Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it will be returning a popular benefit for the most loyal cruisers, those in the “Diamond” tier of the cruise line’s loyalty program. Beginning in August, the special lunch for Diamond cruisers will be reinstated, with a revamped menu sure to entice discerning cruise travelers.
Loyalty Lunch to Resume
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has announced that the Diamond Lunch for the highest loyalty level of VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) guests will be returning after feedback and requests. The lunch, which was a mainstay benefit for years, was recently discontinued to become a cocktail party rather than a full lunch.
Guest reaction and feedback, however, showed how popular the lunch is among Carnival cruisers, which prompted Heald to take the matter to the cruise line’s executives for reconsideration.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
“I had a few of you write to me saying how much you missed the lunch,”Heald said.“I sent those comments to my colleague and our wonderful Senior Vice President Beard of Food and Beverage who has told me that as of cruises starting on or around August 1st he will reinstate the Diamond Lunch with a new menu.”
This reaction shows that Carnival Cruise Line does in fact monitor and take into account guest feedback to continue improving their offerings and bringing travelers the experiences they want to have.
While Heald confirmed the lunches will begin on or around August 1, 2023, there is no firm date for exactly when each ship in the Carnival fleet will resume the Diamond Lunch. Only Diamond levels guests receive the “special event invitation from the Captain” for the lunch, which is separate from the Diamond and Platinum VIFP Party that is offered on sailings of five nights or longer.
New Diamond Lunch Menu
The revamped menu for the Diamond Lunch includes appetizers, entrees, and desserts, with a range of delicious options for all food preferences.
To whet the appetite, guests will be able to choose from Tuna and salmon crudo with a wonton crisp; natchitoches meat pies from Emeril’s Bistro, or Caesar salad as appetizers.
This is followed by a choice of grilled jumbo shrimp with butternut-cauliflower gratin accented with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce; bacon-wrapped filet mignon with roasted potato and asparagus; or baked vegetable casserole with cheddar and parmesan gratinate and pumpkin garlic bread.
For dessert, guests can opt for rich chocolate decadence with lemon gratin and raspberries; pear almond crostata with mascarpone cream, or fresh fruit with pineapple sorbet. For each course, a vegetarian option is available, and guests can also let their servers know of any food allergy concerns.
Previously, the Diamond Lunch menu had similar options, such as filet mignon but without the bacon-wrapped accent, and chocolate hazelnut icebox pie rather than the chocolate decadence dessert. The menu tends to be refreshed approximately every quarter (four times per year), but favorite dishes do generally remain available.
Becoming a Diamond Guest
Guests reach Diamond level VIFP status when they have cruised with Carnival for at least 200 nights. At this time, Carnival Cruise Line does not offer extra “points” for booking suites, special cruises, or using special offers, but Heald has hinted that the loyalty program is due for an overhaul and such changes may be coming.
In addition to the Diamond Lunch, other benefits exclusive to the highest loyalty level include unlimited Wash & Fold laundry service, guaranteed seating time requests for dinner in the Main Dining Room, and priority reservations at onboard specialty restaurants.
One-time benefits are also provided to guests who have achieved Diamond status, including charitable donations in the guest’s name and a complimentary meal for two at a specialty restaurant of the guest’s choice.
Holland America Line has announced that July 11, 2023 was the biggest ever booking day in the illustrious cruise line’s 150-year history, demonstrating both the quality of the brand as well as the strength of the cruise industry as a whole as travelers continue to plan for future sailings.
Holland America Line Reports Biggest Ever Booking Day
Holland America Line, one of the foremost cruise lines for global destinations, broke not only its single-day booking record on July 11, 2023, but also had its highest ever revenue booking day in the company’s history – all the way back to its founding in 1873.
While the company has not released exact figures for the number of bookings made or their total revenue, breaking such records is momentous indeed.
This demonstrates the surge in cruising desire as well as the willingness of travelers to be making vacation plans in advance, as the line has clarified that “most” of the bookings are for sailings in 2024 and 2025.
Photo Credit: Jennifer G. Lang / Shutterstock
The surge in bookings also speaks well of Holland America Line’s product and the quality of cruising guests expect as they plan their future travel.
“We see a record booking day like this as encouraging for the whole industry, but for Holland America Line, it’s an endorsement of the quality of cruising product we’re able to offer to our guests,”said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line.
“People are planning their vacations for next year and even into 2025, and in the process, they’re choosing the best service at sea and the unforgettable destinations that we offer.”
Ongoing Trend
Setting such a notable record for bookings continues a trend many cruise lines and port destinations are seeing in recent months – a rise in demand for cruise travel and guests eager to make plans for setting sail.
