The former Celebrity cruise ship Celebrity Horizon has arrived at the Aliaga ship-breaking yard in Turkey to be broken up as scrap metal. The vessel with the distinctive shape has been sitting at an anchorage in Greece for the last two years, awaiting her fate.
Horizon, as she was called for the last couple of years, was last operational in 2020 for Pullmantur Cruises. As the Royal Caribbean part-owned cruise line filed for financial reorganization in 2020, CEO Richard Fain stated that the vessel, along with the other ships in Pullmantur’s fleet, would be sold.
Celebrity Horizon Arrives In Turkey To Be Scrapped
After a week’s journey, the 1990-built cruise ship Celebrity Horizon arrived in Aliaga, Turkey, where she will slowly be broken up as scrap metal. She becomes the next in a long line of cruise ships that have been scrapped in the last two years.
The cruise ship with the distinctive and unusual exterior sailed for Celebrity cruises for fifteen years. Built in 1990 at the world-famous Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, she was the first-ever new-build ship for Celebrity Cruises.
Photo Credit: Photomarine / Shutterstock
The 46,811 gross tons Celebrity Horizon had space for some 1,828 passengers at double occupancy. The vessel had played a role in several initiatives for parent company Royal Caribbean. This includes undergoing five name changes, and sailing for several different operators focused on the European cruise markets.
Busy Service After Celebrity Cruises
After sailing from 1990 to 2005 for Celebrity, she was transferred to a newly formed cruise line, Island Cruises, which focussed on the UK-family market. After some extensive refits, the Horizon operated in the Caribbean and Mediterranean through 2008, when Royal Caribbean Group pulled out of Island Cruises.
The vessel was transferred to Pullmantur Cruises, focused on Spanish-speaking guests, for the first time in 2009, a company she sailed for as Pacific Dream from 2009 to 2010, and renamed Horizon again in 2010. In 2012, the ship was transferred again.
Photo Credit: Roger Utting / Shutterstock
Another new venture for the Royal Caribbean Group, CDF Croisières de France, operating under Pullmatur Group, took over operations from Pullmatur in 2012. Sailing as l’Horizon with a focus on the French market, she operated in the Caribbean and Northern Europe through 2017.
In 2017, Pullmatur closed offices in France and CDF Croisières de France ceased operations. Sailing again for Pullmantur, Horizon operated for a short period in the middle east before the pandemic simultaneously brought the end to Pullmantur and Horizon.
Since the start of the pandemic, Horizon has been sitting at anchor in Greece, awaiting a new operator. With record-high steel prices, the choice was made to scrap the 32-year-old cruise ship.
On August 25, 2022, the ship left her anchorage in Eleusis under tow from two tug boats sailing toward Turkey. She joins several other cruise ships that have been sold for scrap in the last two years. Most recently, this included the former Cunard Princess, which arrived in Aliaga in July of this year.
Earlier this year, the former Norwegian Cruise Line ship Seaward wasbeached; Carnival Sensation was beached, and Carnival Cruise Line announced it had started preparations for the departure of Carnival Ecstasy.
In a quiet shift of beverage offerings, Norwegian Cruise Line has switched from PepsiCo to Coca-Cola sodas. Guests onboard different Norwegian Cruise Line ships have noticed the change in recent weeks, which is now hinted at on the cruise line’s website.
Changing Soda Companies
Norwegian Cruise Line ships will now be serving Coca-Cola soft drink products, including Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and more. The exact beverages offered aboard individual ships will likely depend on the supplies and stock availability as the switch is made, as well as different drinks’ popularity and the ability to meet demand.
For years, Norwegian Cruise Line has offered exclusively PepsiCo products (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Mountain Dew, etc.). Now, recent guests have noted Coca-Cola products being served onboard different Norwegian cruise ships, including Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, and Norwegian Joy.
Recent renderings of Norwegian Prima have also shown what appear to be Coca-Cola products stocked in bars, but this is far from definitive confirmation of the company’s complete beverage options and may just be for representational purposes.
Image Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line
Coca-Cola products were noted as available during the christening festivities for Norwegian Prima on Saturday, August 27 in Reykjavik, Iceland.
This changeover will likely include different options not only for soft drinks, but also bottled water, which is typically supplied by the same soda company that provides the carbonated beverages. PepsiCo’s bottled water is Aquafina, while Coca-Cola’s bottled water is Dasani.
Teas and sports drinks available onboard Norwegian ships may also change as the soda options are switched.
Why the Change?
There has been no official announcement or explanation offered for the shift in soda offerings for Norwegian Cruise Line. These types of changes are often made based on negotiations between beverage providers and the cruise line, with exclusive suppliers offering greater incentives and profit margins in different markets.
