Long road trips and big expectations can make tempers flare, especially when things don’t go as planned.
In a heated letter posted on social media, a Platinum level Carnival guest accused the cruise line of reneging on its promise of early cabin access.
“If we are Platinum, you said we can go straight to our room. That is a LIE,”wrote the passenger.“This is another perk pulled from under our feet.”
Citing exhaustion after a 14-hour drive, the guest on an unidentified Carnival voyage expressed outrage that the stateroom steward “bluntly told” her and her husband to leave after they attempted to use the cabin to take a nap before it was officially ready.
John Heald, Carnival’s charismatic brand ambassador, responded with his trademark humor but also clarified the cruise line’s policy.
“Diamond, Platinum, Faster to the Fun Guests, those in suites, and anyone from Cleveland, Ohio (kidding), can go to their cabins as soon as they go on board,” he stated.
But he also expressed the access was simply to drop off items.
“They can drop off their luggage, but please, leave straight away. The cabins will not be ready to the high standard you will all expect until approximately 1:30 p.m.,” he continued, shining a light on the demanding schedules faced by stewards.
For Carnival Cruise Line’s hardworking stateroom stewards, the time between disembarkation of one cruise and embarkation of the subsequent cruise is a whirlwind of activity.
After passengers from the previous voyage leave, crew members have just a few short hours to prepare the ship for hundreds, if not thousands, of new arrivals.
This includes cleaning, restocking, and ensuring staterooms meet cruise line – and passenger – standards.
Balancing Efficiency and Guest Enjoyment
But even with those tight turnarounds, the cruise line does offer a range of boarding perks for its loyalty members, particularly those in the VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club.
Platinum and Diamond members receive expedited boarding that allows them to skip long lines and board the ship early with a dedicated check-in line and priority luggage delivery that gets their belongings to their staterooms earlier in the day.
These guests, along with those who purchase the Faster to the Fun (FTTF) program or stay in suites, can access their cabins earlier than other guests. However, as Heald clarified, this is limited to dropping off luggage if arrival is before 1:30 p.m.
However, that doesn’t mean the perk isn’t worth it, as guests can begin enjoying and exploring a ship as soon as they embark.
Carnival Cruise Line Cabin Sheets (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
For example, passengers can head to the pool deck to soak up the sun, grab a bite at popular spots like Guy’s Burger Join or the Blue Iguana Cantina, or enjoy a cocktail at one of the ship’s bars to toast the start of a vacation.
Many ships also host welcome events, with Diamond and Platinum members typically invited to exclusive receptions where they can mingle with other cruisers and ship officers.
All guests will always find live music and entertainment as they settle into vacation mode, and many use embarkation time to get familiar with the ship’s layout and to book shore excursions, dinner reservations, and spa treatments.
For families, kids’ clubs like Camp Ocean provide activities for younger passengers, while sports courts and fun areas are also open to entertain and give everyone something to do while waiting for their staterooms.
So, while guests may not have full access to their cabins after boarding a ship, they can give the tireless crew time to make everything perfect by taking advantage of all the fun to be had even before unpacking.
Change is on the horizon for three of Carnival Corporation’s most celebrated cruise lines.
In a bold leadership shuffle announced on November 25, 2025, the world’s largest cruise company revealed new presidents for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Seabourn.
Starting December 2, 2025, Gus Antorcha will leave his post as president of Holland America Line to take the helm at Princess Cruises, succeeding John Padgett, who is stepping away in February 2025.
At the same time, Beth Bodensteiner, a 20-year veteran of Holland America, will become its new president while also assuming responsibility for the luxury Seabourn brand.
Seabourn will additionally welcome Mark Tamis, a seasoned hospitality leader, as its new president, replacing Natalya Leahy.
Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein expressed confidence in the appointments, highlighting their expertise and commitment to the industry.
“Gus and Beth are proven leaders who reflect the talent and capabilities of our organization and who have a deep knowledge of our industry, our business, and what drives our success,” said Weinstein.
