A sailing to Antarctica is a dream trip for many cruise travelers. For one UK guest, however, her trip quickly turned into a nightmare while she was still more than 8,800 miles from the southernmost continent on the planet.
Due to a crowded plane, missing luggage, and unreachable personal items, Valerie Coleshaw was unable to set sail on her Antarctic getaway.
Coleshaw had booked a HX (Formerly named Hurtigruten Expeditions) sailing to Antarctica departing in February 2023, but when she arrived at the Manchester Airport, her cruise plans began to sink. She was flying with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines but was informed that the plane was full, and she was asked to check her carry-on bag.
KLM Luggage (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)
KLM permits travelers to have one carry-on bag and one accessory item, such as a purse or laptop, provided both bags fit specific dimensions and have a combined weight allowance. If passengers are flying in Premium Comfort or Business class, they are permitted slightly more baggage for carry-on.
As most airlines will do if a flight is extremely full, however, travelers may be asked to check their carry-on items at no cost. Coleshaw agreed after being assured that the bag would be returned to her after reaching Amsterdam for her layover. From Amsterdam, her next flight was to have been to Buenos Aires.
Upon arriving in Amsterdam after the 80-minute flight, however, Coleshaw discovered her bag was missing. In it was prescription asthma medication and her paperwork to join the cruise. Without knowing where those items were and not certain whether they would be returned, Coleshaw was unable to continue on her trip.
It is unclear why Coleshaw did not have a smaller purse or bag to take onto the plane with her, where she could have placed those critical items. KLM advises travelers to use a smaller bag in case of limited overhead bin space if carry-on bags need to be checked.
“We advise you to pack any travel essentials such as medicines in your smaller bag, just in case,”the airline’s website states.
According to the Independent, Coleshaw claims she was not advised to remove any essentials from her bag as it was being checked.
“I had no additional handbag in which to store my documents, tickets and asthma spray. I had only a mobile phone, credit card and passport in my pocket,”she said.“No one ever suggested to me to remove my medication, tickets, holiday reservation, emergency contact details and so on. Had they done so, I would have taken my hand luggage on board.”
Coleshaw was given hotel vouchers and a return flight to Manchester the following day, losing the nearly $14,000 (USD) cruise fare in the process.
Dispute With the Cruise Line
In the months following the fiasco, Coleshaw has battled with Hurtigruten about refunds and vouchers. As she had booked the entire travel package through the cruise line, if the airline is at fault, she would be entitled to a full refund.
The cruise line did offer her limited vouchers at first, but a replacement African cruise she had booked was cancelled. Now, her personal circumstances have changed, and she no longer feels comfortable booking such an expensive trip.
“We are disappointed that we have been unable to resolve this current issue to date. Our guest experience team have been in direct contact with Ms Coleshaw for several months now and we have worked hard to try and find a resolution to this situation,”a cruise line spokesperson said.
Ultimately, Hurtigruten did offer a future cruise credit for the full cost of Coleshaw’s lost Antarctica sailing, an offer that exceeds their standard cancellation policy. The rebooking deadline has also been extended to give her the greatest opportunity to find a vacation she can enjoy.
Coleshaw has not stated whether or not she will be planning another once-in-a-lifetime vacation within the time frame available.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached a significant milestone by becoming the first cruise operator to embark 10 million guests from the Port of Galveston, Texas.
Marsha Taulton of Houston was recognized as the 10th million guest as she boarded the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze on May 16, 2024, to sail a 4-night cruise to Cozumel, Mexico.
Taulton and her husband, Paul, were welcomed aboard by Captain Isidoro Renda and Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees. An impromptu celebration was held in honor of the milestone.
Carnival Celebrates 10 Millionth in Galveston
Said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, “This is an achievement that speaks to the success of our longstanding partnership with the port and the greater Galveston community. We are grateful to our guests who have sailed with us from Galveston over the past two decades, continually driving the popularity of this homeport forward.”
Duffy expressed excitement about Carnival Cruise Line’s bright future in Texas, saying, “We’re delighted to welcome more guests aboard than ever before from this great city. Next stop, 20 million!”
Carnival Continues to Expand Its Presence in Galveston
Carnival launched the first year-round cruise program in Galveston in 2000 with the original Celebration. It continues to offer a variety of itineraries from the Gulf of Mexico, including numerous options extending into the spring of 2026.
Cruises currently vary from 4- to 8-night voyages in both Western and Eastern Caribbean with frequent calls in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Freeport, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas; Key West, Florida; Roatan, Honduras.
Carnival’s achievement follows the substantial $53 million upgrade to Cruise Terminal 25, completed ahead of the introduction of the 6,500-passenger Carnival Jubilee, the cruise line’s new flagship and the first new cruise ship to be christened in Galveston.
Carnival Celebrates 10 Millionth in Galveston
The terminal’s renovations included the installation of two new passenger boarding bridges, an expanded dock, a new roof, and a redesigned interior. Additionally, over 500 parking spaces were added to the popular drive-to cruise port, the fourth largest in the U.S.
Carnival Jubilee, a 182,015 gross ton Excel-class ship, was delivered by the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany on December 4, 2023, arriving in Galveston on December 20, 2023. The ship features several new amenities, including the first-of-its-kind rollercoaster at sea, BOLT, and a Texas-themed tailgate party.
The ship was named the Best New Cruise Ship of 2023 by Cruise Hive and is currently offering 7-night cruises to Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.
Carnival’s presence in Galveston will grow further in October with the addition of the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle. This will complete a four-ship deployment strategy that also includes the 128,250-gross-ton Carnival Dream.
