Persistent rumors on social media have prompted Carnival Cruise Line to confirm documentation requirements for cruise travelers. This is specifically for roundtrip sailings from US homeports and whether or not passports are required, or will soon be required, by the cruise line.
Rumors Suggest Carnival Cruise Line to Require Passports
Rumors on different social media sites have suggested that Carnival Cruise Line will begin requiring all guests to have passports for all sailings beginning in 2024, regardless of the cruise embarkation port, itinerary route, or duration.
While all cruise guests are required to present proper identification before embarkation, Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that passports are not required for all sailings and that the cruise line’s documentation requirements are not planned to change.
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald spoke in detail about the concern, verifying document requirements for guests.
US Passport (Photo Credit: diy13 / Shutterstock)
“There are no requirements from us that a passport will be needed next year except on specific cruises to places in Europe and other specific locations,”Heald said.“However for Caribbean and all closed loop cruises there have been no changes set by Unites States Customs and Border Protection so you may use your birth certificate and Government issued ID.”
A “closed loop” cruise is defined as one that both embarks and debarks from the same homeport – a roundtrip sailing.
Guests booked on upcoming Carnival cruises should note that one-way, repositioning, or transoceanic sailings, as well as voyages departing from homeports outside the US that require guests to travel to a different country before embarkation may have different documentation requirements.
Depending on the sailing, some cruises – even though they may be closed loop itineraries – still require all guests to have valid passports. For example, all Carnival cruises that visit Greenland require a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the last day of the cruise.
Similarly, all Europe and transatlantic cruises also require US citizens to carry passports valid for at least 6 months after their visit. These requirements are set by the countries being visited as part of their international security protocols, and are not determined by Carnival Cruise Line.
Cruising Without Proper Documentation
All cruise travelers should be aware that without the required documentation, guests will not be permitted to board their cruise ship and will instead be turned away at the embarkation terminal.
Documentation requirements are set by US Customs and Border Protection, and all cruise lines must abide by those guidelines.
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
Carnival Cruise Line’s online FAQ states“Any guest without proper documents will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of proper travel documentation.”
Travel documentation requirements can change on short notice, and cruisers should stay updated about required documents well before their sailing date to ensure they have the proper documents.
Passports are often recommended and can make the check-in process faster at the cruise terminal, as well as being valuable documentation in case of any emergency during the cruise that might require guests to remain in a port of call or leave the ship to return home before the cruise ends.
Cruise ducks are a fun phenomenon that has truly taken flight aboard cruise ships, but why? What is up with ducks on a cruise? What is so appealing about these cute and quirky figures, and how can you join the feathered fun? Let’s get quacking!
A cruise duck is a small rubber duck that gets to take a big vacation aboard a cruise ship. These colorful toys may be plain or themed, and may even be homemade or decorated. They are hidden around cruise ships in a fun, passenger-led game of hide-and-seek.
Exciting to find and cheerful to share, cruise ducks come with a “hide or keep, you decide” philosophy. Some passengers love to re-hide ducks to bring joy to other passengers, while some collect ducks as whimsical vacation souvenirs.
Various Cruise Ducks (Photo Credit: Cliff Johnson / Creative Commons)
Many cruise ducks are labeled with stickers, tags, or ribbons with the name of the ship and sailing date, and may also include a family name, social media hashtag, or QR code with an invitation to snap a duck selfie to share in Facebook groups or on other platforms such as Twitter or Instagram.
Some ducks travel even further than a single cruise, and may eventually be spotted on different ships all around the world as they are kept by different guests for re-hiding on future sailings.
How Cruise Ducks Got Started
The exact beginning of the cruise duck phenomenon is shrouded in mystery, as some guests remember setting sail with rubber ducks for many years as far back as 2015 or earlier.
The most widespread acknowledgment of the accepted beginning of cruising ducks is in March 2018, when an 11-year-old girl named Abby Davis brought 50 ducks aboard Carnival Breeze, setting sail from Galveston to spread kindness and fun during her spring break vacation. The project was a rousing success, with one duck “hiding” in plain sight for three days before being found.
The Original Cruising Duck! (Photo Credit: Cruising Ducks Original)
Today, the cruise ducks phenomenon has become a type of oceangoing geocaching, with guests from all over the world eagerly hunting ducks on every major cruise line, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and more.
