Following multiple unexcepted diversions and delays, Carnival Liberty has departed the Port of New Orleans and is on her way for what is sure to be an epic Carnival Journeys cruise to the Panama Canal.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has personally extended his thanks to everyone involved in getting the ship underway despite challenging conditions, offering insight into just how complex such situations can be.
“Firstly to the embarkation team in New Orleans for taking such great care of 3,000 guests leaving and 3,000 guest patiently waiting to get on board, perhaps a few, not so patiently. We truly thank you,”Heald said.
For the embarkation team, their entire workday was disrupted from expected hours to a much longer and later day than planned, though they handled the situation with efficiency and professionalism.
“A massive thank you to the crew of the Carnival Liberty. I know that you would have given those on board continuing fun until the ship arrived back in New Orleans,”Heald continued.“I also know from the comments that I have read this morning that you gave them a wonderful warm welcome on board.”
Embarkation day is always a chaotic situation onboard a cruise ship as one group of guests debarks at the end of a sailing and just hours later the ship is filled with a new group of guests ready to get their vacation underway. Crew members have to be especially adaptable under such a challenging situation.
“And finally to the guests. Those who had a delayed arrival back to New Orleans and those who paid and spent the day in New Orleans waiting for their fun to begin, we really do [say] a massive thank you to all of you,”Heald said.
Travelers can be understandably disappointed and frustrated when their vacation is disrupted. Most Carnival Liberty guests, however, took the news calmly and made the best of the situation, exploring in New Orleans, sleeping in, or otherwise enjoying their time before they were able to meet the ship.
The ship has already set sail for her 14-night adventure, with no expected itinerary adjustments needed to make up the lost time. Because the first two days of the sailing are already planned as days at sea, it will be easy for the ship to adjust her course and speed to reach Grand Cayman – the first port of call – as expected on Wednesday, December 4.
Why Was Carnival Liberty Impacted So Much?
Carnival Liberty had a triple threat of difficulties as she was finishing her most recent sailing, a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary that had departed Port NOLA on Sunday, November 24.
At the end of the sailing on the last sea day, an emergency onboard called for a significant diversion to safely evacuate a guest who required care. This meant the ship had to turn back toward Key West in order to ensure the passenger could get the help they needed.
Following that diversion, the ship developed a technical issue that required repair, and in the meantime, her top cruising speed was impacted. This meant Carnival Liberty would be delayed in returning back to her Louisiana homeport.
Carnival Liberty Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ron Cogswell / Creative Commons)
Fortunately, the onboard engineering team was able to conduct repairs while the ship was underway. The delay of several hours, however, meant the 110,428-gross-ton ship would be docking in the late afternoon of Sunday, December 1 rather than in the early morning hours as originally planned.
Once she had entered the Mississippi River, Carnival Liberty encountered further difficulties with marine traffic congestion that mean a bit more of a delay. Ultimately, the ship was not able to dock at the cruise terminal – approximately 120 miles upriver from the Gulf of Mexico – until nearly 9 p.m., and some travelers for the next cruise were not onboard until after midnight.
Carnival Cruise Line was clear that the further delay was not related to the ship’s previous technical problem, but solely due to river traffic.
Hopefully, the next sailing will have smooth sailing to Grand Cayman, Aruba, Curacao, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, and Cozumel, and everyone aboard will have a phenomenal cruise that is well worth waiting for.
The summer cruise season is in full swing Down Under as Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas arrived in Brisbane, Australia, to kick off its third consecutive season in Queensland.
The 4,180-passenger, 168,666-gross-ton ship has 22 cruises scheduled from Brisbane, with itineraries ranging from short 2-night voyages to 14-night journeys.
“More Queensland families are choosing Quantum of the Seas for their next holiday, seamlessly combining spectacular destinations with the ease of an all-encompassing adventure,”said Gavin Smith, vice president and managing director, Australia and New Zealand, Royal Caribbean.
Like her previous seasons, the ship will frequently call in Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Australian ports. Her first sailing of the Australian season, which departed on December 1, 2024, is a 5-night roundtrip cruise to Airlie Beach, Australia.
This season’s lineup includes 11 cruises to the South Pacific, with destinations such as Mystery Island and Port Vila in Vanuatu, as well as Noumea in New Caledonia. These voyages will be 7 to 8 nights in length.
Closer to home, five Queensland-focused itineraries range from 4 to 6 nights, featuring stops at popular destinations like Airlie Beach and Cairns, Australia. A highlight includes snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef.
For an extended vacation, a 14-night cruise to New Zealand will feature scenic explorations of destinations like the Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Napier, and Wellington.
“On Quantum, families can make their getaway truly their own with options to delight everyone,“ Smith continued.
Anchoring Brisbane’s Cruise Season
Quantum of the Seas first began sailing in Australia in November 2022, homeporting in Brisbane on itineraries that included ports across Australia, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia.
The vessel arrived once again in Brisbane on December 1, 2024, repositioning from Singapore, and will remain at its homeport until April 6, 2025.
