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How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk in History?

Emrys Thakkar
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How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk in History?

Modern cruise ships are incredibly safe. Not only is it in the best interests of the cruise lines themselves to invest in safer and less sinkable ships, but international safety standards demand that all cruise ships adhere to strict design standards. 

With that said, tragedy does happen. If you have ever wondered how many cruise ships have sunk in history, we have the answers you are looking for. Today, we are going to take a look at these rare yet tragic events. We will cover some of the most famous sinkings in the cruise industry’s history and explain how frequent these events are in the modern era. 

If you’re ready to learn about these tragic maritime events, let’s dive in.

In This Article:

How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk Throughout History?

While sinkings of large vessels are rare, these events are even more infrequent when discussing cruise ships. Over the past 100 years, there have only ever been 24 full-size cruise ships that have sunk.

In some of these cases, the sinking occurred while the ship was being towed for repairs or when the ship was on its way to a scrapping yard; many times, the ship was operating as a warship when the sinking occurred. 

It is also worth noting that most of these sinking events also took place before 1940, showing improved safety features and how innovations in ship design have reduced the likelihood of cruise ships sinking in modern times. Here, in chronological order, are the 24 cruise ships that have sunk in history:

1. April 1912: Titanic

Titanic Layout
Titanic Ocean Liner

Perhaps the most infamous cruise ship sinking took place on April 14, 1912, when the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg; it was completely underwater in roughly two hours. Unfortunately, there weren’t enough lifeboats on the ship, and most passengers did not survive. The Titanic sinking resulted in over 1,500 deaths.

2. May 1914: Empress of Ireland

Empress of Ireland
Empress of Ireland (Photo Credit: HefePine23)

The Empress of Ireland was carrying nearly 1,500 passengers when it collided with the SS Storstad from Norway due to fog that limited visibility. In total, 1,012 people were killed. 

3. May 1915: Lusitania

S.S. Lusitania
S.S. Lusitania (Photo Credit: Everett Collection)

When the RMS Lusitania belonged to the Cunard Line, it was the world’s largest passenger ship. On May 7, 1915, a U-boat hit the Lusitania with a torpedo near the Ireland coast. The ship went down quickly, and the crew only launched six lifeboats. Around 1,200 people died.

4. November 1916: Britannic

Britannic
Britannic (Photo Credit: Zm05gamer)

Britannic, the sister ship of the Titanic and another ship called the Olympic. She was supposed to sail as a passenger ship, but World War I started, and plans changed. She served as a hospital ship and was struck by a naval mine between the Makronisos and Kea Islands of Greece. Although she sank in only 55 minutes, only 30 people died as most of those on board got onto the lifeboats and escaped.

5. October 1927: Principessa Mafalda

Principessa Mafalda
Principessa Mafalda

In 1909, the Principessa Mafalda, an Italian cruise ship, sailed between Buenos Aires and Genoa. In 1927, a broken propeller shaft damaged the ship’s hull and sank the ship off the Brazilian coast, killing just over 300 people.

6. June 1931: Saint-Philibert

On June 14, 1931, the Saint-Philibert sank off the French coast. The death toll was nearly 500; only eight people survived. 

7. May 1932: Georges Philippar

Georges Philippar
Georges Philippar

Georges Philippar was a French ocean liner that sank near what is now Yemen on her maiden voyage. They considered delaying the launch due to safety concerns, but these were ignored to avoid any delay penalties. Ultimately, an electrical fault caused a fire in a luxury cabin. The ship sank, and 54 people lost their lives.

8. September 1934: SS Morro Castle

SS Morro Castle
SS Morro Castle (Photo Credit: International News Photos, Inc)

On September 8. 1934, the SS Morro Castle caught fire and ran aground while traveling to New York City from Havana, Cuba. The evening before, the ship’s captain died suddenly, and Chief Officer William Warms took command. In all, 137 people died. Many people blamed the crew. They didn’t seem to know how to handle the emergency; lifeboats could hold 408 people, but the crew launched them with fewer people on board.

9. October 1940: Empress of Britain

The Empress of Britain was a steam turbine ocean linker that carried passengers between Canada and Europe between 1931 and 1939. She was the largest, fastest, most luxurious ship traveling this route during this time. On September 2, 1939, the United Kingdom declared war on the Nazi Empire in World War II.

Empress of Britain
Empress of Britain (Photo Credit: Stewart Bale)

On November 25, the Empress of Britain was requisitioned to transport troops. She made multiple transatlantic trips carrying troops from Canada to England during her service. On October 26, 1940, the Empress of Britain was bombed, and on October 28, she was sunk by a German U-boat.

10. July 1956: Andrea Doria

While on her way to New York City, the Stockholm passenger liner collided with Andrea Doria, and the ship immediately started to list and take on water. Half of her lifeboats were underwater, which could have led to a significant loss of life, but the ship did not sink immediately.

Andrea Doria
Andrea Doria (Photo Credit: Pil56)

It stayed afloat for over 11 hours. Thanks to the actions of the crew, improved communication technology, and the rapid response of nearby ships, 1,660 crew and passengers were rescued. Around 50 people died.

11. October 1961: Bianca C

Bianca C
Bianca C

The Germans first sank Bianca C during the Second World War. Workers raised her hull and refitted it as a cruise ship. On October 22, 1961, when docked near the Grenada coast, an explosion occurred in the engine room. Fires broke out onboard, and the ship sank. Nearly everyone made it off this ship. There was only one casualty.

12. September 1979: Angelina Lauro

Angelina Lauro first sailed in 1939. She was meant to be a ferry but was converted to a hospital ship during the war. When the war was over, the Angelina Lauro served as a passenger ship, cruising the world. She was sold in 1964 and refitted into a cruise ship and took her maiden voyage on March 6, 1966.

Angelina Lauro in Tilbury, 1976
Angelina Lauro in Tilbury, 1976 (Photo Credit: Tony Garner)

In March of 1979, the Angelina Lauro caught fire while she was docked in St Thomas. The fire continued for days, weakening the hull. The ship filled with water and sank on March 30th.

13. February 1986: MS Mikhail Lermentov

In 1972, the MS Mikhail Lermentov entered service as an ocean liner; a decade later, she became a cruise ship. The ship departed Sydney on February 6, 1986, headed for a two-week New Zealand cruise.

Mikhail Lermontov
Mikhail Lermontov (Photo Credit: U.Gomez)

The MS Mikhail Lermentov struck rocks near Cape Jackson ten days into her journey. Most of the 743 passengers and crew on board escaped in a lifeboat. Paval Zagladimov, a crew engineer, was the only casualty.

14. August 1986: SS Admiral Nakhimov

SS Admiral Nakhimov
SS Admiral Nakhimov (Photo Credit: SergBuilo)

In 1925, the SS Admiral Nakhimov sailed as a passenger liner called the SS Berlin. It was then a hospital ship and a passenger ship. In August 1986, the ship was involved in a collision in Tsemes Bay on the northern coast of the Black Sea. The ship sank quickly, and 423 people died.

15. October 1988: MV Jupiter

Originally named the Moledet, this Greek cruise ship first sailed in 1961. On October 21, 1988, the MV Jupiter was hit by an Italian freighter off the coast of Greece while on a two-week Mediterranean study cruise, sinking shortly after. Counting the students, crew, and adults onboard, there were about 600 people onboard. Two crew members, one teacher, and one student were killed.

16. August 1991: MTS Oceanos

The MTS Oceanos, a Greek-registered ship, sank while traveling from East London, South Africa, to Durban through rough seas. The storm got worse as the ship sailed on.

MTS Oceanos
MTS Oceanos

There were also some issues with the ship’s waste disposal system, and a vital ventilation pipe was broken. The pipe burst, and the ship filled with seawater. The captain and the crew abandoned the vessel. Thankfully, the entertainers on board took over the rescue efforts, and there were no fatalities.

17. September 1994: MS Estonia

The sinking of the MS Estonia (also previously named as Viking Sally) was one of history’s worst maritime disasters. The ship was sailing through the Baltic Sea when passengers and crew heard a bang followed by similar noises over the next few minutes.