Photo Credit: hbw_pictures / Shutterstock.com
It is not unusual for different venues such as theme parks, sports stadiums, hotel chains, or similar markets to offer just one brand of cola beverage, or to switch to a different company when fiscally viable.
It is possible that recent supply chain issues may be a factor in this change, though such temporary disruptions do not usually have as long-lasting impacts as completely changing the available drink brands.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s website – which previously listed beverage options from the PepsiCo brand – now uses generic terms such as “cola” “diet cola” and “lemon lime soda” when describing its beverage packages. While this could indicate a permanent change, it could also be a sign of more flexible options depending on available supplies.
Soda Wars
The choice between Coke and Pepsi can be a contentious one for dedicated soda drinkers. While some people claim the two beverages have no discernable differences between them, many soda connoisseurs can easily taste which drink is Coke and which is Pepsi.
Photo Credit: Marco Verch Professional Photographer / Flickr
Pepsi products are generally regarded as sweeter, while Coke products tend to have a bolder flavor with more “bite” to the taste.
Because of these differences, cocktails that include a cola or lemon-lime soda as part of the mix can taste markedly different depending on whether Coke or Pepsi is used.
Which Cruise Lines Serve Which Sodas
Different cruise lines have different soda options available to guests. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, used to serve Coca-Cola products exclusively, but switched to PepsiCo products in January 2020.
Disney Cruise Line, on the other hand, has an exclusive partnership with Coca-Cola aboard all its ships, including the line’s brand new flagship, Disney Wish. This is not surprising, considering Coca-Cola products are also served in Disney theme parks.
Pepsi Sodas (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
Royal Caribbean International also serves Coca-Cola products, including the popular Freestyle machines that permit guests to create unique flavor combinations.
Some cruise lines may offer both types of beverages, depending on which market or region a specific ship is sailing in and which drinks are available in that area.
Cruise passengers who have a specific taste preference for either Coke or Pepsi should investigate which soft drinks different cruise lines offer before booking.
If the drinks aren’t to their taste, many cruise lines do permit guests to carry on limited quantities of alternative beverages, but policies and permitted amounts vary by cruise line.
According to their Cruise FAQ, however, Norwegian Cruise Line does not permit guests to bring aboard any beverages, either in carryon or checked luggage, a policy which has been in place since July 2016. The only exceptions are purified water for medical devices or infant formula, or sealed wine bottles subject to security screening and a corkage fee.
Harsh waves lapping at a cabin window, water drenching the deck, and the vigorous rocking of a ship are all images that our mind conjures up when we think about a cruise ship going through a storm.
Although it’s impossible to control the weather, cruise ships prioritize safety above all else. We show you how captains navigate through rough seas on a cruise ship.
If you’ve ever watched a horrifying reality show on television, you might be a little concerned about all the things that could go wrong when you travel. Might you be faced with the same possibilities? How are these extreme circumstances handled?
The good news is that cruise ships will rarely travel through a rough sea. They are equipped with the latest in weather tracking information and navigation systems so they can avoid any potential storm or heavy seas.
Often, when there are rough seas or storms ahead, the captain charts another course around the weather so that they avoid the rough water altogether.
This might mean the ship takes longer to reach port or that there is a delay in the schedule. However, it also means that every passenger on board is kept safe. This is their No. 1 priority.
Rough Seas on a Cruise Ship: Can the Ship Handle it?
Cruise ships are made of heavy steel. When there is a full capacity of passengers, plus the crew, the weight will allow it to easily roll with the high seas and high winds.
In the roughest seas, the ship may tilt to one side. However, this is highly unlikely since shipbuilders vigorously test the center of gravity and buoyancy while constructing the vessel.
Photo Credit: Toni Arsovski / Shutterstock
This testing included putting scale models of the cruise ship through storm simulations to see how it holds up. These ships are designed to handle all types of storms, even hurricanes.
Weather Is Always Monitored
As mentioned, the captain constantly monitors the weather. This is an important function since they never know when they may need to change course. Cruise lines contain the latest weather forecasting equipment, with technology that is far more advanced than what you have on your phone.
The bridge holds a wide range of storm satellite images, weather maps, and computer models. The crew works with third-party meteorologists and always monitors the weather forecasting equipment.
In addition to the latest in monitoring equipment, many cruise fleets also take added precautions. Royal Caribbean hired meteorologist James Van Fleet in January 2017. They were the first in the cruise ship industry to hire a dedicated meteorologist. Prior to this, Van Fleet was employed as a television meteorologist for over 20 years.
During typhoon and hurricane seasons (from June to November), Van Fleet is at Royal Caribbean’s Miami headquarters monitoring their 25-foot weather wall screens. He shares information with its 26 cruise ships plus the executive team.
Van Fleet is frequently able to see storms building as early as ten days before it strikes. His job is to advise each ship on how to avoid them.
