Carnival Cruise Line continues to elevate its efforts to honor their contributions to society as the cruise line carries more active and retired military service members than any other. The cruise line announced the extension of their Military Appreciation Gathering to a full Military Appreciation Day on all North American sailings.
The Miami-based cruise line also announced the introduction of a special beer, of which proceeds will go to Operation Homefront. Carnival is also making it easier for guests onboard to contribute financially to this Non-profit organization that supports thousands of former service members.
Enhancing Military Appreciation
Carnival Cruise Line will bring several enhancements to the military appreciation gatherings onboard its ships in North America, introducing a Military Appreciation Day. The cruise line made the announcement today, July 20, 2023.
Starting the week of July 24, each ship in the Carnival fleet will host Military Appreciation Day. Guests will be greeted with special messages broadcasted on the Carnival Seaside Theater screen, and announcements will be made by the Cruise Director and Captain.
Carnival Cruise Line Military Appreciation
On voyages lasting four days or more, a large United States Flag will be displayed in the ship’s atrium for the duration of Military Appreciation Day.
“At Carnival, where we’re proudly known as America’s Cruise Line, we’re intent on honoring our military heroes and expanding our Military Appreciation Gathering into a full day is a wonderful tribute to the sacrifices our Armed Services personnel and their families have made,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“Carnival already carries more active and retired military service members than any other cruise line, and we are proud that our new Military Appreciation Day will serve as an incredible salute to military service members and their families.”
More than Just a Day of Recognition
Military Appreciation Day retains the essence of the previously established Military Appreciation Gathering, with several enhancements. The event is designed to honor and show appreciation for members of the military, including active duty, reserve, and retired personnel.
One notable feature is the introduction of information about Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization partnered with Carnival. Operation Homefront provides crucial assistance to service members to prevent short-term difficulties from escalating into long-term hardships.
Carnival Heroes Bar
Furthermore, Carnival is easing the process for guests to donate to Operation Homefront by implementing a quick swipe feature on their Sail & Sign card.
Alongside this, guests can purchase group photos from the gathering at a discounted rate, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Operation Homefront. Each military member present at the gathering will also receive a special pin, and the longest-serving veteran will be honored with a special hero coin.
Carnival Cruise Line Heroes Lounge
In April 2023, Carnival announced it will bring back a raffle that awards a free cruise to a military member and a guest of their choice every month. Guests can enter the raffle simply by swiping their Sail & Sign card at the Military Appreciation Gathering.
Carnival brand Ambassador John Heald said the following on bringing back the raffle:“This is just another way to say thank you to those whose courage and bravery allow all of us the freedom to cruise and to have fun.”
Additional Honors and Exclusives for Military Guests
Carnival offers Veterans Meet and Greet events on all sailings. Moreover, onboard Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance, and Carnival Pride, these events will be held in the Heroes Tribute Lounge. These sailings will also feature the Veterans Table – a reserved dining spot for veterans during Tea Time.
Adding to the celebration, Carnival is launching a new beer named “Heroes American Pale Ale.” Made exclusively onboard Carnival ships with breweries, a dollar from each sale will be donated to Operation Homefront.
Since 2016, Carnival has held a Military Appreciation Gathering on every cruise. In 2023 alone, Carnival is set to host 1,510 military gatherings across its fleet.
San Diego Comic Convention, the parent company behind the globally acclaimed San Diego Comic-Con, recently announced a thrilling new venture that promises to take the comic universe to the high seas.
In collaboration with Entertainment Cruise Productions, the organization is introducing “Comic-Con: The Cruise,” a fully immersive fan experience set aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The cruise is scheduled to set sail from Tampa, Florida.
Popular Culture and Cruising
Comic-Con is an entertainment and comic book convention held annually in San Diego, California. Originating in 1970, it has grown to become one of the largest and most well-known conventions of its kind worldwide. Fans of cruising and Comic-con will be happy to know that Comic-Con will now be going maritime with Comic-Con: The Cruise.
In February 2025, fans of popular culture will be able to sail onboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas on a cruise to Cozumel while enjoying a wealth of original entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences. All of it is delivered by favorite Comic-Con stars and creators.
Serenade of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock)
Throughout the cruise, fans will have the opportunity to interact with iconic personalities in an unprecedented manner as they step off the stage to join in the festivities.
