blog - Page 124 of 607

MSC Cruises Ship Visits Popular Port for the First Time

MSC Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

-

Aug 23, 2023

MSC Cruises Ship Visits Popular Port for the First Time

MSC Meraviglia has made her inaugural visit to the tropical paradise of Bermuda, sailing from New York on a 6-night getaway. With just a single port of call, the ship will spend extended time at Kings Wharf, giving guests an amazing opportunity to immerse themselves in all that makes Bermuda a popular yet unique cruise destination.

Meraviglia‘s Inaugural Call to Bermuda

MSC Meraviglia arrived in King’s Wharf, Bermuda at approximately 9 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, the first time the 171,600-gross ton cruise ship has visited the British territory. This first visit is a lengthy one, with the ship remaining in port until 3 p.m. on Friday, August 25, when it will leave to return to New York City.

“MSC Meraviglia’s arrival in Bermuda is a great milestone for MSC Cruises as we continue expanding our presence in the North American market,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA.

“When we launched cruises from New York City, one of our goals was to allow guests to visit a wider variety of destinations. The response to these itineraries has been strong, which means we’ll be bringing thousands of visitors to Bermuda this season.”

MSC Meraviglia and Bermuda Crest Exchange

As is customary for an inaugural visit, the ship was greeted with appropriate fanfare, including various dignitaries in attendance to welcome the vessel, its crew, and the guests onboard.

The ship’s master was presented with a beautiful commemorative crest to mark the occasion, which will likely be displayed onboard with similar memorabilia from other ports of call the ship has visited.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, we extend a very special welcome to Captain Maurizio Ruggiero and his Officers, crew and the 5,179 guests on board the MSC Meraviglia,” said the Honorable Wayne Furbert JP, MP, Minister of Transport, Government of Bermuda.

“As we celebrate with MSC the inaugural call of the Meraviglia to Bermuda, we wish MSC Cruises much success in all that they have planned in North America in the years to come.”

Visiting Bermuda With MSC Cruises

MSC Meraviglia is the largest ship by gross tonnage that will visit Bermuda this season, bringing up to 5,700 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled. The ship is scheduled for multiple Bermuda voyages in the coming months, including longer sailings that will also visit Florida and the Bahamas.

Guests interested in an even more unique itinerary can combine back-to-back sailings to visit Bermuda, Canada, and New England over a 2-week journey.

MSC Meraviglia Arrives in New York (Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises)

Of particular interest is the September 18, 2023 departure, which will first visit Bermuda before returning to New York and then on to Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, and several Canadian ports just at the height of the most colorful fall foliage.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) estimates that MSC Meraviglia may bring as much as $11 million (USD) of economic impact to Bermuda through the cruising season.

While cruise ships do visit Bermuda year-round, the bulk of the cruising season is from April through November, though the Atlantic hurricane season – which runs from June 1 through November 30 – can disrupt itineraries.

MSC Meraviglia is the only MSC Cruises ship scheduled to visit Bermuda this season, but in April 2024, MSC Divina will also visit the tropical destination as part of a transatlantic sailing from Miami, Florida to Lisbon, Portugal.

In addition to MSC Cruises, many other cruise lines also visit Bermuda, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and more.

Galveston Continuing Discussions for New Terminal With MSC and NCL

Port News

Melissa Mayntz

-

Aug 24, 2023

0

Galveston Continuing Discussions for New Terminal With MSC and NCL

Galveston Wharves are continuing negotiations toward developing a fourth cruise terminal with MC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line at the popular Texas homeport with a public-private partnership that would position MSC for even more North American growth.

As the world’s fastest-growing cruise brand, MSC Cruises is eager to continue expanding its reach to new sailing regions and homeports.

Negotiations for New Terminal Continue

There may be no end in sight for the rapid growth of the Port of Galveston, as MSC Cruises and NCL continue negotiations with the Port of Galveston toward what would become a fourth cruise terminal at the port.

“We’re excited about the huge potential of this mutually beneficial public-private partnership,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.