Carnival Cruise Line Miami Monitoring Center
Carnival Cruise Line monitors the weather using a multi-million dollar command center. This 35,000-square foot center is staffed around the clock. It contains 74’ long video walls containing 57 LED screens.
These screens show the status of all the ships in the fleet. It includes information on itineraries, weather, and safety updates. Some of these are captured by Argos, which is an in-house management tool.
Sometimes Cruise Ships Are Rerouted
While generally, a cruise ship will continue on to its destination if poor weather conditions can be avoided, there are sometimes exceptions. A modern cruise ship is equipped with stabilizing technology for when it encounters rough seas. However, if the storm is more serious, the ship may attempt to avoid or outrun it.
For most storms, the command center will try to move the ship to a better weather location. Yet, there are situations where the cruise ship may not have a choice other than going through the rough weather, such as when it’s crossing the North Atlantic during the fall. In these instances, the ship will attempt to find a calm patch of sea.
Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas / Shutterstock
If they are unable to avoid the weather, the cruise line can change the itinerary. This may mean switching a Bermuda cruise to one along the coast of Canada or New England. They may also lengthen or shorten the cruise by a couple of days.
Decisions are made with input from the captain, with safety and comfort at the forefront. To avoid heavy rains, a ship may remain at sea and arrive at the port a little later than planned.
Ports can also be skipped if the seas prove to be too rough to handle. This usually happens in circumstances where there is not a deep-water dock and guests need to board a smaller tender ship to arrive on shore.
Ships will choose to dock using an alternate port, change the port’s order, or find a sunny location at sea.
What Happens If You Experience Poor Weather?
If the cruise ship you’re on encounters rough seas, listen to the instructions from the captain and crew. They will place non-slip mats on slippery surfaces and put up signage to remind guests to use caution when walking.
Listen to the daily captain’s report from the bridge, as it will contain a description of the conditions on the sea and help you decide what you need to prepare for the day.
If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to prepare yourself with medications, prescriptions, or homeopathic remedies.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
Attractions like waterslides and pools may be closed, or the outdoor decks can be shut down altogether. It is rare for a captain to advise all guests to remain in their cabin, but this can happen.
Generally, guests will experience rolling, but that is usually the extent of it.
When it comes to rough seas on a cruise ship, these massive vessels are well equipped to handle anything nature can throw at them. Testing during the construction phase ensures that the ship can remain buoyant and not capsize in the event of poor weather.
Advanced weather stations provide excellent communication to each cruise ship in a fleet so they know what to expect. They will also help the captain and crew successfully navigate away from potentially bad weather using a variety of methods.
Cruise ships always keep passenger safety as their top priority so you can have a worry-free vacation.
You have finally booked your cruise with your favorite cruise line – whether it’s on Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, or Princess Cruises – and are wondering which is the best deck on a cruise ship.
Perhaps you suffer from motion sickness and are concerned about the ship’s movement. You may want a great view, or you may just want the most memorable experience possible. We discuss how to select the best deck and things to consider so that you have the best trip ever!
If you are concerned about getting seasick, the best deck on a cruise ship is in the lowest part of the ship, near the central areas. If these rooms are already taken, select a room that is still in the center of the ship and as close to the lower decks as you can get.
In this location, you will feel less rolling and swaying of the ship. If you are prone to motion sickness, this is the best area for you.
The areas most affected by a cruise ship’s movement are the upper deck, the end, and the forward parts of the ship. Therefore, avoid balcony cabins and cabins on the higher decks.
Finding the best deck allows you to have a more enjoyable trip and provides the opportunity to make it a memorable experience rather than a less-than-enjoyable one. We discuss which deck and cruise ship cabin is best for traveling, along with other factors to help you in your selection.
Going on a cruise – whether it’s a river cruise or an ocean venture – should be a wonderful adventure and an experience you will always cherish. But if you are seasick, uncomfortable, or surrounded by noise, then you will not enjoy it. For this reason, choosing the best cabin on the best deck is very important.
How Many Decks Are There on a Cruise Ship?
Cruise ship decks are the floors that a ship contains. If you compare it to a building, then the decks on a ship would be the storeys. Cruise ships tend to have 12 – 16 decks.
Their numbering is based on its primary deck. Decks above the ship’s primary deck (#1) can be numbered as #A2 (A for Above), while those below are #2, #3, etc.
Best Deck for Seasickness and Access to Amenities
The best location to book your cabin will be in the center of the cruise ship and on the lower deck. The lower you go down, the less rocking you will experience during your trip. If you suffer from any motion sickness, this area is ideal for you.
You will also be more stable on your feet and can easily attend to anything you may need to do. Since the location is central, you will have easy access to all areas of the deck and are never far away from activities and amenities.
