Blog Page 139

Royal Caribbean Ship Cancels Cruise Departures Out of Israel

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Ship Cancels Cruise Departures Out of Israel

Royal Caribbean International has cancelled the next two cruises for Rhapsody of the Seas, both of which were scheduled to set sail from Haifa, Israel. The Monday, October 9 and Friday, October 13 sailings are impacted.

The cancellation is due to the ongoing geopolitical unrest in the region and follows other cruise ships quickly cancelling port visits to Israel to safeguard guests and crew members.

Rhapsody of the Seas Cruises Cancelled

Two complete sailings of the Vision-class Rhapsody of the Seas are now cancelled. Royal Caribbean International has reached out to booked guests with the details of the cancellation and how refunds will be processed.

“We’ve been closely monitoring the geopolitical situation in Israel. With your safety and well-being in mind, and in conjunction with our Global Security Department, we’ve decided that we must cancel our October 9, 2023 and October 13, 2023 Rhapsody of the Seas sailings,” the notification explained.

The October 9 departure was to have been a 4-night cruise to Greece and Cyprus, while the October 13 sailing was scheduled as a 5-night Greek Isles itinerary.

Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas
Photo Credit: LukeandKarla.Travel / Shutterstock

All guests will receive a 100% refund of their cruise fare, taxes, and fees, as well as all pre-paid packages, gratuities, shore excursions, and other amenities. Any airfare purchased through Royal Caribbean as well as Royal Caribbean Travel Protection will also be fully refunded.

Refunds will be processed through the cruise line within 14 business days, but when refunds will appear in guests’ accounts may vary based on their individual financial institutions policies and processing time.

If guests used a future cruise credit (FCC) to pay for the now-cancelled cruise, the original statement will be reinstated and new funds above the certificate amount will be refunded.

Guests who made independent arrangements for flights or other transportation, as well as independent shore tours during the cruise, should contact those representatives or operators for options.

“Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. And again, we apologize for this cancellation and any inconvenience caused by this,” the notification concludes.

Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Ship
Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Aerial-motion / Shutterstock)

At the moment, Rhapsody of the Seas is sailing a 5-night Greek Isles cruise that departed Haifa on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, before the violence began. The ship is scheduled to return to Haifa on Monday, October 9, and satellite tracking data shows the vessel on schedule for that arrival.

The 78,878-gross-ton vessel can welcome 1,998 guests aboard based on double occupancy, or as many as 2,416 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled.

Future Sailings Could Be Impacted

At this time, only the October 9 and October 13 departures of Rhapsody of the Seas are cancelled, but the ship is also scheduled to set sail from Haifa on five more dates.

October 18, 23, and 27, as well as November 1, are all roundtrip sailings, and the Monday, November 6, 2023 departure is one-way cruise to Barcelona ahead of the ship’s transatlantic cruise to reposition to the Caribbean.

Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

It is not yet known whether further departures may be cancelled, but guests booked on any upcoming sailings departing Haifa will want to stay in close contact with Royal Caribbean International in case of adjustments.

Haifa, Israel is a coastal port town located just 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Tel Aviv. The bulk of the recent and ongoing violence has been in Tel Aviv, though stray fighting and other disturbances can extend far from the most dangerous areas.

Other cruises with ports of call in the region, including the current sailings of Celebrity Apex and Odyssey of the Seas, have adjusted their itineraries to avoid destinations in Israel for the time being. This is a common response when regional violence could impact the safety of cruise ships’ guests and crew members.

Decoding Distance – Statute Miles vs Nautical Miles

Emrys Thakkar
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Decoding Distance – Statute Miles vs Nautical Miles

There is nothing quite like looking out at the vastness of endless blue water. This type of view is genuinely captivating and never really gets old. While the sight of open seas and oceans is incredible, it can get a bit confusing when you get into the measurements used to describe these immense, featureless distances.

It may surprise you that the measurement used to gauge and describe distance on open water differs from what is typically used to measure distance on land. To help you understand these measurement units, we will explain the differences between statute and nautical miles. 

By understanding the primary measurement seafarers use, you can get into the mindset of a true maritime explorer and take your cruise experience to the next level.

In This Article:

What Is a Nautical Mile?

A nautical mile is a measurement unit used to describe distances on open bodies of water, like oceans and seas. Unlike statute miles, which you may simply know as miles, nautical miles consider the degree of the Earth’s curvature. As such, a nautical mile is actually slightly longer than the statute miles we use to measure a land mile. 

