Blog Page 254

Royal Caribbean Still Skipping San Juan Due to Pier Issue

Lissa Poirot
-
0
Royal Caribbean Still Skipping San Juan Due to Pier Issue

Pier repairs that have forced Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels to reroute itineraries since late November 2024 are still hindering 2025 sailings.

The latest update sees Symphony of the Seas adjusting its February 23, 2025, voyage as San Juan Cruise Port’s Pier 3 in Puerto Rico will still be closed and unable to welcome the 6,680-passenger ship.

The cruise line informed passengers the 228,081-gross-ton ship will now miss its scheduled stops in San Juan and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Instead, Symphony of the Seas will visit Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Labadee, Haiti, as well as Falmouth, Jamaica.

“Due to ongoing construction at the pier in San Juan, the port authority has advised us that the port will not be ready in time for our visit,” said Royal Caribbean in a letter to its guests.

“We understand how important each destination is to your vacation, so we have worked diligently to find the best alternatives for you,” it added.

The altered 7-night roundtrip Eastern Caribbean itinerary is departing from Miami on February 23.

Originally scheduled to spend its first call at the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, the journey included a sea day followed by calls in Puerto Rico and St. Maarten and two more sea days before returning to Miami on March 2.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay – Full Guide

Now, following its visit to Perfect Dat at CocoCay, the vessel is adding a 9-hour visit to Nassau, Bahamas, which begins at 8 a.m. on January 25.

After a day at sea, Symphony of the Sea will arrive in Falmouth at 7 a.m. on January 27 and stay until 4 p.m. The following day, January 28, the ship will arrive in Labadee at 9:30 a.m., departing at 5 p.m.

There will be one additional sea day before guests return to Miami for a 6 a.m. arrival. The cruise line has also sent communications for guests booked on the February 16 voyage.

“Thank you for your understanding. We’re excited to share these wonderful destinations with you,” said Royal Caribbean.

Excursions in San Juan and Philipsburg have automatically been cancelled and refunded, and passengers are invited to book excursions in the new destinations.

Repair Delays at Pier 3

The issues at Pier 3 began in April 2024 when MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia inadvertently damaged its dolphin mooring structure, which secures and stabilizes ships while docked at port.

Port authorities have been diligently working on the repairs, with rumors suggesting they would be completed in January 2025.

The letter from Royal Caribbean indicates the repairs, which are subject to approval by the US Coast Guard, are ongoing and will not be complete until after late February.

Pier 3 in San Juan
Pier 3 in San Juan (Photo Credit: Nenad Basic)

“We understand the inconvenience of this matter, however, it is critical we ensure the safety of the port, the cruise ships, and the thousands of people who operate on or visit the island through this port facility,” said US Coast Guard Sector San Juan Commander Captain Luis J. Rodriguez.

At 1,182 feet in length, Pier 3 was specifically designed to accommodate Oasis and Quantum-class vessels. Unfortunately, the port’s additional docks cannot handle Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships, leading to a series of missed port calls.

Meanwhile, San Juan Cruise Port is bustling with construction activity as it also kicked off a $100-million infrastructure improvement plan in late September 2024.

The improvements include repairs to Pier 4, Pan American Piers, and the port’s existing cruise terminals.

Carnival Details Donation Efforts for Los Angeles Wildfire Relief

Lissa Poirot
-
0
Carnival Details Donation Efforts for Los Angeles Wildfire Relief

As the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles continue to rage on, Carnival Corporation and its family of cruise lines is offering its support to those impacted by wildfires by teaming up with World Central Kitchen (WCK).

The company announced that through Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn, it is donating $100,000 to WCK, the nonprofit launched by Chef José Andrés and renowned for providing meals in the wake of natural disasters.

The amount will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, bringing the total donation to $200,000. 

Micky Arison, the CEO of Carnival Corporation from 1979 to 2013, has remained the chairman of the company since 1990. His father, Ted Arison, founded Carnival Cruise Line in 1972.