MS Estonia
MS Estonia

Around 1:15 am, the bow visor on the front of the ship separated, the loading ramp opened, and the ship flooded. People in their cabins had a difficult time reaching the boat deck; in all, 850 people died.

18. December 1994: MS Achille Lauro

In 1965, an ocean liner called Willem Ruys was changed into a cruise ship and renamed MS Achille Lauro. The vessel experienced multiple incidents. In 1953, she collided with the Angelino Lauro, though neither ship suffered extreme damage.

MS Achille Lauro
MS Achille Lauro

In 1975, she struck a cargo ship, and in 1985, she was hijacked. Multiple explosions and fires occurred onboard in 1965, 1972, and 1981, but the last fire, in 1994, would be the one to sink her. On November 30, a fire occurred while the ship was en route to South Africa. The ship began to list, and most of the 979 people on board evacuated the next morning. Two people died, and the ship sank on December 2. 

19. May 1999: Sun Vista

Sun Vista entered service in 1963 and sailed for multiple cruise lines as the SS Galileo Galilei until she sank on May 20, 1999. She served as the Meridian, the first ship for Celebrity Cruises, and became Sun Vista in 1997 when she sailed for Sun Cruises.

Sun Vista
Sun Vista (Photo Credit: Svend Raether)

There was a fire in the engine room, and the ship sank in the Strait of Malacca, the main shipping channel between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. All of the people on board made it off safely.

20. October 2000: Britanis

The Britanis entered service in 1932 as the SS Monterey, an ocean liner. Eventually, in 1971, the vessel sailed for Fantasy Cruises, but Chandris, who operated Fantasy Cruises, switched its focus to another brand and stopped Fantasy Cruises operations.

Britanis
Britanis

Seventeen years later, in 1988, the ship was sold and renamed. Plans changed, and she was sold for scrap. The ship began leaking when heading to the scrap yard. The ship was empty, so it was allowed to capsize off the South African coast near Cape Town.

21. December 2000: SeaBreeze

This ship set sail in 1958 for Costa Cruises as Federico C. She transferred to Premiere Cruises in 1983. While sailing for them, she was renamed three times. In September 2000, Premier Cruises ceased operations, and the SeaBreeze was laid up.

SeaBreeze sinking off of Cape Henry
SeaBreeze sinking off of Cape Henry

Cruise Ventures III purchased her, and while traveling to Charleston, South Carolina, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, the boiler broke, causing significant damage. The ship sank near the coast of Virginia. All 34 members of the crew were saved.

22. November 2007: MV Explorer

The MV Explorer started life in 1969 as the MS Lindblad Explorer, a unique ship that sailed the Antarctic Ocean. She left for a 19-day cruise from Argentina on November 11, 2007, and crashed into an iceberg in the Bransfield Strait near the Falkland Islands 12 days later.

MS Explorer
MS Explorer (Photo Credit: Reinhard Jahn)

The iceberg caused significant damage to the ship’s hull, and water started filling it. All 153 people onboard were able to escape in lifeboats, and they were rescued by the MS Nordnorge five hours later.

23. April 2007: MS Sea Diamond

MS Sea Diamond
MS Sea Diamond (Photo Credit: Wikiphilip)

The MS Sea Diamond first sailed as the Birka Princess for Birka Line cruises. She was renamed the Sea Diamond when she was bought by Louis Cruises in 2006. In 2007, she ran aground near Santorini and eventually sank. Almost all crew and passengers escaped safely, with two people unaccounted for.

24. January 2012: Costa Concordia

The Costa Concordia entered service in 2006. She departed for a week-long Mediterranean cruise on January 13, 2012, with about 3,229 people onboard. The captain veered off course when en route to its first port, sailing close to Giglio Island off the coast of Tuscany. It hit a large rock hours after it set out to sea.

Costa Concordia
Cruise Ship Tipped Over (Photo Credit: MZeta / Shutterstock)

The ship sustained severe damage to its hull; it flooded and lost power, and the rudder was positioned so the ship couldn’t be steered. Everyone on board had to be evacuated, and 32 people died.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many people have died as a result of a cruise ship sinking? 

In the last 100 years, just shy of 2,000 people have lost their lives as a result of a cruise ship sinking. While tragic, it is worth noting that many of these losses occurred before the 1940s. 

When discussing maritime disasters involving a passenger vessel, it is only natural that the mind is immediately drawn to the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. While it is true that 1,517 lives were lost as a direct result of the sinking, it is also worth clarifying that the Titanic was not technically a cruise ship. Instead, it was a mail-carrying ocean liner. 

When discussing how many cruise ships have sunk, this distinction is actually quite important. Cruise ships are designed specifically for leisure and exploration, so they return passengers to the original departure point; ocean liners, like the RMS Titanic, were designed primarily as a mode of transportation.

They carried passengers from one side of the ocean to the other in the same way that modern transatlantic flights carry passengers from North America to Europe and vice versa.

Put simply, once you remove ocean liner, cargo ship, ferry, and other types of vessel accidents from the equation, the number of cruise ships that have sunk emerges as a relatively small number. 

How often do cruise ships sink? 

Looking at the past 100 years, roughly one cruise ship has sunk every five years. While this may sound alarming, most of these occurred in the first half of the previous century. With that said, there have been some highly publicized cruise ship sinkings recently. 

Part of why these events become such captivating international news stories has a lot to do with their infrequent nature. When you take a look just at the last 50 years, there have been a total of 15 cruise ships that have sunk. Of these, five sinkings occurred when the cruise ships were carrying no passengers. 

Since 2000, only four cruise ships have sunk while at sea. These events, like the sinking of the Costa Concordia in 2012, always make international news and are very much in the public eye. Even casual observers will be familiar with these events, a testament to their rarity. 

When was the most recent cruise ship sinking? 

The most recent time that a cruise ship sank was in August of 2020, when the Orient Queen was severely damaged during the Beirut explosion. At the time, the ship was moored in the Port of Beirut and was not carrying any passengers.

Although two crew members were killed as a result of the explosion, things could have been much worse if the ship was fully loaded with passengers and crew. The explosion caused the ship to capsize and eventually sink. While the loss of the cruise ship was undoubtedly newsworthy, its sinking was completely due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.

Read Also: What Does SS Stand for on Ships?

Being caught up in an explosion unrelated to the ship itself was more just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time than a result of any fault in the ship’s design or the crew’s decision-making. This explains why the Mar Lines cruise line is involved in a lengthy lawsuit that caused the deadly explosion with the warehouse owners.

Final Words 

While cruise ship accidents that result in sinking have occurred, they are incredibly rare, especially when considering the number of cruise ships that set sail each year without incident.

By studying the mistakes from the past, safety regulators and ship designers have been able to develop increasingly safe ships that keep their passengers and crew safe and dry, even in the roughest waters.

MSC Yacht Club: Is It Really Worth It?

Holly Riddle
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MSC Yacht Club: Is It Really Worth It?

When you go to book your MSC Cruises itinerary, you may come across a special offering called MSC Yacht Club. Is this special level of cruise worth buying? What do you get with this VIP level of service?

We’re breaking down everything you need to know about MSC Yacht Club and whether or not it’s a good choice for you and your cruising family (hint: it probably is).

In This Article:

MSC Yacht Club – Ship Within a Ship!

MSC Cruises is one of the largest cruise lines in the world, right up there with brands like Carnival, but if you don’t often cruise from ports located outside of the United States, you may not be that familiar with them. That’s because many of MSC Cruises’ passengers hail from European countries.

But, with the brand expanding its offerings and targeting more passengers from more locales around the world, you may find yourself interested in booking an MSC Cruises itinerary — especially once you get a look at some of the line’s amazing, larger-than-life ships, like the MSC Meraviglia.

When you book your cruise, you’ll come across the line’s MSC Yacht Club offering. The Yacht Club isn’t a loyalty program and it’s not just a set of suites. The Yacht Club is what MSC Cruises calls “a ship within a ship.”

It’s a luxury experience that takes your cruise to the next level —  and if luxury experiences are something you value as a traveler, you’ll definitely want to pay the extra cash needed to be a member of this exclusive “club.” It’s also a great experience to stay away from the crowds.