“With a stellar reputation for producing fan events on the ocean, we are excited that Entertainment Cruise Productions has developed Comic-Con: The Cruise to be a truly new kind of adventure,”said David Glanzer, spokesperson for the popular event.
“The team at ECP shares our passion for transformational events and innovative programming, and we are excited they are building something so amazing.”
Which stars will be sailing onboard for the cruise remains a mystery, with Comic-Con promising to release more details in the coming months.
All Aboard for a Unique Voyage
Comic-Con: The Cruise is set to feature a broad selection of activities and events, offering a unique combination of fandom and relaxation. The cruise will be jam-packed with panels and Q&A sessions, competitive gaming, karaoke, trivia, and more. Each night will feature themed and cosplay parties and performances from well-known bands and DJs.
Greg Laubach, Executive Director of Entertainment Cruise Productions, stated:“Comic-Con is unrivaled in creating a community that brings people together for experiences you can’t find anywhere else. It’s what we love to do, and we have designed Comic-Con: The Cruise to be a one-of-a-kind ultimate fan adventure.”
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
The cruise sails from Tampa, Florida, on February 5, 2025, onboard the 90,090 gross tons Serenade of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship with a capacity to accommodate 2,476 passengers. The ship will visit Cozumel, Mexico, and return to Tampa on February 9.
Historically, the San Diego Comic-Con has seen tickets disappear almost as quickly as they become available due to the event’s immense popularity and the limited number of attendees it can accommodate. With bookings for Comic-Con: The Cruise now open, those interested will need to act fast to secure their spot.
Cabin rates for Comic-Con: The Cruise start at $990 per person (double occupancy) and include all performances, interviews, parties, and events, along with meals.
Carnival Cruise Line has been finalizing travel plans for guests onboard Carnival Pride, now that the ship will remain in Kiel, Germany for emergency repairs.
The phased debarkation is considering what guests’ onward travel plans are, how charter flights have been arranged, which airports guests must reach, and how to get guests on to the cruise terminal in Dover, UK as necessary.
Travel Plans Underway for Carnival Pride Guests
The more than 2,000 passengers aboard Carnival Pride are finally learning and beginning to use travel plans from the now-needing-repair cruise ship.
Different options have been made available, depending on whether guests wished to return home immediately, want to stay onboard until their original flights in the next few days, or had planned to be back-to-back guests on the next, now-cancelled, cruise.
Carnival Pride is remaining in Kiel, Germany for unscheduled repairs to the propulsion system. The ship developed propulsion issues that reduced cruising speed on Tuesday evening, and rather than continuing on the original 12-night sailing, the last port of call – Gothenburg, Sweden – was cancelled. The ship then returned to Kiel for assessment and repair.
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
As the scope of the repairs and the need for special parts and expertise was determined, Carnival Cruise Line opted to cancel the ship’s next sailing – a 9-night European cruise visiting ports throughout the UK and Ireland.
Many guests already onboard, however, had planned back-to-back sailings and now need adjusted travel plans, as well as changes for travelers planning to join the ship on Friday, July 21.
Now, some of those travel plans have been finalized, and guests on early flights are already on their way home. Other travelers have opted to remain onboard Carnival Pride while docked in Kiel, awaiting repairs and what may be a shortened sailing for the next cruise.
Some guests are being accommodated on a charter flight and will have special immigration processing prior to debarking the ship on Friday. Hotel rooms and shuttles between the hotel and necessary airports for different flights have all been arranged.
A shuttle back to the Dover cruise terminal is also arranged, which will be necessary for travelers who drove their own vehicles to the cruise port.
When Will Carnival Pride Get Underway?
New difficulties have arisen, however, as Carnival Pride‘s Hotel Director, Alina Chefneux, explained in a notification to guests on Thursday, July 20.
“Obviously, the Port of Kiel did not anticipate our visit, or that we would be staying this long,”Chefneux explained.“Local officials have been very accommodating to support us, as we work to take care of all of you.”
Because additional cruise ships are scheduled to visit Kiel in the next few days, Carnival Pride must now move to a cargo dock, and guests will no longer be able to debark to explore the local area.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Europa, Costa Cruises’ Costa Firenze (the same ship destined to become Carnival Firenze in 2024), AIDA Criuses’ AIDAnova, MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia, and other ships are all calling on Kiel over the weekend.
