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Biggest Cruise Ship in History Arrives in Miami, Florida

Melissa Mayntz
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Biggest Cruise Ship in History Arrives in Miami, Florida

An iconic new era of cruising travel has arrived, as at approximately 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas sailed into PortMiami for the very first time.

Great fanfare accompanied the ship’s arrival to her homeport, as this day has been highly anticipated ever since the record-breaking vessel was first announced in 2016 and the first steel was cut for the ship in June 2021.

Icon of the Seas Has Arrived!

A moment that has been years in the making, Icon of the Seas arrived in PortMiami on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. As is customary when welcoming a new ship, the vessel was accompanied by multiple pilot boats, tugs, and the traditional escort of fire boats with water cannons blazing.

Even more fanfare was necessary to welcome such a massive, innovative ship, however, and planes soared above Icon of the Seas towing welcome banners.

On shore, crowds gathered at the official welcome party at the Perez Art Museum Miami to watch as the ship pulled into Biscayne Bay for the first time, some carrying signs to greet the ship and her 2,350 crew members.

Icon of the Seas in Miami, Florida
Icon of the Seas in Miami, Florida

A local marching band and cheerleaders were on hand for the celebration, a festive occasion like the world has never seen.

Onboard, crew members lined the decks, waving streamers and clearly excited for the homeport arrival. Also enjoying the excitement was Rover, the “Chief Dog Officer” of the vessel, who was seen greeting crew members and posing for selfies and plenty of petting. Rover also got to enjoy a special birthday cake – could it be the canine’s birthday, or the birth of a new era in Royal Caribbean cruising?

The entire arrival was livestreamed on Royal Caribbean’s Facebook page and other social media, with fun hashtags and greetings like “Knock Knock Miami Your Icon Is Here” and “This Season’s It Girl Has Finally Arrived” showing enthusiasm for the occasion. Drones followed the ship’s arrival, providing unparalleled views of the ship and her crew.

“Miami’s skyline is getting even more iconic,” said Royal Caribbean.

A Journey Completed

The massive ship has been on the move for weeks, first leaving the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland after her official delivery to the cruise line on November 27, 2023. The first major milestone of the voyage was passing underneath the Great Belt Bridge in Denmark, a technical feat only possible because of the ship’s retractable, telescoping funnels.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Copyright: Jarp2)

Icon of the Seas then spent several days in Cadiz, Spain for final outfitting before beginning her transatlantic crossing to Puerto Rico, where she took on new crew members and supplies, as well as underwent some final regulatory testing.

Read Also: How Royal Caribbean’s Giant Icon of the Seas Became a Reality

The ship then visited Perfect Day at CocoCay where the crew members were treated to a massive party at the new Hideaway Beach, the adults-only area of the island that will officially debut for guests when Icon of the Seas visits the private port of call.

Finally, the ship has moved to Miami, where she will now continue to take on supplies and prepare for her first guests on January 27, 2024.

Naming Ceremony Announced

The official naming ceremony for Icon of the Seas is the next step in officially welcoming the ship to the Royal Caribbean fleet. That event will take place on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, as the Icon of Icon – famous football star Lionel Messi – will christen the ship.

That event will also include traditional blessings for the ship and her safety, wishing smooth sailings for everyone aboard as she enters what is sure to be a long and phenomenal, even an iconic, service life.

Welcome, Icon of the Seas!

How Royal Caribbean’s Giant Icon of the Seas Became a Reality

Robert McGillivray
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How Royal Caribbean’s Giant Icon of the Seas Became a Reality

Royal Caribbean has always pushed the boundaries of cruise ship design and technology. Still, with the introduction of Icon of the Seas, they have taken a giant leap into the future. 

With the world’s largest cruise ship scheduled for her maiden voyage in January 2024, this marvel of modern engineering is not just a floating luxury resort. Icon of the Seas is an important showcase of using innovation and state-of-the-art technologies in building the blueprint of what is possible in ship design today.

Technology Powering The Cruise Experience

At an impressive length of 1198 feet, or 365 meters, and at 250,800 gross tons, Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship ever constructed. In fact, the vessel approaches some of the largest ships ever constructed.

This colossal structure has 20 decks, 2,805 staterooms, and can accommodate up to 5,610 guests along with a 2,350-member international crew.