“Adding MSC to our family of cruise lines would offer our cruise guests an elegant, European-style cruise experience. It would elevate our status as a top US cruise home port, boost the regional economy and allow MSC to reach a new market of millions of cruise passengers in the Central US.”

Cruise Ship in Galveston, Texas — Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock

Support is strong for the growth of the cruise port and working with MSC Cruises, with Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees Chairman Harry Maxwell and Jeff Patterson, chairman of the board’s Finance Committee, both voicing their support for the project.

“We remain committed to working on a mutually beneficial partnership to bring these world-class cruise lines to homeport in Galveston,” said Maxwell.

Already, the Wharves Board has authorized $673,000 (USD) as design and pre-engineering assessment costs as the project advances. A fourth cruise terminal is already in the port’s 20-Year Strategic Master Plan, and this partnership supports that goal.

The cruise port is also seeking other funding sources to finance the project, which may include bonds as well as pandemic-related reimbursement funds.

Likewise, MSC Cruises is committed to maintaining growth in the North American market, bringing a unique European style of cruising to travelers eager to try new ships and new experiences.

“We remain committed to our plans for a new home port in Galveston as part of our ongoing North American expansion,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA.

“Bringing our modern, glamorous ships to Texas would provide our guests and travel advisors even more opportunities to experience the future of cruising and enjoy our distinctive European style. We’ve had productive discussions with the Galveston Wharves, and we’re continuing to negotiate with them as we chart MSC Cruises’ future in the U.S. market.”

This news comes just as MSC Merviglia makes her maiden call on Bermuda, sailing from New York and offering yet another option for North American cruiser eager to set sail with MSC Cruises. This further showcases the cruise line’s growth and dedication to American cruise markets.

Benefits of a Fourth Cruise Terminal

Galveston is rapidly growing as a popular cruise homeport, already home to ships from Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line, including the Oasis-class Allure of the Seas as well as the upcoming Excel-class Carnival Jubilee.

A fourth terminal is projected to add 925 local jobs to the Galveston area, $177 million in revenue and an additional $21 million in local purchases from guest and crew spending annually.

Royal Caribbean Galveston Terminal — Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

There is no confirmed timeline for the construction or opening of a fourth terminal in Galveston, as the project is only in its conception stage and such projects do take years until completion.

Port of Galveston is growing rapidly, having opened its third cruise terminal in November 2022 through a public-private partnership with Royal Caribbean International.

At the moment, Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is the largest ship ever to homeport from the Lone Star State, but MSC Cruises’ larger ships could provide steep competition for that honor.

For 2023, the port is forecasting a total of 362 sailings, the highest-ever number of passenger cruises in one year in the port’s history. A new terminal would bring even more interest to the Texas coast, creating an economic boom and ensuring the port’s standing as a world-class homeport.

Cruise Line Details Major Changes Passengers Will Love

Holland America Line News

Donna Tunney

-

Aug 24, 2023

0

Cruise Line Details Major Changes Passengers Will Love

Holland America Line has quietly reached out to an unknown number of repeat Grand Voyages guests, an important and lucrative demographic for the line, advising them of certain improvements and upgrades cruisers can expect on future sailings.

The changes are the result of guest feedback and affect shipboard lifestyle as well as enhancements to ship systems, such as air conditioning and plumbing.

Holland America President Contacts Loyal Guests

Guests who have sailed with Holland America Line on Grand Voyages itineraries were told in a recent email about a slew of new services, programs, and experiences the line will provide on future Grand Voyages sailings.

The Grand Voyages category includes lengthy, immersive cruises and Grand World Cruises, all varying from about 70 days to 130-plus days.

In a note from Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha, who was named to the top post in July 2020, at the height of the pandemic, loyal guests have learned that improvements are in the works and will debut with Zuiderdam’s 73-day Grand Africa Voyage, sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, on October 10, 2023. The changes will be implemented on all other Grand Voyages that follow.

