Carnival Sunshine has come perilously close to failing her most recent public health inspection from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While a score of 85 or lower (out of 100) is considered failing the inspection, Carnival Sunshine rated just four points higher – an overall score of 89.
CDC inspections can be notoriously nit-picky and cruise ships can get lower scores for seemingly simple infractions, such as the wattage of light bulbs, a clogged drain, or a spill in the Lido Marketplace buffet.
A total of 26 items of concern were noted in the inspection report, many of which could be corrected immediately.
Some of the simpler items that impacted Carnival Sunshine‘s recent score include such issues as an open ice machine door in the pantry, some debris residue in crew handwashing stations, small drips from equipment creatin puddles on the floor, and a few burned-out lightbulbs in a dishwashing area of the galley.
Of greatest concern may have been the food employee who apparently had “an onset of acute gastroenteritis symptoms” at 1 p.m. on December 13, 2024, but who stayed at their duties until 4:40 p.m. and did not report to the medical center until nearly 6 p.m.
That delay cold have resulted in significant contamination of services, utensils, or even foods, depending on the crew member’s exact duties. Additional training was given to crew members about appropriate protocols when feeling ill or exhibiting any potential symptoms.
Fortunately, no norovirus or other gastrointestinal illness outbreak was reported aboard Carnival Sunshine for December 2024. In fact, the ship has not had any outbreaks reported at all since at least 2019.
The “ickiest” violation of the report to this frequent cruiser is the note that “numerous insects were present throughout multiple food service areas” including the Lido buffet.
Further reading of the details, however, clarifies just two “small” cockroaches (who’s measuring that? There’s no such thing as a small one to me…) and a total of nine fruit flies across five different areas. Maybe I won’t worry too much.
Fortunately, many of the necessary “corrective actions” would be easy to take, such as wiping up spills, discarding broken food trays, closing the ice machine door, and changing light bulbs.
The ship’s crew will take those actions and submit a report on the different tasks, at which point the CDC may either re-inspect the ship or simply monitor for future compliance with health and cleanliness guidelines.
Most Ships Easily Pass CDC Inspections
So far in 2025, Carnival Sunshine‘s score of 89 is the second-lowest of all cruise ship inspection reports.
That ship’s violations included similar issues as those aboard Carnival Sunshine, as well as reporting problems with children in the youth programs exhibiting illness symptoms, broken soap dispensers, and improper food storage.
Most ship inspections score in the 90s, but some vessels do exhibit perfect 100 scores. So far in 2025, those accolades belong to the new Disney Treasure, MSC Cruises’ Explora I, and Norwegian Escape.
For the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, four other ships have so far been inspected in 2025, in addition to Carnival Sunshine. Each one has scored well – Carnival Conquest (96), Carnival Elation (96), Carnival Freedom (99), and Carnival Sunrise (99).
Up-and-coming British cruise line Marella Cruises is looking to expand and create its own unique presence with its first-ever new build ships, coming in 2030 and 2032.
The cruise line signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilder also responsible for such amazing vessels as Cunard Line’s Queen Anne, Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new Norwegian Aqua, and Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess.
“We are proud to welcome Marella Cruises as a new customer and to support its vision as it enters the newbuild segment,”said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri.
TUI Group, parent company of Marella Cruises, is also the parent of German line TUI Cruises, which is a joint venture with Royal Caribbean Group.
In February 2025, Fincantieri delivered Mein Schiff Relax to TUI Cruises from its shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The 160,000-gross-ton, 4,100-passenger ship is the largest ever built for TUI Cruises, and the first vessel in the line’s new InTUItion class.
The new Marella Cruises ships will be designed especially for the British market, with refined touches that elevate the premium cruising experience. Further details, including gross tonnage and onboard features, will be announced at a later date.
What is already known is that the two ships will have a strong focus on environmental sustainability. This is a keen goal for many cruise lines with new ships, ensuring not only luxury getaways but responsible stewardship of the seas they sail.
“The project will bring together our expertise in ship design, innovation, and sustainability to deliver vessels that meet the evolving expectations of modern cruise passengers,”said Folgiero.
Furthermore, adding Marella Cruises as a new build client ensures ongoing “capacity saturation” for Fincantieri’s shipyards. This is great news for cruise travelers, as new ships offer new experiences and itineraries to enjoy.
While the new build order with Fincantieri is still subject to financing and other terms and conditions, this is a typical arrangement for new ships and there are no expected difficulties that may cause significant delays as the new ships take shape.
Why New Builds Matter for Marella Cruises
This first order for new builds is a big step for Marella Cruises, as the line’s current fleet is a hodge-podge of older ships purchased from different cruise lines and rebranded over the years.
Many cruise lines begin as rebranded older vessels from bigger lines, and it is only as a cruise line grows more successful and is able to expand that new build ships are ordered.
For example, Carnival Cruise Line’s first three ships – Mardi Gras, Carnivale, and Festivale – were all ships from other cruise lines.
