Blog Page 142

Carnival Opens Priority Package for 2024 Cruises, Price Increased

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Opens Priority Package for 2024 Cruises, Price Increased

Carnival Cruise Line has opened up bookings on its immensely popular Faster to the Fun add-on priority package for 2024 sailings, but prices have been raised for the new year.

The benefits of the package are highly sought after, however, and can be a great value for cruise travelers depending on their vacation needs and budget.

2024 Faster to the Fun (FTTF) Now Available

Carnival Cruise Line’s popular priority add-on package, “Faster to the Fun” (FTTF), has been opened for 2024 bookings, but with one notable difference from 2023 reservations – the price has gone up.

The amount of the price increase varies from $10-20 (USD) per stateroom, depending on the cruise length and class of ship. The 2024 prices are as follows:

  • 2-3 night cruises – $69.95 (+$10 from 2023 rates)
  • 4-5 night cruises – $99.95 (+$10)
  • 6-8 night cruises – $139.95 (+$10)
  • 9+ night cruises – $189.95 (+$20)

It must be noted that any 6-8 night sailings on Excel-class ships – Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, or the upcoming Carnival Jubilee – are priced at $159.95 for FTTF, which is also a $10 price increase from 2023 rates and remains higher than the same cruise length on other, smaller vessels.

Prices are per stateroom, and all guests booked in the same stateroom receive all the FTTF benefits for one price. Here’s a full table of the prices on the voyage length below:

Carnival Faster to the Fun Price
Carnival Faster to the Fun Price

Guests booked on 2024 cruises are reporting FTTF is selling out quickly on popular sailings. Furthermore, the package is not available on every cruise the line offers – FTTF is not applicable to any sailings in Europe or cruises departing from Norfolk, Virginia or San Francisco, California.

As a general rule, the package is not available on Carnival Journeys cruises due to the extreme popularity of those longer sailings with high-level Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty guests, who have similar benefits as part of Carnival’s loyalty program.

Carnival Cruise Line does reserve the right to limit the sale of FTTF on any sailing, such as inaugural cruises, special sailings, holiday departures, or other unique offerings, though depending on the circumstances and booking numbers, FTTF may still be offered.

FTTF 2024 Benefits

The benefits of the priority package remain unchanged for 2024, with guests receiving priority check-in at the cruise terminal on embarkation day, as well as immediate stateroom access to drop their bags off until their room is officially ready. Any checked bags are also expedited to FTTF staterooms to be delivered sooner.

A dedicated phone number to Guest Services as well as a special line at the Guest Services desk onboard can help travelers save time if they have questions or need any issues resolved during their sailing.

Carnival Faster to the Fun (FTTF)
Carnival Faster to the Fun (FTTF)

During the cruise, guests with the priority package receive priority reservations at the main dining room and any specialty dining restaurants, though this excludes the immensely popular Your Time Dining.

When visiting ports of call, FTTF guests have priority water shuttle access at any tender port, after guests with shore excursion tickets.

Finally, when the cruise ends, FTTF also gives guests their choice of early or late debarkation times, as well as priority with self-assist debarkation immediately after the high-level Diamond and Platinum VIFP guests and any guests staying in suites if they choose that option.

Will FTTF Be a Good Value in 2024?

The priority access package can be a great value for travelers, especially if they have not yet achieved the high benefits of the Platinum or Diamond tiers of the VIFP program.

If guests have already reached those loyalty levels, however, they receive many of the same benefits (and more) for free. When deciding if FTTF is a good value for their travel plans, guests should consider several factors.

With facial recognition technology now being used in more US homeports, check-in time at the cruise terminal is getting shorter. Therefore, the priority check-in may not save as much time as it would have several years ago, though it can be a definite advantage if sailing on a larger ship or at a more popular time when cruises are fully booked, such as summer vacation or holidays.

The immediate stateroom access is another popular benefit, but if guests have an arrival appointment of 1 p.m. or later, their staterooms may already be open or will open very soon after boarding, and the extra cost to drop bags off just a few minutes early may not be worthwhile. Travelers boarding at noon, however, will find that benefit very useful indeed.

Read Also: Carnival Cruise Line Hints at Loyalty Program Overhaul

Ultimately, every cruise guest has to decide if the package is a good deal for their travel plans and timing, and be sure to book early before the limited reservations fill up for each sailing.