He continued, “Under their leadership, I have no doubt that Princess, Holland America, and Seabourn will remain well-positioned for a bright future.”
Experienced Leaders at the Helm
Antorcha, who will take over Princess Cruises’ fleet of 16 ships that sail to more than 330 destinations around the world, brings a proven track record from Holland America Line.
During his tenure, he guided the brand’s return to operations post-pandemic, led the company to its strongest financial performance in 16 years, and achieved record-breaking booking milestones.
“I look forward to working with the talented team and their travel partners, and to continue delivering the distinctly effortless, personalized Princess MedallionClass vacation experience that has made Princess so popular,”Antorcha stated.
Before joining Holland America, he held leadership roles at Carnival Cruise Line and worked as a managing director at Boston Consulting Group.
Princess Cruises will be delivering a new ship to its lineup in 2025 when the Sphere-class Star Princess completes construction at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.
Bodensteiner, stepping into the top role at Holland America, is also no stranger to Carnival. She has spent two decades shaping the cruise line’s commercial and guest experience strategies, from deploying advanced revenue systems to forging high-profile partnerships with brands like Audible and Top Chef.
Beth Bodensteiner & Gus Antorcha
She will now oversee 11 ships and a network of itineraries reaching more than 450 destinations worldwide.
“I could not be prouder to take on the role of president,”Bodensteiner said.“This is a tremendous opportunity to work together with my trusted leadership team and to continue building on our rich history.”
Meanwhile, Seabourn is bringing Tamis back to the Carnival fold. With a background that spans cruising and boutique hospitality, including leadership roles at Royal Caribbean and Four Seasons Hotels, he most recently served as the global president of Aimbridge Hospitality, leading operations for 1,500 hotels.
Tamis stated,“The most rewarding work in my career has been my time in cruise. Combining that with my passion for creating the best vacation experiences in the world is a dream come true.”
Carnival Corporation also operates Carnival Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia.
Christine Duffy continues to lead Carnival Cruise Line, while Peter Little serves as the interim leader of Carnival Australia and Paul Ludlow manages Carnival UK and P&O Cruises.
Felix Eichhorn oversees AIDA Cruises, Mario Zanetti leads Costa Cruises, and Katie McAlister is president of Cunard.
It’s a “go” for a big makeover on Jersey Island in the English Channel.
The island’s government has officially greenlit a £150-million revitalization project for the harbor, which is adjacent to Jersey’s main town, St. Helier. First introduced in 2022, this proposal’s final signoff on funds gives Ports of Jersey the “A-okay” to begin in late 2025.
“The proposals, centered on Elizabeth Harbour, include a passenger terminal, customs and inspections facilities, and freight distribution centre within a significant area of waterside public realm, connected to St. Helier via a network of landscaped routes that will extend the town’s green infrastructure,”announced the port.
At the heart of the project, spearheaded by Ports of Jersey, is the development of a brand-new, state-of-the-art passenger terminal near Elizabeth Marina, designed to offer sweeping views of the Jersey coastline and Elizabeth Castle.
Its curved shape will mirror the natural lines of the shoreline with an exterior featuring sleek solar-controlled windows and fins that keep things cool while showing off the view, replacing the Elizabeth Terminal building that first opened in 1989.
Outside, the overhaul aims to reconnect the harbor with St. Helier’s town center. Gone will be the towering concrete walls that boxed in the area for 35 years. Instead, the designs call for open, landscaped routes that make it easy for people to walk or bike between the town and the waterfront.
This includes a new linear park that will stretch along the marina, offering green spaces where people can relax or play. Public spaces across the project will include art installations made from maritime relics, like old ship parts and buoys, guiding visitors along a trail that will end at a new observation pier.
The design, crafted by global architecture firm Broadway Malyan of London, promises to mix modern upgrades with a nod to the port’s 250-year history.