Carnival Miracle, weighing 88,500 gross tons, is currently enjoying a season in Alaska. It sails roundtrip from its base in San Francisco before arriving in Galveston on October 31 to take passengers deeper into the Caribbean on longer journeys. Its first cruises will take guests on a 12-night adventure to George Town, Grand Cayman; Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Willemstad, Curacao; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
The 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream is currently sailing 6- and 8-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
By the end of 2024, the cruise line’s guest capacity in Galveston is expected to increase by 20 percent compared to last year, with more than 800,000 guests anticipated to sail from the port.
Carnival Fascinationwas floated out about three decades ago and, up until just very recently, it was one of the oldest cruise ships in Carnival’s fleet. If you’ve been a Carnival fan for your entire life, you very likely cruised on this ship at one point or another.
Thanks to multiple dry docks and refits, the ship remained in relatively good shape for the majority of its existence, but, unfortunately, eventually, a ship like this just gets too old to sail the high seas and really deliver a stellar cruising experience to travelers. When the ship was sold off, it was time.
But what was this ship like during its heyday? If you’re curious, keep reading, for everything you need to know about this former Fantasy-class cruise ship.
Like many of its fellow Fantasy-class ships, Carnival Fascination was given the boot in 2020. Carnival sold the ship to Century Harmony Cruise Ltd in November 2020. The ship was renamed and expected to be sent to a new life in Asia. However, that never happened and the ship was sold for scrap in 2021.
Carnival Fascination Stats
Carnival Fascination seems relatively tiny by today’s standards! The ship is just a fraction of the size of some of Carnival’s more modern ships. Here’s how Carnival Fascination measured up.
Gross Tonnage: 70,367
Length: 855 feet
Passenger capacity at double occupancy: 2,056
Maximum passenger capacity: 2,634
Crew: 920
Passenger decks: 10
This ship is nearly identical to its sister ships, both in size and potential occupancy. The Fantasy class was quite large, and also included Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Elation, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Sensation.
Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock.com
The lead ship, Carnival Fantasy, first set sail in 1990, and now the majority of the Fantasy-class ships have been sold or scrapped. If you do really want to experience this retro class of ships for yourself, you’ll want to make tracks to reserve your spot on one of the two remaining Fantasy-class ships that are still in operation, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, before they’re gone for good.
Construction
Similarly to its sister ships, Carnival Fascination was built by Kvaerner-Masa in Helsinki, Finland. The ship was finished in 1994 and floated out on July 1 of that year. The ship was christened by Jeanne Farcus.
Notably, Jeanne Farcus was the wife of Joe Farcus, who was an iconic cruise ship designer. His career launched in 1975, when he began work on Carnival’s second-ever ship, the Queen Anna Maria (yes, the name is quite unusual, when you consider Carnival’s brand today — but it was later renamed Carnivale). Farcus was considered one of the many individuals who helped ultimately shape the Carnival brand.
After launching, Carnival Fascination began its life offering cruises from New York, before moving to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and then Jacksonville, Florida, where it served the Bahamas. In 2016, Carnival Fascination returned to San Juan, offering Southern Caribbean cruises.
Ship Dry Docks
Carnival Fascination has undergone a range of dry docks that have helped keep the older ship as modern as possible. The most notable renovations occurred in 2006, 2010 and 2018.
In 2006, all Fantasy-class ships and, really, all Carnival ships, received a face lift as part of the cruise line’s Evolutions of Fun upgrades. This pricey initiative helped launch some of the Carnival classic features that cruisers still enjoy today, such as the Carnival WaterWorks water parks.
Carnival Cruise Dry Dock in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: the goatman)
Carnival Fascination’s 35-day, September 2006 drydock cost multiple millions of dollars, but the results were extensive. The renovations added a new 9-hole mini golf course, a patisserie known as Café on the Way, the Club 02 teen section, a new children’s area, an art gallery, a new atrium bar, internet café, photo gallery and conference room. The spa was renovated as well, and staterooms received refurbishments that included the addition of flat-screen televisions.
However, the changes weren’t over just yet. In 2010, Carnival Fascination received further renovations as part of the Evolutions of Fun refurbishments.
The ship was dry docked for 28 days in the Bahamas and $34 million was spent to add the WaterWorks water park, nearly 100 balcony staterooms and the Serenity adults-only retreat. The main pool was also refurbished.
Finally, in 2018, Carnival Fascination received its last round of refurbishments, and these added even more recognizable and popular venues to the ship.
The ship was outfitted with some of Carnival’s newest venues and eateries (for the time), such as Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, Alchemy Bar, Cherry on Top and Bonsai Sushi Express.
Cabins
There was a range of staterooms for travelers to choose from aboard Carnival Fascination, including interior staterooms, interior upper/lower staterooms, interior porthole staterooms, oceanview staterooms, balcony staterooms and aft-view extended balcony staterooms.
Carnival Fascination Cabin (Photo Credit: zenm)
Stateroom designs were on the basic side and it’s worth noting that — as was the case on all Fantasy-class ships — balconies were at a premium. There were only 152 cabins on the cruise ship that featured a balcony.
As for suites, there were two types of suites aboard Carnival Fascination, the junior suites and the grand suites. Junior suites offered 220 square feet of space and a 30-square-foot balcony, while grand suites offered 330 square feet of space with up to a 115-square-foot balcony.
Carnival Fascination Cabin (Photo Credit: zenm)
Staying in a suite came with all the normal perks and amenities, such as priority check in, express boarding, priority debarkation, complimentary bottled water and complimentary bath robes.