“For the next several days, only guests who must debark to transit to the airport will be allowed to disembark the ship. Immigration officials are making special arrangements to handle those guests, but cannot do so for large numbers of guests,”Chefneux said.
Carnival pride Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mario Hagen / Shutterstock)
This information may not be welcome for passengers who have opted to remain onboard Carnival Pride and now find themselves without any opportunity to get off the ship.
Guests onboard have reported the crew members doing excellent work to provide superior service and extra activities, but it could quickly become tedious depending on the time needed for the repair work.
The wording of “several days” is also concerning, as it may indicate the repairs to the vessel could last longer than anticipated. Any shortened cruise for the next sailing may be very short indeed, perhaps only with 1-2 ports of call, rather than the six ports on the original itinerary.
The letter to guests did note that special technicians have already joined the ship to confirm repair plans, and the necessary parts are on the way so repairs can be made promptly.
Carnival Pride is scheduled to remain homeported from Dover, UK, through mid-September, before repositioning to Rome (Civitavecchia) to offer a short series of Mediterranean sailings. In late October, the ship will reposition to Tampa, Florida to spend the winter offering Western Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries.
Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that Carnival Pride will sail a shortened 6-night itinerary following the completion of its propulsion repairs, and that new cruise will end as previously scheduled in Dover, UK on Sunday, July 30. This is welcome news for guests who have opted to remain onboard the vessel or waiting in the hopes that some sailing would be possible, rather than a complete cruise cancellation.
Carnival Pride to Sail Shorter Itinerary
The original cruise Carnival Pride was scheduled to sail was to have begun on Friday, July 21, from Dover, UK. The 9-night itinerary had planned calls in Edinburg, Kirkwall, and Stornoway in Scotland; Belfast in Northern Ireland, Holyhead in Wales, and Cork in Ireland, before returning to Dover.
Now, guests have been informed that the ship will instead sail an abbreviated, 6-night itinerary calling on Belfast, Holyhead, and Cork, with two days at sea.
While this change is dramatic, it is a far cry from cancelling the sailing entirely, which was initially feared until the repairs to the ship could be assessed, technical experts brought onboard, and the repairs completed. The time for the ship – now docked in Kiel, Germany as it undergoes repairs – to transit back to Dover also had to be considered.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
“We anticipate completing the repairs and getting the ship back to Dover Monday morning,”the email read.“We are happy to share that we will be able to operate a cruise with an abbreviated itinerary departing from Dover Monday, July 24, and returning as originally planned on Sunday, July 30.”
Much of the confusion around this sailing has been due to the large number of back-to-back cruisers already onboard Carnival Pride, as well as guests who had already arrived in Europe prior to joining the July 21 departure. Those guests’ travel plans needed significant accommodation, and while a number of guests have opted to simply cancel their cruise, others have chosen to wait out the repairs in the hopes of setting sail.
Further Compensation Before Embarkation
At this point, guests still have several options. Any passenger who does elect to take the cruise will receive a prorated 3-day refund of their cruise fare, including taxes, fees, missed shore tours, and pre-paid packages such as drinks, Wi-Fi, or gratuities. All guests on the shortened sailing will also receive a $500 (USD) onboard credit per stateroom.
Photo Credit: Gestur Gislason / Shutterstock
Guests who have already arrived in Europe will receive an additional reimbursement for hotel accommodations and meals for Sunday, July 30 (having already received that compensation for Friday and Saturday), to hold them over until boarding the ship on Monday.
Any travelers who have not yet departed for Europe are still eligible for the offer for hotel and food reimbursement for Sunday, as well as reimbursement for flight change fees if such flights may be rebooked. Carnival does acknowledge that doing so may be difficult at this late notice during the busy summer travel season, but still wanted to make the offer.
Guests who do not set sail will still receive a full, 100% refund of their cruise fare, a 100% future cruise credit (FCC) as previously offered. The FCC must be redeemed by July 31, 2024, and can be used on any Carnival Cruise Line sailing.
Guests Must Call to Cancel
In previous communications, Carnival Cruise Line had indicated that all guests who had not yet departed for Europe before Carnival Pride developed the propulsion difficulty would be automatically refunded for their cruise.