Holland America Zuiderdam (Photo Credit: lenic / Shutterstock)

Upgrades include more sailaway parties, themed dining room dinners, pop-up experiences in specialty restaurants, and themed dinner menus in the ships’ Lido Market. And, in an important first for Grand Voyages, guests can buy a beverage package, including a non-alcoholic option.

Grand Voyages guests also will enjoy the offer of expanded wine packages, allowing the purchase of 12- and 24-bottle packages for these lengthy itineraries.

Holland America Dining — Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line

“When we returned to full service following the industry-wide pause, we vowed to return as the best version of Holland America Line. Many of our Grand Voyage guests have provided us with valuable feedback, and based on those comments, our team has been working diligently to create an elevated and more consistent guest experience for Grand Voyages moving forward,” Antorcha wrote.

“We are constantly evolving the products and services we offer our guests because we are committed to creating an exceptional experience every time you step on board,” he added.

Additional Upgrades Slated for 2024

More changes will follow in 2024, starting with the line’s Grand World Voyage in January and on all Grand Voyages scheduled for next year.

These include guest chef appearances, guest performers who will add variety to World Stage performances, ballroom dance instruction, printed port maps, and daily news digests for all guests.

Holland America Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock

The 2024 Grand World Voyage will be operated by Zuiderdam, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on January 3, 2024. The 128-day itinerary features the Caribbean and South America, Hawaii and the South Pacific, several Asian destinations, India, Arabia and the Middle East, the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, and a transatlantic crossing on the return to Florida.

Along with the 1,916-guest Zuiderdam, two other ships will sail Grand Voyages, Volendam, and Zaandam, each with capacity for 1,432 guests.

All three ships currently are undergoing upgrades to infrastructure as they continue to sail. Improvements are being made to air and water systems, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning.

Four Grand Voyages are scheduled for 2024, and Antorcha told loyal guests that he will personally visit each of the cruises, likely for short durations.

Holland America Line has already announced a unique Grand Voyage for 2025. In a first for the line, Volendam will operate a 133-night “pole-to-pole” cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and calling at five continents. Departing on January 25, 2025, the ship will visit Antarctica, then sail north above the Arctic Circle in Norway’s North Cape.

Destinations in between include South America, Africa, Europe, and North Atlantic port calls in Iceland and Greenland.

New Charge Spotted for Cookies on Celebrity Cruises Ship

Celebrity Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

-

Aug 24, 2023

0

New Charge Spotted for Cookies on Celebrity Cruises Ship

Just days after tremendous uproar over the possibility of a charge for pizza on Royal Caribbean International ships, sister cruise line Celebrity Cruises has been spotted charging for chocolate chip cookies.

Is this new fee a sign of extra charges soon to come to even more cruise ships, or is it a test to gauge guest reaction? The response to “cookiegate” is anything but positive.

UPDATE: Celebrity Cruises clarified the new cookie charge and its reasoning, which you read all about in an updated post here.

Costly Cookies Spotted on Celebrity Equinox

Guests aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice-class Celebrity Equinox have reported a new $2 (USD) charge for chocolate chip cookies, with a 20% gratuity added to the cost – making each sweet treat $2.40.

This may not seem like a tremendous expense, but it is the principle of the new charge that is enraging cruise guests. Signage advertising the cookies reads: “Treat yourself to our warm, handcrafted Celebrity chocolate chip cookie!” with the fee detailed underneath.

While some guests may be accepting of a premium fee for a premium cookie, the thought of the added gratuity to have a crew member simply hand over the treat is even more distasteful to some travelers.

Guests onboard are also reporting that free cookies are no longer available at Cafe Al Bacio, the ship’s European-themed cafe that offers premium hot teas, coffees, French pastries, and other desserts, including authentic gelato and fresh fruit sorbets.

It is unknown whether or not free cookies are available at other venues, such as the Oceanview Cafe buffet, or how the quality may vary from the for-a-fee cookies.