Venues
As we mentioned above, during Carnival Fascination’s last dry dock, in 2018, she was outfitted with all of Carnival’s latest dining options, most of which have become beloved staples over the last few years, at least to frequent Carnival cruisers. That said, Carnival Fascination wasn’t exactly decked out with tons and tons of restaurants — certainly not like what you’d find on a newer vessel today.
Carnival Fascination was outfitted with two main dining rooms, the Imagination Dining Room and Sensation Dining Room. One opened for dinner only and operated with an assigned-seating, reserved-time format. The other was open for breakfast, brunch and dinner on select days throughout a cruise, with no need for a reservation or assigned seating.
The Lido Buffet offered all-day dining and a variety of food. Other free dining options included Pizza Pirate, serving 24/7 pizza slices; the Carnival Deli, for hot and cold sandwiches; Guy’s Burger Joint, with Guy Fieri-inspired eats; BlueIguana Cantina, for poolside Mexican fare; and then room service.
Specialty dining options and experiences included Bonsai Sushi Express, The Chef’s Table experience, Bogart’s Café and the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast.
As for watering holes, the latest refits added new options like RedFrog Rum Bar, and BlueIguana Tequila Bar. Alchemy Bar was also relatively new. Others included Piano Bar 88; Stars Bar, near the casino; and the Passage to India lounge.
There was one pool aboard the ship, on the Lido Deck, with pool areas for both children and adult swimmers. There were three hot tubs on the ship, one in the adults-only Serenity Retreat and two near the Lido Deck pool.
Aside from the pool, there was also the WaterWorks water park, with several water slides, including a four-story corkscrew slide, 82-foot racing slides, and child-friendly slides. A water play area for small children was also available.
Other outdoor venues included the Serenity Retreat sun deck, mini golf course and the jogging track.
For entertainment, there were two theaters, one for Broadway-style shows, and one for game shows and comedy sets. There was also Casino Royale and Spa Carnival, and, for the kids, Camp Carnival offered programming in a relatively updated Camp Ocean space, while preteens and teens had their own spaces, too.
Decor
Carnival Fascination was by no means modern or sleek at the time of its sale. The ship still featured a lot of the older décor schemes that Carnival preferred in the 1990s, with lots of orange and red. As such, the staterooms had a slightly dingy feel to them, especially at the very end.
Carnival Fascination Decor (Photo Credit: Dave Herholz)
That said, the public spaces weren’t as bad as they could’ve been, leading up to 2020. While not exactly “new”-feeling, they weren’t woefully outdated either. You could still see a few glimpses of the past (such as in some of the carpeting, tile work and paint schemes), but you also didn’t walk into most spaces and think you’d somehow been transported back in time, to 1995.
Carnival Fascination Scrapping
Carnival chose to sell off several of its older, less desirable ships following the cruise industry’s shut-down in early 2020. As such, much of the Fantasy class retired during this time period. While some were sold directly for scrap, Carnival Fascination had a different fate.
In October 2021, it was discovered that Century Harmony sold the ship to a trading company, and it was expected the ship would be sent off for recycling in Alang, India. However, those anticipated plans changed again.
Finally, in February 2022, it was reported that the ship, after spending multiple months anchored off Sri Lanka, at last made its final home in Pakistan, where the ship was scrapped.
Was Carnival Fascination a Good Ship?
For its time, Carnival Fascination was a very good ship. When it launched, along with all its Fantasy-class sisters, it was considered a top-of-the-line, modern, best-of-the-best ship. Cruisers couldn’t ask for anything more!
However, now, cruisers are asking for quite a lot more. They’re no longer willing to settle for outdated staterooms, or just a handful of restaurants to pick from throughout their cruise. They want more excitement than what a waterpark alone can offer; they want rollercoasters, go-kart tracks and surfing simulators.
Photo Credit: SeregaSibTravel / Shutterstock
As such, Carnival Fascination just couldn’t keep up and, by 2020, it wasn’t really a good ship anymore, unless you specifically wanted that old-school, retro cruising vibe (and many did want that, which is why the ship lasted as long as it did!).
It’s no surprise, though, that Carnival Fascination met its fate at the scrapyard, and is now just one of the many Fantasy-class ships to be scrapped.
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge has officially launched her first season in Alaska and is poised to begin a summer-long series of sailings to the Great Land roundtrip from Seattle. The 2,900-guest ship is the first of the line’s pioneering Edge class, and entered service in 2018.
Celebrity Edge will sail her maiden voyage from Seattle on May 17, 2024, operating a 7-day cruise calling at Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. The “Alaska Dawes Glacier” itinerary, offered through mid-September, features immersive experiences with local Alaskan culture and food.
The ship arrived in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 11, 2024 following a transpacific sailing from Honolulu, and then operated a 6-day sailing to Seattle, her seasonal homeport. Celebrity Edge will sail the opposite route on September 13, 2024, returning to Honolulu and then to Sydney, Australia, sailing seasonal cruises Down Under and to New Zealand.
Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship in Alaska
Celebrity Edge’s “Alaska Dawes Glacier” itinerary calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Endicott Arm/Skagway, and Victoria, British Columbia.
“There’s no better way to see the pristine Alaskan wilderness than onboard Celebrity Edge, which was specifically designed to create a closer connection between guests and destinations. Our elevated vacation options are redefining travel, especially in this region,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.