Brisbane, which launched its 2024-2025 season on October 1, 2024, hopes to continue its record-breaking growth. Besides Quantum of the Seas, the port is the 2024-25 summer home of P&O Cruises’ 2,600-passenger Pacific Encounter, Carnival Cruise Line’s 2,826-guest Carnival Luminosa, and Princess Cruises’ 2,670-passenger Diamond Princess.
The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal will also see arrivals from Silversea’s Silver Nova, Holland America Line’s Westerdam, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge, and Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, to name a few.
Quantum of the Seas in Brisbane
Last season, the port welcomed 125 cruise ships between October 2023 and March 2024, seeing more than 650,000 passengers for the first time in its history.
“Cruising from Brisbane this summer has also been a big economic boost, with every cruise ship call contributing to almost $1 million to the Queensland economy,” he stated.
Of Royal Caribbean’s fleet of 28 ships, Quantum of the Seas is not the only vessel positioned in Australia during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months. Her sister ship, Ovation of the Seas, is currently homeporting in Sydney.
That 168,666-gross-ton vessel’s season launched on November 21, 2024, with a 7-night roundtrip sailing to Adelaide, Australia, and Hobart, Tasmania.
Ovation of the Seas will visit New Zealand ports, as well as New Caledonia and Vanuatu through April 3, 2025. Following Quantum of the Sea’s Australian season, the ship will reposition to Seattle to enjoy a Northern Hemisphere summer in Alaska.
On May 20, 2023, I boarded Regal Princess for the first time in Southampton, UK, for a 14-night British Isles cruise.
Our port-heavy itinerary called for stops at Portland, UK; Guernsey (in the Channel Islands); Cork (Cobh), Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Belfast, Ireland; Glasgow, Scotland; Invergordon, Scotland; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Paris / Normandy (Le Havre), France.
While I have sailed on other Princess cruise ships before – and on other cruise lines – this voyage was extra special because it was my first ever opportunity to stay in a suite at sea.
And this wasn’t just any suite. It was the penthouse suite.
When I was a kid, I had always slept on a pull-out couch or cot in my parents’ standard balcony cabin. As I got older, my parents would allow me to bring a friend – and we would stay in our own interior cabin near my parents’ stateroom.
Once I reached adulthood, I really kept the interior cabin state-of-mind – largely feeling that’s all I needed since I’m the type to spend as little time in my stateroom as possible. I usually only visit my room to sleep or get ready for my next activity.
Indeed, I chose interior cabins for my first cruise with my now-husband on Disney Dream in 2022 – and again when I took a bachelorette cruise with my bridesmaids on Carnival Radiance in September 2024.
But now that I’ve sailed in a luxury penthouse suite, I’ve learned that it’s really hard to travel any other way.
The Penthouse Suite
Regal Princess Penthouse Suite (Photo Credit: Robert Kovelman)
I am not exaggerating when I tell you that this suite was nicer than some apartments I’ve lived in during my tenure as a Los Angeles, California, resident.
When we entered our cabin, we went down a short hallway that led to a mini bar – which was free to use and restocked whenever we asked or during daily cleanings – and a comfortable living room with a TV, pull-out couch, and two cozy chairs.
The sliding doors led out to the longest private balcony I’ve ever had – with another entrance to the balcony also located in the main bedroom.
The living room and bedroom were separated by a heavy curtain that functioned like a door and largely stifled the sound from the other room.
Like the living room, the bedroom was also quite nice – complete with a queen-sized bed, two nightstands (one of which doubled as a desk), another TV, and a pretty sizable closet.
Unlike other cruise cabins I’ve stayed in, there were plenty of outletsand we never had any issues finding enough spots to charge all our devices.
But perhaps my favorite part of the room was the large bathroom – complete with a soaking tuband a separate shower.
The bathroom was divided into sections, so that one person could be using the toilet or in the shower while another still had access to a sink to be getting ready on the other side.
The bathroom added so much ease and efficiency to our getting ready process – something I’m sure most families would agree is invaluable.
The Perks
Penthouse Suite (Photo Credit: Robert Kovelman)
By now, you likely can tell that the Penthouse upgrade was absolutely worth it – but allow me to confirm that it really was.
In my mother’s words, the suite practically paid for itself because of all the perks and freebies we got with it – along with all the extra space.
In addition to the free mini bar access, we also got free laundry service – which we used multiple times during our voyage.
Members of the housekeeping teamwould pick up our clothes during their daily service, and they would be cleaned and hung up in our room again within 24 hours. Normally, this service could cost between $60-$80 a bag.
We really liked this, as it enabled us to pack lightand rewear outfits – and also avoid airport fees for heavy luggage, which I’m definitely guilty of having to pay on more than one occasion.
We also had access to an exclusive concierge lounge that was across the hall from our cabin. Throughout the day, the concierge team brought in meals and snacks so that we could eat in a calm and quiet environment away from the crowds.