As part of the cruise company’s ongoing commitment, Carnival Cruise Line is asking guests aboard its three Long Beach, California-based ships to contribute to the cause during cruises taking place over the next two weeks.

Read Also: Long Beach Cruise Terminal Guide: Piers, Amenities and Getting Around

The 135,156-gross-ton Carnival Firenze, 133,500-gross-ton Carnival Panorama, and the 101,509-gross-ton Carnival Radiance, are each sailing 3- to 14-night journeys from the port located just 20 miles from Los Angeles.

Holland America Line is also contributing to the cause through its “On Deck for a Cause” initiative, which will temporarily support Direct Relief. The program is focused on delivering medical supplies and respirators to individuals displaced by the wildfires.

Additionally, Princess Cruises is extending opportunities for its global team members to aid through donations, volunteering, and other support methods.

Carnival Corporation also owns Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and P&O Cruises and P&O Australia, which were not included in the support efforts.

Cruise Lines Rally to Support L.A.

The Los Angeles wildfires, which first broke out on January 7, 2025, spreading quickly due to 60-mile-per-hour Santa Ana winds, has destroyed more than 13,000 structures and displaced more than 150,000 thousand residents.

The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach have not been affected by the wildfires, but cruise lines have been quick to offer assistance. 

Princess Cruises, specifically, operator of “The Love Boat” and based in Los Angeles, was one of the first to offer passengers scheduled to sail from Los Angeles World Cruise Center an opportunity to cancel January voyages without penalty.

WCK Wildfires
Carnival Corporation’s donation will support World Central Kitchen’s efforts to support the Los Angeles community. (Photo Courtesy: World Central Kitchen)

“Princess Cruises, Los Angeles’ hometown cruise line, is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires,” the cruise line told Cruise Hive. “Our hearts go out to all those affected during this challenging time.” 

The cruise line’s flexibility was provided for its journeys aboard the 145,000-gross-ton Discovery Princess, the 107,517-gross-ton Grand Princess, and 92,822-gross-ton Island Princess, each homeporting in L.A.

Norwegian Cruise Line, which is not owned by Carnival Corporation, also offered no-penalty cancellations to guests sailing from any port in January and February. 

Its parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also operates Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross in response to the wildfires.

Passengers who cancel on both cruise lines receive credits for rebooking their voyages later in the year.

As Carnival Corporation made their announcement of support on January 23, 2025, a new Hughes fire had erupted, forcing the evacuation of 50,000 more residents.

Carnival Will Not Permit Onboard Sales of Popular Item

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Carnival Will Not Permit Onboard Sales of Popular Item

Girl Scout Cookie season is beginning, but not onboard Carnival cruise ships. Following a request to set up shop on a ship, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has confirmed that the sales will not be permitted, with tremendous support from other guests.

Whether the classically original Trefoils, the ever-popular Thin Mints, or the crispy Samoas, Girl Scout Cookies are undoubtedly popular, and many devoted fans stock up on their favorites every year.

Guests onboard Carnival’s fleet, however, will not be stocking up onboard. One guest reached out to Heald requesting permission to set up a table to sell cookies during their sailing, but was quickly denied.

The guest was unhappy with the decision, and didn’t hesitate to let Heald know their thoughts.

“Girl Scout cookies are an innocent little thing and refusing my girls to be able to sell theirs is probably the most non-Christian thing I’ve ever heard,” the guest commented. “All we want is to allow them to do this twice during the cruise in a public space like the foyer.”

Quite obviously, the guest has not considered the implications that if their girls were permitted to do this, then every Girl Scout setting sail during cookie season ought to be able to do the same. This would be overwhelming and potentially open the figurative door for all types of onboard sales.

“I have nothing against Girl Scout cookies, but if you allow them to sell, then you have to allow all other groups to do the same,” another guest noted. “The whole ship would be one big garage sale. No thanks. I can buy my Girl Scout cookies from the kids in my neighborhood.”