Cafe al Bacio on the Celebrity Equinox (Photo Credit: JJava Designs / Shutterstock)

Reactions to the news range from suspicion about the sign’s authenticity to outrage over what seems to be more nickel-and-diming of cruise ship passengers with ever-increasing fees for what used to be included in a cruise fare, particularly for a premium brand like Celebrity Cruises.

At this time, the charge appears to be limited to Celebrity Equinox, but could also be aboard other Celebrity Cruises ships in the coming weeks if the change is rolled out fleetwide.

It is equally possible, however, that the charge is simply a test run to see whether or not guests are willing to pay for cookies, and if so, how popular they may be.

It also could be that the for-charge cookies are simply a new, more gourmet offering, and are not displacing free cookies available in other venues at all.

Celebrity Equinox Cruise Ship — Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Equinox is currently homeported from Fort Lauderdale, sailing a variety of 6- and 8-night cruises that visit the Bahamas, Mexico, Grand Cayman, the Virgin Islands, and other amazing ports of call. In May 2024, the ship will set sail for Europe, offering Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona and Rome.

What More Ridiculous Fees May Be Next?

Frequent cruisers are speculating about what else cruise lines may consider charging for in the future. While it may seem silly, if a charge for cookies is accepted as normal, what about charges for…

Bread baskets in the main dining room
Poolside towels or towel exchanges
Self-serve ice cream
Stateroom ice buckets and ice
Admission for featured evening shows

The “cookiegate” uproar has the chocolate chips flying just days after Royal Caribbean International was blasted for the possibility of charging for pizza.

Royal Caribbean Pizza — Cruise Ship Pizza (Photo Credit: parthojee / Shutterstock)

In that incident, a post-cruise survey was used to gauge the idea of a pizza fee, which was disputed to hotly that the cruise line’s CEO had to make a statement that Royal Caribbean would not be charging for pizza.

Both Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises are owned by the same parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, which also owns Silversea Cruises and parts of other cruise lines and related industries.

These fees – or even the possibility of fees – may be an indication of a trend toward charging more for what used to be included free on a cruise. The real question is what fees guests will accept and which they will not.

In the past couple of years, fees for room service as well as charges for extra entrees in the main dining rooms have become standard on different cruise lines. Will cookies be next?

World’s Busiest Cruise Port Adding New Parking Capacity

Port News

Robert McGillivray

-

Aug 24, 2023

0

World’s Busiest Cruise Port Adding New Parking Capacity

Bustling Port Canaveral is set to see a significant expansion in its parking facilities. With passenger counts rising and new cruise ships arriving in 2024, the port’s commissioners have unanimously approved over $67 million for the construction of two northside parking garages.

These ambitious plans align with the port’s status as the world’s busiest cruise port and reflect the phenomenal growth experienced within the industry. For this year, Port Canaveral expects to welcome 6.4 million cruise passengers, many of whom will be arriving at the port by private vehicle.

Expanding Infrastructure at Port Canaveral

The world’s busiest cruise port, Port Canaveral near Orlando, Florida, will construct two additional parking garages to be completed by the end of 2024.

William Crowe, the port’s vice president of engineering, construction, and facilities, emphasized the urgency of the construction. He noted that the parking garage projects would be fast-tracked so they would be completed by October 2024.

The eight-level, 1,940-space garage near Cruise Terminals 5 and 6 and a six-level, 1,081-space garage near Cruise Terminal 10 will bolster the port’s existing parking facilities.

William Crowe said during the Port Commission Meeting on August 23: “The garages are supposed to reach substantial completion in October 2024, with final completion by December 2024. So that meets the timeframes that are needed and are very fast-tracked according to the vessel schedule that’s increasing.”

Port Canaveral has always been one of the most popular cruise ports in the United States, primarily because the port is highly accessible by private vehicles. The massive increase in passenger numbers that the port has seen since the global pause in operations means that increasing parking spaces is just one of the many measures the port has taken recently.

