An Australian couple has enjoyed more than a year aboard a cruise ship for less than the cost of retirement home living, and has no plans to stop their oceangoing lifestyle with Princess Cruises for the next few months.
The couple is currently aboard Coral Princess for another few months, then will resume their cruise ship retirement aboard Crown Princess after a land-based break.
A Cruise Ship Retirement
Jess and Marty Ansen, formerly of Brisbane, Australia, are now full-time residents of Coral Princess, as they have been since June 2022.
The couple has 51 consecutive back-to-back cruises aboard the 91,627-gross-ton vessel, enjoying the seagoing lifestyle as the ship has sailed to a range of destinations in the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.
The couple enjoyed 31 cruise vacations with Princess Cruises prior to the industry-wide pandemic shutdown, and after sailing resumed, they’ve taken full advantage of their retirement to enjoy it once again.
“Eventually I said to my agent, ‘Look, whatever comes, book it’ and that’s how it got to be such a long cruise,”Marty said.
In June 2022, Coral Princess was the first Princess Cruises ship to restart operations in Australia, second only behind P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Explorer that had begun sailing in late May 2022. Jess and Marty Ansen were onboard that first restart sailing as they began their lengthy retirement cruise living.
“Cruising offers the ultimate holiday experience. You go onboard, you only unpack once, and you have all this amazing entertainment, exceptional food, great company and you can see the world. And, the crew deliver incredible service – that’s why we cruise,” the couple explained.
With such a long tenure onboard, the Ansens have become like second family to many crew members who complete contracts, visit their homes for a few weeks, then return to the ship and the Ansens are there to greet them once again.
Onboard, the couple enjoys table tennis every morning, as well as evening shows, dancing, fine dining, and all the other amenities Coral Princess offers, not to mention the global traveling.
51 Cruises Costs Less Than Retirement Living
The Ansens claim that their full-time cruising lifestyle is less expensive than a similar lifestyle would be in a retirement community on land. This may well be accurate, though both cruise costs as well as retirement community costs vary widely.
Onboard expenses would vary considerably depending on the type of cabin booked, dining preferences – such as alcoholic purchases or specialty restaurants, for example – shore excursions, internet packages, and other add-ons.
Coral Princess
The Ansens do enjoy a variety of benefits from Princess Cruises’ loyalty program, the Captain’s Circle, based on their long tenure. The “Elite” level of loyalty, the highest offered by the cruise line, requires 15 cruises or 150 cruise days – which the couple has far more than achieved.
Benefits exclusive to that level include a complimentary mini bar, complimentary laundry services, and discounts in the onboard shops and on shore excursions, all of which add up to savings over land-based retirement communities.
A Year on Another Ship
In a few months, the Ansens will be leaving Coral Princess to spend a few months getting their land legs back, before boarding Crown Princess, a newer, 113,561-gross-ton modified Grand-class vessel, for another year of back-to-back cruising.
Crown Princess will be arriving in Australia and New Zealand in fall 2024, after spending the summer sailing in Alaska. While Down Under, the ship will offer a variety of itineraries that include Tasmania, New Zealand, Fiji, circumnavigating Australia, and trips to Vanuatu and New Caledonia. In May 2025, the ship will begin a 60-night World Cruise from Auckland to Dover, with the Ansens likely onboard all the way.
The annual Cruise Hive Awards are now open for votes – these are the awards chosen by cruisers to note the best ships, best features, and more for the year, and what they are most looking forward to for 2024. Voting will close on Friday, December 22, 2023, so be sure to get your votes in!
Voting opened on Monday, October 2, 2023. Each person can cast one vote in each of the eight categories, but each individual does not have to vote in every category for their choices to count.
Changes for 2023
Cruise Hive has run reader-driven annual awards since 2014 with the “Great Cruise Vote 2014.” In different years, new categories have come and gone as cruise lines have changed to meet cruisers’ changing preferences, but always the awards have been led by what readers – real cruise travelers – love most about cruising.
For 2023, the awards have been renamed from the Cruise Ship Awards to the Cruise Hive Awards to better represent all the voting categories, which include individual ship features, crew service, private islands, homeports, and more.
Cruise Hive Awards
Two new voting categories are debuting for 2023: “Best Cruise Line Booking Experience” and “Best Cruise Line for Service and Crew” as both those experiences are very critical for cruise travelers. How will you cast your votes for each category?
