With bookings into 2025 and beyond selling fast, Carnival Cruise Line does not have significant upgrades available for already booked guests. While some travelers think they may have an insider secret to securing such upgrades, that choice is also not available.
This has been brought to the attention of Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, with more and more people asking him for free upgrades or even just assistance with securing the desired upgrade.
Unfortunately, modifying bookings in this way is not something that Heald can assist with, no matter what the circumstances.
“I cannot help with upgrades,”Heald confirmed on his Facebook page.“I have been asked for this a lot these last few weeks but please, while I can help you with many other things upgrades are not on my menu.”
Heald is highly active on Facebook, responding to hundreds of comments, questions, and requests nearly every day from his more than 593,000 followers.
Typical requests that Heald can assist with are things such as changing a dining time, requesting a table for two in the Main Dining Room, planning to scatter ashes at sea, or recognizing a special occasion.
Unfortunately, social media groups often promote incorrect information, tips, and “hacks” without verifying whether or not they are accurate. One such idea is that Heald can give anyone a free upgrade if they have enough special considerations – a suitable sob story, momentous celebration, or simply righteous indignation.
“There are many cruise bloggers and cruise news people who post tips on how to bag an upgrade,”Heald explained.“They should be ignored, they do not work.”
Some tricks proven to be ineffective are claiming claustrophobia after booking an inside stateroom, trying to plead sympathy due to a personal loss before sailing, or making numerous complaints about an assigned cabin.
“I often think to myself when I see these upgrade requests, why can’t you just be happy with the cabin you chose? Perhaps I am wrong to think that,”Heald mused.
Reputable travel agents and experienced cruisers will always recommend that anyone interested in taking a cruise book a stateroom they will enjoy, no matter what happens with any upgrades or promotions.
Some travelers really enjoy balconies, for example, while others want the extra amenities of a suite or prefer the total darkness of an interior cabin.
Booking a “guaranteed” stateroom in that category can be a way to save some money, but means that guests may be assigned a less desirable location onboard. A guaranteed balcony, for example, will likely be the lowest price for a balcony cabin, but may be in a noisier area or could have an obstructed view.
Of course, booking the stateroom you want right away is the only surefire way to not be disappointed at an assigned room or lack of upgrades.
Strong Bookings Mean No Upgrades Available
It should be noted that the high demand for cruises and strong bookings for Carnival cruises means that even if guests are willing to pay for an upgrade, there may not be any available.
“I should mention that in 2025 our bookings are so strong with people already finding out many cruises are sold out, it will be nigh on impossible to get an upgrade,”said Heald.
Many travelers are booking their cruise vacations further and further ahead of departure dates in order to secure preferred itineraries, favorite ships, and the most desirable staterooms.
This means, however, that anyone hoping to book a last-minute cruise may have fewer options available. And of course, upgrades are out of the question as ships are sailing a nearly full occupancy each week.
2024 has been an exciting (and sometimes odd) year for cruise news, but which headlines caught the most attention?
Cruise Hive has brought you nearly 2,000 news stories in the past 12 months, from last-second cancellations to out-of-control passengers to travel advisories. Which stories impacted your cruise travels?
#10 – Pirates Causing Traffic Delays for Carnival Cruise Passengers
Carnival Jubilee in Galveston, Texas (Photo Credit: NAN728)
The Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest features one of the largest parades in the US, which caused significant traffic snarls for cruise ship passengers.
The parade showcases roughly 140 floats, bands, and other participants, and the 4.5-mile route is close to Cruise Terminal 3 where Carnival Paradise docks.
Carnival Cruise Line reached out to travelers ahead of the impacted sailing, alerting them to potential delays and reminding them of embarkation and departure times.
#9 – Carnival Ship Won’t Be Able to Return Home as Scheduled
Due to the homeport closure and uncertain reopening after the storm would pass, the Fantasy-class ship remained at sea for an extra day, causing her next cruise to be shortened. Guests were able to cancel their reservations at the last minute if they preferred to skip the cruise instead.
#8 – Carnival Removing Upside Down Pineapple Door Decorations
Carnival Upside Down Pineapple (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
Many cruise travelers enjoy decorating their stateroom doors, but one fun tropical fruit is not welcome on Carnival Cruise Line. Because of a potentially risqué and controversial meaning behind pineapple imagery, Carnival is removing the decorations from doors whenever possible.
Not all cruisers may be aware of the hidden meaning of different images and icons, and the cruise line is seeking to avoid inappropriate and potentially inflammatory confrontations. Guests onboard Carnival ships do report that enforcement of the new restriction isn’t always consistent, however.
#7 – Cruise Guest Called a Karen After Complaining About Neighbors
Wonder of the Seas
When a cruise ship can hold more than 7,000 passengers at maximum occupancy, it stands to reason that not everyone onboard may be BFFs with everyone else. But, calling out one’s neighbors on TikTok for poor behavior is not always the best way to deal with the situation.
One woman sailing aboard Wonder of the Seas in January did just that, after reaching out to Guest Services and security due to her neighbors playing loud music at night and smoking.
Her approach did have some elements of entitlement, however, and rubbed other cruisers the wrong way – leading to her being called a Karen.
#6 – Carnival Ship Hits Pier During High Winds, Leaves Guests Behind
Carnival Magic Damage and Pier in Ocho Rios
No cruise traveler wants to be a pier runner and miss their ship in a port of call. Some Carnival guests were left scrambling in early February, however, when Carnival Magic was forced to depart Ocho Rios abruptly after high winds caused the ship to impact the pier.
While passengers were temporarily “left behind” in the port, the cruise line did provide support to everyone involved. Later in the day, Carnival Magic was able to dock at another pier nearby and everyone rejoined the ship successfully, though the vessel remained overnight due to overall poor weather.
Cruise Passenger Confronts Comedian During Show (Credit: k.daniellelifestyle)
It’s no surprise that late-night, R-rated comedy acts onboard cruise ships can touch on sensitive, controversial, or even offensive topics.
What is a surprise is when a guest gets so wrapped up in the material that they climb onto stage to confront the comedian up close – which happened aboard MSC Seashore in August.