MSC Yacht Club perks include access to the best suites, a private club-members-only restaurant, a private club-members-only pool and sun deck, and even your very own, 24-hour butler and concierge, priority embarkation and disembarkation. But that only scratches the surface.

Is MSC Yacht Club Really Worth It?

For many cruisers, yes, upgrading to an MSC Yacht Club cruise is going to be worth it. The complimentary dining and drinks will save you tons of cash. The butler and concierge service will save you tons of time. Then, the access to your private pools, deck, lounge, and more makes for a much more relaxing cruise experience.

What About the Cost?

When considering an upgrade to the MSC Yacht Club, it’s important to weigh the additional cost against the benefits it provides. While the exact pricing may vary depending on the ship and itinerary, the MSC Yacht Club experience typically comes at a premium compared to standard cruise accommodations. However, the added value and exclusive amenities can make it a worthy investment for those seeking a truly luxurious and pampering vacation.

MSC Yacht Club Restaurant
MSC Yacht Club Restaurant

To determine if the cost justifies the experience, consider the value you place on amenities such as 24-hour butler service, access to private venues, unlimited complimentary drinks, and priority boarding and disembarkation.

Take into account the potential savings from not having to pay for specialty dining or drinks throughout your cruise. By examining the overall cost and comparing it to the additional benefits provided by the Yacht Club, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and desired level of luxury.

MSC Yacht Club Suites

The MSC Yacht Club premium luxury suites include, depending on the ship you’re on, anywhere from 70 to more than 100 different suite options. These options include interior suites, duplex suites, deluxe grand suites, new owner’s suites, executive and family suites, and royal suites.

Interior suites are, as you likely guessed, on the interior of the ship, but this is no drab and uncomfortable inner stateroom. Instead, interior suites are spacious (up to 226 square feet), with either king or twin beds, with a full sitting area, wardrobe, large bathroom with a vanity and even a coffee area.

(Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises)

Deluxe and deluxe grand suites are slightly larger, with a sitting area and occupancy for three to five guests and typically a small balcony with some seating.

If you’re traveling as more than just two or three people, you’ll probably want to upgrade to a duplex suite. The MSC Yacht Club duplex suites are humongous, with more than 600 square feet of interior space and nearly 250 square feet of exterior space, with a whirlpool-boasting balcony. There are two decks, occupancy for four travelers, walk-in closets, soaking tubs, a dining room and more.

MSC Meraviglia, MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite (Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises)

Executive and family suites are similar to the duplex suite, only slightly smaller, though they do still offer occupancy for four. Unfortunately, executive and family suites do not come with balconies. However, they do come with gorgeous, panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows.

The new owner’s suites are even larger than the duplex suites, with a whopping more than 1,000 square feet of interior space and room for five travelers. Enjoy a huge deck, spacious bathroom, dining room, living area and more.

Lastly, the royal suites are smaller than the new owner’s and duplex suites, but they’re still pretty luxurious all the same, with occupancy for three to four guests, separating living areas and dining rooms, soaking tubs and showers, walk-in closets and more.

(Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises)

Whatever option you choose, though, your suite will be outfitted with gorgeous furnishings, from Myform memory foam bedding to Egyptian cotton sheets to marble bathroom counters and wood paneling throughout the living spaces. Plus, the suites even feature a few high-tech amenities, such as “smart” air conditioning and an interactive widescreen television. You even get your own in-suite laptop!

So are these lavish suites enough to convince you to upgrade to the experience? For some cruisers, that’s exactly the case. That’s because, if you’re wanting to book a suite on the coveted upper decks of any MSC Cruises ship, you have to upgrade to the MSC Yacht Club. These suites are only available to those guests.

Private Space

As we mentioned, just like you only get access to these upper-deck suites by booking the MSC Yacht Club experience, there are certain private VIP spaces throughout the MSC Cruises ships that are only open to MSC Yacht Club guests.

These private spaces include the restaurant, Top Sail Lounge and the sun deck and pool. What exactly can you expect in each?

MSC Meraviglia Top Sail Lounge
MSC Meraviglia Top Sail Lounge (Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises)

The Top Sail Lounge can be found on those upper decks where the Yacht Club suites are also located. It’s your place to go for a quick bite to eat or a leisurely drink when you’re not exploring the rest of the ship. You’ll find complimentary drinks, snacks and desserts all day long, all in an upscale, yet laid-back, setting.

The One Sun Deck Complex includes a pool, two extra spa pools and a solarium. This is your place to go when you want to take a dip and enjoy the sun and water, but you don’t want to be surrounded by a lot of loud noise or other cruisers.

The private and luxurious sun deck feels a world away from the rest of the cruise ship. The complex also includes a bar, where you can find snacks and drinks all day long.

MSC Divina Yacht Club Bar
MSC Divina Yacht Club Bar (Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises)

Then, every MSC Yacht Club boasts its own private restaurant that’s open to Yacht Club guests only, and the name of the private restaurant will differ according to the MSC Cruises ship you’re on. So, for example, if you’re sailing on MSC Splendida, the restaurant is L’Olivo. If you’re sailing on MSC Divina, the restaurant is Le Muse, etcetera.

MSC Meraviglia Yacht Club Restaurant
MSC Meraviglia Yacht Club Restaurant (Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises)

The great thing about these private restaurants? There are no scheduled dinner times, so you can come in and dine whenever you want. The restaurant is totally complimentary and offers gourmet fine dining in a luxurious setting.

Butler Service

One of the most beloved perks for frequent Yacht Club cruisers? They love the MSC Yacht Club butler service. And who wouldn’t? You’ll have 24/7 access to your very own personal butler, to help you make the most of your cruising experience.

Your butler meets you when the ship embarks, carries your bags, escorts you throughout the ship as you get acquainted and is then available to help you plan anything you like while cruising, whether it’s a special dinner or access to a special amenity. The 24/7 Yacht Club concierges are also available for much of the same tasks.

Other Amenities

Other MSC Yacht Club amenities include…

  • Complimentary drinks (including soft drifts, spirits, beers, wines and cocktails) both in the MSC Yacht Club venues and in your suite
  • International newspapers delivered to your suite daily
  • Access to a pillow menu, to pick your perfect fit
  • Private elevator entry to the spa, with massage and treatment rooms set aside for Yacht Club guests
  • Priority check in and check out
  • Access to a broader menu of fine wines and spirits
  • Nintendo Wiis in each suite
  • Priority reservations at the spa
  • Complimentary spa treatments, including a trip to the thermal suite and sauna in the Turkish bath
  • Access to bespoke shore excursions
  • Access to an exclusive shopping guide for shore excursions
  • Access to a personal photographer for shore excursions
  • Complimentary internet/WiFi

Of course, in addition to these extra perks that are only available to MSC Yacht Club guests, if you book an MSC Yacht Club suite, you’ll also get access to all of the other spaces and entertainment found throughout the rest of the cruise ship. You will, though, have to pay for those non-complimentary spaces and entertainment (such as dining at specialty restaurants), just like all the other cruisers.

MSC Cruises Yacht Club Concierge

What Are the Best MSC Yacht Club Perks?

If you’re still on the fence regarding booking a cruise within the MSC Yacht Club on an MSC Cruises ship, here are a few things that you’ll want to consider.

All the Time You’ll Save

No, really! That’s the great thing about priority boarding and priority check-in and check-out.  There’s no waiting in long lines or spending your valuable vacation time with extra chores you don’t want to do. The priority boarding and check-in and check-out processes for MSC Yacht Club guests are seamless, easy and headache-free, so you can spend your vacation time actually relaxing.

Plus, you’ll save extra time with your cruise planning, too, thanks to the stellar butler service. Want to reserve dinner at one of the specialty restaurants on your cruise ship? There’s no need to do research or wait on the phone to make your reservation. Just talk to your butler and they’ll handle the rest, booking you the perfect experience.

MSC Virtuosa in Port
MSC Virtuosa in Port (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)

The same thing goes for shore excursions. The concierges and butlers help make your planning process a breeze, so all you need to do is tell them what you want, and they’ll take it from there.

