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San Diego Cruise Parking: What You Need to Know

Gillian Birch
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San Diego Cruise Parking: What You Need to Know

Most travelers departing on a cruise from San Diego opt to drive to the port and use convenient San Diego cruise parking, either at or near the port. One of the things that’s unusual about cruising from the Port of San Diego is that there are no official cruise parking lots at the port.

However, there are plenty of options for private cruise parking lots. We’ve lined up the options to help you find the closest, cheapest and best San Diego cruise parking currently available.

Compared to other major cruise ports, you’ll find San Diego cruise parking is very affordable as there is plenty of competition. We cover long-term cruise parking, handicapped parking, covered parking and oversized vehicle parking close to the port, waterfront and downtown San Diego.

Some include shuttle transport to the cruise port while other budget parking lots expect you to arrange a taxi or Uber ride.

Cruisers can also find budget long-term parking near the airport which is less than 5 miles from the cruise port. Also, many San Diego hotels offer free cruise parking as part of a Stay, Park and Cruise package. This is a smart option if you plan to arrive the day before your cruise departure.

Cruise parking packages include a night’s stay, parking for the duration of your cruise and transport to and from the cruise port. You won’t have far to travel either; the luxury Wyndham San Diego Bayside is located right across the street from San Diego’s two cruise ship terminals.

So let’s haul up the anchor and get started!

In this Article…

San Diego Cruise Facts

San Diego cruise port has two terminals dedicated to cruise ships. These are at the B Street Pier (1140 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego) and at Port Pavilions on Broadway pier (1000 N. Harbor Drive)

The address for driving directions to San Diego cruise port is: Port of San Diego, “B” Street Cruise Ship Terminal, 1140 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.

Getting to San Diego Cruise Terminal by Car

From the North

  • From I-5 southbound, take the exit for the San Diego International Airport.
  • Continue straight on to Kettner Boulevard.
  • Turn right on Laurel Street.
  • After crossing over Pacific Highway, stay in the left lane (or you will find yourself actually heading to the airport!)
  • Turn left on Harbor Drive and follow the signs to San Diego cruise terminal.
  • Traveling from the North and South (alternate route)
  • From I-5 (north or southbound) exit at Front Street exit and head south.
  • Turn right on Broadway.
  • Turn right again onto Harbor Drive and follow the signs to San Diego cruise terminal.

Best Cruise Parking Closest to San Diego Port

San Diego Cruise
San Diego Cruise (Photo Credit: Rich Koele / Shutterstock)

Wyndham San Diego Bayside Garage

Situated right across from the cruise port, parking does not get more convenient than the Wyndham San Diego Bayside Garage! Attached to the luxury Wyndham hotel, the parking company prides itself on top customer service and is happy to provide luggage assistance. Self-parking is in a secure lot and valet service is available for an additional $3 per day. There is a complimentary shuttle service or you can walk across the street to the cruise terminal check-in.

  • Distance from port: 0.1 miles
  • Address: 1355 N. Harbor Drive
  • Tel: (619) 544-8360
  • Price per day: $14 (Valet $17)
  • Shuttle: Yes free

ACE Parking

ACE Parking is just 2 blocks from San Diego cruise terminals making parking very convenient. It’s also very easy to reach from I-5. Bookings must be made ahead of time and your reservation ticket must be placed in the windscreen so that attendants can verify your booking. It’s a short stroll across the street to the cruise terminals and the start of your voyage or take a taxi for the short trip.

  • Distance from port: 0.4 miles
  • Address: 1109 Pacific Hwy
  • Tel: (619) 233-6624
  • Price per day: $20
  • Shuttle: No

BRIC North Garage

Another San Diego cruise parking lot right opposite the cruise terminal is BRIC North Garage. Their brand new covered parking lot is below the Spring Hills Suites Hotel and operates 24/7.

  • Distance from port: 0.1 miles
  • Address: 900 Bayfront Court
  • Tel: (619) 535-0327
  • Price per day: $16
  • Shuttle: No

BRIC South Garage

This BRIC South Terminal San Diego cruise parking lot is also opposite the cruise terminal and Broadway Pier. Located under the InterContinental Hotel, it is operated privately by ACE Parking and is not connected to the hotel. There is a height limit of 7 feet. You can easily park and walk across the road to the cruise terminal with your luggage.

  • Distance from port: 0.1 miles
  • Address: 901 Bayfront Court
  • Tel: (619) 535-0327
  • Price per day: $16
  • Shuttle: No

Columbia Garage

Columbia Garage offers San Diego cruise parking in a secure garage. Take a ticket to open the barrier and self-park before checking in at the parking office next to the entrance. Although they do not operate a shuttle, they do offer a convenient private ride to the cruise terminal. At check-in, customers receive a prepaid voucher for an Uber taxi ride to and from the cruise port (value up to $10 each way).