The ship’s inaugural season in Alaska promises to be a memorable one, thanks to the line’s Sea the Future program. Planned activities for Celebrity Edge guests include the Ketchikan Salmon Walk, a 2-mile hike created with the Tongass Historical Museum that enables cruisers to learn about salmon migration and life cycles in Ketchikan Creek.
Other Sea the Future initiatives include A Taste of Alaska, a local sourcing partnership that provides guests with access to locally-made products, plus retailers and local vendors such as Seafood Producers Cooperative and Alaska Specialty Seafood.
The program also offers a Locals Onboard partnership with Voyij.com, which connects guests to an online marketplace where they can buy goods from more than 250 Alaska artists and retailers. Since the partnership began in 2021 it has provided about $1 million in sales to the local businesses and artists.
The Sea the Future initiative has a local educational component, too, in collaboration with the Sitka Sound Science Center, in which local scientists partner with school children to learn about science and Alaska’s ecosystems.
Guests Can Embrace Ship’s Edge-Class Amenities
While the Alaskan scenery, wilderness, and marine life are no doubt incomparable cruise experiences, Celebrity Edge is a destination in her own right, offering guests ground-breaking experiences such as the popular Magic Carpet, the cantilevered, multi-purpose floating platform that functions as a dining venue, lounge, and viewing area.
Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship in Alaska
The ship offers 29 restaurants, bars, and lounges, and eight stateroom categories: The Retreat, AquaClass, Concierge Class, Infinite Veranda, Single Infinite Veranda, Veranda, Oceanview, and Inside.
The ultra-luxury area called The Retreat is exclusive for all guests booking suites and features a private dining venue, lounge, and sundeck. Guests who book these accommodations benefit from a team of butlers and concierges who handle virtually all requests.
Other highlights of the Edge-class ship include the three-story Grand Plaza, modeled after the piazzas of Italy, and the popular lounges Martini Bar and Cafe al Bacio.
Along with Celebrity Edge, the cruise line has deployed two additional ships to Alaska for the 2024 season: The 2,200-guest Celebrity Summit, a Millennium-class ship that debuted in 2001, and the 2,852-guest Celebrity Solstice, a Solstice-class ship that entered service in 2008.
Celebrity Solstice is sailing 7-night cruises roundtrip from Vancouver, while Celebrity Summit offers 7-night sailings between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. Celebrity Cruises operates a fleet of 16 ships and is a brand of Royal Caribbean Group.
Royal Caribbean has opened bookings on a new series of Asia cruises aboard Ovation of the Seas, operating from Singapore between October 2025 and March 2026. A variety of itineraries is offered, with the majority of them 3- and 4-night getaways.
The 4,180-guest Quantum-class ship that entered service in 2016 will sail to multiple destinations during her Singapore deployment, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, China.
Most of the sailings are the 3-night “Penang Cruise,” offered on 22 departure dates, and the 4-night “Penang & Phuket Cruise,” with 17 departures. A 5-night “Singapore to Hong Kong Cruise” has one departure, on April 16, 2025; while the 8-night “Bali Adventure Holiday Cruise” is available with one departure date of December 28, 2026. The holiday sailing will call at Benoa and Celukan Bawang, Bali; and Lombok, Indonesia.
Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas (Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky)
The lion’s share of the itineraries will bring cruisers to destinations such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, in Penang, Malaysia, and the pristine beaches of Phuket, Thailand.
Penang, an island off Malaysia, offers opportunities to tour St. George’s, the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia, and the iconic Kapitan Keling Mosque. The capital city of George Town is a historic trading post between India, China, Britain, and the Middle East.
Phuket, meanwhile, the Pearl of Thailand, offers a laid-back atmosphere with sandy beaches and crystal blue water. Visitors can admire the 147-foot-tall Big Buddha of Phuket, made of white marble, and visit the elaborate temple of Wat Chalong and its Grand Pagoda. Scuba and snorkeling are big attractions in Phuket as well. Some itineraries feature an overnight in Phuket.
“Ovation is a ship packed full of adventure, and with the new season’s line-up of holidays, friends and families can choose to holiday their way between short getaways to Penang and Phuket and longer sailings to Indonesia or with nights out in Phuket,” said Angie Stephen, senior vice president, International, Royal Caribbean International.
Photo Credit: Justin Tiang / Shutterstock.com
Noting that Singapore is the gateway to Asia’s most popular destinations, Stephen added that Royal Caribbean has been committed to the region for more than 15 years and will continue to offer regional itineraries for years to come. The series of voyages is open for bookings effective on May 17, 2024.
Ovation of the Seas is currently sailing in Alaska for summer 2024, operating roundtrip from Seattle. Her 7-night Alaska Experience cruise calls at Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria, British Columbia, while her 7-night Alaska Adventure voyage visits Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, and Victoria.
Plenty of Thrills Await Guests on Ovation of the Seas
Onboard Ovation of the Seas, guests looking for adventure can take advantage of the ship’s thrill experiences, such as the RipCord by iFly skydiving ride, the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing walls, bumper cars, roller skating rink, and other activities in the SeaPlex sports area.
The ship also features the popular North Star, a glass observation capsule 300 feet above the sea. Guests looking to be pampered can indulge in treatments offered in the ship’s Vitality Spa, and for youngsters, a full set of supervised, age-appropriate group activities is available.
Cruises have a choice of 20 dining venues, including casual eateries such as Windjammer Cafe buffet, SeaPlex Dog House, Solarium Bistro, Fish & Ships, and Sorrento’s Pizza, and fine dining experiences in Chops Grille, Jaime’s Italian, the Main Dining Room and Coastal Kitchen, which is exclusive to suite guests.