Social media groups dedicated to the ducks continue to drive interest in the game, and finding even one duck can be a source of delight for folks of all ages. Similar to the painted rocks scavenger hunts, the hide-and-seek of ducks can add even more fun to every cruise sailing.
Types of Cruise Ducks
The traditional cruise duck is a small rubber duck, similar to the classic bathtub toy, but that’s only the beginning of the fun.
Many rubber ducks have themed designs, and holiday ducks are especially popular for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, or other holiday sailings. Pirate, captain, or mermaid ducks are other fun designs popular on cruises.
Many guests also choose ducks with themes to match their hometowns – cowboy ducks for Texas cruisers, for example – or to represent their favorite sports teams, careers, animals, or military branches. Some ducks are used to help raise awareness of individual causes, or to celebrate a special someone.
Handcrafted ducks are a popular favorite, or basic ducks may be hand-decorated with extra bling. Crocheted or origami ducks are also great choices. Many cruisers are opting for even more unique ducks with key chains, magnets, hair barrettes, or plush toys. Some ducks have wacky hairstyles, and some even light up.
Guidelines for Hiding Ducks
No matter what type of duck will take a cruise, there are basic guidelines for safely and effectively hiding the ducks. While no formal rules exist, these guidelines help ensure everyone can enjoy cruise ducks.
Ducks should be hidden in public areas only, never in crew-only areas or on any restricted equipment such as lifesaving gear.
No ducks should be hidden in any retail stores to minimize any hint of shoplifting or theft when the duck is discovered and picked up.
Do not hide ducks in restrooms or locker rooms, spa treatment rooms, on buffet food serving dishes, or anywhere sanitation may be a concern.
Duck tags or labels should be family-friendly without any vulgarity or profanity, as it is never known who will find and pick up the duck.
Avoid placing ducks in any spot that may be windy or if there is any risk of the duck accidentally going overboard, which would violate many cruise lines’ environmental policies.
Do not place ducks in a ship’s pools or hot tubs where kids might overreach in their eagerness to collect the duck and could fall into the water.
Do not place ducks irretrievably high where they will be hard for most passengers to reach, even if they do spot the duck.
Ducks should be in relatively plain sight so they can be seen without moving or rearranging items such as stacks of towels, library books, or dishes.
Fortunately, there are many great nooks and crannies to hide ducks. In stairwells and elevators are favorite spots, as are nestling ducks into potted plants or balancing them on sculptures, artwork frames, or statues.
The tops of signs, sitting on tables or chairs, atop a piano, in corners, or in a ship’s atrium are other popular places to hide cruise ducks. Some cruisers also choose to leave a duck in their stateroom for their attendant or future cruisers to find.
Once ducks are hidden, many participating cruisers enjoy going back to the hiding spot to see if the duck has been discovered, and it can be even more fun to try and find the same duck later during the cruise.
Tips for Finding Ducks
You don’t have to hide ducks in order to find them, as the game is not necessarily a reciprocal activity. If you find a duck, you can choose to rehide it, or you can keep it as a souvenir or gift. But how can you improve your odds of finding a cruising duck?
Be alert to unique and unexpected hiding places, especially high (above eye level) and low (closer to the ground), and frequently check for clever hiding spots.
Choose different stairwells and elevators when walking around the ship to cover as many potential hiding spots as possible.
Head out early in the day on a duck hunt to check out as many hiding spots as possible, as many participants hide ducks either late at night or early in the morning.
Revisit different areas of the ship throughout the day, as ducks may migrate to new spots each time they are found and rehidden.
Two Cruise Ducks (Photo Credit: G Allen Penton / Shutterstock)
When you find a duck, the choice is yours whether or not to keep it or hide it again for someone else to enjoy, with no judgment about which you choose. Some travelers reposition ducks immediately, while others might wait for a day or two.
Some even keep ducks until their next cruise, or photograph them on different adventures at different ports of call, even on different ships as they travel the cruising world.
What Do Cruise Lines Think?
There is a lot of debate about whether or not cruise lines approve of hidden ducks or not. While there are no official policies about cruise ducks, in general, crew members enjoy finding them and may keep or hide the ducks again themselves.
Some guests report seeing ducks discarded in the trash, though this was more frequent when the game was less well-known than today.