Best Overall Cruise Ship of 2023
This can be a brand new ship that debuted in 2023 or an old favorite from any cruise line. Which ship has all the features you love? Which vessel offers the best oceangoing vacation? This is a broad category and you can type in the name of any ship from any fleet.
Be sure to use the ship’s complete name – if you just put “Magic” do you mean Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Magic or Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic? Would “Radiance” mean Carnival Radiance or Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas? Wonder, Dream, Fantasy… These are all names that might refer to different ships, so be careful with the names!
Cruise Ships in Miami (Photo Credit: VIAVAL TOURS / Shutterstock)
One restriction – only ships currently sailing in 2023 are eligible for this vote; no upcoming new-for-2024-not-yet-sailing vessels or former cruise ships now retired or scrapped are eligible.
Best Cruise Line Booking Experience
Did you book a cruise this year? Whether or not you’ve already sailed, how was the booking experience? Was the website easy to use, were terms and conditions clear, could you easily find the ship, itinerary, and sailing dates you wanted? Have you been able to plan add-ons, and has the cruise line kept you updated as your cruise approaches?
Best Cruise Ship Feature
So many cruise lines have amazing and distinctive features on their individual ships, something that set the line apart from the competition. Whether high-flying thrills, a need for speed, transformative spaces, or incredible views, which feature do you find to be the very best? Carnival Cruise Line’s BOLT Roller Coaster won in 2022, but will it be displaced by another great feature on another cruise line?
Best Cruise Line for Service and Crew
A ship’s crew is the heart and soul of any cruise vacation, not only providing excellent service but often going above and beyond with extra details and memorable touches. Did a particular crew do something extraordinary to really make your vacation? Was there a unique situation that was dealt with in an amazing way? Did you find overall service to be more than you expected?
Best Cruise Line Private Island/Destination
Private islands are growing in popularity as they offer cruisers exclusive experiences and memorable moments. Which island or destination offers the features you enjoy the most, or has something every cruiser can enjoy? Which one would you happily visit over and over again on every cruise vacation? Perfect Cay at CocoCay won in 2022; will it dominate again this year?
Best US Cruise Homeport
Which US homeport is the tops to set sail from? Maybe it’s close to home and convenient, or a great experience no matter how far you have to travel to reach it. Where is the smoothest embarkation, the best features, the easiest parking, the best waiting area? Which homeport would you happily set sail from over and over? Port Canaveral has already won a three-peat; will it be the best homeport four years in a row?
Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship for 2024
Which upcoming ship are you most eager to see? It doesn’t have to be a ship you’re planning to set sail on or already booked for, just a vessel that gets you excited about cruising next year. Maybe you want to go big with Icon of the Seas, get the royal treatment on Sun Princess, feel classically nautical aboard Queen Anne, experience the richness of Disney Treasure, or vote for any of the other upcoming ships.
Best New Cruise Ship of 2023
So many amazing ships have debuted this year, this is your chance to vote for your favorite. Whether you’ve sailed on the vessel, are currently booked for a cruise, or are just a fan, cast your vote for the best new vessel that first welcomed guests in 2023! In 2022, Carnival Celebration won the vote; will Carnival Jubilee keep the streak alive or will a different ship take the title?
Voting in all categories will close on Friday, December 22, 2023, and the results will be revealed before the end of the year.
While many people who have never been on a cruise ship assume that the food options would be limited or that the ingredients would lack freshness and quality, the truth is that many modern cruise ships are floating havens for foodies, and there are many common things to eat on a ship.
Not only is cruise ship food better than you might expect, but in many cases, the delectable food and culinary options can be among the main highlights of the entire voyage. Today, we will dive into eight everyday food items that cruise ship passengers regularly enjoy.
We will cover some of the most common things you will be offered at sea and explain where you can enjoy these food items and dishes on board the ship. If you are ready to let your taste buds set sail, keep reading, and we will dive right in!
While you may assume that cruise lines would face difficulties keeping fruits and veggies fresh at sea, modern cruise ships have high-capacity refrigeration systems that keep produce at the ideal temperature to maintain freshness.
Fresh fruit is a common sight for cruise ships exploring tropical locations, such as the Caribbean. You may notice plenty of sliced fruit, vegetable platters, and pre-made salads at every buffet station and restaurant menu.
Fruit at the Ship Ship Buffet (Photo Credit: vadimmva)
Not only does this allow passengers to embrace the lifestyle of the tropics fully, the cruise ship can actually load up on local produce when it stops at various ports of call.