Entertainment offerings include Spectra’s Cabaret, an original stage production titled “The Beautiful Dream,” the “Live. Love. Legs.” theatrical show, plus live music in various lounges, and outdoor movie nights.
Ovation of the Seas’ accommodation choices feature interior, oceanview, balcony, and virtual balcony cabins, plus a wide range of suites, some with multiple bedrooms for families and groups. The ship’s Sea, Sky, Star, and Royal class suites offer exclusive amenities and services included in the cruise fare.
Royal Caribbean operates 28 ships and is owned by Royal Caribbean Group.
Royal Caribbean International has sadly announced that the current master of Harmony of the Seas, Captain James MacDonald, has passed away following a heart attack and medical evacuation on April 30.
As a gesture of respect and mourning across the Royal Caribbean fleet, all ships will fly the Royal Caribbean flag at half mast on Friday, May 17, 2024.
Captain MacDonald suffered a severe heart attack on April 30, requiring Harmony of the Seas to divert for an unscheduled stop in Cozumel, Mexico, so that he could be medically evacuated. He was then flown to Miami for continued care, but unfortunately succumbed on Thursday, May 16.
Captain James MacDonald
“Our dear colleague, Captain James MacDonald, passed away this morning while at a hospital in Miami,”an internal email confirmed.“Capt. James was accompanied by his wife following his debarkation from Harmony of the Seas two weeks ago.”
Captain MacDonald joined Royal Caribbean in November 1990 and served well on a variety of vessels during his distinguished career, including Radiance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas, in addition to Harmony of the Seas.
“Capt. James was an exceptional leader known for his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our company,”the email continued. “All who had the privilege of working with Capt. James will deeply feel his loss. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, the Harmony team, and all those who sailed with him over the years.”
Condolences have been pouring out on social media as the news has spread, with many guests sharing fond memories of Captain MacDonald.
“We loved having him as our captain! He just had a style that made you like him… It kinda made you feel like you were on a cruise with your cool buddy as the captain! We sure hated to hear the news.”
“He was my favorite Captain and crew / guests will miss him, especially those that sail frequently from Galveston!”
“He was absolutely a great Captain! Prayers to his family.”
“He was funny and loved to walk around and talk to everybody. He made everyone comfortable and we had full confidence in his decisions. He was the best! We’ll miss you!”
“Sailed with Captain James many times. Great Captain and so sad to hear he passed.”
No further information about any possible memorial service has been announced at this time.
Support for Royal Caribbean Crew Members
Royal Caribbean International is making support services available to all crew members who may need help during this sad time, including counseling via telephone or through the Human Resources or Medical Teams onboard each ship. The cruise line is also continuing to support the MacDonald family through this loss.
Photo Copyright: KPegg / Shutterstock
Other Royal Caribbean ships are also making announcements to guests and offering gestures of solidarity, such as horn blasts to commemorate Captain MacDonald throughout the fleet.
Cruise Hive extends its most sincere condolences to the team aboard Harmony of the Seas, all Royal Caribbean International masters and team members, and all passengers who had the privilege to sail with Captain James MacDonald over the years.
Carnival Pride is finally returning to Baltimore, Maryland, after a devastating accident closed the port to all maritime traffic for more than a month.
On the morning of March 26, 2024, a large container vessel crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which is a crucial part of the infrastructure within the Port of Baltimore. The bridge instantly collapsed, forcing the port to shut down operations while they assessed and repaired the damage.
Multiple cruise lines were impacted by the sudden closure, including Carnival Pride, which was using Baltimore as her homeport for a series of Eastern Caribbean cruises and Bahamas sailings. Sister ship Carnival Legend was the first to be impacted after it departed Baltimore on March 25, but needed to return to Norfolk instead at the end of the voyage on March 31.
Carnival Pride
A shift to Norfolk, Virginia, came with many logistical challenges, ranging from securing necessary pier space and facilities and meeting staffing demands to helping passengers make last-minute changes to their travel plans.
But now that the Port of Baltimore is back in business, the cruise line can return with its Spirit-class Carnival Pride ship on May 26, 2024. While the cruise line had previously anticipated that it would return to Baltimore soon, now a date is officially set.
“We are extremely grateful to the officials and incredible first responders in Baltimore, who’ve shown great leadership and resolve in this difficult time, as well as our supportive partners in Norfolk, whose rapid response allowed us to continue to deliver our scheduled sailings for our guests,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“It’s been our goal to resume operations in Baltimore as soon as possible, and after working closely with local, state and federal agencies, we look forward to a successful return,”continued Duffy.
Similarly, Royal Caribbean recently announced that Vision of the Seas, which also homeports in Baltimore and had to pivot to Norfolk, will resume sailing from the port on May 25, 2024.
Carnival Pride Returns to Homeport
The 88,500-gross ton Carnival Pride homeports year-round from Baltimore, and cruise line executives, onboard crew, and future guests are eager to get back to the original plan.
The 2002 vessel will officially return to her homeport following a week-long cruise that will embark from Norfolk on May 19, 2024, and conclude in Baltimore on May 26.
Carnival Pride Docked in Baltimore (Photo Credit: Cruise Maryland)
Throughout the sailing, guests will have the opportunity to visit Nassau, Bahamas; Freeport, Bahamas; and Princess Cays in the Bahamas, which is the private island destination for the Carnival-Owned Princess Cruises.
Carnival Pride’s first round-trip sailing based out of Baltimore will begin on May 26, 2024, and will be a 14-night cruise to Greenland and Canada.
