Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a new, exclusive series of “Been There” Starbucks mugs to debut aboard nine vessels, including the upcoming Norwegian Viva, beginning in August 2023.
Each mug has unique design elements specific to the featured ship, making them great collectibles and souvenirs for every coffee aficionado on the high seas.
New Starbucks Mugs to Debut
Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing exclusive souvenirs perfect for coffee lovers to nine of its vessels with new Starbucks “Been There” mugs, colorful and whimsical designs perfect for enjoying a favored hot beverage at home or onboard.
These limited-edition mugs will each showcase unique features of the ships they represent, such as the Wyland whale tail hull art distinctive to Norwegian Bliss or the dueling “Drop” and “Rush” slides aboard Norwegian Prima.
NCL Coffee Mugs
Other decorative details are reminiscent of popular onboard features like the ships’ casinos, distinctive smokestacks, great food, The Haven, and amazing crew members.
Some accents on each mug also highlight popular cruise destinations, such as Alaska, tropical islands, and both Harvest Caye and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island ports of call in Belize and The Bahamas, respectively.
The new souvenir mugs will be available aboard the Breakaway-class ships Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Joy; the only-ship-in-its-class Norwegian Epic; the Jewel-class Norwegian Gem; the Sun-class Norwegian Sky; and the two Prima-class ships, Norwegian Prima and the upcoming Norwegian Viva.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
The mugs will only be available aboard their respective ships from the Starbucks Cafes onboard, and will not be carried in gift shops or aboard other vessels.
The first mugs are expected to debut with Norwegian Viva when the ship launches in August, but there has been no firm date announced for when each mug will appear on each ship.
Royal Caribbean International also has a line of Starbucks “Been There” mugs for certain vessels debuting in late summer 2023.
Starbucks and NCL
Norwegian Cruise Line has a lengthy history with Starbucks, the longest of any cruise line across its entire fleet. Since 2021, Norwegian Cruise Line has enjoyed an expanded partnership with the coffee chain when it began rolling out Starbucks products across all its vessels and private destinations, not just on select ships.
Freestanding, fully licensed Starbucks Cafes are onboard nine Norwegian ships (the same ships that will be featuring the new souvenir mugs), and “We Proudly Serve” cafes across the rest of the fleet’s 18 ships also carry Starbucks beverages.
Main dining rooms, as well as specialty restaurants onboard, also feature Starbucks’ handcrafted espresso beverages, and self-pour coffee stations are available on select ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line also shares a special relationship with Seattle, home of Starbucks’ headquarters and its first-ever shop which opened in 1971 at Pike Place Market.
The cruise line homeports from Seattle for the Alaska sailing season, which in 2023 includes Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Sun.
Norwegian Bliss Cruise Ship in Seattle (Photo Courtesy: Port of Seattle)
“Our teams both share a similar passion for providing meaningful experiences and opportunities for people to connect, and together we are delivering on that commitment,”Harry Sommer, former NCL president and CEO, said of the partnership between the companies.
Norwegian Cruise Line also runs the longest Alaska sailing season from Seattle of any cruise line, with sailings extending from mid-April through the end of October – both times when cooler temperatures will make a mug of Starbucks coffee especially welcome.
Have you ever wondered what happens during a cruise ship muster drill? We have all of the answers. Here is everything you can expect as a passenger.
Whether you have been on numerous cruises or are preparing for your first cruise vacation, you probably have questions about muster drills.
While many first-time cruise ship passengers assume that these drills are reserved for the ship’s crew and other staff members, passengers must also participate to some degree.
If you are unsure what to expect during a cruise ship muster drill, don’t worry, we are here to explain everything you need to know.
We will cover many of the safety procedures conducted during a muster drill and explain why they are considered an essential component of the maritime safety briefing. Let’s dive right in!
Essentially, “cruise ship muster drills,” or “lifeboat drills,” as they are also known, are a series of drills and instructional presentations designed to familiarize passengers with emergency protocols.
These drills are considered to be mandatory requirements that are set and enforced by international organizations. During muster drills, passengers gather at designated meeting areas known as muster stations.
Here, they will receive safety information from trained crew members. Most muster drills designed for passengers also involve practicing the donning of life jackets and other essential components of emergency preparedness at sea.
Photo Credit: MikhailBerkut / Shutterstock
The purpose of any cruise ship muster drill is to ensure that all passengers are educated about emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and where to find the nearest life-saving equipment.
While these drills can vary in how they are carried out and what is covered, the overall goal is always to ensure that all passengers are safe and prepared for the unlikely event of a serious emergency.
What Is an E-muster Drill?
An e-muster drill, or electronic muster drill, is a type of virtual muster drill that is beginning to phase out traditional, in-person muster drills.