If we didn’t like any of the food that was already out, the team was happy to go get us pretty much anything we wanted and bring it to us in the lounge – and even allowed us to choose entrees from specialty restaurants like Crown Grill.
They also had a sweet treat waiting for us in our room on embarkation day – and then brought us fresh fruit daily and offered a free daily high tea service.
One of our favorite perks was that we got priority access when getting off the ship in port – which was particularly valuable in tender ports, where the lines could get long.
The concierge would personally take us in a secret crew elevator to disembark – watching until we were off the ship to make sure our priority access was honored.
A True VIP Experience
Inside the Regal Princess Penthouse Suite (Photo Credit: Robert Kovelman)
Speaking of the crew, the concierge and his team went above and beyond to make sure we had an amazing vacation. We actually enjoyed their company so much that we exchanged contact information and are still in touch more than a year later.
First, having access to the concierge meant that we never had to go wait in the guest services line if we needed help. Anytime we wanted to make a new dining reservation or had questions about shore excursions, all we had to do was walk across the hall.
But the guest service wasn’t just better because was had easier access to a select few of Regal Princess’ 1,346 crew members. These employees truly did everything possible to go the extra mile.
For example, my phone charger broke about half way through the sailing. We asked the concierge where we could buy a new one, and a few minutes later he knocked on our door with a charger from his crew cabin that he gave to me as a gift.
On a particularly stormy day at sea, the concierge had a supply of antacids and Dramamine in his desk that he was happy to give away for free to all suite guests. Normally, we would have had to purchase these medications or get them from the medical center.
Speaking of which, I rolled my ankle while visiting a historic church in Inverness (Invergordon), Scotland, and needed to get it checked out once I returned to the ship.
The medical center had a long wait – but the concierge had a wheelchair brought to our cabin in a matter of minutes and I was seen by the doctors right away. Although it wasn’t an ideal situation, I felt a bit like a celebrity.
The VIP experiences also continued throughout the sailing – with my family getting invited to take a free, private tour of the bridge and to meet the Captain one-on-one.
We also got priority access for exclusive opportunities like the Chef’s Table experience. We ultimately opted not to partake because my mom has a severe shellfish allergy and the menu was pre-set with shellfish included, but it was exciting that we got first dibs.
The last time I went on a cruise with my parents prior to our 2023 sailing, I was still a teenager. Since this would be my first time joining them on a cruise as an adult, we opted to book a mini suite to give us all a little more space.
However, about three weeks before our cruise, my parents received an email from Princess Cruises asking if they would like to bid to upgrade our suite.
My parents originally bid on a premium suite, which we didn’t get. However, Princess sent a counter offer for the penthouse suite, which is an even nicer option.
My parents accepted the offer – and ended up paying about $3,000 (USD) more for the sailing than they would have if we stayed in our previously-booked mini suite.
The auction process they went through allowed the cruise line to fill these more expensive accommodations and make a bit more of a profit from booked passengers, while people like us were able to get into a nicer suite at a fraction of the cost.
That said, suites are usually available to book through your travel agentor directly through the cruise line if you don’t want to try your luck on a bidding process that may or may not happen.
If you’re torn between splurging for the upgrade or not, our take is that it was worth every penny – especially for a longer sailing.
Eager cruise-loving dog-owners can now apply to be considered as guests aboard the first-ever dog-friendly Cruise Tails sailing, a collaboration between Expedia Cruises of West Orlando and small cruise line Margaritaville At Sea.
The unique sailing was first announced earlier this month and the response has been overwhelming with more than 5,000 interested guests registering to receive further details.
“The enthusiasm and positive response we’ve received so far have been incredible,”said Steve Matzke, Cruise Tails Captain. “We’re thrilled to be able to provide such a unique travel experience where dogs are not just allowed, but celebrated as part of the family. This is more than just a cruise; it’s a chance to create lasting memories with your friends and family.”
Now, applications are available and travelers must completely fill out the application form to be eligible for consideration. There are restrictions, however, on which furry cruisers will be permitted to board Margaritaville at Sea Islander for the cruise in November 2025.
First of all, no more than 250 total dogs will be part of the sailing, and only one canine cruiser will be permitted in each eligible cabin, even if their human travel companions own more than one dog.
According to Cruise Tails’ FAQ, preference will also be given to “dog cabins” who are also traveling with two or more cabins of family members or friends without dogs.
All eligible dogs must also weigh less than 20 pounds and be under 18 inches in height. This restriction is part of legal requirements and more conservative guidelines to ensure all dogs are safely under control of their human companions.
“This is the first pet cruise ever, because until now everyone thought it was impossible. To ensure success, everything has been planned with an abundance of caution and safety,”the FAQ reads.
“We know after a successful first cruise, we will refine the cruise procedures and experiences. We anticipate being able to ‘loosen the leash’ on many of the protocols put in place for everyone’s safety and for the success of the inaugural sailing.”