  • Distance from port: 0.6 miles
  • Address:  1050 Columbia St
  • Tel: (619) 814-4200
  • Price per day: $12
  • Shuttle: No – Uber voucher provided

Budget Cruise Parking San Diego Port

Port of San Diego, California
Port of San Diego, California (Photo Credit: Gerald Peplow / Shutterstock)

Manchester Grand Hyatt Garage

The Manchester Grand Hyatt Garage offers low-cost cruise parking (minimum 4 nights) less than a mile from the cruise terminal. Self parking only in a large secure garage. No pre-booking required; simply take a ticket when you enter the garage and pay at the ticket booth when you return from your cruise. This budget cruise parking lot does not operate a courtesy shuttle to the cruise port and customers must use a taxi or Uber to transport themselves and their luggage to the terminal. 

  • Distance from port: 0.7 miles
  • Address: 1 Market Place
  • Tel: (619) 358-6658
  • Price per day: $6
  • Shuttle: No

Horton Plaza

Horton Plaza cruise parking in San Diego is a well-priced option within easy reach of the cruise terminals. On arrival at the garage, take a ticket to access the garage on Fourth Ave and F Street. It’s open 24/7. Park in one of the reserved stalls next to the office and check-in. A shuttle will transport you the short distance to the ship.

  • Distance from port:  1.0 miles
  • Address: 814 Fourth Ave
  • Tel: (619) 233-1491
  • Price per day: $12
  • Shuttle: Yes

Bayfront Garage

Located beneath the Hilton, Bayfront Garage offers San Diego cruise parking just a short taxi ride from the cruise port terminals. It offers self parking in a secure covered garage. They do not operate a shuttle so you need to arrange a taxi or pick one up outside the hotel.

  • Distance from port: 1.6 miles
  • Address: 1 Park Blvd
  • Tel: (619) 321-4369
  • Price per day: $10
  • Shuttle: No

Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Little Italy

Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Little Italy offers well-priced San Diego cruise parking in a covered garage with valet service. Open 24 hours a day, the price includes a complimentary shuttle service to and from the cruise port. Payment is on arrival at the lot.

  • Distance from port: 1.0 miles
  • Address: 1617 1st Ave
  • Tel: (619) 239-9600
  • Price per day: $10.95
  • Shuttle: Yes

San Diego Cruise Parking at the Airport

The Port of San Diego is just 5 miles from San Diego Lindberg (SAN) Airport and there is plenty of long-term parking available at or near the airport. The downside is that once you have parked, you will need to catch a taxi or Uber to transport you and your luggage to the port.

If you’re traveling as a family or group, it could be smart to drop your passengers and luggage off and then for the driver to take the car to the airport to park. Although the official long-term parking at the airport is $32 per day, there are several options nearby offering much cheaper prices.

San Diego International Airport
San Diego International Airport (Photo Credit: 4kclips / Shutterstock)

San Diego Airport Parking Co.

San Diego Airport Parking offers uncovered long-term parking close to the airport. Book online with free cancellation option. It has excellent reviews from past customers. There is a courtesy shuttle to the airport and the cruise port, making this a popular choice with consistently low priced cruise parking.

  • Distance from port:  2.7 miles
  • Address: 2771 Kurtz Street
  • Tel: (619) 574-1177
  • Price per day: $11
  • Shuttle: Yes

Laurel SAN Airport Parking

Operating 24/7 as a covered self parking business near San Diego Airport, Laurel SAN Airport Parking is a longstanding business with five star reviews. There’s a free shuttle service to the airport but not to the cruise port. It offers 24 hour security and camera surveillance.

  • Distance from port: 1.1 miles
  • Address:  1025 W. Laurel St
  • Tel: (619) 233-0412
  • Price per day: $10.99
  • Shuttle: No

WallyPark San Diego Garage Airport Parking

Just 5 minutes from San Diego Airport, WallyPark Garage offers secure cruise parking and airport parking from its central location. It has a choice of options including outdoor self-parking from $13.95 per day, covered self parking from $14.95 and covered valet parking from $16.95 per day. It runs a free airport shuttle every 5 minutes but cruisers will need to take a taxi or Uber to and from the port.

  • Distance from port: 1.6 miles
  • Address:  3298 Kettner Blvd
  • Tel: (619) 295-2832
  • Price per day: from $13.95
  • Shuttle: No

San Diego’s Park, Shuttle and Fly

San Diego Park Shuttle and Fly is a family-owned company offering the low prices for San Diego cruise parking at the airport. The parking lot is open and staffed 24/7 and provides safe and secure parking for cruisers and flyers.