Large Cruise Duck! (Photo Credit: Cuson / Shutterstock)
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has commented on cruising ducks, and encourages the fun aboard the Carnival cruise ship fleet.
“Many of the crew love finding the ducks and have them in their cabins as they bring them cheer,”Heald said.“We have absolutely no problem with guests leaving them as we do think it’s fun.”
While there are always those who hate ducks and think the practice should be banned, no cruise line has yet added “little rubber ducks” to its list of prohibited items.
Travelers who think the activity is silly can simply overlook any ducks they see, just as all cruisers are able to pick and choose which activities onboard a ship they want to join in and those they prefer to avoid.
Where to Buy Cruise Ducks
If you want to bring your own toy ducks to hide onboard a cruise, where do you buy them? Any small rubber duck will work, such as those found in claw game vending machines or sold as bath toys for young children.
Ordering ducks online is the easiest way to get a selection of ducks, with a greater variety of designs and themed ducks available with bulk quantity discounts. Amazon, party stores, and toy store websites generally have good selections of ducks available, and you can even buy duck kits that include pre-printed labels to attach to the ducks.
Rubber Ducks in Ship (Photo Credit: New Africa / Shutterstock)
Other options to check for buying ducks are local discount or dollar stores, as well as flea markets that may have bulk toy vendors. Online auction sites like eBay may also have great deals on ducks perfect for cruising.
Just how many ducks to bring along for a cruise vacation is a personal decision. Some travelers prefer to pack along just a few ducks, while others may prepare whole flocks to set sail. While cruise lines do not mind the activity, it is always best to be mindful not to cross the line between fun and obsession, and be sure not to bring so many ducks that they start to be seen as litter or debris.
If the ducks you buy do not come with pre-made labels or passport tags, a variety of templates for cruise duck tags can be found online, including on the dedicated cruising ducks Facebook page and groups.
You can also choose to make cruise ducks with whatever craft you enjoy, such as crocheting or knitting ducks, making hair bows, carving wooden ducks, creating felt ducks, or decorating duck ornaments. Every style is welcomed in the game, and more unique ducks make even more desirable and sought-after ducks to find.
Cruising ducks are a creative, cheerful, and fun way for many passengers to add enjoyment to their cruise vacations. Whether you bring ducks aboard to hide, prefer to be a duck finder and keep the ducks you seek, or rehide every quirky duck you come across, everyone can be a part of this oceangoing scavenger hunt.
Royal Caribbean International has reached out to guests booked aboard Allure of the Seas for the Sunday, April 30, 2023 departure to inform them that the ship has been oversold.
Guests have been able to choose from several options with very generous compensation if they revise their sailing, but little explanation has been offered as to why these overbookings continue to happen across the fleet.
Allure of the Seas Oversold
The April 30, 2023 sailing of Allure of the Seas is oversold, and guests have been offered several compensation options to change their travel plans.
“We’re sorry to inform you that due to an unexpected inventory error, your scheduled Allure of the Seas April 30th, 2023 sailing is currently oversold,”the email explained.
“We’re aware that this may cause disruption to your booking, so if your travel plans are flexible, you may be able to take advantage of our special offer.”
Photo Credit: Eric Glenn / Shutterstock
The impacted cruise is a 7-night roundtrip Western Caribbean sailing from Galveston, calling on Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, with three days at sea for guests to enjoy all Allure of the Seas has to offer.
The email did not indicate how much of the ship is oversold, but very generous compensation offers have been created to encourage guests to change their travel plans.
Compensation Options
The first option is for guests to move to the May 15, 2023 sailing of Voyager of the Seas. That cruise, also departing from Galveston, is a 5-night sailing (rather than the oversold 7-night cruise on Allure of the Seas), and will visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, but not Roatan.
Guests who choose that option would receive a full, 100% refund of their Allure of the Seas cruise fare, plus $300 of non-refundable onboard credit for the free cruise on Voyager of the Seas.
While a financially generous compensation offer, Allure of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are radically different ships in size, guest capacity, and onboard amenities.
Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock
Guests who prefer to remain sailing onboard Allure of the Seas can shift their cruise to one of three alternative departure dates later this year. Instead of the overbooked April 30 sailing, guests can opt for the June 4, July 9, or July 16 departures, all of which are identical to the impacted cruise.