The jokes that precipitated the confrontation involved an earlier fight, which made one woman extremely upset at the comedian’s performance.
The woman, who appeared to have been intoxicated, was removed from the show after throwing a drink at the comedian and getting onstage to confront him.
#4 – Cruise Guest Denied Boarding After Not Reading the Small Print
Carnival Luminosa (Photo Credit: Ian Dewar Photography)
All cruise travelers are subject to the terms and conditions of their cruise ticket contracts. One Australian woman, however, missed the fine print and was denied boarding Carnival Luminosa due to being 26 weeks pregnant at the time of her sailing in February.
The traveler and her mother claimed the policy was discriminatory against pregnant woman, but Carnival Cruise Line Australia held firm about the policy’s restrictions.
While cruise ships do have extensive infirmaries onboard, they are not capable of dealing with all possible prenatal or premature birth scenarios.
#3 – Travel Advisory Issued for Top Cruise Destination
Cruise Ship in Nassau, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
Travel advisories have been issued for popular cruise destinations throughout the year, but it was the Level 2 Travel Advisory for the Bahamas in late January that raised the most eyebrows.
An increase in crime was cited as part of the reason for the advisory, along with noting water activities as risky and potentially unregulated.
Nassau is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, with many weekend getaways as well as longer cruises stopping at the popular port. As of December 31, the Level 2 Travel Advisory remains in effect – but hasn’t stopped cruise lines from visiting the Bahamas.
#2 – Royal Caribbean Cruise Cancelled After Guests Are Already Onboard
Radiance of the Seas In Vancouver (Photo Credit: meunierd)
Even the most nervous traveler can feel a sense of relief once they’ve successfully boarded their cruise ship. That relieve was short-lived for guests onboard Radiance of the Seas in late April, however, when the cruise was cancelled just hours after embarkation.
The abrupt cancellation was due to ongoing propulsion repairs that were not yet complete, despite guests having been reassured earlier that their sailing would go ahead after a bit longer in port to finish the work. The ship was eventually repaired and able to continue through her Alaska season full speed ahead.
#1 – Cruise Line Shuts Down and Cancels All Sailings
America Queen Voyages Ship (Photo Credit: Ian Dewar Photography)
With the 15-month, industry-wide shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic still fresh on travelers’ minds, it’s no wonder that a complete cruise line shutdown with all sailings cancelled in February was the top story of 2024. It was the financial struggles of the pandemic that caused the shutdown of American Queen Voyages.
Naturally, such an abrupt shutdown startled booked guests, who had to work through insurance companies for refunds of their now-cancelled sailings.
Which of these cruise headlines was your most memorable in 2024? Did other cruise stories cause you to do a double-take about the latest news? Stay tuned into 2025 as Cruise Hive continues to bring you all the breaking news, headlines, announcements, updates, and other details about the cruise industry!
A dozen passengers claiming to be victims in the Royal Caribbean video voyeurism case filed a lawsuit against the cruise line and the former cabin steward who recorded private activities inside their staterooms.
The suit, filed on December 30, 2024 by Aronfeld Trial Lawyers in the US District Court Southern District of Florida Miami Division, is on behalf of 12 passengers who sailed aboard the 5,500-guest Symphony of the Seas in December 2023 and January 2024.
The case unfolded when a male stateroom attendant, Arvin Joseph Mirasol, 34, was arrested as the ship returned to her Port Everglades homeport on March 3, 2024. The Philippines native was charged with placing hidden cameras inside guest staterooms. At least one case involved a minor child.
Mirasol’s actions were revealed by a guest sailing on an 8-day Southern Caribbean cruise that departed Port Everglades on February 24, 2024. The passenger discovered a camera hidden under her bathroom sink and alerted ship security. The attendant was detained onboard and turned over to law enforcement when the ship returned to her homeport.
In August 2024, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. The guests’ lawsuit charges Royal Caribbean with negligence.
“The fact that many of the victims we represent still do not know if and how their images have been used or circulated is incredibly disturbing. Some of the plaintiffs are children – and once an image is on the internet it is there forever,” said Spencer Aronfeld, attorney for the plaintiffs.
“We hope that RCCL will take full responsibility for the heinous and reprehensible conduct of its crewmember. And we hope that this lawsuit will motivate RCCL and the other major cruise lines to spend more effort screening their crewmembers so that this type of assault never happens again,” Aronfeld added.
According to court documents, the group of plaintiffs includes 12 guests —six from Arkansas and two each from Texas, Missouri, and Georgia.
The lawsuit charges that Mirasol filmed the guests in their staterooms and bathrooms during cruises that departed from Port Everglades on December 24, 2023; January 13, 2024; and January 21, 2024.
Moreover, the filing states that guests onboard other Symphony of the Seas’ cruises also were potentially subjected to Mirasol’s actions, including sailings that departed on January 7 and 27, 2024; and February 4, 10, and 18, 2024.
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock.com
Noting that a cabin attendant can be responsible for up to 20 staterooms per sailing, and with each cabin accommodating up to four guests, Mirasol’s victims could total more than 900.
The lawsuit seeks a trial by jury and a financial judgment for damages and punitive damages.
“The Plaintiffs in this case have suffered physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental and nervous disorders. These injuries are permanent and continuing in nature,” states the court document.
Lawsuit Charges Cruise Line With Breach of Faith
According to court documents, following Mirasol’s arrest, Royal Caribbean failed to notify guests who had stayed in cabins where he was the attendant. Withholding the information, the lawsuit states, was a breach of the cruise line’s “implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.”
The lawsuit also notes that the cruise line provides a “contractually-shortened notice period of six months and statute of limitations of one year” for civil suits.
“RCCL’s motive for failing to notify its passengers affected by MIRASOL’S acts was financial in nature. RCCL was concealing the information from its passengers in order to prevent them from filing a civil suit against RCCL for damages related to MIRASOL’S acts,” the suit charges.
Royal Caribbean has not issued any statement tied to the just-filed lawsuit. Typically, cruise lines do not comment on pending legal cases.
Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship, is the Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship of 2025 in the Cruise Hive Awards, garnering nearly 30% of reader votes.