Building a Greener and Busier Future
Sustainability will play a huge role in the plans for Elizabeth Harbour, with every building in the project being outfitted with green roofs that double as homes for plants and renewable energy generators, thanks to built-in solar panels.
Many of the materials from the demolished concrete walls will even be reused to create berms and retaining walls, keeping waste to a minimum.
Plus, the harbor will tap into a new energy system powered by seawater heat pumps, which will cut down on carbon emissions and help Jersey reach its goal of net-zero harbor operations by 2030.
That goal aligns with broader European sustainability targets, including the European Union’s commitment to achieving a 55 percent reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2030 and reaching full climate neutrality by 2050.
New Jersey Passenger Cruise Terminal (Render Credit: Ports of Jersey)
St. Helier Harbour is predominantly a hub for freight and passenger ferries, but with a surge in cruise ships exploring the Channel Islands, particularly nearby Guernsey Island, the Port of Jersey is hoping its revitalization, which includes dredging the harbor to make space for larger vessels, will attract more cruise ships.
In 2025, the port is set to welcome several ships, including Oceania Cruise’s 1,200-guest Oceania Vista,kicking off the season on May 21, arriving from an extended voyage from the Caribbean to Southampton, England.
That call will be followed by Seabourn’s Seabourn Sojourn, carrying up to 458 passengers, Azamara Cruises’ 670-passenger Azamara Onward, and Silversea’s 392-guest Silver Shadow, bringing a slew of visitors to the island of just 9 miles by 5 miles in size.
Anticipation is growing for the new 6,762-passenger MSC World America, which is currently in the final stages of construction at the popular Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
Cruise Hive got a sneak peek onboard the vessel during the outfitting phase in mid-November, and there is so much to look forward to, especially for those in the US!
Before we get into how the outfitting is coming along, the cruise line and shipyard are doing a mammoth task in ensuring that one of the world’s largest cruise ships, at roughly 215,000 gross tons, is ready for guests. Workers are onboard night and day, bringing all the venues (some new just to the ship) to reality.
MSC World America Promenade (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
Let’s start with one of the main central hubs of the giant MSC cruise ship, the Galleria. This space, located on decks six and seven, is just one of seven districts onboard and will offer guests all kinds of dining and shopping options, with the mood and tone changing through the day and night using its LED and kinetic light ceiling.
From the Galleria, there’s also access to the Jean Philippe Chocolat & Café and Dolce Vita Bar. Further up, guests can also enjoy The Terraces district, which features nine dining venues and four stores.
MSC World America World Theater (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
I got a sneak peek at the World Theater, which has yet to install all the seating at the time I was there. The venue will host different shows throughout each cruise and will be able to seat 1,600 guests, located on decks six and seven forward.
MSC World America Promenade (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
The Promenade district might look slightly familiar, as it’s the same kind of concept as Royal Caribbean’s popular Boardwalk neighborhood on the Oasis class ships or even the Surf Side neighborhood on the Icon class.
This district, which is located on deck eight, is large and is mainly overlooked by Deluxe balcony cabins. Guests will also be able to get to the new Paxos Greek restaurant, a new multi-service dining venue for MSC Cruises that will also include a new “Paxos on the Go” option and a Promenade Bites venue.
MSC Cruises also confirmed that it will feature a new All-Stars Sports Bar, with a large bar area and screen, along with an interactive darts board area. This will be the largest sports bar found on an MSC Cruises ship so far!
MSC World America Dry Slide (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
Towards the aft of the Promenade district is the hard-to-miss dry slide called Jaw Drop @ The Spiral. The slide actually begins high up from The Harbour area and twists down onto the Promenade, spanning 11 decks. Guests will begin the thrilling ride from the mouth of the shark as seen in the photo above.
MSC World America The Harbour (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
During our sneak peak of the ship while at the shipyard, we also got a look at the new The Harbour outdoor space, located within the Family Aventura district on deck 20.
At the time of my visit, many of the slides that are part of the Aquapark were installed, with just a few elements still to go. One of the main features in this space is also the 90-degree vertical drop slide, along with a dual raft slide.
