Authorities are searching for a male passenger reported missing from Princess Cruises’ Emerald Princess.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, August 11, 2023, as the cruise ship was approaching Hilo, Hawaii, the first port of call on a 16-night Hawaiian Islands sailing from Los Angeles. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has initiated search operations off the northeastern coast of the Big Island.
Man Overboard From Emerald Princess
Both Hawaiian authorities and USCG teams are searching for a man, identified as 59-year-old Kenneth Schwalbe of California, overboard from a cruise ship near Hilo, Hawaii. The missing man is described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds and having brown hair.
The Hawai’i Police Department was notified of the incident at 8:40 a.m. on Friday morning, August 11, 2023. The police report notes that Schwalbe had been last seen at 8:30 p.m. the previous evening, Thursday, August 10, but no details have been revealed about why the missing person report was not initiated until the following morning.
Photo Credit: Martin Augustus / Shutterstock
Authorities have not officially identified the involved cruise ship as the Emerald Princess, but guests onboard have confirmed announcements from the ship’s captain pertaining to the incident. Emerald Princess is the only cruise ship to have been in the vicinity of Hilo at the time of the missing person notification.
The cruise ship was searched, but crew members were unable to locate the man, at which time Hawaiian authorities were notified. Video surveillance footage from the cruise ship was reviewed, and it was noted that at 4:18 a.m. Friday morning, an individual matching Schwalbe’s description was seen falling from the ship.
The camera that captured the footage was located on Deck 9 of the 113,561-gross ton vessel, which features 19 decks. Deck 9 is the ship’s “Dolphin” deck and features only staterooms, with no public areas other than a small laundromat.
Search operations were immediately initiated, including resources from the USCG. Because the surveillance footage was able to pinpoint the time of the man’s fall, the search area could be determined as approximately eight miles offshore Hilo, Hawaii.
No details about the circumstances of the man’s fall, his traveling companions, or other information is yet available.
Emerald Princess Open Decks (Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock)
At the time of the incident, Emerald Princess was sailing a 16-night Hawaiian Islands itinerary and had departed Los Angeles on Saturday, August 5. Hilo is the ship’s first scheduled port of call, followed by Honolulu, Nawiliwili, and Lahaina, before returning back toward the mainland and stopping in Ensenada before arriving in Los Angeles on Monday, August 21.
The call to Lahaina, however, has already been changed to a visit Kona due to the wildfire devastation on Maui this week. Much of historic Lahaina has been destroyed, and recovery efforts will take significant time.
The Grand-class Emerald Princess can host 3,080 guests at double occupancy, and has 1,200 crew members aboard.
Recent Overboards
There have been several overboard incidents in recent months, impacting different cruise lines in different sailing regions.
Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas (Photo Credit: EnthusiasticPhotographers / Shutterstock)
Just days earlier, a male passenger went deliberately overboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Elation while the ship was en route back to Jacksonville, Florida, following a Bahamas cruise. Search operations were later suspended without success in locating the missing man despite a search area spanning more than 1,300 square miles.
In late April, a male guest went overboard from Quantum of the Seas, another Royal Caribbean International ship, while the vessel was sailing 500 miles south of Hawaii as part of a repositioning cruise from Brisbane, Australia to Alaska for the summer season. The search for that passenger was also discontinued without success.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the friends and family members of the missing man at this troubled time, as well as with the ship’s crew and emergency personnel involved in search operations.
Royal Caribbean International has contacted guests about modifications to a Hawaii cruise sailing aboard Ovation of the Seas, but reaction was so overwhelmingly negative that the cruise line changed its original plan and is now offering another option to booked guests.
The impacted cruise is the October 6, 2023 departure, which was originally planned to be a 9-night Hawaiian sailing from Vancouver to Honolulu.
Hawaiian Cruise Without Stopping in Hawaii
Due to the overwhelming wildfires on Maui that have decimated the historic town of Lahaina, a popular cruise port, Royal Caribbean International contacted guests about the October 6, 2023 sailing of Ovation of the Seas and how the itinerary was modified.
The cruise, departing from Vancouver, British Columbia at the end of the Alaska sailing season, was originally to have called on Lahaina for an overnight visit on October 12-13. This would have been the only port visit in Hawaii before the ship reached Honolulu on October 15 for debarkation.
Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock
Royal Caribbean International reached out to guests to alert them to an itinerary modification. “Due to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, we’ll now visit Victoria, British Columbia instead. Additionally, we’ve added a visit to Seattle, Washington,”the email read.
The itinerary also added a day of scenic cruising along Hawaii’s beautiful Napali Coast of Kauai, but without any port visit. Instead, after leaving the Pacific Northwest, there would be no further ports of call until reaching Honolulu for debarkation.