Carnival Pride Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mario Hagen / Shutterstock)
This has changed, however, in light of the revised itinerary. All guests who want to cancel are asked to call the cruise line or their travel agent no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023 to confirm cancellation and refund processing. This will help clarify how many passengers will be onboard the 6-night cruise as well as expedite refund processing for those who forgo the sailing.
Carnival Pride Repairs
Carnival Pride developed propulsion issues that impacted the ship’s maximum cruising speed on Tuesday evening, July 18. Because of the nature of those issues, the ship returned to Kiel, Germany for emergency repairs, cancelling the last port of call planned for the current 12-night cruise.
As repairs have been underway, guests onboard were initially permitted to leave the ship to explore Kiel (which they had already visited earlier in the sailing). The ship has now been moved to a cargo port to accommodate other scheduled vessels, however, and guests must remain onboard unless they are cancelling their cruise plans and opting to leave for home.
The 88,500-gross ton, Spirit-class vessel can host 2,124 guests at double occupancy, and as many as 2,610 passengers when fully booked. Carnival has not confirmed how many guests are onboard nor how many have opted to leave the ship, but summer sailing seasons are generally popular and ships often sail full during these months.
In a move intended to curb pollution and manage tourism, the Amsterdam City Council has voted to prohibit cruise ships from docking in the city center. This decision represents a significant shift in the city’s approach toward cruise tourism.
While cruise ships were welcomed with open arms before, the current city government has even called cruise ship passengers ‘locusts’ and wishes to ban cruise ships entirely from the city limits. The policy aligns with other initiatives in Amsterdam to discourage tourists from visiting the Dutch capital.
The Cruise Terminal Relocation Initiative
Amsterdam city council has voted yes on policies that aim to ban or severely limit cruise ships from docking in the city center. The Amsterdam Cruise Terminal is located next to the Amsterdam Central Station and within walking distance of the historic old city.
The decision follows a motion passed with a considerable majority in the city council. The resolution involves relocating the current cruise terminal to an area outside the city center. While this isn’t a new concept, the city government seems eager to implement the ban.
It would mean a considerable inconvenience for visiting cruise ship passengers, having to use busses or public transportation to reach the Amsterdam city center.
Norwegian Prima in Amsterdam (Photo Credit: Bert e Boer / Shutterstock)
Whether that will phase the local politician behind the motion remains to be seen. Illana Rooderkerk says cruise passengers are little more than a ‘locust plague.’
Political party D66 chair Ilana Rooderkerk strongly advocates for the ban. She wrote a piece in a newspaper a few weeks ago, saying Amsterdam has no space for cruise ship passengers.
Rooderkerk: “It fits within our vision to look critically at the cruise ships that visit Amsterdam because the cruise passenger is a prime example of a tourist from whom the city derives little benefit. Because, like a plague of locusts, they move into the city center all at once, with the attendant nuisance.”
“As Mayor Halsema pointed out, tourists have little time for museums but visit the red light district. Aside from mooring fees and tourist taxes, the local economy hardly benefits from the flash visits. The benefit is to the cruise lines.”
Amsterdam is set to receive a total of 73 cruise ship visits through the end of 2023. Holland America Line’s ms Rotterdam is scheduled to make nine visits, making a total of 15 visits for Holland America Line. Norwegian Cruise Line also has 15 calls scheduled this year, six of these will be from the cruise line’s flagship, Norwegian Prima.
Besides the ocean-going ships, Amsterdam is a primary homeport for river cruise ships sailing from the Netherlands to Germany, Switzerland, France, and Eastern Europe. However, for now, these river cruise ships are not included in the proposed ban.
Impact of Cruise Ships
Besides the influx of tourists in the city, the environmental footprint of the large cruise ships docking in the town is a primary concern.
As cruise ships cannot connect to shore power in Amsterdam, they are a significant source of pollution and release sulfur, nitrogen, and particulate matter as their engines must remain running while in port.
Holland America Ship in Amsterdam (Photo Credit: rawf8 / Shutterstock)
The city’s popularity with cruise passengers has grown considerably over the years. According to Cruise Port Amsterdam (CPA), the terminal owner, passenger numbers were increasing by around 10% annually until 2018, with a predicted influx of nearly 300,000 passengers this year.
The number of tourists arriving by cruise ship pales compared to those visiting the city through the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on cheap, extremely polluting short-haul flights. However, the council believes banning cruise ships will send out a message that it is serious about limiting tourism.