More privacy and fewer crowds

One of the worst parts (for many travelers) of going on a cruise or staying at a big resort? The crowds and lack of privacy. But when you go to the private MSC Yacht Club spaces, like the pool deck and restaurant, you get access to fine dining and stellar pool areas that you expect from a popular luxury ship, but without all the crowds, noise and hustle and bustle. It makes for a more relaxing experience, and one that feels more exclusive, too.

Free drinks

If you don’t purchase a drink package on your cruise (or even if you do), all that vacation drinking can turn costly. Even if you don’t consider yourself that much of a party animal, we all likely drink a little more than normal when on vacay, and all those cocktails can start to add up.

Luckily, if you’re staying in a MSC Yacht Club suite, you can enjoy free-flowing drinks of any kind, all day long, from both your in-suite minibar and the lounge, restaurant, and pool bar within the private spaces.

FAQ

What is included in MSC Yacht Club?

MSC Yacht Club gives cruisers access to 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, private venues, extra amenities, an exclusive restaurant, unlimited drinks, luxury suites, special shore excursions, priority check in and check out, free WiFi and more.

Is the MSC Yacht Club offered on all ships?

According to MSC Cruises, MSC Yacht Club is currently available on board MSC Seashore, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia.

How to become an MSC Yacht Club member?

When booking your cruise, use the handy search filter to only view bookable sailings with MSC Yacht Club suites available. From there, you can book your cruise like normal and rest assured that you’ll enjoy the premier experience that MSC Yacht Club offers. 

Christmas on a Cruise Ship: What To Expect

Melissa Mayntz
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Christmas on a Cruise Ship: What To Expect

Christmas is an exciting time of year, and is even more so when you will be spending the holiday on board a cruise ship, whether you are sailing in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, or another amazing destination.

Every cruise line, from Carnival to Norwegian to Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and more, takes extra steps to make holiday vacations special and memorable.

But what can you expect on a Christmas cruise and how is it different than cruising at other times of year? Is taking a holiday cruise really worthwhile? I have taken multiple holiday cruises and enjoyed both the early and late days of the season onboard Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and other cruise lines – so let me share with you what to expect and how to make your merriest holiday ever!

In This Article:

When Is Christmas on a Cruise Ship?

While Christmas arrives every year on December 25, the exact dates when holiday celebrations occur on cruise ships can vary. While each cruise line will have at least some festivities throughout the season, the cheeriest of holiday cruises might start as early as late November or early December and could stretch past New Year’s Eve and into the first few days of January, depending on each individual ship’s itinerary and sailing dates.

Cruise Couple on a Christmas Cruise
Cruise Couple on a Christmas Cruise (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin)

If you want to be sure you are onboard a holiday sailing, check the dates carefully or contact the cruise line to ensure their seasonal celebrations will be in full swing on your departure date.

How holiday celebrations are handled on board will depend on the cruise line, the length of the cruise, the exact itinerary, and where the ship is embarking for each sailing. For each line, however, the climax of the celebratory season is the week of December 25, and that is when passengers will see the most seasonal spirit on board.

What You Will Always Find on a Cruise – Even at Christmas

It is important to note that even during the holiday season, cruise lines do not sacrifice their signature services, fun, and luxury. Regardless of when you set sail, you’ll still be treated to attentive service, delicious gourmet food, exciting entertainment, exotic ports of call, diverse shore excursion options, relaxing spa facilities, and a wide range of amenities.

Furthermore, a full schedule of activities such as trivia contests, craft projects, cooking demonstrations, casino tournaments, deck parties, poolside games, production shows, comedy acts, and more will also be part of every cruise.

Christmas on Carnival Cruise
Christmas on Carnival Cruise (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin)

No matter what holiday you may celebrate – or none at all – these fabulous facets of a cruise vacation are always available. While there may be more holiday touches on board during the Christmas season, you never need to worry about the basics of a cruise vacation being neglected.

Furthermore, while you will certainly notice the holiday spirit onboard, it does not generally come across as too overwhelming. While seasonal touches will be found everywhere, the “regular” parts of a cruise don’t disappear, and cruise lines take great care not to intrude on any individual’s seasonal choices.

Carnival Cruise Line Christmas
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Unless you request and arrange it in advance, for example, your stateroom won’t be decorated for the holidays before you arrive. Nor will you be forced to participate in any holiday activities you may not enjoy or not feel comfortable with.

Just as with any cruise, you can choose what you wish to do, how much you want to participate, and truly customize your cruise vacation just as you can at any other time of year.

Special Activities on a Christmas Cruise

Depending on the cruise line, sailing date, port itinerary, and passenger complement, a wide variety of holiday happenings may be found on board a cruise ship. Some of the holiday fun and Christmas activities you may find could be…

  • A countdown calendar to the actual holiday, or countdowns as individual events begin
  • Holiday-themed craft projects, such as making cards, garlands, gift bags, or ornaments
  • Lighting events, such as a Hanukkah menorah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas tree lighting ceremony 
  • Gingerbread house or village displays or decorating activities
  • Cookie decorating activities, classes, or contests
  • Christmas costume or ugly sweater contests
  • Caroling parties or holiday music from live bands and singers
  • Pajama parties for Christmas morning breakfast or brunch
  • Letter writing to Santa with a North Pole mailbox onboard
  • Visits from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, or other seasonal celebrities
  • Holiday story times or Christmas bedtime stories
  • “Snow” celebrations on deck or in a large atrium
  • Christmas movies offered at poolside screens, onboard cinemas, or in-cabin televisions
  • A special Christmas show or other holiday-themed entertainment
  • Christmas or other holiday-themed trivia contests
  • Scavenger hunts to find snowmen, elves, candy canes, or other holiday items
  • Special themed activities for kids in onboard children’s programs
  • Religious services or non-denominational Christmas services
  • Special gifts for passengers or seasonal items available in gift ships

While not all of these activities are offered on every cruise or with every cruise line, any sailing near Christmas is sure to have special activities in store for its passengers to celebrate.

Other Holiday Touches You’ll Find on a Cruise Ship

Seasonal activities aren’t the only holiday fun you’ll find on a Christmas cruise. During the holiday season, ships are decked out in their finest seasonal attire with garlands, wreaths, ribbons, twinkle lights, trees, presents, gingerbread village displays, and other holiday decorations in all public areas, and popular carols may be playing onboard.

Holiday Treats on Celebrity Infinity
Holiday Treats on Celebrity Infinity (Photo Credit: Todamo)

Gift shops may be offering specials so you can pick up that seasonal souvenir for everyone on your holiday list, and on-board photography studios may offer specials to turn your very best formal night or casual portraits into holiday cards with seasonal backdrops.

Menus are infused with holiday favorites and seasonal drinks with hot chocolate, eggnog, cranberry, or pumpkin may appear as specials during Christmas sailings.

On most cruise ships, a special gala turkey or ham dinner will be held in the Main Dining Room on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, with both classic holiday dishes and elevated menu choices. Even more casual dining options, such as the buffet, will offer special Christmas dinner dishes.

As you pull into ports of call or private island destinations you’ll be greeted with local festive flair and decorations. Some cruise destinations may be in the midst of their own celebrations with parades, holiday bazaars, and other seasonal fun.

Christmas Tree at Royal Caribbean's Labadee, Haiti
Christmas Tree at Royal Caribbean’s Labadee, Haiti (Photo Credit: EWY Media)

Even passengers get into the spirit and you’re likely to see plenty of stateroom doors decorated with holiday touches, such as Christmas trees, menorahs, wreaths, or other seasonal symbols. More than one passenger is likely to be wearing a Santa hat, whimsical antlers, a light-up necklace, seasonal sweater, or other holiday attire.

But Is a Christmas Cruise Worth It?

While there is a lot going on that makes Christmas cruises extra memorable, these holiday sailings also command a premium price and often sell out months, if not years, before the holiday season. It may be necessary to plan well in advance to take advantage of the best deals, especially if airfare or pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations may be necessary.

Furthermore, setting sail for Christmas means leaving most of one’s own holiday traditions back on land, including special events, religious services, home decorations, traditional meals, and visits with family members and friends. Of course, many families make a Christmas cruise a tradition in itself, and there’s no better way to spend the holiday than with those you love the most.