Guests who choose to shift their sailing to a later date will have their original stateroom category price protected or reduced to the current fare rate on the new departure date, whichever is lower, to ensure they receive the best deal.
Because the shifted sailing date is for an identical cruise, however, guests receive no onboard credit for accepting this option.
A third option is to simply cancel the cruise altogether. Guests who do so will receive a 100% refund, as well as a 100% future cruise credit (FCC) for the cruise fare paid, valid for any Royal Caribbean cruise departing through April 30, 2024.
Because the cancellations are happing just days before the cruise is to set sail, Royal Caribbean is also offering compensation for other charges.
“Regardless of which option you choose, we’ll also reimburse you for any non-refundable, pre-purchased travel expenses (e.g. hotel, flight) you have incurred,”the email said.
It must be noted that this “special offer” is extended to guests on the oversold cruise, but their reservations are not being forcibly cancelled.
Instead, the various compensation offers are designed to be so tempting as to encourage enough guests to take advantage of the options that no mandatory cancellations are required.
Why Are So Many Cruises Oversold?
Oversold situations have been happening more and more frequently across the Royal Caribbean fleet.
In August 2022, the Vision-class Rhapsody of the Seas, one of the smallest ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, was similarly oversold for a Greek Isles cruise, and offered massive incentives to compensate guests.
Photo Credit: BA Arts / Shutterstock
In each instance, the explanation is given only as an “unexpected inventory error” with no other details. It is possible a technical glitch on the cruise line’s booking engine may be responsible for oversold sailings, or there could be other factors involved.
While Royal Caribbean has been generous with alternative offers, it can be frustrating and disappointing for travelers to have their plans disrupted or cancelled altogether just days before setting sail.
Guests booked on upcoming Royal Caribbean cruises will want to stay in close contact with the cruise line or their travel agent in case of similar situations or other adjustments, such as itinerary alterations, embarkation delays, or weather-related disruptions.
While joining the Carnival fleet, the Venezia will have a style that honors her roots at Costa Cruises.
The Costa Venezia nears the completion of her transformation into Carnval Venezia at the Cadiz shipyard in Spain. The cruise line has released a first look and the unique Italian and Carnival-inspired livery that has been painted.
Carnival’s First “Italian-Style” Ship
Coined “Fun Italian Style,” the Venezia is set to leave the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, with a unique hull. A bright yellow stripe outlines the Carnival blue instead of red, an hommage to Costa Cruises. The smokestack funnel will also remain yellow.
“The unique take on the Carnival livery is just the beginning of what the ship holds in store for its guests, who will experience fun influenced by the ship’s Italian design with the same warm hospitality Carnival is known for fleetwide,” Carnival stated in a press release.
Among the Italian features retained from her Costa days is an atrium based on Venice’s famous Piazza San Marco, and a Gondola Lounge. The Lido deck will also appear to fit on the Italian Riviera. Even her first Captain and Chief Engineer are Italian, announced earlier in April.
Carnival Venezia Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
Several Carnival staples will still be present, including the Carnival Waterworks aqua park, the Piano Bar 88, and the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.
The Venezia will become the first in the fleet to carry out Carnival’s “Fun Italian Style” program. The Costa Firenze will also become part of the fleet from sister line Costa Cruises, The vessel will follow the same Italian style concept when she begins sailing year-round from Long Beach in California in May 2024.
Towards the end of 2022, the Costa Luminosa was also transferred from the sister brand to Carnival Cruise Line. However, the ship is not part of the Italian concept and dons the traditional red, white, and blue livery.
Carnival Venezia to Begin With Transatlantic Sailing
Originally sailing with Carnival’s sister cruise line, Costa, the 135,225 gross-ton ship transferred to the Miami-based cruise line to offer passengers a unique experience.
She has the capacity to carry 4,208 guests at a time, and will be taking guests on 22 different itineraries that visit 25 ports in 14 countries under the Carnival Cruise Line brand.
The first, of course, will be a 15-day Carnival Journeys Transatlantic cruise from Barcelona to New York City, currently scheduled to set sail on May 29, just over two months after arriving in Spain for her transformation.
Carnival Venezia Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
Along the way, she will be stopping at ports of call such as Malaga, Gibraltar, Lisbon, the Azores, and Halifax. The cruise line also recently announced that Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and chief culinary officer, Emeril Lagasse, will be on the first part of the voyage for all the festivities and events.