Marella Explorer Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)
Marella Cruise’s current fleet of five ships are from a variety of different cruise lines. Marella Discovery was originally Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas, while Marella Discovery 2 was formerly Legend of the Seas – predecessor and namesake to Royal Caribbean’s third Icon-class ship, due for delivery in 2026.
Marella Explorer was previously Celebrity Galaxy, Marella Explorer 2 was first Celebrity Century, and Marella Voyager was first Celebrity Mercury.
All five ships were built in the mid- to late 1990s, and older ships are not always able to be updated and renovated to meet modern environmental and guest experience expectations.
The two upcoming ships are sure to offer not only Marella Cruises’ premium experiences and services, but will start to forge the cruise line’s own distinctive personality.
This may be seen with unique interior architecture and exclusive spaces, as well as elevated finishes and attention to detail that will be sure to offer an amazing experience for all travelers.
Just a few months after welcoming the life-size “Ducky the Duck” quack-tastic crew member aboard, Carnival Cruise Line has given a new role to the feathery friend cruise guests already love.
Kyndall “Fire” Magyar, Cruise Director aboard Carnival Jubilee, shared a fun photo of the new Ducky and announced his new jobs onboard.
“There’s a new sheriff in town,”she said.“He is quacking down on debbie downers and making sure there is family fun for everyone!”
Ducky is sporting a new sheriff’s outfit, complete with a hat, vest, and his six-pointed badge. This wild west role is especially appropriate for Carnival Jubilee and the ship’s strong connections to Texas and the unique old west culture of the Lone Star State.
“Make sure to grab a picture with our ri-duck-ulously good looking friend onboard,”Magyar added.“As you can see, he knows where to find the Fun as he joined the Fun Squad on Lido for the Head To Head challenge on the Jubilee. To all my duck hunters, have you gotten your picture yet!?!”
Could this be just the first of several new outfits, costumes, and holiday attire Ducky might wear in the months ahead? While he wasn’t spotted dressed up for either Valentine’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day, there are more opportunities coming soon.
Will Ducky have special spring duds to celebrate Easter? What about patriotic attire for July 4th? Or what costume would a duck wear for Halloween later this year? Will Ducky be dressed up as Santa on the ever-popular holiday sailings?
While not an official mascot for the cruise line, Ducky has gotten enthusiastic responses from cruise travelers who love to stop for a selfie, a high-five, or a quick hug.
A fun nod to the wildly popular cruising ducks phenomenon, Ducky’s role aboard Carnival cruise ships is to bring joy to everyone aboard, and he’s excelling at his job.
Ducky has been spotted not only on Carnival Jubilee, but also aboard other ships – though there is no official contract obligation or work schedule for the feathered crew member.
Ducky on Carnival Jubilee
Ducky has been spotted, however, with different attire on different ships. On Carnival Venezia, for example, he wears a traditional gondolier’s blue-and-white striped shirt, red sash, and black shorts, along with an appropriate hat.
Will Ducky be dressed in outback adventure gear aboard the new Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter in Australia? What about wearing festive beads aboard Mardi Gras, or a bright tropical shirt for Carnival Paradise?
Of course, guests who aren’t lucky enough to come across Ducky on their next Carnival cruise can still be on the lookout for his smaller cousins – the innumerable small rubber ducks fun-loving guests hide in public spaces across the fleet.
The guest-driven game is a fun and simple one, and remember: “Keep or hide, you decide!”
Carnival Cruise Line has repeatedly noted that duck hiding is welcome aboard its ships, though guests should avoid carrying the game onshore in ports of call. Finding Ducky would be the ultimate in great duck spotting onboard!
Report your Ducky sightings on the Cruise Hive boards – photos or it didn’t happen!
What better way to celebrate your recent graduation than by taking your first-ever cruise?
Recently, a passenger in their 20s decided to do exactly that by booking an exciting Bahamian voyage with Royal Caribbean.
Unfortunately, this first-time cruiser made the mistake of assuming their booking was all-inclusive when it unfortunately it was not.
Once they realized the booking did not include WiFi or drinks as expected, they took to Reddit to seek advice.
“This is my first time sailing with Royal Caribbean. Apparently I picked an old ship (Enchantment of the Seas) and I thought this was an all inclusive but drinks and sodas aren’t included??? I’m shocked,”shared the poster.
She went on to add that the cruise line made her pay for everything upfront, but was then disappointed when the ‘fun stuff’ was all an additional cost.
It was quickly discovered that it was too late to cancel, and that the extras would not be affordable for this individual.
Excited to go on the cruise to the Bahamas and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, this passenger even contacted Royal Caribbean to see if Affirm could be used to pay for packages and passes.
The cruise line quickly responded that it would need to be paid in full, as Affirm’s buy now, pay later option could only be used when paying for the cruise and not for add-ons.
Fellow cruisers took to the comments to offer help, reassuring the poster that the packages and passes were not something needed to fully enjoy the cruise.
“You don’t need a drink package to buy drinks. You don’t need a water park pass to have fun on CocoCay,”replied one person.
“Breathe! You can take a 12 pack of soda on board with you when you board the ship,” another added, even sharing that“internet is optional, and Perfect Day waterpark…. there’s plenty of fun free things to do on CocoCay that won’t cost extra.”