The fees for the cruise will be heftier than many travelers may realize. In addition to human guests’ cruise fare, there is a $1,500 dog fee per pet. This is intended to help defray the costs of additional staff required to care for the dogs onboard, including keeping public areas and staterooms clean and sanitized as well as an onboard veterinarian.
The deposit for the sailing is $500 per person of the cruise fare plus $250 of the dog fee. The deposit is due when the application is submitted, but will be fully refunded if travelers are not selected for the voyage.
Furthermore, all travelers will be required to purchase travel insurance through Cruise Tails which will vary based on their cruise fare price.
The cost may be well worthwhile to interested, dog-loving travelers, as the sailing will indeed be ground-breaking with doggy daycare, pet spa activities, costume contests and parades, special “pet butlers” for each dog, puppy picnics, and much more.
Dog Cruise Date Set
In addition to opening the canine cruise for applications, the date of the sailing has been confirmed as November 18, 2025 departing from Port Tampa Bay. The cruise is a full ship charter and will not be available for booking by guests not affiliated with the canine cruisers, though not all travelers must have a dog in their stateroom.
At the moment, that is a 6-night sailing with plans to visit Key West, Florida as well as Progreso and Cozumel in Mexico. This itinerary may be adjusted to be more dog-friendly, however.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander Cruise Ship
“The ports are subject to change as we try to arrange for ones which will allow dog debarkation,”the FAQ reads.
Regardless of the ports of call ultimately confirmed, all dog owners will be responsible for ensuring their pet’s vaccinations and health certifications are current and fully comply with the requirements of each destination.
If this inaugural pet-friendly cruise is a success, future Cruise Tails sailings are definitely a possibility. The company is already working toward a spring 2026 sailing, and additional dates will be announced as plans progress.
It must be noted that some areas of the 85,619-gross-ton, Spirit class ship will be off-limits to furry passengers, including the ship’s casino, pools, and all restaurants. All dogs must also be leashed at all times when in public, and further onboard behavioral guidelines are sure to be announced as the sailing date approaches.
While Carnival Liberty is already significantly delayed in her return to her Big Easy homeport, guests waiting to board the ship for the Sunday, December 1 departure received a further update in the afternoon that the ship would be arriving even later than anticipated.
This further delay – approximately another hour or slightly more, depending on guests’ terminal arrival appointment times – is not due to any problem with the cruise ship, but rather due to Mississippi River traffic.
“While the ship has the required speed to get into New Orleans at the time we had communicated Saturday evening, our journey up the river is being delayed due to unexpected traffic,”the new update explained.“As a result, we are now set to dock early evening, and we will need a little more time to debark incoming guests and get you on board.”
Before any delays, the first cruise terminal check-in appointments were scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning. Now, guests who had selected that earliest possible check-in are asked not to arrive to the cruise terminal until 8:45 p.m.
The latest appointments will now be checking in from 11:45 p.m. on Sunday night, and all guests must be checked in no later than 12:15 a.m. on Monday morning.
“As a reminder, we must allow debarking guests to leave the cruise terminal and parking facility before we can accommodate your arrival. We kindly ask for your cooperation with this revised schedule,”the notification continued.
The 110,428-gross-ton, Conquest class Carnival Liberty can welcome 3,756 travelers aboard for each cruise. This means that in the late evening hours, there may be 7,000 guests or more trying to move through the New Orleans cruise terminal.
It is vital that incoming passengers adhere to their appointment arrival times to minimize crowding and traffic snarls that would only exacerbate the difficulties.
To be clear, there are no further difficulties with Carnival Liberty. This second delay is due to marine traffic on the Mississippi River as the cruise ship has made her way through the delta to the cruise terminal. The first delay was due to an emergency debarkation in Key West as well as technical issues that have now been resolved.
From the coast, cruise ships must navigate up the river for approximately 120 miles to reach the Port of New Orleans. Along the way, cargo vessels, recreational boats, and other ships must all be carefully scheduled so all vessels have appropriate clearance. With Carnival Liberty‘s delay, some of that scheduling has been disrupted throughout the day.
The good news, however, is that there should be no delay to the ship’s 14-night Panama Canal Carnival Journeys cruise, a bucket-list sailing for many travelers.
Carnival Valor Docked in New Orleans (Photo Credit: Ute Sonja Medley)
Because the first two days of the cruise are days at sea, there should be ample opportunity for Carnival Liberty to make up the lost hours on her way to Grand Cayman, the first port of call.
Also on this cruise are top Southern Caribbean and Central American ports of call, including Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; and Cozumel, Mexico.
Carnival Liberty Compensation Provided
These multiple delays now mean that guests have missed their first day onboard, including entertainment and activities.
The main dining rooms and Lido Marketplace buffet will be open as guests board for open seating meals (assigned dining times will not apply), but for hundreds of guests boarding at 10 p.m. or later may mean they have dinner elsewhere in New Orleans before boarding the ship.
Carnival Cruise Line has provided $25 (USD) per person as onboard credit to compensate for the delayed embarkation, and all travelers will also receive a pro-rated one-day refund of their cruise fare.
