Princess Cruises has announced a comprehensive revamp of its dining options across all ships. The program introduces flexible dining choices integrated with an anywhere service. Designed to enhance guest convenience, the new dining plans will take effect on voyages departing September 14, 2024.
Expanded Dining Choices Unveiled
In a major weekend announcement, Princess Cruises revealed an extensive enhancement to its main dining services across its entire fleet, slated to provide flexibility in dining choices. Starting September 14, 2024, the cruise line will offer three distinct table service options in its Main Dining Rooms: Traditional, Reservable, or Walk-in Anytime.
Options will include traditional dining with a consistent waiter, table, and time each night or more flexible dining, which allows for dinner at any available time and table size in either the Reservable or Open-Seating dining rooms.
Designed to cater to every guest’s preference, the new dining options are also integrated with the OceanNow service, which allows guests to enjoy their meals wherever they choose onboard.
The new dining strategy follows the successful implementation aboard the newly launched 4,300-passenger Sphere-class Sun Princess, where passengers first experienced the flexibility of choosing from multiple dining formats in a unique three-story dining room. Each floor is sectioned to accommodate traditional, reservable, or anytime diners.
Sun Princess Dining Room (Photo Credit: Vintagepix / Shutterstock)
Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage at Princess Cruises, said about the expansion,“Our guests have been delighted with the dining flexibility aboard Sun Princess, and we’re pleased to extend the concept to all the other ships in our fleet.”
He added, “Now whether guests prefer an early seating every evening, or change things up every night, or even change their mind, these flexible dining options ensure that their dining preference is effortlessly accommodated.”
A Smooth Transition
The transition to the new dining system across the fleet will begin with cancellations of existing main dining reservations for voyages sailing on or after September 14, 2024, except for those already booked on Sun Princess, which set off on her inaugural voyage in February with the program in place.
The cancellations include reservations on the Alaskan itineraries of Discovery Princess’ 7-night “Inside Passage” departing from Seattle; Royal Princess’ 7-night “Voyage of the Glaciers” departing from Whittier, Alaska; and Sapphire Princess’ 10-night “Inside Passage” cruise departing from Vancouver. Each are scheduled to embark on September 14.
The September 14 departure of Enchanted Princess’ 7-night “Canada & New England” cruise from New York City, as well as subsequent September cruises aboard Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Emerald Princess, and Grand Princess are also welcoming the dining program.
Starting June 17, passengers booked on upcoming cruises can use the Princess Cruises app to select their preferred dining style. The Main Dining Rooms aboard the fleet, which provide an all-inclusive, multicourse gourmet meal set in a restaurant-style dining room, will be divided into the three new selections.
However, Coral Princess and Island Princess will combine Reservable and Walk-in Anytime Dining into one Main Dining Room, due to space.
Reservations will not be cancelled at specialty dining areas such as Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, the Catch by Rudi, Churrascaria Brazilian Grill, Kai Sushi, O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Crab Shack, Harmony, the Salty Dog Gastropub, Bayou Café, and the seven-course 360 and Chef’s Table experience.
As suites and reserve collection cabins have dedicated dining rooms with no need for reservations, passengers booked in these will not have any changes. Reservations for trips through September 13 will also remain unaffected.
Carnival Pride, which is currently sailing a 14-night, one-way repositioning cruise that was to have moved the vessel from Tampa to Baltimore, will instead be sailing from Norfolk, Virginia, at least for her first planned Baltimore departure.
Carnival Cruise Line reached out to guests with the notification and is arranging complimentary bus service from Norfolk to Baltimore as needed, as well as providing additional compensation to guests.
Carnival Pride to Sail From Norfolk
Guests setting sail aboard Carnival Pride‘s April 21, 2024 departure will not be embarking nor returning to the planned homeport, as the Port of Baltimore remains closed to marine traffic following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. Instead, the ship will operate from Norfolk, Virginia at least for this upcoming sailing.
“Thank you for your patience as we worked through the plans regarding your upcoming cruise,”the email notification began.“We have spent the last week having some personal discussions with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Port of Baltimore officials regarding the harbor traffic plans so we can make informed decisions.”
At the moment, debris is still being cleared from the Patapsco River, including removing concrete and other materials from the bridge itself as well as containers from the ship Dali, which collided with the bridge following a power failure, resulting in the collapse.
“While progress on the bridge accident recovery is being prioritized and progressing well, we must assume that your cruise cannot operate from Baltimore,”the email explained.“Therefore, we have made arrangements to sail from and return to Norfolk, Virginia.”
As the Port of Baltimore and Port of Norfolk are approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) apart, roughly a 4-5 hour drive depending on traffic conditions, this can significantly impact passengers’ pre- and post-cruise travel plans.