The Lighthouse (inspired by the lighthouse at MSC’s private island of Ocean Cay) was not yet installed, but this will be a fun area for the kids, also as part of The Harbour. Guests will also be able to enjoy a rock climbing wall and a 577 square meter two-level ropes course, which you can see in my photo above.
MSC World America Cliffhanger (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
One of the most anticipated features of MSC World America, and unique to the entire cruise industry, is the Cliffhanger. At the time, this feature was not yet completed, and setting the stone is the platform where the four-seat attraction will swing out over the side of the ship 50 meters above the ocean.
William Monts de Oca Rivera, Head of Guest Experience Innovation said:“one of the biggest innovations for MSC World America is The Harbour, part of the Family Aventura district, a brand-new revolutionary outdoor venue specially designed for kids and families to gather, play and relax together. It’s home to Cliffhanger – a state-of-the-art swing attraction 50m above the ocean that is going to bring a totally new dimension to the cruise experience.”
MSC World America Aqua Deck (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
Mid-ship on the open deck is one of the most popular areas of any cruise ship: the main pool! The main central pool is part of the Aqua Deck district, where you can relax and enjoy the sunshine or even party at night.
In fact, MSC World America has a total of six pools and 14 hot tubs. These also include twin adult-only pools at the aft of the ship within the Zen Area district.
Zen Area, MSC World America (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
Another district that MSC World America will feature is the MSC Yacht Club, which I was also lucky enough to take a look at. The ship-within-a-ship experience concept will be the largest in the fleet and will even feature a Top Sail Lounge, an exclusive dining area, and a pool. Guests booked on a Yacht Club cabin will even get a 24/7 butler service.
MSC World America Yacht Club Restaurant (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
I also got to see several other specific venues and locations onboard, includingthe new Eataly venue, the first ever at sea. This Italian-inspired restaurant will have dishes sourced from Italian supplies and also even feature an outdoor seating area.
There was also a visit to the Gin Project and even one of the 150 square meters Owners Suites that features a walk-in closet. The new flagship will have 19 different types of cabins, which Cruise Hive has detailed here.
With MSC World America being designed to sail for the US market, it was confirmed that 40% of the ship was different compared to sister ship MSC World Europa.
Sustainability was a huge factor that came across for the new ship. When MSC World America debuts, it will be the most energy-efficient in the world until its sister ship, MSC World Asia, arrives in 2026.
The vessel will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and will also be shore-power-ready and able to connect to ports that have that infrastructure in place.
What’s Next for MSC World America?
It has taken three years to construct the ship, ever since the first steel cutting in March 2022. However, the MSC World America is now approaching the end of its time at the shipyard in France.
MSC World America at the Shipyard (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
The first sea trials for the vessel are planned for December 2024, where the ship’s propulsion systems will be tested to make sure MSC World America is seaworthy. Outfitting will still continue, but by March 27, 2025, the giant new MSC cruise ship will be completed, marked with an official delivery ceremony from Chantiers de l’Atlantique to MSC Cruises.
The cruise line confirmed that the vessel will set sail that very same day of delivery and will waste no time in heading to the US.
MSC’s giant new flagship will debut for guests on April 12 out of PortMiami in Florida. The vessel will sail a 7-day voyage, visiting Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and the cruise line’s own MSC Ocean Cay private island in the Bahamas.
MSC World America will be based out of the cruise capital of the world year-round, offering Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
There is no doubt that a Christmas cruise is something special, a wonderful way for friends and family members to share special days and make fantastic holiday memories. But these seasonal sailings go far beyond just the fun of a cruise vacation with the extra glitter and sparkle of themed decorations.
Carnival Cruise Line has detailed just what limited time activities and events will be found onboard, giving every Christmas traveler something fun to look forward to as they set sail into the season, no matter how they choose to celebrate.