Built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the construction of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas involved a substantial workforce, with about 2,600 people working on the ship every day since June 2021, when the first steel was cut.

Watch a video below of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas from its first steel being cut all the way to its delivery:

But it’s not just the size that makes Icon of the Seas a game-changer; it’s the technology behind it. One of the most significant improvements over older vessels is the ship’s propulsion system. The six dual-fuel engines are all powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and can also run on traditional fuels if needed. 

LNG is a cleaner-burning fuel, significantly reducing emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. However, several companies are now using LNG, and the fuel itself is widely established these days. It’s the use of fuel cells that truly marks a step forward. 

Approximately 10% of the ship’s hotel operations, including air conditioning and elevators, will be powered by one kilowatt of fuel cells while the ship is docked. Fuel cells generate energy through a chemical process that combines hydrogen and oxygen, with water being the only byproduct, thereby offering a low-carbon solution. If successful, subsequent ships are expected to have enhanced fuel cell capabilities.

Icon of the Seas LNG Installation
Credit: Royal Caribbean

Icon of the Seas is also shore-power-ready and uses AI-based technology to enhance the vessel’s sailing routes to maximize efficiency. She employs an air lubrication system that reduces drag and has a cleaning robot that removes slime and growths on the hull to ensure Icon can operate at maximum efficiency at all times. 

Innovative Design and Guest Experience

Every aspect of Icon of the Seas is designed with the guest experience in mind. The ship features eight unique neighborhoods, including AquaDome, Central Park, Chill Island, Royal Promenade, Surfside, and more.

She also has the first-of-its-kind suspended infinity pool, the largest pool at sea, six waterslides, including the tallest at sea, and the first open freefall slide.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas During Sea Trials
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas During Sea Trials

These aquatic attractions, alongside nine whirlpools, ensure that guests have a variety of water-based activities to choose from. However, it also creates a problem for Royal. The amount of wastewater that is produced from the huge variety of water features, as well as the bars, restaurants, and the nearly 8000 people onboard is vast.

Icon of the Seas‘ wastewater treatment plant is capable of treating each drop of water above regulatory standards, ensuring that water after treatment is in pristine condition. On top of that, more than 93% of the water used onboard is produced by the vessel using a reverse osmosis and desalination plant.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Royal Caribbean’s focus on sustainability is evident in the ship’s energy-efficient technologies and waste management systems. 

The inclusion of Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis (MAP) and Micro Auto Gasification (MAG) systems is a revolutionary step in waste management. These systems convert waste generated onboard, including food waste, into gas, which can be used as an energy source while producing biochar as a byproduct, a soil nutrient.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

A key outcome of this is that 90% of the waste produced on the ship never reaches landfills. Interestingly, when compared to the waste guests would typically generate at home, the amount produced while they are on board is significantly less.

Read Also: How Long Does It Take to Build a Cruise Ship?

Icon of the Seas is not just the world’s biggest cruise ship. She represents a significant leap in cruise ship technology, focusing on sustainability, safety, and environmental responsibility, and has become a symbol of the future of cruising.

The giant ship’s first regular guest sailing, an inaugural cruise, will depart Miami, Florida, on January 27, 2024. The first official voyage will be a seven-night Caribbean itinerary, including a call to Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. The vessel will sail year-round on seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Royal Caribbean Makes Ultimate World Cruise Itinerary Change

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Makes Ultimate World Cruise Itinerary Change

Royal Caribbean International’s Ultimate World Cruise is adjusting sailing routes and dates for the coveted visit to Antarctica due to rough weather across the Drake Passage in the next few days.

Guests onboard have been notified that the upcoming portion of the itinerary has been reversed in order to have the smoothest, safest cruising.

Itinerary Change for Ultimate World Cruise

Guests currently onboard Serenade of the Seas for the “Ultimate South America and Antarctica” portion of the famed Ultimate World Cruise have been notified of an itinerary change in the coming days as the ship heads for Antarctica.

“As announced by our Captain, we have decided to reverse the Antarctic part of our itinerary due to the weather conditions in the Drake Passage,” the notification read.

This will ensure the ship can still manage the scenic cruising in Antarctica as well as scheduled time ashore as permitted, while minimizing the effects of poor weather.