Carnival Pride Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock)
Carnival Cruise Line is providing complimentary bus service between Baltimore and Norfolk, both for embarking as well as debarking guests. The service is limited, however, and travelers need to register to ensure their space on the shuttle. For guests on the April 21 departure, information about shuttle registration will be provided the week of April 15.
Guests are also being provided a $100 (USD) onboard credit per stateroom as a courtesy for the inconvenience of the changed homeport.
Further details about the shuttle buses and both embarkation and debarkation plans will be provided in the days to come as the cruise departure date draws closer.
Where Is Carnival Pride Sailing?
Carnival Pride‘s April 21 departure is her first roundtrip sailing from the region, following a one-way repositioning cruise from Tampa to Norfolk (Baltimore). Guests onboard that cruise are also being provided with details of their Norfolk debarkation.
The April 21 cruise is a 7-night, Eastern Caribbean sailing that is planned to visit Grand Turk, Princess Cays, and Freeport, with several days at sea. The ship’s new deployment alternates these Eastern Caribbean itineraries with Bahamas cruises, as well as three special 14-night sailings to Greenland – one departing on May 26, another on August 18, and the last on September 8.
The 88,500-gross-ton, Spirit-class Carnival Pride is also offering several Bermuda sailings planned from Baltimore, beginning with the August 11 departure and following with departures on September 1, September 22, October 6, and October 27.
Carnival Pride Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: PIXAS / Shutterstock)
The ship is scheduled to remain sailing from Baltimore through April 2026, though it is possible that deployment may change if plans to reopen the port to cruise traffic take longer than expected. At this time, however, there is no indication that such a dramatic change may be necessary.
Carnival Pride can welcome 2,680 guests aboard at double occupancy, and is also home to approximately 900 international team members.
When Will the Port of Baltimore Reopen?
No firm schedule has been announced for the reopening of Port of Baltimore and it is not yet known when cruise operations may restart from Charm City.
When the bridge collapsed on March 26, cruise lines immediately shifted operations to Norfolk as the nearest possible homeport that could handle the traffic as well as ensure itineraries were preserved as much as possible.
Any cruise passengers – from any cruise line – with plans to sail to or from Baltimore in at least the next few weeks should be prepared for changes and keep in close communication with their cruise line for updates about their individual sailings.
In the 10 days since cruise passenger Brad Solomon disappeared during a port call in Cozumel, his family have teamed up with local military and rescuers to pull out all the stops to bring him home safely.
Rescue teams are now shifting strategies in their search for the 66-year-old passenger, who suffers from a form of dementia and may be confused in his unfamiliar surroundings.
Missing Passenger Might Be In The Jungles Of Cozumel
Brad Solomon was celebrating his birthday with his wife, Mimi Hyer Solomon, by taking a family cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Their 7-night voyage to Mexico was meant to be their last big vacation, as Brad Solomon suffers from frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disease that causes cognitive difficulties, such as difficulties communicating.
Unfortunately, the couple’s dream trip turned into a nightmare when Brad went missing shortly after disembarking in Cozumelwith Mimi on April 3, 2024. His worried wife notified local police immediately and the family – along with local military and rescue teams, as well as representatives from Royal Caribbean – have been searching for the 66-year-old man ever since.
The couple’s adult daughter, Savannah Miller, has also joined in the search and has been working to keep her dad’s name in the press by posting updates on her social media accounts. She hopes that her posts will help spread awareness to bring him home safely.
Initially, the family suspected that their father and husband has been staying hydrated and using the bathrooms at local churches, but they weren’t sure if he had access to food.
Edmond Bradley Solomon
While the locals have been extremely helpful with reporting possible sightings of Mr. Solomon, the family hasn’t yet been able to catch up to him, potentially because he has a habit of walking quickly and with purpose, even when he is flustered or confused, and likely would not accept help from a stranger.
Miller asked that if anyone does spot her father, they trail him from a distance and call local authorities to report the sighting.
“He has a generally calm or apathetic attitude, and will probably refuse help if offered. Especially from a stranger. This affect, along with his quick walking pace, makes him seem confident or focused, like he knows where he is going and is walking with conviction. But he is not. He is lost and scared. He cannot show or process emotions like a healthy person would,” Miller posted on Facebook on April 7.
“Unfamiliar people or situations are intimidating to him. He does not know how to respond and will avoid instead. So, he will likely visit the same areas repeatedly,” added Miller.
While the search for the missing passenger has largely focused on Cozumel’s more populated city areas, the family and rescue teams are shifting tactics because Brad hasn’t been captured on surveillance cameras since the afternoon of Wednesday, April 10.
Cozumel Island, Mexico (Photo Credit: MarioBaltazar / Shutterstock)
As Cozumel is only about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide (the whole island can be driven in an hour or less), it’s entirely possible Brad may have made his way to another part of the Mexican island. The new theory is that a kind citizen may be caring for him in the ejido areas of the jungle, which is a communally owned agricultural sector.
