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Another Royal Caribbean Ship Impacted By Storm in the Atlantic

Melissa Mayntz
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Another Royal Caribbean Ship Impacted By Storm in the Atlantic

Just days after a scary list startled passengers aboard Explorer of the Seas and caused minor damage, multiple injuries, and a delay in the ship’s transatlantic crossing, another Royal Caribbean ship has encountered rough weather that required a sudden course correction.

Guests sailing aboard Odyssey of the Seas, also on her transatlantic crossing from Rome to New York, ran into the severe line of storms that required an abrupt shift in the ship’s course.

The ship’s captain made an intercom announcement to advise guests of the storm front and the possibility of a severe list. Passengers were asked to remain seated throughout the maneuver to be as safe as possible.

Various videos and photos shared from guests currently onboard the 167,704-gross-ton, Quantum Ultra class ship show “angry seas” with rough waves and high winds recorded at about 50-55 knots (57-63 miles per hour).

The most dramatic scenes show waves crashing completely over windows on Deck 3; a very unusual amount of roughness for any cruise ship. Other photos show broken bottles and toppled glassware in bars, as well as other general disarray in public spaces, including the ship’s retail areas.

At no time was Odyssey of the Seas‘ safety compromised, and the ship continued sailing through the stormy weather as smoothly as possible.

There have been no reports of injuries, though seasickness is to be expected in such turbulent weather.

Guests onboard made the most of the stormy day and the ship’s activities remained largely unaffected. While any activities for the outer decks – such as poolside contests – were cancelled for safety, additional indoor activities were planned.

Casino gambling, live music, amazing dining (grab a slice at Sorrento’s for me!) and all the other features of the phenomenal ship are available to travelers and offer great opportunities for unique memories of a very unique sailing.

The 14-night, one-way repositioning cruise departed Rome on Sunday, November 3 and made her way to Barcelona, Valencia, Cartagena, and Malaga in Spain as well as Funchal, Portugal before heading out across the open ocean.

The next stop will be Odyssey of the Seas‘ winter homeport when the ship arrives at Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey on Sunday, November 17. The ship will offer 7-night roundtrip Bahamas cruises through April 2025, along with an Eastern Caribbean sailing and two Southern Caribbean itineraries in January, before returning to Rome (Civitavecchia) for the summer season.

Why So Many Storms Impacting Ships?

Cruise travelers who have taken either transatlantic or transpacific sailings readily understand that rougher weather is to be expected in the open ocean, though such severe storms are more the exception than the rule.

Read Also: What to Do Onboard a Cruise Ship in Bad Weather

Nevertheless, late autumn can be especially turbulent in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean – just where Odyssey of the Seas is making her crossing – due to tropical systems that have moved north during the later part of the season.

No cruise line can predict what the weather will be when itineraries are planned years in advance. It is a fair bet, however, that later autumn sailings are more likely to encounter poor weather, just as Caribbean sailings in September are more likely to encounter hurricanes.

Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas (Photo Credit: AlexKuznetsov / Shutterstock)

All cruise lines closely monitor weather patterns in all their sailing regions, communicating with individual ships and ports as needed for any warnings, adjustments, or cancellations.

Royal Caribbean’s own Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, offers online updates about severe weather systems impacting cruise operations. Onboard individual ships, the cruise director or captain would make announcements as needed, and any notifications of itinerary changes or adjustments are delivered to guests’ staterooms.

At the moment, there are no anticipated changes for Odyssey of the Seas and she should arrive in New Jersey as scheduled, ready to begin her Caribbean season and bring amazing thrills to all 4,198 travelers (double occupancy) that can board the ship at each sailing.

Bar Harbor Resident Requests Recount in Close Cruise Ship Vote

Lissa Poirot
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Bar Harbor Resident Requests Recount in Close Cruise Ship Vote

After Bar Harbor, Maine, residents narrowly voted to maintain the town’s strict limit on cruise ship arrivals, rejecting a proposal that would have raised the daily cap from 1,000 to 3,200 passengers, one local resident is rallying support for a recount.