The construction of Terminal 3 already included an elevated cruise parking facility for an additional 1,800 vehicles, meaning that Port Canaveral will have added nearly 5,000 parking spaces by Q4 of 2024.

The new parking garages will serve cruise terminals that host various cruise lines, including Marella, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, and MSC. The cruise garage work is the biggest item on the port’s $175.67 million capital projects budget for the 2023-24 budget year.

Port Canaveral’s Advantage over Southern Florida

Adding parking spaces isn’t just about convenience for the cruise guests; it symbolizes a significant leap in the cruise industry’s growth. In February, Port Canaveral became the busiest cruise port worldwide, edging out PortMiami by a slim margin.

2022 proved to be a bustling year for Port Canaveral as it played host to over 4 million passengers, a number that slightly eclipsed PortMiami’s numbers. As the world’s busiest cruise terminal, Port Canaveral expects to welcome around 6.4 million passengers in 2023, with further growth anticipated in 2024

Port Canaveral’s geographical advantage, being closer to Orlando, has given the port a strategic advantage. This advantage over ports in southern Florida means that cruise lines are directing more and more assets to Port Canaveral.

Two new cruise lines are making their debut at Port Canaveral in 2024 – Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess in November 2024 and Celebrity Cruises’ Equinox in December 2024. Royal Caribbean International announced in June 2023 that Utopia of the Seas will operate from Port Canaveral and debut in July 2024.

Cruise ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises also homeport at the port. At the same time, ships from several cruise lines also make regular stops at Port Canaveral, including Cunard Line, Holland America Line, and TUI Cruises.

Royal Caribbean Partners with Inter Miami Football Club

Royal Caribbean News

Robert McGillivray

-

Aug 25, 2023

0

Royal Caribbean Partners with Inter Miami Football Club

Royal Caribbean International and Inter Miami CF have entered into a multiyear partnership. It comes at a significant time for Inter Miami CF, as the club recently signed football legend Lionel Messi.

The partnership includes Royal Caribbean becoming the Club’s Main Partner and Official Vacation Partner, ahead of the launch of Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas.

Inter Miami & Royal Caribbean International Partnership

Royal Caribbean and Inter Miami have announced a new partnership that will kick off with the next home game of the team that recently signed global football superstar Lionel Messi.

As the Club’s Main Partner and Official Vacation Partner, Royal Caribbean will work with the club to offer unique experiences to fans in South Florida and globally. In July 2023, the relationship was inaugurated with a grand event at the club’s sold-out DRV PNK Stadium in Miami.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “Royal Caribbean started in Miami more than 50 years ago, and we have always had heart and passion for our community. It’s been exciting to see Inter Miami’s success, including their recent Leagues Cup title, energize South Florida.”

“As the Club’s Main Partner, we are thrilled to build on that momentum together and deliver memorable moments to fans around the world.”

Inter Miami CF’s Managing Owner, Jorge Mas, also spoke highly of the collaboration: “We are proud to partner with Royal Caribbean, an iconic Miami brand. As a global leader in the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean shares Inter Miami’s innovative drive. Together, we will set the standard for the future of sports partnerships.”

Royal Caribbean and Inter Miami will give fans access to in-game content, fan zone activities, and engagement through the Club’s digital and social platforms.

“We always look for the opportunities that will provide us with an authentic partnership, and this one is a perfect fit,” said Inter Miami CF Chief Business Officer Xavier Asensi. “This partnership makes total sense for all of us: two local brands with global audiences and huge ambitions.”

Additionally, both organizations will aim to help the South Florida community, with the two planning to launch local initiatives that reflect their combined values.

Messi and Beckham Visit Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-Class Ship

In a precursor to the announcement of this partnership, global football star Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Co-Owner David Beckham visited the Oasis-class Harmony of the Seas in July of this year.

They took several pictures with Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, aboard the 226,963 gross tons cruise ship, which can accommodate up to 5,479 guests.