  • Distance from port: 0.9 miles
  • Address: 3405 Pacific Hwy
  • Tel: (619) 291 1234
  • Price per day: $20.99
  • Shuttle: Yes

San Diego Cruise Parking for Disabled Passengers

Disabled person parking in San Diego is free in certain places for vehicles displaying a special license plate or official placard. These include in specially marked parking spaces, next to a blue curb denoting handicapped parking. Next to a green curb (limited parking time) and an on-street metered spots. The maximum length of time permitted is 72 hours.

However, in garages and off-street parking lots where disabled parking spaces are marked, all patrons must pay the usual charges.

Once you reach the cruise terminal, there are wheelchair friendly elevators and customer service representatives on hand to assist.

Best San Diego Hotels with Stay and Cruise Parking Packages

San Diego
San Diego (Photo Credit: Ovidiu Curic / Shutterstock)

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

Wyndham San Diego Bayside is one of the closest luxury hotels to the cruise port, so it makes sense to book a package that includes a comfortable night’s stay with free cruise parking. There are various different packages available, so check with the hotel before booking. Generally a package works out cheaper than a night’s stay plus cruise parking in the adjoining lot at $14 a night. 

  • Distance from port: 0.1 miles
  • Address: 1355 N. Harbor Drive
  • Tel: (619) 544-8360
  • Price per day: $14 (Valet $17)
  • Shuttle: Yes

Other San Diego hotels worth checking out for Stay, Park and Cruise packages include:

  • Comfort Inn at the Harbor
  • The Dana on Mission Bay
  • The Pacific Inn

FAQs

How much to park at the cruise terminal in San Diego?

Prices for San Diego cruise parking range from $6 to $20 per day. Some businesses include complimentary shuttle transport to and from the cruise port.

Where’s the best place to park for cruise from San Diego?

For convenience, there are several cruise parking lots just across the street from the cruise terminals. These include the Wyndham San Diego Bayside Garage attached to the luxury Wyndham hotel, BRIC North Garage and BRIC South Garage. They are all within walking distance of San Diego cruise terminals.

Can I park near the San Diego cruise terminal?

Yes, there are several cruise parking lots just across the street from the cruise terminals. These include the Wyndham San Diego Bayside Garage, BRIC North Garage and BRIC South Garage. They are all just a short walk from the cruise terminal.

Three Crystal Cruise Ships Arrested, One May Already Be for Sale

Melissa Mayntz
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Three Crystal Cruise Ships Arrested, One May Already Be for Sale

The uncertainty about Crystal Cruises’ future continues to unfold, and both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have now been arrested in Freeport, Bahamas. With little official communication from the cruise line, however, much of the detail about this confusing situation is being relayed from crew members who remain on board the ships at this time.

All Three Crystal Cruise Ships Arrested

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, both of which debarked their passengers in Bimini in recent days, were arrested in the waters off Freeport, Bahamas in the evening hours of February 4, 2022. Shortly after authorities boarded Crystal Symphony, the ship’s captain made the following announcement:

“The ship has been placed under arrest by the local authorities over some unpaid bills, and as bad as it sounds it’s actually quite a good thing to happen. We’ve been told that this will not affect any personnel movement. So the crew movement and the crew sign offs will go as planned, and we are in process of preparing this. So some unfortunate news but it was actually quite expected.”

Federal U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles had granted the arrest order for Crystal Symphony on January 20, 2022, shortly after the ship’s parent company, Genting Hong Kong, filed for bankruptcy. At that time, the ship diverted from its planned debarkation in Miami and instead debarked passengers in Bimini.

Crystal Cruises Ships
Images Via: Crystal Cruises

Part of the debts detailed in the original Crystal Symphony arrest order as well as the bankruptcy filing amount to $4.6 million in unpaid fuel invoices.

In light of the ongoing difficulties for the cruise line, Crystal Serenity was denied entry into Aruba a few days later, and that ship also headed to Bimini to debark its passengers on January 31.

The third ship in the fleet, Crystal Endeavor, finished its Antarctica itinerary on February 4, and has now been placed under arrest in Ushuaia, Argentina, according to Cruise Law News. Because legal offices are closed over the weekend, that ship is temporarily in limbo until Monday, according to a social media post from a passenger on board.

Crew Reactions

While there are no passengers remaining aboard Crystal Symphony or Crystal Serenity, crew members are still aboard and waiting for arrangements to return home. There is some uncertainty about where crew members will be able to debark, and how travel arrangements can be made for the internationally diverse crews to return to their home countries.

When fully staffed, Crystal Symphony would have 545 crew members aboard, while the larger Crystal Serenity would have 655 crew members.

No details about how many crew members currently aboard either ship have been released, but it can be challenging to make travel arrangements for several hundred crew members at once.

Another difficulty can be when different ports and transit countries may have different COVID-19 testing and vaccination protocols in place. Crew members would need to meet those requirements before they are permitted to travel home.