A nautical mile would equal 1.1508 statute miles or 1852 meters when measured on land. This may initially sound slightly confusing, but it is because a nautical mile is based on the Earth’s longitude and latitude. In fact, a nautical mile is equal to exactly one minute of latitude.

Read Also: How Fast Do Cruise Ships Go? Speed Facts & What Affects It

Since vast bodies of water, like oceans and seas, actually curve with the planet’s surface, it is necessary to consider this curvature when measuring distances across the water accurately. 

What Is a Statute Mile?

As mentioned above, you are probably far more familiar with statute miles than nautical miles. A statute mile measures 5280 feet, or 1609.3 meters, if you use the metric system. In the United States, miles are used as one of the primary measures of distance, especially on roads. 

What Are Nautical Miles Used for in Relation to Cruise Ship Vacations?

Now that you understand the differences between the two measurements, we can explain why nautical miles are relevant for cruise ships. Whether you are just curious or would like to follow an upcoming cruise vacation’s itinerary accurately, the following information will be useful to you. 

Route Planning and Itinerary Details

When you view the itinerary for your cruise vacation, you may notice that the route is measured in nautical miles. More specifically, the distances between various ports of call, regions, and sights might be noted in nautical miles. Sometimes, you may see nautical miles abbreviated as “NM” or “nmi” on travel itineraries and documents.

Ship Route Planning
Ship Route Planning (Photo Credit: Maksim Shmeljov)

Nautical miles are much more precise distance measurement over the water and are used for navigational calculations. Since the cruise ship’s navigation team uses nautical miles to plan and chart the ship’s route, they often provide passengers with this information on any nautical chart or navigational map they distribute.

Read Also: What is the Steering Wheel on a Ship?

This gives passengers a more accurate picture of where their vacation will take them and adds to the sense of maritime adventure. Knowing that you will travel across hundreds to thousands of nautical miles can help you feel like you are exploring and traversing the open seas. 

Cruise Speeds and Route Adjustments

You may also notice that nautical miles are used in measuring the cruise ship’s speeds throughout your voyage. Just like miles per hour are used when traveling via automobile, train, or plane, nautical miles per hour are used to measure the speeds of cruise ships and other seafaring vessels.

Bridge of a Cruise Ship
Bridge of a Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: ODIN Daniel)

Rather than nautical miles per hour, you may notice that the speed is measured in knots. This is the unit of speed used to describe nautical miles per hour. So, in statute miles, one knot would be equivalent to 1.151 miles per hour on land.

Are Statute Miles Used During a Cruise Ship Voyage?

While nautical miles are the primary nautical unit of measurement for distance while the ship is on the water, statute miles can be used in some capacity during your cruise vacation. 

For starters, statute miles can be used to measure the distance to various excursions on shore. If your trip involves stopping at multiple ports of call, you may see miles and kilometers used to describe the distance to various land-based destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are nautical miles measured in knots?

Many wonder why maritime navigation uses knots to measure distance rather than saying nautical miles per hour or NM/hr. Like most maritime terminology, the term knot has a long-standing historical meaning. 

In the past, sailors would tie a buoyant object to a line with obvious knots connected to it at exact measurements. This object would be dragged behind the boat, and the line would be let out. The sailors could then count the number of knots that slipped through their hands over time to understand the ship’s speed. 

What is a minute of latitude?

Degrees of latitude are divided into 60 minutes. Each minute is then divided into 60 seconds. The purpose is to allow for precise measurements of distance. One minute of latitude equals 1.15 statute miles or 1.8 kilometers. 

What is the average speed that cruise ships travel?

For most cruise ships, the average top speed is about 20 nautical miles per hour or 20 knots. The larger cruise ships can travel at slightly faster speeds. According to Royal Caribbean, the average speed for their cruise ships is about 18 to 20 knots.

Final Words

While the difference between nautical and statute miles may seem insignificant, it is important when navigating open water. Understanding the difference and being able to participate in conversations about nautical miles and knots can add to your overall cruise experience. 

Why not fully embrace the experience of being out on the water by including this terminology in your onboard conversations? The next time you are on the water, take in the views and embrace all of the maritime terminology. Trust us; it’s really fun!

Carnival Cruise Ship Modifies Itinerary to Avoid Storm

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Ship Modifies Itinerary to Avoid Storm

Carnival Miracle’s current Mexican Riviera itinerary must be radically modified due to the influence of soon-to-be Hurricane Lidia.