Confidence in cruise bookings continues to rise, as evidenced even with Holland America Line’s own Black Friday surge last November, when the company’s bookings surpassed 2019 levels.
Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line
Other cruise lines have seen similar record-breaking bookings and amazing demand for sailings. Carnival Cruise Line reported a record-breaking first quarter of 2023, as did sister brand AIDA Cruises. Different cruise lines have also broken their own single-day records and seen special cruises, such as world voyages, sell out spectacularly fast.
Different ports of call are also reporting record-breaking guest arrivals, with thousands of passengers visiting top destinations every week. Nassau, the Dominican Republic, Stornoway (Scotland), Mexico, Jamaica, and other ports have all reported outstanding passenger numbers and cruise ship calls in 2023.
Most Popular Destinations
Holland America Line has not revealed which cruise regions or specific itineraries have been the most sought after for recent bookings, but the cruise line is the leader in Alaska cruising with scenic visits to Glacier Bay, a bucket-list destination for many travelers.
The cruise line also offers its unique “Alaska Up Close” program with immersive onboard activities, curated shore tours, and enriching cultural experiences that give passengers a deeper, more authentic visit to the Last Frontier.
Sure to be of special interest are two unique sailings in April 2024 during the upcoming total eclipse. For those voyages, one on Koningsdam and the other on Zaandam, Holland America Line is bringing aboard leading astronomy experts to add even more depth and insight for guests in the path of totality.
Holland America Line also offers a variety of short and long cruises visiting the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii, along with Panama Canal cruises and transatlantic sailings.
Whatever travelers are craving for their adventuring needs, Holland America Line has a cruise to fulfill their travel dreams.
Carnival Cruise Line has addressed guest concerns about the potential for cheating at trivia games onboard, once again showing responsiveness to guests’ feedback and willingness to raise awareness of the issue and what can be done about it. While it may seem trivial to some, onboard trivia contests can be serious fun for fans of popular music, television, movies, and more.
Trivia Cheating Claims Brought to Attention
Every cruise guest is aware of onboard trivia games, fun contests that test passengers’ knowledge. While general trivia matches may be more casual, some themed trivia activities can be very competitive indeed.
Particularly popular are trivia contests about television shows like Game of Thrones and Friends, the Harry Potter franchise, different sports, and musicians such as Michael Jackson and The Beatles.
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has noted recently that some guests have concerns about cheating at these most popular trivia games. Some questions are deliberately designed to stump even the most knowledgeable fans, yet teams seem to get perfect scores consistently.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
Accusations of cheating during trivia contests have arisen, with claims made that questions are so difficult that it’s impossible for teams to get perfect scores, hence they must be cheating. Other claims allege that passengers have observed rival teams using cell phones to search for correct answers even while the game continues.
“I know that some people take trivia very seriously and I know that the staff tell people to turn their phones off and check for this kind of thing,”Heald said.“But, at the end of the day it is supposed to be, well you know, Fun.”
Carnival “Fun Squad” members – crew members who host trivia and other onboard activities as part of the Entertainment staff – do generally ask that participants not use cell phones, shout out answers, or otherwise detract from the fun of the game. When some trivias attract dozens of participants, however, it can be difficult to ensure nothing at all nefarious is going on during the game.
Is It Cheating?
Of course, it is impossible to control all possible perceived attempts at cheating. Sometimes a “cheater” may simply be using the Carnival Hub app to check on other activities, texting a family member onboard about the game they’ve joined, or reviewing photos they’ve taken of their cruise.
Because many Carnival trivias reuse questions on different sailings, it is also possible that loyal guests are already familiar with even the toughest trivia questions, and therefore do indeed score perfectly on an otherwise challenging trivia.
Photo Copyright: Gianfranco Vivi / Shutterstock
With more Carnival cruise ships achieving faster, more reliable internet connections – 11 ships in the fleet are now equipped with Starlink Maritime Wi-Fi – it is of course easier than ever for someone to look up an answer to a puzzling trivia question. Cheating does happen occasionally, and can be sour note on what is supposed to be a lighthearted, fun activity.
Unfortunately, calling out a potential cheater, banning them from games, or otherwise creating penalties is not possible, as these games are meant to be fun and not taken to extremes. While everyone wants to win a 24-karat-gold-ship-on-a-stick – the most coveted of Carnival prizes – there can only be one winner, and sometimes, it isn’t the person who thought they would win a particular game.
Preventing Cheating
So, what can Carnival Cruise Line do about the possibility of trivia cheaters? Heald has promised to make attempts to rectify the problem.