Most cruise lines also know that many people book cruise vacations for rest, relaxation, and recovery. Having healthy and nutritious options, like crisp salads and fresh fruit, helps health-conscious passengers maintain a balanced diet while they enjoy their vacation.
2. Delicious Pizza and Pasta
Who can honestly say that they don’t like pizza and pasta? Cruise lines have recognized that pizza and basic pasta dishes are seen by many as the ultimate comfort food, so they make sure that they are widely available to passengers while they enjoy their vacation.
Pizza Being Made Onboard MSC Meraviglia (Photo Credit: Claire Lucia)
Not only do most people enjoy pizza, but it is also enjoyed by passengers of all ages and backgrounds, so it is a real crowd-pleaser. You may notice pre-sliced pizza at buffet stations and specialty pizzerias where you can customize toppings. Pasta is also common at buffets and most restaurants offering European and American dishes.
3. Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, and Other BBQ Favorites
While you can find plenty of upscale specialty restaurants specializing in gourmet dishes, most cruise ships also offer more casual options. This is particularly common around lunchtime. These simple yet tasty options are almost always available near poolside grills and other open-air areas of the ship.
Carnival Cruise Line Burger (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
If you want a hot dog, hamburger, grilled or fried chicken, and vegetarian alternatives, you should be able to find them while lounging on the ship’s top deck.
Most also come with a side of fries or a simple salad. Again, these simple food ideas are popular as they appeal to all ages, backgrounds, and culinary preferences.
4. Fresh Seafood Dishes Prepared in Numerous Ways
Most cruise lines lean into seafood when crafting menus and choosing restaurants for their ships. It only makes sense, considering you are surrounded by water during most of your voyage.
For those with simple tastes, fried seafood and buttery lobster tails are widely available. For those a little bit more adventurous and with a more sophisticated palate, the ship’s many chefs enjoy preparing seafood dishes that reflect local customs. This means you may have the opportunity to try a seafood dish you have never experienced before.
Holland America Fish
Like how the ship can stock up on fresh and flavorful produce when it stops in tropical destinations, it can also load up on freshly caught seafood while replenishing its stores in various ports.
There is nothing like looking out at an ocean view while waiting to enjoy a delicious seafood meal. In September 2023, Holland America Line announced that it would source locally fresh fish for all its ships.
5. Sweet and Decadent Desserts
While you can undoubtedly find healthy cruise ship food options, there is no shortage of decadent desserts and sweets. After all, a cruise is meant to be a vacation, so organizers want to ensure that passengers can indulge.
Most restaurants will have an eye-catching dessert menu with cheesecakes, crème brulee, decadent brownies, and more. You can also find numerous stands offering ice cream, cookies, and other simple treats you can enjoy while you explore the ship.
6. Sandwiches and Other Simple Finger Foods
Most cruise ships also ensure that passengers have constant access to sandwiches, pastries, and other basic finger foods. Once again, these convenience foods have a broad appeal and can help tide passengers over between breakfast and dinner.
Sandwiches on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: FOTOADICTA)
While you can undoubtedly find casual options for these types of food items, some ships also lean into the time-honored maritime tradition of enjoying afternoon tea. This experience allows you to enjoy triangular sandwiches, buttered scones, delicious macaroons, and a wide variety of teas. Why not add some sophistication to your travels and enjoy this old sailing tradition?
7. Traditional American Breakfast Foods
Most cruise ships offer passengers full American breakfasts: eggs, breakfast meats like bacon and sausages, hash browns, pancakes, waffles, toast, and plenty of coffee. This comfort food helps passengers feel at home while they are at sea. It also allows passengers to start the day off on the right foot.
Many of these breakfast dishes will also feature pastries, sliced fruit, and yogurt options, as this appeals to more health-conscious passengers.
English Breakfast (Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)
How these breakfast dishes are delivered depends on the particular cruise ship you are traveling on and your personal preferences. Most cruise lines will offer a complimentary breakfast buffet with all the food items mentioned above.
You can also have your breakfast delivered directly to your cabin through room service. For those who prefer a more upscale dining experience, many ships will also have breakfast restaurants where guests can order pre-built breakfasts from a menu.
Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, so rest assured that you can fuel up first thing in the morning while you enjoy your voyage.
8. Locally Themed Restaurants and Dining Rooms
While each cruise ship differs in its offerings, many modern cruise ships try to allow passengers to immerse themselves in the local flavors and cultures. Themed specialty restaurants that offer dishes made with local ingredients are becoming increasingly popular, allowing passengers to gain a cultural experience while enjoying their voyage.