Guests onboard have been notified of the change, and Carnival Cruise Line continues to monitor the storm’s progress to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Carnival Miracle Itinerary Change

The 88,500-gross-ton, Spirit-class Carnival Miracle is sailing from Long Beach, California on an 6-night Mexican Riviera sailing, departing Sunday, October 8, 2023.

The ship was scheduled for an extended, overnight visit in Cabo San Lucas at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, as well as a call in Ensenada before returning to Long Beach on Saturday, October 14.

Because Tropical Storm Lidia is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and come close to Cabo San Lucas, however – and rough weather from the storm will likely cause coastal impacts hundreds of miles away from the storm’s eye – the ship must sail a modified itinerary instead. When boarding the ship, guests were given notification of the altered itinerary.

“Our Fleet Operations Center continues to monitor Tropical Storm Lidia, which is forecasted to become a hurricane by tomorrow,” the notification explained. “Given the projected path of the storm and for everyone’s safety, we must modify our itinerary. Regrettably, we will not be able to visit Cabo San Lucas.”

Cabo San Lucas is a tender port, requiring the use of smaller boats to ferry guests to shore from the cruise ship. As rough waters can make tendering hazardous, cruise lines are especially cautious when poor weather is likely to impact the port. While the chance of tropical storm force winds in Cabo San Lucas remains slight, it is enough to cause the itinerary change.

Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship
Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)

Instead, Carnival Miracle will be visiting both San Diego and Catalina Island. The visit to San Diego will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, while the call on Catalina will be from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 12. The visit to Ensenada remains as originally scheduled from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. on Friday, October 13.

“We were looking forward to delivering the itinerary you had expected and share your disappointment for this weather-related change,” the letter continued. “We apologize for this change of plans and thank you for your understanding.”

All pre-purchased Carnival shore tours for the now-cancelled stop in Cabo San Lucas are being automatically refunded to guests’ onboard accounts, and tour options for both San Diego and Catalina Island are being made available through the Carnival Hub app or by visiting the Carnival Adventures desk on Deck 2 (Promenade Deck), portside mid-ship in the Metropolis Lobby.

Furthermore, as compensation for the dramatic change, all staterooms are receiving an additional $200 (USD) onboard credit that can be used for any onboard purchases, such as photos, spa treatments, drinks, souvenirs, and more.

Carnival Miracle can welcome 2,124 guests onboard at double occupancy, or up to 2,680 guests when the ship is fully booked with all berths filled. Additionally, there are approximately 900 international crew members on board.

Tropical Storm Lidia

Tropical Storm Lidia currently has maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour (113 kilometers per hour), and is expected to cross the threshold (74 mph / 119 kph) to become an official hurricane in a matter of hours. The center of the storm is currently located approximately 410 miles (660 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas.

Tropical Storm Lidia
Tropical Storm Lidia

The storm is moving north at 7 mph (11 kph), and is expected to turn to a northeast track by Monday morning, when she strengthens into a hurricane. Landfall is expected along the central western Mexico mainland coastline on late Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

At landfall, the storm will likely be a Category 1 or possibly a Category 2 hurricane. Coastal hurricane and tropical storm watches are already in effect in the areas most likely to be impacted by landfall.

In addition to Carnival Miracle, multiple other vessels may be impacted by this storm, including Carnival Panorama, Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas, and Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam.

Any guests cruising on any line with visits along the Mexican Riviera in the next few days should stay in close contact with their cruise line for updates and possible itinerary alterations or cancellations.

Another Carnival Ship Changes Course to Avoid Hurricane

Melissa Mayntz
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Another Carnival Ship Changes Course to Avoid Hurricane

Due to Tropical Storm Lidia, which is forecast to become a hurricane in the next day, guests aboard Carnival Panorama are not having the cruise itinerary they originally booked.

The ship’s Mexican Riviera itinerary has had to be drastically altered with one port cancelled and others rearranged to avoid the worst weather and provide the safest, smoothest sailing.

Itinerary Change for Carnival Panorama

The Vista-class Carnival Panorama departed Long Beach, California on Saturday, October 7, 2023 for an 8-night Mexican Riviera cruise that was to have visited Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.

Because of Tropical Storm Lidia, however, the ship is unable to maintain the original itinerary and some changes have been necessary. Guests onboard were notified of the adjustments just hours before they were to have called on Cabo San Lucas, the first port on the original itinerary.