Royal Caribbean Assists in Evacuating Americans From Israel

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Assists in Evacuating Americans From Israel

Royal Caribbean International is using its Haifa-based cruise ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, to assist in evacuating Americans from Israel in light of the ongoing conflict in the region. The assistance was requested by the US Embassy in Israel, with evacuations on Monday, October 16, 2023.

Cruise Ship Evacuating US Citizens From Israel

The US government, via the embassy in Israel, is assisting US citizens and their immediate family members to evacuate from Israel to Cyprus on Monday, October 16, 2023. The evacuation will be via Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas, which will take travelers from Haifa, Israel, to Limassol, Cyprus.

Space onboard the cruise ship is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. As the passage between Haifa and Limassol is approximately 170 miles (274 kilometers), the trip is expected to take 10-12 hours. Meals and Wi-Fi service will be provided onboard, though guests will not likely be assigned individual staterooms for this short journey.

Under normal circumstances, Rhapsody of the Seas can accommodate 1,998 guests for a typical cruise at double occupancy, and up to 2,416 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled. This is not a typical situation, however, and the numbers of evacuees are yet unknown.

All travelers must be either a US national or the immediate family member of a US national, including spouses or children under the age of 21. All travelers must also have a valid passport, though assistance is available if eligible individuals do not have their passports in their possession. All travelers may bring on bag up to 50 pounds, plus one small carry-on bag. No pets are permitted.

Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Ship
Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: TAH Media)

Travelers have been asked to sign an “Evacuee Manifest and Promissory Note” as an agreement to repay the US government for the cost of the evacuation travel, though the costs of the travel are not immediately available.

The note does stipulate that the cost will be “no greater than the amount of a full-fare economy flight, or comparable alternate transportation, to the designated destination that would have been charged immediately prior to the events giving rise to the evacuation.”

Rather than flights, the cruise ship is being used for this evacuation because air travel has been largely suspended to Israel at this time, and most US airlines have cancelled flights both to and from Tel Aviv.

All travelers will be responsible for their own onward travel plans from Cyprus, whether returning to the US or traveling elsewhere. Charter options and assistance to arrange such travel will be available.

Read Also: Which Cruise Lines Have Suspended Operations in Israel?

US consular staff are onboard the cruise ship as well as in Limassol to assist with information and travel options. The US Embassy will provide busses from the cruise port to both international airports in Cyprus, one in Larnaca (42 miles / 68 kilometers from Limassol) and the other in Paphos (39 miles / 63 kilometers from Limassol).

Availability of Rhapsody of the Seas

The 78,878-gross-ton, Vision-class Rhapsody of the Seas is currently homeported from Haifa, Israel, but the remainder of the ship’s Mediterranean season has been cancelled due to the regional violence. With no sailings for the next few weeks, the ship is available to assist in such emergency evacuation options.

Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas (Photo Credit: ATGImages)

At the moment, it is unknown whether just one seagoing evacuation will be used or if additional voyages may be necessary in the coming days. It is possible that additional trips could be planned to accommodate US citizens in Israel who were unable to reach Haifa by Monday morning for the scheduled departure.

It is also possible the ship may be further used by other countries for similar operations for their citizens currently in Israel.

The next scheduled sailing for the cruise ship is its Sunday, November 12, 2023 departure from Barcelona, Spain. That voyage is a 14-night transatlantic cruise to Fort Lauderdale, visiting Alicante, Malaga, the Canary Islands, and Freeport in the Bahamas along the way.

At this time, no other cruise ships have been requested for similar evacuations, but the situation is fluid and new plans may be developed at any time.

Passport Book Vs Card – What Is Best For Cruises?

Emrys Thakkar
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Passport Book Vs Card – What Is Best For Cruises?

Like any other international vacation, bringing the correct travel documentation is essential to enjoy a cruise. Many first-time cruise vacationers wonder if they should bring a passport book or a passport card.

Today, we will take a detailed look at the passport book vs card debate. This will help you learn the difference between the two types of travel documents, where you can travel with them, and which type you should bring for your cruise vacation.

If you are feeling confused, we are here to help.

In This Article:

What Is the Difference Between a Passport Book and a Passport Card?

Before we explain which type of document is the better option for cruise vacations, it is worth explaining the difference between them.

Passport Books

Most people are already familiar with passport books because they are the standard travel document issued to travelers from all countries. While each nation has its own unique passport that it will issue to qualified citizens, they all have a similar appearance and serve the same basic function.