Implementation Seems Unlikely in Near Future
Whether the new policies will indeed be implemented remains a question. Moving the terminal was first brought up in 2016, but little else has happened besides limiting the number of calls from 300 to 190.
Relocating the cruise terminal involves much more than just the Amsterdam City Council deciding on a motion. The entire process would need to be discussed with local and national stakeholders:
Alderman Hester van Buren told the Dutch newspaper NRC:“I’m not saying: the terminal will never be moved or scaled down. We think a healthy living environment is very important, but we cannot decide this unilaterally in Amsterdam.”
While the council has the power to enact this policy locally due to the Port Authority’s ownership by the municipality, the motion needs to be translated into law or regulation, which can be a lengthy process.
Of course, Amsterdam is not the only European city where cruise ships have drawn negative attention. Venice has already banned large cruise ships from entering, while Barcelona, Santorini, and Dubrovnik have or will limit cruise ship arrivals.
Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Carnival Jubilee, has unexpectedly floated out today, July 21, 2023, at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. The float-out marks a key milestone in the construction process, indicating the completion of the outer hull of the 183,521-gross-ton cruise ship.
Originally scheduled to float out on Saturday morning, Meyer Werft brought the major milestone forward due to the inclement weather expected in Germany over the weekend. The undocking maneuver has already been completed, moving the ship into position to the wet dock at the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
Early Float Out Demonstrates Exceptional Progress
Carnival Cruise Line’s newest Excel-class cruise ship has achieved another major milestone in its construction, touching water and floating for the first time since construction began in 2022.
Meyer Werft stated that the float out, initially scheduled for Saturday, had been brought forward, likely due to the inclement weather conditions expected over the weekend.
Carnival Jubilee Float Out (Photo Courtesy: Meyer Werft)
Workers at the shipyard commenced filling the dock at around 12:00 PM CET. Very slowly the giant new Carnival cruise ship emerged from the large construction hall. Carnival Jubilee is afloat and being positioned to the wet dock with the help of several tug boats at the Meyer Werft shipyard. YouTuber Detlev Helmerich also posted a live video of the float out, which you can watch below:
The shipyard issued a statement, saying: “Attention, new schedule: The undocking of the Carnival Jubilee will begin 12 hours earlier and thus will start tonight at approximately 8:30 PM CET. To facilitate this, we flooded our building dock this morning and thus transferred Carnival Jubilee to its element.”
Wet Dock, Conveyance, and Sea Trials
Carnival Jubilee will be docked at a nearby wet dock, where interior work, including furnishings and interior design, will continue. This phase is expected to take several weeks.
After the interior work, Carnival Jubilee will undertake a unique journey known as the river Ems conveyance. This journey, a tradition for ships constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard, involves navigating the narrow Ems River to reach the North Sea.
Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship
Guided by experienced pilots and aided by tugboats, Carnival Jubilee will slowly make its way through this challenging passage, before heading out for sea trials, which are scheduled for August 2023. The sea trials will examine the ship’s critical systems, such as navigation, propulsion, and safety operations. Upon completing these trials, the ship will officially become a property of Carnival Cruise Line.
The First Meyer Werft-Built Carnival Cruise Ship
The Excel-class Carnival Jubilee is the first cruise ship Meyer Werft has built for the American cruise company in Germany. Both Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration were constructed by the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The German and Finish shipyard are part of the Meyer Group parent company.
Work on Carnival Jubilee began on March 18, 2022. The change in shipyard was made following the overwhelming success of Mardi Gras, prompting Carnival Corporation to change Carnival Jubilee from her original cruise line, AIDA, to Carnival Cruise Line while retaining the services of Meyer Werft.
Carnival Jubilee (Photo Credit: Meyer Werft)
For tomorrow, July 22, 2023, Carnival Jubilee will briefly cast off from the pier around midday to conduct various tests on the bow thrusters and stabilizers. However, this schedule might change due to the weather conditions.
Carnival Jubilee, when finished, will measure 1,130 feet in length, with 15 passenger decks, capable of accommodating up to 6,631 guests.
Her maiden voyage, a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, will depart from Galveston, Texas, on December 23, 2023. Ports of call on this cruise include Roatan in Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. The ship is slated to remain homeported from Galveston through April 2025.