However, if you are not prone to becoming seasick, you can select a cabin located in the midship area on the upper decks. Stairs can be used to take in the fresh sea air or to relax in the morning sun.
Best Deck for Relaxation and Peace
If you want to relax and get away from the noise from the nightlife aboard the cruise, select a deck away from the lounge, pool, bar, nightclub, engine rooms, casinos, and other areas where people congregate. In this case, the best cabin is located near other cabins rather than close to activity areas.
Other passengers in this area will either be socializing away from their cabin or resting. You’ll have a much better chance of getting a good night’s rest and not being kept up all night.
Keep in mind to avoid family cabins if you want a more secluded, quiet experience. Big, extended family vacations mean a lot more children. Children will have the potential to make more noise by being active or crying.
The area near the engine room on a ship should also be avoided. It frequently produces a loud, roaring sound. Therefore, avoid booking your cruise ship cabin near this location. Having an experience that is private, safe, and restful while you are at sea will be important when enjoying your cruise.
Best Deck for Those with Mobility Concerns
If you have issues with mobility, you will want a deck close to elevators or something similar. Should you enjoy things like sunbathing or swimming, you can choose a cabin on a deck close to the pool or sun deck for easier access.
Photo Credit: Vintagepix / Shutterstock
Visitors with mobility challenges may appreciate being closer to the activities as opposed to having to walk greater distances to participate in an event. Guests will have an easier time getting around the cruise ship on these decks rather than booking on other ones.
If you require wider hallways and more spacious accommodations, the best deck for you will be the lower decks. These decks are more spacious, and the hallways allow people with mobility equipment to pass through easily.
Best Deck for Scenery
The rear area of a ship is perfect for those who want to bask in the beauty of nature without being distracted by large gatherings of people. Most passengers can be found near the forward (bow) cabins. By booking your cabin in the back of the ship, you will have more space to move around and less traffic.
In determining the best deck, it comes down to personal choice. You need to first think about what type of experience you will enjoy the most and what you are looking for. If you suffer from motion sickness, you will want to factor that in.
Photo Credit: Jeff R. Clow / Shutterstock
If this is your first time on a cruise and you are unsure about seasickness, you may want to book a cabin with less rocking to be sure that the trip is enjoyable.
There really is no “perfect” deck. The perfect cabin will come down to what type of experience you want. You may have to prioritize your expectations to enjoy your trip fully.
What Decks Should be Avoided
Top decks contain pools, sun decks, hot tubs, slides, outdoor facilities, and water parks. People will be occupying these spaces at all hours, so they will be noisier. If your cabin is at a deck below this area, you may experience more disturbances and noise throughout your trip.
Noises may be from loud, booming voices, chairs scraping, water splashing, boisterous giggling, conversations, and cheering. The only advantage to booking in this area is that, within minutes, you are close to all amenities.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
You can choose this deck if you really want to enjoy the nightlife, want to be close to the activities, and aren’t bothered by excessive noise.
There are also cabins on certain decks that have obstructed views of scenery. This may be a disadvantage to those who want to take in the view. If the scenery is irrelevant, then you can choose these cabins.
Upper decks should be avoided if you have motion sickness as you will feel the ship’s rocking more. If you do suffer from this, the lower and central decks would be best suited to you.
Upper Deck: Advantages and Disadvantages
Your needs will dictate the best deck for you. To help in your decision, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of each location.
Advantages
Close to Entertainment/Amenities – Upper decks are frequentlyused for attractions like sports courts, entertainment areas, and additional amenities. If you enjoy entertainment and watersports, and if noise doesn’t bother you, then select the upper deck.
Best Panoramic View – This area contains the best views on the ship. Guests can easily view the surrounding areas in spectacular detail on these decks. The higher you go, the better able you will be to take in the scenery. Journalists, photographers, and artists find these decks inspiring.
View From Upper Balcony (Photo Credit: Eliza Olarean / Shutterstock)
Disadvantages
Far from the Main Dining Room, Lobby, and Embarkation/Disembarkation – Guests may need to choose between being close to the main lobby and dining rooms and being close to entertainment hubs. Entertainment hubs and pools are found on the upper deck, but the lobby and main dining rooms are located on lower decks. You may have to travel farther each way.
Less Stable – As mentioned, this area isn’t as stable as the lower decks. So, if you suffer from motion sickness, the upper decks will just exacerbate the situation. You will also not want to book a cabin in this area if you aren’t stable on your feet.
Lower Decks: Advantages and Disadvantages
The lower decks have some benefits and drawbacks as well. While they tend to be best if motion sickness is a concern, the views may not be as great, and some floors can be noisy.
Close to Dining Rooms and Disembarkation/Embarkation – Cruise ships have their embarkation/disembarkation and dining rooms on the lower decks. Being close to a main dining room is a major advantage as snacks and meals are consumed there three times per day. This area also allows you to be closer when getting on and off the cruise ship. This is a benefit if mobility is a concern.