The passport book serves as a verifiable form of valid identification that allows you to enter a foreign country by land, air, or sea. Not only does the passport book allow border personnel to identify you, but it also has relatively blank pages used for travel visas and entry stamps.

Passport Card

A passport card is a smaller alternative to a standard passport book. While it may seem more convenient, it is only designed for land and sea travel between specific countries, like the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and various Caribbean nations.

This type of document must include many pages and pieces of information required for air travel between nations, so they are useless if your cruise vacation involves flying to a departure point outside your country of residence.

Where Can You Travel with a Passport Book?

A valid passport book will allow you to travel anywhere, including any cruise vacation. It is the most flexible option. With a passport and the appropriate travel visas, you will be able to explore any port of call and board from any country in the world. Traveling with a passport book is always a good idea if your cruise starts and ends in different countries.

Passport Travel

What Are the Pros and Cons of Traveling with a Passport Book?

Pros

  • Far more flexibility. You can travel to just about every country using your passport. Enjoy cruise vacations in the Mediterranean, South America, and more. You can also add flights to and from foreign countries to your vacation if you carry a valid passport.
  • Peace of mind in emergencies. If an unexpected emergency arises and your ship has to dock in a foreign port, you would not have to worry about being able to enter the country and potentially fly home.
  • The ability to enjoy extended vacations. If you decide to enjoy a lengthier vacation, carrying a passport will enable you to do so with fewer issues. For some people, especially retired, a cruise can simply be a leg of a much longer vacation. In these situations, you would always want that extra layer of protection that you get with carrying your passport.

Cons

  • Cost. Passport books are almost always more expensive to apply for and renew than a passport card.
  • Risk of losing or damaging your passport. Replacing a lost passport can be a significant and costly hassle. It is understandable if you are worried that you will be too busy enjoying your cruise to focus on keeping your passport safe.
  • Lengthy application process, especially for large families. Securing a passport for each member of your family can be time-consuming. If you are planning a cruise for your family but are short on time, applying for passport cards could take less time.

Where Can You Travel with a Passport Card?

Even though passport cards have relatively limited flexibility, enjoying a cruise vacation with this type of document is still possible. For starters, you can certainly enjoy a domestic cruise, meaning one that does not leave the country where you are a citizen.

Passport Card
Passport Card

If you are departing from the United States and hold American citizenship, you can also use a passport card to explore many countries in North America and the Caribbean, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and many Caribbean Island nations.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Traveling with a Passport Card?

Pros

  • Convenience. Passport cards are smaller and more compact, which makes them easier to carry in a pocket or purse.
  • Passport cards are easier to apply for. They also cost less to apply for and renew than a passport book.
  • Simplified travel. While passport cards have their limitations, they are a simplified version of a regular passport book. If your cruise will only stop in countries where a passport card is valid, it is a simple form of identification.

Cons

  • Limited flexibility. You can only travel to specific countries, limiting the types of cruises and other vacations you can enjoy.
  • You cannot fly internationally, which could be an issue if an emergency occurs in a foreign country.

Which Is Better for Cruises?

When deciding if you should pack a passport book or a passport card, the decision will depend mainly upon your preferred destinations and type of cruise. Naturally, if you plan to book a cruise in a country where a passport card would not be valid, you will need a passport book.

Worth Reading: Do Kids Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?

Make sure that you scrutinize your cruise itinerary. If the cruise makes any stops in countries where a passport card will not be accepted, you need to make sure you bring a passport book. Failure to do so would mean you could not exit the ship during those ports of call.

Passport for Cruise
Passport for Cruise (Photo Credit: Ricardo Reitmeyer / Shutterstock)

If you are planning to apply for a passport card or passport book for the first time, make sure you also consider your future travel plans rather than just the cruise vacation ahead. If, for example, you planned to cruise around the Caribbean and visit Italy the following year, applying for a traditional passport book would be the superior option.

More From Cruise Hive

Finally, consider your budget. A passport card can be more affordable and convenient, but it comes with the above-mentioned limitations.

Again, assess your cruise itinerary, future travel plans, preferred travel style, and budget. Make the right choice for yourself rather than what anyone tells you to do!

FAQs

Do I need a passport book or card for a domestic cruise?