Carnival Cruise Line’s third Excel-class mega-ship, Carnival Jubilee has made its float out and emerged from the construction hall at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, on July 21, 2023.
What truly stole the show was its striking bow, adorned with an iconic Texas star, symbolizing the ship’s connection to its homeport in the Lone Star State of Texas.
Carnival Jubilee Unveils New Texas Star on Bow During Float Out
Carnival Jubileeemerged from its construction dock at the renowned Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, on July 21, 2023. The major construction milestone went ahead of schedule, rather than on July 22.
Amidst much anticipation, the ship unveiled a delightful surprise – a magnificent Texas star displayed proudly on its bow.
The emblem is the first of its kind ever displayed on a Carnival cruise ship pays homage to the Lone Star State and evokes a sense of grandeur and pride. It comes as the LNG-powered vessel will be based out of the Port of Galveston, In Texas towards the end of the year.
Carnival Jubilee at Meyer Werft
Speaking at the ceremony, Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, expressed her gratitude to the Meyer Werft team for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication. She also shared her excitement for Carnival Jubilee’s upcoming Western Caribbean deployment, set to begin in December 2023
“The Texas star on Carnival Jubilee’s bow is a symbol of our commitment to the Port of Galveston. As the first cruise line to sail year-round from Galveston, we have a long history with the community, and our next new ship is our latest investment in support of the local economy’s impressive growth while delivering innovative experiences for our guests,” said Duffy.
Carnival Jubilee at Meyer Werft
As the sun cast a warm glow over the shipyard, the Carnival Jubilee majestically glided into the waters of the river Ems, marking a significant milestone in its construction process.
Beginning construction in 2022, over a year of dedicated work and meticulous craftsmanship have led to this moment, and the shipyard’s team, along with Carnival Cruise Line executives, could not have been prouder of their creation.
What’s Next for Carnival Jubilee?
The Carnival Jubilee’s journey has been closely watched by cruise fans, eagerly awaiting news of its progress. Now, with the float-out behind it, the ship gears up for its next phase of construction, where it will undergo meticulous interior outfitting to prepare for its inaugural voyage. Its sea trials are scheduled for November 2023.
The ship is a marvel of modern engineering, and the first Carnival cruise ship ever constructed at the specific Meyer Werft facility. The vessel is a testament to engineering prowess and architectural ingenuity, spanning an astonishing 1,100 feet in length and towering over 200 feet above the waterline.
Carnival Jubilee at Meyer Werft
With a gross tonnage of approximately 180,000, this floating goliath is a true titan of the seas, capable of accommodating thousands of eager passengers on each voyage. She is the sister ship to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration and will feature a total of six different zones, including the new “Currents and “Shore” zones.
Come December 23rd, 2023, Carnival Jubilee will embark on its inaugural voyage, setting sail on a mesmerizing Western Caribbean itinerary out of Galveston, Texas.
Guests can enjoy journeys through destinations, such as Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, and Costa Maya. The inaugural sailing of the Carnival Jubilee is certainly a highly anticipated event, and bookings have already started pouring in. The new ship will continue to offer Caribbean sailings year-round from the port.
Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that a male passenger from Carnival Elation has intentionally gone overboard. The US Coast Guard launched a search operation for the man off the Florida east coast upon being notified of the incident, while the Fantasy-class vessel has returned to its homeport in Jacksonville on schedule.
Man Overboard Carnival Elation
While the Carnival Elation cruise ship was heading back to its homeport in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday morning, July 23, 2023, a 30-year-old male passenger intentionally went overboard approximately 95 miles (153 kilometers) east of Melbourne.
Carnival Cruise Line confirmed to Cruise Hive that the “crew was notified by his traveling companion late in the afternoon about his missing status after he had not been seen all day.”
The crew launched a significant search for the missing man, but sadly, after reviewing the onboard security cameras, it was confirmed that the male passenger had jumped overboard.
There is no information about the circumstances of the incident, including whether or not any personal disputes or alcohol may have been involved. It is also unknown why the man was not reported missing earlier in the day.
The cruise line also said, “Shoreside authorities were notified, and the crew was advised to continue to Jacksonville. The Carnival Care Team is providing support to the guest’s family and our thoughts are with them and the guest. Carnival Elation was on a four-day Bahamas sailing and returned to its homeport of Jacksonville on Monday morning.“
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
The Carnival Elation crew contacted the relevant authorities on land, and the US Coast Guard launched a search operation. Air and surface crews out of Miami, Clearwater, and Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon are are actively searching off the Florida coast.