“Unfavorable weather is forecasted for Cabo tomorrow. The conditions would make it unsafe to conduct water shuttle operations and dampen your experience in port,” the letter explained. “Further, we will not be able to safely sail to Puerto Vallarta and must cancel the visit.”

Carnival Panorama Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: NoyanYalcin / Shutterstock

Instead, the revised itinerary is that the ship will remain at sea on Monday, October 9, and will visit La Paz and Mazatlán on Tuesday and Wednesday as originally scheduled.

The visit to Cabo San Lucas has been moved to Thursday, October 12 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and to make up for missing Puerto Vallarta, a second day will be spent in Cabo San Lucas on Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving guests more time to enjoy that energetic and beautiful port destination.

“We were looking forward to delivering the itinerary you had expected and share your disappointment for this weather-related change,” the letter concludes. “We apologize for this change of plans and thank you for your understanding.”

Carnival Panorama is not the only cruise ship impacted by this Pacific storm. Carnival Miracle has also radically altered the current cruise to avoid the worst of the weather, and ships from Royal Caribbean International and Holland America Line sailing in the region may also change itineraries as needed.

Shore Tour Options

All pre-purchased shore tours booked through Carnival Cruise Line for Puerto Vallarta are automatically cancelled and refunded to guests’ onboard accounts, while tours for Cabo San Lucas are being moved to the appropriate day and time as necessary.

The Shore Excursions team is also arranging additional tours in Cabo San Lucas for the ship’s extended time in port. Guests can book those tours through the Carnival Hub app or by visiting the Carnival Adventures desk on Deck 3 (Lobby Deck), forward, near the Panorama Atrium.

Carnival Panorama Cruise Ship
Carnival Panorama Cruise Ship (Photo Copyright: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock)

Guests who may have made independent tour arrangements should contact their tour providers for options for refunds or rescheduling as available.

The 133,500-gross-ton Carnival Panorama can welcome 4,008 guests at double occupancy, or up to 5,146 travelers when fully booked. The ship is homeported year-round from Long Beach, California, offering a variety of Mexican Riviera itineraries.

Tropical Storm Lidia

Tropical Storm Lidia is currently located approximately 340 miles (547 kilometers) southwest of Cabo San Lucas and is moving northeast at 5 miles per hour (8 kph). The storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (105 kph), though gradual strengthening to a full hurricane is expected on Monday.

A gradual shift to an east-northeast track is also expected on Monday. This will position the storm to make landfall on the central Mexican west coast, most likely somewhere between Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta late on Tuesday, October 10. Hurricane and tropical storm watches have already been implemented in the coastal areas most likely to be impacted.

Celebrity Alters Another Israel Itinerary, Also Changes Egypt

Melissa Mayntz
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Celebrity Alters Another Israel Itinerary, Also Changes Egypt

Due to escalating tensions and dangerous situations in two different countries, Celebrity Cruises has dramatically altered the next sailing of Celebrity Apex to ensure a safer experience for everyone onboard.

This means the ship will no longer be visiting either Israel or Egypt as originally scheduled, but guests do have cancellation options because of the drastic changes.

Another Celebrity Apex Itinerary Change

Guests booked on the October 16, 2023 departure of the 130,818-gross ton, Edge-class Celebrity Apex have been notified that the original itinerary is no longer feasible due to ongoing developments in Israel and Egypt. A new itinerary visiting Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey has been arranged.

“As our global security team continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in Israel and the surrounding regions, we have been alerted to further situations unfolding in Alexandria, Egypt. Due to these developments, our experts have made the decision not to visit Alexandria, considering the safety and security of our guests and crew as our number one priority,” the letter explains.

“This in mind, our staff have worked quickly to secure an alternate itinerary we believe you will enjoy thoroughly. Your new itinerary now includes a beautiful selection of stops in Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey.”

Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship
Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: GEORGE STAMATIS / Shutterstock)

The original itinerary for the 10-night cruise had included port visits to Ashdod and Haifa in Israel; an overnight visit in Alexandria, Egypt; and a stop in Ephesus, Turkey before the ship would return to Piraeus, Greece.

Now, the only days of the sailing that remain the same are a day at sea on Saturday, October 21 and the call to Ephesus on Wednesday, October 25.