No, you will not need to bring either document if your cruise leaves from your country of residence and does not stop in other countries. With that said, make sure you bring some form of identification and proof of citizenship, like a valid government-issued photo ID card.

Can children use passport cards for cruise vacations?

Yes, like passport books, children and minors can apply for and use passport cards. Remember that your children will need their own passport card or passport book for international travel, including international cruises.

Final Words

Traveling with the right type of documentation will always ensure that your cruise vacation is a worry-free and enjoyable experience. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the passport application process for both passport books and cards. Once you understand what you need to obtain your preferred form of documentation in your country, you can apply for the most appropriate option.

Read Also: Large Passport Book vs Standard – Does it Matter?

Always consider your own international travel plans when choosing. Remember, it is always better to plan ahead so you will be prepared for leisure and business travel in the future. Good luck and safe travels!

Royal Caribbean Adjusts Top Tier Lounge Access Again

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Adjusts Top Tier Lounge Access Again

Just two weeks after making adjustments to the Crown Lounge that promised no change in access requirements or services offered, Royal Caribbean International has notified guests aboard its newest, largest vessel that access is indeed restricted – at least on one sailing.

The restriction is for several evening hours throughout the current 7-night cruise aboard Wonder of the Seas, but does lead to speculation about further changes that may be coming to how the exclusive lounge is offered to loyal guests.

Crown Lounge Sets Restricted Hours

Guests aboard Wonder of the Seas have been notified that the newly renamed Crown Lounge will only be available to Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members from 5-8 p.m. each evening of the cruise. That “cocktail hour” timing is when the exclusive venue is most popular, and because of that popularity, it is not possible to also accommodate Diamond members at that time.

“Due to the high number of Top Tier Crown & Anchor Society members on this cruise, we’ve made a slight adjustment to Crown Lounge access during our nightly beverage service,” the letter from the ship’s Crown Lounge Concierge, Lou Ann Pataueg, reads.

The letter does not specify how many top-tier cruisers are onboard, though Wonder of the Seas can accommodate 5,734 travelers at double occupancy, and up to 7,084 guests when fully booked with all berths filled.

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo: Royal Caribbean

The Crown Lounge – formerly known as the Diamond Club Lounge – on the Oasis-class Wonder of the Seas is located on Deck 4, just forward of Studio B on the ship’s starboard side. Guests in the Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club levels of the cruise line’s loyalty program typically have access to the lounge 24 hours a day.

The letter does note that no matter what time of day, “lounge space is limited – seating and service is available on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Other than the daily restriction from 5-8 p.m., Diamond members still have full access to the lounge at all other times.

Guests are also reminded that their complimentary drink vouchers reset daily at 5 a.m. and can be used at most bars and lounges onboard the ship. Diamond-level guests receive 4 free drinks per day, while Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members receive 5 and 6 free drinks per day, respectively.

To reach these upper levels of the loyalty program, guests must have accrued 80 (Diamond), 175 (Diamond Plus), or 700 (Pinnacle Club) loyalty points respectively. Points are earned based on how many days a guest has sailed with the cruise line, with double points awarded for sailing in a suite stateroom.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society – What You Need to Know

Limitations to Lounge Access

It should be noted that the terms and conditions of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society (subsection 15) does state the following:

“Royal Caribbean may limit or remove access to the Crown Lounge as needed to accommodate special sailings including, but not limited to: Charters, Crossings, Repositionings, Inaugurals, Trade Events, and President’s Cruises.”

While the current sailing of Wonder of the Seas – a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary calling on CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten – is not one of the designated special sailings, it is not uncommon for a new ship to attract great interest from loyal cruisers, and therefore the access would need to be more limited to ensure the expected service quality.

Royal Caribbean Diamond Lounge
Royal Caribbean Diamond Lounge (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock)

Experienced Royal Caribbean cruisers have noted that these types of restrictions do happen on different cruises when more past passengers are sailing. Since the limitation is only for a few hours and drink vouchers can be redeemed elsewhere onboard – Wonder of the Seas has plenty of bars and lounges to choose from throughout its eight distinct neighborhoods – the inconvenience is relatively minimal.

It is also possible that if these restrictions become more frequent, the cruise line may adjust overall access privileges to the exclusive lounge. While no such adjustments have yet been announced, guests who prefer spending time in the Crown Lounge will want to stay alert to such possibilities in the future.