While cruise travelers are sympathetic to the situation in Hawaii, changing what was to have been a 9-night Hawaiian cruise into a Pacific Northwest cruise that then debarks in Hawaii – with no opportunity to explore any of the beautiful destinations in the islands – was disappointing to many travelers.
No option for any refund or rebooking was initially offered to travelers.
Refunds Now an Option
After immediate outcry from guests, Royal Caribbean has now added the offer of a refund for cancelling the sailing, as well as further explaining the difficulties of rescheduling the 168,666-gross ton, Quantum-class Ovation of the Seas, one of the twenty largest cruise ships in the world.
“We’ve looked closely at other Hawaiian ports, but due to its size, Ovation only had 2 other options in Hawaii, which were not available for many reasons – including the port being already occupied and even the Ironman triathlon blocking ocean access,”the second email explained.
Ovation of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Galactic Droids / Shutterstock)
As other cruise lines are similarly working to reschedule ports of call in Hawaii at this time, available berths are quickly filling and it is not possible to accommodate every displaced ship at multiple destinations.
“Nonetheless, we know this isn’t how you planned your cruise to go. So, we’re providing the option to cancel your cruise with no penalties,”the email offered.
The October 6, 2023 sailing falls in the “60 to 31 days” window for cancellation at this time, which would normally incur a 75% penalty for the cruise fare. Instead, Royal Caribbean is waiving that cancellation fee for this cruise.
Refunds will be processed within seven business days of cancellation, but the exact timing of funds returning to guests’ accounts will vary depending on the policies of individual financial institutions.
When Will Maui Reopen?
At this time, there is no easy way to predict when the island of Maui, and especially Lahaina, may reopen to tourism.
Access to the area is closed as emergency search and rescue operations are underway and safety is being assessed. Local authorities have instituted a curfew in the region, and many areas remain without power and cell service.
A passenger on a plane captured the devastating wildfire that decimated the historic town of Lahaina, Maui.pic.twitter.com/h262jX92yq
The wildfires on Maui have been noted as the deadliest in over 100 years, as at least 93 fatalities have been confirmed with just 3% of the destroyed area fully searched. Much of Lahaina is in ruins, with more than 2,200 buildings destroyed or damaged.
Only essential travel is being permitted to Maui at this time, and tourist travel would present a drain on local resources that are desperately needed for emergency efforts.
The wildfire that tore through Lahaina, HI is now the deadliest wildfire in the last 100 years – the death toll currently stands at 89. The Camp Fire in Paradise, CA held that ominous title with 88 deaths, until today. @weatherchannel continues live coverage on Maui. pic.twitter.com/50TBpI4bz2
“In the weeks ahead, the collective resources and attention of the federal, state and county government, the West Maui community, and the travel industry must be focused on the recovery of residents who were forced to evacuate their homes and businesses,”said the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Cruise travelers with Hawaii sailings scheduled in the next few weeks and months should stay alert to notifications from their cruise line about itinerary changes or cancellations.
Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled the leadership of the new Carnival Jubilee cruise ship, including the captain, chief engineer, and hotel director. The senior officers will take control of the third Excel-class vessel with a combined experience of nearly 70 years!
Carnival Jubilee Senior Officers
When a new cruise ship debuts, it’s always important to ensure the senior officers are as experienced as possible. And that’s why Carnival Cruise Line is bringing more than 70 years of combined experience with Carnival Jubilee’s captain, chief engineers, and hotel director to deal with the complexities of a giant new cruise ship!
“These accomplished senior officers have combined nearly 70 years of experience and will serve as knowledgeable and inspirational leaders to our more than 1,700 team members on Carnival Jubilee,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “They will also ensure that our guests are very well taken care of.”
Carnival Jubilee Senior Officers
Carnival Jubilee Captain
Captain Andrea Catalani will take the helm and the highest position onboard Carnival Jubilee. He brings 24 years of experience since first starting with the cruise line in 1999. Catalani has worked on a total of 18 Carnival cruise ships, including Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Horizon, Mardi Gras, and Carnival Celebration.
“I feel honored and privileged for leading such a great team of professionals on Carnival Jubilee, which will soon be the most innovative Carnival ship deployed to Galveston,” said Catalani. “This is a great professional accomplishment for the entire team. We are counting the days until we take delivery and can bring this beautiful new ship to our guests in Galveston.”
Catalani was also essential to the Carnival Vista when the vessel started sailing out of the Port of Galveston in Texas in 2018. Carnival Jubilee is also set to homeport from Galveston. The captain’s experience in navigating the homeport and surrounding waters will be of great benefit.
Carnival Jubilee at Meyer Werft
Carnival Jubilee Chief Engineer
Part of the senior officers will be Chief Engineer Vittprino Perasole, who has been with the cruise line since 1998 as a third engineer. Perasole has been chief since 2014 and has worked on a total of five Carnival ships, including Carnival Dream, Carnival Pride, Carnival Radiance, and Carnival Breeze.