Where muster drills used to be carried out in person, so they would require all passengers to gather in specific locations within the ship for safety instructions and demonstrations, mobile technology and smartphones have enabled muster drills to be carried out electronically.
What Is Involved in an E-muster Drill?
If the cruise ship you are traveling on offers e-muster drills rather than in-person muster drills, you should receive basic instructions prior to boarding the ship.
This could be a simple email requesting you to download the cruise line’s e-muster drill app. It is often suggested that you download the app before boarding, making it much easier to complete the drill once you are on board.
Royal Caribbean E-Muster App (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean)
Once onboard the ship, you will be informed of a specific timeframe in which you must complete your e-muster drill.
Typically, the e-muster drill will involve watching various safety videos that cover everything from evacuation protocols, meeting points, and how to locate and wear a life jacket properly in the stateroom.
You will not be able to simply press play and ignore the e-muster drill, as many will have prompts you will need to click in order to acknowledge that you have understood the instructions. Some even have basic quizzes at the end of the drill; however, this is not always the case.
Once the allotted timeframe for completion has expired, crew members will verify that all passengers have completed their e-muster drill training.
Royal Caribbean E-Muster App (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean)
This can be done by manually having a crew member inspect your smartphone, tablet, or other smart device to show that you completed the drill within the app.
Some cruise lines use more user-friendly forms of e-muster drill completion verification, such as giving users a QR code once they have completed the drill that can be scanned by crew members or simply presented to a scanning terminal.
Are Muster Drills Mandatory?
While certain cruise ship passengers are excluded, such as children under a certain age, muster drills are considered a mandatory requirement, so they must be conducted on every commercial cruise ship.
This is because they are a legal requirement set out by international maritime regulations, most specifically, the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), which sets out all safety standards for ships operating on open water.
According to the SOLAS Convention, all passengers that are the legally required age must participate in a muster drill within 24 hours of boarding a cruise ship. This rule can be enforced by the local coast guard and other port authorities, so it must be carried out according to the regulations.
Do I Have to Participate in a Muster Drill Even If I Have Been on a Cruise Before?
Yes! Even if you have been on numerous cruises in the past, you would still be required to participate in a muster drill within 24 hours of embarkation day on a new cruise ship. This is because all cruise ships differ in their layout, size, and even how they handle emergencies.
So, you need to understand the relevant safety procedure for each cruise voyage you participate in. Remember, muster drills are conducted for your own safety, as well as the safety of all of your fellow passengers. While they may seem repetitive to the seasoned cruise vacationer, they are a valuable use of your time!
When Are Cruise Ship Muster Drills Carried Out?
The specific timing of a muster drill can vary from one cruise line to the next, but they must be carried out within 24 hours after the ship has departed for the first time. Most cruise ship crews will schedule a muster drill shortly before or after the ship departs from port.
Not only does this get this vital training session out of the way so guests can return to enjoying their trip, but it also ensures that passengers will be familiar with safety protocols if an emergency occurs shortly after departure.
Cruise Ship in Port During Drill (Photo Credit: natatravel / Shutterstock)
With that said, the crew on larger cruise ships may wait a little longer to start their muster drill than those on smaller ships, as it gives the passengers additional time to find their cabins and get settled, but they still must be carried out within 24 hours.
What Can You Expect During a Cruise Ship Muster Drill?
While it is true that the specific procedures of a muster drill can somewhat differ from one cruise ship to the next, some essential elements and objectives are the same on all ships – informing passengers of emergencies by familiarizing them with the ship’s safety protocols.
The overriding goal is to protect the safety and well-being of all passengers, crew members, and anyone else traveling on the ship.
To help you understand what you can expect from a muster drill, here are some of the most common procedures that are covered.
Familiarization with Relevant Muster Points
Unsurprisingly, the first thing that most muster drills will cover is where passengers should be meeting.
Typically, each passenger’s assigned muster point will be indicated on their key card and in their cabin. Each ship deck will also have signs directing passengers where to go in an emergency.
Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock
During your muster drill, you will meet at your assigned muster point. The crew member running the drill will explain why this is important. They will also explain what you should do if you are in another part of the ship in an emergency.
Emergency Signal Demonstration
Once familiar with muster points, you will be given a demonstration of the emergency signal going off if you need to assemble at your muster point.
On most ships, the emergency signal involves a combination of loud alarms, audible warnings and announcements over the ship’s main speaker system, and a series of flashing lights and illuminated emergency signs.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
The muster drill instructor will explain what these signals mean. Once this has been explained, a demonstration will be conducted. On most ships, this demonstration also doubles as the official start of the muster drill.
Practice Roll Call and Basic Safety Instructions for the Ship
After the emergency signal has been tested and demonstrated, a crew member assigned to a particular muster station will take attendance to ensure that all relevant passengers and crew members are present. This involves calling out names and cabin numbers.