The local military and civilian search and rescue leaders are focusing efforts in the jungle now. Since he hasn’t been seen on camera since Wednesday afternoon, it’s possible that he is being cared for by local, more rural Cozumel citizen in ejido areas of the jungle. I know that not a single person on this island would have mal intent upon approaching him,” Miller wrote in her latest Facebook post on Thursday, April 11.
Hopefully, Brad will be reunited with his loved ones very soon. In the meantime, anyone who would like to support the family from home can share his image and missing persons fliers on social media or donate to the GoFundMe, which has already raised over $27,000 (USD) to bring Brad home.
A Cruise Gone Wrong
Brad and Mimi Solomon, who both hail from South Carolina, were well into their 7-night Western Caribbean sailing on the world’s largest cruise ship, which embarked from Miami, Florida, on March 30, 2024, when Brad went missing.
It seemed only fitting to celebrate a birthday as big as 66 on the gigantic Icon of the Seas, which can accommodate a whopping 7,600 passengers per sailing, along with 2,350 crew members. The massive vessel, which weighs in at 248,663-gross tons, is still brand-new, only just entering service earlier this year on January 27, 2024.
Icon of the Seas Size Comparison (Photo Credit: Multiverse)
Icon of the Seas had already called on Costa Maya, Riviera Maya, and Roatan Island, Honduras, before Brad disappeared in Cozumel on April 3. The ship had one more port call at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas, before returning to Miami on April 6, 2024.
Of course, the Solomons didn’t get to experience Perfect Day at CocoCay. Instead, Brad went missing shortly after arriving in Cozumel and the search began.
After disembarking around 1:30 p.m. local time, the Solomons stopped to use the bathroom before they were going to explore the port. When Mimi came outside again, she couldn’t find Brad. After waiting a few minutes, another family checked the bathroom only to discover he was not there. Immediately, Mimi sounded the alarm.
The family theorizes that Brad likely exited the restroom first, and became confused when he didn’t see his wife. He likely wandered off into the busy cruise terminal to try to find her.
The family also took safety precautions to keep track of Brad, such as by having him wear an air tag, but the air tag’s range is minimal and it’s unknown if he is still wearing the device.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the Solomon family during this distressing time, and we hope that he is found safe and sound very soon.
For those of you ready to embark on this type of journey, there is a good chance your voyage will involve a stop or even an embarkation departure at Whittier Cruise Port. It’s about a 90-minute drive southeast of Anchorage (and is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Anchorage Cruise Port).
We’re going to take an in-depth look at the popular Alaskan port. Not only will you learn all of the essential information you should know about the terminal and its facilities, but we will also dive into nearby amenities and attractions, seasonal conditions, and directions.
Whittier Cruise Port Location and Transportation Options
The Whittier Cruise Port is about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. If you are interested in an Anchorage excursion or visiting the city independently, you have a few options. By car, it takes about 90 minutes to travel between the port and Anchorage.
Your cruise line will likely provide transportation from the port to the various excursions, and private sightseeing tours are available. You also have the option to take the Alaska Railroad, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour journey.
Cruise Lines Using Whittier Cruise Port
Several major cruise lines, as well as others, make use of the Whittier cruise ship terminal, including ships operated by Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Oceania Cruises. Cruise lines will often use the port as a departure terminal for Alaska itineraries.
Whittier Port Terminal Facilities and Accessibility
The accommodations at Whittier Cruise Port are somewhat sparse. Public restrooms are available inside the terminal. There are no shops or restaurants inside, but there are a few stores and small cafes nearby.
Whittier Cruise Port Terminal (Photo Credit: Paul Brady Photography)
Seating is also very limited inside the terminal, so passengers with mobility concerns should check with their cruise lines for assistance.
As for luggage, while there are no porters at this cruise ship terminal, there are luggage carts available for use. If you’re boarding your cruise at Whittier Cruise Port, there will be a luggage drop-off in the parking lot, and the cruise line will take care of loading your bags onto the ship. Note that there is no public Wi-Fi at the port area.
Seasonal Weather Conditions in Whittier, Alaska
Adding to the wild atmosphere of the Alaskan experience is that weather conditions can vary dramatically depending on when you visit. Here’s a basic seasonal guide so you can know how to pack and what to expect:
Portage Glacier Near Whittier, Alaska (Photo Credit: MollieVerdick / Shutterstock)
Summer Season (June to August)
Summer is the peak tourist season in Alaska, especially in July. Temperatures during this period range from 50° to 70° F. With days stretching to as long as 20 hours of sunlight, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors.
Wear layered clothing, as temperatures can drop suddenly. While it is a dryer season by Alaskan standards, you can still expect rain showers.