“We are so excited to be welcoming @CarnivalCruise back to Baltimore! Carnival Pride will embark its first cruise from Baltimore on May 26 for an epic 14-day cruise to Greenland & Canada,”the Port of Baltimore posted on X.
The itinerary features port calls at Nanortalik, Greenland; Qaqortoq, Greenland; St. Anthony, Newfoundland; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; and Sydney, Nova Scotia.
This sailing is unique, as the 930-crew vessel typically alternates between offering 7-night cruises to the Bahamas and 7-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean – and will continue to do so through the end of 2025.
Situated in a prime location along the Mexican Riviera, the Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port is one of the most popular ports of call along Mexico’s stunning Pacific coast.
Combining modern port facilities with a perfect blend of natural beauty and exciting culture, Puerto Vallarta welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world every single year.
If your upcoming cruise itinerary involves stopping at this exciting port of call, this guide is here to help you get the most out of your visit. From insightful details about the port itself to recommendations for things to do in the surrounding area, you will learn everything you need to know.
Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port, also known as the Marina Vallarta Maritime and Cruise Terminal, is conveniently located just over three miles north of downtown Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This popular beach resort city is on the western coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco.
The city and its port happen to be at the same latitude as Hawaii, which explains why they are so well known for year-round sunshine and pleasant weather. In addition to the weather, the location is also ideal for cruise ships sailing along the Pacific coastline.
Aerial View of Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Paco Espinoza)
The city wraps around Bahia de Banderas (Banderas Bay in English), which, at nearly 3,000 feet of depth, happens to be one of the deepest bays in the world. This is ideal for large vessels, including some of the world’s largest cruise ships. It also explains why Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port is located right in such a prime middle location along the city’s coastline.
Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port Address:
If you are driving yourself to the cruise port, either from a hotel, resort, or the airport, it can be found by searching the following: 48333, H. Escuela Naval Militar 9, Área Militar de Vallarta, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Getting from the Airport to the Port
If you are flying into Puerto Vallarta, you’re in luck! The cruise port is just shy of 4 miles south of the Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). This convenient location makes it easy to board cruise ships at the port, which is also their embarkation point.
Plenty of cabs are waiting at taxi pick-up points at PVR’s arrivals terminal. Most offer a flat rate to and from the cruise port. Even if you have to pay the meter rate, taxi fares are still very affordable, with most being charged between $5 and $10.
While rideshare services, notably Uber, operate in Puerto Vallarta, we recommend taking a cab. Most cab drivers speak English and will already be waiting for you in the taxi pick-up zone. To save money, always line up for one of the yellow taxis rather than dealing with drivers offering rides inside the airport.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport (Photo Credit: 1000Photography)
Some of the main cruise lines also offer shuttle services directly from the airport, but you will have to check ahead of time for availability and booking details.
If you are planning to spend a few days in Puerto Vallarta before boarding your cruise, plenty of car rental companies operate out of the airport. Some even have vehicle drop-off locations just outside the cruise port.
Directions from the Airport:
Head west on Airport Access Rd, then merge onto Fransico Medina Ascencio (Hwy 200). Turn right onto H. Escuela Naval Mlitar. Here, you will find Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port.
Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port Description and Facilities
Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port consists of four cruise ship piers, which are labeled as cruise docks. Cruise Dock 1 is the primary cruise ship pier, and it is where you will find the main cruise terminal and other essential facilities, like a tourist information center.
After Cruise Dock 1, Cruise Docks 2, 3, and 4 are used in ascending order, with Cruise Dock 2 being the second largest and so on.
Cruise Ship Docked in Puerto Vallarta (Photo Credit: Alonso Reyes Diaz)
Remember that facilities are limited at the lesser-used docks, although Cruise Dock 1 is just a short walk from any of the other three, so you can easily access the main terminal and its information booths. It is worth noting that Cruise Dock 4 is too small for a full-sized cruise ship, so very few of the cruise lines are assigned to it.
The terminal at Cruise Dock 1 also has information desks for several of the major cruise lines that operate out of the port. The terminal is relatively large and has a unique circular design
If you arrive early, this air-conditioned building is an excellent place to kill time. It also has several souvenir and convenience stores, so you can grab snacks and do some last-minute shopping while waiting to board.
Puerto Vallarta Dockside with Coaches (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
Unfortunately, the port does not offer public Wi-Fi; however, there is a McDonald’s in the Galerias Vallarta Shopping Mall, as well as a Walmart and Sam’s Club located directly across from the port.
All options are less than a 10-minute walk from Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal, and they offer free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. There are also several hotels in the area, many of which have public Wi-Fi in their lobbies.
Bathrooms are dotted throughout the port and are well-maintained. Regarding accessibility, the terminal building is wheelchair-friendly, and those with mobility needs can navigate the rest of the port.
Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port Parking
The port maintains its own parking lot just beyond the main entrance gate. There is an hourly rate of $1 for the first 10 hours, then it switches to an $11 daily maximum rate.
If you need to park for just a few hours and want to save money, you can also park at the shopping mall or the huge parking lot shared by Walmart and Sam’s Club. Both lots are free and just a short walk from the port; however, you cannot park overnight in either lot.
Cruise Lines and Terminals
Puerto Vallarta serves as a homeport and popular port of call for many cruise lines, including the following:
Dock 1: Primarily used by Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean
Dock 2: Used by Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruise Line
Other cruise lines that operate out of the port include Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and Disney Cruise Line.