He’s also worked on Carnival Jubilee’s sister ship, Carnival Celebration, bringing in vast experience on the engines from an identical class of ship.
Carnival Jubilee Hotel Director
The Miami-based cruise line also unveiled Pierre Camilleri as the ship’s Hotel Director. Camilleri brings a lot of experience to hotel operations as he’s been working on Carnival ships since 2004, including bringing out new ships such as Carnival Breeze, Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and the two excel-class vessels of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.
Third Excel-Class Carnival Ship is Months Away
Now that the senior officers have been unveiled, it’s a sign that Carnival is getting closer to welcoming its third LNG-powered Excel class cruise ship. The officers will join the ship much earlier than most other crew members and will be involved during the final construction phases.
Most crew members will join the ship a week or two before delivery to ensure all departments are ready to welcome the first guests towards the end of 2023.
Carnival Jubilee Funnel Installation
At the moment, Carnival Jubilee is in the final outfitting phase at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. She recently floated out of the construction dock for the first time in July 2023, including showcasing the new Texas Star on the bow.
The new Carnival cruise ship will remain at the meter Werft shipyard until making her way through the complex River Ems to begin the much-anticipated sea trials in the North Sea.
Upper Deck of the Carnival Jubilee Currents Zone
The 183,521 gross-ton Carnival Jubilee will depart on her inaugural voyage out of Galveston, Texas, on December 23, 2023. The new vessel will sail year-round from the homeport on Western Caribbean itineraries, including calls to Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Mahogany Bay at Island Roatan, Honduras.
The 3,374-passenger vessel features six dedicated zones for guests to enjoy, including Grand Central, The Ultimate Playground, Summer Landing, Lido, Currents, and The Shores. Onboard will also be venues such as Emeril’s Bistrol 717, The Golden Mermaid lounge, Inks, Ph.D bar, and the BOLT roller coaster already featured on sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.
Princess Cruises has announced a first-ever cruise featuring magic, illusion, and wonder in partnership with Magic Castle, the exclusive magician’s club and home of the elite Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood, California.
The 7-night sailing will feature performances, workshops, special foods, films, and more, all embracing the world of magic while setting sail for top coastal California destinations in October 2023.
Princess Cruises Announces Magic-Themed Cruise
The October 7, 2023 departure of Discovery Princess will offer guests more than just Princess Cruises‘ signature style and elite service. This one sailing is the first-ever “Magic Castle Conjurer’s Cruise” with exclusive insights into the true world of professional illusionists and magicians.
Through a range of unique activities and amazing opportunities, Princess Cruises will lift the veil on magic and invites guests to step into magic and mystery along the way. Special events onboard will include performances by a number of top magicians, as well as exclusive workshops and lectures to offer glimpses of what it’s like to truly make magic.
Discovery Princess in Alaska
Guests won’t want to miss the curated historic presentation that will take guests behind the scenes not just of magic, but of Magic Castle itself with insights into how the private Hollywood club came to be and why it remains so popular and beloved 60 years after it first opened.
“With this inaugural Magic Castle Conjurer’s Cruise, for the first time, Magic Castle Enterprises will offer elements of the Magic Castle experience outside the walls of our members-only establishment,”said Erika Larsen, president of Magic Castle Enterprises.
“The cruise will be a true celebration of the magical arts, connecting magicians from our acclaimed community with enthusiasts who are fascinated by this mysterious world. We look forward to sharing the magic as we sail upon the stunning Discovery Princess, making our way along our gorgeous, and native, California coast.”
Also on board will be artifacts from Magic Castle’s exclusive collection, and magically-themed films will be shown on the ship’s poolside Movies Under the Stars screen on Deck 18.
Even food and drink will have a magical touch with specially-themed cocktails and special dishes at dinners and brunches. Among the most popular events will be the “Taste of Magic” special cocktail party and the “Magic of Cooking” demonstration.
Cruise Itinerary
For the Magic Castle Conjurer’s Cruise, the Royal-class Discovery Princess will visit three classic ports along the California coast. First up is San Francisco, where the ship will overnight to give guests plenty of time to explore the diverse and distinctive city.
Next, the ship will spend a full day (from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.) in San Diego, followed by a day in Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to Los Angeles on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
This special-themed sailing is the ship’s first departure from her winter homeport of Los Angeles after finishing the Alaska sailing season.
Discovery Princess will remain homeported in Los Angeles through April 2024, offering Mexican Riviera, California Coast, and West Coast itineraries, as well as select departures for the Hawaiian Islands and a special Total Solar Eclipse cruise in early April.
Discovery Princess is the newest ship in the Princess Cruises’ fleet, having just debuted in March 2022. The 145,000-gross ton ship can welcome 3,660 guests when booked at double occupancy, and has more than 1,300 crew members onboard to provide truly magical service to every traveler.