Embarkation day will be extra special with the “Spirit of the Season” celebration, a great way to begin a Christmas cruise. This embarkation evening event will feature each Carnival ship’s Cruise Director hosting an official tree lighting ceremony to begin the cruise, with festive music to set the mood.
Each cruise will also welcome a very special guest as Santa Claus arrives in the atrium to bring his own special seasonal magic onboard. This will happen during the “‘Tis the Season” event with the Fun Squad also joining in, and some ships also getting an extra special surprise.
While every Carnival ship will continue to offer the scheduled production shows and evening entertainment through the season, also on the playlist will be the Christmas Show with the full cast of singers and dancers.
By special appearance, that nasty wasty skunk with a heart full of unwashed socks and a soul full of gunk, the Grinch himself, will also join the show.
Guests will want to be prepared for the onboard Ugly Sweater Contest with their most funky festive attire, and they just might be crowned the winner with the worst wardrobe. Whether a Fun Ship medallion, a coveted ship-on-a-stick, or another great prize, be sure to flaunt all your best (or worst) duds for your chance to win!
For classic holiday nostalgia, the special performance of “‘T’was the Night Before Christmas” can’t be beat. Each ship’s Cruise Director will read the sweet poem – first published in 1823 – accompanied by the string trio for an elegant remembrance of the delight of the season.
For even sweeter celebrations, all guests of all ages are welcome to join in the “Holly Jolly Family Party” with the Fun Squad, Cruise Director, and delicious milk and cookies for everyone to enjoy.
Carnival Cruise Line is not unmindful of the special season of Hannukah as well. From December 25 through January 2, each ship will hold a Menorah lighting in the atrium, with traditional Jewish treats served to mark the event and share fellowship.
In addition to these special events throughout each sailing, extra seasonal activities such as holiday carols, themed bingo and trivia games, and even a Christmas dance class will also be held.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
The exact schedule of activities will vary on each ship based on cruise length, available spaces, and general itinerary, but travelers can get an updated activity list via the Carnival Hub app throughout their Christmas cruise.
Other Carnival Events Not Cancelled
While every cruise traveler celebrates the season differently, it is also important to note that each Carnival ship will also be offering the classic onboard fun guests know and love.
This includes the regular schedule of onboard parties and activities, such as the 80’s Rock and Glow Party, the Sail Away Party, trivia games, plentiful bingo, the Love and Marriage show, and other favorites.
As with any Carnival cruise, guests can choose exactly what fun they want to enjoy and there are always great options for everyone. Furthermore, travelers could just choose to relax by the pool, try their hand in the casino, or get pampered in the spa – whatever makes their cruise vacation the best!
Severe weather can impact cruise itineraries in any part of the world, and as Storm Bert has pummeled the UK, sailings in the region are not unaffected. In fact, Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition has been held in port long past her expected departure due to the closure of the Port of Tilbury and regional weather conditions.
Guests onboard the 48,123-gross-ton vessel have been kept apprised of discussions and why the ship has been unable to depart, with regular updates as to the ongoing challenges.
“Good evening. As has been widely reported, Storm Bert has begun impacting various parts of the UK, with winds of up to 30 knots reported in our home port in Essex and gusts reaching over 50 knots,”the first notification to guests on Saturday, November 23 read.
“After consulting with the Port of London and the Port of Tilbury, we have been advised that the weather conditions are too dangerous for Ambition to depart on the Amsterdam & Antwerp City Break as planned at 2000 this evening. The port is now closed to all vessels.”
While the ship is safe and all onboard operations – entertainment, restaurants, activities, etc. – remain as scheduled, the ship has been unable to depart on the 3-night mini-cruise as planned.
Further updates made on Sunday morning and afternoon clarified the poor weather’s impact on the sailing.
“We remain in discussions with the Port of Tilbury and the Port of London Authority, without who’s permission we will not be able to depart even if the winds subside to below the required level of 30 knots,”the morning update noted.