Carnival Cruise Line Christmas
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

A holiday sailing can dramatically reduce the traditional craziness of the season. Instead, those tasks are taken care of by the ship’s crew, and guests can truly relax and enjoy the season.

There is no need to decorate your house when you won’t be home to enjoy it, you don’t need to plan elaborate meals or bake dozens of cookies when the gourmet chefs on board will do so, and you don’t need to clean your house for guests when you’re the guest and dedicated attendants spruce up your stateroom each day.

Furthermore, you don’t need to shop for gifts that may just get forgotten, lost, or broken in a few months, and instead the cruise is your gift to yourself and the family members or friends who join you. Onboard, you will make memories to last a lifetime with the different ports of call you visit, shore tours you experience, specialty dining you indulge in, and other fun.

Princess Cruises Christmas
Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises

A Christmas cruise also lets you escape winter weather and icy roads, frozen fingers, or snow days. It can also be easier to arrange for family members from distant homes to get together when you’re all on the same ship, rather than juggling many different schedules and commitments. After the holiday, you don’t have the hassle of cleaning up after the exuberance or putting away decorations – you just have to unpack your luggage after the cruise.

It can be hard, however, to say bon voyage to family traditions that may have been built up over several generations. If you will terribly miss the special decorations, home-baked treats, Hallmark Channel movies, the excitement of Christmas morning, and other parts of the season at home, it might be best to set sail earlier in the season or after December 25 to get a lot of the holiday spirit on board without completely missing your home traditions as well.

Bringing Your Own Holiday Celebrations Onboard

Experienced cruisers often find a way to bring some of their own traditions onboard, even when setting sail during the Christmas season. Decorating stateroom doors or inside one’s cabin, for example, can use favorite holiday themes or special decorations from home (just be sure the items are permitted onboard!).

Similarly, guests could bring along a sealed container of their favorite holiday treat to be sure they get that familiar taste of the season no matter which ports of call they visit.

10 Useful Christmas Gifts For Cruise Travelers
Photo By: Amber Nolan

Many guests even bring Christmas gifts onboard to exchange with family members on the cruise, as well as extra gifts for crew members who are celebrating the holidays far from their own families.

Just be sure the packages are not yet wrapped before boarding, so they can easily pass through security. Gift bags and pre-cut wrapping paper are great ways to be able to wrap gifts onboard.

No matter how you like to celebrate the holiday season, you’re sure to find festive fun on a Christmas cruise. While it can be hard to leave one’s home traditions behind at this special time of year, with so much going on and so many amazing holiday touches on board, an oceangoing holiday could be your very best Christmas ever and a new family tradition to enjoy year after year. Happy Holidays!

Celebrity Cruise Ship Arrives at Caribbean Island for First Time

Catie Kovelman
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Celebrity Cruise Ship Arrives at Caribbean Island for First Time

The island paradise of St. Kitts welcomed the Celebrity Beyond for the first time. The ship’s inaugural visit to this Caribbean destination is the first of several taking place during the 2023-2024 cruise season, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between Celebrity Cruises and the small country.  

Celebrity Beyond’s Inaugural Visit To St. Kitts

On the morning of December 8, 2023, Celebrity Beyond, part of Celebrity’s Edge-class fleet, arrived in St. Kitts for her inaugural cruise call.

The Celebrity Cruises ship visited the small Caribbean country as part of its 10-night Southern Caribbean cruise, which also included Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; and St. Johns, Antigua. 

St. Kitts is part of the dual-island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which is located in the Eastern Caribbean. The ship docked in Basseterre, which is the capital and the gateway to popular tourist destinations like South Friar’s Bay, Independence Square, and the Victorian Berkeley Memorial Clock Tower. 

Celebrity is one of many cruise lines visiting St. Kitts during the island country’s unusually busy winter season. The Caribbean cruise port expects 342 ships to dock on its shores this winter, marking an unprecedented surge in tourism, with bigger and newer ships adding St. Kitts to their itineraries.

Celebrity Beyond Cruise Ship
Photo Copyright: Doctor Alonso / Shutterstock

The vessel received a warm welcome from the locals and the St. Kitts Tourism Authority alike. With more port calls on the horizon in the 2023-2024 cruise season, St. Kitts Tourism Authority is looking forward to strengthening its relationship with Celebrity Cruises and showing guests what the island has to offer.

“The arrival of Celebrity Beyond marks a significant milestone in our flourishing partnership with Celebrity Cruises. We are delighted to introduce our island paradise as a premier destination on this ship’s itinerary. St. Kitts boasts an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, and we look forward to showcasing the best that our island has to offer to all Celebrity Beyond passengers,” says Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism. 

The island will be included as part of Celebrity’s 10-night “Ultimate Southern Caribbean” voyages onboard Celebrity Beyond, which are offered on select dates between January and April in 2024 and depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Along with St. Kitts, the luxury ship will also be sailing to Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Castries, St. Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; and St. Johns, Antigua. 

Future Sailings To St. Kitts

Celebrity Cruises will return to St. Kitts’s pristine shores several more times in the 2023-2024 season, as well as in the years beyond.

Cruise Ships at St. Kitts
Photo Courtesy: St. Kitts Tourism

For cruisers who like to plan ahead, Celebrity has also released seven-night itineraries onboard Celebrity Beyond that include St. Kitts, beginning in October 2025 through April 2026. These cruises will set sail from Miami, Florida, and explore St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Puerto Plata.

Read Also: Celebrity Cruise Ships – Newest to Oldest

Celebrity Ascent, the most recent addition to Celebrity’s Edge-class fleet, will also follow its sister ship’s lead. The Celebrity Ascent will make her own inaugural cruise call to St. Kitts at the end of December after completing her maiden voyage, which began on December 3.

Like the Celebrity Beyond, the Celebrity Ascent also has itineraries scheduled through 2026 that include St. Kitts as a port of call.

Uncovering the Secrets of the Cruise Ship Graveyard

Emrys Thakkar
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Uncovering the Secrets of the Cruise Ship Graveyard

Modern cruise ships are true engineering marvels. From their immense scale and powerful propulsion systems to their luxurious interiors and charming amenities, these magnificent vessels capture the imagination like no other form of transportation. 

While they are certainly enchanting, many wonder what happens to them when they are no longer fit for service. Behind the scenes of the cruise industry is an equally fascinating world of cruise ship disposal and recycling. Like automobiles and airplanes, even cruise ships eventually find themselves at the scrap yard.

Today, we will dive into the unfamiliar world of the cruise ship graveyard. We will uncover where these once glorious vessels end up and explain the disposal and recycling process used to break these massive ships down. We will also answer questions about the lifespan of a typical cruise ship and whether or not their disposal has environmental implications. 

So, if you are ready to uncover the secrets of the cruise ship graveyard, let’s get started!

In This Article:

What Is the Lifespan of a Cruise Ship?

Before we explore the concept of a cruise ship graveyard, it is worth explaining how long a cruise ship lasts and why all vessels must be taken out of service at some point. 

Typically, a full-size cruise ship can remain in service for roughly 30 years; however, the exact lifespan will depend on the needs of the cruise line operating each ship. Some luxurious cruise lines will take their ships out of service and either sell them off or send them off to be scrapped.

Other cruise lines will extend the typical lifespan of their ships by refurbishing them. This can be simple updates to interior décor and furnishings or more substantial technological upgrades. If a cruise ship is maintained and updated properly, it could be in service for as long as 40 years. 

What Happens When a Cruise Ship Is Decommissioned? 

When a decision is made to take a cruise ship out of service, it must undergo a meticulous decommissioning process. This process involves more than simply powering down the engines and locking the doors. 

Environmental Hazard Removal

For starters, the cruise ship’s massive fuel tanks must be emptied completely. This is for environmental purposes, as it helps reduce the risk of a fuel spill during the salvaging process. 

Decommissioned cruise ships must also undergo a detailed environmental assessment from a neutral party. The entire ship is examined during this process to ensure all hazardous materials are accounted for. Once the fuel tanks have been emptied safely, the fuel lines are drained to ensure no environmentally hazardous material is left behind.