The outcome is not surprising, considering that the line’s first Icon-class vessel, Icon of the Seas, which debuted in January 2024, was the most anticipated new cruise ship of that year. Indeed, Icon of the Seas was voted the Best Cruise Ship of 2024.
Star of the Seas is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, and due to enter service in late August 2025. Like Icon of the Seas, now the largest cruise ship sailing, Star of the Seas will be 248,663 gross tons with a guest capacity of 5,610 at double occupancy.
When she debuts, Royal Caribbean will have the distinction of operating the world’s two largest cruise ships.
Star of the Seas will offer eight neighborhoods, each offering distinctive amenities, venues, and services, such as the exciting AquaDome entertainment and dining area; Chill Island, for those seeking a laid-back vibe; Thrill Island, where adventure rides await; the family-friendly Surfside; and longtime Royal Caribbean favorites like Royal Promenade and Central Park.
Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship For 2025
The new ship will homeport at Port Canaveral, Florida, and offer 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Undoubtedly, most itineraries will include a call at Royal Caribbean’s popular Perfect Day at CocoCay private destination.
In fact, Perfect Day at CocoCay was named Best Cruise Line Private Island in the 2024 Cruise Hive Awards.
Cruises aboard Star of the Seas opened for sale in December 2023, with a launch date of August 24, 2025. However, two months later the line announced a delay in construction would push the ship’s launch back to August 31, 2025.
No specific reason for the delay was offered, but the line was forced to cancel the ship’s inaugural 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise scheduled to depart Port Canaveral on August 17, 2025.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
The Cruise Hive Awards were launched in 2014. Voting for this year’s winners opened in mid-October 2024, with seven award categories. All voting is by Cruise Hive readers, who had a choice of 13 ships in the Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship category.
Here Are Runners-Up in ‘Most Anticipated’ Category
While Star of the Seas was the runaway winner in the Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship ranking, with 29.7% of the total vote count, a dozen other ships also were recognized by Cruise Hive readers.
In second place, with 14.7% of the vote, is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aqua, a 3,500-guest ship slated to enter service in April 2025. A Prima-class ship, the 156,300-gross ton vessel is being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, and will be based at Port Canaveral.
Norwegian Aqua Cruise Ship
Princess Cruises’ Star Princess came in at the No. 3 spot, with 12.8% of the vote. Under construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone, Italy, shipyard, Star Princess will accommodate 4,300 guests and is scheduled to launch from Barcelona on October 4, 2025.
Two ships were close on the heels of Star Princess: Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel garnered 11.6% of the vote and MSC Cruises’ MSC World America received 10%.
After that, the percentage of total votes drops considerably, with the next-closest ship, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure receiving 5%; Disney Destiny 4.2%; and Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady 3.6%.
Garnering less than 3% of Cruise Hive readers’ votes were Oceania Cruises’ Allura, with 2.7%; Viking Cruises’ Viking Vesta, 1.1%; Ritz-Carlton Collection’s Luminara, 0.97%, and TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Relax, 0.58%.
The Antigua Cruise Port only opened fairly recently at the end of 2019, but the up-and-coming port has already proven it has what it takes to be one of the top ports in the Caribbean – and is now ending its record-breaking year with a bang.
While St. John, Antigua, is already expected to break more records during the peak 2024/2025 Caribbean season – which typically runs from December to April annually – the young port is also celebrating a big milestone to close out 2024.
On December 28, 2024, the Eastern Caribbean destination welcomed four vessels in one day – Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Breakaway,Emerald Azzurra, and Arvia – and their 13,312 passengers.
While up to five cruise ships can dock in Antigua at once, the port isn’t always at or close to capacity – making this an important day to celebrate for local tourism authorities.
“Today is a shining example of what teamwork, vision, and dedication can achieve. The significant growth we have experienced this year reflects the success of our strategic efforts to position Antigua as a leading cruise destination,”Antigua Cruise Port General Manager Gasper George said.
“It is an honor to welcome these magnificent vessels and the thousands of passengers who bring energy and vibrancy to our shores. This is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together,”continued George.
As of December 28, the cruise port – which provides access to Antigua and Barbuda – had received 570 cruise ship calls and 825,526 passengers during 2024.
This is a significant improvement upon the 446 ship calls and 670,234 passengers that visited Antigua in 2023. To really get into the numbers, it marks a 27% increase in cruise ship calls and a 23% increase in cruise guest arrivals year-over-year.
These numbers will also increase at least slightly before the year officially ends – with another round of four ships visiting the port on New Year’s Eve. The vessels in question include Norwegian Viva, Marella Voyager, Costa Fortuna, and AIDAperla.
Antigua Cruise Port Eyes Continued Growth
While 2024 has been a proud year for the Antigua Cruise Port, tourism and port authorities have been working to enhance the cruise infrastructure and to promote growth – and they fully intend to keep shattering records.
For example, a $30 million fifth berth was completed in 2020 in partnership with Royal Caribbean – making sure the port could accommodate the cruise line’s massive Oasis-class ships.
As seen through the uptick in ship calls, Antigua is already seeing its efforts pay off – and the cruise projects the island has in store aren’t even all completed.
Cruise Ships Docked in Antigua (Photo Credit: Antigua Cruise Port)
“I am proud of how our collective investments in infrastructure and service excellence are paying off. Antigua Cruise Port’s innovative approach and tireless dedication have helped solidify our standing as a sought-after destination. This achievement is not only a win for our tourism sector but also for the economic prosperity of our communities,”said The Hon. Charles Fernandez, Minister for Tourism and Investment.
Looking ahead, broad plans are in the works to beautify and enhance the utility of St. John, which is the capital city of Antigua, but specifics have not yet been announced.
More concretely, in March of 2024, the Antiguan government announced its decision to expand the existing cruise port to Rat Island – with the new development taking over a small spit of land on the north side of St. John’s cruise terminal.
The idea behind the initiative is to allow yachts and small cruise ships to dock at the new development, while bigger ships will continue to dock at the main Antigua Cruise Port and Heritage Quay.