On board the ships, crew members have reached out through social media to report that accommodations are comfortable and January crew salaries are being processed. What is most uncertain, however, is where the ships may travel for crew to debark, though all crew members are expected to be heading home within a week, other than a skeleton crew to operate the vessels.

Ships to Be Sold?

To arrest a cruise ship doesn’t mean handcuffs and jail cells, but all three Crystal vessels are on temporary hold as their legal status is settled. This can mean the unpaid fuel bills must be settled, which can be done if a ship is sold.

Crystal Symphony Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock

A sale listing for a 1995 cruise ship has appeared on the website Yacht World, a database brokers use to sell all types of luxury vessels. The listing in question details the cruise ship as having a guest capacity of 960 passengers, which is the double-occupancy capacity of Crystal Symphony.

Other stats in the listing also correlate with the published stats of Crystal Symphony, and the photos with the listing are of the cruise ship. The ship’s name, however, is not included in the listing, only stock numbers.

No sales price is listed, but the broker managing the sale has additional listings for Carnival ships, including Carnival Ecstasy, as well as recognizable ships from other popular cruise lines.

Two Fantasy-Class Carnival Cruise Ships to Leave Fleet

Emrys Thakkar
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Two Fantasy-Class Carnival Cruise Ships to Leave Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line has announced further details on recent ship deployment changes and that two Fantasy-class cruise ships will leave the fleet. This follows a major update just days ago on the Carnival Spirit returning to the U.S. and details on Carnival Sensation and Carnival Ecstasy.

Carnival Cruise Update

The cruise line has provided a further update on ships still waiting to resume operations, including additional details on an update released on February 1, 2022. The new update covers Carnival Sensation and Carnival Ecstasy leaving the fleet, another ship to take over cruises from Jacksonville following Carnival Spirit, and additional cancellations for Australia.

Cruises from Mobile

Carnival Ecstasy is still scheduled to take over Carnival Sensation sailings from Mobile, Alabama, on March 7, 2022. The Fantasy-class vessel will remain sailing from the Port of Mobile through October 10, 2022. The scheduled sailings from Mobile from October 15, 2022, through September 30, 2023, have been canceled, and Carnival is set to announce new plans for cruise operations from the port in the future.

Carnival Cruise Ships
Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock

As the cruise line previously announced, we already knew that Carnival Sensation, which was originally set to resume cruises from Mobile on March 7, 2022, was to remain on hold even further.

Read Also: Things to Know About the Carnival Sensation Cruise Ship

However, that has now changed as Carnival Sensation, which entered service for the cruise line in 1993, will no longer return to operations. The cruise line has also announced that Carnival Ecstasy, which entered service in 1991, will also leave the fleet after completing her final voyage on October 10, 2022. It’s not known if the two Fantasy-class vessels have been sold for scrap or purchased by another cruise line.

“Our guests have remained passionate and supportive throughout the restart and 2022 gives us plenty of reasons for enthusiasm and excitement as we reach full operations in the U.S., prepare for our 50th birthday celebration, and await the arrival of Carnival Celebration this fall,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our very loyal guests, our vibrant homeport strategy and our fleet of popular ships are strengths to our advantage as we adapt to changing opportunities and circumstances.”

Carnival Ecstasy Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Rodnie Smith / Shutterstock

Cruises from Jacksonville

With Carnival Ecstasy being redeployed to Mobile in early March, it does mean that Carnival Spirit will still replace the voyages out of Jacksonville, Florida, from March 7, 2022.

The ship will continue to sail from the port through April 9, 2022. The following two sailings are canceled as a new ship being assigned from the fleet will begin sailings from Jacksonville on April 23, 2022. Carnival has not confirmed which ship will take over, but it could be one of the remaining two Fantasy-class vessels, Carnival Elation or Carnival Paradise.

Cruises from Australia

When it comes to Australia, Carnival Spirit is set to return down under once the cruise industry is allowed to resume. With the Spirit-class vessel operating in the U.S., the ship’s sailings in Australia are canceled from June 5, 2022, to October 5, 2023.

Carnival Splendor, an Australian-based Carnival cruise ship, will remain on hold even further, with cruises canceled from June 10, 2022, through September 26, 2022.

Cruise Ship Causes Rocket Launch Scrub at Cape Canaveral

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Ship Causes Rocket Launch Scrub at Cape Canaveral

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch planned for January 30, 2022, was scrubbed just seconds before launch because of a cruise ship in the hazard area. The launch has been rescheduled for today, January 31, and the cruise has been unaffected.

Cruise Ship Scrubs Launch

SpaceX had planned to launch a Falcon 9 rocket into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:11 p.m. EST on Sunday, January 30, but a cruise ship in the hazard area forced the launch to be scrubbed.

The rocket’s payload, the Italian Space Agency’s COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite, is part of a fleet of remote sensing spacecraft to monitor shipping traffic, natural disasters, and climate change.