The soon-to-be cruiser shared an update that thanks to the helpful replies, they decided not to buy a drink package and were excited for the cost-effective activities at CocoCay.
At the end of the update, the poster added“Everything is fine now and I can’t wait to go on this journey.”
Sometimes a positive attitude is all you need to have a good time!
Newbie Cruiser Can Still Enjoy a Smaller Royal Caribbean Ship
While this poster was seemingly disappointed with their choice of the 80,700 gross ton Enchantment of the Seas, many cruisers enjoy the smaller size of older ships.
Only 28 modern cruise ships have ever been stretched, and as they continue to be built larger, this process has become rare.
The 2,446 passenger Enchantment of the Seas’ current home port is in Tampa, Florida, and the ship frequently swaps between itineraries in the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
These voyages are usually between 4- and 5-nights long, but occasionally the vessel also does longer 10-night itineraries.
The cruiser who shared their booking experience will be going on a 5-night Bahamian cruise — which is round trip out of Tampa and makes stops in Bimini and CocoCay.
Enchantment of the Seas will only be doing this cruise one more time this spring departing on April 26, 2025 before spending the summer season sailing exclusively to Mexico. It will resume Bahamian voyages on August 2, 2025 for the fall season.
Interior rooms start as low as $572 per person, making it a relatively affordable cruising experience.
While this first-time cruiser thought they were booking something affordable, they were faced with the reality that not everything is all-inclusive on every cruise.
However, the extra packages — as fun as they can be — are not something you always need to have a great cruising experience!
With the newly refreshed and rebranded Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter now officially part of the Fun Ship fleet, who is taking the helm to bring Carnival Cruise Line’s signature vibe to each ship?
A ship’s cruise director can make all the difference in guest experiences onboard. An outgoing, energetic cruise director ensures the liveliest parties and best attitudes for all the activities staff.
Of course, Carnival Cruise Line is well known for its fun and engaging atmosphere – they are the Fun Ships, after all!
Now, two brand new Carnival cruise directors have joined the ranks to bring that fun to two new ships: Ben Kitchen and Chelle O’Callaghan.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, made the official announcement of their promotions and positions on his popular Facebook page.
“I would like to give a wonderful welcome to two new Cruise Directors for the two ships that have recently joined the fleet in Australia. They are: Carnival Encounter Cruise Director, Ben Kitchen [and] Carnival Adventure Cruise Director, Chelle O’Callaghan,”he said.
Both cruise directors offer their own unique personalities and energy to the job, making them well-suited to welcome guests aboard the newly renovated and updated ships with newly renovated and updated experiences.
The exact activities schedules aboard each vessel have not yet been detailed, but they are sure to include sailaway deck parties, thrilling game shows, popular Playlist Productions, trivia contests, dance lessons, scavenger hunts, and so much more.
Carnival Encounter Cruise Director – Ben Kitchen
Ben Kitchen Cruise Director
Ben Kitchen is no stranger to the cruise industry, having worked previously with Princess Cruises (also owned by Carnival Corporation & plc) from 2005-2014 as a cruise director as well as a trainer.
Kitchen moved on to Norwegian Cruise Line from 2014-2016, also as a cruise director coordinating with the entertainment department. Of course, both Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have very different vibes than Carnival Cruise Line.
He returned to the Carnival family with Carnival Australia as a cruise director and entertainment director in 2016. Kitchen hosted all the fun Down Under, planning daily schedules and collaborating with all team members to be sure crew members were as happy as the guests.
With his experience already in Australia, Kitchen understands the local personalities and can seamlessly bring Carnival fun to Carnival Encounter, giving every traveler a hearty g’day mate along the way!
Carnival Adventure Cruise Director – Chelle O’Callaghan
Chelle O’Callaghan Cruise Director
Michelle “Chelle” O’Callaghan is likewise no stranger to the unique and quirky Australian vibes, having served as a cruise director with P&O Cruises Australia since 2023.
She will be a familiar face aboard the former P&O Cruises ship, but now bringing Carnival’s signature fun style to every guest with new parties and activities.
While O’Callaghan is a relative newcomer to the cruise industry, she is no stranger to entertainment and guest interaction.
From 2010-2014, she served as an entertainment manager with the Thomas Cooke Group for a variety of hotels and holiday experiences. She has also been a voiceover artist (maybe some quirky voices will be in order?) and a dedicated youth programming officer.
O’Callaghan’s vibrant style and vivacious personality are sure to bring laughs and smiles to everyone aboard Carnival Adventure for every adventure the ship sails.
While the former P&O ships will remain in Australia serving the markets that know and love them, both vessels have also been updated with a unique hybrid hull livery to showcase their personalities and history.
Onboard, guests will find a blend of favorite Carnival Cruise Line venues and activities as well as familiar P&O Cruises options. This will create a fun Down Under vibe found nowhere else in the world, helping passengers make once-in-a-lifetime vacation memories.
Carnival Encounter will now be offering a diverse range of 3-12-night sailings from Brisbane, while Carnival Adventure will be offering similar options from Sydney. Both ships will remain in Australia year-round.