Resort Day Passes
If you are looking to spend an afternoon relaxing and indulging, several nearby resorts offer day passes to cruise passengers. While each resort’s policy differs, most include access to amenities like pools, privately owned beaches, and restaurants.
RIU Palace Pacifico (Photo Credit: Nick Lamb)
Prices typically range from $89.00 per adult, plus a deposit, to $49.00 for children. Some of the more expensive resorts in the area, like RIU Palace Pacifico, can be more expensive, so it’s a good idea to do your research beforehand.
Still, when you consider that day passes grant guests all-inclusive access, so your food, drinks, and Wi-Fi are covered, they actually offer great value!
Seasonal Weather Conditions in Puerto Vallarta
Although Puerto Vallarta is known for its pleasant, tropical climate, it is still helpful to know how to pack for each season:
Summer (June to August)
Expect hot and humid conditions, with average daytime temperatures between 80° and 95°F. The summer is also the wettest season, so be prepared for occasional showers, especially in July. Wear light, breathable clothing, and consider an umbrella to explore the city.
Fall (September to November)
Fall is also considered the region’s rainy season, so you can expect showers and occasional storms. Humidity is also high; temperatures can range between 75° and 90°F.
Winter (December to February)
Even during the winter, temperatures range between 70° and 85°F. You can also expect plenty of sunshine, with milder evenings. Wear light clothing, but make sure you pack sun protection. Far too many visitors forget to use sunscreen during the winter months and end up with painful burns.
Spring (March to May)
Temperatures increase a bit to between 75° and 90°F. Humidity levels also rise, but there is far less rainfall. You shouldn’t need a waterproof jacket or umbrella, but it’s still a good idea to pack breathable, quick-dry clothing.
Since the Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port is situated right on the edge of the city itself, there are a variety of amenities and attractions within walking distance or a short cab ride.
The pier of the dead and Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta (Photo Credit: Donatas Grikenas)
American Chain Stores
If you need to pick anything up, either before or during your cruise, Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port’s proximity to Walmart and Sam’s Club is really helpful. Less than one mile from the port entrance, these stores are a great place to stock up on essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and beverages. Just like their American-based counterparts, both stores take all major credit cards, US dollars, and Mexican Pesos.
Malecon Boardwalk
This scenic boardwalk stretches along the waterfront near the cruise port. The 12-block boardwalk dates back to the 1930s, and it is dotted with souvenir shops and stalls, vibrant street art, and plenty of restaurants serving up the local cuisine.
Boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta (Photo Credit: Albeerto Lopeez)
It also follows Playa Camarones Beach, so you can head down if you feel like relaxing in the sun and sand.
Pirate Ship Vallarta
Located almost adjacent to the WalMart, you can find the departure point for a classic wooden pirate ship, which offers tours of the coastline and bay. If you’re limited on time, this family-friendly activity only takes a few hours.
El Centro
EL Centro is considered to be Puerto Vallarta’s old town. Walking around this historic and colorful neighborhood is a great way to get a feel for the city’s culture. Make sure you bring a camera, as there are plenty of statues, street performers, and the iconic Church of Our Lady Guadalupe, which plainly showcases the influence of Spanish architecture and culture on the region.
Popular Beaches and Transportation Options
Playa de Los Muertos, also known as Dead Men’s Beach, is just a short distance from the port and is popular with locals and tourists. It is lined with plenty of restaurants, bars, and food stalls, so it’s a great place to have lunch and enjoy the beach.
Los Muertos Olas Altas beach (Photo Credit: Kirk Fisher)
If you want a more relaxed atmosphere and something a little closer, Playa Camarones is a good option. Unfortunately, many beaches nearest the cruise port are partially owned by the resorts and hotels, so they are not fully open to the public.
Either of the public beaches above can be reached via taxi or Uber for a small fee. We recommend asking about the fare before setting off so you’re not surprised by the cost. If you opt for a resort day pass, you’re much better off just using the beach attached to the resort.
What to Do in Puerto Vallarta
Aerial View of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Photo Credit: Carlos O. Flores)
Head to Downtown
Walk around the cobblestone streets and explore the numerous restaurants, bars, and stores. You don’t need a plan to enjoy this lively part of town.
Visit the Vallarta Botanical Garden
Easily accessible by taxi, these well-maintained gardens showcase some of the lush vegetation this part of Mexico’s Pacific coast is famous for. There’s also a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious lunch after you are done wandering.
Garden Chapel at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)
Try a Tequila Tasting
As is typically the case with most regions in Mexico, the people of Puerto Vallarta are very proud of their local tequilas. Plenty of bars, restaurants, and distilleries offer tasting menus, and you can even book a class to learn how to make some of the most iconic tequila-based cocktails authentically.
Go Golfing
Puerto Vallarta is home to seven unique golf courses, plus the weather allows visitors to enjoy a round any month of the year. Rent a set of clubs and check out these stunning links.
Watersports
There are plenty of excursion providers that help visitors enjoy the city’s watersport opportunities. From snorkeling to sailing lessons, thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in the waters of Puerto Vallarta.
Dining Near Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port
If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta, you must try some local dishes. Fortunately, the city is teeming with restaurants cooking up all of the classics. Try the fish tacos, often made with fish freshly caught from the waters lining the city. Pescado Zarandeado is another local specialty that you should make an effort to try.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Photo Credit: Aberu.Go / Shutterstock)
Cerveceria Chapultepec is only a few minutes walk from the cruise port. It offers fresh seafood, cold cervezas, and very reasonable prices. One of the best things to do is just wander and check out the menu boards outside the restaurants. When you see something you like, grab a seat on the patio!