Royal Caribbean CEO and David Beckham (Photo Credit: Michael Bayley)

The visit solidified the relationship between the two Miami-based brands, setting the stage for a partnership that extends beyond the pitch.

“Royal Caribbean and Inter Miami have won the hearts and minds of fans from around the world,” said Royal Caribbean International’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Kara Wallace. “Together as partners, the possibilities to reach more dreamers and adventurers are exponential from ship to pitch, especially as we look forward to the arrival of the new Icon of the Seas to Miami.”

With the addition of football legends like Lionel Messi to the mix, the collaboration will surely attract the global public’s attention. The announcement is another part of the incredible marketing that Royal Caribbean is putting behind the launch of the 250,800 gross tons, 7,600-passenger Icon of the Seas.

Over the last months, we have seen several initiatives from the cruise line, including the possibility to explore the biggest cruise ship ever constructed in the popular game Fortnite and a web series that explores each aspect of the construction called ‘Making an Icon.’

Carnival Cruise Line Confirms Major Repair to Iconic Part of Ship

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

-

Aug 25, 2023

0

Carnival Cruise Line Confirms Major Repair to Iconic Part of Ship

While it is no surprise, Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that Carnival Freedom will be receiving a new, iconic “whale tale” funnel during the ship’s upcoming dry dock in just a few weeks.

The funnel was damaged in a fire in May 2022, and while the funnel was functionally repaired at that time, the instantly recognizable wings that make Carnival ships so distinctive were lost.

Carnival Freedom to Receive New Funnel During Dry Dock

Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has confirmed that the Conquest-class Carnival Freedom will receive a brand new, “whale tail” funnel during drydock in early October 2023. The ship’s original funnel caught fire in May 2022 while docked in Grand Turk, destroying the distinctive starboard wing of the structure.

Now, guests on sailings later this year will once again see the classic winged funnel on their ship. “She will get a new whale tail in a couple of months time during her dry dock,” Heald confirmed.

Carnival Freedom Cruise Ship: (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Carnival Freedom will be in dry dock from October 5 through October 22, 2023, in Cadiz, Spain. The dry dock is part of the ship’s regular maintenance schedule, which is why the funnel’s replacement has not happened sooner.

Other routine maintenance and upgrades will also be part of the dry dock, such as refinishing public areas, updating onboard technology, and other upgrades to keep the ship in peak condition.

All cruise ships regularly enter dry dock for maintenance and updates. Carnival Freedom‘s last dry dock was her emergency funnel repair in late May and early June 2022 after the fire, which was completed at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas.

Previously, the most recent dry dock had been in early 2019, when the ship received a moderate refurbishment with the redesigning of onboard retail spaces, the addition of the WaterWorks aqua park on Deck 10, and other updates.

About the Carnival Freedom Funnel Fire

Many cruisers don’t realize that the original funnel is still in place on Carnival Freedom, even after the fire. The classic “wings” are just exhaust vents and not strictly necessary for the ship’s safe and efficient operation, and they were removed after the fire.

The fire happened on May 26, 2022, while the ship was docked in Grand Turk as part of a 5-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, and damage was limited to the starboard wing of the funnel.

Carnival Freedom Cruise Ship Fire — Carnival Freedom Fire

While the photos and videos of the incident are shocking with black smoke and flames billowing from the funnel, the fire was contained within 20 minutes and fully extinguished shortly thereafter. There were no injuries reported in the incident, and no other damage to the vessel.

Due to the extensive damage and the need for emergency repairs, the ship was temporarily removed from service with three cruises cancelled. The sailing of the fire was also shortened and guests were transported back to Port Canaveral via Carnival Conquest, sister ship to Carnival Freedom.

Carnival Freedom Fire Damaga — Photo Credit: @BlakeTheRxGuy (Twitter)

During the emergency dry dock, the funnel’s “wings” were removed and the funnel certified for use without the added structures, giving the vessel more of a classic straight funnel appearance. Once repairs were complete, Carnival Freedom returned to service from June 11, 2022.