Passengers at Assembly Station (Photo Credit: karenfoleyphotography / Shutterstock)
Once it has been established that everyone that should be at the muster point is in attendance, additional safety instructions can be explained to the group. These instructions and training demonstrations often include:
How to locate, wear, and secure a life jacket
Instructions on how to find the nearest emergency exit
An overview of where the cruise ship’s lifeboats and life rafts are located, as well as a basic breakdown of how and when they are boarded
What passengers should do if they encounter a fire, and where they can find fire safety equipment, like fire extinguishers and first aid kits
Where passengers can locate medical facilities in the event of an injury or medical emergency
Life Jacket Demonstration and Safety Video Presentation
Again, the exact instructional techniques used and the timeline of each step can differ from one ship to the next, but almost every muster drill will involve having a crew member demonstrate how to wear and fasten a life jacket correctly.
Just like on a plane, the crew will also explain how you can help another passenger with their own life jacket if they cannot put it on without assistance.
Assembly Station on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Eyesonmilan / Shutterstock)
Many cruise ships also use instructional safety videos to provide more information and detailed instructions on procedures that would be difficult to demonstrate, such as the safe use of emergency evacuation slides and lifeboats.
The screens used for these demonstrations are often available at muster points, so it is easy for the crew to ensure that all passengers can view the video.
Fielding Passenger Questions and Concerns
Once the demonstrations have been concluded, the crew member in charge of the muster drill will field questions from passengers. They can also offer clarification and repeat any information that any passenger was unclear about.
The main goal of the muster drill is to ensure that everyone traveling on the cruise ship is fully aware of safety procedures. If a passenger is not confident that they fully understand what to do during an emergency, the crew members will be happy to address their concerns.
Practice the Use of Life Jackets
Once passengers know how to locate, wear, and fasten a life jacket, they can practice doing so. The appropriate number of life jackets is often located within a passenger’s cabin, so crew members can ask those at the muster drill to retrieve their life jackets.
Passenger Life Jacket (Photo Credit: Pavel L Photo and Video / Shutterstock)
Depending on the nature of the muster drill, passengers will either bring their life jackets to the muster point or be asked to put them on in their cabins, then step into the hallway. From there, a crew member can visit to ensure the life jacket is worn correctly.
This is one of the most critical components of any muster drill, as knowing how to wear and secure a life jacket correctly is an essential part of maritime safety.
Conclusion of the Muster Drill
Once all of the components of the drill have been covered and every passenger has had the opportunity to practice putting on a life jacket, the drill is concluded. Passengers will be instructed to return their life jackets to their cabins.
From here, the crew will submit their attendance record to the relevant officer, ensuring that all passengers on board the ship have completed the muster drill.
Muster Drill Mobile Apps
Today, many cruise lines are developing smart mobile phone and tablet apps. These apps allow passengers to view safety drill demonstrations on their portable devices.
These apps can send passengers notifications directly to their mobile devices. They can also update the passenger with the closest muster points and other relevant safety information as they navigate the ship.
In many cases, passengers are asked to check in to the app to complete the virtual muster drill. They are asked to meet at their designated muster point for further instructions and attendance. While these muster drill apps are relatively new, they give guests a far more convenient experience, as they can review the information anytime!
What Happens if You Miss Your Muster Drill?
You cannot simply skip your muster drill, as you will be forced to attend a makeup drill. If you refuse, you can be forced to exit the ship at its next port of call.
In most cases, your cabin number and name will be summoned so that you can participate in the makeup muster drill. You will be asked why you did not attend your assigned muster drill, so avoiding embarrassment and following the appropriate training is better!
Final Words
Muster drills are essential. Even if they seem repetitive or somewhat boring, it is important to remember that they are designed with your safety in mind. Attend the muster drill and pay attention to the information covered; it could be essential for your safety and well-being!
As seasoned cruisers are all too aware, there are times when the excitement of visiting a port of call can make you lose track of time, a lesson brought home in a recent event aboard Carnival Vista.
In a video shared on TikTok, which has captured the attention of millions, a late-arriving guest managed to turn a simple departure from Cozumel into a spectacle of epic proportions.
While those that arrive late are typically called pier-runners, nothing would hint at a sense of urgency from the guest in question, something that fellow passengers did not appreciate.
One Lady Gets All The Attention Due to Late Arrival
A seven-day Western Caribbean cruise sailing from Galveston, Texas, on May 27 was just another routine voyage aboard the Vista-class vessel until a late guest turned the tide during the vessel’s call to Cozumel.
While the late arrival to a ship would typically be cause for a sense of urgency, the opposite was true in this case as an ‘entitled’ guest casually strolled up to the dock 45 minutes past the scheduled boarding time on June 1. You can watch the footage below:
Footage of the late arrival was shared on TikTok by @designsbyd1, capturing the attention of over 8.4 million viewers so far. The video depicts the woman strolling towards the ship, holding her bags with no apparent urgency.