Similarly, any pre-paid options, such as gratuities, drink packages, or onboard Wi-Fi packages will also be refunded at a pro-rated rate.
Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment but may take up to three weeks to process after the end of the cruise. Individual financial institutions may also have different processing times.
Cruise Hive hopes all aboard are able to enjoy their Carnival Journeys cruise, even with a messy first day and a much-delayed embarkation. Bon voyage!
It’s official – the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season has come to a quiet and smooth sailing end, which cruise passengers will be happy to hear.
The season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year and while dangerous storms can and do occur outside those calendar dates, cruisers can now breathe easier about how weather may impact their sailings over the next six months.
The occasion was noted by the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, Florida with the calm but welcome words at 7 p.m. eastern time on Saturday, November 30, 2024:
“Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 7 days.”
The Tropical Weather Outlook is the regular forecaster notes that discuss development of tropical systems, potential impacts on land, and any special circumstances that may cause weather-related challenges.
“This is the last regularly scheduled Tropical Weather Outlook of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Routine issuance of the Tropical Weather Outlook will resume on May 15, 2025,”the outlook from NHC Forecaster Beven read.“During the off-season, Special Tropical Weather Outlooks will be issued as conditions warrant.”
The update was also posted by Craig Setzer, Royal Caribbean’s Chief Meteorologist, with a relaxing and relieved quip.
“And that’s a wrap…”Setzer wrote with a screenshot of the update on X, where he regularly keeps interested cruisers updated on different weather impacts across the Royal Caribbean fleet.
Of course, it isn’t just hurricanes that can strongly impact cruise travel and cause disruptions to itineraries, port closures, and rough waters for ships at sea.
A strong weather front – not a hurricane or tropical system – struck Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas on November 7 as the ship was enjoying her transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Miami. The disruption was so severe that several injuries were reported, one critical enough that the ship had to turn around toward the Canary Islands for a medical evacuation.
In the UK, Storm Bert kept Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition docked for the entirety of the ship’s planned 3-night sailing that was to have departed on November 23, as the port was closed and North Sea weather too rough for safe sailing.
Strong winds and high swells are often the cause behind cancellation of different ports of call, such as private islands in the Bahamas or areas where tender boats are necessary. Thick fog can also cause delays for ships, especially returning to homeports up deep bays or rivers, such as Port Tampa Bay or the Port of Jacksonville.
This means that while hurricane season may have drawn to an official close, savvy cruisers will always stay tuned to the weather for their upcoming sailings and stay in close contact with their cruise line for any updates, adjustments, or other notifications.
2024 Hurricane Season’s Impact on Cruising
Well before the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season began, it was predicted as an unusually active season with the potential for a greater number of stronger storms.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted 17-25 named storms, and in fact, the total of named storms this year was 18 – from Alberto in June through Sara in November.
Hurricane in the Caribbean (Photo Credit: Drew McArthur)
Of those storms, the three most impactful were Beryl (Category 5 – June 28 through July 9), Helene (Category 4 – September 24-27), and Milton (Category 5 – October 5-10), each of which impacted multiple cruise ships from different lines and on different itineraries.
Cruise homeports were closed, ports of call were closed, routes were shifted, itineraries changed, even sailings cancelled – all impacts that cruise lines prepare for ahead of the season, though they hope never to have to make such decisions.
Ultimately, the safety of every ship and all aboard – passengers and crew members – is the top priority for every cruise line, and all itinerary changes and cancellations are made with safety in mind.
Have you set sail during hurricane season, or do you have a cruise planned during the 2025 storm season? Share your tips on the Cruise Hive boards!
Following an emergency evacuation and the development of technical issues impacting the ship’s top cruising speed, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Liberty will now have a very late return back to her Louisiana homeport.
The ship is not expected to arrive back in New Orleans until late afternoon on Sunday, December 1, 2024. While this is the same day scheduled for the end of the ship’s 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, cruise ships typically return to their homeports in the wee morning hours, with debarkation beginning between 7-8 a.m.
As of 9 a.m. Sunday morning, satellite tracking data shows the vessel approaching the Mississippi River Delta, but Carnival Liberty must still navigate significantly up the river to reach the cruise port. At the moment, the estimated time of arrival is not until 2:45 p.m., but that will be updated as the ship’s progress continues.
Guests booked on the next sailing have been notified of the very late, revised embarkation and updates to their terminal arrival appointments.
“Our engineers have been making progress with the repair work and we are now expecting to dock in New Orleans late afternoon Sunday, December 1,”the notification confirmed.“We must allow debarking guests to leave the cruise terminal and parking facility before we can accommodate your arrival.”
All cruise terminal arrival appointments are now rescheduled with a significant delay, ranging from 9-9.5 hours depending on the original time. All guests must be checked in at the cruise terminal no later than 11 p.m.
“To ensure a smooth embarkation experience, please adhere to this schedule,”the email said.“Guests who arrive earlier will be asked to return at their newly assigned time.”