Hot Pot Venue on Spectrum of the Seas
Naturally, what is offered at these restaurants will depend on where your cruise ship travels. For example, a Caribbean cruise may offer dishes inspired by nearby island nations. If your cruise stops in Jamaica or passes by the country, you may notice the ship offers Jamaican dishes, like jerk chicken and pepper pot soup.
Try these dishes and enjoy a bit of cultural immersion on the water by sampling new and exciting types of cuisine. Who knows, you may even discover a new favorite kind of dish!
What Should You Do if You Have Dietary Restrictions?
If you are worried about a dietary restriction before you embark on a cruise vacation, rest assured that modern cruise lines are more equipped to handle allergies, preferences, and various diets than ever.
If you have a specific dietary restriction or preference, make sure that you do the following:
Inform the Cruise Line Before Boarding
While most cruise lines can accommodate most dietary restrictions with little notice, it is always a good practice to make sure that you inform them ahead of time. This allows them to stock any necessary alternative ingredients.
Inform Your Wait Staff Before Placing Your Order
Even if you have informed the cruise line well before boarding, you should always remind the wait staff of your dietary needs. They will be able to explain alternatives they can prepare and ensure that the cooking staff is aware of your allergy, preference, or diet.
Be Direct and Specific When Mentioning Your Dietary Restrictions
Do not hesitate to be direct when explaining your dietary restrictions, especially if they are linked to a severe allergy. A cruise ship kitchen will take your concerns very seriously, as the health and well-being of passengers is always their most important goal. That said, they can only help you if they are fully aware of your restrictions and their severity.
Waiter Takes Order on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Bekker24)
If you have a particularly sensitive allergy, ensure the staff is fully aware. This will stress the importance of avoiding cross-contamination while preparing your meal.
Consider Packing a Few Snacks
While you can eat delicious meals if you do things correctly, it is always a good idea to bring snacks that abide by your dietary restrictions. At restaurants and the main dining room, it is much easier for the staff to work around your dietary restrictions; however, more casual spots, like poolside grills, may need help finding adequate alternatives. Having snacks you know you can eat is always a good idea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you bring your own food on a cruise ship?
While rules will vary from one cruise line to the next, most do not allow passengers to bring their own food onto the ship. For the most part, this is done to protect the safety of other passengers, especially regarding food allergies.
That said, most cruise lines have exceptions. Baby food and formula are almost always permitted for those traveling with young children. Pre-packaged snacks are sometimes allowed, even if they are discouraged. Medically required food items, like sugary items for people with diabetes, are also allowed.
Basically, it is up to the discretion of the cruise line and the ship’s crew, but they are usually reasonable if you can make a compelling argument for why you are bringing food on board the ship. If you have concerns, consider contacting the cruise line you are traveling with ahead of time.
Can you get room service on a cruise ship?
Yes, almost every cruise ship will offer room service menus to its passengers. Typically, you can order these food items to your cabin at all hours, so there is plenty of flexibility. Just remember that some cruise lines charge you for everything you order to your cabin, which can get expensive.
Can I order specialty food items not on the menu for celebratory reasons?
Almost every cruise ship will accommodate special requests, especially for celebratory purposes. If, for example, you were celebrating a birthday or an anniversary, you should be able to request a birthday cake or bottle of champagne.
That said, checking policies and options beforehand is always a good idea. If you are planning a significant celebration, such as a marriage proposal, you should consult the cruise line beforehand so they can make the necessary preparations.
Final Words
While many people associate cruises with stunning views and luxury, they can also be an exciting culinary wonderland. Embrace the experience and try different foods while you are on board the ship. Let your taste buds have an adventure all of their own!
Princess Cruises, a line dedicated to superb culinary experiences, is introducing carefully curated vegan menus across all 15 ships in its fleet.
A wide range of plant-based dishes are available, each crafted just as carefully as any menu item offered in Princess Cruises’ main dining rooms or specialty restaurants.
Princess Cruises Rolls Out Vegan Menus
Princess Cruises is introducing a new, creative vegan menu aboard all its ships, focusing not only on delicious plant-based meals, but also to showcase both culinary creativity and eco-consciousness.
The new menu is currently being rolled out fleetwide, though the exact dates of the menu to appear on individual ships has not been announced.
The new menu is in response to guests’ desire for additional healthy, plant-based dining options without sacrificing the gourmet quality Princess Cruises is renowned for.