Most memorable, of course, will be the phenomenal hosting and energy of each ship’s new cruise director!
I know, it sounds like a lyric from a Jimmy Buffett song, but cruises to nowhere are a real thing, or at least they used to be. With these types of cruises, the ship leaves port and then returns to the same departure point without stopping at any other destination.
With no port of call stops, they were designed to be cheaper than traditional cruises and allowed passengers to focus on enjoying the full range of amenities onboard the ship, rather than the destination.
Without the logistics of port visits, they were also far less complicated for first-time cruisers. Though they are no longer offered out of the U.S., let’s discover why they were such a fun and affordable type of vacation.
Yes, it’s still possible to take a cruise to nowhere, but there is one big catch—as of 2016, these types of cruises are no longer available in the United States through any of the major cruise lines. This is because of a 2016 ruling from the United States Department of Homeland Security that changed everything.
Prior to this ruling, American travelers could book cruises to nowhere from U.S. ports, with most lasting between two and four nights. However, the 2016 regulations mandated that all foreign-flagged vessels must include at least one foreign port of call in all of their itineraries.
We’ll dive further into these regulations shortly, but the main takeaway is you can no longer take a cruise to nowhere in the United States through any of the major cruise lines.
With that said, cruises to nowhere are still available outside of the United States, as U.S. legislation has no bearing on the policies of other countries.
Celebrity Cruises Ship (Photo Credit: GreenOak)
One major market where cruises to nowhere are still popular is China, with Viking, MSC, Royal Caribbean, and others offering cruises to nowhere in the South China Sea.
Outside of China, cruise lines operating in other parts of Asia, as well as South America still offer voyages that fit the cruise to nowhere itinerary style.
In South America, cruises to nowhere operating out of Chile follow the country’s coastline down to Antarctica before returning back to their original Chilean port.
Seabourn Cruises operates these cruises to nowhere, with the main focus being on viewing Antarctica from the water, and seeing the glaciers that line the country’s coast.
New Zealand is also a popular market for cruises to nowhere, thanks to its stunning coastlines and the fact it is so far away from other countries. Most depart from Auckland Cruise Port in the country’s most populous city, then circle the coast of the North Island before returning to Auckland.
Royal Caribbean also operates a popular three-night cruise to nowhere out of Singapore. These trips venture out into the Indian Ocean before returning to Singapore Cruise Centre.
Why Cruises to Nowhere Are No Longer Allowed in the United States
Icon of the Seas in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
In 2016, significant changes to the regulations outlined in the Passenger Vessel Safety Act (PVSA) of 1993 meant stricter rules for cruise ships departing from ports within the United States.
This ruling was introduced by the United States Department of Homeland Security because foreign-flagged cruise ships and their non-American crew are not legally permitted to work exclusively within the United States.
By stopping at a foreign port, non-American crew members and the ship itself would technically no longer be working exclusively in the U.S.
On the other hand, cruises that only ever visit the United States, even if they venture into international waters, are fully operating in the country, which brings forward complications regarding work permits, worker rights under the U.S. Department of Labor, and how the ship needs to be registered.
Given that major cruise ships are staffed with crew members from all over the world, and most of the cruise ships are foreign-flagged to avoid U.S. tax regulations, these rules had major implications for cruises to nowhere departing from the United States.
It sounds complicated and a little bit redundant, but the rules are strict when it comes to immigration laws and work regulations for non-citizens.
The main takeaway is that cruises to nowhere were a possibility, and quite an attractive option, but they’re no longer offered in the USA, as almost every cruise ship operating in the United States is registered with a foreign flag, or has at least some non-American crew.
But … Isn’t There a Way Around That?
Pride of America Cruise Ship in Hawaii (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
You might assume that a simple workaround would be domestically flagging a ship and staffing it with a fully American crew, and you’d be correct in thinking that would allow the ship to offer cruises to nowhere.
However, there is only a single cruise ship operating under a major cruise line that does so—Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America. This ship runs direct Hawaii itineraries from the U.S. mainland, so the ship never visits a foreign port. However, since it makes a stop in a second port in Hawaii, these voyages are not cruises to nowhere.
So, why don’t more American ships just register in the U.S. and only hire U.S. staff so they can offer cruises to nowhere? Well, this just wouldn’t make a lot of sense for the cruise lines from a financial standpoint.
Since traditional cruises are more profitable, and allow for much more flexible staffing rules, the major cruise lines do not bother with cruises to nowhere in the United States anymore.
Plus, the regulations regarding how foreign-flagged vessels can interact with U.S. ports are very strict, with a base penalty of a $798 fine per passenger for violations. So, cruise lines operating non-U.S.-flagged ships never want to risk violating the rules.
Basically, unless you travel on a small ship from a relatively unknown cruise line, like Alaskan Dream Cruises, American Cruise Lines, or UnCruise Adventures, you’re not going to be able to book a cruise to nowhere right now in the USA.
It’s important to note that these fines are not levied against the cruise line if the cruise ship’s itinerary was altered due to severe weather or other dangerous situations. In these cases, the cruise to nowhere occurred spontaneously and was an effort to keep the ship and its passengers safe.