Carnival Cruise Line is providing a $25 (USD) per person onboard credit to guests’ Sail & Sign accounts as compensation for the delay and to provide to lunch, as they are no longer able to board the ship for lunch as planned.
Once guests are able to embark, the evening dinner service will be open seating in the main dining rooms and the Lido buffet. This means that the assigned dining times will not apply, and guests will be seated first come, first served in order to accommodate as many guests as efficiently as possible.
It is not known when staterooms will be available for guests to access, though undoubtedly, the housekeeping team and all cabin attendants will be working hard to turn over cabins as quickly as possible.
During such significant delays, guests onboard the ship are generally asked to leave their staterooms as the ship draws closer to the cruise terminal, with different lounges and areas opened for waiting. This permits the housekeeping team to get started on their work as much as possible.
Carnival Liberty Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Luciavonu)
Before the ship arrives, the entertainment team and Fun Squad will undoubtedly be providing extra activities as well, doing everything possible to make the extra time onboard fun even though it is unexpected.
As a matter of interest, the December 1 departure is also planned as Carnival Liberty‘s first Christmas cruise of the season. It is possible the decorating schedule might be changed due to this unexpected delay if the decorating company is unable to work on the ship with her late return.
Will There Be More Impacts on the Next Sailing?
At this time, it is unknown whether or not Carnival Liberty‘s next sailing will need itinerary changes following her late start to the cruise.
The December 1 departure is a highly-anticipated 14-night Carnival Journeys cruise to the Panama Canal. Ports of call on the bucket-list voyage include Grand Cayman, Aruba, Curacao, Cartagena, Colon, Costa Rica, and Cozumel.
While no itinerary changes have yet been announced, it is possible that one or more ports of call may be adjusted or even cancelled to accommodate the ship’s delay.
This is especially possible if the propulsion issue has not yet been fully resolved, though the cruise line has made no announcement to that effect and the ship appears to have been sailing near her top speed en route back to New Orleans.
Guests will be notified as soon as possible if any itinerary modifications are necessary.
Spring break season typically falls around March through April, about when folks are getting a little tired of staying cooped up during the cold weather and are ready to head for sunnier skies. One of the all-time favorite ways to skip out on the snow? Going on a cruise.
Cruising is a very popular spring break vacation option, even if you’re not technically getting a “spring break” from school anymore. However, spring break cruises do come with their pros and cons. Is the experience right for you? Here’s what you need to know.
One of the main reasons why many opt for a cruise over spring break? It’s all about the money.
You can find many cruise lines offering discounts and deals for spring break cruises occurring in March or April. Just a quick look at spring break cruise deals on Priceline shows many different cruises offering interior stateroom stays for less than $100 per night, with hundreds of dollars of discounts.
Some also offer extra bonuses for booking, such as kids sail free promotions or 60% off your second guest. Some offer special bundles, like onboard credits and drinks included in your cruise fare.
When you look at the deals, and already know you or the kids will have time away from work and school, it can seem like a no-brainer to book a spring break cruise.
If you want the best deal on a cruise, however, you do have other options. The best cruise to book is one that’s occurring during what’s known as “wave season.”
Wave season is typically January through March, so it bumps up to and overlaps with the start of spring break season. This is historically when industry-wide demand is the lowest and when you can see regular cruise fares drop by as much as 50%.
Possibly the next-best time to book a cruise? On very short notice. Yes, while some cruisers may book their next cruise up to a year out, they’re also probably paying top dollar. As cruise lines get closer to their sail dates, they drop prices to fill up all their staterooms. If you can book a week or even a month out, you could save big on your fare.
Bottom line? While spring break cruises might not be the cheapest overall, they’re still pretty affordable for most travelers. If you go on a spring break cruise, you’ll enjoy this benefit. However, if you don’t want to go on a spring break cruise, there are other times that you can find great savings.
Con: Changing Clientele
Crowded Carnival Cruise Line Deck (Photo Credit: Ruth Peterkin)
If you’re accustomed to cruising, but you’ve never gone on a spring break cruise, you may be in for a little shock when you step aboard your cruise ship. The clientele changes a bit over spring break, partially in thanks to all those cruise savings and specials.
Expect college kids ready to party and families with kids in tow. These groups can both be rowdy and loud, albeit in slightly different ways. One group in particular may be pretty intoxicated throughout your cruise’s duration.
For some cruisers, this is no big deal. They go about their favorite cruising activities with little care as for who’s around them and what their fellow cruisers are doing. However, for many other cruisers, this can be a turn off. They’d rather wait until their favorite cruise ships are back to normal, free from the rowdier crowds.
If you’re not the type to prefer busy resort settings or crowded college towns, you might not like a cruise ship during spring break either.
That said, if you’re just dying to go on a cruise during March or April, you don’t have to avoid cruising altogether. Maybe just avoid the cruise lines that are most popular with spring breakers, which includes most notably Carnival Cruise Line, but also, to a lesser degree, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.