Carnival Freedom joined the Fun Ship fleet in 2007 as the last of the Conquest-class ships. The 110,000-gross ton vessel can welcome 2,980 guests when booked at double occupancy, and as many as 3,754 if all berths are filled and the ship is fully booked. At the time of the fire, just 2,504 guests were aboard, along with 972 international crew members.

The ship is currently homeported from Port Canaveral, offering 4- and 5-night sailings to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean. After the two transatlantic sailings that will take her to and from Spain for her upcoming dry dock, Carnival Freedom will return to Port Canaveral to continue offering convenient getaways to destinations such as Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Bimini, Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cay.

Celebrity Cruises Responds to Cookie Charge Controversy

Celebrity Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

-

Aug 26, 2023

0

Celebrity Cruises Responds to Cookie Charge Controversy

Celebrity Cruises has responded to the new cookie controversy, when guests onboard Celebrity Equinox recently spotted a for-a-fee chocolate chip cookie offering. The cruise line has clarified the origin of the fee, the availability of free cookies, and the intention behind the change.

Yes, Some Cookies Cost Extra

Guests aboard Celebrity Equinox earlier this week spotted a $2 (USD) plus 20% gratuity fee for a “warm, handcrafted Celebrity chocolate chip cookie“ at Cafe Al Bacio, the onboard European-themed cafe that offers pastries, coffee, and tea.

The response to what seemed to be the disappearance of free cookies onboard was fast and overwhelmingly negative, with many guests either suspicious of the authenticity of the for-a-fee cookie reports, or else angry over perceived nickel-and-diming for simple treats that used to be free.

At the time, it was unknown if free cookies were still available elsewhere onboard, whether or not the fee was for a different type of cookie altogether, or even whether the fee was to be implemented fleetwide.

Now, Celebrity Cruises has an explanation: “Rest assured nothing has changed with any of our complimentary treats,” the cruise line stated to Cruise Hive. “Instead, we are testing the offering of a warm chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven for a small fee for guests that would like this. It is a pilot test meant to invoke that nostalgia of being a kid and enjoying a freshly made cookie – which pairs perfectly with our gelato offerings in the Gelateria.”

Worth Reading: Celebrity Cruises Adjusts Blue Chip Club, Clarifies After Guest Feedback

The Gelateria is adjacent to Cafe Al Bacio and offers not only artisan flavors of gelato but also fresh fruit sorbets in piccolo (small) or grande (large) sizes to suit guests’ preferences.

Free Cookies Still Available

Furthermore, the cruise line has clarified that free cookies do, in fact, remain available elsewhere onboard. “Everything else our guests have enjoyed complimentary on Celebrity remains and we look forward to welcoming our future guests aboard for their voyage with us,” the statement concluded.

It is not unusual for cruise ships to vary dessert offerings day by day. It is possible that different complimentary cookies onboard were simply overshadowed by the appearance of the premium offering, or else other cookies may not have been readily available when the new cookies were first noticed.

Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies — Photo Credit: Marie C Fields / Shutterstock

Many cookie aficionados would agree that a fresh-from-the-oven cookie, warm with melty chocolate chips and a bit of crisp on the edges, would certainly be worth a minimal fee. Some cookie cravers, however, prefer a cool and crunchier cookie ready for dunking in one’s beverage of choice. This pilot program can test which cookies win out on Celebrity Cruises.

Test Marketing

It is also not unusual for cruise lines to test different options onboard one or two cruise ships to gauge reaction and popularity in real time, with real travelers. Onboard, real-life results can vary tremendously from surveys, social media polls, or other means to judge interest and reaction.

Different cruise lines also use different methods to gauge possible reactions. For example, Royal Caribbean International recently asked about charging for Sorrento’s pizza in a post-cruise survey, with overwhelmingly negative results. At no time was such a fee actually implemented, and the cruise line quickly responded that it would not be charging for pizza.