The decision, made in the November 5, 2024, election, passed by a slim margin of just 63 votes, with 1,776 in favor of keeping the existing cap and 1,713 opposed.

The rejected proposal aimed to repeal the current cap, allowing the town council to set a new, more flexible limit. The plan had proposed a 3,200-passenger daily cap, monthly restrictions, and a series of “cruise-free” days to alleviate peak season pressure.

However, the town’s longstanding concern about the impact of high tourist volume from cruise ships led to a close vote against the proposed increase.

Amid the narrow outcome, local restaurateur Kevin DesVeaux has begun collecting signatures from registered voters to meet the requirement for a formal recount request.

“The vote on Question 4, the Chapter 50 cruise ship proposal, was a virtual tie and reflected strong citizen interested in this important issue,” DesVeaux told Bangor Daily News.

DesVeaux is now encouraging supporters to sign the petition at his West Street Café to ensure “voter intent for every ballot is considered.”

In order to recount the ballots, 100 registered voters must sign the petition by the end of the business day on November 20, 2024.

“We know how important it is to find the right solution,” DesVeaux said. “Once we have collected enough signatures, we will file this request with the town clerk.”

Millions of Dollars at Stake

The coastal town of Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park, is a popular destination for cruise ships, with a season that runs from May to October.

In 2018, the town of just over 5,000 welcomed a record-breaking 154 cruise ship visits bringing over 222,000 passengers to its Mount Desert Island location. Although the pandemic paused cruise traffic to the town, by 2022, more than 150 ships had returned.

Growing local discontent resulted in the 2022 enactment of the 1,000-passenger daily limit, although the cap was partially waived through 2024 for ships that had scheduled calls before the law was changed.

Read Also: 10 Reasons Not to Stay on the Cruise Ship When in Port

Cruise Ships at Bar Harbor
Photo Credit: Danita Delimont / Shutterstock

Since 2022, the daily cap has faced challenges, including a federal lawsuit by the Association to Protect and Preserve Local Livelihoods (APPLL), which argued the restrictions harmed local businesses. However, a US District Court ruled in favor of the town earlier this year.

The rejected November 2024 proposal, backed by the town council, would have set a cap of 55,000 monthly arrivals in September and October, 20,000 for May through August, and 5,000 in early and late seasons, with additional “cruise-free” days for local relief.

Currently, several large-vessel ships have Bar Harbor on repeat itineraries for 2025, including Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Gem, with 2,376, 3,963, and 2,394 guests, respectively.

While Oceania Cruises’ Insignia will arrive with just 670 passengers, its Allura carries up to 1,200.

If the town keeps its cap, cruise lines may change their itineraries for more welcoming ports like Rockland and Portland to provide all guests the opportunity to disembark. 

Bar Harbor businesses stand to lose out on the millions of dollars cruise guests spend in port while the city will lose over a million in port and passenger fees.

Black Friday Sale Applies to These Just-Dropped NCL Sailings

Donna Tunney
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Black Friday Sale Applies to These Just-Dropped NCL Sailings

Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings on hundreds of new sailings in its 2026-27 fall/winter series and timed the event to coincide with its Black Friday Sale, which offers prospective guests half off all published sailings.

The fall/winter cruise schedule features 400 departures from 20 ports on ships calling at close to 100 destinations in 38 countries.

Notable deployments include the 3,100-guest Norwegian Prima making her seasonal debut in New Orleans, while the 4,000-guest Norwegian Breakaway will be based for the first time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Also, the 2,400-guest Norwegian Jade returns to Asia for the first time since the pandemic hit, and the 2,000-guest Norwegian Spirit will be based Down Under, sailing several voyages from Sydney, including some wine-focused itineraries.

“Offering our loyal guests more ways to have their own best vacation with more of what they love is central to our commitment,“ said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. 

“For added convenience, we will feature weekend turnarounds from ports across the US, including New Orleans, Miami, and Galveston, Texas, making it even easier for guests to set sail on their own schedule,” added Herrera.