“I will pass this on to my colleagues in the entertainment department and see what we can do to try and stop trivia cheats,”he said.
With higher onboard internet speeds and more Carnival team members using tablets as they host games, it could be possible to use a larger question bank even for the most popular themed trivias. With more questions to choose from, fewer guests would be familiar with every question on every sailing, and other fans may have more opportunities to win.
Guests could also be asked to put their phones and tablets away more frequently, or disqualified from a particular game if they are using their phone as questions are being asked.
It might even be possible for the cruise line to keep a list of the stateroom numbers and names of trivia winners and restrict the top prizes to one per stateroom, per sailing, which could spread the honors out to more guests.
In the end, however, it is as Heald said – trivia is supposed to be fun, and enjoying the game with a lighthearted attitude will go a long way for all guests to have a great time no matter who “wins” each trivia contest.
Carnival Cruise Line has added delicious new late night snack options onboard for guests, with availability beginning the week of July 17, 2023.
Exact dates and opening/closing times for the new options will vary by ship and may even vary on different sailings, but this is a welcome option for passengers interested in grabbing a bite after karaoke, late night comedy, evening shows, or other nighttime activities.
New Late Night Snacks to Be Offered
Rumors have been floating around social media recently that Carnival Cruise Line planned to bring back the “Midnight Buffet” that was offered onboard years ago.
These gala events involved not only amazing spreads of delicious eats carefully arranged into appetizing displays, but also showcased ice sculptures, carved fruits and vegetables, and other beautiful accents.
Brand ambassador John Heald has addressed the rumors, confirming that the cruise line will not be recreating the sumptuous late-night feast – much of which went uneaten and was wasted.
Carnival Late Night Menu
What the cruise line is doing, however, is expanding late night dining options by offering different foods for guests to choose from rather than just one more slice of pizza or an extra ice cream cone.
“We will be complementing the wondering pizza we offer with these late night options,”Heald said as he revealed the “Late Night Snack” menu.
The snacks available include chicken noodle soup, coleslaw, potato salad, chips and salsa, fried chicken tenders with a honey mustard sauce, hot dogs available with chili or grilled onions, an Italian meatball sandwich, and a ham and cheese roll.
Chicago-style pizza will also be available in cheese or pepperoni, and guests with a sweet tooth will want to snack on the chocolate chip and sugar cookies. All items are complimentary and included in the cruise fare with no extra charge.
Heald mentions that the new snack menu will be starting “next week” (the week of July 17, 2023), and the availability times may be different on different ships. “Timing may vary from ship to ship, considering factors such as peak periods and guest demographics,”Heald explained.
Photo By: Russell Otway (For Cruise Hive Only)
This news is almost one year after Carnival Cruise Line announced several permanent dining cutbacks, including eliminating the popular 24-hour pizza. At the same time, Late Night Snacks that had been offered in each ship’s Lido Restaurants were also discontinued.
Room service remains available 24 hours a day onboard Carnival ships, but nominal fees do apply for late night orders. Only the continental breakfast menu, available from 6-10 a.m., is complimentary.
Reducing Food Waste
All cruise lines are concerned with waste and efficiency, and food waste is one of the biggest culprits onboard.
Revamping menus to remove less popular ingredients, trimming buffet dining hours, changing portion sizes, charging for third and fourth entrees, and developing cocktails that use rinds or other normally wasted food scraps are all strategies different cruise lines have used to combate food waste.
In 2022, Carnival Cruise Line added food waste biodigesters to its fleet, and in March 2023, the cruise line made an additional $500,000 investment in more biodigesters, parts, and maintenance for the technology.
Biodigesters rapidly break down food waste using beneficial microorganisms, resulting in much less waste being discharged into marine environments or offloaded in port.
Hopefully, the addition of the Late Night Snack menu will be a welcome option for cruise guests without contributing to food waste.
Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to guests embarking on Norwegian Breakaway on July 15, 2023 that a scheduled labor strike may impact flights into Rome, Italy, and any delays or disruptions could potentially affect passengers arriving for their cruise.
Guests who booked air travel through the cruise line will be contacted with further instructions if necessary, while guests with independent flight arrangements should stay in close communication with their airline for updates and schedule changes.
Air Traffic Controller Strike May Impact Cruise Travelers
A scheduled labor strike by the Italian Air Navigation Service (ENAV) on Saturday, July 15, 2023 may create significant flight delays that could cause cruise travelers to miss embarkation aboard Norwegian Breakaway. To alert guests, Norwegian Cruise Line reached out to booked guests and travel partners this week with a notification.