Celebrity Apex will instead be visiting the following ports of call, with each destination offering generous in-port time for guests to explore and enjoy each stop:

  • Mykonos, Greece – Tuesday, October 17, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Santorini, Greece – Wednesday, October 18, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Rhodes, Greece – Thursday, October 19, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Chania, Crete – Friday, October 20, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Limassol, Cyprus – Sunday, October 22, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Bodrum, Turkey – Tuesday, October 24, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Ephesus, Turkey – Wednesday, October 25, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (as originally scheduled)

While these are all fine ports to visit, guests will be understandably disappointed to lose the opportunity to visit either Egypt or Israel. Though the decision is made with the safety of the guests and crew in mind, it is always frustrating to miss out on such once-in-a-lifetime destinations.

“We thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we continue to navigate this unexpected situation,” the notification to guests concluded. “As we do so, our thoughts remain with everyone in the region affected by these terrible events.”

Celebrity Apex can welcome 2,918 guests when booked at double occupancy, and is also home to just over 1,300 international crew members.

The ship’s current sailing, a similar 10-night itinerary that was to have called on Egypt and Israel, has already been altered as well.

Shore Tours

All shore excursions booked through Celebrity Cruises for Egypt and Israel are being automatically refunded to guests’ original form of payment. Tours for Ephesus remain as booked, as that port of call visit has not been changed.

The cruise line is working as quickly as possible to confirm tour options for the new ports of call, which will be available to book through the Celebrity Cruises App or onboard at the Shore Excursions desk on Deck 4, starboard, near the Celebrity Shops and the Future Cruise Vacations desk.

Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship
Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship

Guests who have booked independent tour options for the now-cancelled destinations will need to contact their tour operators or, if applicable, work through their travel agent for cancellation and refund options as available. Guests with travel insurance may also have some option for reimbursement there, depending on the exact coverage and policy terms.

Are Refunds Possible?

Guests impacted by this drastic change in itinerary are reporting some discrepancies for refund options.

While the initial notification letter does not offer any refund or future cruise credit possibilities, guests are noting that the cruise line is offering a 100% future cruise credit (FCC) for guests who choose to cancel their October 16, 2023 sailing but who rebook a new Celebrity Cruises vacation at the same time. If guests do not rebook immediately, a 90% FCC is reported to be offered.

There does appear to be differences in the offer based on how guests may have booked their cruise, as well as their nationality as applies to different terms and conditions of the cruise contract in different countries.

These reports are not confirmed, and any impacted guests should contact their travel agent or Celebrity Cruises for updated details that fit their exact situation and booking.

Cruise Hives’ thoughts are with everyone impacted by the ongoing violence in both Egypt and Israel, as well as all cruise ship crew members from those regions who are apart from their families and friends at this troubling time.

Multiple Factors Causing Changes for Royal Caribbean Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Multiple Factors Causing Changes for Royal Caribbean Ship

Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas is currently sailing a 16-night, one-way repositioning cruise after the end of the Alaska sailing season, but this one cruise has been impacted by multiple factors causing delays, port cancellations, and port time changes.

First Issue: Delayed Embarkation

The Saturday, October 7, 2023 departure of Radiance of the Seas from San Diego, California got off to a slow start as fog delayed the vessel’s arrival into the port.

Guests embarking the vessel that day were asked to shift their arrival to the cruise terminal one hour later than originally planned to accommodate the delay. Everyone was required to arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. so they could be checked-in and onboard by 3 p.m. for the ship’s 4 p.m. departure.

Fog often causes delays at some cruise ports, when low visibility makes channel navigation or docking operations unsafe. This is particularly common in San Diego, Galveston, and Tampa, though any port can have temporary delays for poor visibility.

Second Issue: Tidal Adjustments

The second issue on Radiance of the Seas‘ current sailing was a necessary adjustment for the visit to Puntarenas, Costa Rica, which is planned for Saturday, October 14.

Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas (Photo Credit: meunierd / Shutterstock)

Initially, the ship was scheduled in port from 12 p.m. (noon) until 10 p.m. but guests were notified onboard that local tidal conditions required an earlier arrival, and the ship will now be in port at 8 a.m., four hours earlier than the original schedule. The 10 p.m. departure time remains unchanged.

This does give guests more time to explore the dynamic port of call without feeling rushed or needing to cut short any time on shore. Guests who have booked a shore excursion can enjoy a morning shopping or otherwise enjoy the port of call before a tour without missing out.