Read Also: Cruise Ducks – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know!

Other guests pointed out the wide-ranging amount of fundraiser sales done by other groups, such as youth sports leagues, church groups, school classes, charity organizations, and more. If one group gets permission to sell onboard a cruise, it would be difficult to establish a policy prohibiting other sales.

Heald posted the idea of Girl Scout cookie sales onboard as part of his daily poll on his Facebook page, with very conclusive results.

Of the more than 49,000 votes (as of this writing), 36% or roughly 17,700 respondents agree that not permitting cookie sales is the right decision. Fewer than 1% think such sales should be allowed.

No Soliciting Permitted

Heald has addressed the idea of private sales and solicitations previously, when the idea of adding business cards to the popular game of cruising ducks was suggested.

“Why can’t we put business cards with the ducks we hide on every cruise?” a guest asked Heald in February 2024. “Where is the harm in this? Why does every cruise line but yours allow for us to give the gift of laughter with the ducks we hide and get no return for doing this?”

Carnival Liberty Promenade Deck
Carnival Liberty Promenade Deck (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock)

At that time, Heald confirmed that while business cards attached to the rubber ducks weren’t explicitly forbidden, Carnival Cruise Line does indeed have a no soliciting policy.

This is actually part of Carnival’s Cruise Ticket Contract, which every guest agrees to when they book their cruise vacation.

“Guests shall not solicit anyone on the Vessel for any commercial, professional, illegal, or illicit purposes,” section 9(a) of the contract reads.

Of course, there is no policy prohibiting travelers from bringing their favorite Girl Scout cookies onboard as a snack or a special treat for crew members, so long as the cookies are sealed in their original packaging.

And if any guest does bring Girl Scout cookies onboard, don’t forget the milk (Carnival already has all your favorite types of milk) to enjoy that delicious treat in style!

UK Port Expects Double-Digit Boost in Cruise Arrivals in 2025

Donna Tunney
-
0
UK Port Expects Double-Digit Boost in Cruise Arrivals in 2025

The small but growing Port of Plymouth, England, is looking ahead to its 2025 season and predicting a roughly 12% increase in cruise arrivals compared to 2024.

Situated along the pristine Devon coast in southwest England, Plymouth, also known as Britain’s Ocean City, estimates that 11,700 cruise passengers will visit the destination in 2025.

In 2024, the port welcomed nearly 10,000 cruise guests, which reflected an eye-opening 40% spike compared to 2023. 

“Plymouth has been working tirelessly to cement its reputation as a must-visit port for cruise liners, and countless individuals are working behind the scenes to ensure the success of these visits,” said Amanda Lumley, chief executive of Destination Plymouth.

“The city’s cruise industry has continued to grow, boosting the economy and we are delighted to see the results of this collective effort,” added Lumley.

Cruise tourism is an economic boon to the region. In 2024, guests from the 14 ships that called spent about £1.5 million ($1.9 million USD). Port data showed that each cruise passenger who went ashore in Plymouth spent roughly £90 ($117 USD) on local purchases.

Local businesses that benefit from visiting cruise ships include tour guides, retail shops, and restaurants. Operations at the port itself, such as harbor fees, berthing, security, local harbor pilots, and others, add more revenue.

The cruise season at the Port of Plymouth runs from March through September. In 2025, several ships will make their inaugural calls to the destination, including Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,400-guest Norwegian Pearl and Oceania Cruises’ 1,200-guest Oceania Vista.

“We are excited to announce that this year we will welcome Norwegian Cruise Line to Plymouth for the very first time. This milestone has been years in the making, and we are really looking forward to hosting the stunning Norwegian Pearl on May 6, as part of its transatlantic cruise between New York City and Southampton,” said Glen Gardner, new business development manager for Destination Plymouth.