Falcon 9 Rocket Launch from Cape Canaveral - Photo courtesy SLD 45
Falcon 9 Rocket Launch from Cape Canaveral – Photo courtesy SLD 45

The scrub call went out at T-minus 34 seconds from launch, with the launch director calling, “Hold! Hold! Hold! Aborting launch auto. This is the launch director calling a hold. We have a red range for a fouled range, with a ship in the hazard area.”

SpaceX confirmed the scrub shortly thereafter on Twitter with the following statement: “Standing down from today’s launch of COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation FM2 due to ship in the hazard area; team is setting up for next opportunity tomorrow, January 31 at 6:11 p.m. EST.”

The ship was noted as a cruise liner making its way to the no-go zone that the Coast Guard was unable to clear out of the area before T-minus zero.

Because this launch required a precise liftoff time in order to meet its exact polar orbit destination for satellite deployment, the launch window was instantaneous and could not be delayed even for a few minutes to escort the ship from the restricted area.

This launch has already been delayed three times because of poor weather conditions. It is now rescheduled for Monday, January 31, 2022, at 6:11 p.m. The launch window remains instantaneous.

Which Ship?

The exact cruise ship that caused this delay has not been identified. Two cruise ships departed from Port Canaveral Sunday evening – Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, followed by MSC Meraviglia.

Harmony of the Seas left the port at approximately 5 p.m., turning south once it was out to sea, beginning a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing. MSC Meraviglia departed Port Canaveral at 6 p.m. to begin a 4-night Bahamas cruise, and was photographed sailing alongside Jetty Park in Port Canaveral just after 6 p.m., not yet clear of port channel.

Joe Bolm hoping to see the SpaceX launch as MSC Meraviglia departs Port Canaveral at 6:08 p.m., January 30, 2022 - Photo Courtesy of Betty Leatherwood Bolm
Joe Bolm hoping to see the SpaceX launch as MSC Meraviglia departs Port Canaveral at 6:08 p.m., January 30, 2022 – Photo Courtesy of Betty Leatherwood Bolm

Because of these ship positions, and because the no-go zone was downrange of the launch site, it is most likely Harmony of the Seas that was responsible for the launch scrub, though either ship could have impacted the launch.

Keeping Cruise Ships Away From Launch Operations

The launch hazard area for ships is different for a polar orbit launch than a launch to the east or northeast, such as for flights heading to the International Space Station.

A Coast Guard investigation of this incident is underway, as all ships are required to be aware of launch operations and to steer clear of restricted areas during launch windows. Space Launch Delta 45, headquartered at Patrick Space Force Base south of Port Canaveral and in command of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, issues launch hazard area maps and coordinates prior to every launch.

Hazard Area - January 30, 2022 SpaceX Launch - Space Launch Delta 45
Hazard Area – January 30, 2022 SpaceX Launch – Space Launch Delta 45

Space Launch Delta 45 had issued a statement earlier in the month advising mariners to be aware of an increase in southerly launch trajectories and the hazard areas implemented for those launches.

“Due to the unique southerly trajectories, there will be a larger potential impact to air and sea traffic along the southeast coast of Florida. We ask that all pilots and mariners double-check their Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) and Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR) to ensure they are fully aware of all pending launch activities,” said Maj. Jonathan Szul, Director of Operations, 1st Range Operations Squadron in the statement issued January 4, 2022.

Worth Reading: Port Canaveral Cruise Parking – What You Need to Know

There have been multiple southerly launch trajectories in January 2022, and more will undoubtedly be planned throughout the year. Whether or not cruise ships can impact launch operations depends on the dates of launches, the timing of launch windows, if launches must be instantaneous, and if the rocket boosters will be landed back at Cape Canaveral.

When launch trajectories are focused in other directions, cruise ship passengers can get amazing views of launches as their ships depart Port Canaveral.

How to Make Carnival Cruise Line’s Melting Chocolate Cake

Melissa Mayntz
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How to Make Carnival Cruise Line’s Melting Chocolate Cake

Cruise travelers are happy to celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day – January 27 – with the deliciously decadent melting chocolate cake that is so popular on Carnival Cruise Line. But even if you’re not on a Carnival cruise, you can still enjoy this treat today, thanks to Chef Russel Gomes from the Carnival Kitchen aboard Mardi Gras, who has shared the secrets behind this phenomenal dessert.

Carnival’s Famous Melting Chocolate Cake Recipe

Carnival’s melting chocolate cake is surprisingly easy to make with just a few ingredients. Because the cake is intended to have that ooey-gooey center, the recipe uses less flour than a traditional cake.

“It is the perfect way to top off any meal. It’s a classic dessert and loved by everyone.” said Gomes. “Even a novice baker can make this delicious cake!”

Ingredients:

Note – The recipe below yields four servings.