More Stable – As mentioned, lower decks are more stable. They experience less motion compared to the upper decks on a ship.
Close to Main Lobby – Inquiries can be placed without the need to go very far. There may be service centers that aren’t found in the upper decks.
Spacious Hallways – If you have a physical disability or are travelling with someone who does, consider booking a cabin in this area since the hallways are wider.
Better View of the Ocean – While guests will not be able to see scenery, they will see the beauty of the ocean and the creatures found within it. Visitors can watch schools of fish swim by or dolphins through their cabin window.
Lower Deck (Photo Credit: David Fadul / Shutterstock)
Disadvantages
Closer Views May be Concerning – Depending on your perception, some people may find the view alarming. For those who have experienced water mishaps, they may be scared by ocean waves beating against their window. Near collisions with sea rocks may be alarming as well. If this is a concern, avoid booking on a lower deck.
Lower Decks Hold the Engine Room – The engine rooms are located on the lower decks. Some passengers may find them noisy.
Things to Consider with Cabin Selection
Once the best deck has been selected, it is time to find the best cabin. In finding the best one for you, there are seven factors to consider.
View – Do you want a room with a view? Should this view include scenery/nature or underwater delights? Guests may need to figure out what they would like to see when they look out their cabin window. This needs to be established while booking your trip as changing cabins later on is difficult. Additionally, some cabins have large windows, and some have none. Find one with a view you want.
Space – How many people are traveling with you? Furthermore, you will need to factor in seniors and anyone with mobility challenges. Both will affect which deck you choose. Also, families will affect your cabin size and location. Make sure your whole group has ample space and your beds have adequate leg room.
Ambiance – Does the cabin feel homey and comfortable to you? Do you like the arrangement?
Amenities – Learn about what is provided with the cabin. Are their free snacks, breakfasts, memberships, or extra services available? Which ones do you need? Is there a personal butler or freebees that you can use? Prior to booking a cabin, become familiar with what is included to avoid any surprises during the trip.
Security and Safety – Your cabin needs to make you feel safe so that you can relax. Make sure there is an escape route in case of emergency. Prior to selecting a cabin, make sure to check safety and security features.
Price – Large, fully furnished cabins cost more. The cost is even higher if room service and a butler is included.
Convenient Location – Is the location close to areas you need to access or amenities that you frequently utilize? Does the room provide basic amenities? Make sure you have everything you need. For items that are not included, budget accordingly with a little extra just in case.
Conclusion
The best deck on a cruise ship doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It will depend on the individual and their preferences. If you are traveling in a group, make sure you take each person’s needs and preferences into consideration so that everyone will have an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Cruise ships are so massive that it is natural to be curious as to what the lowest deck on a ship is like and whether there are any advantages to traveling on the lowermost deck.
Surprisingly, there are some benefits to skipping the main deck or the upper deck and an interesting history behind the name.
The lowest deck on a ship is known as the orlop. This is the area where cables tend to be stowed, and it’s usually located below the water line. It is suggested that the name “orlop” originates from the over-looping of cables.
It may also reference a corruption of the word overlap, which references an overlapping balcony half deck that consumed part of the lowest deck space.
How Are Decks Numbered?
Cruise ships tend to be numbered going from the bottom up. It begins with Deck 1 and can go up as high as Deck 20-plus. On most ships, the lowest deck isn’t accessible to guests. Passengers tend to board a cruise ship on Deck 4 or 5.
Cruise Ship Deck Number (Photo Credit: Bjoern Wylezich / Shutterstock)
Some vessels have deck names in addition to numbers. An example is the MSC Grandiosa, where decks contain the names of famous artists like Van Gogh and Monet. On Costa Deliziosa, they’re named after ornamental flowers.
What Is the Lowest Deck for Passengers?
For some ships, Deck 1 is the lowest deck of the ship. For others, Deck 1 is the lowest deck that is accessible to guests. With Disney Cruise Lines and Carnival Cruises, cabins can be booked on Deck 1. For others, the lowest cabins are found on Deck 3 or 4.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
Below guest cabins, the crew cabins, engine rooms, laundry, medical center, and jail can exist. Some ships choose to label these as Decks 1 and 2. On cruise ships containing passenger cabins on Deck 1, the lower levels may be labeled Decks A, B, and C.
Are There Benefits to Staying on a Lower Deck?
For some passengers, having a cabin on the lowest passenger deck is the best way to prevent seasickness. The top of a cruise ship will sway side-to-side more than the bottom decks. To avoid the effects of motion sickness, select a cabin close to the waterline.