Other ships scheduled to call in 2025 include Ambassador Cruise Line’s 1,200-guest Ambition, Phoenix Reisen Cruises’ 740-guest Amera, Crystal’s 740-guest Crystal Serenity, Saga Cruises’ 1,000-guest Spirit of Discovery, Hebridean Island Cruises’ 48-guest Hebridean Princess, Silversea Cruises’ 600-guest Silver Dawn, and Oceania Cruises’ 670-guest Sirena.

Ambassador Cruise Ship in Plymouth
Ambassador Cruise Ship in Plymouth (Photo Credit: Plymouth Waterfront Partnership)

The Port of Plymouth, which is a regional hub for cargo and ferry operations, can berth cruise ships up to 984 feet long (Norwegian Pearl squeaks by at 965 feet).

Managed by Associated British Ports, the Plymouth facility and its operations represent a £95 million ($117 million USD) contribution to the UK economy.

Arrivals Increase Mirrors Activity at Other UK Ports

The Port of Plymouth is not alone in celebrating notable increases in cruise tourism during the last few years.

Portland Port, a larger facility about 100 miles east of Plymouth, is looking ahead to a robust 2025, when 60 ships are scheduled to call — an increase from the 52 cruise ships that delivered about 117,000 cruise passengers to the destination.

Cruise guests’ onshore spending in 2025 is expected to reach about £10 million ($12 million USD).

Read Also: What Are Port Fees on a Cruise?

In southeast England, the Port of Dover is gearing up for a strong season, thanks to the homeporting of Holland America Line’s 2,660-guest Nieuw Amsterdam starting on April 19, 2025. The ship will be based at Dover through mid-October 2025, offering a series of British Isles and Canary Islands itineraries.

Even the UK’s most northerly port, Lerwick Harbour, Scotland, set new records in 2024, with 134 cruise ships calling at the destination, which lies in the Shetland archipelago. Total cruise passengers exceeded 138,000, representing a 21% spike compared to 2023.

In 2025, 135 cruise ships are expected to call at the Scottish port.

Captain of Worst Modern Cruise Ship Tragedy Seeks Early Prison Release

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Captain of Worst Modern Cruise Ship Tragedy Seeks Early Prison Release

Thirteen years ago, the worst modern cruise ship tragedy unfolded as the world watched Costa Concordia capsize with more than 4,000 souls aboard on January 13, 2012.

Thirty-two people lost their lives, and the captain of the vessel was ultimately condemned for abandoning ship while guests were still aboard.

According to Today, that former captain – Francesco Schettino – is now seeking early release from his 16-year prison sentence under a provision in Italian law that permits a “semi-liberty” release after those convicted have served at least half their term.

The hearing of the surveillance court of Rome to consider Schettino’s request is set for March 4, 2025. At that time, judges will decide whether to grant the semi-liberty release or to refuse and keep Schettino incarcerated.

While in prison, having been convicted of multiple counts of manslaughter and other charges, Schettino has already proven his good behavior and earned 45 days of leave per year. He has also earned work privileges digitizing judicial documents.

Any appeal for his early release is controversial, particularly since the tragedy was a direct result of Schettino’s decision to divert from Costa Concordia‘s planned route for a “salute” maneuver.

During that maneuver, the ship hit rocks near the island of Giglio, rupturing the hull. The ship listed severely and eventually capsized and partially sank.

“It’s sad to know that he could return home,” survivor Vanessa Brolli said. “Regardless of the judges’ decision, we are certain that Schettino will live the rest of his days with the weight of this tragedy on his shoulders. This is the greatest punishment for him.”

Schettino began working for Costa Cruises in 2002 as a member of the security department, and was promoted through the ranks. He was first appointed captain in 2006, and the new Costa Concordia was his first command. He subsequently commanded other ships in the fleet before returning to Costa Concordia.

During Schettino’s 19-month trial, many concerns were raised about what happened that night aboard Costa Concordia.