The 70,367-gross ton Carnival Elation was heading back to Jacksonville at the time to end a four-day Bahamas sailing, which included calls to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island and the Bimini Islands. The voyage first departed on Thursday, July 20, 2023 out of Florida.
Due to the timing of the overboard alert, the Fantasy-class vessel was not involved in search operations and was directed to continue en route to Jacksonville. With that, there has been no delay in returning for the ship’s turnaround for its next sailing. Carnival Elation is scheduled to depart on Monday, July 24 on a five-night Bahamas cruise, with visits to Nassau and the private destination of Princess Cays.
In that incident, the passenger was not recovered despite search efforts that covered more than 5,100 square miles with both air and water assets.
Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock
Similar to the man now overboard from Carnival Elation, the man overboard from Carnival Magic was also not reported missing for several hours, which makes search efforts much more challenging.
When search efforts are not able to be initiated immediately, rescue teams must first calculate the ship’s position at the time the overboard occurred. Local water conditions including currents, surface winds, and storms can cause someone overboard to drift significantly away from the ship’s route, and must be factored into search patterns.
Carnival Elation has also previously had an overboard situation. In February 2017, a 24-year-old man went overboard from the vessel while the ship was sailing in The Bahamas. That search was suspended after exhaustive efforts failed to locate the man.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing passenger, as well as with the 920 Carnival Elation crew members as they work to bring another fun-filled cruise to new guests just hours after the unfortunate incident.
Even if you have a very limited understanding of maritime terms and lingo, you have probably heard of the helm of a ship. The helm is essential for guiding that water vessel through the water. Without the helm, it would be impossible for any vessel to navigate direction properly.
To help you understand what the helm of a ship actually is and its purpose, we have provided this straightforward guide. We will cover everything from the integral role the it plays in navigation to its various components.
In simple terms, the helm of a ship is the primary control station where everything from the vessel’s course to its speed is decided and controlled. For larger ships, like cruise ships, it is located on the ship’s bridge, which is why this area is often deemed the ship’s “command center.”
The helm serves the same basic function on smaller boats as larger ships, but it is much smaller in scale. The helm of a smaller vessel is also far less sophisticated than a cruise ship’s helm. For example, a small recreational boat helm could consist of a steering wheel or tiller, ignition, and throttle.
Overview of the Ship Bridge (Photo Credit: Chen Liang-Dao / Shutterstock)
On smaller ships this could be located on the open deck. Basically, you can think of the helm of a ship just like you would think of the driver’s seat of a typical vehicle.
Regardless of the size and sophistication of a ship’s helm, it must provide a clear, unobstructed view and have the necessary controls and instruments to steer the ship, control its speed, and chart its course.
What Is the Main Purpose of the Helm of a Ship?
The main purpose of the helm of a boat or ship is navigation. As mentioned, it is the area of the ship where all controls are located. On larger vessels, like cruise ships, it is where navigational officers and other crew members tasked with piloting the ship are located.
They use the helm as a control station where they steer the vessel, control its speed, and monitor its progress, location, and expected course. Essentially, the helm is used to get the ship where it needs to be most safely and efficiently possible.
To help you have a greater understanding of what sorts of roles are carried out at the helm of a ship, here is a more detailed breakdown:
Controlling the Speed of the Ship
One of the most essential roles a ship’s helm serves is controlling the ship’s speed. While the exact nature of the speed controls will depend on the type of ship and its size, the helm is where the navigation crew will increase or decrease the ship’s speed.
Since the helm is where the ship’s speed is controlled, it is also where fuel usage and efficiency decisions are made. On more sophisticated modern ships, like a cruise ship, many of these controls are automated, but crew members will still have the option to override pre-set speeds by using optimal navigation equipment and controls.
Steering and Guiding the Ship
As discussed, the helm of a ship is also where you will find the instruments required to steer the ship. On smaller vessels, this can be a steering wheel linked to the ship’s rudder. On larger and more sophisticated ships, the ship’s course is pre-plotted, so much of this is automated ahead of time.
With that said, even the largest ships tend to have a steering wheel or similar steering mechanism, which is used in emergencies, as well as certain docking procedures.