New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal will become her new home, and her first sailing from there will be a four-day cruise to Bermuda, which is scheduled for June 15.
Frequent cruisers often have a special love for a favorite cruise ship, and it is difficult sometimes to recognize which ship in the Port was the one that carried you on your special adventure.
But with this unique design and experience, it is clear on our end that the powers that be are making it clear they want the Carnival Venezia will be easy to spot and remember.
Icon of the Seas has been hailed by Royal Caribbean and many cruise industry experts as the ultimate family vacation. The cruise line is certainly rising to the occasion. The Miami-based cruise line has unveiled a series of family-orientated fun that will keep everyone from young to old entertained.
And, for the first time, Royal Caribbean will welcome Admiral Awesome, a newly created character responsible for ensuring family fun and laughter onboard Icon of the Seas.
Next-Level Family Experiences on Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean is making sure that every inch of the 250,800 gross tons, 5,610-passengers, Icon of the Seas is designed to cater to young families, kids, and teens and providing them with as many activities and entertainment as possible. You can see what’s to come for onboard family experiences in the video below:
Today, April 28, the cruise line revealed even more activities that guests can look forward to from the most anticipated cruise ship in years, beginning with the introduction of Admiral Awesome. This new character will ensure kids have the time of their lives in Surfside, Thrill Island, the Royal Promenade, or one of the many other areas onboard.
Surfside for Young Families & Kids
Surfside has been designed as the ultimate stay-all-day neighborhood for young families. Here, parents can join in the fun or kick back and relax while their little ones stay entertained for hours.
Activities include the Larger-than-Life Family Festival, the Big Shark Block Party, and the Steel Pan Family Jam, all hosted by Admiral Awesome. Kids can also wind down with Once Upon a Bedtime Story, a unique storytelling experience narrated by Admiral Awesome himself.
Kids on Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship (Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean)
Not to be missed will be Royal Caribbean’s award-winning youth program Adventure Ocean. Kids can do as their hearts please with dedicated spaces and activities that engage all the senses, including a place to tinker at Workshop, Hangout, which has games and cozy spots to lounge, and Adventure Ocean Babies for the youngest kids onboard.
Kids on Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship (Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean)
Thrill Island for the Teens and Young at Heart
Thrill Island is a dedicated space for older kids and teens (and those young at heart), offering adrenaline-pumping activities and plenty of ways to chill out. The hidden, teens-only hangout Social 020 is perfect for playing video games, listening to music, watching movies, and comfy lounging, away from the prying eyes of parents.
Kids on Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship (Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean)
Of course, Thrill Island also features Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, home to six record-breaking slides.
Among the slides are Frightening Bolt, a 282-foot drop/body slide with a 46-foot fall into a 360-degree looping, and Hurricane Hunter, a 425-foot raft-type slide with space for four riders.
Storm Surge, another raft-type slide, features a zero-gravity drop, while the 108-feet Pressure Drop, the first open freefall slide at sea, has a 66° incline on its 108-foot length.
Other exciting attractions include the Lost Dunes mini-golf course, Adrenaline Peak rock climbing, the FlowRider surf simulator, and the Sports Court. Desserted, the first Insta-worthy milkshake bar in the fleet, is another must-visit spot for guests of all ages.
Icon of the Seas Laser Tag
Of course, that’s not all. Icon of the Seas will offer endless entertainment for families, friends, and anyone looking for a good time.
Some of the activities families can enjoy together onboard Icon of the Seas include Laser Tag: The Fight for Atlantis, the Royal Escape Room, and the Absolute Zero ice-skating area, while afterward, they can eat at one of the many restaurants and finish the evening with some fun singing at Spotlight Karaoke.
Setting Sail January 24, 2024
Icon of the Seas will embark on its maiden voyage on January 27, 2024. The 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary includes stops in Basseterre, St. Kitts; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Bahamas; and Miami, Florida.
Other itineraries on offer are a seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise, with stops in Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Coco Cay, Bahamas; and another 7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Coco Cay, Bahamas.
There is also a seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary with stops in Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Coco Cay, Bahamas.