The Black Friday Sale’s 50%-off promotion can be combined with the line’s new More At Sea value-added package that was rolled out in October 2024 and takes effect with cruises departing on and after January 1, 2025.

The package replaced the line’s previous Free At Sea program, and includes amenities and services such as a beverage package, specialty dining, WiFi access, a $50 shore excursion credit, and free airfare in some cases, among other benefits.

Norwegian Cruise Line will have a huge presence in the Caribbean during the fall/winter season of 2026-27, with 15 ships sailing from 10 ports.

Cruisers can embark from two Florida ports, Miami and Port Canaveral, along with two options in the Northeast, New York and Philadelphia, plus others, such as Galveston, on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Norwegian Luna, a 3,500-guest new-build slated to enter service in spring 2026, will sail Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from PortMiami.

New Orleans will be Norwegian Prima’s homeport for the first time, as she sails cruises to the Western Caribbean, calling at Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; and Roatan Island, Honduras. 

Norwegian Breakaway’s inaugural season at San Juan will feature Southern Caribbean itineraries with visits to Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; La Romana, Dominican Republic; Willemstad, Curacao; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

On the US West Coast, the 4,000-guest Norwegian Encore will sail Mexican Riviera voyages from Los Angeles, calling at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Asia, Australia Voyages Also on Roster for Norwegian Cruise Line

Guests looking for international experiences farther afield can choose from a variety of Asia voyages and cruises to Australia and New Zealand.

Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Line Haven – What You Need to Know

Norwegian Jade will sail Asia with 16 cruises between four homeports — Incheon, South Korea; Hong Kong; Singapore. Guests can embark at any of the four, or choose from two cruises roundtrip from Tokyo.

Norwegian Jade Cruise Ship
Norwegian Jade Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)

The ship will make maiden calls to Muara, Brunei Darussalam; Kaoshiung, Taiwan; Jeju Island, South Korea; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; and Coron, Philippines. Some voyages will overnight in Hong Kong and offer late departures from Osaka and Kanazawa, Japan, and Busan, South Korea.

In Australia, wine enthusiasts can book one of Norwegian Spirit’s wine regions and “Taster” cruises. Several sailings roundtrip from Sydney depart between Dec. 12, 2026, and Jan. 10, 2027, and visit Australia’s popular wine regions. 

Port calls include Hobart, Tasmania and Kangaroo Island, South Australia, and guests can enjoy overnight stays in Adelaide, South Australia and Melbourne, Victoria. The itineraries provide plenty of time for guests to explore well-known vineyards near each port of call, including in Barossa, Derwent, and Yarra.

Alaska Port Moves Closer to Daily Cap on Cruise Arrivals

Donna Tunney
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Alaska Port Moves Closer to Daily Cap on Cruise Arrivals

Sitka, a fast-growing cruise port on Alaska’s Inside Passage, is edging closer to establishing a daily limit of 7,000 cruise passengers as a way to gain control over cruise tourism’s impact on the destination’s local population and pristine environment.

The Sitka Assembly on November 12, 2024 approved a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the city’s privately-owned Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal that sets the cap on cruise guest arrivals.

The MOU is not a legal document or contract, and is considered a framework for reaching goals that were outlined in a set of recommendations by the city’s Tourism Task Force earlier this year.

The plan also designates Saturday as a “weekend quiet day,” when cruise ships with a lower berth capacity for more than 1,000 guests will not be allowed to dock or to tender passengers ashore.

Additionally, the MOU aims to curtail the length of the Sitka cruise season by prohibiting ships with a lower birth capacity of greater than 1,000 passengers from calling during April and October.

The vote by the assembly followed an earlier effort, in June 2024, by townspeople to limit daily cruise arrivals to 4,500 passengers, with an annual cap of 300,000. However, their plan was quashed a month later, when the Sitka municipal clerk denied their petition for a ballot initiative.

The Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal can accommodate two 1,000-foot neo-Panamax cruise ships simultaneously, with a total capacity of 8,000 guests.