Not only will passengers on the Magic Castle Conjurer’s Cruise get to enjoy the elite magic of the notable institution, but all the magic of Discovery Princess will also be available to them, including the ship’s 10 hot tubs, stunning SeaWalk, Vegas-style casino, Lotus Spa, and much much more.
While the Titanic is arguably the most famous ship ever built, there is still so much mystery surrounding it. One of the most common misconceptions about this iconic vessel is the belief that it was designed to function purely as a cruise ship.
Today, we will explain whether or not the Titanic was a cruise ship. Not only will we explain the true purpose of the Titanic, but we will also look at the ship’s classification at the time of its tragic first voyage. We will also examine how the Titanic compares to modern-day cruise ships.
If you are ready to expand your knowledge about the infamous RMS Titanic, you have come to the right place!
While the Titanic may seem designed to operate like a cruise ship at first glance, it was not classified as a cruise ship. Instead, the Titanic was classified as an ocean liner.
Where cruise ships of the day were designed to make multiple stops at various ports, ocean liners were designed to carry passengers between one continent and another.
More specifically, the Titanic was designed to act as a transatlantic ocean liner, meaning it would efficiently and comfortably transport passengers from Europe to North America.
This explains why its first and, sadly, last voyage was meant to be between Southampton, England, and New York City in the United States.
Where the main focus of a cruise ship is a leisurely voyage where time spent on the ship is the primary purpose of the trip, an ocean liner, like the Titanic, was designed for more practical transportation.
While the Titanic was undoubtedly a luxurious and comfortable ship, its primary purpose was transporting passengers, mail, and some cargo across the North Atlantic Ocean.
What Is the Difference Between an Ocean Liner and a Cruise Ship?
While the primary difference between the two types of ships is their slightly different functions, there are also physical and design differences.
Cunard’s Queen Anne Ship (Photo Courtesy: Cunard Line)
For an in-depth explanation of these two types of ships, we encourage you to read the differences between an ocean liner and a cruise ship. It offers a simple breakdown of the differences and explains why Ocean Liners, like the Titanic, have fallen out of favor in modern times.
The Titanic’s Design and Size
While a modern cruise ship or ocean liner may dwarf the Titanic in scale, it was considered a truly remarkable engineering marvel of its time.
Titanic Design Blueprints (Image Credit: Elena Kozak / Shutterstock)
The Titanic had an impressive length of nearly 900 feet, making it the largest ship ever built at its completion in 1912. Not only was it much longer than other ocean liners of its day, but it also weighed significantly more. Without passengers and cargo, the Titanic weighed 46,300 tons!
The Titanic was designed to carry approximately 2,250 passengers during a transatlantic voyage safely. While this figure was impressive for its time, it is essential to note that these passengers were spread across three distinct classes. As you may know, each class of accommodations offered drastically different levels of luxury and comfort than others.
Where first-class accommodations were incredibly luxurious and offered spacious cabin quarters, beautiful dining areas, and lounges, the second-class accommodations were significantly less comfortable. Finally, the third-class section of the ship simply offered basic accommodations.
Titanic Voyage
This drastic difference in luxury and comfort speaks to the Titanic’s primary function: crossing the ocean. Given the modest accommodations offered to those third-class passengers in the lower portions of the ship, you may wonder why anyone would choose to pay to travel this way.
The truth is many of the passengers the Titanic was designed to carry were simply those looking for an affordable way to get across the ocean.
By contrast, traveling on a cruise ship is meant to be an experience. By design, the voyage is intended to be enjoyable for all passengers on board the vessel, not just those willing to pay for the most opulent cabin quarters.
Did the Titanic Function as a Cargo Ship?
While the Titanic is widely known as a famous passenger vessel, it was also designed to carry cargo across the ocean. Again, this speaks to the fact that the Titanic was not actually a cruise ship.
The Titanic had a somewhat large cargo hold on its lower decks. Had it not sunk during its maiden voyage, the Titanic would have been used to transport everything from transatlantic mail to livestock and grain.
Where the ship’s upper decks featured incredibly luxurious passenger quarters, cargo holds served far more utilitarian purposes.
Photo Credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock
When the Titanic was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland, it was intentionally designed to have significant and usable cargo holds to help offset the costs of running such a lavish ocean liner.
The Titanic could raise additional funds by transporting cargo across the ocean during each voyage. White Star Line, the company that owned the Titanic, always planned to use the cargo holds to offset the immense cost of constructing and operating the Titanic.
How Does the Titanic Compare to Modern Cruise Ships?
While the Titanic certainly stood out in its day for its immense size and the luxurious interior of its upper decks, it would be seen as a relatively small ship compared to modern-day cruise ships.
Titanic Compared to an Oasis-Class Cruise Ship
Not only would the Titanic differ in size, but its passenger amenities, itinerary, and even safety standards are also very different from today’s cruise ships.