Fall Season (September to November)
Fall brings cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings. Expect temperature ranges between 30° and 50° F. With the cooler temperatures, you can also expect more active wildlife, especially bears preparing for winter hibernation. Again, wear layers and pack a warm, water-resistant jacket.
Unsurprisingly, winter in Whittier and the surrounding area is cold. Temperatures tend to range between 5° and 25° F, so make sure you pack warm clothing if you plan on spending time outdoors. You should also anticipate snow and ice, so winter-appropriate footwear and outerwear is a must.
Spring Season (March to May)
Spring brings the return of milder temperatures in the 30° to 50° F range. Expect wet conditions, both from rainfall and the melting snow. Waterproof clothing and footwear are essential.
Cruise Check-in Process and Security Procedures
If you are boarding at the Whittier cruise port, you will want to follow your cruise line’s specific boarding instructions. Regardless of the cruise line, you should be able to quickly present valid photo identification and travel documents upon arrival at the port.
Whittier Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: dvlcom)
The port adheres to high-security standards, so you should leave plenty of time for luggage and bag checks and metal detector scans. You should know where your cruise ship is docked and which terminal you should report to ahead of time.
Navigating Between Anchorage and Whittier
Transportation is relatively straightforward for those arriving in Alaska by plane but needing to travel to their cruise port. Most cruise lines will provide a shuttle service from the Anchorage airport to the port or terminal you must travel to. The main way is via the AK-1, known as the Seward Highway. You’ll head south to Whittier and past Portage, and there will be some stunning views along the way!
The closest airport to the Whittier cruise terminal is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), about a 90-minute drive away. You’ll find many taxis and ride-share services at the airport to get you to Whittier, but be prepared. They can be expensive.
If you exit the Anchorage airport at the North Terminal, you’ll get a taxi near the arrivals area; from the South Terminal, you’ll get a ride near departures. Local shuttles offer direct transportation to the Whittier cruise ship terminal or half-day tours to sneak in a bit of sightseeing before boarding your cruise ship.
Seward Highway South (Photo Credit: Earl D. Walker / Shutterstock)
For those booking cruise itineraries that make stops in various Alaskan ports, transferring between ports will be handled for you. When booking your cruise, you will discover this is a relatively common occurrence on an Alaskan cruise.
Those booking back-to-back Alaskan cruises to enjoy everything the most northern state offers will find a cruise transfer relatively simple. This is thanks to the well-maintained highway system, railroads, and short-haul flights.
During your voyage, you may dock at other ports, like Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, Juneau Cruise Port, Ketchikan Port, or Skagway Port. Each port will offer its own unique attractions, from picturesque fjords and glaciers to historic Alaskan landmarks.
Walking Distance Amenities and Attractions
Whittier is a small town and home to only a few hundred people, but there are some amazing things to do there, like day cruises into the Prince William Sound, where you can see glaciers, whales, otters, and thousands of seabirds. There are also plenty of outdoor adventure activities, including kayaking, jet skiing, and hiking.
View of Whittier, Alaska (Photo Credit: dvlcom / Shutterstock)
If you want something more cosmopolitan, spend some time in Anchorage. You can enjoy shopping in designer stores and exploring the city’s many art galleries and souvenir shops. You will also find a surprising number of restaurant options, from basic fast food chains to independently-owned, world-class restaurants.
Downtown Anchorage is also home to the Anchorage Museum, where you can view artifacts relating to Alaska’s native population, as well as its pioneer heritage, natural history, and even the state’s surprising involvement in World War II. If the weather cooperates, you can rent bikes and take a ride downtown or try taking in the views along the bike trails surrounding the city.
Dining and Shopping Recommendations in Anchorage
If you travel to Anchorage, you will find that the city offers a diverse range of culinary options. We strongly recommend sampling some fresh seafood and classic Alaskan dishes at ORSO, Ginger Restaurant, and Crush Bistro. Make sure you try the fresh Alaskan king crab and wild-caught salmon!
4th Avenue Downtown Anchorage (Photo Credit: Andrew F. Kazmierski)
For more casual dining experiences, there are plenty of burger joints and breweries within relatively close proximity to the cruise port. 49th State Brewing is an excellent option for trying local beer and picking up a souvenir.
For shopping, the port area and downtown core offer plenty of stores. You will not have trouble finding boutique shops selling souvenirs and unique Alaskan art. Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall is located downtown, and it offers five levels. It can be a great option when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Distances to Popular Attractions and Outdoor Activities in Anchorage
Day trips to various outdoor activities from the Whittier cruise port to nearby Anchorage areas are also fairly straightforward. You might feel overwhelmed by just how much there is to do, so here are just a few of our top recommendations:
Alaska Native Heritage Center (Photo Credit: jet 67 / Shutterstock)
Kincaid Park
If you visit in winter, you can try cross-country skiing in Kincaid Park. The 20 miles of maintained trails are open to skiers in the winter but are also suitable for a hike when the snow melts. The park is just over 10 miles from the port, so it’s easy to get to.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Located just 10 miles northeast of Anchorage, this immersive cultural center allows you to learn more about Alaska’s native population through demonstrations and interactive exhibits. It’s well worth the drive or cab ride.