Carnival Pride has arrived at its scheduled dry dock in Cadiz after completing her transatlantic cruise to Barcelona earlier this week. The ship will undergo a series of interior and exterior changes, including a new Carnival livery featuring a patriotic red, white, and blue hull design.
Carnival Cruise Line will also add a new lounge and an upgraded steakhouse, and the Spa and fitness area will receive a fresh new look. On top of that, Carnival Pride will receive several upgrades that will make getting around the vessel a lot easier for guests with disabilities.
New Features and Upgrades for Carnival Pride
Following her transatlantic cruise, which ended on April 26 in Barcelona, Carnival Pride arrived in Cadiz, Spain, this morning, April 28, for her scheduled dry dock.
The 88,500 gross tons, 2124-passenger, Spirit-class cruise ship has been long overdue for some upgrades, being one of the few cruise ships in the Carnival fleet which still needs to receive the new Carnival livery.
Photo Credit: Symeonidis Dimitrios / Shutterstock
It has also been nine years since the cruise ship received updates to its onboard offerings, which in 2014 included Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, the RedFrog Rum Bar, WaterWorks, and several more.
Among the upgrades and additions to the ship scheduled for this dry dock is the addition of the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge will be included to honor the military. The Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center will receive a fresh look and state-of-the-art equipment.
Other changes include the ship’s steakhouse, which will be rebranded as the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and will occupy space on two separate decks. Furthermore, a Carnival Adventures shop and Dreams Photography Studio will be introduced to the ship.
Increased Accessibility and New Cabins
Carnival Pride will also see an improvement in its accessibility features, with 29 existing cabins being converted into ADA-compliant cabins.
These cabins typically feature wider doorways, bathroom grab bars, roll-in showers, and lowered sinks and countertops, among other amenities, to ensure guests with disabilities have a comfortable and safe stay onboard.
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
In addition, five new cabins will be added on the same level as the nightclub. Guests do not need to worry about noise pollution as these cabins will come complete with soundproof insulation. One of these new cabins will also be ADA-compliant, two will be inside cabins, and the remaining two will have ocean views.
Carnival Pride’s Summer Cruises
Following dry dock, which is scheduled to end on May 27, 2023, Carnival Pride will embark on a 12-day voyage from Barcelona to Dover, starting on May 28.
The itinerary includes stops in Gibraltar, UK; Lisbon and Porto, Portugal; Vigo, La Coruna, and Bilbao, Spain; La Rochelle and Le Havre, France; and Zeebrugge, Belgium, before arriving in Dover, England, on June 9.
This cruise marks the start of a summer of fifteen European cruises that will see the ship visiting various destinations across Western Europe, the Baltic, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
From September through the end of October, Carnival Pride will sail four cruises around the Mediterranean. On October 28, Carnival Pride will return to the United States with a 10-night Transatlantic voyage from Rome to Cartagena, Spain; Funchal, Madeira; Ponta Delgada, Azores; Grand Turk; and arriving in Tampa, Florida on November 12.
MSC Cruises’ MSC Seaside has made her inaugural call to Port Canaveral, Florida, her new homeport through November 2023. The ship was greeted with appropriate ceremony and fanfare, welcoming her as she begins offering widely varied Caribbean and Bahamas cruises from the central Florida homeport.
Port Canaveral Welcomes MSC Seaside
Port Canaveral officially welcomed MSC Seaside as a newly homeported ship on Thursday, April 27, 2023, with appropriate maritime tradition and the presentation of a commemorative plaque marking the occasion.
“We are excited to welcome the MSC Seaside to Port Canaveral, yet another beautiful ship in the MSC Cruises line up to call Port Canaveral home,”said Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.“We are proud of our relationship with MSC Cruises, and delighted to be the homeport for this new vessel class.”
MSC Seaside in Port Canaveral (Photo Courtesy: Port Canaveral)
The traditional welcoming ceremony was conducted by Kevin Markey, Chairman of Canaveral Port Authority, and Port officials who presented MSC Seaside‘s Captain Michele Di Mauro with a plaque commemorating the cruise ship’s first call to the port.
On many cruise ships, such plaques are displayed in a gallery, case, or other way for guests to see, and can be a fun way to discover just how many amazing ports a ship has visited over its lifetime. Often the designs of the plaques may include engravings, carvings, sculpted details, or other special accents unique to that port.