Shopping Near Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port
Plenty of stores offer recognizable designer brands in the shopping mall beside the cruise port, but Puerto Vallarta is better known for hand-made goods. The city’s talented artisans craft everything from jewelry to hand-painted clay tableware. There is even a year-round craft market within the cruise port, which can be found directly beside the terminal at Dock 1.
Local Shopping at Puerto Vallarta (Photo Credit: Miss Nephew)
If you’re a fan of tequila or mezcal, make sure you pick up a souvenir bottle. It’s available at specialty stores throughout the city. Look for independently owned distilleries, as many have been in operation for decades and offer flavors and bottle designs that are difficult to find in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you get from the cruise port to downtown Puerto Vallarta?
You can get from the port to the downtown area by taxi. There are plenty of taxis waiting outside of the port, and they offer affordable flat rates to the downtown core.
Where do cruise ships come into Puerto Vallarta?
Cruise ships enter Banderas Bay before docking at Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port.
Can I take a cruise from Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, Puerto Vallarta acts as a home port for several cruise lines, meaning you can choose to fly in and use the city as your embarkation point.
For many people, a cruise to Alaska is the trip of a lifetime. In fact, Alaska tops the list of where Americans most want to travel in 39 out of 50 states.
However, for Donald and Patricia Gillingham, an elderly couple from Montana, their dream cruise quickly turned into a nightmare during their visit to Ketchikan, Alaska.
Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island near the southeast tip of Alaska. It’s a small port with a population of only around 8,000 people, but it is still a popular destination on Alaskan itineraries, with plenty for cruisers to do.
Ketchikan Cruise Port (Photo Credit: sljones)
Due to mobility challenges, the 91-year-old Donald opted to rent a scooter to make it easier to get around the popular port during their visit on September 9, 2023. But while riding a public bus, Donald’s scooter tipped over during a left-hand turn, severely injuring him in the fall.
The couple was unaware of the extent of the man’s injuries until they returned to their cruise ship. He was evaluated by qualified medical professionals in the ship’s onboard clinic, although it’s unclear what ship they were sailing on, and again during a subsequent port call in Juneau, Alaska at the Bartlett Regional Hospital.
At the hospital, doctors determined that the elderly cruiser was suffering from three broken ribs and a punctured lung.
The couple is now suing the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, which operates the buses. The complaint was filed in federal court in Alaska on May 8, 2024, and accuses the borough of one count of negligence and one count of loss of consortium.
The complaint explains that Ketchikan’s public buses have straps to make sure accidents like this don’t occur, but that the use of the straps isn’t enforced. By not properly securing mobility devices like Donald’s scooter, the lawsuit alleges that the borough isn’t meeting the duty of care it owes its passengers.
“The Ketchikan Gateway Borough’s transit system policy states: ‘All buses have priority seating areas inside by the door for seniors and riders with limited mobility, plus space for mobility devices.’ However, this policy does not mention, nor explicitly require or advise the use of available straps to secure mobility devices while the bus is in operation,” reads the complaint.
Bus In Ketchikan, Alaska (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
The Gillinghams followed the bus driver’s instructions on where to park his scooter, but were not instructed to use the straps, as no policy of the Ketchikan Public Transit System currently mandates their use. The lawsuit alleges that if the straps had been used properly, the fall would likely not have occurred.
The failure of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough to enforce or even establish a policy requiring the use of straps to secure mobility devices, coupled with the driver’s failure to advise on their use, directly contributed to the accident and Mr. Gillingham’s injuries,” continues the complaint.
The consortium charge was filed on behalf of Donald’s wife, Patricia, who claims that the physical and emotional trauma suffered by her husband has negatively impacted their marriage.
As of the time of publication, Gillingham’s attorneys – Mark and Jon Choate of Choate Law Firm LLC – have not commented on the case publicly.
Ketchikan Borough Manager Ruben Duran stated in an email to KTOO, a local news station in Alaska, that he was aware of a potential lawsuit but had not yet been served with any official notice.
How Much Can Cruise Lines Protect Passengers In Port?
Across all major cruise lines, the health and safety of all passengers and crew is the top priority. Ships typically have their own onboard security teams and surveillance cameras monitoring public spaces to quickly eliminate possible threats, and comprehensive medical centers to treat illnesses or injuries that occur at sea.
But once in port, cruise lines have significantly less control over the environment, which limits their ability and responsibility to protect passengers. Typically, cruise ships are generally only required to provide safe methods for guests to get on and off the ship in each port of call.
Cruise Ships Docked at Ketchikan Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Stillgravity)
Most cruise ships will also guarantee that they will wait for passengers on any shore excursions booked through the cruise line if they are delayed, and usually offer a vast assortment of activities in each cruise port.
That said, these excursions are typically operated by third-party providers. While these vendors are normally carefully vetted by the cruise lines, passengers who discover the excursion they booked is unsafe may still have difficulty getting their cruise company to take responsibility, who may argue that the independent tour company is really the one at fault.
Similarly, cruise lines can sometimes evade responsibility for injuries caused by its own crew members if the ship operator was reasonably careful and could not have foreseen the employee’s actions – and it’s standard for crew members to go through a stringent interview process, background checks, and training before joining their ships.
All that said, things don’t go wrong very often – and when they do, the cruise lines frequently do take steps to compensate or remedy the situation in another way, if only as an act of good faith.
And at the end of the day, passengers also have a responsibility for their own safety as well, especially when in port. If something seems unsafe or questionable, travelers should use their best judgment on how to proceed and not hesitate to voice their concerns.