Royal Caribbean Pizza Venue (Photo Copyright: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)

Carnival Cruise Line, however, quietly implemented a fee for their popular ChiBang! restaurant onboard Excel-class vessels. The nominal $8 fee was only charged to guests after their first visit to the venue, and only for multiple dinner meals (lunch remained free). The fee test began in April 2023 and the fee remains in August, indicating success and the likely permanence of the fee.

What is upsetting to many cruise travelers – whether it is over cookies, pizza, or a Chinese-Mexican fusion meal – is the appearance of more and more fees. This is often perceived as nickel-and-dime pricing, or offering a supposedly lower fare but requiring greater expenses onboard to elevate the cruise experience.

Would cookies be worth the extra cost? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

Carnival Cruise Line Glitch Impacts Drink Packages

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

-

Aug 26, 2023

0

Carnival Cruise Line Glitch Impacts Drink Packages

Overnight from Friday, August 25 into the early hours of Saturday, August 26, 2023, Carnival Cruise Line’s website suffered a glitch that incorrectly calculated the prices of the Cheers! beverage package for guests, resulting in the appearance of steep discounts.

While booked guests were quick to try and snap up the amazing deal, the price will not be honored as originally displayed, but Carnival is offering a discount to guests who tried to make the most of the bargain.

Carnival Cheers! Drink Package Glitch

A temporary glitch on Carnival Cruise Line’s website caused what appeared to be amazing discounts on the Cheers! beverage package.

While the price per day was displayed accurately for guests attempting to make a purchase, the calculation of the full package price was incorrect and did not show properly for checkout.

As a result, guests appeared to be scoring the beverage package for as little as a one-day, one-person price for an entire sailing, no matter what the length of the cruise. Part of the glitch also appeared as though it was no longer required for every guest in a stateroom to purchase the package.

Carnival Cruise Line Labor Day Weekend Drink — Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has clarified the error and announced that while the mistaken price will not be honored, guests will receive a discount should they wish to repurchase the package they attempted to get on such a great deal.

“All guests who booked with this glitch will get a refund of their purchase and a one-time discount code should they wish to repurchase,” Heald said.

Impacted guests will receive emails with their discount code within the next few days. The details of the discount have not been revealed, but could be a percentage off, a free day of the package, a two-for-one bargain, or any other type of discount.

It is highly unlikely, however, that a “buy-one-day-get-the-rest-of-the-cruise-free” package discount will be offered.

About Cheers!

Cheers! is Carnival Cruise Line’s all-inclusive beverage package that covers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for the duration of a cruise. The package is priced at a flat daily rate, which is currently $59.95 (USD) per day when purchased before setting sail, or $64.95 per day when purchased onboard.

An 18% service charge is also added to the package, and each adult in the same stateroom must buy the package (if one traveler buys it, their adult companions in the same stateroom must also buy it).

Carnival Celebration Drink — Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Accordingly, a 7-night cruise for two adults would have a total Cheers! price of $990 when purchased before sailing, or $1,073 when purchased onboard.

With the website glitch, the cost were ringing up at just about $70, showing for the entire sailing and with no need for all adults in the same stateroom to purchase the package. Quite an exceptional savings if the price was accurate!

Similar Error on Royal Caribbean

In July 2019, a similar online glitch happened for Royal Caribbean International’s drink package, permitting purchases of the Deluxe Beverage Package (Royal Caribbean’s equivalent to Carnival’s Cheers! package) for just $18 per person, per day, instead of the actual price at that time of $55 per person, per day.

Initially, Royal Caribbean International intended to negate the very steep discount and cancel and refund purchases at the mistaken rate, but later opted to honor the deeply discounted price with the message “this round’s on us.”

The difference in the errors is that Royal Caribbean International’s glitch still calculated a daily price, albeit at a steep discount. Carnival Cruise Line’s glitch, on the other hand, only calculated a single day’s price for guests.

Comparatively, for a 7-night sailing, Royal Caribbean’s discount was roughly 66%, whereas Carnival’s discount from this error amounts to an 86% discount on a 7-night sailing.