These more sophisticated vessels will also feature a precise rudder angle indicator, which provides the navigational crew with up-to-the-second feedback on the current positioning of the ship’s rudder.
Monitoring the Ship’s Course, Position, and Avoiding Hazards
The helm is also where you will find most of a ship’s navigational tools and instruments. While a course can be plotted ahead of time, it is always important to monitor potential hazards and the ship’s course and current position.
Ensuring the ship is on course and avoiding dangerous obstacles and weather is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage.
Navigation Systems (Photo Credit: Alexey Seafarer / Shutterstock)
This explains why the helm of a large vessel will feature weather monitoring systems, navigation displays, GPS equipment, radar screens, and much more.
Communicating with Crew, Authorities, and Other Ships
The helm can also serve as the central communication hub for the entire ship. Since the helm is where most of the critical decisions are made, and actions are conducted, crew members operating here must be able to remain in constant contact with other areas of the ship.
Not only will the helm feature communication equipment for contacting other areas of the ship, like the engine room, but you will also find satellite radios and other long-range communication tools for contacting port authorities, emergency responders, other ships in the area, and others not onboard the ship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between the helm of a cruise ship and a small boat?
While both helms serve the same basic purpose, they differ in scale and sophistication. Where the helm of a small boat or yacht might just feature a steering wheel, throttle, and fuel gauge, the helm of a large ship, like a cruise ship, is far more complex.
For starters, the helm is operated by numerous crew members rather than an individual. Cruise ships also plot much farther courses, so they need more sophisticated navigation systems, like autopilot controls and instruments that can measure the distance from far away hazards.
What is a helmsman?
A helmsman is an informal name given to the individual in charge of steering a ship. Typically, the helmsman will be a high-ranking individual, as they have a significant amount of responsibility for the safety of the ship and all of its crewmembers and passengers.
Photo Credit: Gargantiopa / Shutterstock
Why is it called the “helm” of a ship?
The term helm comes from the Old English word “helme”. In modern-day English, this word roughly translates to “rudder” or “instrument used to steer a ship.” Since the rudder is the piece of equipment responsible for directing a ship, it makes sense to refer to the area that controls the rudder, the helm.
Where is the helm on a ship?
On a larger vessel, the ship’s helm is almost always located on the ship’s bridge. For smaller ships and modern boats, the helm is typically found in the center forward of the vessel.
Cruise Ship Bridge (Photo Credit: Felipe Sanchez / Shutterstock)
Regardless of what type of ship or boat you are discussing, those at the helm of the ship must have a clear and unobstructed view, which also explains why the helm is usually elevated.
How is the helm of a passenger vessel protected from unauthorized visitors?
While each ship’s safety and security protocols vary, access to the helm is always strictly controlled. In most cases, a combination of cameras, alarms, locked doors, and even security personnel ensure that the helm remains restricted.
In many cases, authorized crew members are given key cards that provide them access to the bridge, where you will find the helm of the ship.
Can those operating the helm communicate with the rest of the ship?
Yes, officers and other crew members at the helm must be able to communicate with other crew members located throughout the ship.
In fact, those at the helm will also be able to communicate with passengers, just like how the pilot of a passenger plane can communicate with crew and passengers over the intercom.
How many people work in the helm area of a ship?
The exact number of crew members and officers located in the helm area of a ship depends on the size of the vessel and its unique operating requirements.
Photo Credit: Michele Rinaldi / Shutterstock
While the number varies from ship to ship, you can expect between five to ten individuals to be present at any given time.
This range usually includes the captain, staff captain, navigational officers, radio operators, lookouts, and the designated helmsman. Again, this number will vary from one cruise ship to another.
Final Words
While the helm of a ship can look very different from one ship to the next, the helm always serves an essential function by controlling a ship’s speed, direction, and course.
Larger vessels, like cruise ships, feature a wide range of sophisticated instruments and control mechanisms, but the same basic principles are the same from one ship’s helm to the next.
To learn more about where the helm of a ship is located, we highly recommend reading about the front part of a ship.
If you are interested in gaining a more general understanding of the various segments of a cruise ship, we also recommend reading about the significant parts of a cruise ship. It can provide you with a basic overview of the major parts of a ship and help you the next time you are navigating a cruise ship while on vacation!