Instead, go for the cruise lines that may not attract families or college kids, like adult-only cruise lines or more expensive cruise lines. You may have to pay more for the experience, but getting away from the clientele may be worth it for you.
Pro: Shorter Sailings are Available
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock
During the spring break period, many cruise lines offer specifically shorter sailings. After all, spring break for most is only one week, so those cruisers might not be able to fit in a seven-day cruise, inclusive of travel to and from the port destination.
Spring break cruises can be just three or four days, allowing for cruisers to nicely fit the experience into their weeks off. While this may mean you won’t be able to visit the same number of destinations you would on a longer cruise, it’s just overall more convenient.
Even if you don’t have school to get back to, the short sailings mean less time needed off work and a quick, fun getaway.
As a few examples of what you can expect, MSC Cruises offers three-night spring break sailings from Miami that stop in the Bahamas and at the cruise line’s private island. Royal Caribbean offers four-night sailings from Los Angeles, with stops at Catalina Island and in Mexico.
Royal Caribbean also offers three-night spring break sailings from Fort Lauderdale, with stops in the Bahamas and at Perfect Day at Coco Cay. Carnival offers three-night Bahamas sailings as well.
Con: Expect Some Wild Parties
Virgin Voyages Party (Photo Credit: AVOXY)
If you were hoping to have a really relaxing, leisurely cruise, with lots of quiet time, maybe some late-night strolls on the top deckor some naps by the pool… Well, think again. That’s not exactly what you’ll get on most spring break cruises.
The crowds are up and the crowds are ready to party. Not only do the deck parties get a bit wilder and crazier, thanks to the spring breakers (read: college kids) ready to have a great time, but the general vibe the entire cruise will be a more rambunctious.
Pro: Expect Some Wild Parties in a Good Way!
Carnival Cruise Line Deck Party (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)
What can be a con for some, though, can be a major pro for others. If you really want a wild, time-of-your-life party atmosphere on a cruise, you can find it during spring break.
Just be sure that, if you are after that true party atmosphere, and not a crazy-because-there-are-a-million-children-on-board atmosphere, go for less family-centric cruise line. For example, you might avoid Royal Caribbean and, instead, choose a cruise on Virgin Voyages, which is adults-only.
Just keep in mind that, even on spring break, cruise lines do still enforce strict rules around disorderly conduct and over-indulging in the bar. For example, Carnival Cruise Line has a policy that states cruisers can only order 15 alcoholic drinks per day during their cruise, spring break or not.
Con: Crowded Sea Days
Busy Cruise Deck (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
During a normal cruise, on a sea day, certain areas of the cruise ship may be a little more crowded than normal, but it’s still not impossible for you to have a great time. With a little good timing, you can avoid crowds around the pool or buffet.
However, this may not be the case on a spring break cruise. Again, think of the spring breakers. Often, these are college kids that are out for a great time, but not out to spend extra cash.
As such, they’re going to be headed to the free fun on sea days, such as the buffet and the pool — leaving little room for you. If you’re looking for peace and tranquility before you hit the next port, you may need to head to the spa or the specialty restaurants.
It’s not just the adults’ spaces that can get pretty crowded, though. If you’re traveling on a kid-friendly cruise line, you may find that the overabundance of traveling families leads to children’s clubs filling up quickly. This can mean a lackluster experience for your children, or to some activities being moved out of the crowded kids’ club altogether.
Pro: You’ll Have the Ship to Yourself on Port Days
As we’ve discussed in the past, port days are some of the best times to enjoy a cruise ship, as the crowds disperse and you get more of the ship all to yourself. This is definitely the case during spring break.
Many spring breakers look at cruising as a way to visit a destination or multiple destinations while enjoying the journey just as much as the destination. As such, they’re going to get off at port.
You, though, don’t have to. If you’ve already been there, done that, especially when it comes to some of the most popular spring break cruise destinations, like the Bahamas, simply stay on board the ship.
Yes, while you may find that some attractions close up shop during port days, like certain restaurants, you will find that many other attractions are open and empty, like the pools, waterslides, dry slides, rock climbing walls and similar features. You can also enjoy certain discounts for paid activities on port days, like spa treatments.
Put yourself in the shoes of a college-age spring breaker looking for a cruise experience on a budget. What kind of stateroom are you going to choose? Probably the most affordable one…and you’re probably going to split the cost with as many friends as possible.
This can lead to noisy cabin areas, particular on thedecks of the cruise ship that are primarily dedicated to cabins only.
As such, you may need to bring your earplugs and white noise machine, if you plan on booking a cabin toward the middle of the ship. Otherwise, it may just be time to upgrade to a suite, where you can enjoy more space and a quieter atmosphere, among those who chose to splurge for better accommodations.
Better yet, book a room in a suites-only area of the ship. Multiple cruise lines now — such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean — have entirely separate areas of their ships dedicated to suite guests, with their own restaurants, sun decks and even pools. These spaces can give you greater separation from the traveling masses, and more quiet time.