Her apparent indifference to the departure time did not sit well with her fellow passengers onboard the 133,596 gross tons, 3,934-passenger Carnival Vista, who jeered and sarcastically applauded her arrival from their cabin balconies.
Late Carnival Cruise Passenger (Credit: @designsbyd1)
It remains unclear why the guest arrived so late for the departure of Carnival Vista. Online speculation is rife with ideas, ranging from a shopping spree, a snooze on the beach, to returning from a tour. The last option seems unlikely as the guest was the only one to arrive late. Whatever the reason, it pays to keep an eye on the scheduled departure time of your cruise ship, as you could land yourself in a lot of trouble.
Rules of the Sea
Cruise lines typically follow strict departure times at all ports of call. While exceptions may be made for passengers participating in excursions organized by the cruise line, the cruise ship generally does not wait for late passengers.
Various factors, such as the number of missing guests and planned arrival times at the next destination, are considered before the difficult decision to leave a passenger behind is made.
Photo Credit: Yingna Cai / Shutterstock
In cruise industry jargon, guests who arrive late and find their ship has already left the port are known as ‘pier runners.’ Should this unfortunate event occur, the guest is responsible for catching up with the ship at the next port or arranging their return home. The guest bears the costs of such arrangements, including accommodation and transportation.
On rare occasions, local port authorities may establish communication with the ship, but this does not guarantee the vessel’s return due to the high associated costs and potential itinerary delays.
Furthermore, stranded guests must possess the required travel documents, including passports and potential visas, necessary for onward travel or re-entry into certain countries.
Carnival Vista Cruise Ship (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
As for Carnival Vista, the vessel continues its Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston until November. Afterward, it will reposition to Port Canaveral, offering three, five, six, and eight-night cruises to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean.
In the meantime, this saga serves as a stark reminder to all future cruise guests about the importance of punctuality and respecting the schedules of the ship and their fellow travelers.
A cruise is a shared experience; one person’s delay can negatively affect everyone involved. Here’s hoping the lesson has been learned, at least for this one guest.
Holland America Line’s special 2024 Solar Eclipse cruises aboard Koningsdam and Zaandam will offer travelers more than just a unique viewing opportunity for the total eclipse.
The cruise line will now include insightful guidance and immersive programming from astronomy experts onboard. This will make the cruises truly unforgettable for everyone, with deeply enriching lectures and activities for all guests.
Experts Added to Eclipse Cruises
Aboard Koningsdam and Zaandam, both of which have special voyages planned to bring cruise guests right into the best possible viewing locations for the April 8 eclipse, astronomy experts will add even more enrichment to the sailings with special lectures, activities, and insights.
University of California San Diego Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics Adam Burgasser will be aboard the Pinnacle-class Koningsdam, offering detailed lectures prior to the eclipse and helping guests make their own eclipse viewers for optical safety.
During the event – which should last approximately 4 minutes and 28 seconds at its peak – Burgasser will provide commentary and viewing assistance.
UCSD’s Professor Adam Burgasser (Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line)
“We’re positioning our ships in the perfect location for guests to see the eclipse,”said Bill Prince, vice president of entertainment for Holland America Line.“For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so being able to receive the guidance of a renowned physicist like Dr. Burgasser is an exciting opportunity for our guests. We’re known for creating immersive programming, and this will be an unforgettable live event.”
Koningsdam will be sailing a 22-night “Solar Eclipse Cruise” that will depart San Diego on April 5. The ship will call on Cabo San Lucas the day before the eclipse, and will be positioned offshore for unimpeded viewing on April 8.
Other ports of call include Puerto Vallarta and several top Hawaiian destinations, before the ship reaches Vancouver, Canada on April 27, in preparation for the Alaska sailing season.
“This first total solar eclipse in North America in seven years is something astronomers — amateur and professional — are all excited to observe, and there’s no better or unique place to observe it than at sea off the coast of Mexico,”said Burgasser.
“I look forward to joining Holland America Line guests aboard Koningsdam to witness this phenomenon and help them better understand the science and history behind it.”
Holland America Line Ship (Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line)
Zaandam will be sailing a 14-night “Solar Eclipse & Mexican Riviera” cruise for the event, departing from San Diego on March 30 and calling on several Mexican ports of call along the way before being in Puerto Vallarta on the day of the eclipse. After the stunning astronomical event, the cruise will continue to Loreto, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas before returning to San Diego on April 18.
On board, guest presenter Jim McParland will lend his expertise to the eclipse experience, offering lectures and demonstrations as Zaandam is positioned for total viewing.