The length limit enables mega-ships to dock but excludes some of the world’s largest ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class and Icon-class vessels, which exceed 1,100 feet.

The memorandum between the city and the dock owner also aims to improve communication between the two entities, with the sharing of information about ship schedules and notifications about any changes to schedules. Under the proposal, the MOU will be reviewed every five years.

When the MOU is finalized with the signature of the owner of Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, it would take effect immediately. However, the 2025 cruise season already is scheduled and port calls have been booked by individual cruise lines. The document calls for the entities to work together to reach some of the plan’s goals.

“Knowing that the 2025 cruise season has already been scheduled and put on sale by cruise companies, both the City and Borough of Sitka and Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal agree to review the schedule and coordinate in good faith to achieve the purposes, intentions, and expectations set forth in this MOU to the greatest extent possible,” the memorandum of understanding states.

Cruise Ships Docked in Sitka
Cruise Ships Docked in Sitka (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte)

Sitka Joins Other Ports Capping Cruise Arrivals

Sitka welcomed a record 585,000 cruise guests in 2023 and is expected to break that record when 2024 numbers are tallied. The destination is not alone in trying to curtail and control the growth of cruise tourism.

Read Also: Your Guide to the Best Alaska Cruise Ports

In Bar Harbor, Maine, residents voted on November 5, 2024, to maintain the town’s daily cap of 1,000 cruise guests. A question on the ballot asked voters to boost the number to 3,200 per day.

Under the failed proposal, the annual cap at the Maine port would have been set at 200,000 guest arrivals.

Alaska’s capital city and one of its largest ports, Juneau, also has set daily limits for cruise ship disembarkations. In an agreement signed in May 2024 with the Cruise Lines International Association, the city capped the number of cruise ship passengers to 16,000 per day, with a reduced limit of 12,000 on Saturdays.

Club Members Get Early Access to Disney Adventure Bookings

Melissa Mayntz
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Club Members Get Early Access to Disney Adventure Bookings

Guests of Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club will have exclusive early access to book sailings aboard the exciting new Disney Adventure as she prepares for her debut from Singapore.

The cruise line has now announced the booking dates available to different levels of their loyalty program, with the most loyal guests – those who have sailed with Disney Cruise Line the most – able to book several days before other members.

The highest level of Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club is the Pearl level, which was only introduced in early 2023. Those elite guests have completed at least 25 sailings with the cruise line.

Pearl Castaway Club Members can book their voyages aboard Disney Adventure as early as Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 8 a.m. Singapore time. In the US, this is Tuesday, December 3 at 7 p.m.

Different tiers of the loyalty club are able to book Disney Adventure cruises on successive days. The Platinum members (10-24 sailings) can book on December 5, while Gold members (5-9 sailings) can book on December 6. Silver club members (1-4 sailings) are the last loyalty members to have access to new booking opportunities on Monday, December 9.

For each new opening of bookings, travelers in Singapore can begin making their Disney Adventure reservations at 8 a.m. local time on the stated days. Travelers in the US must adjust their timing to 7 p.m. the evening before.

Worth Reading: Tiered Bookings for New Disney Cruise Ship to Open This Week

Bookings for the general public will open on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. This gives all loyalty members at least one full day to choose their preferred sailing, staterooms, and other reservation details.

It is common practice for a cruise line’s most loyal members to have early access to bookings as a perk for their dedication. This means that especially coveted sailings, such as maiden voyages, holiday cruises, or unique itineraries often fill up more quickly, with less availability for new cruisers.

Setting Sail Aboard Disney Adventure

Disney Adventure will set sail on her inaugural voyage on Sunday, December 15. That 3-night sailing – like all the ship’s sailings – does not have any ports of call, but gives travelers plenty of time to relax, unwind, and enjoy all the amazing features of the brand new ship.

Of course, a ship’s maiden voyage is always a special occasion filled with unique events, exclusive activities, and distinctive memorabilia.