Generator failure and power loss, whether or not the navigation alarm system was activated, the presence of a dancer on the bridge with home Schettino was having an affair, the lack of a muster drill earlier in the sailing, delays in launching lifeboats, and other factors were all considered.

After the incident, Schettino exhausted his legal appeals and began serving his 16-year prison sentence in May 2017.

The Fate of Costa Concordia

Following the accident and subsequent investigation, the 114,147-gross-ton Costa Concordia remained off the island of Giglio resting on her starboard side until September 2013.

During the first two months after the disaster, great care was taken to remove the ship’s fuel and minimize any risk of environmental contamination. Once that removal was complete, the delicate salvage operations were planned.

Costa Concordia Accident
Costa Concordia Accident (Photo Credit: COLASIMO)

On September 17, 2013, Costa Concordia was carefully righted by rotating her 65 degrees via a parbuckling procedure, using ballast and cables to bring the ship upright once more.

Read Also: From Mishaps to Maydays – Cruise Ship Accidents

In July 2014, the ship was refloated and towed to Genoa, Italy for scrapping. Severe starboard damage was easily noted where the hull had buckled under pressure while capsized.

The final scrapping of Costa Concordia was completed in July 2017 as the remainder of the ship’s hull was broken and dismantled, just two months after Schettino began his prison sentence.

Ultimately, the salvage operation cost an estimated $1.2 billion (USD), which is even more than the ship’s $570 million construction, one of the most expensive salvage operations in maritime history.

MSC Cruises Taps Two Huge Celebrities for Super Bowl Commercial

Donna Tunney
-
0
MSC Cruises Taps Two Huge Celebrities for Super Bowl Commercial

A-list actors Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom will be featured in MSC Cruises’ first Big Game commercial during Super Bowl 2025, bringing a hefty dose of star power to a promotion aimed at highlighting the line’s new-build MSC World America.

MSC Cruises announced in early January that it would buy a 60-second commercial spot during the February 9, 2025 National Football League event, which is likely to be seen by some 100 million spectators. 

On January 23, 2025, the cruise line revealed the names of the celebrities chosen to appear in the commercial and released a teaser.

Viewers will see Barrymore and Bloom at a piano in the ship’s Top Sail Lounge, inside the exclusive luxury retreat MSC Yacht Club. Against an oceanview backdrop, Barrymore attempts to sing “Holiday,” the song made famous by Madonna, while Bloom offers a critique of her singing. The song will be the musical theme of the marketing blitz.

The commercial is MSC Cruises’ first to appear during a Super Bowl and signals the launch of a national marketing campaign to introduce MSC World America to the US.

The 6,762-guest ship is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, and is set to enter service from PortMiami in April 2025.

MSC World America will be christened on April 9, 2025 at PortMiami’s newest cruise terminal. The opening of the terminal coincides with the arrival of the new ship.

“The fun dynamic between Drew and Orlando in our Big Game commercial is a great representation of MSC World America—which combines European design and authentic experiences with everything Americans have come to expect from a cruise—to offer an unmatched vacation,” said Suzanne Salas, executive vice president of marketing, eCommerce and sales at MSC Cruises USA. 

“We want to give America a glimpse of all the unique features our new ship has to offer, through Drew and Orlando’s eyes of course,” said Salas.

Barrymore, an American, and Bloom, who hails from England, are celebrated actors with too many stage and screen triumphs to list here. Both issued statements saying they were delighted to star in the MSC Cruises’ promotion.

“I’m excited to share this elegant new ship on America’s biggest stage and I’m sure MSC World America will wow holidaymakers of all types— Americans and Europeans alike,” said Orlando Bloom.

MSC World America’s maiden voyage will depart PortMiami on April 12, 2025. The ship will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.

MSC World America During Sea Trials
MSC World America During Sea Trials (Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises)

Eastern Caribbean itineraries will visit Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, while Western Caribbean sailings will visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras.

All itineraries will call at MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. The private destination recently underwent a major refresh of its facilities and amenities.