Here is a more in-depth breakdown of how the Titanic differs from modern full-size cruise ships.
Differences in Size and Passenger Capacity
As mentioned above, the Titanic measured 882 feet long and weighed just over 46,000 tons. While these measurements made it the largest ship of its time, it is relatively small compared to modern cruise ships.
For example, one of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class cruise ships, Symphony of the Seas, measures 1,184 feet and weighs 228,081 gross tons! This means a modern-day cruise ship can weigh over four times what the Titanic weighed when it set off on its tragic voyage.
Not only are the largest cruise ships of the present day much larger and heavier than the Titanic, but they can also carry far more passengers. Where the Titanic was considered at full capacity with just over 2,000 passengers, today’s largest cruise ships can comfortably accommodate up to 8,000 passengers.
Unlike the Titanic, where many passengers were given basic, shared accommodations in the third-class decks, modern cruise ships have the space and decks required to provide all passengers with private cabins.
Differences in Passenger Accommodations and Amenities
While the Titanic certainly had luxurious accommodations for those who paid the price to stay in the first class section of the ship, nearly half of the passengers traveled in the ship’s third class or steerage section. These areas offered relatively little in the way of enjoyable amenities.
By comparison, modern-day cruise ships provide cabins for all passengers. While they can be shared between families and friends, they are far more comfortable than the quarters offered to third-class passengers on the Titanic.
The Titanic also had luxurious dining areas and lounges that those on the upper decks could enjoy; the ship offered relatively little else. Even the ballroom and cinema featured in James Cameron’s Titanic movie were invented for the purpose of the film.
By contrast, modern cruise ships offer passengers an incredible range of amenities and entertainment options.
Swimming pools, gyms, spas, casinos, concert venues, movie theaters, casinos, numerous bars and restaurants, stores, and even waterparks and theme park rides can all be found on today’s cruise ships. Modern technology has made it possible to transform cruise ships into what could only be described as floating cities!
Itinerary Differences
As we discussed above, the Titanic was designed to transport passengers and cargo across the Atlantic Ocean. Its sole purpose was as a transport link between Europe and North America. This is why it was considered an ocean liner rather than a cruise ship.
In contrast, cruise ships today can explore just about every region you can think of. Those looking to enjoy a cruise vacation can book a spot on a multi-stop Caribbean cruise line or explore the rugged terrain and wildlife of Alaska.
Image Credit: lightmax84 / Shutterstock
The type of cruise vacation passengers can choose these days is unlimited. Not only are the destinations radically different, the number and type of stops these cruise ships make differ significantly from the planned itinerary of the Titanic.
Where the Titanic would have simply traveled back and forth between Europe and North America with no stops beyond the final destination, cruise ships today allow passengers to disembark and explore various destinations by stopping in various ports. Today’s cruise ships also return to their original departure point so passengers can return home.
Where you travel on a cruise ship today as a relaxing and entertaining vacation, the Titanic was designed to act more as an efficient and enjoyable way to get from one place to another.
Safety Standards and Technology
While it may seem morbid to discuss the safety standards of a ship that sank during its first voyage, it is worth mentioning that the Titanic was equipped with the finest safety features of its day. The Titanic even featured wireless radio systems, which would have been seen as incredibly advanced for its time.
RMS Titanic (Photo Credit: D. Ribeiro / Shutterstock)
With that said, modern cruise ships benefit from far more reliable and advanced safety systems. State-of-the-art navigation equipment, fire suppression systems, and evacuation procedures keep these modern vessels incredibly safe. Even advanced weather detection systems and stabilizers keep passengers comfortable as the ships travel through rough waters.
Final Words
While the Titanic was not one, it shared many similarities with cruise ships. As a luxurious ocean liner, it offered many passengers a comfortable and lavish experience. When it was constructed, there was no other way to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a way that would rival the luxury the Titanic was designed to offer.
Despite its tragic fate, the Titanic’s designers prioritized speed, comfort, and luxury for its passengers, similar to what can be found on today’s cruise ships.
Carnival Cruise Line has begun surveying past passengers about additional comedy offerings, particularly the prospect of adding an earlier evening show for guests to enjoy before early dinner seatings. What could such a new comedy show mean, and how would guests be able to enjoy it?
Will Carnival Add Another Comedy Show?
Many cruise lines send detailed surveys to guests after they finish a cruise, not only to gauge their experiences and get feedback on the recent sailing, but also to test out different ideas for new activities, dining options, destinations, and more.
Thorough guest input can help cruise lines develop new products, ship designs, and options that will draw more travelers to cruise vacations.
Guests returning from recent Carnival cruises have noted one line of questioning that revolves around the line’s popular comedy shows and the timing of the entertainment. Specifically, the survey asks whether or not guests would be interested in an earlier evening comedy show, one that runs from 5-5:30 p.m.