If motion sickness is of great concern, book a cabin that contains a balcony. Guests who can sit on their balcony and view the sea may feel less nauseous than when resting on a bed in a windowless cabin. With a windowless cabin, passengers are more likely to feel each motion than when they are outdoors.
Photo Credit: Pau Peset / Shutterstock
If a balcony stateroom isn’t in your budget, book a room that contains a window. These are located on the lowest decks. They will enable you to view the horizon and enable your brain to cope with motion. This will help with the queasiness through rough seas.
Additionally, if you have difficulties with mobility, accessible cabins are usually on lower decks since they are closer to disembarkation and embarkation.
They are also closer to theaters, lobbies, and main dining rooms, making them more accessible. They can be roomier in the halls, which makes moving around easier for those in wheelchairs.
Are There Any Downsides to the Lowest Deck?
If you are a passenger, cabins in this area are the cheapest. It can be quite noisy residing in the lowest part of a ship. You may hear the humming of the engine, clanging of anchor chains, and blast of bow thrusters.
Costa Smeralda Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Stefano Garau / Shutterstock)
Depending on the cruise ship, some people report they feel vibrations that are severe enough to make hangers rattle. However, not all low decks are noisy. Yet, at certain times, during bad weather and when a ship is going in and out of ports, guests can hear more noise on lower decks than on higher ones.
Summary
When asking the question “what is on the lowest deck of a ship?” you may have to clarify whether you want to know the absolute lowest deck on a ship or the lowest passenger deck. There may be differences in the answer depending on how the person is interpreting your question.
Some people will interpret the question to be the absolute lowest level on a ship. That would be the orlop, which holds the cables found below the waterline. This is what this area is referenced as unless you are discussing ships that are very old.
In terms of passenger levels, the lowest deck would be the level above the engine. One is a more technical answer, while the other is more of a passenger reference. When it references passenger levels, there are pros and cons to having a cabin in this area. Each advantage and disadvantage varies according to the cruise line.
Another rockslide adjacent to the popular White Pass Railroad Dock in Skagway, Alaska, has caused damage and led to the full closure of the dock, which is expected to remain closed for the rest of the 2022 sailing season.
This is the third rockslide in recent weeks, and officials are concerned about the possibility of more – and more severe – rockslides to come.
Two Rockslides in Three Days
The most recent rockslide was on Friday, August 5, following a slide just two days earlier on Wednesday. Both slides caused damage to the White Pass Railroad Dock, and Friday’s slide caused significant damage to shipping containers placed along the length of the dock to be used as tunnels and protect pedestrians from falling rocks.
No injuries were reported in either recent slide, and no cruise ships were damaged.
Photo Credit: Tim Mattison
According to The Points Guy, the August 5 slide has raised further concerns that a more significant rockslide, one that could cause even more damage, may be imminent. Poor weather predicted for the Skagway area could impact slide activity by further destabilizing the mountainside.
Heavy rainfall, for example, can soften soil beneath already unstable rocks, causing more shifting, while adding weight that could further collapse the slope’s delicate balance. Wet soil can also loosen plant roots that would otherwise help hold soil in place.
Emergency Declared
The mayor of Skagway, Andrew Cremata, has declared an emergency for the port community, which should help ease state and federal assistance to mitigate the risk and stabilize the mountainside.
“It’s a tremendous problem,”Cremata said at a public meeting on Saturday, August 6.“I guarantee you, it is one we’re going to solve before next season because we don’t have any other choice.”
The dock was temporarily closed after the first rockslide was reported on June 23. That slide caused significant dock damage, as well as minor cosmetic damage to Discovery Princess, which was visiting Skagway at the time.
Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises
Additional mitigation measures were put in place, and the dock reopened with modified operation – such as changing where cruise ships could position gangways – on July 5.
Immediately after that first slide, the geotechnical and environmental consulting firm Shannon & Wilson examined the area and evaluated the risks. The firm examined past slide events, current slope conditions, and mitigation efforts already in place.
Ultimately, the determination was that future rockslide risk was “significant” and recommendations were made for further work to secure the slope and improve safety. Different options were implemented immediately, before the dock reopened.
Impact on Cruises
Now, with two additional rockslides in just three days, the dock is likely to remain fully closed for the remainder of the cruising season. The last ship scheduled to call on Skagway is the Breakaway Plus-class Norwegian Encore, which is planned to be in port on October 19.
Because the White Pass Railroad Dock is the only dock in Skagway capable of accommodating the largest cruise ships, some ships have canceled port calls and diverted to other destinations such as Icy Strait Point and Sitka instead.
Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean
Cremata estimates that more than 30 vessels have already diverted to other ports, totaling more than 100,000 passengers who have missed out on Skagway in the past six weeks. If these diversions continue, the port city may lose as much as half of its expected tourism revenue for the overall cruise season.