Rates for the maiden voyage start at $1,564 (USD) for two guests in an inside stateroom, and go as high as $5,542 for the elite Concierge level stateroom.

Cabin on Disney Adventure
Cabin on Disney Adventure

Most of Disney Adventure‘s sailings are 3- and 4-night cruises, which can be amazing short getaways for travelers to immerse themselves in the onboard Disney magic.

Of special interest will be the ship’s December 22, 2025 and December 27, 2025 sailings, both of which are 5-night cruises and the longest the ship is currently offering. These longer itineraries start at $2,694 for an interior stateroom, $3,784 for an oceanview, $4,144 for a verandah balcony, and $9,724 for a Concierge suite.

Disney Adventure will be offering solely at-sea cruises, ensuring that everyone aboard has ample time to enjoy the ship’s features, amenities, and activities.

“Sailing on primarily three- and four-night voyages designed with only dedicated days at sea, the ship will include something for everyone,” said Sarah Fox, vice president and regional general manager, Southeast Asia, Disney Cruise Line.

More From Cruise Hive

The new 208,000-gross-ton ship will not disappoint, as the lavish appointments in guest staterooms will immerse travelers into Disney, Pixar, or Marvel stories and iconic storybook settings.

Public spaces will also include outstanding Disney details with elegance and distinction, offering something for everyone. The ship will include the longest rollercoaster at sea and other thrill rides, relaxing adults-only spaces, exclusively themed dining venues, and other outstanding Disney magic across seven themed areas.

Are you ready to book your next oceangoing adventure aboard Disney Adventure?

US Updates Travel Advisories for Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Catie Kovelman
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US Updates Travel Advisories for Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Some cruise guests sailing to the Caribbean might want to reconsider before getting off the ship in certain ports of call. 

This is because the US State Department has released new travel advisories for the Caribbean countries of Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines – which are an island chain that is part of St. Vincent – on November 12, 2024. 

However, these destinations aren’t dangerous because they are riddled with crime or dangerous residents, but rather because they are still navigating the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl in July of 2024 – which hit the region as a Category 4 storm. 

The current advisory for St. Vincent and the Grenadines is set at a Level 1, which means cruise guests should exercise normal precautions if they visit. 

The travel alert states that Canouan, Mayreau, Palm Island, and Union Island are in varying stages of hurricane recovery – meaning infrastructure may be damaged and there may be fewer tourism operations available, including hotels and transportation. 

The Level 1 travel advisory for Grenada was also set for the same reason – and speaks to the impact of Hurricane Beryl on the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique specifically. 

“In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl damaged buildings on these islands. Restaurant and other food options were affected. Until repairs are complete, fewer hotels may be available. Internet service was severely impacted by the hurricane and may be unreliable or unavailable,” reads the travel advisory for Grenada. 

As these alerts are at the lowest level, it’s generally still considered safe for tourists to explore these Caribbean hot spots. However, the US government suggests contacting these destinations – or your cruise line – prior to visiting for the most updated information. 

That said, travel advisories do get more severe as they level up and range from a Level 1 (lowest) to Level 4 (highest and most dangerous).

Level 1, which is what applies to these Caribbean ports, means to “exercise normal precautions.” Level 2 says to “exercise increased caution”, Level 3 urges guests to “reconsider travel,” and Level 4 is the most significant, because it stands for “do not travel.”

All Eyes on Labadee, Haiti

Speaking of travel advisories, another Caribbean country is currently at a Level 4 travel advisory. 

Haiti, which is home to Royal Caribbean’s private destination on Labadee, has been categorized as “do not travel” by the US government since March of 2024. 

The elevated travel advisory remains in place and is due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare. 

Royal Caribbean did remove Labadee from all itineraries in March out of an abundance of caution and only recently started sailing back to the Haitian peninsula on October 8, 2024.  

That said, many in the cruise community are questioning if the family-friendly cruise line has returned to its exclusive destination too soon – especially as the local unrest seems to be intensifying. 

Read Also: Are Cruises Safe? What You Really Need to Know

As recently as Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the US Federal Aviation Administration joined the United Nations in suspending flights to Haiti after armed groups fired on three commercial aircrafts. 