Third Issue: Cancelled Port of Call

As guests set sail on the ship, they quickly learned of a third issue – a port of call cancellation due to the influence of Tropical Storm Lidia. Rough seas expected in Cabo San Lucas early in the week made it necessary to cancel Radiance of the Seas‘ visit to that Mexican destination, which had been planned as an overnight call from 11 a.m. on Monday, October 9 until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10.

Instead, the ship will now be enjoying those days at sea. This means during this 16-night cruise, the first 6 full days of sailing are all at sea as Radiance of the Seas heads for Costa Rica.

Tropical Storm Lidia
Tropical Storm Lidia

Other cruise ships have also cancelled or shifted calls to Cabo San Lucas because of the storm, including Carnival Panorama‘s 8-night Mexican Riviera sailing as well as Carnival Miracle‘s 6-night Mexican Riviera cruise, both of which have implemented changes to steer clear of the storm.

Because Cabo San Lucas is a tender port that requires guests to be ferried from their cruise ships to the dock via smaller boats, rough weather can more easily impact this destination even when a storm is well south of a direct impact on the Baja Peninsula.

Rough Year for Radiance of the Seas

Radiance of the Seas has been having a tough time lately. Not only is this repositioning cruise impacted in multiple ways, but the ship’s final southbound Alaska sailing of the season, which was scheduled to depart Seward, Alaska on September 15, had to delay that departure for two days and cancel 4 out of 5 planned Alaska ports of call due to foul weather.

Previous to that, two regular Alaska sailings had to be cancelled while the ship underwent critical engine repairs in early September.

Here’s hoping that the 90,090-gross-ton Radiance of the Seas has smooth sailing through the remainder of her repositioning cruise as she transits the Panama Canal and calls on Panama City, Cartagena, and Cozumel before arriving in Tampa on Monday, October 23.

From Tampa, the ship will be offering primarily 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean cruises to Cozumel and Costa Maya with occasional Bahamas sailings or longer cruises in her schedule. In April 2024, the ship will head back to Vancouver to begin another Alaska sailing season.

Norwegian Cruise Line Notifies Guests of VAT Adjustment

Robert McGillivray
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Norwegian Cruise Line Notifies Guests of VAT Adjustment

In a fresh update, Norwegian Cruise Line has changed its tax payment protocols on board for guests sailing through European waters, at least for one cruise onboard Norwegian Epic.

The changes primarily focus on Value Added Tax levied on purchases made during the voyage through pre-purchased beverage packages and purchases through pre-packaged specialty dining. 

Adjustments to VAT Applications

Norwegian Cruise Line has sent a letter to guests informing them of a change in the additional VAT charges that were announced some weeks ago. 

In September 2023, NCL notified its guests about being forced to include VAT on beverage purchases, specialty dinner packages, and drinks obtained through beverage package purchases while cruising in Europe, especially when the voyage touches Spain and other subsequent countries on the same itinerary. 

The tax was to be applied to all on-board purchases made during the time the ship sailed through Spanish waters or docked at Spanish ports. This fiscal measure extended to other European countries like France and Italy, where each country’s respective VAT rates were to be applied.

Norwegian Cruise Line

However, a recent development has seen NCL taking a guest-centric approach, particularly for its voyages touching French shores. The cruise line has graciously decided to absorb the VAT charges for those guests who had pre-purchased specialty dining and beverage packages, albeit for the French leg of the voyage. 

The move comes as a relief to guests but leaves questions open for similar tax coverages in other countries.

Guest Communication and Implications

On October 7, 2023, during the October 2, 2023, sailing for Norwegian Epic, NCL sent out a letter to its guests.

The letter states: “After careful consideration, we have decided to remove French VAT from qualifying beverage and dining consumption for all guests who pre-purchased these packages for Norwegian Epic’s October 2, 2023, sailing.”

Guests who have already paid VAT charges over all-inclusive consumptions ordered in France will receive a full VAT refund from NCL.

Worth Reading: NCL Warns Italy-Bound Cruisers to Steer Clear of Mosquitos

Although the letter states the removal of French VAT from purchases made through beverage and dining packages, it only applies to those guests who pre-purchased these packages. Guests who purchased packages while onboard are not exempt.

The itinerary includes visits to Marseille and Cannes, now exempted from VAT payments, and visits to Barcelona and Palma De Mallorca, Spain, Naples, Civitavecchia, and Livorno, Italy. The VAT charges would likely still be levied for the ports in Spain and Italy.