“We are hopeful to be able to bring you more positive news later this afternoon, with a pilot now onboard in the event that the weather conditions improve and we are able to sail to Antwerp in the early evening for an arrival tomorrow.”
Unfortunately, the conditions by Sunday evening had not improved enough for the ship to depart. Furthermore, even if the ship could leave, the conditions in crossing the North Sea would be very uncomfortable and potentially hazardous, while local tides would no longer be suitable for the river transit to Antwerp.
“We understand that this news may be disappointing for Ambition guests, but we would rather remain in port than risk safety on any North Sea crossing or attempt to access Antwerp at a time when the tides will not be in our favour. Thank you so much for your understanding,”the latest notification read.
This means Ambition will remain at the Port of Tilbury until Tuesday morning, when the ship was originally scheduled to have returned from the small break.
Satellite tracking data confirms that the vessel remains in place docked in Tilbury on Sunday night. At this time, the ship would be unable to reach any port of call while still returning for debarkation as planned on Tuesday, November 26.
Ambition – formerly AIDAmira of AIDA Cruises – can welcome 1,248 travelers at double occupancy, or up to 1,727 guests when fully booked with all berths filled. Also onboard are approximately 670 international crew members.
Despite the weather-related disruption to the current short sailing, Ambassador Cruise Line’s top priority is the safety and well-being of all travelers and crew. Ultimately, all decisions are made to ensure everyone is as safe and comfortable as possible in these challenging conditions.
Storm Bert Update
Storm Bert has brought severe flooding and strong winds across much of the UK, with winds reaching 60-70 miles per hour in some places. Coastal areas are especially prone to stronger winds.
Furthermore, high rainfall totals – estimated to be as much as a typical month’s worth of rain in just 24 hours – have contributed to more than 100 regional flood warnings.
Heavy rain and strong winds continue across central and southern parts of England and Wales 🌧️
Clear spells elsewhere, with blustery showers in the northwest
In northern areas, heavy snowfall has been recorded, and as the snow melts, it will further add to the flooding concerns.
Road closures, travel disruptions, and power outages have been common through the weekend, though emergency crews are working diligently to restore service as quickly as possible.
The most severe weather was easing Sunday evening, but challenging conditions are expected to continue through Monday as the storm system gradually moves out of the region by early Tuesday.
At this time, there are no expected changes to Ambition‘s next sailing scheduled to depart the Port of Tilbury on Tuesday, November 26. The 16-night sailing will visit Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands before returning to the UK on Thursday, December 12.
By a margin slimmer than a cruise ship ID card, residents of Bar Harbor, Maine, have indeed rejected the increase of a cap on cruise ship visitors. The results follow a resident-requested recount, which has verified the vote totals that – while small – still firmly reject the measure.
The recount of Amendment 4 was carried out after local restauranteur Kevin DesVeaux requested the verification. Local entrepreneurs like DesVeaux rely heavily on local tourism, including via cruise ship visits.
The official recount was conducted on Saturday, November 23, 2024 and in accordance with local regulations. The Town Clerk supervised the hand counting of the ballots, which was done in public for full transparency and verification.
The 3,653 total ballots were sorted and counted. The final recount confirmed 1,714 ballots in favor of the measure, while 1,779 ballots opposed the amendment. The remaining 160 ballots were blank on the amendment.
This means the rejection of Amendment 4 stands by a difference of just 65 votes, and there will be no increase in the cap of cruise ship guests permitted to disembark at Bar Harbor. At the moment, that cap is set at no more than 1,000 passengers per day.
Larger cruise ships, then, must bypass the scenic stop in favor of ports that welcome greater numbers of visitors, such as Rockland and Portland. This can significantly impact local businesses, but other tourists are welcome to arrive via bus or car without difficulty.
The town of Bar Harbor will also lose out on revenue from cruise ship taxes and port fees, though smaller ships will still be permitted to visit and will pay the associated fees.
This measure has been a contentious one, facing different challenges since it was first passed in November 2022. Previously, the cap had been 3,500, while the measure voted on just three weeks ago would have set a slightly lower cap of 3,200.