ENAV is the company that provides all navigation services within Italian airspace, including air traffic control, flight information, airport weather forecasts, and other information necessary for safe and efficient air travel. With workers striking as part of a labor dispute, extensive flight delays and cancellations are expected.
Photo Credit: Cineberg / Shutterstock
Norwegian Cruise Line reached out to travelers booked on Norwegian Breakaway this week to alert them to the possibility of significant delays.
“We have been informed that flight cancelations and delays are to be expected in Italy. As this may impact your travel arrangements, we want to make sure you are aware of this situation and how it may impact your travels,”the email read.
The notification goes on to note that flights landing in Rome between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. are expected to be most affected.
Guests with air travel booked through the NCL Air Program will be contacted directly if their flights are affected, with further instructions about how to adjust their plans to reach Norwegian Breakaway. Guests should check their trash, spam, and junk email folders to be sure not to miss any announcements or updates.
If guests purchased flights on their own, they are advised to stay alert to communications from their airline about changes and adjustments.
Norwegian Breakaway departed Civitavecchia at 5 p.m. local time. The cruise port is located approximately 70 kilometers (44 miles) northwest of Rome.
The ship is sailing a 10-night Greek Isles & Italy itinerary, with ports of call scheduled for Santorini, Athens, and Olympia in Greece; La Valletta, Malta; Messina, Sicily; Naples and Pisa (Livorno), Italy; and Cannes, France.
Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock
The 145,655-gross ton ship can welcome 3,963 guests per sailing, with 1,600 international crew members onboard to provide memorable service.
What If Guests Miss the Ship?
If travelers have missed arriving to Norwegian Breakaway for departure, the next stop is Santorini, Greece on Monday, July 17. Travelers could arrange additional air travel or other means to reach Santorini and board the ship.
Santorini is approximately a two-hour flight from Rome, but guests would also need to arrange for hotel stays until Norwegian Breakaway arrives at 1 p.m. on Monday afternoon, July 17.
Norwegian Cruise Line has not provided details about possible arrangements, as every traveler may have different schedules and needs to reach the cruise ship. It is possible that cancelling the cruise may also be an option if guests cannot easily meet the ship, but this would likely incur steep penalties or a complete forfeiture of the cruise fare, depending on how air travel was booked.
Other Cruise Lines Impacted
Norwegian Breakaway is not the only ship potentially impacted by air travel difficulties in Italy this weekend. Norwegian Epic is also departing from Civitavecchia on July 15, as is Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess.
Photo Credit: ODIN Daniel / Shutterstock
On Sunday, July 16, Royal Caribbean International’s Odyssey of the Seas is scheduled in Civitavecchia, while MSC Cruises’ MSC Seashore is also homeporting from the city that day.
Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Marella Cruises, and AIDA Cruises also have visits or departures scheduled from Civitavecchia in the next few days.
Other Italian ports are also likely to be impacted by travel delays in the coming days, including Ravenna and Trieste.
Guests booked on any cruise line departing from Italian ports in the next few days should be aware of potential travel delays. While the strike may be scheduled for only one day, rescheduling delayed travelers may have impacts on travel arrangements for the next several days.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on select sailings of Carnival Legend that the ship will be returning to Baltimore, Maryland earlier than the original itinerary planned.
This may impact guests’ post-cruise travel plans, but it does not impact ports of call during the two affected cruises.
Carnival Legend Returning Early on Two Cruises
Two upcoming fall cruises of Carnival Legend – the August 13 and September 2 departures – will be returning earlier to their homeport than initially planned. Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests to advise them of the change.
“We have made a slight adjustment to the itinerary for your cruise – our return to Baltimore will be earlier than previously scheduled. Carnival Legend will now be docking at 8:00 AM instead of 10:00 AM,”the email explained.
The two hour difference is only noted for two upcoming cruises: August 13, 2023 and September 2, 2024. Both sailings are 14-night itineraries to Greenland and Canada, with ports of call in Nanortalik and Qaqortoq, Greenland, as well as St. Anthony and Corner Brook in Newfoundland and Sydney in Nova Scotia.
No other ports of call are being adjusted at this time, and the two previous days of each sailing – before arriving in Baltimore on August 27 and September 16, respectively – are days at sea.
Carnival Legend is a Spirit-class vessel, weighing in at 88,500 gross tons. The ship can welcome 2,124 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 2,610 passengers when fully booked.
The ship is currently homeported from Baltimore and is offering Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean sailings through the summer months.
In late August, Bermuda cruises are added to the schedule, as well as Canada and New England sailings in the autumn to take advantage of the region’s spectacular fall foliage.