The 235,600-gross-ton Wonder of the Seas debuted in March 2022 with great fanfare as the largest cruise ship in the world, but will be eclipsed by the even larger Icon of the Seas when the new ship debuts in January 2024.

Undoubtedly, Crown Lounge access will be similarly limited on many Icon of the Seas cruises as eager Royal Caribbean cruisers set sail with the new vessel.

Carnival Ship to Sail Europe, New Cruises Open From the US

Donna Tunney
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Carnival Ship to Sail Europe, New Cruises Open From the US

Carnival Cruise Line announced it will deploy Carnival Miracle to Europe in summer 2025, offering a series of sailings from ports in England, Portugal, and Italy.

At the same time, it opened a slew of new cruises from US ports in 2025-26, with 100 of those sailings calling at Celebration Key, the cruise line’s new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama Island.

Carnival Miracle Heads to Europe in 2025

The Spirit-class Carnival Miracle, a 2,124-guest ship, will operate a 16-cruise series in Europe during the summer of 2025, Carnival Cruise Line revealed on October 17, 2023. With three homeports planned, the ship will offer British Isles, Northern Europe, and Western Mediterranean voyages.

Carnival Miracle will launch her first season in Europe with a 7-day, May 11, 2025, sailing from Lisbon, Portugal, to Dover, UK, with calls in Spain and France. Sailing from Dover, Carnival Miracle will operate nine cruises on 9- to 15-day itineraries.

Sailings from Dover will include British Isles ports, such as Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Liverpool, England. Several cruises will venture farther afield, including north to Iceland, and east to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Helsinki, Finland. Some sailings will feature ports in the Western Mediterranean, including in Spain, Portugal, and France.

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

Sailing on August 10, 2025, Carnival Miracle will operate a 15-day repositioning cruise from Dover to Rome (Civitavecchia), and begin a series of 8- to 14-day voyages with port calls in Istanbul and Kusadasi, Turkey; Athens and Mykonos, Greece; Naples, Italy; and Messina, Sicily.

Carnival Miracle, on November 8, 2025, will depart Rome to sail a 14-day transatlantic voyage to Tampa, Florida, where she will be based for a series of winter cruises in the Caribbean.

The repositioning cruise to Tampa will be a Carnival Journeys voyage, and will feature port calls at Cartagena, Spain; Ponta Delgada, the Azores; and Nassau, Bahamas.

Once in Tampa, Carnival Miracle will offer 6- to 8-day sailings toward the end of 2025 and into 2026. Her series of sailing will include visits to destinations such as Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, Honduras; Belize; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Colon, Panama; Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico, and others.

Line Opens 100 Sailings From US Ports

Carnival Cruise Line has opened for bookings a slew of sailings in 2025 and 2026 from Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral, and New Orleans.

The cruise line’s new private destination, Celebration Key, will be a port call on 100 of the newly opened sailings. The additional cruises bring to 500 the number of itineraries that will feature the private retreat.

Carnival Cruise Line in September 2023 announced about 400 cruises on 12 ships would visit the destination, and opened the sailings for bookings, promising there would be more to come. Celebration Key, a $200 million development on Grand Bahama Island, will offer an authentic Bahamian experience when it opens in July 2025.

Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key
Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key

With the latest announcement, 18 Carnival Cruise Line ships from nine US homeports will call at Celebration Key. Among the ships now scheduled to call is the 2,214-guest Carnival Paradise, which will offer 4- to 6-day cruises from Tampa.

From PortMiami, three ships will include Celebration Key on their itineraries, including the 4,000-guest Carnival Horizon, the 3,690-guest Carnival Magic, and Carnival Sunshine, accommodating 3,000 guests.

Guests sailing from Port Canaveral can visit Celebration Key onboard the 3,934-guest Carnival Vista, which will sail alternating 6- and 8-day cruises to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Also from Port Canaveral, the 5,200-guest Carnival Venezia will operate three Carnival Journeys voyages, each 14 days.

And from New Orleans, the cruise line has opened a series of sailings onboard Carnival Valor. The ship, with a capacity for 2,980 guests, will sail Western Caribbean cruises of 4- to 5-days, plus two Carnival Journeys voyages.

Both are transatlantic sailings, as the ship repositions to Barcelona. The crossings are 16 days each, with the New Orleans to Barcelona cruise in April 2025 and the reverse route in June 2025.

Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels All Remaining Israel Calls

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels All Remaining Israel Calls

Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to booked cruisers to alert them to itinerary changes, embarkation port changes, and port cancellations with respect to the situation in Israel.

The safety and security of all guests and crew members is the topmost priority, and all the applicable changes are being made to ensure smooth sailing for everyone aboard.

All 2023 Israel Calls Cancelled

In notifications to guests, Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that all scheduled calls in Israel for all Norwegian Cruise Line ships have now been cancelled for the rest of 2023. On impacted itineraries, alternative port calls are being arranged where possible.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic situation in Israel. Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this time,” a statement from a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson reads. “As always, the safety and security of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our top priority. As a result, we have made the decision to cancel all calls to Israel for the remainder of 2023.”

Norwegian Cruise Line
Photo Credit: Ian Dewar Photography / Shutterstock

Guests booked on individual sailings will be contacted when itinerary changes are confirmed, as it is now necessary to make multiple adjustments on some sailings that had planned multiple calls in Israel.

Furthermore, as many cruise lines are making similar adjustments to sailings within their respective fleets, it is becoming increasingly challenging to arrange alternative ports as the most convenient berths are full and dock space is limited.

Embarkation Port Changes

Some sailings face even more significant challenges that will have hefty impacts on cruise guests.

For example, the November 20, 2023 departure of Norwegian Epic was to have departed from Haifa, Israel, which is now no longer possible. The departure port has therefore, been changed to Piraeus (Athens), Greece, along with other port of call adjustments.

This can create travel difficulties for reaching the cruise departure port, especially only a month before setting sail when airline schedules may not have availability at the right time to reach the cruise.

Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship
Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: zkolra / Shutterstock)

Guests on this sailing – and likewise on others with affected departure ports – are having their flights automatically adjusted if they booked air travel through Norwegian Cruise Line. Guests who made independent air travel arrangements will need to contact their airline directly to reschedule flights.

Norwegian Cruise Line will reimburse air travel change fees up to $300 (USD) per person for such changes if they are not covered by the airline or any applicable travel insurance, but appropriate receipts must be submitted for consideration.

Refunds Not Offered for Everyone

Different cruise lines have different policies about refunds in the event of itinerary changes and port of call adjustments, especially in unexpected or extreme situations.

Cruises that are simply missing ports of call in Israel on sailings that embark and debark from other locations are not eligible for refunds from Norwegian Cruise Line. In particular, this applies to impacted sailings aboard Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Dawn.

Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship
Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: NAPA / Shutterstock)

Guests booked on cruises that begin or end in Israel through the end of 2023, however, are being offered the option to cancel their sailing and receive a future cruise credit of the fare amount, which will be valid for any sailing through December 31, 2024. This applies to the November 8 and November 20 departures of Norwegian Epic.

Additional charges – taxes, pre-paid gratuities, pre-paid Norwegian shore tours, airport transfers, etc. – will be refunded back to the original form of payment.

Israeli citizens and residents, however, can receive a full, monetary refund for any Norwegian Cruise Line sailing through the end of 2023, regardless of the cruise departure port, itinerary, or sailing region.

What About 2024?

At this time, Norwegian Cruise Line has not made any sailing adjustments for Israeli cruises in 2024. The situation continues to be monitored and future cruises will be adjusted as necessary to protect guests’ safety and to ensure smooth, comfortable cruises.

Similarly, there have been no changes at this time for sailings to Egypt, which has also seen recent tensions. Guests booked on any upcoming cruises to Egypt will want to remain in close contact with Norwegian Cruise Line for further updates as their sailing date approaches.

Royal Caribbean Announces Schedule for 2025-2026 Bookings

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Announces Schedule for 2025-2026 Bookings

Eager travelers hoping to plan ahead for that dream cruise vacation in 2025 or 2026 can set their alarms, alerts, and reminders for when to book Royal Caribbean International sailings.

The cruise line has now released the opening schedule for those future deployments, when bookings can begin to be made for cruises in different parts of the world.

When Will New Cruises Go on Sale?

Exactly when new 2025 and 2026 cruises will be available for booking depends on the sailing region and sailing date of the upcoming voyages.

The first new sailings that will open up are the 2025 Alaska season cruises, which set sail from April through October that year. Prospective guests will be able to book these itineraries to the Last Frontier beginning the week of October 30, 2023.