Emerald Princess Open Decks (Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock)
“Our dedication to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences continues to evolve with current trends, including the desire for more vegan offerings,”said Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises Vice President of Food and Beverage.“Our new plant-based dinner menus offer our vegan guests an extraordinary culinary journey while providing reassurance and peace of mind with dishes they know meet their lifestyle preferences.”
The new menus help expand Princess Cruises’ culinary offerings to meet more guest needs and preferences. Travelers can request the vegan options pre-cruise via their travel agent, contacting Princess Cruises, or on the Cruise Personalizer as they manage their booking. Guests can also request vegan menu choices while onboard their sailing.
Delicious Plant-Based Options
There is no lack of variety in the new vegan menus, which feature starters, robust salads, soups, pastas, and entrees, all of which offer curated pairings of plant-based items.
Guests might start their meal with roasted pears dressed with dried apricots and pistachios, Baja-style cauliflower tacos, a “Green Goddess” salad with tofu, creamy white bean soup, or a hearty roasted eggplant and tomato soup. Black beans on toast topped with tomato and avocado and a fresh potato salad with Dijon mustard and herbs are other tantalizing appetizers.
Vegan Menus For Plant-Based Cruisers
Pastas such as fettuccini with walnut sauce, penne with red pepper pesto, and farfalle and summer squash with tomatoes, basil, and pine nuts are all available, likely in both starter and entrée portion sizes.
Main dishes include rich stir-fried Portobellos with soy-maple sauce, a plant-based Shepherd’s pie, and “Walkaway Ratatouille” for a fun twist on a classic favorite.
All vegan dishes are carefully prepared without the use of any animal products, ensuring compliance with what can occasionally be strict dietary guidelines.
While Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line are both owned by parent company Carnival Corporation & plc, the two lines’ vegan menus are each distinct to the individual lines and not simply a sharing of dishes.
Carnival’s Hawaiian Salmon Poke
More and more cruise lines are adding vegan options to their menus as such items become increasingly popular and highly requested by cruise guests.
While vegetarian menu items have been available for many years, truly vegan dishes have been scarce not only because of the lack of high-quality, plant-based items for gourmet use, but also because of preparation challenges.
Now, cruise lines are meeting those challenges with excellent results, and diners are impressed by the superb variety of vegan dishes.
Carnival Corporation’s President and CEO, Josh Weinstein, has indicated that the company is open to implementing a fuel surcharge. The statement came during a recent Q3 earnings call and signaled a level of uncertainty concerning rising fuel prices.
Although Weinstein mentions that any potential surcharge would only affect future bookings, not guests who have already secured their cruise, Carnival Cruise Line’s terms and conditions indicate otherwise.
According to their policy, the surcharge could be applied even if the cruise fare has been paid in full, potentially adding hundreds of dollars to the onboard bill for guests.
Fuel Surcharges Could be Coming to Carnival
Carnival Corporation’s President and CEO, Josh Weinstein, addressed the often-sensitive subject of fuel surcharges during the 3rd quarter earnings call on September 29. This issue has become a talking point since fuel pricing increased dramatically between early 2022 and now.
If a fuel surcharge were implemented, this would come when cruise pricing has already been elevated, and guests are paying a premium. At the same time, several cruise lines have steadily removed various services onboard. Adding a fuel surcharge could affect the booking decisions of prospective cruisers.
Josh Weinstein said: “Yeah. It’s certainly not off the table. We wouldn’t take anything off of the table. It’s not something we’re planning to implement in the near term, although that could certainly change. There are certainly considerations that have to be made about what’s the norm in society with the expectations of our customers.”
Photo Credit: Francisco Blanco / Shutterstock
Adding a fuel surcharge would be a temporary measure, primarily to counter sudden price increases, and it would not affect guests who have already booked their cruises with one of the nine cruise lines that Carnival Corporation operates, according to Weinstein:
“Obviously, you don’t go retroactively too. So, you’re talking about forward bookings. But I wouldn’t take anything off the table. I would reiterate, though, even a fuel surcharge is temporary.”
However, Carnival Cruise Line, which is by far the largest component of Carnival Corporation, has a different policy. Their terms and conditions specify a “Fuel supplement,” essentially an additional charge designed to offset a portion of the company’s fuel costs.
According to the policy, Carnival reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement of up to USD 9.00 per person per day if the price of light sweet crude oil exceeds USD 70.00 per barrel.
What’s noteworthy here is that Carnival may collect this supplement at the time of sailing, even if the guests have already paid the cruise fare in full. For a family of four on a seven-night cruise, this adds up to $252.