Chugach State Park
While joining a trailhead directly from Anchorage is possible, Chugach State Park offers different starting points, so you can see Alaska’s lush forests, towering peaks, and famed wildlife exactly how you would like to.
Flattop Mountain is also located within the park. Hikers can enjoy the stunning views of Anchorage and the surrounding wilderness from the top of the trail.
Portage Glacier
If you want to see this iconic glacier firsthand, you can travel to it from Anchorage in roughly 1.5 hours by car. Although it’s 50 miles southeast of the city, numerous shuttle services offer affordable rides to and from the glacier. Once there, you can even take a boat tour across Portage Lake to get an up-close view of the glacier itself.
Excursions Offered by Cruise Lines
Another draw of Alaskan cruises is the abundance of excursion providers and activities that take advantage of Alaska’s unique outdoor wilderness. As always, make sure you are booking through your cruise line if you are only making a port of call stop in the area.
Crow Pass, Alaska (Photo Credit: Milan Sommer / Shutterstock)
These partnered excursion providers work with your cruise line to ensure that you and other passengers will return to the ship in time for departure. You will find that most cruise lines that routinely stop in the port offer the following shore excursions and activities:
Fishing Experiences
Thanks to Alaska’s famed salmon fishing, you can enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing experiences just outside Anchorage. The Kenai River is located just a few hours outside the city and offers some of North America’s most famous salmon runs. Freshwater lake trout fishing excursions and various forms of fly fishing during the summer months are also popular.
Guided Hiking and Wildlife Tours
You will find no shortage of guided shore excursions that enable participants to view some of Alaska’s famed wildlife and terrain. Popular tours include hiking to Crow Pass Trail and Eagle River Nature Center. Many offer views of glaciers, historic collapsed mines, and snow-capped mountains.
Some tours are aimed directly at wildlife viewing, so you will be taken by vehicle or boat to try and get up-close views of bears, moose, bald eagles, and other species native to the state.
Sea Kayaking and Boat Tours
In the warmer months, you can book guided kayak tours that allow you to paddle along the coastline. Smaller boat tours also take guests along scenic shorelines and in search of whales and other marine life, like otters, seals, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions on Whittier Cruise Port
Where in Anchorage do cruise ships dock?
Cruise ships don’t actually dock in Anchorage. They use Whittier Cruise Port or other nearby ports, including Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, Juneau Cruise Port, Ketchikan Port, or Skagway Port.
Do any cruise ships leave from Anchorage?
Cruise ships don’t leave Anchorage directly, but most popular cruise lines have cruises that depart from one of the ports close to Anchorage.
How do I get from Whittier to Anchorage after the cruise?
The most common way to get between Whittier and Anchorage is by car, which takes about 90 minutes. You can also ride the Alaska Railroad, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour scenic train journey.
Far from the family-friendly atmosphere that cruises represent, a Houston mother has been charged with child abandonment after leaving her two young children alone to embark on a cruise from Florida.
Mom Arrested After Cruising Without Her Kids
29-year-old Lakesha Woods Williams was arrested following her return from a cruise that departed from Florida in early April 2024, and which made a call to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean.
The specific details of the ship and other ports visited are unclear; however, multiple cruise ships sail to San Juan from Florida, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Virgin Voyages.
Keegan Childers, the chief prosecutor of the 209th District Court, said to ABC13:“These children were left unattended for many days and put in harm’s way. For them to provide for themselves, feed themselves, take care of themselves, as well as what if somebody breaks in? What if there’s a bad neighbor? Any number of horror, nightmare scenarios that could come up.”
Neighbors in the luxury high-rise in Houston where Williams lives reported seeing her leave with her luggage on Thursday, April 4, but without her children. Alarms were raised when she did not return, prompting a welfare check by Harris County Precinct 5 deputies.
Royal Caribbean Passengers
Upon entering the flat on April 9, authorities found Williams’ 8-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter alone in conditions that were far from safe. The home was in disarray, with a smell of urine and leftover food scattered throughout the highrise apartment. The children informed the deputies that their mother had gone on a cruise, as confirmed by Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 5.
“We are still putting together the facts and circumstances of how these children were left alone for several days,” said Constable Ted Heap, “but the important thing is they are safe now and those responsible should be held accountable for leaving these kids in an unsafe situation.“
Remote Monitoring
The mother had left a webcam running and a telephone, which she used to check in on her kids while she was out having fun on a cruise. After she returned home on Wednesday, April 10, the mother lied to the authorities about her identity.