Instead of heading to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands after a stop in Puerto Madryn, Argentina, the ship’s itinerary now has Serenade of the Seas crossing the Drake Passage early and enjoying time in Antarctica – Gerlache Strait, Paradise Bay, Schollart Channel, and Dalhan Bay through the rest of this week and weekend, arriving in Port Stanley on Monday, January 15, 2024.

The call to Port Stanley was originally scheduled on Thursday, January 11, ahead of the Antarctica portion of the voyage. The time in port, however, has not changed, and will still be from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., just on a different day.

This itinerary change will also allow Serenade of the Seas to take a more sheltered route if necessary, skirting around the worst weather for a more comfortable voyage.

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)

The Drake Passage – the body of water separating Cape Horn, South America from Antarctica – can be some of the most hazardous ocean water on the planet, with strong currents, fierce winds, and heavy swells.

At the time when Serenade of the Seas was scheduled to be leaving Port Stanley and crossing the Passage, winds are forecast to reach approximately 30-32 knots (35-37 miles per hour / 55-59 kilometers per hour) along her planned route. Now, the ship will remain in a calmer region.

More Itinerary Changes Likely

The type of change now made for Serenade of the Seas is not uncommon. Cruise lines regularly change itineraries to avoid potentially dangerous weather, from simple squall lines to hurricanes.

These changes may take the form of shortened or cancelled ports of call, substitutions of alternate destinations, reversals of itinerary routes, swapping port days with days at sea, or even completely changing sailing regions – such as sailing to Canada instead of the Bahamas due to a storm system – if necessary.

Serenade of the Seas is just one month into her 274-night Ultimate World Cruise, having left Miami, Florida on December 10, 2023.

While the ship’s full itinerary and route has been carefully planned not only to visit amazing destinations – more than 150 ports of call in 65 countries on all seven continents – the schedule has undoubtedly been planned with regional weather patterns in mind as well.

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas (Photo Credit: Lisa Bronitt / Shutterstock)

Storms and severe weather can happen anywhere at any time, however, and it is likely that Serenade of the Seas will see various itinerary changes throughout the epic voyage. Hopefully, ports of call will be able to preserved, even if they must be rearranged.

Ultimately, the first priority of the ship is the safety and well-being of all guests and crew aboard, even if changes are necessary to ensure that safety.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean’s World Cruise Has Flooding Just 3 Weeks Into Voyage

The 90,090-gross-ton, Radiance-class Serenade of the Seas can welcome 2,490 guests aboard, and is also home to approximately 900 international crew members.

Not all guests aboard are staying for the entire 274-night Ultimate World Cruise – travelers could opt for different sections and segments as preferred – but for however long anyone is sailing on the ship, their experience will certainly be a safe and sensational one.

Icon of the Seas Welcomes Its First Permanent Resident

Melissa Mayntz
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Icon of the Seas Welcomes Its First Permanent Resident

Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas – now just over two weeks from her inaugural sailing – is full of innovative firsts, but the most unique first onboard isn’t architecture, engineering, dining, entertainment, or a special venue.

Just arrived to the ship is the very first dog at sea: Rover, a permanent resident aboard Icon of the Seas and an official crew member.

Canine Crew Member on Icon of the Seas

Rover, the “Chief Dog Officer” of Icon of the Seas, has officially boarded the ship to begin her high seas service. The pup, which appears to be a golden retriever, is described as the “family dog” of the vessel and a crew member, but her actual duties have not been detailed.

The dog is always accompanied by Allison, a crew member from Australia, and will be exploring the ship, greeting guests, and undoubtedly performing other duties.

“As a crew member on Icon, Rover’s job is to bring joy and happiness to her fellow crew and guests onboard,” Rover’s social media account has stated. “From daily walks to hanging out on the bridge with the captain, Rover has already made herself at home.”

The dog boarded the ship while the vessel was docked in Puerto Rico recently, taking on supplies, undergoing inspections, and completing detail work ahead of her maiden voyage on January 27, 2024. Icon of the Seas is scheduled to arrive at her homeport in Miami, Florida on Wednesday, January 10, with a grand welcome party planned as the ship arrives.

What Will Rover Do Onboard?

Rover’s actual duties onboard have not been detailed, other than bringing joy and happiness to everyone on Icon of the Seas.