Strengthening Homeport Connections
MSC Cruises is committed to growing its presence in North America, making a partnership with Port Canaveral a natural step. The cruise line first began year-round sailings from central Florida in 2021 with MSC Divina and later with MSC Meraviglia, and now MSC Seaside brings an even newer MSC vessel to the homeport.
“The arrival of the MSC Seaside is another great milestone for Port Canaveral and the Space Coast region, further solidifying our position as the top cruise port in the world,”said Markey.“We are committed to continuing our efforts to responsibly grow our Port to promote the economic growth and prosperity of our local community and the state of Florida.”
To have MSC Seaside homeported from Port Canaveral is especially appropriate, as the ship was deliberately designed for Caribbean itineraries.
MSC Seaside in Port Canaveral (Photo Courtesy: Port Canaveral)
“We built MSC Seaside specifically for Caribbean cruising, with an incredible amount of outdoor space and a sweeping waterfront promenade that allows guests to truly connect with the sea during their time on board,”said Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA.“It’s a privilege for MSC Cruises to play a role in Port Canaveral’s growth with the deployment of yet another large and modern ship in our U.S. fleet.”
Port Canaveral recently overtook PortMiami as the world’s busiest passenger cruise port, and is on track to break further records with even more passenger movements and ship calls in 2023.
To support that growth, the cruise port has only this week announced plans to build a new cruise terminal to further increase capacity and welcome even more ships on a regular basis.
“Our Port is setting the standard for excellence in the industry. We’re committed to delivering a world-class experience for all cruise guests,”said Murray.
Sailing MSC Seaside From Port Canaveral
MSC Seaside has called on Port Canaveral as a day visit previously, but this is the ship’s first time homeporting from the world’s busiest cruise port.
The 153,516-gross-ton ship; debuted in 2017 and brings a wide range of amenities to as many as 4,132 guests at double occupancy, or up to 5,119 passengers when the ship is fully booked.
MSC Seaside in Port Canaveral (Photo Courtesy: Port Canaveral)
Onboard are 9 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges, as well as specialty venues such as the Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar and Venchi 1878 Gelato & Creperie.
Two full-size bowling alleys, youth clubs, the Forest Aquaventure Park, and more offer something for everyone on the ship to enjoy.
From Port Canaveral MSC Seaside will be offering 3- and 4-night sailings to The Bahamas. All cruises will call on the cruise line’s private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, while many of the 4-night itineraries also include a port stop in Nassau.
MSC Seaside will also offer 7-night Western Caribbean cruises that visit not only Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, but also Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico. Select 10- and 11-night Western Caribbean sailings are also available, arranged as back-to-back sailings so guests can easily experience every port of call.
No matter what type of getaway cruisers are interested in, MSC Seaside offers great options from a top-rated homeport.
The United States Coast Guard has confirmed that the active search for a missing passenger from Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas has been suspended. Multiple assets were involved in the search from late Tuesday into Wednesday, without success.
Search Ends for Overboard Royal Caribbean Passenger
“After reviewing all relevant information of the case and discussing with our Australian consulate counterparts as well as with the next of kin, the Coast Guard has made the difficult decision to suspend the active search for the passenger aboard the Quantum of the Seas,”said Kevin Cooper, a search and rescue mission coordinator for the Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu.
Quantum of the Seas (Photo Credit: Mohd Syis Zulkipli / Shutterstock)
Details about the missing passenger, other than being a male guest from Australia, have not been released in order to preserve the privacy of the individual, as well as their family, friends, and loved ones.
Quantum of the Seas was involved in the first two hours of searching before being released to resume course on its itinerary toward Hawaii. During its search efforts, the cruise ship swept the ocean’s surface with lighting, launched rescue boats, and used trained observers to scan for the missing passenger.
Search Operations
An Australian man was reported overboard from Quantum of the Seas at 11:03 p.m. Tuesday evening, April 25, 2023, in a region roughly 500 miles (805 kilometers) south of the Big Island of Hawaii. The cruise ship immediately began search operations, including onboard protocols such as accounting for guests onboard and reviewing security cameras.
The United States Coast Guard was contacted for assistance and joined the search as soon as light conditions permitted, arriving in the region at approximately 9 a.m. The search continued across five search patterns for six hours on Wednesday until the C-130 Hercules needed to refuel, at which time it returned to base.