Next up is Europe, an ever-growing hotspot for cruise travel, especially as summer sailings offer enriching and phenomenal family vacation experiences. These 2025 cruises will also set sail between April and October, and can be booked beginning the week of November 6, 2023.

Starting on the week of November 13, 2023, the first phase of 7-night Caribbean sailings will be available for reservations, with departure dates between April 2025 and April 2026. Additional 7-night Caribbean cruises, with departure dates from July 2025 through April 2026, will be opened the week of December 4, 2023.

Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas (Photo Copyright: Melissa Mayntz / Shutterstock)

Guests looking for shorter cruise sailings in the Caribbean, as well as cruises from Los Angeles or sailings in the Northeast, such as Canada and New England itineraries, can begin booking those journeys the week of February 12, 2024. These itineraries will set sail from April 2025 through April 2026.

Finally, longer Caribbean cruises – typically those that will visit more exotic ports of call – will open to guests during the week of February 19, 2024, with departure dates from October 2025 through April 2026.

Interested travelers should note that Royal Caribbean only specifies that bookings will open “the week of” the listed dates, but it is possible that reservations may not be made until later in the week rather than on the first date listed.

Sailings Already Released

If guests are interested in one specific ship – the upcoming record-breaker, first-in-class, revolutionary Icon of the Seas – sailings for that ship have already been released through April 2026.

This early release of booking dates is in response to the epic response to the new vessel, which officially opened for bookings on October 25, 2022.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

The new ship shattered all previous single-day booking records in Royal Caribbean’s 53-year history. While the cruise line has not detailed exactly how the booking records were set – volume of sales, total financial amount of bookings, projected revenue, etc. – it is no surprise that the hotly anticipated ship is quickly filling up future bookings.

Icon of the Seas will be homeported from Miami, Florida, with her maiden voyage set for January 27, 2024. The 250,800-gross-ton vessel will offer alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, including calls on the cruise line’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Cruises Yet to Come

Some limited itineraries for 2025 and 2026 are not yet scheduled for release, but are only noted as “coming soon” with respect to the opening schedule. This includes cruises from Singapore, China, and Australia, as well as other isolated sailings.

It is also possible that transatlantic or transpacific cruises – even within the windows noted for sailing dates – may not yet become available for booking in the announced schedule.

Read Also: Carnival Ship to Sail Europe, New Cruises Open From the US

Interested travelers should always be aware that cruise itineraries can change due to a number of factors, including deployment changes, weather, socio-political events, port closures, dry dock schedules, and more.

This is especially true for bookings made years in advance, but it is still a good idea to begin planning that future cruise vacation when bookings open to secure the best deals, most desirable cabins, and preferred itineraries.

Crew Member Injured After Cruise Ship Explosion

Robert McGillivray
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Crew Member Injured After Cruise Ship Explosion

Guests onboard a small cruise ship in Portland Harbor, Maine, experienced a terrifying moment on Wednesday morning when an explosion occurred in the engine room. The incident resulted in one crew member sustaining serious injuries and the evacuation of 128 guests from the ship.

The American Queen Voyages cruise ship Ocean Navigator had just completed its cruise from Montreal, Canada, returning to Portland to begin a cruise around the East Coast. 

Incident Onboard Small Cruise Ship

An explosion onboard the Ocean Navigator around 7:25 AM on October 18, 2023, caused guests and crew members to be evacuated from the vessel. Ocean Navigator, which has space for 202 guests, had just arrived at the Ocean Gateway Terminal in Portland. 

A spokesperson from the Portland Fire Department said that one crew member suffered burn injuries to the hands and arms during the explosion. The crew member was taken to hospital to receive treatment for his injuries. The crew member’s condition is stable, and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Initial reports point to a generator in the engine as the fire’s origin. The Portland fire department and the cruise ship’s crew acted promptly to put out the flames. Guests were evacuated to the nearby cruise terminal and are awaiting news on whether they can return to collect their possessions. 

Ocean Navigator had docked in Portland early on October 18, marking the conclusion of its current voyage, which began in Montreal, Canada, ten days ago. Guests are due to embark on the cruise ship today, however, it remains to be seen whether this cruise will leave on time or if it will be cancelled altogether.

The vessel is scheduled to sail to several picturesque ports around Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island, such as Provincetown, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, Plymouth, Gloucester, Eastport, and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, all part of the popular fall cruises around New England.