It is possible she is a service dog for Allison, and in no way is it necessary for Royal Caribbean International to detail the medical conditions that necessitate a service animal. Service dogs often perform a variety of functions and can be used for conditions such as diabetes, seizure disorders, allergen detection, heart arrhythmias and other heart conditions, and other health concerns.

While the videos shared of Rover do not show her wearing a “service dog” vest or other gear, this is also not required for service dogs.

Rover may also be a trained working canine to sniff out illegal drugs or other items and alert security to prohibited items. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, uses dogs onboard some vessels for exactly that purpose.

It is also possible that Rover will serve as a mascot onboard, generating social media interest and a popular fanbase. This would be similar to Bug Naked, the hairless cat onboard Celebrity Beyond. Bug Naked is Captain Kate McCue’s personal pet, and has special clearance to be permitted onboard.

Another duty Rover may perform is improving the mental health and happiness of crew members, many of whom have left their own pets behind as they serve months-long contracts at sea. Dogs are often used as therapy animals to help individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.

Guest Reaction

Guest reaction has been mixed to Rover’s life at sea onboard Icon of the Seas. While many guests are eager to meet the canine and excited about the new crew member, others feel a dog onboard is inappropriate and could cause problems for travelers who may be allergic.

It must be noted, however, that Rover has full clearance from the cruise line, and is undoubtedly fully health-tested and cleared for international travel. As the dog may also be a service animal, having her onboard is certainly in accordance with the cruise line’s service animal policies.

Rover Dog on Icon of the Seas
Rover Dog on Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: godwin_fernandes2000)

“Royal Caribbean International welcomes service dogs on all ships. Please note we do not accept pets,” the cruise line’s policy reads.

Even if Rover is not a service animal, cruise lines can make their own decisions and exceptions about policies as necessary, as in the case of Bug Naked.

Will Pets Be Permitted on Cruises?

Some travelers are eager to know whether Rover’s home on Icon of the Seas may indicate a change in policy that would welcome pets onboard.

This is highly unlikely, as it would be impossible for Royal Caribbean, or any cruise line, to adequately determine if guests’ pets were in proper health, trained, and socialized to be safe onboard around crowds and in very unfamiliar situations.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Jouni Niskakoski)

Cruise ships are also not equipped to welcome a large number of animals, though relief areas and other facilities can be arranged for service animals.

Furthermore, every port of call will have different restrictions on animals debarking a ship, including vaccination and veterinary health certificate requirements, plus possible inspections and quarantine periods.

For example, the cat that was recently smuggled aboard Ovation of the Seas had to be extensively quarantined in New Zealand and would have been euthanized if he had not been subsequently deported back to the US and adopted by a Royal Caribbean team member.

Cruise Ship Breaks Mooring Lines and Causes Damage

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Ship Breaks Mooring Lines and Causes Damage

MSC Cruises’ MSC Sinfonia broke free of her mooring lines on Saturday, January 6, 2024, during gale force winds. The ship drifted significantly and caused damage to nearby vessels and docks.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported and the ship was returned to a more sheltered, secure berth with the help of four tugboats.

MSC Sinfonia Breaks Mooring Lines

MSC Sinfonia, which is currently out of service for maintenance in Syracuse, Italy on the island of Sicily, broke free of her mooring lines on January 6. At the time of the incident, wind gusts were recorded as high as 46 miles per hour (74 kilometers per hour) or 40 knots, well above the 34-knot threshold for gale force.

The wind direction was directly against the ship’s 13-deck-high side, putting maximum force on the vessel and snapping the ropes that held her docked.

According to SiracusaNews, the vessel’s stern hit the dock, before the ship then drifted into the adjacent Marina Yachting yard and impacted several boats and nearby piers. Several tugboats were needed to bring MSC Sinfonia back under control and move her back to a berth.

Officials from Lakkios Yacht Club, where the majority of the damage occurred, have expressed their dismay at the incident in light of the weather forecasts and the potential for such a troubling situation to develop.

“We believe that the accident that happened today was of an unprecedented severity,” a statement from Yacht Club Lakkios read on January 6, shortly after the incident occurred.

“It is out of every rule of good navigation to dock a 54m tall ship, 275m long and with a capacity of 65,000 [gross tons] perfectly incident to the direction of the wind today – with an angle of 90 degrees – and especially considering the intensity of the wind, intensity confirmed for today and more meteorological models tomorrow as well.”