The Caribbean destination is also working with Royal Caribbean to develop a new beach club at Fort James, which is located on the western side of St. John’s Harbour. That said, the $100 million project was delayed during the Covid-19 pandemic and it’s unclear when or if it will get back on track.
For the fifth time, Port Canaveral has wowed cruise passengers and taken the honors as the top-voted US cruise homeport in the Cruise Hive Awards!
The central Florida homeport more than doubled the score of the second-place homeport, firmly securing its victory as the top US cruise homeport that travelers prefer.
In total, Port Canaveral amassed 35% of the votes cast in the 2024 Cruise Hive Awards, slightly higher than its 2023 total of 34% and far above the 2022 total of 24% – showing the port’s ever-increasing popularity.
Port Canaveral also won the honor in 2021 and 2019. It should be noted that the category of Best US Cruise Homeport is not offered every year, as the awards change annually based on cruise traveler trends and other factors. Every year that US cruise homeports have been voted on, however, Port Canaveral has been the clear winner.
Located just an hour east of Orlando on the Atlantic coast, Port Canaveral is a prime spot for a diverse array of cruises and is easily accessible by all travelers, from local cruise enthusiasts (this writer included!) to passengers who prefer to drive or fly to their homeports.
Weekend Bahamas getaways and week-long Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are some of the most popular options, but they are far from the only choices. Longer journeys and explorations to the Southern Caribbean, South America, and even the Panama Canal all depart from Port Canaveral.
Best US Cruise Homeport
Furthermore, Port Canaveral is home to an ever-increasing diversity of cruise ships and cruise lines.
Not only do the largest and most familiar cruise lines homeport from the central Florida port – Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line – but Disney Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Princess Cruises all homeport from Port Canaveral as well.
This gives travelers many amazing options to set sail from their favorite US homeport, and Port Canaveral is committed to that growth and diversity.
“Cruise continues to be a significant segment of our business portfolio with some of the newest and largest ships in the world based at Port Canaveral. This speaks volumes to the confidence our cruise partners have in our ability to consistently deliver exceptional results for their guests,”said Canaveral Port Authority CEO Captain John Murray during the 2024 State of the Port address on November 20, 2024.
During the 2024 fiscal year, Port Canaveral welcomed 7.6 million passengers across a total of 911 cruise ship calls, including both homeported vessels as well as the occasional day port-of-call visitor.
Cruise Ship at Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Nate Hovee)
Furthermore, the ships based from Port Canaveral continue to grow in size and welcome more and more guests.
One of Carnival Cruise Line’s largest vessels, the Excel-class Mardi Gras, along with Disney Cruise Line’s two largest ships – Disney Wish and the brand new Disney Treasure – call Port Canaveral home.
Royal Caribbean currently homeports its two newest Oasis-class ships, Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, from Port Canaveral, and they will be joined in August 2025 by the second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas.
Other Top US Homeports
While Port Canaveral is the undeniable favorite for US cruise travelers, all three top spots in this year’s awards were popular Sunshine State homeports – Port Canaveral followed by PortMiami (16%) and Port Everglades (10%).
Next, the rapidly-growing Port of Galveston took the fourth place honor, followed by the colorful Port of New Orleans.
All US homeports were open for voting in the 2024 Cruise Hive Awards, which began accepting votes in mid-October. The final votes were cast on Sunday, December 22. All awards are reader-driven from both new and experienced cruisers.
There are many reasons why you might want to purchase a car rental when taking acruise out of Port Everglades. Serving millions of cruise ship passengers per year, the Fort Lauderdale cruise hub is conveniently situated near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and several popular South Florida travel destinations.
So, it wouldn’t be surprising if you wanted to stick around and explore the region before or after your cruise — and a car rental makes it possible. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where to Find the Best Port Everglades Car Rentals
The best car rental options for those sailing out of Port Everglades are undoubtedly going to be those found with the handful of car rental providers that offer a free shuttle pick-up service to and from the pier.
This shuttle service will negate the need to grab an Uber or similar rideshare to get between the port and your rental car, making your trip all the more convenient.
The below car rental companies all offer shuttle services to and from Port Everglades, as well as agreeable prices. Of course, pricing can vary depending on a range of factors, such as the type of vehicle you rent, length of rental period, seasonal demand and more.
Likewise, prices may change at any time. Prices quoted are in USD and for comparison purposes only and are for the cheapest available reservation for one day in peak Caribbean cruise season, which is late winter through spring. For the most accurate pricing, contact the rental company with your precise needs and any further queries.
Avis – from $52.19
Avis Port Everglades offers a free shuttle to Port Everglades with car rentals from the provider’s 2520 Miami Rd location in Fort Lauderdale.
Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm with shorter hours on weekends and holidays, Avis has all sizes of cars available, from economy to full size, plus SUVs, minivans, convertibles, pickup trucks, premium cars and passenger vans for up to approx 15 passengers.
Budget – from $36.44
Located 1.2 miles from Port Everglades at 2520 Miami Rd., Fort Lauderdale, and just five minutes from the cruise terminals, Budget offers full car rental services near Port Everglades.
Complimentary shuttle buses transfer renters to and from the cruise terminal, making it easy to drop off and/or pick-up your Port Everglades car rental.
Budget rents all sizes of cars, including compact, standard, full size, luxury, SUV, hybrid, premium, coupes, pickups, recreational vehicles and passenger vans for groups.
Payless – from $36.55
Open daily from 8 am, the Payless car rentals’ office is 1.2 miles from Port Everglades, at 2520 Miami Rd., Fort Lauderdale. The office offers low-price car rentals and your rental includes free cruise shuttle service to the port.
Available vehicles include economy, compact, midsize, full size, SUV, pickup, luxury, minivan and 12-seater passenger vans for cruise groups.
Gold Coast Car Rentals – from $58.30
A local provider, Gold Coast Car Rentals is based at the 3000 SE 6th Ave light, one mile from the airport and two miles from Port Everglades cruise terminals. The rental company offers shuttle transportation to both the airport and Port Everglades, from the rental agency location.
Fort Lauderdale Airport Car Rentals
Terminal at Port Everglades (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
Note that the below Fort Lauderdale Airport car rental companies do not have shuttle services to Port Everglades. As such, you’ll need to plan certain aspects of your trip accordingly.