  • 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
  • 3 ounces sweet (milk) chocolate
  • 6 ounces unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 eggs (room temperature)
  • 3 ounces granulated sugar
  • 2 ounces all-purpose flour
  • Powdered sugar (optional – for serving)

To make your chocolate melting cake…

  1. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl until uniform.
  2. Add the sugar to the eggs, whisking gently until combined.
  3. Add the flour to the sugar/egg mixture, whisking in carefully until there are no lumps. Set aside.
  4. Slowly melt all chocolate, and while warm, add the melted butter, stirring carefully to blend.
  5. Add the warm chocolate/butter mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly.
  6. Pour the mix into greased ramekins, baking-safe cups, or soufflé dishes until 3/4 full.
  7. Place the filled cups onto a water bath tray (water should completely cover the bottom of the tray).
  8. Bake in an oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  9. Serve while warm, and just before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Melting Chocolate Cake

While Carnival’s melting chocolate cake is easy for anyone to create, some extra tips can make it extra delicious. It is important to use a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients precisely, or else the recipe proportions may be off and the texture will not be correct. It is also critical to use good quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture, as less expensive chocolate may not melt as smoothly and will not have as rich a flavor.

If you prefer your melting cake a bit more on the runny side, shorten the baking time by 2-3 minutes. Similarly, if you prefer a denser cake with less of a liquid center, extend the baking time for 2-3 minutes.

Chocolate Cake
Photo By: Carnival Cruise Line

Serving in Style

Carnival traditionally serves the melting chocolate cake lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The ice cream is often topped with a crisp chocolate shard.

To give your melting cake some personalized flair, consider alternative serving options. Instead of sprinkling the cake with powdered sugar, try topping it with a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon, or for a bit of crisp contrast, a gentle sprinkling of sea salt.

For garnish, add a pop of color to the cake by adding a side of fresh berries instead of the ice cream, or gently place a mint leaf on top of the cake. A curl of orange or lemon peel or even a sugared flower can be other elegant garnishes.

Carnival Cruise Line serves more than four million melting chocolate cakes annually. Now, you can enjoy this decadent treat right at home, no matter when your next Carnival cruise may be planned!

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Changes Itinerary Due to Berthing Conflict

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Changes Itinerary Due to Berthing Conflict

Guests boarding Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas on January 22, 2022, have already been advised of itinerary changes for their sailing. Unlike recent sailings that have been troubled with port cancellations, however, the changes for Allure of the Seas are only a rearranging of the planned ports of call on the original itinerary.

Allure of the Seas Itinerary Change

The January 22, 2022 sailing of Allure of the Seas is an 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. The ship’s original itinerary had it visiting Nassau in the Bahamas the first day, followed by a day at sea, then three ports in three consecutive days: Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas on January 25, Philipsburg in St. Maarten on January 26, and Basseterre in St. Kitts on January 27.

The cruise was then scheduled for two days at sea as it returned to Fort Lauderdale for debarkation on January 30.

An email sent to booked guests has advised of the new itinerary. No ports are cancelled and the days at sea as well as the call at Nassau remain the same. The trio of consecutive ports, however, has been reordered to call on Charlotte Amalie January 25 (no change), Basseterre on January 26, and Philipsburg on January 27.

Allure of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: KJ Stylus / Shutterstock.com

In addition, the times in port have also changed for Basseterre, with an extra hour added before departure. This makes that port of call now from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., when previously it had been scheduled from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. No other times have been changed at this point.

Why the Changes?

These changes are not COVID-related, but the email, sent by Aurora Yera-Rodriguez, Assistant Vice President of Guest Experience at Royal Caribbean, states “Due to a berthing conflict, we’ve swapped the days we’ll visit Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.”

Berthing conflicts can occur when multiple cruise ships are scheduled to visit the same port of call on the same day, and the port facilities and local tour operators may not be properly equipped to handle all ships adequately depending on their size and guest capacities.

Allure of the Seas is an Oasis-class ship with a guest capacity of 5,484 at double occupancy, and 6,780 passengers when fully booked. While most cruise ships are not yet sailing at full capacity, a ship as large as Allure can still bring a tremendous number of guests to a port even while some cabins remain vacant.

Allure of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Ruth Peterkin / Shutterstock

When measured by full capacity, Allure of the Seas – along with her sister ship, Oasis of the Seas – is currently the largest cruise ship in the world.

According to the Port of Philipsburg’s web portal, six different cruise ships, including the original stop for Allure of the Seas, are scheduled for calls on January 26. Other ships that day include Sky Princess and Grandeur of the Seas, and when all scheduled ships’ guest capacities are added, the port could see well over 13,000 passengers in just a few hours.

On January 27, however, only two vessels are scheduled for Philipsburg, Celebrity Edge that can carry 2,918 passengers, and Club Med II, which carries just under 400 passengers. Even adding Allure of the Seas on that day, the overall guest arrivals will be far lower than with the ship’s original itinerary.