Such an early show would be before the “Early Seating” for the ship’s main dining rooms, which is usually at 5:30, 5:45, or 6:15, depending on the vessel and exact dining room, if the ship has more than one.
Punchliner Comedy Club, Carnival Cruise
No details are available about what such an early comedy show would have for content, but it would be more likely to be a family-rated show rather than an adults-only performance.
Typically, Carnival’s earlier comedy shows – often 30-45 minute sets scheduled between 8-10 p.m. – are family-friendly, while later shows that begin after 11 p.m. are generally adult-rated.
Guests who have taken the survey have noted a wide range of follow up questions about different types of comedy, which would help the cruise line narrow down different interests for a new show offering.
There is no way to tell whether or not Carnival will implement an earlier comedy show, on what dates such performances might begin, or which of Carnival’s 25 ships might be the first to premier early evening comedy, but it could be a strong move for the cruise line.
Could an Earlier Performance Work?
Some cruisers are questioning whether or not an earlier show – right before dinner seatings – would be popular, especially for guests who want to get cleaned up from a busy day in port or those who may prefer to dress more elegantly before dinner. A 5-5:30 showtime may not be very accessible for those travelers.
Carnival Liberty Promenade Deck (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock)
On the other hand, many guests prefer the cruise line’s “Your Time” open seating dining option, by far the most popular time selected for dinner. Guests with “Your Time” dining could easily attend an earlier, pre-dinner show. Similarly, guests with later dining times could also enjoy the earlier show.
It is possible that an early comedy show may interfere with other ship’s activities in the early evening hours, such as trivia contests and other fun. Providing one more option, however, ensures that everyone aboard can find something fun to do at any time.
One possible benefit to an earlier show is that such timing could accommodate a comedian’s schedule better if the ship is in port that day, with a later departure time.
The comedian would then be able to deliver a final performance before departing the ship. This may also be a way to bring aboard more local comics for more unique shows while a ship is in port.
About Carnival Comedy Acts
Carnival Cruise Line employs a wide range of comedians with varied backgrounds and performance credits, many of which have been showcased on Comedy Central, HBO, or other popular networks and venues.
Comedians typically perform several sets across multiple days, and more than one comedian is usually aboard each ship, particularly for longer sailings.
Carnival Cruise Theater (Photo Credit: gary yim / Shhutterstock)
Most comedy performances are held in the ship’s Punchliner Comedy Club, a more intimate venue specifically designed for comedy crowds with a shorter, narrower stage and both group and individual seating. On rare occasions, if a particular comedian is exceptionally popular, shows may be held in the main theater to accommodate larger crowds.
Family-friendly performances tend to avoid the most controversial topics and salty language, with material suitable for younger cruisers as well as adults. The later, adults-only performances are definitely more risque and not for the easily offended, but certainly for the laugh-loving.
There is no charge for attending comedy shows, and reservations are not required. Most Punchliner clubs offer bar service, with a special menu of rib-tickling cocktails to enjoy.
Celebrity Cruises is climbing aboard the Port Canaveral bandwagon with the announcement it will homeport a ship at the Central Florida port for the first time.
Celebrity Equinox will spend the 2024-25 winter season sailing Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from the port.
Celebrity Equinox to Arrive at Port in Late 2024
Port Canaveral, now the world’s busiest cruise port based on 2022 passenger volume, will welcome the first Celebrity Cruises’ ship as a homeport, with cruises starting on December 3, 2024. Celebrity Equinox, a Solstice-class ship, was launched in 2009 and accommodates 2,850 guests.
With its first-time deployment to Port Canaveral, Celebrity Cruises will join several other major cruise lines that currently operate from the port or plan to base a ship there in the coming months.
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises
With Celebrity Equinox, cruisers can choose from 20 7-night sailings with port calls to the Bahamas; Belize; Grand Cayman; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten; and select Mexican destinations.
Celebrity Equinox cruises from Port Canaveral will continue to April 19, 2025, and two spring break cruises in March will call at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
A private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay was developed by Royal Caribbean and opened in 2019. It is reserved for guests of Royal Caribbean, but in 2024 will become available to some Celebrity Cruises’ ships, Royal Caribbean announced in June 2023. The two sister-brands are owned by Royal Caribbean Group.
“The demand for Celebrity Cruises’ sailings from our Port has been growing. Now, with Celebrity Equinox homeported here, there are great opportunities for even more cruise travelers to experience the cruise line’s high-quality experience, while experiencing the comfort and ease of travel provided by our Port,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.
The 122,000-gross ton ship was renovated in 2019, when the line’s signature experience called The Retreat was added. The space features a private indoor lounge, sundeck, and dining venue all reserved for suite guests.
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
Celebrity Equinox offers 10 restaurants and lounges, and the popular Lawn Club, an outdoor grassy area where guests can sunbath, watch outdoor movies, and enjoy other recreational activities.