For example, if you want to explore the area in your rental car before your cruise, plan to pick up your rental car immediately after your flight lands.
Then, return the rental car the day of your cruise embarkation, and get an Uber or Lyft to Port Everglades. When your cruise returns, you’ll need to get a rideshare back to the airport to catch your flight.
In contrast, if you want to explore the area in your rental car after your cruise, plan to take an Uber or Lyft from the airport to Port Everglades to catch your cruise.
Then, when your ship returns to Fort Lauderdale, take another rideshare back to the airport, pick up your rental car and start exploring. When you’re ready to depart, simply return the rental car to the airport ahead of your flight home.
Alamo from $46.66
Alamo car rentals are available at the brand’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport location. The office is open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, and is located at 600 Terminal Dr. STE 202, Fort Lauderdale.
Hertz – from $38
Hertz car rentals are available at the brand’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport location, at 600 Terminal Dr. This Hertz office is open daily from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Book ahead and choose the best car for your needs, whether that’s a compact, standard, intermediate, SUV, Jeep, passenger van or luxury car.
Dollar Car Rental – from $44.05
Open from 5 a.m. to midnight every day, the Dollar Car Rental office at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport offers a range of vehicles, including electric compact vehicles, SUVS, mid-size ATVs, economy cars and more.
ACE Rent A Car – from $53.51
ACE Rent A Car’s Fort Lauderdale airport office offers sedans, SUVs, vans and economy cars.
Budget – from $40.49
Budget’s Fort Lauderdale Airport office is at 600 Terminal Drive, on the 4th floor Car Rental Center. Budget provides a shuttle between the rental counter and the rental car lot, but not to and from the port.
The office operates 24/7 and offers all sizes of car including compact, standard, full size, luxury, SUV, hybrid, premium, coupes, pickups, recreational vehicles and passenger vans for up to 15 passengers.
Fox Rent a Car from $29.75
Fox Rent A Car is located in the Fort Lauderdale airport rental car office at 600 Terminal Dr. The office operates 5 a.m. to midnight and offers a full range of compact and family-size cars, SUVs, minivans and luxury vehicles at low prices.
Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals
Driving to Port Everglades (Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos)
Beyond choosing one of the more affordable car rental options listed above, and opting for a rental service that provides a shuttle to and from Port Everglades, there are a few other things you can do to save yourself a little cash on rental rates.
Pay Up Front
Book your Port Everglades car rental ahead of time and save money by paying up-front and taking a “no cancellation” option. If you do this, just be 100% positive that you won’t need to cancel or make any modifications to your booking (if you do, you’ll lose the money, as you won’t be eligible for a full or partial refund).
Avoid One-Way Car Rentals
Most car rental companies charge a surcharge for one-way car rentals. That means if you are picking up a car rental near Port Everglades cruise terminal and dropping it off at Orlando Airport, for example, the rental company will add a one-way charge to your invoice to cover the relocation of the car, if necessary. If you can return the car to the same rental location, you can avoid that fee.
Only List one Driver on Your Rental
When you choose a rental policy that allows for multiple drivers, some car rentals companies will charge more for each added drivers license or passport on the policy. By choosing just one designated driver that meets the minimum age requirements, you could save money.
Stay Away from Airport Rentals
Many car rental companies charge an airport concession fee. If you want a car rental in Fort Lauderdale, choose a rental car office that is near the port and not at the airport, for potentially lower rates.
Bring the Car Back With a Full Tank of Gas
Car Rental offices (photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)
If you opt to bring the car back without filling up the gas tank, you usually pay more per gallon for the gas, via the rental car company’s charges, and they may also add a service fee.
You can gamble with the “pick-up full – return low” fixed price offered by some companies, but you run the risk of running out of gas on that all-important journey to Port Everglades if you run the tank too low.
The cheapest and least stressful option is to simply return the car with a full gas tank. There are plenty of gas stations close to Port Everglades car rental drop-off points, so plan to fill up with gas just before returning the vehicle.
Choose Your Rental Insurance Carefully
Paying a voluntary deductible for damage and declining personal accident insurance can significantly lower the price of your Port Everglades cruise port car rental. Check the small print and terms of service, and opt for the right insurance option for your needs.
Look for Coupons
Many online car rental providers run specials and sales. Take advantage of these deals by looking for a coupon code ahead of your booking.
In some cases, you can simply sign up for a rental provider’s marketing emails and get a best rate guarantee and special savings delivered right to your inbox (make sure to check your junk e-mail folder!).
Save Money on Your Car Rental — And Have More to Spend During Your Cruise!
If you plan on exploring Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding region (Miami is only a short drive away!), either before or after your cruise, you’ll need a rental car.
Luckily, there are plenty of options, and even some incredibly budget-friendly options that include shuttle service to and from Port Everglades. With a few savvy booking decisions, you can save yourself a ton of cash, and have more to spend on having fun during your cruise.
Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is a very popular embarkation point for those taking a Caribbean cruise. Serving millions of passengers each year, cruise ships from a handful of cruise lines sail from Port Everglades on a regular basis.
While, often, it’s smart to fly in and then take a rideshare or public transit to the cruise port, if you want to drive a rental car or personal vehicle to the port, you’ll need somewhere to park that vehicle. Luckily, at Port Everglades, you have plenty of parking lot options.
There are several self-parking parking garages and lots, on-site at Port Everglades, all of which can, in total, accommodate more than 5,500 vehicles.
The Heron Parking Garage can accommodate nearly 2,000 vehicles and offers 8-foot clearance. Park at this facility if you’re sailing out of Cruise Terminal 2 or 4.
Cruise Terminal 2 is accessible from the garage via an air-conditioned elevated passenger bridge with moving sidewalks, on the garage’s fifth floor. To find this garage, after you enter the port, just look for the orange signs featuring a heron.
The Palm Parking Garage offers 1,966 spaces, but the height of a parking space in this garage is only 7 feet, so it might not be the best fit for larger vehicles.
Park here if you’re cruising out of Terminals 19, 21, 25, 26 or 29. Shuttle service is available between the garage and Terminal 29. To find this garage, just look for the green directional signs featuring a palm frond.