New Ship to Feature European, American Elements

MSC Cruises’ US marketing strategy includes highlighting MSC World America’s combination of European style and American comfort. The ship has seven districts, each providing a distinct experience.

Cruise Hive got an inside look at MSC World America during a recent visit to the French shipyard.

Among the districts under construction is The Harbour is an outdoor family-friendly space where guests can enjoy a water park, playground, and ropes course, and find adventure with the Cliffhanger, an over-water swing ride.

Read Also: Why Are MSC Cruises So Cheap?

The World Promenade district features more adventure, with a dry slide, and has shopping and dining venues as well. 

Across the ship, there will be 19 dining options and 18 bars and lounges. New venues include the All Stars Sports Bar and the Loft comedy club.

MSC World America also will have the fleet’s largest MSC Yacht Club in the Caribbean. The exclusive area pampers guests with butler service, and private pools and restaurants.

Serenade of the Seas Cruise Cancelled for Extra Dry Dock

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Serenade of the Seas Cruise Cancelled for Extra Dry Dock

Royal Caribbean has reached out to guests booked aboard one special sailing of Serenade of the Seas this spring with the unfortunate notification that their cruise must be cancelled.

The impacted sailing is the ship’s March 9, 2025 departure from Tampa, Florida, a 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary that was to have visited Cozumel and Costa Maya.

What is special about this particular sailing is that it was to have been the ship’s final sailing before entering dry dock for maintenance and general updates. The cruise line has learned that the planned dates of the dry dock will not be sufficient for the necessary work, however.

“We have discovered that Serenade of the Seas requires additional servicing beyond planned repairs and maintenance, which extends her currently scheduled dry dock period,” the notification reads. “To ensure that we meet our high standards, and due to the availability at the shipyard, we must advance the dry dock schedule.”

“As a result, we’ll be canceling our upcoming March 9, 2025 sailing.”

This gives the ship more time out of service so all the essential work can be completed smoothly. The cruise line has not offered details about what extra work is necessary.

To be clear, all the ship’s systems are currently functioning properly and Serenade of the Seas is sailing as planned on her scheduled itineraries. Only the one cruise is cancelled to permit additional time in dry dock.

The 90,090-gross-ton, Radiance-class Serenade of the Seas is one of the older ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, having entered service in 2003. She is far from the oldest ship, however, and all cruise ships get regular dry dock maintenance every 3-5 years. Serenade of the Seas‘ most recent dry dock was in 2022.

Serenade of the Seas is scheduled to return to service after her dry dock on April 13, 2025 with a one-way repositioning cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles, including a transit through the Panama Canal. At this time, there is no impact expected to that sailing.

This is the beginning of the ship’s relocation for the Alaska sailing season, when she will offer 7-night itineraries from Vancouver, Canada.

Alternative Bookings Offered

While guests booked on the now-cancelled cruise are sure to be disappointed, Royal Caribbean is offering incentives and special options for rebooking.

Guests may choose to rebook their cruise on Enchantment of the Seas for a 4-night or 5-night sailing on selected dates. These options are most similar to what Serenade of the Seas was offering on her March 9 departure, as the ship is also leaving from Tampa and visiting Cozumel and Costa Maya, depending on the cruise length and departure date.

Alternatively, select sailings on Grandeur of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale and Voyager of the Seas from Port Canaveral are options for rebooking.

These are all 5-night itineraries with visits to Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private destination. Grandeur of the Seas is also visiting Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, while Voyager of the Seas is visiting Nassau.

Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas Cruise Ship
Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

Guests who opt for any of these alternative choices will receive onboard credit from $150 (USD) to $400 per stateroom, with an extra $50 of credit for additional travelers in the same stateroom.

Furthermore, bookings moved to these alternatives will be price protected in the original stateroom category, and any overage in a price difference will be refunded.

Read Also: Who Owns Royal Caribbean? All You Need to Know!

Travelers can also apply for reimbursement of up to $200 per guest for domestic travel changes ($400 for international changes) related to flights, train tickets, or rental cars.