Bar Harbor, which is located approximately 120 miles northeast of Portland and 40 miles southeast of Bangor, is adjacent to Acadia National Park, a top destination in the Pine Tree State.
Cruise ship guests often enjoy tours, hikes, and other experiences in the park, which is one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the US. In 2023, more than 3.8 million guests visited Acadia National Park.
Why Reject Larger Ships?
Many different communities in different parts of the world – Alaska, Spain, California, Iceland, Greece, etc. – have explored measures to limit cruise ship visits in recent years.
These efforts come as ships get larger and larger. Just 10 years ago, the world’s largest cruise ships were the first two of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels. Oasis of the Seas (2009) and Allure of the Seas (2010) measure roughly 226,000 gross tons and can carry 6,780 guests each when fully booked, but they were the only ships able to do so at that time.
Cruise Ship in Bar Harbor, Maine (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Today, those same two ships have four additional sister ships and are eclipsed by the even larger, 249,000-gross-ton Icon of the Seas, which can carry 7,600 passengers when fully booked. Furthermore, other cruise lines have also built larger ships with larger capacities.
Most cruise lines are building larger and larger ships, and even more luxury and expedition cruise lines are gradually expanding their capacity.
By comparison, the town of Bar Harbor has a population of just over 5,000 residents. For the town to receive even smaller ships carrying several hundred passengers can potentially be overwhelming to the downtown area and local resources, especially when other tourists arrive by land-based means.
It is possible that future measures may be introduced to adjust Bar Harbor’s cruise visitor cap once more. Each one will undoubtedly be subject to similar legal challenges and close margins as the community chooses what works best for its residents.
The San Juan Cruise Port is celebrating an important stepping stone in its mission for growth.
Not one, but two cruise ships have just made their debut in Puerto Rico’s capital city in what will be the beginning of a lasting and fruitful relationship.
Ritz-Carlton Ilma, which is a super yacht from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, made its inaugural call on the popular cruise port on November 14, 2024 – at the end of a 13-night Transatlantic sailing from Lisbon, Portugal.
For the 448-guest vessel, this inaugural visit marks the beginning of its 2024-2025 Caribbean season – during which she will homeport in San Juan.
Indeed, the 790-foot yacht will operate eleven sailings out of San Juan between November 2024 to March 2025 – generating an estimated $1.7 million in revenue for the local economy.
These sailings will feature calls on popular ports like Bridgeton, Barbados; Soufriere, St Lucia Island; Portsmouth, Dominica; Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
Just a few days later on November 19, 2024, Sun Princess – the newest addition to the Princess Cruises’ fleet – made her inaugural call on the cruise port.
While she is homeporting in Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida, her debut marks the first of five scheduled visits during the main Caribbean cruising season – which runs annually from December to April when the risk of severe storms is at its lowest.
The 177,882-gross ton ship has already started alternating between week-long voyages to the Western and Eastern Caribbean – while simultaneously operating 14-night sailings that include both of the shorter itineraries.
Each visit from the Sphere-class ship will bring 5,189 passengers and 1,550 crew members to the port – bolstering the local tourism and hospitality industries.
Across all the Princess ships sailing in the Caribbean in the 2025 fiscal year, the brand is expected to bring 122,000 passengers to San Juan with 34 planned ship calls – generating over $1.7 million.
Inaugural Ship Calls Signal Growth
The San Juan Port, which is grouped into two terminals and four cruise ship piers, has been working hard to promote growth and reach – or exceed – its pre-pandemic numbers.
In 2019, San Juan received approximately 1.8 million cruise guests. But as recently as 2023, that number was closer to 1.3 million cruisers.
That said, the debut of Ritz-Carlton Ilma and Sun Princess are a positive sign of growth for both the cruise port and the local economy.