Will Carnival Add a Surcharge?
The prospect of adding a fuel surcharge is something Carnival Corporation would regard as a last resort, knowing it would raise eyebrows among their guests.
In response to an analyst’s question about why Carnival doesn’t hedge fuel (locking in a specific price for fuel for a set period), Weinstein indicated that hedging, like a surcharge, isn’t off the table but also noted that its impact on share price and long-term value was found to be minimal in their studies.
Photo Credit: ThePhotoFab / Shutterstock
So, what other options does Carnival have to avoid a fuel surcharge? One method is simply to reduce consumption. Efforts to use less fuel saved the company an estimated $375 million this year.
This likely leads to Carnival’s nine cruise lines re-evaluating their routes, which could lead to more fuel-efficient cruises but with potential itinerary changes.
Since the earnings call, the stock price of Carnival has dipped around 30 cents per share. Interestingly, this appears to be more of a market reaction to the company’s projected fourth-quarter loss.
However, it could be that the market is sensitive to the unresolved question of a potential fuel surcharge and how guests would react to even higher cruise pricing.
The upcoming Celebrity Ascent cruise ship successfully finished her sea trials over the weekend, bringing her one momentous step closer to her November 2023 debut.
Sea trials are a critical step in the finishing phases of a ship’s construction and outfitting, as these tests ensure all critical systems are operating properly and the ship is ready to set sail.
Celebrity Ascent Passes Sea Trials
Celebrity Ascent completed several strenuous days of sea trials over the weekend, performing various tests and maneuvers in the Bay of Biscay near the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, where the ship has been under construction.
With this milestone, Celebrity Ascent has “ascended” to the peak of her construction with her first open-ocean sailing, marking successful tests of propulsion, braking, turns, maneuvering, and emergency systems during her sea trials, passing the tests with flying colors.
The ship’s brother co-captains, Demetrios and Tasos Kafetzis, led the ship and nearly 200 crew members onboard through the various tests, putting the ship through her figurative paces from bow to stern. These tests show critical responses of the ship’s systems to ensure safe and efficient operation when the vessel puts to sea with guests aboard.
Celebrity Ascent Begins Sea Trials (Photo Credit: Bruno Bouvry Photographer)
The fourth ship in the innovative Edge class from Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Ascent first came into being with the initial steel-cutting on November 17, 2021, marking the beginning of the physical construction of the ship’s hull. In August 2022, the keel was laid and the assembly of the ship began, and in January 2023, the ship was floated out of the construction bay and moved to a nearby dock for continuing work.
The sea trials are the last major milestone of the construction process, and it is expected that the ship will be officially handed over to Celebrity Cruises in the coming weeks ahead of her November 2023 preview sailings.
Cruising on Celebrity Ascent
The 140,600-gross ton Celebrity Ascent will be homeported from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, alongside her sister ships Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond, the second and third vessels in the Edge class, respectively. The premier vessel of the innovative class, Celebrity Edge, will be homeported from Sydney, Australia for the Southern Hemisphere summer season.
The ship’s official maiden voyage will set sail on December 3, 2023. The 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing will visit St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Amber Cove.
Through the winter months, Celebrity Ascent will offer a variety of 7-night Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and Bahamas/Mexico sailings to top ports of call such as Nassau, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, San Juan, St. Kitts, and more.
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises
In April 2024, the ship will reposition from Florida to Europe via 13-night transatlantic cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona, stopping at the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Malaga along the way, before the ship spends the summer months in the Mediterranean. Celebrity Ascent will return to Fort Lauderdale in late October 2024.
Regardless of where she is sailing, guests onboard Celebrity Ascent are in for fantastic luxury, stellar entertainment, exquisite dining, and more.
The ship, which can welcome 3,260 travelers aboard per sailing, features all the amenities already outrageously popular on the other Edge-class ships, but reimagined for the new vessel.
Guests can choose from 32 restaurants, bars, and lounges, and will enjoy the stunning multi-deck Sunset Bar, the open-air Rooftop Garden, the cantilevered Magic Carpet floating platform, the immersive Eden transformative space, and so very much more.
Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the Bahamas’ 50th anniversary of independence in grand style aboard the fleet’s flagship, Carnival Celebration, with a special event on Sunday, October 1.
The event took place in Miami, Florida, in honor of the connections between the Bahamas and Carnival Cruise Line, and is one of several Bahamian independence celebratory events this year.