About the Eclipse
The total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, is a highly anticipated astronomical event. Because of its location, cruise lines can make the most of the eclipse by offering spectacular viewing opportunities in the “path of totality” – a thin region where the visual eclipse will be most spectacular and most prolonged. Totality is when the moon completely obscures the sun and the brilliant solar corona is visible.
The maximum width of the totality band will be 123 miles (198 kilometers) wide, covering just one-fortieth of a percent of the earth’s surface.
Solar Eclipse
Because ships can remain at sea and away from any obstructing features like skylines, mountain ranges, and pollution, eclipse viewing from the deck of a cruise ship promises to be spectacular.
Furthermore, depending on local conditions, cruise ships may even be able to reposition themselves in case of poor weather or cloud cover so guests onboard don’t miss prime viewing opportunities.
This particular total eclipse will be the first to have totality visible in Canada since 1979, the first in Mexico since 1991, and the first in the US since 2017. The next eclipse will occur on October 2, 2024, but that event will be entirely over the Pacific Ocean and well away from established cruise travel regions.
Cunard Line, already known for its ultra luxurious appointments and classic style of cruising, has announced amazing special cruises with its Event Voyages for 2024.
These unique sailings offer immersive onboard experiences with top experts in different fields, giving guests the opportunity for in-depth exploration of popular topics and first-hand insights into the arts, sports, gastronomy, and more.
Cunard Line’s 2024 Event Voyages
While every cruise is an event unto itself, particularly on a renowned line such as Cunard, the special “Event Voyages” offer much more than typical cruise ship entertainment and activities.
For 2024, Cunard Line is offering seven themed voyages, each with spectacular opportunities that travelers will not find on land.
“Cunard’s Event Voyages offer far more than just stand out performances. Each is expertly curated to offer our guests unique opportunities to immerse themselves into theme or occasion, meeting and hearing from world-renowned leaders in their fields, many with interactive workshops and a programme of activities and performances to choose from throughout the day and evening,”said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard North America.
The line’s current flagship, Queen Mary 2, will host four of the themed voyages, while the other three will be aboard Queen Elizabeth.
Queen Mary 2 Event Voyages
In June, an 8-night eastbound transatlantic sailing from New York to Southampton will offer a “London Theatre at Sea” musical theatre theme in partnership with the Olivier Awards, first established in 1976 to honor theatre, opera, and dance.
Onboard, guests can join in-depth acting workshops, participate in behind-the-scenes talks, and enjoy award-winning performances. The cruise will depart on June 15, 2024.
Queen Mary 2‘s 400th transatlantic crossing will be even more celebratory with its own anniversary theme, sure to evoke the rich history of Cunard Line’s transatlantic voyages. This momentous sailing is August 23-30, departing from New York and traveling to Southampton, and will pay homage to the cruise line’s lengthy history along the way.
The ship will welcome guests aboard the 15th anniversary of Cunard’s spectacular “National Symphony Orchestra” voyages from October 4-13, another eastbound transatlantic sailing that will be filled with choir rehearsals that guests can join as well as classical concerts in the evening for a musically enriching experience.
Finally, book lovers are sure to enjoy the “Literature Festival at Sea” voyage from November 13-20, 2024, a westbound transatlantic sailing featuring inspiring literary events and curated programing with more than 20 acclaimed authors. Writing workshops, literary discussions, and author Q&A sessions are sure to be part of this storied cruise.
For each of these amazing, immersive voyages, the 149,215-gross ton Queen Mary 2 can welcome as many as 2,695 guests, while 1,250 officers and crew members provide the luxurious service Cunard Line is so well known for offering.
Queen Elizabeth Event Voyages
The Vista-class Queen Elizabeth will host three Event Voyages in 2024, each with a different theme: culinary adventures, wellness journeys, and amazing nostalgic music.
From January 5-12, great tastes will rule the high seas with the “Great Australian Culinary Voyage,” an unforgettable foray into the world of food and wine, including special guest chef Karen Martini taking over The Steakhouse at The Verandah. Roundtrip from Melbourne, Australia, the 7-night voyage will visit Adelaide and Hobart along the way.
Photo Credit: Drew Rawcliffe / Shutterstock
In February, the “Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage” will welcome special guests for sports fans with some of Australia’s most iconic sporting superstars, such as cricketer Brett Lee and golfer Karrie Webb.
Special sessions offering play tips and game insights are sure to be popular activities onboard the February 13-20 voyage, roundtrip from Sydney, Australia and calling on Hobart, Port Arthur, and Melbourne.
Finally, guests can dance the night away aboard Queen Elizabeth on the “Big Band Ball” voyage from May 5-14, when the swing era will be in full musical mode with special guests such as internationally acclaimed vocalist, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe. The unique musical voyage promises to be as exciting as its Japanese itinerary roundtrip from Tokyo.
The 90,901-gross-ton Queen Elizabeth can welcome as many as 2,547 guests on any of these three voyages, if booked to full capacity.