Worth Reading: Cruise Ship Out of Water – How Does It Look?

Other potentially hazardous materials, such as asbestos, mercury, hydrocarbons, and various corrosive heavy metals, are accounted for during the assessment. These will need to be removed and disposed of in accordance with all of the relevant environmental regulations. 

Stripping of the Interior

The interior can be fully stripped once the decommissioned cruise ship has been assessed for potential environmental hazards and its remaining fuel and other engine fluids have been removed safely.

Carnival Ecstasy Rolls Royce
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

During this process, all interior furniture and equipment are removed. In some cases, it can be auctioned off so it can be repurposed or scrapped so the materials can be repurposed.

Some interior components, such as artwork, kitchen appliances, high-end furniture, and even chandeliers, can generate significant income for the cruise line during auction. This helps cover some expenses of sending the ship to be scrapped at a cruise ship graveyard.

This process is important for financial purposes and helps reduce the environmental impact of disposing of such a massive vessel. 

Salvaging of Valuable Equipment and Materials

Finally, the decommissioned cruise ship is broken down and stripped at a scrap yard specializing in large-scale ship disposal. Not only are the engines and other significant components removed, but the ship’s steel hull is broken down so the metal can be melted down for repurposing.

It will not surprise you that full-size cruise ships are constructed from massive amounts of high-grade, non-corrosive metal. When recycled correctly, this metal and electrical wiring can be worth an incredible amount of money, especially if it is not overly corroded. This is what makes the cruise ship scrapping industry profitable. 

Even the thousands of windows on a cruise ship can be removed and recycled like any other type of glass. 

Where Does This Take Place? – Introducing Cruise Ship Graveyards 

Given the immense size of a cruise ship, the salvaging and dismantling process cannot occur at a typical scrap yard. This is where ship graveyards come into play.

Cruise Ship Graveyard

These specialized scrap yards are equipped to deal with large ships. They have massive ports where the decommissioned ships can be towed. From there, crews can work with breaking down the ships and salvaging materials and components for recycling.

In many cases, luxury cruise ships are demolished and scrapped alongside large ships, like cargo ships, tankers, and research vessels.

Where Are the Cruise Ship Graveyards?

The most notable cruise ship graveyards tend to be in poorer countries where labor is inexpensive. These include the following: 

1. The Alang Ship Breaking Yard in Alang, India

The Alang Ship Breaking Yard is considered to be the world’s largest scrap yard for decommissioned ships. The facility is home to 183 full-sized ship dismantling yards and has numerous docks where retired ships can be towed in for the first stages of scrapping. 

The Alang Ship Breaking Yard handles cruise ships and has dismantled everything from oil tankers to aircraft carriers. 

2. The Aliağa Ship Recycling Yard in Aliağa, Turkey

The Aliağa Ship Recycling Yard on the coast of Turkey has gained international recognition for its more environmentally friendly approach to recycling cruise ships and other types of vessels.

Monarch and Sovereign Cruise Ships Scrapped

Thousands of workers work harmoniously to recycle steel and other valuable materials from decommissioned ships. This recycling facility also gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, as lockdown measures particularly impacted the cruise industry. Numerous cruise lines sold cruise ships to Aliağa for recycling and demolition. 

3. The Chittagong Ship Breaking Yard in Faujdarhat, Bangladesh

This enormous ship scrap yard handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s decommissioned ships, so it is a massive operation. In fact, the Chittagong facility employs over 200,000 people at any given time. 

While it handles all forms of ship demolition, the facility’s main specialization is steel recovery. While it was once seen as a major tourist attraction in Bangladesh, it had to close access to the general public due to safety concerns. Sadly, the Chittagong Ship Breaking Yard has come under international scrutiny for its poor safety record, with reports claiming that roughly one worker dies per week. 

4. Gadani Ship Breaking Yard in Gadani, Pakistan

The world’s third largest ship scrapping yard is located along the coast of the Arabian Sea in southern Pakistan. At any given time, the Gadani Ship Breaking Yard can handle 125 full-sized ships, including full-size cruise ships.

Although the facility has reduced its size and number of employees in recent years, it still handles numerous cruise ships every single year, especially those originating from the Mediterranean Sea. 

The Economics of Cruise Ship Graveyards

You might be wondering how the ship graveyard industry works financially. While you may assume that cruise lines would have to pay vast sums of money to dispose of such giant objects, it turns out that scrapping cruise ships is fairly profitable, especially in countries where the average hourly income is relatively low.

Recycling scrap metal on such a massive scale can be very lucrative. In particular, the high-grade steel that can be recovered from the outer hull of a cruise ship can be a precious commodity in a resource-poor nation.

Sovereign Cruise Ship Scrapping
Photo By: Selçuk Ateş

As such, ship scrap yards bid on decommissioned cruise ships and purchase them from the cruise lines. While cruise lines may have to pay certain environmental fees when they decommission a ship, much of this money can be recovered when it is sold. 

Cruise ship graveyards can be profitable and sustainable enterprises and provide much-needed job opportunities in countries and regions with low employment rates.

While they certainly can be good for local economies, ship scrap yards can also be extremely dangerous places to work, which is why there has been a recent crackdown on workplace safety standards. Certain countries have also demanded stricter environmental standards for the scrapping industry, making operating a full-scale ship scrap yard more expensive. 

Is it Possible to Visit a Cruise Ship Graveyard?

While seeing the skeletons of once glamorous cruise ships may appeal to some adventurists, most cruise ship graveyards are off-limits to the general public. This is simply due to safety concerns and certain regulations requiring individuals to undergo strict training before entering one of these types of facilities.

Chittagong ship breaking yard
Chittagong ship breaking yard (Photo Credit: Katiekk)

While certain facilities used to be open to the public, like the Chittagong Ship Breaking Yard in Bangladesh, most have now closed their doors. To feed the curiosity of locals and tourists alike, some of these cruise ship graveyards will hold occasional guided tours and photography events, but they are usually reserved for days when the scrap yard is inactive. 

Some of these ship graveyards have even been featured in major Hollywood movies, such as Avengers: Age of Ultron, which contained a scene that was featured in a South African shipyard. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are cruise ship graveyards subject to environmental regulations? 

Yes, most cruise ships are now subject to environmental standards, particularly regarding waste disposal. Where ship scrap yards were far less eco-friendly in the past, most countries have now introduced recycling initiatives that ensure even less valuable materials are recycled appropriately.

International regulatory bodies are also beginning to introduce regulations regarding the sustainability of the ship-breaking industry. 

How much is a decommissioned cruise ship worth? 

Given that ship scrap yards purchase decommissioned cruise ships from cruise lines, you might wonder what they are actually worth. 

In general, the value of a cruise ship will depend primarily upon its weight in tonnage, as well as the quality and condition of the steel that ship was constructed from. A well-made, mid-sized cruise ship might weigh somewhere between 60,000 to 120,000 tons.

Most of this weight would be steel. Assuming the steel was not overly corroded and the ship had been used relatively recently, it could be worth roughly two million dollars in scrap value. Naturally, larger ships can be worth even more. 

Rather than set a specific price for the ship, most cruise lines will actually auction off their decommissioned and stripped ships. Allowing various ship graveyards to bid on the ship makes the final price difficult to predict. There is also the fact that scrap metal values can fluctuate over time, so, in many ways, the global market dictates the value of a decommissioned cruise ship. 

What is the average lifespan of a cruise ship?

For the most part, a typical cruise ship will be in service for 25 to 30 years. As you would expect, proper maintenance and upgrades ensure that a cruise ship can be serviceable for longer.

For larger ships that are regularly updated and properly maintained, the life span can be as long as 40 years. It is important to note that older ships need to undergo more frequent safety inspections to ensure that they are not at risk of breaking down while carrying passengers. 

Final Words 

While the world of cruise ship graveyards can be fascinating, relatively few people understand how it works. Many assume unserviceable cruise ships remain still and simply erode, but they are quickly broken down and recycled. 

Even after their days of transporting eager passengers through the world’s most exciting waters are over, these enormous ships are still incredibly valuable.