Multiple small craft in the yacht club are reportedly sunk because of the cruise ship’s impact, and docks destroyed. The full extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed.

Official Investigation to Follow

The Prosecutor’s Office of Syracuse has begun an official investigation into the incident in order to determine if there was negligence involved and who should be liable for damages.

It may take several weeks or months for the full investigation to be completed, as there will undoubtedly be study of the day’s weather patterns, what weather warnings or alerts were issued ahead of time, whether those warnings were properly communicated to the shipyard and cruise line officials, what actions were or were not taken, and the technical details of how the ship was moored.

MSC Sinfonia
MSC Sinfonia (Photo Credit: Roger Utting)

MSC Sinfonia is scheduled to resume service from March 24, 2024, offering Mediterranean sailings. At this time, it is not known whether or not there has been any significant damage to the cruise ship that may delay her return to service.

Guests booked on upcoming sailings of MSC Sinfonia will want to stay in close contact with the cruise line in case there are any adjustments or cancellations.

The MSC Cruises’ ship is not the only cruise ship to have broken mooring lines recently. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima broke free of her lines the day before the incident with MSC Sinfonia, on January 5, 2024, while debarking guests in Galveston, Texas. Fortunately, no one was injured in that incident either, but debarkation was delayed for approximately two hours.

As the two mooring incidents happened 6,000 miles (9,650 kilometers) apart, they are unrelated, but it does demonstrate that strong winds and foul weather can impact cruise ships anywhere in the world.

Itinerary Change for New Princess Cruises Ship Maiden Voyage

Melissa Mayntz
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Itinerary Change for New Princess Cruises Ship Maiden Voyage

Princess Cruises’ upcoming Sun Princess – the first ship in the new Sphere class and what will be the largest in the Princess Cruises fleet – already has an itinerary change for her inaugural cruise, due to a key tourist attraction undergoing maintenance at one port of call.

The new ship will no longer call on Santorini, Greece during that maiden voyage, but an alternate port of call is being arranged.

Sun Princess Maiden Voyage Itinerary Change

The much-anticipated Sun Princess, just one month away from welcoming guests on her inaugural cruise from Barcelona to Rome, has had an itinerary change for that first sailing.

The 10-night “Inaugural Grand Mediterranean” cruise that will depart Barcelona on February 8, 2024, was slated to have visited Santorini, Greece on February 15. Guests have now been notified, however, that the visit will not be possible and an alternate port of call has been arranged instead.

“Please be advised that Sun Princess will no longer call to Santorini, Greece on Thursday, February 15, 2024 as onshore activities will be limited due to the Santorini Cable Car being out of service for maintenance,” the email notification explained. “Instead, we will now call to Crete (Heraklion), Greece.”

The new port of call is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 15, the same day as the original call to Santorini but with one hour shorter in port, as the ship was to have remained in Santorini until 6 p.m.

Any shore tours for Santorini that were booked through Princess Cruises are being automatically cancelled and refunded back to the original form of payment. New excursions for Crete are still being confirmed and will be made available online and through the cruise line’s app within two weeks, giving guests ample time to choose new tour options.

Sun Princess Cruise Ship
Sun Princess Cruise Ship

Guests who may have made independent excursion arrangements for Santorini will need to contact their tour operators directly for cancellation and refund options.

Other ports of call on Sun Princess‘ maiden voyage – Palma de Mallorca, Messina, Athens, Kusadasi, and Naples – are not impacted by this change, and the ship should still arrive in Civitavecchia (Rome) as scheduled on February 18.

At 175,500-gross tons, Sun Princess is the largest ship ever constructed for Princess Cruises, and is the first ship for the cruise line to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

She can welcome 4,300 guests aboard at each sailing, with 21 decks of amazing features to explore, including the glass-enclosed, multi-purpose Dome, the classic Piazza in a glass sphere, the largest casino in the fleet, and so much more.

Why the Change?

Cruise guests are accustomed to itinerary changes due to poor weather, port damage, ship mechanical issues, and similar reasons, but it is unusual that an attraction in a port of call would have such a dramatic impact on a cruise ship’s itinerary.