Beyond these two garages, there are also three parking lots.
If you’re cruising out of Terminal 19 or 26, consider using the open-air Parking Lot A, with its entrance at 2000 Eller Drive. If you’re cruising out of Terminal 18 or 19, consider Parking Lot B, with its entrance at SE 19th Ave. If you’re cruising out of Terminal 18, consider Parking Lot C, which is right next to Terminal 18.
These secure garages and lots include plenty of handicap-friendly spots as well. Parking fees are also waived for those that can display a Florida Toll Exemption Permit, a Disabled Veteran license plate or vehicle modifications made for disabilities (like added ramps).
Do note that you can’t reserve or prepay for your spot at Port Everglades. Parking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
For large vehicles, like RVs or vehicles with trailers (or really anything over 20 feet or that exceeds standard width), you may need a special spot that can accommodate that vehicle. Limited oversized spots are available on-site, for slightly higher daily rates, but you have to call the ports parking service office for details.
Rate: $4 for 0 – 1 hour, $8 for up to 5 hours, and a $20 daily maximum ($25 daily maximum for oversized vehicles)
Unofficial Fort Lauderdale Cruise Parking Options
Cruise passengers don’t have to park at Port Everglades, though, if they don’t want to. You have other, competitive Port Everglades cruise port parking options, if, for example, you don’t want to risk showing up to the on-site Port Everglades parking lots and not being able to find a parking spot, or you want to shop around for a lower rate.
Some of these off-site options offer shuttle services during the cruiseport hours of operation. Others provide easy confirmation of your reservation, so you can rest assured your spot is waiting for you, upon arrival.
Park by the Ports
Park by the Ports Lot
Park by the Ports allows you to reserve your parking spot ahead of time. While parking rates vary depending on when you reserve your spot and how long you park, you can expect to generally find day rates cheaper than what you’ll get at Port Everglades (so less than $20/day).
When you arrive at the lot and check in, the staff will help you with your luggage and then shuttle you to Port Everglades. The shuttle service is free if you have four or fewer members in your party.
For more than four people, every additional passenger incurs a fee of $8. Shuttle service is available from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Shuttle service is available for pick-up as well, to bring you back to the parking lot on your disembarkation day.
Do note that Park by the Ports does not offer shuttle service or staffing during holiday periods. The lot does not accommodate RVs either.
Park by the Ports’ lot is at 100 Fronton Blvd, situated within the Dania Beach casino parking lot. Go to the NE corner of the casino. There, you’ll find a white trailer, where you can check in. You’ll be given stickers to wear for pick-up, so that your driver can identify you when you come back from your cruise.
Rates: Less than $20/day
Gold Coast Cruise & Fly Parking
Arriving at Port Everglades, Florida (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
Gold Coast Cruise & Fly Parking is located about a mile from Port Everglades. You can reserve your spot there ahead of time, drop off your car and then a valet will park it while the shuttle service whisks you away to your cruise terminal.
You can book additional services, too, to be performed while you’re away, such as a car wash ($10), wash and vacuum ($20) or full car detail ($35).
Unfortunately, this parking provider’s website is not exactly easy to navigate, and getting a quote for parking requires contacting a staff member directly.
Parking at Nearby Hotels
Hampton Inn, Fort Lauderdale (Photo Credit: Buddy Phillips)
There is also the option of parking at nearby hotels, many of which will offer you free or highly discounted parking for the length of your cruise, so long as you book a stay with them before your cruise embarks.
Some of these hotels offer shuttle service to the Ft Lauderdale cruise port and Fort Lauderdale International Airport, while others do not. If the latter is the case at your chosen property, you may need to take a Lyft or Uber.
Parking for Your Next Cruise Shouldn’t Be Stressful!
Parking for your cruise shouldn’t be stressful. You shouldn’t have to spend minutes of your cruise worried about getting a parking ticket or whether or not you’ll make it back to your car during a garage’s closed hours.
So, get your cruise off on the right foot by thinking about your parking options ahead of time and planning accordingly. Doing so will allow you to have the smoothest, most stress-free embarkation day and cruise possible.
While not the biggest cruise line in the world, MSC Cruises still boasts an impressive more than 20 ships in its fleet. These ships range from older, smaller ships — with the oldest in the fleet being 2001’s MSC Armonia — to bigger, better ships with lots of bells and whistles, like the brand-new, 2025 MSC World America.
If you’re interested in cruising with MSC Cruises, but are unsure which ship you should sail on, here are the quick, need-to-know details, with MSC Cruises’ ships organized from newest to oldest.
MSC World Asia (2026)
MSC World Asia Cruise Ship (Image Courtesy: MSC Cruises)
MSC World Asia will become the third world-class cruise ship for MSC Cruises. The ship is under construction at France’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, where the first piece of steel was cut in April 2024. MSc World Asia will be LNG-powered and one of the most advanced and sustainable vessels in the fleet.
Entering Service: December 2026
Gross Tonnage: 215,683
Passenger Capacity: 6,762
Crew Capacity: 2,138
Length: 1,092 ft.
MSC World America (2025)
MSC World America in Miami
Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, MSC World America is the second among MSC Cruises’ World Class ships. The ship was intended to debut in early 2024, but was pushed back a year, after construction started in October 2022.
While not the largest cruise ship in the world, the World Class does contain some of the largest in the world and MSC World America is very similar to the World Class’s lead ship, MSC World Europa, but with a few slight differences.
The ship features the very first Eataly at sea, and it will also introduce a few brand-new restaurants to the brand, including the new Paxos Greek Restaurant and Paxos on the Go, as well as Promenade Bites and The Harbour Bar & Bites. New bar, lounge, and dessert experiences are also planned.
Also built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, MSC Euribia is a member of the Meraviglia Plus-class.Construction started in late 2021 and the ship debuted in 2023.
This ship is slightly smaller than MSC World America, but still offers impressive features. The ship is exceptionally environmentally friendly, featuring an advanced onboard wastewater treatment system, waste management system and a high level of energy efficiency. It’s also LNG-powered.