Carnival Celebration Hosts Bahamas Celebration
While Carnival Celebration was docked in Miami on Sunday, October 1, 2023, Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis and US Representative Federica Wilson, the founder of the Florida Ports Caucus and honorary co-host for the event, joined Carnival Corporation President, CEO, and Chief Climate Officer Josh Weinstein for a special anniversary event.
The event commemorates the anniversary of the Bahamas’ national independence, as well as marks the launch of the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Project, a mentoring program founded by Wilson that has had a dramatic impact on South Florida young men and will now be expanded to Bahamian youth as well.
Carnival and Bahamas Event
“It was an honor to stand alongside [Carnival Cruise Line] as we celebrated this historic occasion and announced the launch of the first international chapter of the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Project in the Bahamas—this is truly a dream come true,”said Wilson. “Together, we celebrate the spirit of excellence and unity that defines our communities and look forward to a brighter future ahead.”
The 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Project began in 1993 in Miami-Dade County with the goal of working with at-risk boys to help them choose a better path than crime and violence through supportive, positive relationships with adult male role models. Now, several other Florida counties also use the program, and the Bahamas will have the first international chapter.
Carnival Cruise Line Supporting and Celebrating the Bahamas
Carnival Cruise Line has long supported initiatives in the Bahamas, ever since the cruise line first began sailing to the diverse island nation 51 years ago.
“We are so grateful for our partnership with this remarkable nation, which goes back to the very beginning of our company and has only strengthened over the last 50 years,”said Weinstein.“The Bahamas has always been one of the most popular destinations among our guests, thanks to the hospitality of the Bahamian people, the natural beauty of the islands, and the nation’s rich culture.”
Today, the cruise line visits five ports of call in the island nation: the capital, Nassau, as well as Freeport and Bimini, along with two private island destinations – Half Moon Cay and Princess Cay.
The weekend event aboard the 183,521-gross-ton, Excel-class Carnival Celebration is only the most recent of several celebrations the cruise line has hosted in recognition of the Bahamas 50th Anniversary of Independence.
In June, the cruise line hosted a Golden Jubilee breakfast aboard Carnival Legend while the ship was docked in Freeport, with community members and local officials onboard for the occasion, which included recognizing parliamentarians for their service to their nation and communities.
For the island nation, celebrations will continue throughout the year to mark the grand occasion, with parades, performances, and many other special events to enjoy.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests and travel agents to notify them of an upcoming increase in the price of the popular Cheers! all-included beverage package.
Guests have just a few days to lock in savings at the current rate before the price increase takes effect on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
Drink Package Price Increasing
The Cheers! Beverage Program for Carnival Cruise Line will be increasing by $10 (USD) per person, per day for short cruises of 3, 4, or 5 nights as of October 8, 2023. The increase is effective for all cruise departure dates from December 1, 2023 and later.
This will make the total price of Cheers! $69.95 per person, per day when purchased before sailing. Onboard, the price will be $74.95 per person, per day.
The previous pricing of $59.95 per person, per day ($64.95 when purchased onboard) will remain in effect through Saturday, October 7, giving booked guests the opportunity to make their purchases right away and lock in the lower rate before their sailing.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
All prices do not include the 18% service charge that will be added upon checking out with the package purchase.
Cruises departing prior to December 1 are not impacted by the price increase, and there is no price change at this time for sailings of six nights or longer, regardless of departure date.
Similarly, there is no price change for the Bottomless Bubbles drink package at this time, which includes all-you-can-drink soda and juice for $9.50 per adult per day, and $6.95 per child per day.
There are no additional changes to the package, such as the number of permitted drinks, excluded beverages, or where drinks in the Cheers! package may be served.
Why No Increase on Longer Sailings?
Carnival guests enjoying longer sailings do not have any pricing changes for Cheers! at the moment, but why? It is possible that the cruise line is considering overall beverage consumption volume with regards to the pricing changes, and many travelers indulge more heavily in the first few days of a sailing, but taper off later in the cruise.
On longer sailings, then, the overall drinks consumed compared to package pricing would balance out in successive days, but on short cruises the costs may be higher with more guests reaching the 15 drinks-per-day limit of the Cheers! package.
It is also possible that the increase in cost is a subtle attempt to help curb excess consumption on shorter sailings, which are often referred to as “booze cruises” for the excess drinking that can lead to poor behavior and rowdiness onboard.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
This increase may also be a test for overall pricing, and if successful, may lead to similar price increases for the Cheers! package on longer Carnival cruises.