What Makes a Cruise to Nowhere Different From a Regular Cruise?
Deck of a Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
Basically, a cruise to nowhere is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a voyage where cruise ships set sail from one port, spend time in international waters, and then return to that same harbor without making any intermediate port calls.
Instead of stopping at different ports and allowing passengers to explore other cities or countries, these voyages remain at sea for the entire trip.
Again, this means the cruise ship will not stop at any foreign port in a foreign country, which also means there’s no need to bring a passport or any other type of international travel documentation.
Rather than allowing passengers to explore new places, the focus is entirely on the onboard experience. For many people, the main appeal of these types of voyages is their simplicity.
Without the need to navigate complex immigration laws or worry about border protection and customs protocols, these voyages offer a hassle-free way to experience a mini vacation at sea.
Plus, the shorter duration and lack of stops also means that cruises that don’t visit other ports can be offered much cheaper than cruises with more complex, multi-stop itineraries.
Rather than being a voyage to one or more destinations, these types of cruises were originally designed to act as self-contained, floating resorts.
What’s So Great About a Cruise to Nowhere?
I already touched on some of the main reasons why so many people were drawn to cruises to nowhere, but it’s worth jumping into them in more detail. Here are just a few of the reasons why they were enjoyed by so many and remain fairly popular outside of North America:
The Focus Is on the Onboard Experience
Norwegian Joy Open Deck
While affordability was the main draw for cruises to nowhere, another major benefit was the fact that the cruise ship acted like a floating resort, rather than just a mode of transportation.
While this certainly isn’t unique to cruises to nowhere, and pretty much any cruise ship is packed with exciting amenities and dining venues, the sense that the cruise ship was there specifically to help you unwind and enjoy yourself was certainly enhanced when it was the entire focus of the trip.
When your entire vacation revolves purely upon what the cruise ship itself offers, people tend to be more inclined to take advantage of those amenities.
From spending full days at the waterpark or pool, to focusing on trying every restaurant as there won’t be opportunities to dine at different places in port, the ship is the focus of the trip.
With a cruise to nowhere, there is also no need to worry about booking shore excursions, preparing for outings, or anything else off the ship. Instead, the ship acts as a playground for the entire trip; with the only worry being how to enjoy yourself each day.
Affordability
Cash in Wallet (Photo Credit: brajianni)
Now, you can’t mention cruises to nowhere without highlighting their most appealing feature—their budget-friendly pricing.
Not only were cruises to nowhere from the United States shorter than more traditional cruise itineraries, there were no port fees or expenses related to disembarking and re-embarking at multiple stops, so they were much cheaper.
For example, a typical three-night cruise to nowhere from Miami on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship started at just $174 per person.
While a weekend-long cruise to nowhere aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship from New York City was just $249 in January of 2015, which would have been the most expensive time to book all year due to the holidays.
Shorter Duration
Photo Credit: lev radin / Shutterstock
Unsurprisingly, cruises that do not have multiple destinations to build an itinerary around are shorter than those that do. While they were still permitted, cruises to nowhere that departed from the United States would depart from domestic ports, travel into international waters, then return to the same port.
Almost every one of these voyages would have an itinerary that lasted a maximum of four days, with most being two-night cruises. Some were even just single night trips, making them perfect for single weekend getaways. They can be the perfect option if you’re looking for a brief and affordable escape.
Popular cruises to nowhere were two-night trips from New York’s Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. These would venture out into the Atlantic for two nights, then return to the same port.
Disney Magic Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: GlennovitS / Shutterstock)
Disney Magic also offered a popular two-night cruise to nowhere that departed from Miami, while Carnival offered a three-night cruise to nowhere that departed from Norfolk Cruise Terminal in Virginia.
The Bimini SuperFast, a cruise ship that now serves as a ferry connecting the United States to the Bahamas, originally served as a ship that would run cruises to nowhere from Miami into the Gulf of Mexico. These cruises had a major focus on gambling, with the ship being outfitted with a major casino.
While these types of cruises were offered throughout the country, the traits they all shared was the fact they did not stop at foreign ports and they tended to be short in duration, making them easy to book and a low travel commitment that did not require passengers to use too many vacation days to book.
The Overall Simplicity
Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Dans Destinations)
From a logistical standpoint, cruises to nowhere used to be very easy to organize and book. Basically, your fare would be your only expense outside of onboard spending, so you could think of it as a ticket to entertainment and relaxation.
It covered the entire journey, so there was no need for complex arrangements and documentation, like travel visas or customs clearances.
Again, this simplicity made them really attractive for spontaneous getaways and last-minute bookings. Plus, with fewer external factors to worry about, they were a good option for bigger groups.
All you needed to worry about was getting to the port on time and then figuring out how you will get home from that same location.
Downsides to Cruising to Nowhere
Severe Weather Impacting Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Dee Browning)
Like any cruise, there will always be benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to remember that cruising to nowhere also has its downsides.