The port schedules for Basseterre are similar, with five ships with a total passenger capacity well over 17,000 – including Allure of the Seas – scheduled for Thursday, January 27, while only four other ships with a combined capacity of fewer than 10,000 are scheduled for Wednesday, January 28.

By shifting Allure to new dates, both ports can help alleviate crowding, which will also help promote better social distancing measures at the pier.

Shore Excursions to Be Adjusted

Any pre-paid Royal Caribbean shore excursions affected by this change are automatically being rescheduled for the appropriate day and updated tour information will be emailed to guests. New shore excursions can also continue to be pre-booked for any port of call on the itinerary through the Royal Caribbean website.

More Changes Ahead?

While the news of this itinerary shift is likely a relief to guests because no ports of call have yet been cancelled, Royal Caribbean International recently reminded guests of the importance of flexibility and the possibility of itinerary changes even while sailing. It is possible that this first itinerary change for Allure of the Seas may not be the last.

Carnival Cruise Line Voted Best Cruise Line of 2021

Emrys Thakkar
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Carnival Cruise Line Voted Best Cruise Line of 2021

Carnival Cruise Line has been voted the Best Cruise Line of 2021 in the annual Cruise Ship Awards. It comes as the Miami-based cruise line continues bringing more vessels back into service following the industry-wide pause on operations.

Carnival Cruise Line Best of 2021!

Carnival Cruise Line has come out on top in the annual Cruise Ship Awards and received more votes than any other cruise line in the industry, including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. Cruise Hive readers have been allowed to cast a single vote for their favorite cruise line, and it’s the final category results to be announced in the biggest award from Cruise Hive yet.

The cruise line is finally back sailing again, with 19 cruise ships currently sailing. During most of 2020 and half of 2021, Carnival could not operate and even had to offload some of its older Fantasy-class vessels during the global cruise suspension.

Carnival Vista became the first in the fleet to restart sailings on July 3, 2021, from Galveston, Texas. Since then, more vessels have returned from multiple homeports across the US. Guests are finally having fun-filled cruise vacations once again, thanks to the cruise line implementing protocols to keep everyone on board safe and dealing with any positive cases.

Mardi Gras Departing Miami
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Despite some difficult times, Carnival also welcomed its new Mardi Gras cruise ship, taking the cruise line into a new era of environmentally-friendly ships powered by LNG. Other highlights in 2021 include the new newly transformed Carnival Radiance finally completing dry dock and debuting from Long Beach. The cruise line also started rolling out its new red, white and blue livery fleetwide, showcasing the iconic funnel colors.

Carnival will continue to be a popular choice for cruisers as even more ships make a comeback, with the entire US fleet back in service by the end of March 2022. The new Carnival Celebration will also be joining the fleet toward the end of the year as part of Carnival’s 50th Birthday festivities.

Second and Third Place

Carnival Cruise Line was up against many other cruise lines, allowing voters to type in their favorite cruise line to cast their vote. In the second place with the second-highest number of votes came Royal Caribbean International, a cruise line based in Miami, Florida, and been through difficult times just like Carnival.

Royal Caribbean also has 19 vessels back in service, including the new Odyssey of the Seas, which joined the fleet in Summer 2021. After new legislation to temporarily bypass the Passenger Vessel Services Act, the cruise line was also the first to resume in Alaska.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Philip Armitage / Shutterstock.com

In third place came Norwegian Cruise Line, just coming out on top of Celebrity Cruises. NCL also dealt with the industry-wide pause by ships remaining on hold until the CDC would allow cruises to resume from the US.

Parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Rio was among the most vocal against the cruise shutdown, but thankfully the cruise line was eventually allowed to resume. There are currently 10 NCL ships back in service, and the entire fleet will be back sailing in Spring 2022.

The 2021 Cruise Ship Awards have been the most popular yet since first starting in 2014. Readers have only been allowed to vote once in each of the seven categories, and any repeat or suspicious votes were not counted. The full results can be checked here, along with all the previous years.

Perfect Day at CocoCay Voted Best Cruise Line Private Island

Emrys Thakkar
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Perfect Day at CocoCay Voted Best Cruise Line Private Island

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas has been voted as Best Cruise Line Private Island and Destination of 2021 in the annual Cruise Ship Awards. CocoCay received more votes than eight other cruise line private destinations, many of which are located nearby in the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean’s Private Island is Best of 2021!

Cruise line private islands are fast becoming an important aspect of the cruise experience, with more itineraries than ever now featuring a stop. Now votes as the Best Cruise Line Private Islands and Destination of 2021 is Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, located in the Bahamas. The island received more votes than other rival resorts, including Carnival’s Half Moon Cay and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay.