The two children, an 8-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl were in relatively good health when firefighters entered the apartment, and have since been handed over to a family member.
Chief Prosecutor Keegan Childers has pressed charges against the neglectful mother for abandoning a child with intent to return.
Child Welfare on Cruises
Besides being heartbreaking, the entire episode with Lakesha Woods Williams is incomprehensible. Any parent would always bring their children on a cruise, and even if impossible, for example, on an 18+ cruise such as Virgin Voyages, ensure they are under the care of a suitable and caring adult.
Cruise Ships Docked at PortMiami, Florida (Photo Credit: Anthony Giarrusso)
Cruise ships are an ideal vacation option for children, offering a myriad of opportunities for parents to have some important time alone without the kids. Onboard family-friendly cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, children can participate in fully supervised youth programs, which provide a variety of activities designed to educate and entertain.
These programs often include science experiments, arts and crafts sessions, and sports competitions, all conducted under the watchful eyes of trained professionals. The programs are designed to allow parents to spend some doing adult things, such as going to the Spa, enjoying a cocktail at the bar, or dining in upscale restaurants.
If you missed the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, do not fret. You’ll get another opportunity in 2026, and three of Cunard Line’s four ships will be in prime positions for watching the solar event unfold.
See The 2026 Eclipse From A Cunard Cruise Ship
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the world will be treated to another solar eclipse. While Monday’s celestial event was visible throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the path of totality for the eclipse in 2026 will be through Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and Portugal.
Stargazers will be excited to learn that three of Cundard’s ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Anne – will be sailing along the path of totality in 2026. Those onboard will get the rare opportunity to witness the solar event from the open ocean, with no buildings or landscapes to obscure views.
“Cunard is thrilled to offer three remarkable voyages positioned along the path of the 2026 eclipse – two in the Mediterranean and one in Iceland – which will give guests the chance to witness this extraordinary phenomenon from the water, an unforgettable moment observed from the luxurious vantage point of our Queens,”said Katie McAlister, president of Cunard.
The first voyage to embark will be a 14-night transatlantic crossing that sails through Norway and Iceland on Queen Mary 2, the cruise line’s flagship Queen. The 2,691-passenger vessel will embark from Southampton, England, August 4, 2026 – calling on Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium; Olden, Norway; Skjolden, Norway; Isafjord, Iceland; and Reykjavik, Iceland, before concluding in New York City on August 18, 2026.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Ship
Next to embark is a 7-night sailing onboard Queen Anne, a 3,000-passenger vessel that will officially enter service on May 3, 2024. The 113,000-gross ton ship will explore Spain and France via a round-trip sailing from Southampton, England, beginning on August 9, 2026. The itinerary calls for stops at Santander, Spain; La Coruna, Spain; Gijon, Spain; and Bordeaux, France.
Last but not least, Queen Victoria will set sail on a one-way Mediterranean cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, to Barcelona, Spain, on August 10, 2026. Over the course of the 7-night voyage, the 2,061-guest ship will call on Tarragona, Spain; Palma De Mallorca, Spain; Villefranche (Nice), France; and Toulon, France.
A Solar Celebration At Sea
While Cunard Line has yet not announced what activities and treats it will offer to celebrate on its Solar Eclipse sailings, the cruise line will certainly make it an experience its passengers won’t soon forget. The UK-based cruise line will likely follow the example set by other cruise lines that went out of their way to commemorate the eclipse on April 8, such as by distributing viewing glasses and hosting themed activities.
For example, Princess Cruises’ Emerald Princess is currently sailing on a 15-night Panama Canal cruise, which embarked from Los Angeles, California, on April 5, 2024. The 3,080 guest-ship sailed through the path of totality and celebrated by bringing experts onboard to talk about the solar phenomena.
Fred Cink, a retired army, naval aviator, and astronomy expert, gave educational lectures about the eclipse, narrated during the eclipse, and led stargazing sessions in the days leading up to the eclipse.
Of course, the solar eclipse was the main event. The cruise line distributed viewing glasses for eye safety, as well as themed cookies and desserts, and even had a specialty cocktail for guests 21 and older. Later, guests were able to watch a replay of the eclipse on the ship’s giant “Movies Under The Stars” screens and in their staterooms, as well as celebrate as a themed Zodiac party.
Similar events were hosted on Discovery Princess, as well as on Holland America’s Koningsdam and Zaandam – all of which are owned by Carnival Corporation and were sailing in the path of the eclipse.
Holland America crew members onboard Koningsdam even went live on Facebook for almost an hour to share what a total eclipse looks like at sea.
Holland America Line announced an extensive enhancement of its onboard entertainment options, debuting four mainstage shows and broadening its musical lineup to include destination-specific performances.