Celebrity Cruises hopes to attract Floridians as well as out-of-state residents to the ship’s offerings from Port Canaveral.
“We are so excited to unveil this new program. As part of this expansion, we are thrilled to add Port Canaveral to our list of home ports – it is a perfect market to reach a wide mix of both in- and out-of-state travelers looking for fun in the Caribbean sun,” Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, said.
Four Celebrity Cruises Ships To Be Florida-Based
Celebrity Cruises’ decision to deploy Celebrity Equinox to Port Canaveral means the line will have four ships sailing from Florida ports during winter 2024-25.
Celebrity Apex, the line’s second Edge-class ship that launched in 2019, and Celebrity Summit, a Millennium-class vessel that entered service in 2001, will be home-ported at Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades.
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises
Cruisers aboard Celebrity Apex can choose from five new itineraries from October 23, 2024, to March 8, 2025. The sailings range from 6 to 7 nights and with port calls that include St. Maarten, San Juan, and Grand Cayman, and some Mexican destinations. Some cruises also will call at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
From February 25, 2025 to April 10, 2025, Celebrity Summit will offer five new itineraries ranging from 5 to 9 nights across the Western and Eastern Caribbean.
“As one of Celebrity Cruises’ homeports, we are excited about the new sailings on Apex and Summit. In addition to the line’s ‘resort at sea’ experience, their cruise guests can expect to experience unrivaled customer service and ease of sailing at Port Everglades,” said Jonathan Daniels, Port Everglades CEO and Port Director.
The Millennium-class Celebrity Constellation, meanwhile, will sail a revamped schedule from Tampa’s Port Tampa Bay from January 2, 2025 to April 6, 2025.
Four new itineraries of 6 and 7 nights will feature port calls to Belize, Honduras, Key West, select Mexico destinations, and New Orleans during Mardi Gras season.
Disney Cruise Line has just unveiled the date for its big reveal of the much-anticipated Disney Treasure. Set to offer a special glimpse on August 30, 2023, Disney fans are marking their calendars for what promises to be an exciting day for the cruise line’s sixth cruise ship.
Currently under construction at the Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, Disney Treasure’s designs focus on Disney’s love for travel and adventure. Two main characters for the vessel have already been announced, Peter Pan and Aladin, but the video released by Disney today, August 15, hints at more to come.
A Teasing Glimpse into Treasure
On August 15, 2023, Disney Cruise Line announced it will reveal Disney Treasure through an intriguing video highlighting three spots on a global map.
A connection to Disney animations that might be central to the ship’s theme seems evident. The regions spotlighted—Middle East, Mexico, and South America—point to characters like Aladdin, Coco, and, potentially, Encanto.
Disney Treasure Reveal
The caption accompanying the post further fuels the curiosity:“Unbelievable awaits! Tune in to a virtual grand reveal event on August 30 at 11 a.m. EST for a special look at what’s on board the all-new Disney Treasure. Drop a heart if you’re excited for the reveal! #DisneyTreasure #DisneyCruiseLine.”
At the same time, during the video, a voice-over states: “Fellow adventurers, for years, my family has explored far-off lands in search of magical realms. But I feel that my greatest discovery is yet to come. Tune in on August 30, eastern time, to see what we can uncover. See you there!”
While the animated figures could be the heroes of the ship, the video could also point toward the ship’s sailing areas. Disney cruise ships are currently present in the US, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Europe, and the west coast of Mexico.
Rendering Courtesy: Disney Cruise Line
However, the Middle East and South America would be new areas for the cruise line. Southeast and Eastern Asia, on the other hand, will most likely not be on the itineraries for Disney Treasure.
Disney Cruise Line has confirmed that the subsequent vessel after Disney Treasure will have its base in Singapore for a minimum of five years. This ship, previously known as the Global Dream, was acquired by Disney Cruise Line in November 2022.
What We Know So Far About Disney Treasure
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her final designs, entertainment and dining options, and sailing areas, construction is progressing at breakneck speed so Disney Treasure can welcome its 4000 guests aboard in 2024.
Disney Treasure‘s journey began with the steel-cutting ceremony in January 2023. Fast forward to now, and most of the ship’s block installations are in place, thanks to the team at the Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Currently, efforts are geared towards outfitting the ship’s interior spaces, from dining venues to entertainment hubs.
Disney Treasure Construction at Meyer Werft
Themed around travel and adventure, Disney Cruise Line has previously announced Aladdin as the showstopper in the 144,000 gross tons Disney treasure’s Grand Hall and pays tribute to Peter Pan and the magical Neverland at the ship’s stern.
As is customary, the Disney Cruise Line ship’s stern will boast a sculpture of a cherished character. For the Disney Treasure, Peter Pan uses Tinker Bell’s pixie dust to spruce up the stern. Captain Hook, smeared in yellow paint, can be seen leaning out of a porthole, raring for a duel with Peter.