Each of these unique voyages is sure to sell out quickly, and interested guests should seize the opportunity to immerse themselves in their passions onboard so they don’t miss the opportunity to make truly one-in-a-lifetime cruise vacation memories.
Disney Cruise Line has discreetly updated their pricing for adult specialty dining at select restaurants across their fleet, effective immediately.
New dining reservations at Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Remy, and Enchanté will reflect the adjusted prices. This increase is notable as it’s the second time within the year that Disney Cruise Line has bumped up their onboard fees.
During what is the cruise line’s 25th anniversary year, Disney also increased pricing for a different adult activity, the various wine and liquor tastings the cruise line offers. This comes in addition to a gratuity increase that the cruise line introduced in July 2022.
The price increase, effective immediately, was unannounced. Guests with existing reservations for the restaurants in question will remain at the old pricing, while new reservations will include the increase.
Disney Wish – Palo Steakhouse
Dinner at Palo, a northern Italian-inspired dining venue aboard the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy, and the Palo Steakhouse, an Italian and steakhouse fusion available aboard the Disney Wish, have seen a modest price hike of $5. The popular Palo Brunch continues to be available at its previous rate of $45.
High-end French cuisine establishment Remy has undergone a more significant increase. Known for its sophisticated menus and superior service, the base dinner price has increased by $10, putting the new price at $135.
Disney Wish Dining
The same counts for Enchanté found onboard Disney Wish. The price for dinner has been increased by $10 to $135. Enchanté offers guests a romantic, French-inspired gourmet experience.
The menu, by three Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement, features high-quality, seasonal ingredients to ensure an exceptional dining experience. The meal is accompanied by a carefully chosen wine list and first-class service. Additionally, guests can enjoy a lavish Champagne brunch or a delectable 5-course dessert menu as part of their experience at Enchanté.
A Trend of Price Increases
This latest development follows similar price increases by Disney Cruise Line. Just a few months ago, the company raised the prices for their onboard tasting seminars, with some classes seeing an increase of up to 40%. Tastings such as Cognac, Martini, Stem-to-Stern Wine, and Mojito & Caipirinha have doubled in price since April 2022.
Consequently, the gratuity rate is $14.50 for most rooms and $15.50 for concierge staterooms and suites. However, this now includes the stateroom assistant host in the automatic or pre-paid gratuities.
Disney Cruise Line Marks 25 Years of Maritime Magic
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Disney Cruise Line has a summer season of Silver Anniversary festivities through September 2023 on select cruises.
Guests aboard these cruises can expect various special features, including unique anniversary costumes for Mickey and Minnie and an exclusive anniversary toast led by the ship’s captain and cruise director.
Disney Magic is currently sailing to the Bahamas and the Caribbean from Miami; Disney Wonder is operating Alaskan cruises from Vancouver, Canada; Disney Dream is cruising the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Greek Isles; and Disney Fantasy is sailing around the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Lastly, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the 5,555-guestDisney Wish, offers cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay from Port Canaveral.
The reason behind the cancellation of the Norwegian Spirit cruise ship’s 2024 Alaska season has been revealed. Over the past months, there has been a lot of speculation, ranging from full ship charters and even some saying Norwegian Cruise Line would sell the Leo-class cruise ship.
That the Norwegian Spirit has been chosen for operations in Asia is, in fact, not surprising. Initially built for the Asian cruise market for Star Cruises, the vessel sailed in Singapore, Hong Kong, and South-East Asia between 1998 and 2004.
Relocation to Asia
Taiwanese media have revealed that Norwegian Spirit will operate in Asia between June and September 2024. This is instead of the Alaska cruises Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled in that period in May of 2023.
A Taiwanese tour company, Lion Travel, has chartered the vessel and will operate cruises around Taiwan in cooperation with Norwegian Cruise Line.
Norwegian Spirit will embark on its first voyage out of Keelung in June of 2024. Although some sources, particularly in the Taiwan media, have referred to the ship as the Norwegian Endeavour, official communications from Lion Tours and Norwegian Cruise Line maintain the name Norwegian Spirit.
The term “Norwegian Endeavour” may be a name used specifically for the charters or may be a mistranslation. It seems reasonably certain that Norwegian Cruise Line will not be renaming the cruise ship for the Asian market.
Boost for the Asian Cruise Market
Taiwan’s geographical position connecting Northeast and Southeast Asia offers a strategic advantage, making it an enticing prospect for the Asian cruise market.
The partnership between Lion Travel and Norwegian Cruise Line aims to make Taiwan an attractive destination for cruise travel.
Wang Wenjie, chairman of Lion Travel: “Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is one of the top three cruise groups in the world, and its Norwegian Spirit will launch 26 trips to Keelung and Kaohsiung from June next year. The Norwegian Spirit, which was renovated during the outbreak at a cost of 100 million U.S. dollars, has been sailing regularly between Canada and the United States, New Zealand, and Australia since last year, and this will be the first time that it sails to Asia.”