Cable car in Santorini
Cable car in Santorini (Photo Credit: Luciavonu)

Santorini, however, is a very unique destination. The port’s harbor is more than 700 feet below the town of Fira, which is perched above steep cliffs. The Santorini Cable Car, however, makes the dramatic ascent in approximately three minutes, smoothly connecting the port and the town and servicing 1,200 riders per hour. Tickets cost €6 ($6.57 USD) per rider for a one-way trip.

Without the cable car, cruise guests would need to walk up the 500 steep steps leading to the town along a twisting, winding path on the Karavolades Stairs, a physical feat that may not be possible for many passengers, particularly older travelers or those with limited mobility. Traditionally, donkeys are available to ride up and down the stairs as well, but availability can vary.

The cable car is scheduled to be out of service for scheduled maintenance until February 28, 2024. At this time, no other calls for any cruise line are scheduled for Santorini during February 2024, which is traditionally part of the slow season for Greek Island itineraries.

MSC Cruises Forced to Make Significant World Cruise Change

Robert McGillivray
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MSC Cruises Forced to Make Significant World Cruise Change

MSC Cruises has been forced to make some significant changes to the itinerary of its World Cruise onboard MSC Poesia, just before departure. MSC Poesia set off on her impressive 121-day world cruise journey on January 5, 2024, from Genoa, Italy.

The changes are significant, leaving out parts of the cruise through the Mediterranean and the Middle East, including stops in Malta, Greece, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. 

MSC Cruises Alters World Cruise Itinerary

Booking a world cruise is a decision that is usually done with care and consideration, in particular considering which ports the ship will sail to. While many will know and accept that various changes will be made to the itinerary, it’s still a shock when a significant part of the cruise is scrapped altogether. 

Yet, that is what guests on the 121-day World Cruise onboard MSC Poesia have had to deal with this past week. The cruise set sail on January 5, 2024, but just days before, at the end of December 2023, MSC Cruises decided that the vessel would not be sailing through the Red Sea area. With terrorist threats from Houthi rebels, cruise ships sailing through the area are taking considerable risks.

North West area manager of MSC Cruises Gianni Pilato said to ANSA: “The safety of passengers and crew is in the first place for our company, so we necessarily had to make changes to avoid the passage in the Red Sea. We will sail along Africa from the western part, on the Cape of Good Hope route.”

MSC Poesia Cruise Ship Deck
MSC Poesia Cruise Ship Deck (Photo Credit: Shevchenko Andrey)

Beginning in the Mediterranean, MSC Poesia would be sailing to four embarkation ports: Civitavecchia, Genoa, Marseille, and Barcelona. The vessel would then continue to Malta, Cyprus, and Rhodes. After transiting through the Suez Canal, it would sail along the East Coast of Africa.

Also Read: MSC Cruises Opens Bookings for 119-Day World Voyage

The route was designed to circle the Atlantic, touching upon Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the U.S. East Coast, and Canada, before concluding in Northern Europe, with Germany as the final stop. Onboard the 92,627 gross tons MSC Poesia are some 2,300 guests from 57 countries and over 1,000 international crew members.

World Cruise Security Concerns

The new itinerary bypasses the Red Sea, sailing west out of the Mediterranean, down Africa’s west coast, around the Cape of Good Hope, and then north along the African east coast. 

This adjustment removes stops in Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, including the passage that MSC Poesia would make through the Suez Canal, and replaces them with new destinations like Alicante and Malaga, Spain; Tenerife in the Canary Islands; Dakar in Senegal, and Mindelo in Cape Verde.

MSC Poesia Cruise Ship
MSC Poesia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock)

Despite the changes, most original destinations are still included in the itinerary, but in a different order. This means that ports on Africa’s eastern coastline, such as Mombasa, Kenia; Mauritius; Madagascar, and Durban, South Africa, are now towards the end of the first half of the voyage. 

The second half of the cruise will sail across the Atlantic to South America, where the ship will sail along the Amazon River to Manaus, Brazil, through the Caribbean and up the US east coast, to Greenland, ending in the spring of 2024 in Northern Europe. 

Disembarkation will be Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany. Post World Cruise, MSC Poesia will be based in Warnemünde for the summer season of 2024. 

Though the removal of various European and Middle Eastern ports from MSC Poesia‘s itinerary might have initially surprised guests, the decision is entirely justified given the current security climate. 