Read Also: Where Do Cruise Ships Go To Die? The Dismantling Process

In many ways, the stripping and recycling of a cruise ship is the final phase of its life span. From being built by thousands of skilled workers and carrying for up to 40 years to eventually being broken down and scrapped, the lifecycle of a cruise ship is truly fascinating.

The fact that so much of a cruise ship is repurposed and recycled after all those years of service is a testament to the modern cruise industry’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Carnival Cruise Line Confirms One Food Rumor, Debunks Another

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Confirms One Food Rumor, Debunks Another

Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has addressed a pair of food-related rumors recently, confirming one and debunking the other.

The rumors relate to buffet service onboard all Carnival ships, as well as the options for customized omelettes available both at the buffet and during the popular Sea Day Brunch.

Is Carnival Buffet Service Changing?

The first rumor is related to self-service versus served lines at the casual dining Lido Marketplace buffet. Concerned cruisers have asked Heald whether or not the buffet lines will become served – with crew members dishing out portions – or if they will remain self-serve, with guests choosing their own portions.

The questions are asked both with respect to food waste, as well as health and sanitation concerns over shared serving utensils.

“We are not, repeat not, changing from self service to a served buffet,” Heald confirmed.

Heald also asked a poll on his popular Facebook page about whether or not the buffet should remain self-serve or move to served dining. Carnival Cruise Line does take into account guest feedback whenever possible.

The poll results – with more than 4,700 votes counted – clearly show a preference for self-service, with 88% of guests agreeing that self-serve should be the way to go. Just 8% of votes would rather see the buffet served by crew members when possible.

Heald does acknowledge that served dining was the order of the day as part of health and safety precautions related to the pandemic, but it is unlikely that the service would change now unless there were a severe outbreak onboard a ship. Either way, some guests are always unhappy with how a buffet is served.

Carnival Cruise Lido Dining
Carnival Cruise Lido Dining (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

“If we were to say that the buffets were not self service and that a crew member must do it for you there would be some grumbling,” Heald explained.

At times, different cruise lines do shift to served buffets if there is an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness onboard. Some buffet items are always served regardless of the situation, such as meat carving stations or dessert options like cakes or hand-scooped ice cream.

As for food waste being a concern with self-serve buffets, guests can always opt to take smaller portions and simply get a second serving after they finish the first if they would like more.

“It will remain an all you can eat buffet and I should, with food waste in mind, remind myself and others that an all you can eat buffet is an offer not a challenge,” Heald commented jokingly.

Omelette Options Onboard

The second rumor Heald has addressed in recent days is a change in omelette options. Guests onboard recent sailings of different Carnival ships have noted that omlettes are no longer able to be customized during the popular Sea Day Brunch.

Instead, guests have a choice of three omelette varieties – cheese, ham-and-cheese, or vegetable omelete with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The only customization available is a choice of either cheddar or mozzarella cheese.

The Lido Marketplace omelette stations are also serving only the three types of omelettes, without additional customization. Previously, omelettes could be made with a variety of different ingredients, including bacon, mushrooms, arugula, spinach, and other types of cheese, including feta and swiss.

Omelette At the Cruise Ship Buffet
Omelette At the Cruise Ship Buffet (Photo Credit: Reel creative)

Several explanations have been given for this change. Fewer selections allows omelettes to be prepared more quickly, speeding up Main Dining Room brunch service and shortening lines at the buffet stations. Because of this, Heald has confirmed that for the time being, the new omelette options will remain.

“One of the reasons we are changing the slightly is to speed up the process,” he explained. “There are no plans to change back at this time.”

Read Also: Carnival Cruise Line Quietly Hikes Dining Prices

More pessimistic travelers are concerned that this may signify a permanent loss of options, but it is equally likely that this is simply a test of a new dining option that may yet be tweaked in the coming weeks and months. Heald has confirmed that the omelette stations on the buffet are not being eliminated entirely.

“You can still have a freshly made omelette of three different varieties made on the Lido,” he said.

It should also be noted that there are plenty of other breakfast options available, both in each ship’s Main Dining Room as well as breakfast burritos from BlueIguana Cantina. Other types of eggs are always available at the Lido Marketplace, including scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, and other options, depending on individual selections each day.

Cruise Ship to Remain Out of Service After Damage Found During Dry Dock

Robert McGillivray
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Cruise Ship to Remain Out of Service After Damage Found During Dry Dock

During dry dock in Bremerhaven, Germany, significant issues have been uncovered that will prohibit Ambience, the former Regal Princess, now sailing for Ambassador Cruise Line, from returning to service soon. 

The announcement comes ahead of a busy season of sailings, with thousands of guests booked onboard the vessel. With that in mind, Ambassador Cruise Line has taken the controversial decision to swap itineraries between Ambience and its other cruise ship, Ambition. 

Major Maintenance Needed for Ambassador Cruise Ship Ambience

Ambassador Cruise Line informed guests and travel agents on December 7, 2023, that Ambience will be out of service through early January. Ambience requires extended maintenance due to unexpected damage found on the vessel’s prop shafts during dry dock in Bremerhaven, Northern Germany.

The maintenance work, which involves repairing propeller shafts and stern bearings damaged by metal grinding, is crucial to prevent potential environmental risks. Both propeller shafts and the bearings will be transported by sea to Denmark where they will be repaired by a specialist company.

Christian Verhounig, Chief Executive Officer for Ambassador Cruise Line: “The two propeller shafts (each 20m long weighing over 30 tonnes each), together with their bearings have been transported by sea to a specialist metal repair shop in Denmark.”

Ambience Cruise Ship
Ambience Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis)

Ambience had been in dry dock for regularly scheduled maintenance, however, this will be taking much longer than initially anticipated. 

“Regrettably, we were informed yesterday that the additional maintenance works will not be concluded in time to operate our itineraries onboard Ambience as scheduled, with the ship only able to return to the UK in early January ahead of Ambience’s Grand Round The World Cruise.”

The unplanned maintenance has far-reaching consequences for the cruise lines, which is forced to cancel several cruises scheduled to set sail onboard Ambience, and also affects cruises booked onboard the cruise line’s second cruise ship, Ambition.

Ambience Propeller Shaft Damage
Ambience Propeller Shaft Damage

Significant Impact on Scheduled Cruises

The extended maintenance on the Ambience has necessitated the cancellation and alteration of several cruises planned for December. The cruise line stated that Ambition will replace the Ambience for these voyages, affecting 6,600 guests booked onboard Ambience, and a further 800 guests booked onboard Ambition.

Verhounig said: “We have taken the difficult decision to switch Ambition and Ambience’s itineraries over the next month. With over 6,600 guests due to be on board Ambience in December and 800 booked on Ambition, it made operational sense to cancel the one sailing over this period on Ambition than all Ambience’s planned itineraries, which limits the impact on most guests with forward bookings.”

Ambition is the former AIDAmira, which was sold to Ambassador Cruise Line in 2022. The 48,200 gross tons cruise ship first sailed as Mistral for Festival Cruises in 1999, then as Grand Mistral with Ibero Cruises, and as Costa neoRiviera with Costa Cruises.

Ambassador's Ambition Cruise Ship
Ambassador’s Ambition Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: The Bristol Port Company)

December cruises that have been impacted include the December 10 sailing, a German Christmas Markets cruise that will now sail on Ambition. This cruise will be reduced from 5 nights to 4 and Hamburg is being replaced by Antwerp.

The December 17 cruise, a Festive Market Getaway sailing on December 17 onboard Ambience, will now be sailing on Ambition. Further, Ambience‘s Christmas & New Year Voyage scheduled for December 21 will now take place on Ambition. 

The cruise duration has been extended from 16 to 17 nights and will return to Tilbury on January 7, 2024, instead of January 6, 2024. The itinerary will include a Rotterdam drop-off for guests on January 6. This is the second year in a row where guests have been surprised by cruise cancellations around the Christmas period. At the time, this was due to issues found during an inspection of the lifeboat stations onboard.

No Mention Of Compensation for Cancelled Cruises

To make the changes possible, Ambassador Cruise Line has cancelled Ambition‘s West Indies cruise scheduled to set sail on December 11, 2024.