Norwegian Spirit Cruise Ship
Similarly, Jason Krimmel, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Director of Sales and Marketing, expressed that Asia, particularly Taiwan, has always been an important source market for the cruise line.
The strong recovery of Taiwan’s cruise market and the enthusiasm of Taiwanese travelers for cruise travel were significant factors in choosing the Keelung and Kaohsiung twin homeports for their return to the Asian market in 2024.
Jason Krimmel, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Director of Sales and Marketing:“Asia has always been an important source market for Norwegian Cruise Line, and the strong recovery of the Taiwan cruise market, coupled with the optimism of Taiwan travelers’ love for cruise travel, has led Norwegian Cruise Line to choose the Keelung and Kaohsiung twin homeports as the first stop for its return to the Asian market in 2024.”
Besides Norwegian Cruise Line, other cruise operators have expressed interest in Taiwan as a cruise hub. Resorts World Cruises sails from the island regularly, and Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas all have calls scheduled.
Norwegian Spirit Itineraries
Lion Travel and Norwegian Cruise Line are jointly launching a series of itineraries aboard the Norwegian Spirit. These include 26 voyages ranging from 3 to 9 days, from June to September 2024. Destinations include Fukuoka, Hakata, and Kagoshima in Japan, South Korea, and ports in Taiwan.
Lion Travel has revealed that, after the Norwegian Spirit arrives in Taiwan, the ship will significantly increase the provision of Chinese language services and collaborate with local Taiwanese food and beverage brands to offer guests more culinary diversity.
Launched in 1998 as SuperStar Leo, Norwegian Spirit sailed in Asia for the first six years of her life at sea. First operating from Singapore, she later repositioned to Hong Kong, sailing to China, Vietnam, and the South China Sea.
In 2004, Norwegian Cruise Line took possession of the 75,904 gross tons cruise ship and renamed her Norwegian Spirit.
Ambassador Cruise Line has apologized to passengers for recently docking in the Faroe Islands while a local hunting tradition was underway.
The centuries-old hunt is not regularly scheduled but can occur at any time during the summer months when the whales are nearby, and unfortunately took place while the cruise line’s Ambition was in port.
Cruise Passengers Witness Whale Hunt
Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition – formerly AIDAmira – was docked in Torshavn on Sunday, July 9, 2023 when the traditional whale hunt occurred. The 48,300-gross ton ship can host 1,248 guests at double occupancy and as many as 1,727 passengers when fully booked. During the summer, the Mistral-class cruise ship is more likely to be sailing with a higher number of guests.
Those guests did not expect to see what could be considered a gruesome custom take place as they arrived at the capital of the Faroe Islands. In the late afternoon, however, they witnessed scenes of the mass hunt and its messy aftermath, during which 78 long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) were killed.
Faroe Islands (Photo: Shutterstock)
According to Yahoo! News Australia, the ship’s guests were shocked to see the activities close to shore on Sunday afternoon, near where the cruise ship was docked. In less than an hour, the water was distinctly red in the nearby harbor, as scenes played out on shore where the animals had been beached.
Ambassador Cruise Line apologized the next day, objecting to the hunt and reaffirming the company’s commitment to marine conservation and sustainability.
“We were incredibly disappointed that this hunt occurred at the time that our ship was in port. We strongly object to this outdated practice,”the cruise line stated.“Sustainability is one of Ambassador Cruise Line’s core values, and we fully appreciate that witnessing this local event would have been distressing for the majority of guests onboard. Accordingly, we would like to sincerely apologise to them for any undue upset.”
The cruise line’s CEO, Christian Verhounig, reiterated the cruise line’s partnership with ORCA, a charity dedicated to studying and protecting whales, dolphins, and porpoises in UK and European waters, and further expressed disappointment in the ongoing hunting practice.
“We are dedicated to supporting ORCA in their endeavours to collect data and to monitor whales and dolphins and we are extremely disappointed that this has happened after weeks of trying to open constructive dialogue with the Faroese government and Visit Faroes on these issues,”Verhounig said.
“We continue to educate our guests and crew not to buy or eat any whale or dolphin meat and stand against any profiteering from commercial whaling and dolphin hunts.”
Rendering Courtesy: Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambassador’s partnership with ORCA includes a first-ever cruise “anti-whaling” campaign and pledge that firmly states “Ambassador Cruise Line is opposed to all commercial whaling.” This includes urging the Faroese Government to end their hunting practices.
The cruise line even brings ocean conservationists onboard select sailings to offer educational programs to guests as well as to collect data to further support conservation efforts, but it is not known if one of these conservationists was onboard Ambition during the impacted cruise.