Docked Norwegian Cruise Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: RVillalon / Shutterstock

While guests onboard will be happy that they won’t be charged VAT over the drinks they order in France, it’s still only two days out of the cruise. Adding to that, the confusion that has been building over why these taxes are levied and will now include why and when the taxes are and are not included. 

The 155,873 gross tons Norwegian Epic will remain in Europe longer than usual, with the ship only sailing its Transatlantic voyage on December 1. This cruise will sail from Civitavecchia to Naples and Livorno, Italy; Marseille, France; Barcelona and Cadiz, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Ponta Delgada, Azores, and arriving in its winter homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida, on December 17.

From Port Canaveral, Norwegian Epic will sail seven-day cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean, including calls to Great Stirrup Cay, Cozumel, Ocho Rios, San Juan, St. Thomas, and more.

Is Europe Now Turning Against Cruises?

The announcement of the VAT application to pre-purchased packages echoed a broader change in Spain and potentially other European countries in how cruise tourism is regulated. 

The addition of VAT is not a new thing, and guests have had VAT added to onboard purchases while in Europe for decades. However, the situation becomes more complex when it comes to purchases made outside of Europe.

Worth Reading: Norwegian Cruise Line Warns Guests of Onboard VAT Charges

Generally, pre-cruise purchases are exempt from VAT, especially when these purchases are made from the US for European cruises. This exemption applies to drinks, internet, and specialty dining packages purchased from home. 

This could be why NCL removed the French charges, as the French government does not have the same policy as the Spanish. The original aim of the Spanish government was to align the tax payments of guests on board with those vacationing ashore. 

Another Cruise Line Suspends Calls to Israel

Melissa Mayntz
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Another Cruise Line Suspends Calls to Israel

Celestyal Cruises has suspended all forthcoming port of call visits to Israel at least through the end of November 2023, and future calls will undoubtedly be evaluated as necessary.

This follows the cancellation of calls into Israel by various cruise lines as well as Royal Caribbean International cancelling two complete cruises that were to have departed from Haifa this month.

Celestyal Cruises Cancels Israel Visits

Luxury line Celestyal Cruises has issued a statement that forthcoming calls in Israel are suspended for the time being, which will impact a total of six upcoming sailings.

“Firstly, as a business, our thoughts are with those impacted by the events in Israel. We wish for the safety of all the souls affected and a rapid return of peace to the country,” said Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal Cruises, in a statement provided to Cruise Hive.

“We are in close coordination with the authorities, and the safety, security, and comfort of our guests remains our upmost priority. On the advice of our internal teams and the relevant authorities we have decided to temporarily remove Israel from our Three Continents itinerary until the end of November this year.”

All the affected cruises are aboard Celestyal Journey, the cruise line’s larger vessel that just entered service earlier this year. The ship was formerly Holland America Line’s Ryndam but was sold, refurbished, and updated to join the Greek cruise company Celestyal Cruises.

Former Holland America Cruise Ship
Image: Celestyal Cruises

The impacted dates are the October 21 and 28 departures, as well as the upcoming November 4, 11, 18, and 28 departure dates.

Celestyal Journey is homeported from Athens at the time of the adjusted cruises, offering 7-night “Three Continent” sailings that were to call on ports in Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey.

Worth Reading: MSC Cruises Cancels Israel Visits Into January 2024

The calls to Ashdod, Israel – 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Tel Aviv, where the majority of the violence has been centered – are now cancelled, but the other destinations on the itinerary remain intact at this time.

This includes the scheduled visits to Port Said, Egypt, though further schedule adjustments may be made in the future if regional tensions continue.

Celestyal Cruises remains committed to keeping guests updated about the situation and is reaching out to booked guests and travel partners with further information.

Multiple Cruise Lines Changing Itineraries Due to Tensions

The ongoing escalation of tension in Israel, as well as recent violence in Egypt, has prompted cruise lines to alter itineraries to ensure the safety of their guests and crew members. While some lines have only adjusted immediate sailings, others are looking at longer term schedule shifts in case tensions do not subside quickly.

Celestyal Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Nadezda Stoyanova / Shutterstock

Celebrity Cruises has already dropped visits to both Israel and Egypt for Celebrity Apex, while Royal Caribbean International has cancelled two cruises for Rhapsody of the Seas, which is sailing from Haifa, Israel, as well as adjusted the schedule for Odyssey of the Seas to avoid the area.

Other ships with altered itineraries include MSC Cruises’ MSC Musica, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam, and Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Nautica. Additional cruise lines may reconsider calls to Israel in the coming weeks, depending on how the situation continues to develop.