New Era Entertainment for Holland America Ships
Four innovative mainstage shows designed to captivate cruise travelers will debut on Holland America Line ships. The productions are part of a fleetwide enhancement that includes the addition of the Rolling Stone Lounge, an upgrade to the popular Billboard Onboard experience, and a tailoring of performances and content around to match destinations of specific voyages.
“Over the past several years we’ve built one of the strongest entertainment experiences at sea, working with world-class musicians and dancers,”said Bill Prince, vice president of entertainment and enrichment at Holland America Line.“Adding these new theater experiences continues to build on our momentum.”
The new lineup of shows includes “Song & Dance,” a musical journey through Broadway and Hollywood; “Class Act,” a Las Vegas-inspired celebration of iconic female performers; “All That!,” an homage to classic TV variety shows; and “Hey, Mr. DJ,” a concert featuring hits from the ‘60s to today.
The productions launched in February as a test run aboard ms Eurodam, and will be followed with subsequent launches through June 2024 on ms Rotterdam and ms Nieuw Statendam, currently sailing in the Caribbean, as well as ms Zuiderdam, which is traveling on its World Cruise until May 11.
Revitalizing Onboard Venues
As part of Holland America Line’s efforts to refresh its onboard entertainment offerings, the cruise line introduced its new Rolling Stone Lounge aboard ms Nieuw Amsterdam and ms Eurodam in December 2023.
The expansion builds on the success of the lounge on ms Noordam, ms Oosterdam, ms Zuiderdam, and ms Westerdam. Featuring a dynamic seven-piece band, the lounge brings a wide array of rock, pop, and R&B to the vibrant atmosphere.
Holland America Show
Further enriching its entertainment portfolio, Holland America Line has updated the Billboard Onboard experience. This piano bar concept features a rotation of musical themes each evening, showcasing chart-topping hits from Billboard. This show can be found on nine of Holland America Line’s 11 ships. (It is not on ms Volendam or ms Zaandam.)
In a move to diversify the musical offerings on select European cruises, Holland America Line will introduce a classical music trio to perform on the mainstage. Moreover, B.B. King’s Blue Club continues to be a mainstay on ms Koningsdam, ms Nieuw Statendam, and ms Rotterdam.
Expanding Onboard Musical Horizons
In addition to the new mainstage spectacles arriving this year, Holland America Line is enriching its regional offerings, tailoring performances to the destinations its ships visit.
Caribbean cruises, where ms Rotterdam, ms Nieuw Statendam, and ms Eurodam sail, will feature the “Island Magic” steel drum concerts, while sailings to Canada and New England aboard ms Volendam and ms Zuiederdam will introduce “Breton Thunder,” showcasing Nova Scotia’s musical heritage.
When ms Rotterdam, ms Nieuw Statendam, and ms Eurodam change course for European voyages, guests will find performances by the Chordial Chamber Trip and Pantheon, a group of dynamic European tenors.
Holland America Koningsdam (Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line)
The Alaska itinerary aboard ms Eurodam, ms Koningsam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Noordam, ms Westerdam, and ms Zaandam will introduce “Destination: Alaska,” a show designed to immerse passengers in the spirit of the region, as well as Major Fourth, a group of four singers covering a number of genres from various decades. The cruises will also continue to highlight the Step One Dance Company.
Holland America Line’s mainstage, known as World Stage, is the largest theater on its ships. The theater is a two-story stage aboard ms Koningsam, ms Niuew Statendam, and ms Rotterdam, where a panoramic LED screen surrounds the audience.
Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship will debut with a new way to shop! Through a partnership with Effy Jewelry, guests aboard Carnival Firenze will be able to browse the jewelry selection using a new type of artificial technology.
New Digital Kiosk Adds Convenience To Onboard Shopping Experience
Effy Fine Jewelry can be found on all 27 of Carnival’s ships, but the shopping experience onboard Carnival Firenze will be quite different from the rest.
The Vista-class cruise ship will debut later this month with a 7-night Mexican Riviera itinerary out of Long Beach, California, which embarks on April 25, 2024. Guests onboard the inaugural sailing will get the first opportunity to try out a new digital kiosk to shop at Effy.
The kiosk, which is meant to make it easier to browse Effy’s selection of more than 100 rings, allows guests to browse ring designs and zero in on which pieces appeal to their taste. It also uses artificial reality to allow guests to “try on” rings virtually – eliminating the need to wait in long lines at the jewelry displays or being out of luck if the ring in question isn’t in stock.
“Showcasing Effy’s timeless pieces in this way, leveraging technology, creates a truly innovative and personal shopping experience for our guests. Our guests love Effy jewelry, and this new virtual component gives them the ability to quickly visualize how several perfectly sized pieces will look in a fraction of the time it might take to try on multiple items throughout the store,”said Luis Terife, Carnival’s vice president of onboard guest commerce.