Why the Change?
No explanation has been given about why the ship will now be returning to Baltimore two hours earlier than originally scheduled on these particular sailings, though it must be noted that these are the only two cruises the ship has planned to Greenland and Canada.
Photo Credit: Tony Davis
It is likely that the ship’s overall route returning from Canada has been slightly modified, resulting in a faster travel time. There is no indication that this change has anything to do with the ship’s operation, engine efficiency, or maximum cruising speed capability.
Adjustments to popular shipping lanes, predicted seasonal weather patterns, or tidal schedules could all have this type of minimal impact on a cruise ship’s schedule.
Impact on Passengers
This two-hour docking change is unlikely to have a dramatic impact on most travelers’ post-cruise arrangements, especially since Carnival Legend will be arriving earlier than planned rather than later.
Guests who have booked flights to return home earlier in the day now have slightly more breathing room in their schedules, perhaps even time to enjoy breakfast on board before departing the ship. Guests with later flights will wait slightly longer than expected for their follow-on travel, but there is no need to rush.
There has been no notification sent to guests embarking Carnival Legend for the next cruises on those days – both of which are 6-night Bermuda sailings – indicating any earlier departure time from Baltimore, so it is unlikely that their travel plans will need adjusting. Nor has there been any communication about changes arrival time appointments or other schedule adjustments.
It is always a good idea for travelers to stay in close contact with their cruise line prior to embarkation, as last-minute changes and schedule adjustments can occur.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest vessel, the first-in-class Norwegian Prima, broke free of her moorings on the afternoon of July 15, 2023, while docked in Zeebrugge, Belgium.
The ship’s gangways were dragged and fell into the water, but no guests or crew were injured in the incident, which is attributed to windy conditions that pushed the ship away from the dock.
Norwegian Prima Breaks Free
During exceptionally windy weather while docked in Zeebrugge, Belgium on Saturday, July 15, 2023, Norwegian Prima broke free of several mooring ropes and began drifting away from the pier. The ship moved enough so that both gangways, first forward and then aft, were dragged and fell into the water.
No guests or crew members were on the gangways at the time, and there were no injuries related to the incident. This occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m.
Three tugboats assisted with bringing the 143,535-gross ton cruise ship back to the dock, where she was again tied up to berth securely. High winds attributed to the incident, pushing against the 20-deck ship and putting additional stress on the mooring ropes.
Norwegian Prima was docked in Zeebrugge from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, during which steady windspeeds ranged from 6-18 knots (7-21 miles per hour / 11-34 kilometers per hour). Gusts reached as high as 43 knots (50 mph / 80 kph), and it was during one of those gusts that the mooring lines broke.
@BBCBreaking – As were about to reboard the ship (Norwegian Prima) after Belgium, the gangways started slowly rolling towards the edge of the water, which we then noticed was because the boat began drifting away. They immediately started screaming and halting everyone from board pic.twitter.com/9aIiwPBalr
At the time, most cruise passengers were ashore enjoying the last port of call of the 10-night “Northern Europe: Island & Norway to London” sailing. Norwegian Prima had departed Reykjavik, Iceland on July 6, and already enjoyed ports of call in Iceland, Norway, and Holland before the call in Zeebrugge.
Guests on the pier at the time the lines broke were held ashore until Norwegian Prima was safely secured again and new gangways were in place. The sunken gangways will be retrieved later, and the entire incident is being investigated by the port.
Norwegian Prima Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Studio Porto Sabbia)
The ship left the village on Belgium’s northern coast Saturday evening, and arrived on time in Southampton for debarkation on Sunday morning. The next sailing, an 11-night “Northern Europe: Iceland, Norway, & Belgium” itinerary returning to Reykjavik, is not impacted.
Norwegian Prima will remain in Europe offering Northern European sailings through September, when the ship will offer a few Mediterranean sailings before repositioning to Galveston for the winter months. From there, she will offer 7-night Caribbean itineraries visiting popular ports of call in Mexico, as well as Roatan in Honduras and Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island destination in Belize.
Ships Breaking Loose
Norwegian Prima is not the first cruise ship to break loose from a dock due to high winds. In February 2023, MSC Cruises’ MSC Musica briefly broke free from being docked in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when wind gusts were reaching nearly 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour / 22 knots).
Cruise lines often cancel ports of call when high winds are predicted. This may happen during hurricanes or tropical storms, or just when local weather conditions may be too dangerous for secure docking. The location of the dock, sheltered harbor options, wind directions, and other factors are all taken into account when judging the safety and suitability of docking conditions.
