
Certain travel insurance packages can also cover unforeseen expenses, like non-refundable fees and taxes you did not anticipate. The same is true of certain credit cards, which can cover various fees for cardholders.
FAQs
Can I receive a refund for port fees and taxes if my cruise missed a scheduled port of call?
If the cruise ship you are traveling on fails to visit a scheduled port of call due to unforeseen circumstances, cruise lines will refund passengers the port fees and taxes that would have been paid to those local authorities.
Certain cruise lines are known to be slow in refunding these fees, so it is worth paying attention to if your cruise misses a port of call due to weather or other safety concerns.
Can I pay port fees and taxes directly to the port rather than through the cruise line?
No. While port fees and taxes are paid by individual passengers and assessed according to a head count of those on board, they are not negotiated between passengers and the port authorities. Cruise lines are responsible for negotiating with local authorities and collecting the appropriate funds.
This helps to streamline the entire process. Since there is no possible way to negotiate the fees you will be charged, there is also no benefit to paying them individually rather than allowing the cruise line to do so on your behalf.
Do all passengers pay the exact same port fees and taxes, or is there variation?
Yes, all cruise ship passengers will pay the same port fees and taxes. There is no difference in fees, regardless of the cabin type you are staying in or the age of the passenger. This also means children and senior passengers are charged the same fees as adults.
With that said, certain cruise lines will charge certain passengers less if they belong to a loyalty program or have booked a specific package. In this case, the fee paid on your behalf to local authorities will not vary; it is just that the cruise line will be paying it for you as part of a specific program.
Final Words
Port fees and local taxes may seem like an uninteresting topic, but they are essential to understand if you are a budget-conscious traveler. It is also important to remember that these fees and taxes are not there to take advantage of cruise passengers.
They help sustain the port system and marine environment, making cruise vacations enjoyable. Use the above-mentioned strategies to reduce costs and stay informed about potential fee changes. While cruise vacations may seem expensive, it is possible to stretch your cruise budget and still enjoy an amazing experience.