One significant downside is that you don’t get the opportunity to experience different cultures, explore new countries, or see the diverse scenery that comes with stopping at various destinations.
For some travelers, part of the excitement of any cruise will be the opportunity to explore something new, like the numerous exciting port villages and towns scatteredacross the Western Caribbean.
Not only do international port calls allow you to check another country off your list, you can also try the local cuisine, explore famous monuments, and purchase exotic souvenirs. Without these stops, the journey could feel a bit monotonous, as your only view will be the ocean’s endless blue.
Unexpected Cruises to Nowhere
Perfect Day at CocoCay During Hurricane Dorian
While intentionally booking a cruise that doesn’t have any port calls is one thing, there are also times when cruise ships are forced to turn into a cruise to nowhere unexpectedly due to adverse weather conditions. This can be devastating for passengers who had their hearts set on seeing new places.
Even as recently as January 2025, several cruises from the United States were forced to skip calls to ports in the Bahamas due to gale-force winds. Rather than enjoying a visit to Nassau or Perfect Day at CocoCay, these passengers had to spend their entire trip at sea, so you can imagine their disappointment.
Naturally, these types of cruises to nowhere have plenty of downsides. Likewise, in September of 2024, a Carnival cruise ship was forced to abandon its only port of call stop due to a major tropical storm, turning a traditional cruise into an impromptu cruise to nowhere.
Again, this ship departed from Port Canaveral in Florida with the intention of visiting the Bahamas, but poor weather changed that.
Keep in mind that when these last-minute itinerary alterations occur, the decision is not made lightly and is in the best interest of the cruise ship’s crew and passengers. While they’re certainly disappointing, it’s a decision made in the interest of safety.
Alternatives to a Cruise to Nowhere
If the idea of a cruise to nowhere is appealing to you, but you don’t want to travel outside of the United States to take one, there are other alternatives to traditional cruises that you can choose from, including the following:
Repositioning Cruises
Port of Los Angeles (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock)
A repositioning cruise is a popular alternative that can also help you cut down on travel costs and complexities. Basically, with these types of cruise vacations, the cruise ship moves from one region to another without the usual schedule of multiple stops.
Like cruises to nowhere, these itineraries allow you to enjoy many onboard luxuries while experiencing a gradual change in scenery, even if it’s just the transition between one country and another. In a sense, they’re basically just a one-way cruise, that “repositions” the cruise ship.
Let’s say a cruise line wants to relocate a cruise ship from the Mediterranean to the Western Caribbean. They may monetize that journey by offering discounted repositioning cruise fares for those more interested in the voyage than visiting multiple cruise ports.
In fact, repositioning cruises from the Port of Cadiz Bay have spiked in popularity over the past few years.
These types of cruises don’t have to be that dramatic, though; some could involve moving a ship from somewhere like Los Angeles Cruise Port in California up to Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal in Vancouver, Canada, at the start of the Alaska cruise season.
Themed Cruises
First Comic-Con Cruise (Photo Courtesy: Entertainment Cruise Productions)
Plenty of cruise lines now offer voyages centered around specific themes and interests, including cuisine, sports, live entertainment, or even more obscure interests, like Star Trek.
With these types of cruises, the focus is on the onboard experience, so plenty of passengers choose to remain on the ship for the entirety of the journey, even with port of call stops.
This option is ideal for travelers who want the atmosphere of a cruise to nowhere but with an added layer of excitement brought by specialized activities and programming.
Personally, I’d recommend keeping an eye out for what’s available. From a cruise voyage themed like the TV show “The Love Boat” to themed cruises tailored specifically to Taylor Swift fans, there is pretty much something for every type of interest.
Short Cruises
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas (Photo Credit: Justin Kozemchak)
Short cruises from US ports can also serve as a great alternative. These short cruises are always less than seven days, but most only last a few days or for a single weekend. Like cruises to nowhere, a short cruise focuses on providing passengers with a concentrated, hassle-free vacation experience.
For instance, you might find 4-night cruises with itineraries that leave from fun cities like Miami or San Diego. This type of cruise would allow you to explore the city you’re departing from, and you would also get to experience and enjoy the luxury and amenities of the ship without the commitment of a longer journey.
This option is particularly appealing for those with limited time who want a weekend getaway that offers the indulgence of a full onboard experience, but they do have a bit of a reputation for being rowdier, with some people even referring to these types of cruises as “booze cruises.”
This is because many people who book these shorter voyages are just looking to party, but it’s not fair to write them off completely, as they can still offer passengers a fun and relaxing experience.
Closed Loop Cruises
Cruise Ships in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: MikeDotta)
A closed-loop cruise is pretty similar to a cruise to nowhere in certain respects. For starters, they are designed to ease the need for travel documentation, as the start and finish at the same US port.
However, where they differ is in the sense that they still make port calls, but all of those destinations are within the Western Hemisphere in countries that the United States Government has deemed suitable for short duration visits without a passport.
This means you can still visit foreign ports in places like the Bahamas, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Canada, and Mexico, but you do not have to worry about the hassle of bringing your passport or securing any travel visa.