Rendering Courtesy: Disney Cruise Line
The ship’s three-deck Grand Hall is designed to resemble an opulent palace, drawing inspiration from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, especially echoing the enchanting realm of Agrabah. Dominating this majestic space will be the iconic figures of Aladdin, Jasmine, and their magical flying carpet.
In 2024, the launch of the LNG-powered Disney Treasure will also coincide with the inauguration of Disney’s second private Bahamian island, Lighthouse Point. She is also the sistership to the 2022-launched Disney Wish, and a third, as yet unnamed cruise ship set to launch in 2023.
All eyes are now on August 30 as Disney promises to unveil more from its treasure trove. Whether you’re an adventurer or a fan of Disney’s magical storytelling, the upcoming reveal will be full of wonderful surprises.
Carnival Cruise Line has noted a change in assigned dining times for one upcoming cruise, but the adjustment is only for two particular sailings of Carnival Legend – the current sailing to Greenland as well as the second Greenland cruise in mid-September. Guests have been surprised to see the main dining times adjusted to earlier hours for those two cruises.
Carnival Adjusts Assigned Dining Times
Carnival cruise ships offer both designated early and late dining times on all their ships. The early seating generally begins from 5:45-6:15 p.m. depending on the exact ship and dining room, while the late seating typically begins from 7:45-8:15 p.m.
On Carnival Legend‘s two Greenland cruises, however, the set dining times have been slightly adjusted for even earlier mealtimes. The early dinner will now begin at 5 p.m., while the late seating will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Guests booked on these sailings have noticed the difference, and expressed concern about whether or not the change is fleetwide and permanent.
Carnival Cruise Line Dining Room (Photo Credit: gary yim / Shutterstock)
Dining time preference is widely varied, but for some travelers, especially guests from Europe or other areas of the world with traditionally later mealtimes, even a 7:30 dinner time may seem too early.
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has clarified the change in dining times, however, and noted that it is for these two Carnival Legend sailings only.
“There have been quite a few questions about dining times with people asking if we are changing them across the fleet,”said Heald.“The answer is no, we are not.”
Heald goes on to note that the change for Carnival Legend‘s dining times is “only for these specific cruises” and “based on the demographics we have onboard.”
Photo Credit: Tony Davis
The popular “Your Time” dining option has also been adjusted earlier for these cruises, with a dining window of 5-8 p.m. for guests to use at their leisure.
The length of the dinner seatings remains unchanged, so guests will not feel rushed to complete their meals and can enjoy dining with elegance and excellent conversation with their companions.
Cruising to Greenland
Carnival Legend‘s cruises to Greenland are unique 14-night sailings roundtrip from Baltimore, Maryland. When the first itinerary was announced, it proved so immediately popular that a second sailing was quickly added to meet the great demand.
Each cruise has an identical itinerary. After departing Baltimore, guests enjoy five days at sea before arriving in Nanortalik, Greenland. The next day, the ship makes another Greenland call, to Qaqortoq. Both ports of call are full day visits from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Greenland
After such amazing Greenland visits, Carnival Legend will again sail south for three calls in Canada – St. Anthony and Corner Brook in Newfoundland as well as Sydney, Nova Scotia – before arriving back in Baltimore after two more days at sea.
The 88,500-gross ton Carnival Legend is a Spirit-class vessel, a favorite design and layout of many Carnival cruise fans. The ship can welcome 2,124 passengers at double occupancy and as many as 2,610 guests when fully booked with all berths filled.
In addition to the main dining rooms, Carnival Legend also offers the casual Lido buffet, The Golden Fleece steakhouse specialty restaurant, Guy’s Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Cantina, the Carnival Deli, and more. Operating hours will vary for different venues, and guests can check the Carnival Hub app for details.
Why Change Dining Times?
No explanation about exactly why the dining times have been shifted earlier has been offered, other than the “demographics” being a factor in the decision for these two cruises.
This could mean several things. Many older guests tend to choose earlier dining times as a personal preference, or to accommodate medication schedules that require food at the time the medicine must be taken.
Similarly, families with young children often eat dinner earlier so the children are ready for bed at an appropriate time, and are not overly tired and cranky for a much later dining time.
Photo Credit: Yevgen Belich / Shutterstock
Earlier mealtimes are also a popular preference in American culture, with dinner times from 5-6:30 p.m. very common. European cultures, however, tend to eat later in the evening, with mealtimes from 8-9 p.m. or even later.
In some areas, work schedules impact mealtimes. Many American jobs, for example, only permit very short lunches, and so a larger, longer dinner meal is eaten earlier in the evening. Other cultures may have much longer or later lunch periods, leading to later dinner mealtimes.
Climate can also impact typical mealtimes, with some extremely northern or extremely southern global cultures preferring earlier meals to maximize evening recreation hours when sunlight hours are more limited at certain times of year.