In recent weeks, we have witnessed drone attacks on several vessels, highlighting the risks associated with cruising in the region. Despite the challenges, the rescheduling of ports ensures that guests still have ample opportunities to experience Africa and beyond.

Holland America Details Asia Season With Over 50 Ports

Lissa Poirot
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Holland America Details Asia Season With Over 50 Ports

Holland America Line has revealed its extensive plans for Westerdam’s 2025-26 Asia Itinerary. The ship will offer a deep dive into Asia’s varied landscape and traditions, exploring 11 countries and up to 12 ports in a single cruise.

51 Ports and 2 Ocean Crossings Offered in Immersive Schedule

Featuring a strong emphasis on Japan, Westerdam will navigate through more than 50 ports across Asia when it embarks on its Asian voyages between September 2025 and April 2026.

The ship’s 10 unique itineraries and two Pacific Ocean crossings are designed to showcase a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and regional cuisines and will stop in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Twenty-four ports across Japan will be featured, as well. 

“For travelers looking to discover Asia, our 2025-2026 season provides an opportunity to explore the region in-depth via cruise. We want to ensure our guests have an authentic glimpse into the diverse cultures of each country, creating immersive moments and deeper connections to those destinations,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.

Departures are scheduled from major Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Yokohama (Tokyo), and Singapore, with notable overnight calls planned in cities like Shanghai, Bangkok, Manila, Hiroshima, and Seoul. Prices for these immersive cruises start from $1,999 per person.

14-Day Itineraries and Rich Cultural Experiences Await

Holland America’s Westerdam offers a variety of itineraries, each crafted to deliver an enriching cultural experience. The “North Pacific Crossing” itinerary is a highlight, bridging Seattle and Yokohama with scenic stops in Alaska and British Columbia, and culturally rich Japanese cities like Kushiro and Aomori. The journey encompasses a 13-day crossing to Japan and a 15-day return trip.

The “Circle Japan” cruises, lasting 14 or 15 days and departing from Yokohama, delve into Japan’s rich heritage. These itineraries include visits to cities such as Nagasaki and Kobe and an excursion to South Korea, featuring an overnight stay in Seoul.

Holland America Westerdam Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line

For those interested in exploring the dynamics between Japan and its neighbors, the “Japan and South Korea Discovery” (14 days) and “Japan, South Korea, and China” (13 or 14 days) itineraries blend historical and modern landscapes across these countries, featuring overnights in Seoul and Shanghai, respectively, and the maiden port of Takamatsu, Japan.

Expanding further, the 14-day “Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan” voyage connects the diverse cultures of Southeast Asia and East Asia, stopping at Manila, Boracay, and Puerto Princesa in the Philippines; Keelung (Taipei) and Kaohsiung in Taiwan; and Osake, Naha, and Ishigaki in Japan.

Worth Reading: Large Passport Book vs Standard – Does it Matter?

Meanwhile, the 13- or 14-day “Far East Discovery” cruise takes guests on a journey through the vibrant cities and stunning natural beauty of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, visiting iconic locations such as Halong Bay, Day Nang (Hue), Sihanoukville, Laem Chabang (Bangkok), and Nathon (Koh Samui).

Holland America Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Angel DiBilio / Shutterstock

For those intrigued by Indonesia’s charms, the “Indonesian Holiday” offers a 15-day roundtrip journey from Singapore through the Indonesian archipelago, including stops at Probolinggo, Surabaya, and Tanjung Priok (Jakarta) on Java; Celukan Bawang and Benoa (Denpasar) on Bali; Komodo Island; Lembar on Lombok; and scenic cruising by the Krakatau Volcano.

Lastly, the “Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines” 14-day cruise combines the exotic charm of Southeast Asian countries, offering an enriching experience Bangkok; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; Puerto Princesa and Manila in the Philippines; and Phu My in Vietnam.

Limited-Time Packages Available

Launched in 2004 and receiving numerous renovations over its history, the 11-deck Westerdam is an award-winning member of Holland America’s fleet. It can accommodate 1,916 passengers and weighs 82,348 gross tons.