More From Cruise Hive

Many airlines have also suspended or dramatically reduced service to Israel, which would make it more difficult for international travelers to reach the country if setting sail from Haifa or returning home after the end of a cruise in Israel.

P&O Cruises Releases Winter Collection With New Destinations

Emrys Thakkar
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P&O Cruises Releases Winter Collection With New Destinations

P&O Cruises has announced its winter 2025/26 cruise collection. The British cruise line, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, will be returning to 12 Ports after a 5-year or longer absence, offering even greater variety of destinations and diverse itineraries to eager travelers.

P&O Cruises’ 2025/26 Winter Cruise Collection

Guests will be able to discover exciting new ports of call with P&O Cruises’ winter 2025/26 collection. The cruise line will be calling upon 12 new ports for the first time in at least five years, letting passengers experience the charm of cities like Bali; Bodø in Norway; Dunedin in New Zealand; Los Angeles; and Melbourne, Australia. 

Sample 2025/26 Winter Cruise

A sample of some of the offerings from P&O Cruises includes Aurora’s 75-night Grand Tour of South America in January 2026. 

Returning to São Paulo (from Santos) after a decade, Aurora’s Grand Tour starts and ends in Southampton, with stops at various ports including Gran Canaria, St Vincent, Recife, Salvador, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, the Panama Canal, Santiago, Lima, Grenada, and more. Rates begin at £6,249 ($7,653 USD) per traveler.

Britannia will offer its guests a novel fly-cruise getaway for the winter of 2025/26, with visits to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Grand Turk – top tropical destinations ideal for a winter break. Featured ports include Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, Aruba, Grand Turk, Dominica, and more. Rates start at £1,399 ($1,713) per traveler.

P&O Cruises Azura in Grand Turk
P&O Cruises Azura in Grand Turk (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock)

Azura’s fly-cruise in the Canary Islands will introduce brand-new explorations of Tangier and Morocco alongside stops in Lanzarote, Tenerife, and other destinations. Prices begin at £579 ($709) per person.

P&O Cruises’ latest ship, Arvia, will extend its 14-night Caribbean fly-cruise, which will depart from either Antigua or Barbados. Meanwhile, Iona will provide holiday adventures in Portugal, Spain, and the Canary Islands.

These winter itineraries are just some of the cruises P&O Cruises plans to offer. Also of note, guests will continue to enjoy seamless onboard internet connectivity and enhanced data capacity no matter where they set sail thanks to the implementation of SpaceX’s Starlink Maritime aboard the company’s vessels. 

Winter Shore Excursions

Travelers embarking on a P&O Cruises voyage during the winter of 2025/26 will have the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of shore excursions tailored to their chosen cruise.

Some noteworthy options include exploring the expansive Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, spanning over 250 acres, with more than 250,000 rare plants housed within the vast conservatories. 

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore (Photo Credit: Ian Crocker / Shutterstock)

Additionally, guests can join a guided climb up to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which will offer them a unique perspective of this iconic landmark. For those seeking adventure, an exhilarating four-wheel-drive journey awaits them amidst the scenic dunes outside Dubai, featuring thrilling activities like camel rides and sandboarding.

These winter cruises also feature additional extended port-of-call visits, allowing travelers to immerse themselves further in each location without feeling rushed or pressed for time in unique destinations.

2025/26 Winter Sales and Offers

General sales for these winter cruises open on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.

Reservations made before December 4, 2023 will come with various P&O Cruises’ price reductions, such as an initial discount of 10% on bookings, along with a 10% down payment option for Select Price or Early Saver holidays scheduled between October 2025 and March 2026. 

P&O Cruises Aurora in Norway
P&O Cruises Aurora in Norway (Photo Credit: Eleanor Scriven / Shutterstock)

Additionally, Peninsular Club members will enjoy a 5% savings through the loyalty program, coupled with an extra 5% exclusive markdown on specific vacation packages.

Guests can secure their winter cruises with a 10% down payment starting on October 10, 2023. Exclusive bookings for Caribbean, Baltic, and Ligurian Peninsular Club members are open on October 17, 2023. 

General booking for September to December 2025 kicks off on October 18, 2023. For the January to March 2026 cruise window, general booking begins on October 19, 2023.

All in all, P&O Cruises’ 2025/26 winter itineraries and shore excursions are shaping up to offer holidaymakers lots of great travel options over the next few years.

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