The ship features a large amount of art onboard. There are five pools capable of, all together, holding a thousand cruisers at once, and the ship’s Galleria Euribia features the longest LED dome at sea. MSC Euribia also features the first MSC Foundation Youth Centre.
Entered Service: June 2023
Gross Tonnage: 183,500
Passenger Capacity: 6,327
Length: 1,087 ft.
MSC World Europa (2022)
MSC World Europa Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: HasanZaidi)
Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique with construction starting in 2020, MSC World Europa is the lead ship for the World class. The LNG-powered cruise ship (the first of its kind for MSC Cruises), at the same gross tonnage and at a slightly longer length than sister ship MSC World America, is currently one of the biggest cruise ships in the world not owned by Royal Caribbean.
Stand-out features on this ship included its Y-shaped open aft and the Venom Drop dry slide, which is the longest dry slide at sea currently. The ship also offers the largest waterpark out of any MSC Cruises ship, and has seven swimming pools.
Entered Service: December 2022
Gross Tonnage: 215,683
Passenger Capacity: 6,762
Length: 1,093 ft.
MSC Seascape (2022)
Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises
This Fincantieri-built ship is a member of the Seaside EVO class. With construction starting in 2019, the ship was delivered in late 2022, with her naming ceremony taking place in New York City in December 2022.
The ship boasts a large casino, lots of family-friendly activities, more than a dozen pools and water features, nearly 20 bars and lounges, and 11 dining venues. It also features the cruise industry’s only three-seat Robotron thrill ride.
Entered Service: November 2022
Gross Tonnage: 169,400
Passenger Capacity: 5,877
Length: 1,112 ft.
MSC Seashore (2021)
Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises
Also built by Fincantieri, starting in 2019, and a member of the Seaside EVO class, MSC Seashore is quite similar to MSC Seascape. It’s the same size as the newer ship in the class.
It features a New York City-inspired design and various environmental features, as well as more than three acres of outdoor space.
When it launched, it was the longest ship in the entire MSC Cruises fleet. The vessel’s naming ceremony took place at the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas.
A member of the Meraviglia Plus class, this Chantiers de l’Atlantique-built ship began construction in 2018 and was originally planned to launch in 2020. However, pandemic-related delays meant that this ship did not start service until May of 2021.
Unique ship features include a Formula 1 simulator ride, a robotic bartender named Rob (the first of his kind at sea) and the largest shopping area at sea in the Galleria Virtuosa, with its 11 art boutiques and more than 250 brands on display.
Entered Service: May 2021
Gross Tonnage: 181,541
Passenger Capacity: 6,334
Length: 1,087 ft.
MSC Grandiosa (2019)
MSC Grandiosa Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Gabriel S Fernandes)
MSC Grandiosa preceded sister ship MSC Virtuosa as the lead in the Meraviglia Plus class. The Meraviglia Plus class is a sub-class of the Meraviglia class.
MSC Grandiosa is very similar to MSC Virtuosa. Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique with construction beginning in 2018, the ship offers an expansive shopping space, lots of kid-friendly amenities and the MSC Yacht Club.
Entered Service: November 2019
Gross Tonnage: 181,541
Passenger capacity: 6,334
Length: 1,087 ft.
MSC Bellissima (2019)
Photo Credit: MSC Cruises
The last of the Meraviglia-class ships, MSC Bellissima, was built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, and construction began in 2017.
MSC Bellissima offers many of the same features that cruisers can expect on MSC Cruises’ newer ships, including the MSC Yacht Club, the large galleria promenade, an expansive theater and spa, as well as robust children’s programming and lots of outdoor spaces.
Entered Service: March 2019
Gross Tonnage: 171,598
Passenger Capacity: 5,655
Length: 1,034 ft.
MSC Seaview (2018)
Photo Credit: angelo manoel borba / Shutterstock
Before there was the Seaside EVO class, there was the plain Seaside class. Slightly smaller ships, the newest Seaside class ship is MSC Seaview. Built by Fincantieri, construction began in early 2017.
Very similar to the other ship in this class, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview provides features as the longest zip line at sea, multiple pools, a waterfront boardwalk, a four-deck atrium and more.
Entered service: June 2018
Gross tonnage: 153,516
Passenger capacity: 5,079
Length: 1,060 ft.
MSC Seaside (2017)
MSC Seaside in Port Canaveral (Photo Courtesy: Port Canaveral)
The lead ship for the Seaside class, MSC Seaside debuted directly ahead of sister ship MSC Seaview. The ship was likewise built by Fincantieri, and construction began in 2016.
While considered relatively modest in size by today’s standards, when this ship debuted it was in the top 15 largest cruise ships in the world. The ship features a waterfront boardwalk, multiple pools, a four-deck atrium and all the other venues that MSC Cruises fans know and love from the ships that debuted during this time period, such as the MSC Yacht Club and MSC Aurea Spa.
Entered service: December 2017
Gross tonnage: 153,516
Passenger capacity: 5,079
Length: 1,060 ft.
MSC Meraviglia (2017)
MSC Meraviglia in New York (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators)
The first ship to debut in the Meravgilia class, the lead MSC Meraviglia was built by STX Europe, with construction beginning in late 2015. While older than the entirety of the Seaside class, MSC Meraviglia is still larger than the ships in that class, and, at time of launch, the ship was the sixth largest cruise ship in the world.
Beyond the classic features on this ship, such as the promenade and multiple pools, the ship also features water slides and a ropes course.
Entered service: June 2017
Gross tonnage: 171,598
Passenger capacity: 5,642
Length: 1,036 ft.
MSC Preziosa (2013)
Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises
With construction starting in 2010, interestingly, MSC Preziosa was originally ordered not by MSC Cruises, but by the Libyan government, which had intents to launch a luxury cruising industry in the country.
When the Libyan Civil War began, builder STX Europe canceled the contract and MSC Cruises swooped in to buy the beginnings of what would become MSC Preziosa.
MSC Preziosa is the final Fantasia class ship. Given the ship’s age, it has undergone some minimal renovations since launching more than a decade ago. Today, cruisers will find lots to love, including a water park, one of the longest water slides at sea, the MSC Yacht Club and more.