“The inclusion of San Juan in the itineraries of these iconic vessels strengthens our tourism sector and contributes to the Island’s economic growth by diversifying and expanding our luxury travel offerings,”said Carlos Mercado Santiago, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
Sun Princess San Juan Ceremony (Photo Credit: San Juan Cruise Port)
Traditional plaque exchange ceremonies were also held to celebrate the inaugural calls for both cruise ships with government representatives and port executives present – during which representatives from Princess Cruises reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering cruise tourism in Puerto Rico.
The cruise port also recently began construction for a $100 million improvement plan – officially breaking ground on the project on September 25, 2024.
The project – which comes as a result of a 30-year concession contract with a port management firm called Global Ports Holding (GPH) – will include repairs made to Pier 4 and the Pan American Piers, as well as to the existing cruise terminals.
That said, GPH – which operates 32 cruise ports globally – is already planning a second round of financing to create two new cruise port areas.
These would be the Old San Juan District, including Piers 1 and 4 which are mainly for transit calls, and the Homeport District, which would include Piers 11-14 and the Pan American piers.
When all is said and done, GPH estimates that its total investment in improving the San Juan Port could reach $425 million.
Hitting the jackpot just got a whole lot easier for cruise passengers on Carnival Corporation ships. Maybe.
Casino table games developer Galaxy Gaming has announced its Galaxy Operating System (GOS) is now available on over 50 vessels, featuring advanced jackpot programs that grow as players place bets, creating larger potential winnings.
The new system also features nebula sensors to provide accurate betting and winnings data and digital management tools.
“The innovative GOS technology not only elevates the quality of our gaming offerings but also ensures that our customers enjoy a seamless and engaging experience throughout their voyage,”said Dave Thomas, vice president for North American gaming operations at Carnival Corporation.
The rollout of the GOS has Carnival Corporation expanding its gaming offerings for its passengers on its cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises, Seabourn, and Costa Cruises.
“We are thrilled that the deployment of our GOS system, along with our joint efforts to create engaging player experiences, has brought a best-in-class table games experience to [Carnival Corporation] casino players across the entire fleet,” said Galaxy Gaming’s President and CEO Matt Reback.
However, the new technology is not without its controversy. Although the advanced jackpot progressives allow for larger jackpots that attract more players, the digital tracking tools and sensors also allow casinos to better understand player behavior.
This means casinos can optimize games to maximize their profits.
The dynamic payout technology also allows casinos to offer enticing odds, while keeping the house edge intact, making it a bit harder for passengers to win.
The Perks and Pitfalls of Gaming at Sea
Casinos play a big role in the gaming industry, which, in the US reached a record-breaking $66.5 billion in 2023 at land-based operations. This included traditional casinos, which generated $49.4 billion.
Sports betting and online gaming also added to the gaming industry high, bringing in nearly $11 billion and $6.2 billion, respectively.
Cruise lines, however, sail in international waters and are not subject to the same regulations so data on casino revenue is harder to come by. Instead, these figures are added into onboarding spending, which Royal Caribbean recently said accounted for approximately 35 percent of its total revenue in the third quarter of 2024.
Carnival Corporation ships have a variety of games at its casinos, such as slot machines, poker, and blackjack, and caters to all skill levels, from beginners at slot machines to seasoned players competing in poker tournaments. Some cruises even offer free lessons to encourage participation.
High rollers can take advantage of VIP perks, such as access to exclusive tables and complimentary drinks. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, features its Carnival Players Club and members receive invitations to exclusive events, access to special promotions, and, yes, free drinks while playing.
The program features various tiers that offering bigger rewards the more guests play and the more guests win. For instance, Elite cruisers may receive perks like free parking, complimentary shore excursions, and beverage packages.
On Holland America Line, it’s the Ocean Players Club, which has similar tiers and rewards. Additionally, the cruise line has a Casino Players Match program to compete at other casinos to win free cruises.
However, gambling at sea isn’t without its downsides. Odds on slot machines are notoriously less favorable than those at gaming hubs on land, and payouts can vary widely depending on the cruise.