Ships at tender ports also frequently cancel port visits when windy conditions make it unsafe to operate the smaller boats.
A ship’s size is also an important factor in judging whether wind conditions are safe for docking or not. Larger ships with more decks above the waterline are more likely to be impacted by strong winds that can push a vessel away from the dock, or even push it into the dock in a way that may damage the ship or the pier.
Norwegian Prima is not the largest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, but the ship’s tall profile can challenging to maneuver in windy conditions. The ship can welcome as many as 3,099 guests at double occupancy, and the ship’s captain will always keep passenger safety at the forefront when considering docking conditions.
The bridge is the most important area of any ship, including all cruise ships. If you think of a cruise ship as a large, complex organism, the ship’s bridge would be the vessel’s brain.
Not only is it where the captain and the other high-ranking officers navigate and control the ship’s most important operations, but it is also where communications with other ships and authorities on shore are conducted.
To help you learn more about this incredibly important and highly advanced control center, we will offer a detailed guide to the main components of a cruise ship bridge. We will also answer some common questions cruise ship passengers have about ship bridges, so you can better understand how cruise ships are operated.
Essentially, a cruise ship bridge is a dedicated control room near the front of the ship. Ship bridges are located towards the front of a cruise ship in an elevated position, allowing the captain and other crew within the bridge to have an unobstructed view of what is ahead of the vessel.
In most cases, the ship bridge will have windows facing most directions so that the crew can see ahead and down the sides of the ship. In fact, most ship bridges will have a 255° view of the path forward, allowing for more visibility on both the port and starboard sides of the vessel.
As mentioned, the cruise ship bridge is where all major navigational decisions are made and executed. Basically, it is the command center where all of the cruise ship’s operations are carried out. The ship bridge is also where decisions are made regarding the ship’s speed.
In addition to navigation, decisions made within the bridge are important for the safety of the ship’s passengers and crew. Not only does this mean those stationed within the bridge are responsible for avoiding obstacles, challenging weather conditions, and other potential hazards, it is where communication with ships, rescue personnel, and authorities located on land is carried out.
Why Is This Area Called the Ship Bridge?
The term “ship bridge” was used well before modern-day cruise ships were established. Originally, the term referred to a raised platform built at the top of a ship’s deck to give the ship’s captain a better view of the path ahead.
Photo Credit: waupee08 / Shutterstock
Since then, the term ship bridge has become a blanket term for the command area of just about any type of ship, including cruise ships. Since the bridge is where a ship’s captain and other officers control its navigation, it serves a similar purpose to the original raised platforms used on traditional sailing ships.
What Are the Main Areas of a Cruise Ship Bridge?
To give you a better understanding of the interior of a cruise ship’s command center, here are the main areas of a cruise ship bridge and the purposes they serve.
The Navigation Area
The bridge will feature a primary and secondary navigation area. Naturally, this is where the ship’s navigational equipment is located, including radar systems, GPS tracking equipment, and various chart plotting systems. You can also find backup navigation charts in these areas, which are used as a fail-safe if the ship’s navigational equipment fails.
Navigation Systems (Photo Credit: Alexey Seafarer / Shutterstock)
To ensure an unobstructed view, the two navigation areas are almost always located at the front of the bridge or on an elevated platform.
The Control Area
The ship’s speed and steering systems are located in the control area. Here you will find the primary engine control system, computer systems, steering mechanisms, and throttle controls.
Experienced officers are typically found here, as some of the ship’s most important functions are controlled in this area. In most cases, this area will be located to the side of the navigation area, as the two are closely related.
The Communication Area
The communication area of the bridge is where the cruise ship’s primary communications systems are located. This includes everything from satellite communication systems to sophisticated radios and telephones wired directly to the engine room.
This area is vital, as it allows the crew to communicate with other ships, shore-based authorities, and crew members in other areas of the ship. This area can be located in various parts of the bridge, but it is often located very close to the captain’s command center.
The Command Center
As the name implies, the captain and other high-ranking crew oversee all of the cruise ship’s essential operations. It is also where you will find the captain’s elevated chair.
Photo Credit: Philip Schubert / Shutterstock
Here you will find various display screens that give the captain instantaneous feedback about the cruise ship’s course, speed, and overall status.
Typically, it is located towards the back of the bridge but retains a clear view of the path ahead. This allows the captain’s voice to project forward so that all crew members can hear their commands clearly.
Main Observation and Lookout Deck
Towards the front of the bridge, you will often find a lowered observation and lookout deck. This area allows the captain and crew to get a clear view of the path ahead without blocking the view of crew members still at their stations.