For a limited time, guests booking select 2025-26 Asia cruises with the “Have It All” premium package will receive standard amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi. Additional perks include free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Carnival Cruise Line Urges Respect Between Passengers

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Urges Respect Between Passengers

An empty elevator can be the most coveted space on a cruise ship, but frequent cruisers know how rare that phenomenon can be. Due to elevator crowding, the space can get particularly tense when mobility scooters are in use, especially in smaller elevators. Due to a rise in unpleasant interactions, Carnival Cruise Line is now urging respect on both sides of the elevator door.

Mobility Scooter Concerns Onboard Carnival Ships

All cruise lines deal with occasionally tense situations, but none can get more frustrating for guests than the etiquette of elevator usage. This is especially true when passengers have mobility scooters, wheelchairs, or strollers, bulky items that may take up most of an elevator’s limited space.

Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has recently addressed guests’ concerns about mobility scooters with regards to onboard elevators. Both sides of the debate can be heated – who should have priority using the elevators, and whether or not “aggressive driving” is a concern onboard.

Are Reserved Elevators the Answer?

These concerns are raised in the ongoing debate about who should have use of an elevator, depending on whether or not a guest using a mobility scooter is waiting. Should they be permitted first use of the next available elevator, regardless of whether or not other passengers have been waiting longer? Or does it depend on how full the next available elevator may be?

Frustrated guests who do require scooters have suggested that the cruise line provide a dedicated elevator for scooter use, perhaps with a crew member available to ensure compliance with who uses what elevator.

“We do not have the manpower to have a crew member reserve an elevator all day at each elevator bank just for mobility scooters,” Heald explained. “I wish we did. But I do know that most (I know not all) guests will be respectful to those guests who do need [scooters] to get about the ship.”

To station a crew member to reserve an elevator for mobility scooters is simply not feasible. Such a crew member would likely need to be on every deck – meaning a dozen or more crew members assigned to this single duty at just one elevator bank. Furthermore, most ships have several elevator banks onboard – forward, mid-ship, and aft at least – and so even more crew members would have to assume that duty.

Carnival Conquest Cruise Elevators
Carnival Conquest Cruise Elevators (Photo Credit: gary yim)

If a cruise line opted for just one reserved elevator onboard, that would likely not satisfy many passengers, as it would require mobility scooter users to move forward and aft to a single elevator bank each time they needed to move between floors.

A single reserved elevator also would not be efficient if there are many mobility scooters on a particular sailing, as each elevator can accommodate just 1-2 scooters per trip.

Ultimately, the solution for how mobility scooter users should be accommodated on elevators comes down to courtesy. If an elevator is very full already and a scooter would not fit, other passengers can feel free to board the elevator even if they have not been waiting as long.

If the elevator is empty enough for a scooter, however, it is polite to permit the passenger on the mobility scooter to board first, as it may be several minutes before another elevator arrives that could accommodate them.

Read Also: Mobility Scooter Causes Fire Scare on P&O Cruise Ship

Guests who are able to ease the load on elevators may also consider taking the stairs if they are only going up or down a deck or two. In crowded areas – such as at forward elevator banks just after a production show – all guests could consider skipping the closest elevator bank and moving to another, less crowded area for more space.

Aggressive Driving Concerns

Carnival guests who do not use mobility scooters have shared a different concern with Heald, that of overly aggressive driving.

Several travelers have reported being nudged, bumped, or outright hit by mobility scooters, both in elevators and in public areas of the ship. While some scooter users do express remorse at such incidents, it seems equally common that their aggressive driving goes unacknowledged – even when other passengers may be injured by the heavy scooters.

Cruise Ship Mobility Scooter
Cruise Ship Mobility Scooter (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)

“Can I ask mobility scooter users to please drive carefully,” Heald said. “Most of you do and are respectful to other road users, or deck users in this case. But a few do drive too quickly and this can result in a broken toe or as on a ship recently, three broken toes.”

Carnival Cruise Line’s guidelines for guests with mobility limitations explicitly states “Guests must drive at a safe speed to ensure their own safety and the safety of others on board.”

In crowded areas is can be difficult for scooter users to get by other guests without physical contact, but simply saying “Excuse me” in a loud but polite voice can easily alert others to the need for a bit more space.

Similarly, guests without scooters should remain aware of the space around them, and politely move aside if a scooter needs to get by.

As guests using scooters learn the layout of a particular ship, they could seek out better routes that offer more space, and be sure to leave early to reach activities and shows on time without needing to rush, which might accidentally cause them to hit someone.

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