The last price increase for Cheers! was in mid-2022, when the rates were raised to the current level. In early 2022, Cheers! was $51.95 per person per day when purchased before sailing, and $56.95 when purchased onboard. With the upcoming price increase, Cheers! will have increased by more than 30% in under two years.
About Cheers!
The Cheers! Beverage Program is Carnival Cruise Line’s all-inclusive drinks package. Guests are limited to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, but can indulge in all the sodas and other applicable non-alcoholic drinks they wish with the package purchase.
The non-transferrable package must be purchased for the entire length of a cruise and is not available on a per-diem basis. Also, if one guest purchases the program, all travelers age 21 and older in the same stateroom must also purchase the package. This is a deterrent to sharing packages, which is not permitted.
The cruise line does have procedures to monitor alcohol consumption and bartenders can refuse to serve guests who appear to be intoxicated, even if they have not reached the 15-drink limit of the Cheers! package.
Bottles of wine or champagne are not included in the package, nor are any drinks with price higher than $20 or any beverage seminars or classes, such as mixology classes. Drinks in souvenir glasses, room service beverages, shared drinks such as pitchers or buckets, or drinks while off the ship – including in Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays – are likewise excluded from the package.
Terms and conditions of all drinks packages, including Cheers! pricing, are subject to change at any time.
Norwegian Cruise Line is making a major effort to embrace and encourage the solo cruiser market with the announcement that close to 1,000 staterooms will soon be rebranded as solo cabins.
Three stateroom categories earmarked for solo guests will open for bookings this week across the line’s fleet of 19 ships.
More Studio Staterooms Available in Early 2024
Responding to recent data showing the solo traveler market is significantly widening, Norwegian Cruise Line rolled out three new cabin categories just for solo guests: Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, and Solo Balcony.
The cruise line unveiled the new accommodations option on October 3, 2023, and this week is opening bookings of the new category on cruises with departure dates starting on January 2, 2024.
Norwegian Cruise Line Solo Cabin
“We strive to provide our guests with diverse offerings to create their dream vacation,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Currently, just nine ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet offer solo cabins, including its newest ship, Norwegian Viva, which launch in August 2023. Guests booking solo cabins enjoy key card access to a Studio Lounge (on ships where available), which features a bar, lounge area, and daily snacks.
“Since we first launched our solo staterooms in 2010 with Norwegian Epic, they have been quite popular with single travelers. We are continuously listening to our guests to deliver the experience they want. After realizing the growing demand of individuals looking to travel on their own, we have now expanded single occupancy staterooms across our fleet,” Herrera added.
Norwegian Cruise Line Studio Lounge
On October 3, 2023, the “dates and prices” links for various 2024 cruises on the Norwegian Cruise Line website show a “studio” category indicating “solo guests only,” but has no live cruise fares posted yet.
Itinerary, Demand Will Affect Solo Fares
The cruise line’s announcement indicates that pricing and availability will be based on destination and on demand for solo cabins, but solo guests will most likely pay a lower fare than if they booked a double occupancy stateroom.
Generally, solo cruisers without access to dedicated solo cabins typically pay a hefty single supplement fee if they book a double cabin. The fee can bring a solo guest’s fare as high as the full cruise fare for two people sharing a double cabin.
Cruise lines sometimes waive single supplement fees during special, limited-time marketing promotions. Virgin Vacations, for instance, in May waived single supplements on all of its summer 2023 sailings in Europe.
Spike Seen in Solo Traveler Bookings, Searches
Norwegian Cruise Line’s decision to add nearly 1,000 solo guest cabins to its fleet follows a notable spike in solo travel across the travel industry, while the cruise line’s own reservations data revealed an increase in solo cruisers booking non-studio accommodations.
The cruise line, a brand of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said the trend was revealed in bookings between 2019 and 2022. In the wider tourism industry, a study by the global distribution system Travelport found that solo travel comprises nearly 18% of global bookings.
In another sign of a healthy solo travel market, Radical Storage, a global luggage storage network, revealed a 267% spike in online searches for “solo travel.” The finding was gleaned from searches conducted from late 2020 to spring 2022.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s sister brand, upmarket Oceania Cruises, also hopped on the solo stateroom bandwagon in 2022, when it designated 56 cabins as solo accommodations onboard four ships.
Each of Oceania’s ships, Regatta, Nautica, Insignia, and Sirena, added 14 solo oceanview staterooms, while the line’s newest ship, Vista, which entered service after her christening in May 2023, features six Concierge Level Solo Veranda Staterooms.