While Carnival Firenze will be the first ship to offer the new kiosk, it won’t be the last. The cruise line will be adding the kiosks to additional ships in the near future, although they have not yet specified which ones.
The New and Improved Carnival Firenze
Cruise lines have two ways to expand their fleets: They can build a new cruise ship from scratch or purchase a ship from another company. In the case of Carnival Firenze, Carnival Cruise Lines acquired the ship from its sister company, Costa Cruises.
Carnival officially took possession of the 4,126-passenger ship in a small ceremony in Cadiz on February 2, 2024. Originally named Costa Firenze, the 135,136-gross ton vessel entered service fairly recently, officially launching in 2021. Even so, the ship has been undergoing a full transformation in Cadiz, Spain, over the past two months.
Now that the remodel is complete, Carnival Firenze is on its way to Long Beach, California. At the time of this writing, the ship was sailing in South America, off the coast of Chiloé Island in Chile, making its way to its new homeport. Beginning on April 25, 2024, the ship will offer round-trip cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Baja Mexico, which will range from 4 to 7 nights.
Beyond the Effy Kiosk, the “Fun Italian Style” ship, which was inspired by the rich history and artistry of Florence, Italy, has other upgrades to delight guests. The ship will feature both new and old restaurants and diverse entertainment options, much of which is inspired by the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Italy.
For example, the Palazzo and Medici Restaurant will present passengers with an upscale dining experience meant to be reminiscent of Florence’s eateries, offering gourmet Italian dishes.
After dinner, the Teatro Rosso, which was inspired by the opulent theaters of Italy, will host an array of performances, from musicals to comedy shows. Meanwhile, the Tuscan Lounge will celebrate the ship’s Italian heritage with live music and themed events.
For guests who really want to relax and unwind on their vacations, the cruise line is also introducing the exclusive Terrazza staterooms,which are only found on Carnival’s two Italian-themed ships (Carnival Firenze and Carnival Venezia), and come with elevated amenities like private decks, all day lounging options, and whirlpools.
The search has ended for a man reported overboard and missing from Royal Caribbean International’s Liberty of the Seas last week, without any strong conclusion. The US Coast Guard released a brief note about the suspension but has not clarified whether or not the man has been found, regardless of his condition.
Search Ends for Man Overboard From Liberty of the Seas
The US Coast Guard District Seven (Southeast) has released a brief note confirming the suspension of search operations for the 20-year-old man reported overboard from Liberty of the Seas on Thursday, April 4. The search ended after six days without success, but the statement does not note whether any evidence of the man’s whereabouts has been found.
“The search for the 20-year-old individual off Great Inagua has been suspended pending the development of new information,”the note on social media read.
#UPDATE The search for the 20-year-old individual off Great Inagua has been suspended pending the development of new information.
The search was suspended on the morning of Wednesday, April 10, six days after the man was first reported overboard. The troubling incident happened on Thursday, April 4, when witnesses reported that the passenger deliberately went overboard in front of family members at approximately 4:30 a.m. following an apparent argument with a family member.
The Broward County police department identified the man as Levion Parker of North Port, Florida, once the search was suspended. North Port is a small city on the state’s west coast, between Fort Myers and Tampa.
Alcohol consumption is suspected as a factor in the incident but has not been confirmed by the cruise line. Alcohol consumption by anyone under the age of 21 onboard a Royal Caribbean vessel sailing from the US or the Caribbean is prohibited.
The 155,889-gross-ton, Freedom-class cruise ship was 57 miles from Great Inagua Island in The Bahamas at the time and crew members immediately initiated search operations and alerted the US Coast Guard for assistance.
Liberty of the Seas Cruise Ship Overboard (Photo Credit: Enrico Powell / Shutterstock)
Now, without “the development of new information,” the search will not be continued any longer. Given the distance from shore, water conditions, possible inebriation, and other factors, the chances of a successful search are very slim.
New information could include any additional sightings in the search area, reports of debris that might be related to the man, or additional information from family members or any onboard investigation. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that any new information will be noted in this case.
Ship’s Schedule Not Interrupted
While there was a brief delay initially as search operations were begun, Liberty of the Seas successfully completed the 4-night Eastern Caribbean cruise she was sailing at the time, and has since sailed a 3-night Bahamas Perfect Day itinerary (April 5-8) and is now on another 4-night Bahamas sailing (April 8-12).
There have been no significant delays to the ship’s operation and her itineraries have not been altered in light of this incident. This is standard practice for any cruise line, even when such troubling incidents occur.
Royal Caribbean has provided support to family members, friends, and crew members impacted by this upsetting event, but to preserve the privacy of those involved, has released few details and no identifying information.
Liberty of the Seas is homeported from Fort Lauderdale through the end of April, at which time she will reposition to New Jersey to spend several months offering Bermuda and Canada/New England itineraries. The ship will return to Fort Lauderdale at the end of October.