On November 11, a plane from Spirit Airlines was hit by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince – the capital of Haiti – which resulted in a minor injury to one of the flight attendants. 

JetBlue and American Airlines have also reported being hit by gunfire after flying to Haiti’s main airport. 

Even so, Royal Caribbean is holding firm in its decision to return to Labadee – which is located about 125 miles away from Port-au-Prince – after its months-long hiatus.

“The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority. Our Global Security and Intelligence Team continuously monitors the situation in Haiti,” the cruise brand said in a statement to NBC. 

Since Labadee is in a fenced-off, guarded area away from the main population of Haiti, Royal Caribbean may still feel safe enough to bring guests to its private destination. 

That said, the cruise line is limiting its shore excursions to the more secure areas in the direct vicinity of the cruise port for the time being. 

Crown Princess Guests Informed About the Need for Extra Cleaning

Catie Kovelman
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Crown Princess Guests Informed About the Need for Extra Cleaning

In a surprising coincidence, not one, but two Princess cruise ships sailing through Australia have experienced gastrointestinal outbreaks in a very short time period.

The first outbreak occurred during Diamond Princess’s 21-night New Zealand-bound cruise, which disembarked on November 12, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia.

However, according to passengers currently onboard Crown Princess, the Carnival-owned brand is now in the middle of battling a second, unrelated gastrointestinal outbreak. 

In fact, up to 2,080 guests were strongly encouraged to disembark in Darwin, Australia, during the port call on November 14, 2024, to allow crew members to conduct a deep cleaning onboard. 

“To help control the spread of illness, we are conducting a comprehensive ship wide cleaning and disinfection program on Thursday 14th November 2024 during our stay in Darwin,” reads a letter from Princess that was delivered to all cruise cabins. 

“We strongly recommend you consider spending some time ashore exploring the beautiful port of Darwin whilst our teams diligently complete the disinfection operations,” the letter suggested.

The cruise line added that the cleaning process would begin mid-morning and take approximately two hours to complete – during which time some amenities onboard could be unavailable. 

Guests were also informed that the cleaning wouldn’t be limited just to public areas, but would also include all 1,545 guest staterooms. 

Passengers would be required to vacate their staterooms during the cleaning unless they had become sick and were in isolation. 

“If you are not planning to spend time ashore, please vacate your stateroom if requested to do so by one of our team members. Guests who are currently in isolation are not required to vacate their rooms and should remain in their staterooms,” continued the update. 

It’s unclear how many people onboard have fallen ill or what pathogen is making them sick, although norovirus is usually the cause of most gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships.

Multiple Princess Ships Take Action Against Illness 

If this story sounds familiar, it’s likely because a similar outbreak onboard Diamond Princess also came to light in early November – and both Diamond Princess and Crown Princess are currently sailing in Australian waters. 

In the case of Diamond Princess, guests were asked to leave the ship three times to allow for deep cleanings – twice in Melbourne, Australia, and once in Auckland, New Zealand. 

With the disturbance happening several times, guests onboard Diamond Princess were given a $50 onboard credit to make amends for each time they were asked to disembark – whereas no compensation has been announced regarding the outbreak on Crown Princess as of the time of publication.

Princess Cruises Ship
Princess Cruises Ship (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)

Read Also: Cruise Hive Discussion Boards – Princess Problems

That said, the cleaning and outbreak have not caused any known delays for the 113,500-gross ton Crown Princess – which is currently sailing through Eastern Australia and operating six itineraries at once, which range in length from 15 nights to 28 nights. 

As she sails on, the approximately 1,200 crew members are following strict protocols to prevent any further spread of illness, and any subsequent delays that might follow a large outbreak. 

For example, sick guests have been told to isolate themselves in their cabins and anyone who suspects they may be falling ill have been instructed to return to their stateroom and contact the onboard medical team. 