“The inability of vessels to berth in Skagway due to the slope failure risk will have impacts on the entire southeast Alaska tourism economy,”Cremata said.
Traditionally, the later weeks of summer and early autumn are busiest for Alaska cruises, as wildlife sightings peak and autumn foliage begins to blaze with spectacular color. Skagway is usually the busiest cruise port offered on Alaska itineraries.
Some ships are still able to visit the charming community by utilizing other docks or arranging to tender passengers from an anchored position without using the at-risk dock.
The loss of that income – following the complete cancelation of the 2020 season due to the industry-wide shutdown and the greatly diminished 2021 season due to the late restart of cruising and different safety protocols – could be devastating. It would not only Skagway, but also to many smaller, nearby communities that rely on summer visitors to sustain operations for the rest of the year.
Passengers booked on upcoming sailings with planned visits to Skagway should stay in contact with their cruise line for possible itinerary changes and updates.
Carnival Cruise Line has updated its pre-cruise testing protocols, specifically as they relate to sailings to The Bahamas.
This had caused some confusion in recent days, as other cruise lines have not required testing on shorter cruises with Bahamian ports of call, but Carnival still mandated tests for all passengers, regardless of vaccination status or cruise length, if visiting The Bahamas.
No Testing Required for Some Passengers
In an update to his Facebook page, Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has shared a letter from Christine Duffy, president of the line. The letter has also been sent to booked Carnival guests and shared with travel partners.
“We are pleased to share that our COVID protocols continue to evolve,”Duffy said.“Effective August 8, 2022, guests should be guided by the following COVID-19 testing requirements related to cruises visiting The Bahamas.”
Unvaccinated passengers, however, must still show a negative test result to be permitted to sail, even on shorter sailings. This may be either a supervised PCR or antigen test, and it may be taken up to three days before embarkation.
All guests age 2 and older – regardless of vaccination status – must present a negative test result for any Carnival cruise, to The Bahamas or any other destination, if the sailing is 6 nights or longer.
As with all of Carnival’s health and safety protocols, these requirements can and likely will continue to evolve, and the cruise line remains in contact with its destination ports to ensure compliance with all local protocols.
“We remain, as always, committed to the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve,”the message concludes.
Less Confusion
This clarification is a welcome notice for guests booked on upcoming short sailings to The Bahamas.
Previously, Carnival Cruise Line did require testing for all passengers visiting the popular island nation, despite The Bahamas having no mandate for travelers to present negative test results upon entering the country. That requirement was ended in The Bahamas on June 19, 2022.
As other cruise lines have ended their own testing mandates for shorter sailings, no other cruise line has continued to require testing for sailings to The Bahamas, in line with the nation’s own health and safety protocols.
Photo Credit: Live Like A Kidd / Shutterstock
The Bahamas is a very popular Caribbean destination for shorter cruises from multiple Florida homeports, with ports of call in Nassau, Freeport, and Bimini. Several cruise lines also have leased Bahamian islands for their own private resorts, including Royal Caribbean International’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay.
Carnival Cruise Line and other lines in the Carnival family use Half Moon Cay as a private destination in The Bahamas, as well as Princess Cays.
Private islands were never exempt from The Bahamas protocols, but as of June 19, there has been no testing mandate to visit these tropical destinations.
It must be noted, however, that the Travel Requirements webpage for The Bahamas, does state, very clearly, “These protocols are subject to change at any time in response to new COVID-19 measures.”
Should the island nation choose to reinstate testing requirements for visitors, cruise lines will also have to modify their protocols to be able to continue visiting Bahamian ports of call.
As this situation remains ever fluid, cruise passengers should stay in close contact with their cruise line about all updated protocols and requirements for upcoming sailings.
Carnival Corporation will be rolling out Service Power Packages across its global fleet to achieve its 2030 sustainability goals and 2050 aspirations to become carbon neutral.
The power packages will enable Carnival Corporation to save up to 150 million USD per year on fuel costs and includes upgrades to lighting onboard, more efficient air conditioning systems, and automation of ship systems.
Carnival Corporation to save $150 million in annual fuel cost
Cruise companies are investing heavily into making their ships more efficient, ensuring that they manage the goals set out in the 2050 sustainability goals, which include being carbon neutral by that year.
To achieve this, Carnival Corporation will be rolling out new power-saving packages across the global fleet through 2023. Cruise lines that will benefit from the upgraded systems include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK), and Cunard.
Photo Credit: Turn_Mug / Shutterstock.com
Once installed, the new upgrades will be able to deliver fuel savings of up to 5-10% per year, cutting greenhouse emissions by more than 500,000 metric tons. The program will not just mean environmental benefits; the financial upside is considerable.
The fuel savings will enable Carnival Corporation to save over $150 million yearly, a massive amount, and welcome with rising fuel prices worldwide.