These types of cruises are another good option for those who are completely new to cruising, as they make everything just that little bit easier. Plus, they’re offered by most cruise lines, as they don’t have to abide by the foreign-flag regulations outlined in the updated version of the PVSA.
Create Your Own Cruise to Nowhere
MSC Cruise Deck in Miami (Photo Credit: venuswix)
If you have no interest in getting off the ship when it is visiting a port, nobody will force you to do so. In fact, some passengers will choose to stay on the ship during port calls, essentially enjoying the ship as a floating resort.
With most passengers leaving the ship for at least a few hours, this option allows you to enjoy the ship with a more private and almost exclusive atmosphere.
All amenities are significantly less busy when the ship is in port. Lively pool decks can become quiet, while crowded restaurants are considerably less busy.
Personally, I love exploring different ports, but I’ve also chosen to stay on the ship if I’m feeling too tired or visiting a port I’ve seen many times before.
Again, for those seeking a more intimate and uninterrupted experience, this alternative can feel like having the ship entirely to yourself, so I totally get the appeal.
Are You Ready to Cruise to Nowhere?
Cruises to nowhere may no longer be a thing in the United States due to regulatory changes, but they are still available in other parts of the world. If you would like to book one, explore your options.
On the flip side, if you love exploring vibrant cultures, visiting new places, and trying new things, a multi-stop itinerary might be more your speed.
It’s rare that an employee remains with the same company for decades, but with Carnival Cruise Line, employees truly are family, and families stick together.
Adolfo M. Perez, the cruise line’s senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing, is a family member many years over and has finally announced his plans to retire after 43 years with the company.
Perez joined Carnival Cruise Line in 1982 while still in high school (oh, if only I’d known how much I would love cruising back then!), serving first as a ticket agent in Miami when the cruise line was itself only 10 years old.
“Adolfo has been a valuable leader at Carnival for over four decades, and it’s hard to imagine Carnival without Adolfo,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Through his career, Perez has served in many different roles as he’s moved up the ranks in the Carnival family hierarchy. From vice president of Carnival’s contact center to vice president of Carnival UK & Ireland, he has played pivotal roles in the cruise line’s growth and global expansion, even opening Carnival’s London office.
In 2018, Perez reached his current role to lead the sales and trade team, strengthening and expanding relationships around the world with travel advisors and travel retailers.
“I’ve had the privilege of holding many different roles during my career with Carnival, but these last few years working with both the sales team and the travel advisor community has been a highlight,”Perez said.
“The passion of selling travel and giving guests and clients amazing vacations and experiences is really an invigorating way to spend your work day, and I’m thankful for all the terrific people that have made this job such a great way to finish my career with Carnival.”
Perez even shows that passion for working with travel agents by his “Travel Agents Rock” tattoo, not to mention his vivacious personality and dedication to ensuring every guest enjoys their Carnival cruise.
An Honored Family Member
Throughout his career, Perez has received numerous awards, honors, and accolades. Some notable awards have been directly to him – such as the Cruise Lines International Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 – while others are a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Adolfo Perez to Retire (Photos Courtesy: Carnival)
For example, travel advisors consistently rate Carnival Cruise Line as the best domestic US cruise line, and the company has won Cruise Hive’s own “Best Cruise Line” award for several years as well as “Best Booking Experience” (2023) and innumerable other awards.
Perez coordinated several unique and engaging programs with travel advisors, including the Agentpalooza summer bus tours as well as business education initiatives and website tools to help agents grow their businesses to greater success, always with the guests’ best experiences in mind.
Even more important, however, are the relationships Perez has built among the travel community and while he may be retiring from Carnival Cruise Line, he will always be a part of the family.
“He retires from Carnival with many friends and admirers who wish him well, including myself,”said Micky Arison, chairman of Carnival Corporation.
“We know this was a difficult decision for him to make but we are supportive of his personal plans and wish him only the best as he moves to a very well-deserved retirement,”added Duffy.
Carnival Cruise Line has not yet announced any replacements or promotions among the sales and leadership team in light of Perez’s departure, but plans to do so at a later time.
Everyone wants a good night’s sleep on their cruise, or in my case, a wonderful nap. Both fans and white noise machines are popular accessories to achieve just that.
But can both types of sleep-inducing equipment be brought onboard a cruise ship? The answer isn’t always as easy as a straight yes or no.
There is much confusion on the whether or not fans can be brought onto a cruise ship, and if travelers don’t bring their own, can they request one once onboard?
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, regularly fields such questions, and two guests recently reached out with these concerns.
“I use a fan to sleep, why is there not a sufficient amount of fans for every guest that wants one?”one guest asked.“I’m on a back-to-back on the Vista and was told NO FANS are available. Really? This is less than a joke.”
In response, Heald carefully outlined what fans guests can and can’t bring onboard, as well as whether or not fans are available if travelers don’t bring their own.
“Let’s just clarify all of this. Fans – we do have them to hand out, but only for unforeseen circumstances [or] for medical reasons,”he said.“If you just want a fan and you go up to Guest Services and say ‘Can I have a fan?’ nine times out of ten they’re going to say ‘No, I’m so sorry, we don’t have them to spare.'”