Pro: The Weather is Pretty Good
Cruise Passenger Sunbathing on Carnival Magic (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin)
During March and April, the Caribbean is especially a good place to take a cruise, due to the great weather. You’re well out of hurricane season and it’s the dry season, so you don’t have to worry about rain showers.
Additionally, the temperatures aren’t too terribly hot. It’s the same if you take a Mexican Riviera cruise, as the temperatures aren’t bad, in the 70s or 80s.
For many travelers, this is exactly the kind of weather they’re looking for, after a few months of frigid temps and blustery snowstorms.
Con: Long Waiting Times
Long Lines for Quantum of the Seas (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
Cruising comes with a fair amount of waiting, no matter when or where you’re cruising. You’ll wait to board the ship, wait to get in your stateroom, wait at the buffet and, if you didn’t book your meal times and show tickets ahead of time, wait then, too. At port? You’ll be waiting to get off and on the ship yet again.
This isn’t a huge deterrent to many avid cruisers, though, because, while there is waiting, often, lines move relatively quickly.
During spring break, though, the lines are much, much larger. When a ship is packed to the gills with thousands upon thousands of people, getting everyone through the buffet at prime lunch time takes a while. As such, expect longer wait times if you cruise during spring break.
Is a Spring Break Cruise Right for You?
So, given all of the above, is a spring break cruise right for you? Only you can decide.
However, if you love a great party and a great deal, and only have a brief amount of time to get away from work, you may find that a spring break cruise is right up your alley.
On the other hand, if you hate crowds, noise, lines and the like, you may not have the patience required for a spring break cruise. Either choose a cruise at a different time or choose a cruise line that’s decidedly not spring break-friendly.
Two cruising families can be thankful for the hard work and dedication of United States Coast Guard (USCG) rescue teams after unexpected airlifts from two different Carnival-owned cruise ships in just 24 hours.
Both vessels – Holland America Line’s Koningsdam and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Panorama – are sailing on the West Coast with Mexican itineraries. The medical incidents are unrelated, but the amazing response of the USCG teams is the same in both situations.
On Koningsdam, the call for an urgent airlift was received by USCG watchstanders (individuals trained to monitor radio calls for assistance) at 7:12 a.m. on Friday morning, November 29, 2024.
At the time, Koningsdam was sailing approximately 280 miles south of the US and Mexico border on her last sea day of a 7-night Baja Peninsula cruise that had departed San Diego on November 23.
A 66-year-old female passenger was reported with symptoms of a stroke, and onboard medical personnel recommended the evacuation so more specialized care could be administered from a hospital on land.
Coast Guard Air Station San Diego dispatched an MH-60 Dolphin helicopter crew for the evacuation, while Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento launched a C-27 to offer assistance with coordinating communications.
The passenger was hoisted aboard the helicopter and transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in San Diego. While no further details about her identity have been released in order to protect her privacy and that of her traveling companions and family, her condition is reported as stable.
“Rescues like this are exactly what our crews train for,”said Lieutenant Brady Stepan, pilot, Air Station San Diego.“Through coordination from the command center and outstanding support from our C-27 cover aircraft crew, we were able to get the patient to higher-level care.”
You can watch a video below of the Koningsdam airlift by the US Coast Guard:
There was no delay to Koningsdam‘s schedule and the vessel arrived back in San Diego as planned. The vessel’s next itinerary, a 10-night Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez voyage, should depart as planned.
This is not the first time this year that Koningsdam has required medical evacuation assistance. In April, a 65-year-old male guest was evacuated offshore of Tillamook, Oregon under challenging weather conditions.
Second Rescue – Carnival Panorama
At the same time Koningsdam was calling for medical assistance, a second rescue situation was developing aboard Carnival Panorama just as the ship was concluding a 7-night Mexican Riviera itinerary.
Carnival Panorama departed Long Beach, California on Saturday, November 23, 2024 and it was on the last day of the cruise that a medical evacuation was requested.
While few details of this specific situation have been released, guests onboard the newly-revitalized ship have noted that a call for blood donors had been made late the evening before. It is unknown whether the two medical incidents on Carnival Panorama are related.
Furthermore, no details about the age of the evacuated guest or the type of medical situation have been released.
Undoubtedly, the families of both evacuated passengers are grateful for the assistance of the dedicated USCG rescue crews who serve tirelessly to offer help to all those who need it. These crews operate in all weather conditions and under sometimes challenging hazards to ensure everyone is able to get emergency care.
As with Koningsdam, the impacted passenger from the Carnival cruise ship was airlifted aboard a USCG helicopter for evacuation so more specialized care could be provided.
Carnival Panorama continued sailing as planned and was able to return to Long Beach on Saturday, November 30 on schedule. The ship’s next itinerary, a 6-night sailing, is not impacted and will depart the southern California homeport on time.
Carnival Panorama has been involved in a multiple-rescue situation previously. In April 2023, an airlift from the ship was the first of three airlifts performed in 24 hours off the coast of southern California. The other two rescues were from Majestic Princess and Carnival Spirit.