Safety and Further Assessments

The U.S. Coast Guard is now assessing the cruise ship to determine if it’s secure for guests to proceed with their cruise. The Ocean Navigator, constructed in 2001 and receiving a refurbishment in 2019, was due to stay overnight in Portland, with plans to depart on Thursday.

The U.S. Coast Guard has yet to release any statements on the current state of Ocean Navigator and whether any decisions have been made over the vessel’s seaworthiness.

While distressing for guests, cruise lines have extensive safety policies in place to ensure the safety of guests and crew members onboard their ships. Besides the safety drills performed when guests board the ship, crew members routinely perform fire safety drills that include incidents such as engine room fires.

Ocean Navigator Cruise Ship Explosion
Ocean Navigator Cruise Ship Explosion

The incident does bring into focus the future of Ocean Navigator, especially considering recent announcements from American Queen Voyages. In June, the company announced its intentions to decommission both the Ocean Navigator and its sistership, the Ocean Voyager.

In fact, the coming voyage is the last one for American Queen Voyages, with the vessel going into winter layup from the end of October, and the company already making clear it does not intend to bring her back to the Great Lakes next year.

Princess Cruises Significantly Changes Its Pricing Structure

Melissa Mayntz
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Princess Cruises Significantly Changes Its Pricing Structure

Princess Cruises is revolutionizing its pricing structure by eliminating last-minute deals and offers, ensuring that early bookings receive the best discounts.

This change includes a price match should lower prices be found, as well as flexibility for locking in a great cruise rate without committing to a specific sailing date.

New Pricing for Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises has significantly changed its overall pricing model to offer the very best, very lowest prices as soon as cruise bookings are released, with no deep discounts for last-minute reservations.

This is contrary to the typical pricing structure of different cruise lines, when bigger discounts are often offered closer to sailing in an attempt to fill unsold cabins so ships are sailing as close to full capacity as possible.

In recent months, however, increasing demand for cruise vacations has meant sold-out bookings, and more and more travelers are making their vacation plans further in advance. This means fewer cruise lines are finding it necessary to make such dramatic last-minute offers.

Princess Cruises Ship
Princess Cruises Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)

“A Princess cruise vacation is the best value in travel, but with continuing increases in consumer demand our new pricing approach will always reward guests who lock in their Princess vacations well in advance,” said Terry Thorton, chief commercial officer, Princess Cruises.

“Gone are the days of last-minute deep discounts close to departure dates. The best time to secure a spot on a 2024 or 2025 Princess cruise is right now.”

Read Also: Princess Cruises Releases New Season in Japan Due to High Demand

This does not mean, however, that guests may find better-priced cruises at a later date and feel they have lost out on the best bargain. Princess Cruises is also introducing the Best Price Guarantee that will match any lower price found for the same cruise and stateroom category. Terms and conditions of the offer do vary based on any current Princess Cruises promotions.

Best Price Guarantee Offers Price Match Options

The Best Price Guarantee is valid for any booking on Princess Cruises’ official website within 72 hours of a reservation. If guests find a lower fair than their initial booking within that time frame – with the same sail dates, stateroom category, cruise fare type, and number of guests – the cruise line will match the price difference.

The “match” may be made via an upgrade to a higher category stateroom, an onboard credit valued at 110% of the price difference, or other potential offers.

Lower-priced cruises offered through group bookings, travel agency promotions, or other private means are not eligible for the Best Price Guarantee.

Majestic Princess Cruise Ship
Majestic Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Macklin Holloway / Shutterstock)

Princess Cruises is also permitting guests to lock in low rates when booking distant future cruises without selecting specific dates or itineraries. This can allow prospective travelers to take advantage of great promotions even if they aren’t yet certain of their future cruise vacation plans.

Exact details of how this lock in offer will work have not been defined, but more information is sure to be coming soon as guests look forward to bookings for 2025 and 2026.

Even Better Value for More Guests

Another level of savings Princess Cruises is offering is new, lower prices for the third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom. This makes the overall fare value exceptional for families and friends looking to get away together.

With each sailing, all guests also have access so the personalized MedallionClass service, spectacular and diverse dining options, multiple shows and other entertainment options, the full range of onboard activities, and much more.

These great values come at the perfect time as future bookings are being opened for multiple cruise destinations, making it easier and more affordable than ever for travelers to make plans for the perfect oceangoing getaway.

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