If guests do not like or cannot adjust their cruise vacation plans to the alternative cruises suggested, they can also rebook on any upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise without any deposit change fees or other penalties. They will, however, be responsible for any increase in cruise fare for the new booking.

The last option is a full cancellation and refund, if impacted guests cannot find another cruise that suits their vacation plans and preferences. Guests who cancel will also receive a 20% future cruise credit based on their cruise fare.

Carnival Fan Requests Unique Photo With Ambassador John Heald

Catie Kovelman
-
0
Carnival Fan Requests Unique Photo With Ambassador John Heald

In the cruise world, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald is about as close to being an A-list celebrity as you can come. 

Heald has worked for Carnival since 1989 – rising up the ranks to become a senior cruise director in the early 2000s. 

He then shot to sea-side stardome with the creation of his Carnival blog in 2007 and through his busy Facebook page – which has 595K followers as of the time of this publication. 

Heald and his colleague, Jacinta, answer hundreds of questions for cruisers daily and spend hours virtually interacting with his followers – usually addressing inquiries regarding future sailings or complaints from past cruises.

But this week, one of Heald’s fans had a unique request concerning the cruise personality himself. 

This cruiser, named Brian, echoed the desire of many in his dream of meeting Heald in person one day – but was willing to settle for a different type of photo opportunity if his hope never came to pass. 

“Can we ask Carnival to put life size cutouts of you on the ships for those passengers that never get the chance to sail with you and want that photo op?”, Brian asked.

While Heald was flattered, he didn’t seem to think that these photo opportunities were in the cards. 

“Thank you, Brian, that’s very very humbling. I do have a feeling if we were to do this that people would ask who is that fat sod,” Heald replied, poking fun at himself. 

He then went on to joke that if they made the cutouts, they could be hidden around the ship in unexpected places for passengers to find – sort of like the popular cruising ducks game. 

“Perhaps we should put it in places that people would never expect to find me, like the gym or by the salad or at a Cruise Critic meet and greet,” Heald quipped. 

But for now, cruise guests will have to settle for hoping they get lucky enough to meet Heald and for photo opportunities with Carnival’s mascots, such as the recently introduced Ducky the Duck and Ellie the (Towel Animal) Elephant. 

Heald’s Fans Show Their Love

Among those who likely will not get the chance to meet Heald in the flesh, the cardboard cutout photo opportunity was actually a popular idea – resulting in a happy mixture of joy and laughter in the comments section of the post.

“I would love this and need a picture for sure. Plus, they could move it around the ship for John’s special events or John’s food recommendations. Either way, would definitely be fun,” one person wrote.

“That would be hilarious! Make it a scavenger hunt. One life-size version but fifty John heads around the ship spying on us. Make it a game to find them all,” another follower suggested. 

Read Also: Carnival Cruise Gratuities: How Much and Why?

John Heald Fan
John Heald Fan

That said, Carnival’s brand ambassador does embark on multiple sailings per year, where he welcomes the interactions with the other guests. He typically announces his upcoming cruises on Facebook and then updates his followers on his sailing once onboard. 

He also hosts an annual “Cruise with John – For Fun’s Sake” sailing each year on a Carnival cruise ship – with the seventh sailing coming up soon on February 16, 2025, onboard Carnival Magic. 

The 6-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, which will be based out of Miami, Florida, will feature calls on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s private island destination in the Bahamas; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. 

These special sailings often sell out quickly. For example, Carnival Magic has a capacity for 3,690 guests at double occupancy, while Heald has hundreds of thousands of fans.

Some even dress for the occasion! Most famously, Neil Russo earned his own 15 minutes of fame for wearing a custom shirt covered in multiple pictures of Heald’s face to embark on the 2022 “For Fun’s Sake” cruise hosted onboard Mardi Gras. 