The company’s emission-reducing efforts started already back in 2011 when the world’s largest cruise line saw the most significant amount of pollution in its history. Since then, the company has removed several older vessels from its fleet, invested $350 million in energy efficiency improvements, and introduced six LNG-powered cruise ships:
Bill Burke, chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation: “Based on our improved fleet composition, including adding six industry-leading LNG-powered ships, and our previous investments to increase efficiency and reduce emissions, our absolute carbon emissions peaked in 2011 despite significant capacity growth over the past decade. These tailored Service Power Packages further build on those efforts as part of our comprehensive approach to sustainability.”
What Upgrades Will Carnival Corporation Make?
The upgrades, already installed on several ships, will continue through 2023 until all of the vessels in the fleet are covered. They include comprehensive upgrades to the HVAC systems onboard each vessel, which accounts for more than 25% of the ship’s energy consumption.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com
Air will also be filtered using new air filtration systems and ultraviolet-C treatment throughout. Carnival will install state-of-the-art LED lighting systems, reducing power consumption and heat generated by lighting.
All new systems will be controllable from shoreside, ensuring that improved instrumentation and automated management systems can be maintained and operated remotely, which will guarantee all systems work at peak performance at all times.
Carnival has committed itself to achieving several environmental goals that will be beneficial to the company financially and decrease the impact the cruise ships have on the environment. These include reducing carbon emission intensity by 20% from its 2019 baseline by 2030, and supporting its efforts and aspirations to achieve net carbon-neutral ship operations by 2050.
Carnival Cruise Line notified passengers on August 4, 2022, that their October 2023 cruises aboard Carnival Paradise have been canceled due to the need for the ship to enter dry dock.
While no details were provided about why the ship is being put into dry dock, impacted guests are being offered compensation options.
Multiple Cruises Canceled
Cruises from October 8 through October 26 next year aboard Carnival Paradise have been canceled.
The letter sent to impacted guests states,“In our continuous efforts to enhance our product, Carnival Paradise has now been scheduled for dry dock. As a result, we’re sorry to inform you that your reservation has now been canceled.”
Photo Credit: @makemesmiletwice (Instagram)
The canceled cruises are a series of 4-5 night Western Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries, all departing from the Fantasy-class vessel’s homeport of Tampa, Florida. In total, five sailings are now canceled.
According to the dates given, Carnival Paradise will resume sailing for the planned October 30, 2023 departure, a 6-night Western Caribbean sailing calling on Key West, Florida; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and George Town, Grand Cayman.
Options to Rebook
Guests whose reservations are now canceled can choose to rebook on a comparable sailing at a different date, or even on a different vessel if they prefer. The new booking will carry price protection from the original fare if guests opt for similar accommodations and a sailing that does not exceed the length of the original cruise.
“We have a variety of other cruise alternatives and are confident you will find another Carnival cruise that is filled with an equal amount of FUN,”the letter reads.
Holiday cruises, sailings to Alaska or Hawaii, European itineraries, and chartered voyages are not eligible for the price protection.
Passengers who choose not to rebook will receive a full refund of their cruise fare as well as any pre-purchased items, such as pre-paid gratuities, Chef’s Table reservations, spa treatments, shore excursions, or drink packages.
Refunds will be returned to the original form of payment but may take up to three weeks to be processed through individual banks. Guests must make their selection by August 18, 2022.
“We sincerely apologize for this change and thank you for your understanding. We look forward to having you sail with us,”the letter concludes.
Dry Dock Plans
While the letter does not outline what upgrades or renovations are planned for Carnival Paradise during the upcoming 2023 dry dock, it is not unusual for a variety of hotel upgrades to be part of these operations. This may mean updating and replacing all linens, carpeting, lighting, or other upgrades to staterooms and public areas.
Dry dock operations often include larger projects that are difficult to handle while guests are onboard, such as refinishing the open deck spaces, re-theming bars or lounges, or renovating complete spaces into new venues.
Carnival Paradise last had minor refurbishments in October 2021 while out of service for the industry-wide shutdown. Those refurbishments included routine hotel maintenance, cosmetic enhancements, and adding the new red-white-and-blue hull livery to the vessel. The ship was one of the last in Carnival’s fleet to resume service, welcoming guests again on March 12, 2022.
In early 2018, the 71,925-gross-ton vessel had a more extensive month-long dry dock, which added Deck 14 to the ship’s bow, with 36 new suites and oceanview staterooms. The ship’s miniature golf course was also relocated to the new Deck 14, and the WaterWorks aquapark was added to the ship’s aft Veranda Deck (Deck 11).
At that time, the popular Guy’s Burger Joint was added to the ship, along with several other Carnival-branded dining options and bars – the BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar, and BlueIguana Tequila Bar.