Entered service: March 2013
Gross tonnage: 139,072
Passenger capacity: 4,345
Length: 1,094 ft.
MSC Divina (2012)
Photo Credit: Debbie Ann Powell / Shutterstock
Also in the Fantasia class and directly preceding MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina‘s construction began in 2010, atSTX Europe.
While MSC Divina and MSC Preziosa are the same size, they’re both slightly larger than the other two ships in the Fantasia class. MSC Divina contains eye-catching features such as Swarovski staircases and a stone piazza.
One of the cruise line’s (relatively) smaller ships, MSC Magnifica may not be as grand and filled-with-fun as some of MSC Cruises’ newer ships, but it does still offer classic MSC Cruises style (think European-inspired décor) and a handful of dining options and entertainment venues, including five restaurants, 11 bars and lounges and just under 1,300 cabins and suites.
The last ship in MSC Cruises’ Musica class, construction on MSC Magnificabegan in 2008, at STX Europe.
MSC Splendida was the second ship in the Fantasia class. While hardly impressive in terms of size today, this ship was originally one of the largest ships owned by a European cruise line, at the time of debut. The ship was the second of MSC ships to offer the MSC Yacht Club, with construction at STX Europe starting in 2007.
Entered service: July 2009
Gross tonnage: 137,936
Passenger capacity: 4,363
Length: 1,093 ft.
MSC Fantasia (2008)
Photo Credit: Martchan / Shutterstock.com
Leading the vessels of the Fantasia class is, of course, MSC Fantasia. This ship shares many features with sister ship MSC Splendida, including size.
Also built at STX Europe and with construction beginning in 2016, the ship was the largest in MSC Cruises’ fleet when it first set sail and was the very first ship to include the MSC Yacht Club.
Other highlight features include a Formula 1 racing simulator and the ship’s 4D cinema. The ship offers guests a little over 1,600 staterooms and suites.
This Musica-class ship’s construction began in 2006. The smaller ship features three swimming pools, four hot tubs, three dining venues and 1,275 staterooms and suites.
This is definitely a more intimate ship, but if that’s what you prefer from a cruise line, you’ll feel right at home on MSC Poesia. MSC Poesia was built at STX Europe.
Entered service: April 2008
Gross tonnage: 92,627
Passenger capacity: 3,223
Length: 964 ft.
MSC Orchestra (2007)
Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock.com
MSC Orchestra is smaller than later Musica-class ships by gross tons, but it can still accommodate the same number of passengers as MSC Poesia. This ship does admittedly show its age (it was built in 2006 at STX Europe), even though it was refurbished as recently as 2021.
Entered service: May 2007
Gross tonnage: 92,409
Passenger capacity: 3,223
Length: 964 ft.
MSC Musica (2006)
MSC Musica Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: byvalet)
MSC Musica is the lead ship in the Musica class. While this ship is small by today’s standards, and even by MSC Cruises’ modern standards overall, it was a landmark ship for the cruise line when it launched, as it was their largest ever, built at STX Europe in 2005.
Even more recently, though, the ship still broke size-related records, gaining status as the largest cruise ship to sail from Israel.
The ship was refurbished in 2019, at Port Marseille’s Chantier Naval de Marseille Shipyard. However, while all public venues, such as the gym and kids club, and staterooms were renovated, this ship does still feel its age, in terms of both décor and features.
Entered service: July 2006
Gross tonnage: 92,409
Passenger capacity: 3,223
Length: 964 ft.
MSC Opera (2004)
MSC Opera Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: CeltStudio)
MSC Cruises’ final Lirica-class ship, this ship was built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 2004. This ship is about as small as it gets by modern standards, before you get into river cruise-specific and expedition ships. It can only hold a few thousand passengers and only has just over a thousand staterooms and suites.
Entered service: June 2004
Gross tonnage: 65,591
Passenger capacity: 2,658
Length: 902 ft.
MSC Lirica (2003)
Photo Credit: Mummert-und-Ibold / Shutterstock
While MSC Lirica does share a name with its Lirica class, this is not actually the oldest ship in this class, as is typically the case when a ship and class share a name.
Built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 2002, MSC Lirica is actually the third-oldest ship within its class and it was the very first new-build cruise ship for MSC Cruises. Previously, the cruise line sourced all its older ships from elsewhere.
The ship is relatively basic, and this basic-ness helps it feel slightly less outdated than some of the other ships introduced by MSC Cruises in the 2000s.
However, the ship’s small size means that there are very few options aboard the ship, in terms of dining and entertainment. The ship was refurbished in 2015, and this refurbishment saw the addition of an aqua park.
The ship has fewer than a thousand staterooms and suites.
Entered service: March 2003
Gross tonnage: 65,591
Passenger capacity: 2,648
Length: 902 ft.
MSC Sinfonia (2005)
MSC Sinfonia (Photo Credit: Roger Utting)
More than two decades old, MSC Sinfonia was originally built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, in 2002, for Festival Cruises. Festival Cruises was a Greek cruise line that operated in the 1990s and early 2000s, before declaring bankruptcy.
The ship was originally known as MS European Stars. MSC Cruises purchased the ship and redubbed it MSC Sinfonia in July 2004, adding it to its fleet as what would become the Lirica class.
Technically, this ship — as far as its life as an MSC Cruises ship — is younger than MSC Opera and MSC Lirica, but overall, the ship’s past life with Festival Cruises means that it’s older.
Entered service (for MSC Cruises): March 2005
Gross tonnage: 65,591
Passenger capacity: 2,646
Length: 902 ft.
MSC Armonia (2004)
MSC Armonia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Stefan Lambauer)
Last, but certainly not least, the current oldest cruise ship in the MSC Cruises fleet is the MSC Armonia. Like its Lirica-class sister ship MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia wasoriginally built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique for Festival Cruises, in 2001.
The cruise line had named the ship MS European Vision. After Festival Cruises declared bankruptcy, MSC Cruises purchased the ship, which had been sailing Festival itineraries for three years, and rechristened her.
Today, the ship is not only MSC Cruises’ oldest ship but also its smallest.