For most cruise ships, this area is where you will find the best view of the entire ship.
The Bridge Wings
The bridge wings are extended platforms that protrude from either side of the bridge. These enclosed platforms exist to provide the navigational crew with better visibility, especially during docking procedures, and when the ship is navigating narrow waterways.
Since the bridge wings extend beyond the cruise ship’s hull, officers and other bridge crew members are able to have a much clearer view of either side of the ship.
Cruise Ship Officers on the Bridge (Photo Credit: Tony Skerl / Shutterstock)
This improved visibility allows the crew to more accurately gauge the distance to a docking platform, as well as any potential hazards to either side of the ship.
Direct contact is maintained between the bridge and those crew members that are stationed within the bridge wings during docking. In doing so, those on the bridge wings can provide guidance, and relay critical, up-to-date information as the thrusters are used to control the ship’s movement.
By working together, the crew members are able to ensure safe and precise maneuvering while docking and avoiding obstacles.
Crew Accommodations and Break Room
With some of the larger cruise ships, where a large crew is required to be on the bridge at all times, there may also be small living quarters towards the back of the bridge.
This allows the captain, as well as other members of the bridge crew, to rest and recuperate without needing to travel far. In an emergency scenario, the captain and their crew must be able to return to the bridge in as little time as possible.
Photo Credit: Philip Schubert / Shutterstock
Most vessels will have at least a bathroom in this area, but others can feature the captain’s quarters, beds, tables, and a small kitchenette, so crew members can take small breaks and rest during longer journeys.
Type of Personnel That Can Be Found on a Cruise Ship’s Bridge
Although the exact number of people found working on the ship’s bridge will depend on the size of the cruise ship, as well as the duration of the voyage, you will typically find the following types of personnel there:
The Ship’s Captain
The captain fulfills the most crucial role of a crew member on a cruise ship. This is reflected by the fact that they are considered the highest-ranking officer on the ship.
The captain will spend most of their time on the bridge in the command center. From here, they will oversee all operations within the bridge, including everything from navigation decisions to safety drills.
To learn what is required of a cruise ship captain and the skills needed to become one yourself, we recommend reading about how to become a cruise ship captain.
The Staff Captain
For most cruise ships, the staff captain acts as the captain’s second-in-command. All crew members will report to the staff captain when the captain is away. Basically, their role is to assist the captain and ensure that all operations are carried out safely and according to protocol.
Helmsmen
The helmsmen or helmsman steers the ship according to the captain’s directions. They also maintain regular contact with navigation officers, ensuring the cruise ship stays on course.
Typically, they will spend almost all of their time in the control area, which is located in the middle of the bridge on most ships.
Navigation Officers
As the name implies, navigation officers operate the cruise ship’s navigational equipment. They are also expected to have a professional understanding of navigational and depth charts, so they can continue to plot the ship’s course in the event of an equipment failure. They spend their time in the navigation area of the bridge, and they typically work in teams.
Photo Credit: Michele Rinaldi / Shutterstock
Communications Officers
Communications officers operate all of the communications equipment within the bridge. This means they must have an expert understanding of maritime radio procedures.
They also operate satellite communications systems and make in-calls to various other ship sections when commanded by the captain or staff captain.
Engine Officer
The engine officer is the direct link between the engine room and the ship’s bridge. They ensure the large vessel maintains its speed, direction, and course.
They also understand the ship’s limitations, as well as its current status and performance. The captain often speaks directly with the engine officer, especially during emergencies.
Lookouts and Junior Officers
Lookouts and junior officers perform general duties on the bridge for larger cruise ships. They should have a basic understanding of most roles on the bridge, so they can step in when required.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
While traversing narrow or high-traffic waterways, they are also expected to keep a close eye on the ship’s surroundings to prevent collisions and other dangerous situations.
Is it Possible for Cruise Ship Passengers to Visit the Bridge?
Given the bridge’s significance and the fact that it is where the captain performs most of their duties, many cruise ship passengers hope to visit it while on board a cruise ship. This is particularly true for those with small children.
Whether or not this is possible for passengers to visit the bridge depends on the exact policies of the cruise line you are vacationing with. It is also up to the discretion of the captain and other bridge personnel.
Behind the Scenes Tour (Photo Credit: Philip Schubert / Shutterstock)
While some will allow a small number of passengers to have a limited tour of the bridge, mainly while the ship is in port, the area is almost always only accessible to authorized personnel.
This is due to safety and security concerns. The last thing a captain would want is for their bridge crew to become distracted from their duties due to the presence of passengers and others.
If you are interested in visiting the bridge of a ship you are traveling with, look into the exact policies and offerings of that cruise line company.