Photo Credit: Mohd Syis Zulkipli / Shutterstock
The search was resumed at first light Thursday morning, but ultimately proved unsuccessful as the man was not located.
Unfortunately, due to the time in the water and the ocean conditions, it is unlikely that the man will be located so long after going overboard.
Though the water temperatures in the search region are roughly 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius), and wave conditions are not considered too rough, an individual without any survival gear or supplies in the water will typically become exhausted or unconscious in 12 hours or less.
At the time the search was suspended, the man had been overboard for roughly 36 hours. Other vessels in the region continue to be advised to be on the lookout, though the search is no longer active.
Quantum of the Seas‘ Schedule
Despite the delay for search operations, Quantum of the Seas was able to continue on course for Kona, Hawaii and arrived as planned. This port of call is the ship’s last stop on the 16-night transpacific repositioning sailing from Brisbane, Australia to Honolulu, Hawaii, where the ship will arrive on Friday, April 28, 2023.
This cruise is just the first of three sailings for the ship’s seasonal repositioning. Next, the vessel will sail a 10-night one-way voyage from Honolulu to Vancouver, visiting Maui and Kona in Hawaii before spending six consecutive days at sea to reach Canada.
From there, a 7-night one-way cruise between Vancouver and Seattle – visiting Alaska ports during the week – will settle the ship in her summer homeport. From Seattle, Quantum of the Seas will offer 7-night “Alaska Adventure” cruises through September before repositioning back to Brisbane.
Cruise Hive’s deepest condolences go out to the passenger’s family, friends, and loved ones, as well as to other guests onboard and the crew of Quantum of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean has informed guests booked on a sailing onboard the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, that their cruise has been oversold. Guests have been given the option to remain on the sailing or reschedule or cancel their cruise.
Wonder of the Seas Overbooked, Again
Wonder of the Seas has been overbooked for the third time this year, with Royal Caribbean International again saying the overbooking was due to an unexpected inventory error, the same reason the cruise line gave in December 2022 and March 2023.
The affected cruise is a 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day sailing, scheduled from April 30 to May 7, 2023, from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Coco Cay, Bahamas; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
Wonder of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock)
Royal Caribbean sent a letter to guests booked onboard the affected April 30 sailing, informing them of the error, and stating the following:
“We’re sorry to inform you that due to an unexpected inventory error, your scheduled Wonder of the Seas April 30th, 2023 sailing is currently oversold. We’re aware that this may cause disruption to your booking, so if your travel plans are flexible, you may be able to take advantage of our special offer.”
The 236,857 gross tons Wonder of the Seas can accommodate 5,734 guests based on double occupancy. When all berths are filled to maximum capacity, the ship can host as many as 7,084 guests.
Options Offered to Guests
Guests have been offered three options: reschedule to a different sailing of the Wonder of the Seas and receive a full refund; cancel, and receive a full refund and future cruise credit; or remain booked on the April 30 sailing if they are unable or not willing to reschedule.
For those willing to reschedule, Royal Caribbean has provided two alternative sailings onboard the ship: July 9, 2023, or an August 20, 2023, 7-Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day sailing. Both sailings offer the same itinerary, with calls to Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Bahamas; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
Alternatively, guests who choose to cancel will receive a 100% refund and a 100% Future Cruise Credit to book an alternate Royal Caribbean sailing. The Future Cruise Credit must be used for a new booking by April 30th, 2024.
Guests who used a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to pay for their reservation will have any new funds paid above the certificate amount refunded, and the original FCC will be reinstated and remain valid for a year from issuance.
Past Overbooking Incidents with Wonder of the Seas
Overbooking issues have occurred previously with the Wonder of the Seas. Earlier this year, the company apologized to guests who had booked a cruise sailing on March 12, 2023, for overselling the cruise during the busy and popular Spring Break period.
On all three occasions, Royal Caribbean told guests just days before sailing and said the overbooking was due to unexpected inventory errors, language that Royal Caribbean uses more often when overbooking.
What an “unexpected inventory error” is, is not clear, but it could be due to several factors, such as technical difficulties with the cruise line’s booking engine or website, miscommunication for group bookings, or other causes.
This is similar to another recent Royal Caribbean International oversold situation for an August cruise aboard the Vision-class Rhapsody of the Seas.