“Please remember that if you develop any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, return to your stateroom, and notify the medical staff by telephoning 911,” urged the letter from Princess. 

In these situations, it’s also common for the cruise lines to take extra precautions, such as by having crew members serve guests in the buffet (instead of self service) and cleaning high-touch surfaces more frequently. 

Current passengers have also reported seeing a higher number of other guests wearing masks around the ship and that they are taking their own preventive measures, such as washing their hands more often and carrying hand sanitizer.

Carnival Cruise Line Addresses Attire Concerns for Formal Night

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Addresses Attire Concerns for Formal Night

Dressing to the nines can be a grand occasion on a cruise vacation and a great opportunity for couples, families, and friends to enjoy a night of elegance and distinction with fabulous attire and glittering accessories. But should such formalwear be required?

One Carnival cruise guest has reached out to the line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, with an idea of where and when to require old-school formal night attire far beyond what the cruise line currently recommends for its “Elegant Evenings.”

“We are Platinum and closing in on Diamond,” the guest explained about their cruise line loyalty. “I know that Journey cruises are top heavy with Diamond and with Platinum [passengers].”

Carnival Journeys cruises are the longer sailings (9+ nights) that often visit very sought after destinations, such as voyages to Greenland, transatlantic and transpacific cruises, visits to New Zealand, and even Caribbean voyages from more northern homeports.

On these longer cruises, it is true that there are often more experienced cruisers who have risen higher in the ranks of Carnival Cruise Line’s “Very Important Fun Person” (VIFP) loyalty program. In fact, so many loyal cruisers often enjoy these sailings that many times certain VIFP benefits, such as priority embarkation or tendering, are not possible due to the onboard demand.

This can give Carnival Journeys cruises a very different vibe than other getaways. This could be an opportunity for a return to more traditional cruising, as this guest suggests.

“We dress formally on formal nights,” they said. “All of us on Journey cruises would want a proper formal night with an absolute dress code of tuxedos for the gentlemen and ball gowns for the ladies. Those [passengers] who did not want this can eat at the buffet.”

While the idea that “all of us on Journey cruises” is suspect – it’s doubtful every single Carnival guest was asked – the commenter does acknowledge that this is not necessarily a good option for many shorter Carnival cruises, which often have a reputation for a louder, wilder crowd.

“I am not naïve and so do not expect this to happen on your usual party cruises. The Journey cruises are a perfect chance to bring glamor back to Carnival and enhance its reputation completely,” they concluded.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Formal Night Evolution

Heald, who has more than 35 years’ of experience with Carnival Cruise Line and has seen how formal nights have evolved over the decades, does recognize the guest’s idea but disagrees that it may be the best option, even for Journeys sailings.

“If there is one cruise that perhaps people would all adhere to this more than others it would be the longer Journey cruises,” Heald said, but also included his own preferences. “I personally would not like it as I have a dislike for this kind of clothing.”

Times have certainly changed during Heald’s tenure with the cruise line, however.

“When I was a younger cruise director I would wear the tuxedo with pride. I would wear a black one on the first then ‘formal’ night and then a white one on the second formal night and many, many male guests would do the same,” he explained.

“Such was the popularity of the tuxedo that we, of course, started to rent them from the then Formalities shops and male guests would rent them in abundance. Far more male guests would bring their own.”

Over the years, however, fashion preferences have changed and formal dress codes have become more relaxed. Today, Carnival Cruise Line no longer calls these special nights “Formal Nights” but instead they are “Elegant Evenings.” Formalwear is optional, never required, even in the Main Dining Rooms.

Formal Cruise Couple
Young Couple Dressed Formally on a Cruise (Photo Credit: Space_Cat / Shutterstock)

“Times change and the tuxedo has become an endangered species, replaced by regular business suits,” Heald acknowledged. “I recognize that some people like getting dressed up. I have no problem with this. But I can say from being with Carnival for 38 years that things have changed.”

Heald goes on to ask whether or not other cruisers would enjoy more strict attire requirements on Journeys sailings. Travelers’ responses are varied.