Some will allow passengers to meet the captain and other high-ranking officers during a guided tour. During some of these tours, it is possible to get a limited look at the bridge and explain how the equipment on the bridge actually works.
Bridge of a Vessel (Photo Credit: Trygve Finkelsen / Shutterstock)
While there are no guarantees that you will be able to do so, these tours are often something you will need to register for ahead of time and pay a fee to participate in.
Again, if you are lucky enough to participate in a bridge tour, it will take place while the ship is in the harbor. You may also be required to stick to strict behavioral guidelines and even follow a specific dress code.
Are Bridge Tours Worth the Price?
While costs will vary depending on the cruise line, most of these tours cost about $100 and must be booked ahead of time.
These behind-the-scenes tours can certainly be interesting, but it is essential to understand that there are limitations. For starters, you likely won’t see too much action, as they are rarely scheduled while the ship is at sea.
Photo Credit: Philip Schubert / Shutterstock
With that said, for naval enthusiasts who want to understand the actual workings and operations of the ship they have boarded, it can be a very worthwhile experience.
It comes down to your preferences. If you are interested in participating in one, you should look into onboard activities well ahead of time, as the available spots on these tours can sell out very quickly.
If you want to see a quick example of a cruise ship bridge tour, you can find a video demonstration of a Princess Cruises bridge tour here.
Final Words
Given that the bridge is one of the most crucial components of any cruise ship, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the various areas found in this area of the ship. It’s worth a tour of the essential location to discover what goes on behind the scenes.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced several ships that will be starting the new main dining room menus following the introduction of the revamped menus aboard Carnival Dream in the past few weeks.
The new menus, which include special select dishes from the cruise line’s Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse, will be introduced fleet-wide in a phased approach through early 2024.
First to receive the new menus will be Carnival Conquest on her July 17, 2023 departure, a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise visiting Key West and Cozumel.
Carnival’s Emeril Lagasse and Chefs
Next up to receive the enhanced menu – which includes a rotation of more than 60 new dishes – will be Carnival Horizon later this month. In August, four additional ships will feature the new menus: Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Vista, Carnival Radiance, and Mardi Gras.
“Working with our skilled team of Carnival chefs, we recently tested and selected more than 60 new dishes to mix into the dining room rotation. I’m pleased that these dishes were very well received by our guests on Carnival Dream, so we are very excited to roll them out to the Carnival fleet,” said Emeril Lagasse, Carnival’s “Chief Culinary Officer.”
Carnival Cruise Line Menu Change
Throughout the rest of 2023 and into early 2024, Carnival Cruise Line will bring the new menus to several US-homeported vessels each month.
The cruise line’s Australia-based ships – Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor – will implement the new menus later in 2024, but exact dates have not been announced.
Beyond Carnival Conquest, Carnival Horizon, and the ships confirmed to receive the new menus in August, the exact order of ships to introduce the new menus has not been announced.
From Hawaiian shrimp poke and roasted duck rolls to grilled swordfish and Cornish game hen, delicious options span all flavor profiles and offer a wide range of unique options.
“Food is an ever-evolving art, so our approach to the dining room offerings is to infuse a selection of new dishes, feature more international flavors and complement the Carnival classics our guests love,”Lagasse said.
Of particular interest are the new salad entrees, larger salads featuring key proteins for a filling and delicious meal on the lighter side. The “Ultimate Cobb Salad” “Beefsteak Salad” and “Asian Chopped Salad with Chicken” are just a few of these new mainstays.
Some of the most popular of the new dishes are the “Emeril Selects” options, personally curated by Lagasse and offered as highlighted options on each menu. “Beef Carpaccio” “Coffee Glazed Roast Duck” and “BBQ Salmon” are just some of these special highlights.
Of course, no menu is complete without decadent desserts. New options include the “Dutch Double Chocolate Pave” cake and a luscious “Banana Cream Pie” guests are sure to love.
Classics Remain Popular
Loyal Carnival guests don’t need to despair about the fate of their favorite classic dishes, as the cruise line is keeping many well-loved options available on the menu. “Escargot Bourguignonne” is still a top-tier appetizer, “Classic Beef Wellington” remains a delicious entrée, and of course, the classic “Chocolate Melting Cake” is one of the cruise line’s most popular desserts of all time.
Other popular favorites, including the chilled strawberry bisque soup and the savory cheese plate for dessert, also remain on the menu with only slight alterations.
Guest feedback to the test period aboard Carnival Dream has also led to the development of more vegan dishes to be added to the menu, along with vegetarian options already available.