Best Cruise Line Private Island

CocoCay has been a Royal Caribbean private island since the 1980s, but only in the last few years has it really become in demand and is only used by Royal Caribbean cruise ships. After a significant $250 million transformation, the new-look private island reopened in May 2019, offering one-of-kind chills and thrills for all types of Royal Caribbean guests.

Also Read: 8 Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To

Highlights include a helium balloon that goes 450 feet in the air, the tallest waterslide in North America, the Caribbean’s largest wave pool, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, cabanas, stunning beaches, and more.

There are way too many things to mention on what Royal Caribbean guests can do while spending a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. You can read through this complete guide on Royal Caribbean’s private island.

Perfect Day at CocoCay
Perfect Day at CocoCay (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Cruise Hive readers were only allowed to vote once in each category, including this one. Voting first opened up in mid-September 2021 and closed for new votes just after Christmas. With the cruise industry back in service after the industry-wide suspension, the new category was introduced to find out what Cruise Hive readers thought was the Best Cruise line Private island and Destination of 2021.

Second and Third Place

CocoCay was up against another eight cruise line privates island or destination, and it was a close race between the top three. in Second place came Carnival’s Half Moon Cay, also located in the Bahamas. The island is mainly used by Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line but is essentially available for Carnival’s brands.

With the third-highest number of votes came another popular itinerary stop, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. Amber Cove is not a private island but a private resort destination just for Carnival-owned cruise ships.

Half Moon Cay Bahamas
Half Moon Cay Bahamas (Photo Credit: KaryBntz / Shutterstock.com)

It offers an area which guests can spend the day with beaches, pools, stores, and dining venues. Amber Cove welcomed its first cruise ship in October 2015 and is on the Dominican Republic’s North Coast, just outside the town of Puerto Plata.

It’s the first time the Best Cruise Line private islands and Destination category has been in the annual Cruise Ship Awards. There were a total of seven categories that readers were allowed to vote in, and all the results so far can be found here, including all the way back to 2014, when the awards first started.

Carnival’s Mardi Gras Voted Best Overall Cruise Ship of 2021

Emrys Thakkar
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Carnival’s Mardi Gras Voted Best Overall Cruise Ship of 2021

Carnival Cruise Line’s first Excel-class cruise ship has come out on top for the third time in the Annual Cruise Ship Awards by also winning Best Cruise Ship of 2021. This includes not just new ships but every cruise ship out there!

Mardi Gras Voted Best Cruise Ship of 2021!

The Carnival flagship, which debuted in July 2021, has officially been voted Best Cruise Ship of 2021 in the annual Cruise Ship Awards from Cruise Hive. Mardi Gras was up against every other vessel, with readers being allowed to vote for any cruise ship they liked. She received more votes than other popular vessels from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Best Cruise Ship of 2021

Mardi Gras has been the cruise ship in demand in 2021 as she’s a new class vessel for the fleet and features the first roller coaster at sea named BOLT. The vessel has already won Best New Cruise Ship and Best Cruise Ship Feature in this year’s awards. Mard Gras was officially named in October 2021 after debuting on July 31 from Port Canaveral in Florida.

The vessel is 180,800 gross tons and is fully powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), taking Carnival Cruise Line into a new era of environmentally friendly cruise ships. The vessel has six themed zones, offering different experiences and fun, including new dining venues such as Shaquille O’Neals Big Chicken restaurant. Mardi Gras has a guest capacity of 5,282 at double occupancy, along with 1,735 international crew members.

Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

The Carnival cruise ship was up against many other vessels across multiple cruise lines worldwide. It’s the first time this category has been a part of the awards and is one of the only fully open awards in the industry.

There were seven categories in total, and readers have only been allowed to vote once in each. Voting opened in mid-September 2021, just months after cruise lines first started to return to service following the industry-wide pause on operations.

Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Second and Third Places

Coming behind Mardi Gras with the second-highest number of votes was Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, currently the world’s largest cruise ship. However, that title will soon be handed over to sister ship Wonder of the Seas in 2022.

Symphony of the Seas is one of the most innovative vessels in the fleet and has tons of onboard features, including the Ultimate Abyss aft slide. She’s 228,081 gross tons with a guest capacity of 5,518 at double occupancy.

In third place came Carnival Horizon, despite the vessel currently undergoing an urgent dry dock in Italy, Cruise Hive readers think she is one of the best cruise ships out there. She is the second Vista-class ship, and major highlights include the Seuss at Sea Waterpark, SkyRide, and an IMAX theater. The ship is 133,500 with a passenger capacity of 3,934.

So far in the 2021 Cruise Ship Awards, the results have already been announced for Best new Cruise Ship, Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship for 2022, Best Cruise Homeport in the US, and Best Cruise Ship Feature. Still to come are Best Cruise Line Private Island and Best Cruise Line, so do keep checking Cruise Hive for more results.

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