Ambition is currently sailing an 11-night “Iceland’s Land of Ice & Fire” itinerary that departed Belfast on Thursday, July 6, and called at Liverpool prior to the port stop in Torshavn. The cruise has continued on to ports of call throughout Iceland.
Ambassador Cruise Line has continued visits to Torshavn planned with both Ambition as well as its larger ship, Ambience. Other cruise lines that visit the Faroe Islands, which are located between the UK and Iceland, include Azamara Cruises, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Viking Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and more.
Protestors of the hunt have urged all cruise lines to boycott the Faroe Islands until the practice is halted.
About the Traditional Hunt
Called “grindadráp” in Faroese, the drive-style hunt is a community effort that brings in large numbers of pilot whales – which are actually a dolphin species and are not considered threatened or endangered – to be beached for hunting. The practice dates back more than 1,000 years, and is an important part of local history and culture.
The meat and blubber are still consumed as a delicacy and are distributed throughout the community.
Long-Finned Pilot Whales (Photo Credit: Evgeni Fabisuk / Shutterstock)
Since 1948, hunts have been closely regulated and participants must be properly trained and supervised by local police. Hunting is only permitted on authorized beaches, and special weapons thought to minimize cruelty and better preserve the meat are required to be used.
In recent decades, however, the hunt has drawn increasing criticism from conservationists and animal rights activists, as well as individuals and groups concerned about the potential toxicity of eating whale meat. Protests and boycotts are common surrounding the hunt, including among local residents.
Disney Cruise Line provides another update on the construction of its newest cruise ship, Disney Treasure. Set to join the fleet in 2024, the ship’s assembly is steadily progressing, with the recent installation of the bridge block marking a crucial stage of the shipbuilding process.
Disney Treasure will be the sistership to Disney Wish and a third LNG-powered cruise ship, which will begin operation in 2025. The design concept for Disney Treasure has generated a great deal of enthusiasm. Inspired by Walt Disney’s passion for travel and discovery, Disney’s Imagineers have created a design that captures the spirit of adventure.
Installation of the Bridge Block
Construction of Disney Cruise Line’s newest cruise ship, Disney Treasure, is advancing at a record pace. Although the first steel was only cut in January 2023, the workers at the Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, have completed most of the large block section installations.
June 26, 2023, saw the installation of the bridge block on Disney Treasure. This section of the ship houses key navigational equipment, including the ship’s wheel, allowing the captain and crew to control the ship’s direction and speed.
Disney Treasure Construction at Meyer Werft
With the structure largely assembled, attention will now turn to the inside, where crews will bring the Disney Treasure to life. This next phase involves fitting out the ship’s many amenities, including dining areas, entertainment venues, guest cabins, and public spaces. Something that we will be able to follow with Disney’s official construction log.
Detailing Every Step
Disney has launched a detailed log documenting each significant milestone in the construction process. Starting from the steel-cutting ceremony that marked the beginning of the ship’s construction in January 2023, the log chronicles the ship’s journey from its first stages.
Disney Treasure Construction at Meyer Werft
The journey began with the steel-cutting ceremony on January 19, 2023. This inaugural stage involved cutting the first piece of steel in the shape of the ship, marking the formal start of the construction process. This crucial step honored a longstanding maritime tradition, signifying the transition from blueprint to reality.
Photo Credit: Robert Fiebak
March 30, 2023, saw another significant maritime tradition – the Keel Laying Ceremony. As part of this ceremony, a newly minted coin was placed under the ship’s keel, symbolizing good fortune for the vessel and its crew.
The construction process has advanced rapidly with the installation of the bow on May 12, 2023, and on March 22, 2023, the Floating Engine Room Unit (FERU).
Disney Treasure Debuts in 2024
Disney Treasure is set to debut in 2024 and will be the sixth cruise ship in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet. Belonging to the Wish-class vessels, it will be the sister ship to Disney Wish, launched in 2022, and a yet unnamed third vessel set to enter service in 2025.
Weighing in at 144,000 gross tons, Disney Treasure will be powered by liquefied natural gas and feature 1,254 cabins. At full capacity, Disney Treasure will accommodate 4,000 passengers, supported by a crew of 1,555.
Rendering Courtesy: Disney Cruise Line
Disney Treasure‘s designs reflect Walt Disney’s love of exploration. With interior designs that bring to life the grandeur and mystery of a gilded palace, guests will find themselves in some of Disney’s most legendary stories.
The ship’s central feature will be the Grand Hall, which for the first time will include three iconic characters – Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, and the animated Magic Carpet from the Disney classic Aladdin.
With more details set to be unveiled closer to the ship’s launch, the anticipation surrounding Disney Treasure continues to build. The ship’s launch will coincide with the opening of Disney’s second private Bahamian island, Lighthouse Point.