While some admit they enjoy the opportunity to dress up, many more admit that the strictness of formal attire isn’t the most comfortable and not their top choice for cruise vacation wear.

Read Also: What to Expect When You Go on a Carnival Cruise

Others note that packing along formal wear, particularly “ball gowns” that could easily be crushed or wrinkled, isn’t always possible or practical for today’s travelers, especially for longer sailings with luggage space already at a premium.

Overall, the consensus is that if any individual traveler wants to dress very formally, they should enjoy the chance to do so, but not worry about what others are or are not wearing.

I’ll admit, I’ve packed along a formal gown (ONCE), and while the pictures turned out great, the hassle wasn’t enough to repeat. On formal night, it’s a nice blouse and dress slacks for me, accessorized with my sparkliest baubles. What about you? Share your formal night wardrobe on the Cruise Hive boards!

Disney Employees Will Be the Godparents of Disney Treasure

Lissa Poirot
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Disney Employees Will Be the Godparents of Disney Treasure

Good employees can make or break a cruise experience, which is why Disney Cruise Line is celebrating its magic-making cast, crew, and employees worldwide in a big way.

The cruise line announced on November 13, 2024, that it is naming all 200,000-plus team members, including its creative Imagineers, as godparents of its new Triton-class Disney Treasure.

“At the core of everything we do at Disney are the dedicated cast members and employees who create the magic that brings joy to millions of people around the globe,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney World Company. “That’s why we are proud to honor all Disney employees as the godparents of the Disney Treasure.”

He went on to say, “This is our way of paying tribute to the dreamers and doers who continue to tell our stories in the most compelling and innovative ways.”

Read Also: How Much Is a Disney Cruise?

Traditionally, a ship’s godparent is chosen to bestow good fortune and protection upon a vessel and its passengers. Typically a single individual, the role is symbolic and honors someone of influence or importance.

“Every magical guest experience is the result of the collective effort of tens of thousands of Disney cast members, crew members, Imagineers, and employees,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences. 

He continued, “Because of this outstanding team, Disney creativity, storytelling, and service continue to set standards for the entertainment and hospitality industries around the world.”

The unprecedented choice of godparent follows Disney’s recent decision to honor Make-A-Wish children as the godchildren of the Disney Wish as she debuted in 2022.

Disney Crew Members were aboard the 4,000-passenger ship as it made its way from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Eemshaven, Netherlands, to its homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida.

The ship made its US debut on November 12, 2024, with much fanfare, including the sounding of the iconic horn playing a medley of familiar tunes – but not before it was tasked by the Coast Guard to aid in rescuing four people in a sinking catamaran off the coast of Bermuda!

Disney Treasure is currently prepping for her upcoming christening ceremony, which will take place in New York City on November 19, 2024. The ceremony will be live-streamed at 8 p.m. EST so fans around the world can participate in the maritime tradition.

Disney Treasure Set to Debut

The 144,256-gross-ton Disney Treasure has been getting Disney’s full-court press in terms of marketing ahead of her much-anticipated maiden voyage on December 21, 2024.

This month, the new vessel will not only have the world watching its christening but will have all eyes on it as the star of a new float during the televised Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 2024.

Millions will be able to tune in to see a teaser of the vessel’s new original Broadway-style retelling of “Moana.”

Mickey and Minnie Mouse Welcome Disney Treasure
Mickey and Minnie Mouse Welcome Disney Treasure

The ship is also premiering a Pixar-inspired dining experience based on the movie “Coco” and Marvel-themed entertainment in its new adventure theme.

Additionally, themed lounges inspired by iconic destinations at Disney’s Magic Kingdom will reveal new Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea spaces.

Disney Treasure is the latest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s extensive expansion of its fleet, which currently includes six ships. Seven more vessels are planned by 2031, with each ship offering experiences modeled after Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Parks attractions.

The ship is scheduled to provide regular 7-day sailing from Port Canaveral to the eastern and western Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas, featuring stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Its maiden voyage will include stops at Tortola and St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.

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