Holland America Ships to Offer Refreshed Specialty Restaurant

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Holland America Ships to Offer Refreshed Specialty Restaurant

There’s nothing quite like fresh, authentic seafood dishes enjoyed at sea. Guests aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Koningsdam will get exactly that as the cruise line refreshes and updates the popular Rudi’s Sel de Mer restaurants.

Rolling out on the three ships in January and February 2025, the restaurants are being updated under the guidance of their namesake, Chef Rudi Sodamin. The overarching flavors will highlight the vibrancy and diversity of the Mediterranean, with new delicious dishes for all courses.

Traditional ingredients such as olive oil, fragrant herbs, fresh vegetables, and the citrus tang of lemons will be widely featured in new tastes as well as classic favorites.

Worth Reading: Holland America Line’s Resort Receives Certification, Rolls Out New Menus

“The new Mediterranean bistro concept allows us to diversify the menu at Rudi’s Sel de Mer and showcase the beautiful flavors and fresh ingredients that are synonymous with the region,” said Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s vice president of food, beverage and rooms divisions.

“By refreshing the menu, we’re able to offer our guests a variety of dishes that appeal to a wide range of palettes, as well as some of the most popular dishes that have been mainstays on the menu from the start.”

Spectacular tastes will be highlighted from start to finish, with appetizers such as burrata and prosciutto with cherry tomatoes, thyme, and olive oil; warm garlic shrimp finished with butter, lemon, and basil; foie gras torchon with a fruit chutney; and wild mushroom soup with truffle oil, creme fraiche, and scallion churro.

Following such spectacular starters are Mediterranean-inspired main courses, including meat, seafood, and vegetarian options.

Guests will be able to choose from such deliciousness as Greek spiced lamb chops with lemon chickpea puree, fava beans, and garlic jus; seafood cioppino with crab, squid, shrimp, scallops, mussels, and grouper; and vegetable bourguignonne with a red wine and miso celeriac puree.

Available sides include bistro fries, celeriac mash, gratin potatoes, ratatouille, rice pilaf, and green beans in garlic oil.

Read Also: Common Things to Eat on a Ship

A sweet finish is the crowning glory of a meal, and Rudi’s Sel de Mer does not disappoint with treats such as a chocolate hazelnut volcano with raspberries and Frangelico cream; salted caramel St. Honore with vanilla puff pastry and chantilly; warm strawberry tarte tatin with a sugar puff pastry crust and caramel.

Guests can also enjoy homemade sorbet and daily gelato selections, as well as an artisan cheese plate with walnut bread and fig chutney for more of a savory dessert.

Dining at Rudi’s Sel de Mer

It isn’t just the menu selections that are being refreshed at the popular seafood bistro. New table settings have been selected to create an ambience of coastal charm and modern simplicity, permitting greater focus on the incredible food on offer.

Guests can dine at Rudi’s Sel de Mer for a $55 (USD) per person surcharge. If travelers have opted for the “Have It All” package, the specialty seafood restaurant is available as one of the included choices for elegant, elevated dining.

Reservations can fill up quickly, and guests are encouraged to make their plans early to enjoy the dining day and time of their choice.

Rudi's Sel de Mer
Rudi’s Sel de Mer (Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)

While the exact dates for each ship to debut the updated Rudi’s Sel de Mer have not been confirmed, the menu updates are easily able to be completed without dry dock work.

Rotterdam alternates homeporting between her namesake city in the Netherlands and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Nieuw Statendam also homeports from Fort Lauderdale in the winter months, but then offers sailings from Dover, Rotterdam, Barcelona, and Piraeus/Athens through the summer and fall.

More From Cruise Hive

Koningsdam is currently homeported from San Diego, but will spend the 2025 summer in Alaska sailing from Vancouver before returning briefly to San Diego and then on to Fort Lauderdale.

These diverse deployments will give all seafood fans ample opportunities to enjoy the refreshed restaurant, no matter where they hope to set sail.

1...253254255...602Page 254 of 602