“It is never an easy decision to change or cancel any Ambassador sailing, particularly at this time of year, and I would personally like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. I fully understand that an apology does not cover what many of you may be feeling right now,” said Verhounig.

If the maintenance and repairs can be completed without further delays, Ambience is expected to return to the UK in early January, in time for its Grand Round The World Cruise. 

Ambassador Cruise Line did not make any mention of compensation it would be offering guests booked on one of the cancelled or rescheduled cruises. Guests will be receiving more news about the options available to them through email, according to the cruise line. 

Iconic Statue Returning to a New Carnival Cruise Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Iconic Statue Returning to a New Carnival Cruise Ship

Carnival Cruise Line is bringing back an amazing – though occasionally controversial – statue as a focal point, but on a new cruise ship. The upcoming Carnival Firenze will showcase the piece when the ship debuts in April 2024 as a new ship in the cruise line’s Carnival Fun, Italian Style rebranding.

Statue of David to Return on New Carnival Ship

The statue in question is the recreation of Michelangelo’s famous David that was previously installed on Carnival Pride as a centerpiece in the ship’s steakhouse. When Carnival Pride debuted, the steakhouse was named David’s, but the specialty dining venue was rebranded in May 2023 during the ship’s revitalization drydock.

As the steakhouse aboard Carnival Pride is no longer themed to the spectacular piece of Renaissance art, the statue was removed and hasn’t been seen since.

Now, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has hinted at the statue’s return, sharing a photo of the cruise line’s president, Christine Duffy, recently standing in the lobby of what is still, for the moment, Costa Firenze.

“Last weekend our President Christine Duffy went to visit the Costa Firenze which next year will become the Carnival Firenze. Christine reported that the ship was really beautiful and I am sure that everyone on the West Coast will be excited to see her sailing from Long Beach,” Heald said.

“Now, take a look at the photo and the Christmas Tree because when the ship becomes Carnival Firenze there will be something else standing where that tree is now. It’s an old friend from another ship. Can you guess what it is that will have pride of place there?”

Christine Duffy on Costa Firenze
Christine Duffy on Costa Firenze

While Heald has not definitively confirmed that the new addition to the ship will be the David statue, the hints are clear – “an old friend from another ship” and “pride” strongly suggest the statue will be returning.

Many guests have commented on Heald’s hint, happy that the statue will be returning and eager to set sail on Carnival Firenze next year.

It is even more appropriate that David will be showcased aboard Carnival Firenze, as the ship’s name is “Florence” in Italian, and that iconic Italian city is where the original David is permanently housed in Galleria dell-Accademia art museum.

About David

While the original statue of David is a 17-foot marble masterpiece carved from 1501-1504, the statue Carnival Cruise Line owns is not quite an exact replica.

When Carnival Pride debuted in 2002, the statue was an exact recreation of the famous sculpture. Over the years, however, various complaints from more conservative cruisers led the cruise line to add a fig leaf over the anatomically-correct statue’s more private bits.

Michaelangelo’s masterpiece David
Michaelangelo’s masterpiece David (Photo Credit: David L. Brown)

Interestingly, it is not uncommon for works of art to be similarly adjusted, and many famous pieces have been altered to more modern modesty and privacy standards many years after they may have originally be sculpted or painted.

There is no word on whether or not the statue will maintain its fig leaf modesty when it is reinstalled aboard Carnival Firenze.

Sailing Carnival Firenze

While the ship is still currently Costa Cruises’ Costa Firenze, the vessel will undergo an extensive dry dock when it is rebranded to join the Fun Ship Fleet. The same happened to Carnival Venezia prior to that ship’s transfer, with Carnival-branded venues added to the ship.

Costa Firenze‘s final sailing is a unique 1-night cruise from Marseille, France to Savona, Italy on January 20, 2024 before the ship will enter dry dock for her renovations. The ship is currently offering diverse Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona, Marseille, Savoa, and Valencia.

Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship
Upcoming Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mlle Sonyah)

Carnival Firenze is scheduled to debut at the end of April 2024, sailing from Long Beach, California. That debut has been controversial, as the schedule was adjusted and a new “inaugural” sailing added earlier than originally planned. The first inaugural cruise is now scheduled to depart April 25, 2024.

The ship will be offering 4-, 5-, and 7-night Mexican Riviera and Baja Mexico itineraries, visiting vibrant destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada. Some sailings also include a visit to Catalina Island.

Whether sailing in the Mediterranean or visiting Mexico, the 135,225-gross-ton ship is sure to offer guests an amazing taste of Italy onboard, welcoming 4,126 guests aboard at double occupancy, or as many as 5,245 travelers if fully booked. Meanwhile, the ship’s 1,400 international crew members are sure to provide service everyone, even David, will enjoy.

Severe Cyclone Forces More Royal Caribbean Itinerary Changes

Melissa Mayntz
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Severe Cyclone Forces More Royal Caribbean Itinerary Changes

Tropical Cyclone Jasper, now strengthened to a severe Category 3 storm, is forcing more changes for Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Australian waters.

First it was changes for Quantum of the Seas, and now Brilliance of the Seas is dramatically changing its December 8, 2023 sailing to steer clear of the dangerous storm.

Brilliance of the Seas Itinerary Change

Brilliance of the Seas will not be sailing her planned 11-night Great Barrier Reef cruise departing Sydney, Australia on Friday, December 8. Because of the influence of Severe Tropical Cyclone Jasper, the ship will instead be heading south to completely different Australian and Tasmanian ports of call.

This is similar to the complete change of itinerary already announced for Quantum of the Seas, sailing from Brisbane. Guests were notified of the change the day before departure, with a completely updated itinerary.

“We’ve been monitoring adverse weather along our intended path caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper. To ensure a safe and comfortable sailing, and after exploring all options, we’ve decided to change up our itinerary,” the notification read.

The ship was originally scheduled to spend two days at sea, then enjoy Airlie Beach on Monday, December 11 and Cairns on Tuesday, December 12. Another day at sea was to follow, then a stop in Port Douglas on Thursday, December 14 and Willis Island on Friday, December 15. After two more days at sea, Eden would be the last stop on Monday, December 18 before the ship returned to Sydney on Tuesday, December 19.

Now, Eden is the only port of call remaining from the original itinerary. The ship will spend the first day at sea before visiting Eden on Sunday, December 10. Days at sea are interspersed throughout the new itinerary, with full, 10-hour visits to Adelaide on Tuesday, December 12 and Melbourne on Thursday, December 14.

Royal Caribbeans brilliance of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock

An overnight call in Hobart, Tasmania is the last port of call and will stretch from 8 a.m. on Saturday, December 16 until 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 17. The cruise will still conclude as planned in Sydney on Tuesday, December 19.

“We’re terribly sorry for the last minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority,” the email concludes.

Guests who have made independent tour arrangements in ports of call will want to contact their tour operators as soon as possible for cancellation and refund options. Pre-paid tours booked through Royal Caribbean International should be fully refunded.

Brilliance of the Seas began her Australian season on October 22, and the ship is scheduled to spend six months offering diverse sailings Down Under.

The 90,090-gross-ton ship can welcome 2,142 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 2,543 guests when fully booked. Also onboard are approximately 850 international crew members to ensure that everyone has a brilliant cruise, no matter what ports of call they visit.

Update on Severe Tropical Storm Jasper

According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (ABM), Severe Tropical Storm Jasper is currently spinning 1,100 miles (1,767 kilometers) north-northeast of Brisbane, and moving slowly south-southwest.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Jasper
Severe Tropical Cyclone Jasper (Credit: Australian Bureau of Meteorology)

The storm is predicted to strengthen over the next day or two, potentially as high as a Category 5 storm with winds over 123 miles per hour (198 kilometers per hour), though it may weaken somewhat over the weekend.

The storm is expected to make a turn toward the west in the coming days, which will bring it to the Queensland coast for landfall early or mid-next week.

Any travelers with South Pacific or Australia cruises in the next few days will want to stay in touch with their cruise line about possible itinerary changes and updates.

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