Heald notes that while there are a few fans onboard each ship, but they aren’t available just to help guests get to sleep.
What “unforeseen circumstances” could warrant the use of a fan? Perhaps problems with a stateroom’s air conditioner, excessive noise due to mechanical issues, or other unpredictable factors.
Travel Fan (Photo Credit: Dolkinx / Shutterstock)
Guests are welcome to bring their own fan onboard as long as it is not bigger than 12 inches in diameter and the cord is in good working order. I always pack a travel fan, which has the added bonus of an extra USB charging port.
Larger fans or fans that might be seen as a fire hazard or safety risk – due to a frayed cord, exposed wires, missing covers, etc. – would likely be confiscated at embarkation.
What About White Noise Machines?
The second sleep-related accessory many guests bring along is a white noise machine – or sound machine, as they are sometimes called. These devices offer soothing cover noise such as a low rushing sound, rainfall, waves, or similar noises for easier sleep.
“I have always used a white noise machine, even if it takes up a lot of room in my suitcase,”another guest explained.“Why have sleep machines been banned?”
Heald quickly dispelled this misconception, noting what is and is not banned by Carnival Cruise Line.
“White noise machines have not been banned,”Heald confirmed.“It’s bluetooth speakers that will be collected if you try and bring one on board and returned to you at the end of the cruise. We do not allow those.”
Heald notes that there’s been no ban on simple machines that create white noise as a sleep aid. Some travelers even use white noise smartphone apps or just play low music, which is another option – so long as they don’t use bluetooth speakers with it.
Other guests have chimed in that the stateroom television, turned down low, might be another option for background noise to help travelers sleep.
Of course, if one guest needs white noise while another prefers absolute silence, don’t forget to pack the earplugs!
No cruise itinerary is set in stone, not even transatlantic crossings with no port calls, it turns out.
Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed a major route change for its new-build, Norwegian Aqua, due to depart Southampton on Friday, March 28, 2025 and arrive for the first time in North America, calling at Boston on April 4, 2025.
It seems the long-range weather forecast spells potential trouble, with a North Atlantic storm likely to impact the ship’s route to Boston. The forecast calls for rain and wind to reach the Boston area starting on April 3, 2025, according to the National Weather Service.
The 156,300-gross ton ship, first in the cruise line’s Prima Plus class, will alter her route to the south, and make her first North America call in New York rather than Boston.
Due to the port switch, the ship’s arrival will be delayed until April 7, 2025, making the cruise a 10-night voyage rather than a 7-night crossing. However, the cruise line will ensure that guests are compensated for the change.
The change is meant to assure the safety of guests and crew, the line said in a March 28, 2025 notice.
“Due to severe weather conditions, we will be altering our scheduled course, delaying our arrival to the US. As a result, Norwegian Aqua will now arrive in New York City on April 7, 2025 at 3 a.m. local time, instead of Boston as originally planned,”the note reads.
The alert to guests explained that uncontrollable weather conditions prompted the cruise line to set a more southerly route, aiming to avoid the predicted storm.
“While this adjustment will delay our arrival, it will also provide a smoother sailing experience and offer additional time to enjoy all that our brand new ship has to offer,” it said.
Weather forecasts for the Boston region call for rain with winds up to 20 miles per hour (mph) on April 3, 2025, slowing to 15 mph the next day. Offshore winds will likely be stronger on both days.
The New York area is also predicted to experience rain showers on those days, but with lower wind speeds, in the 8-11 mph range.
The 3,600-guest Norwegian Aqua was built at Fincantieri’s Marghera, Italy, shipyard and delivered to the cruise line on March 13, 2025. Prior to departing on her transatlantic crossing, the ship held a short series of preview cruises in Europe for trade and media.
Post-Cruise Travel Plans Will Change For Some Guests
Some, perhaps most, guests booked on Norwegian Aqua’s transatlantic voyage will likely be forced to alter post-cruise travel plans, since the final destination and arrival day are different from the ship’s original itinerary.
The good news is that NCL is offering alternative options to guests. Those who booked flights via the cruise line will receive new flight details departing on April 7, 2025.
For those guests who booked their own independent flight, the cruise line says they should contact their airline and work with them to try and rebook flights for April 7, 4.5 hours after the ship’s arrival. NCL will also be reimbursing guests up to $300 per person for those who incur airline cancellation or adjustment fees.
It is possible that the line could announce some type of compensation, but its Cruise Contract Terms and Conditions specifically note that adverse weather conditions fall under “unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances,” which do not require the line to do so.
Norwegian Aqua (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Since there’s still plenty of time before Norwegian Aqua docks in the Big Apple, Norwegian Cruise Line could arrange for ground transportation from New York to Boston for guests with onward travel plans from the Massachusetts capital. The two cities are about 200 miles apart – roughly a 4-hour drive.
Guests sailing on the transatlantic voyage will have plenty to do onboard the new ship, including enjoying her 20-plus restaurants and bars, the Mandara Spa, multiple pools and hot tubs, and thrill rides such as the new Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide.
Other activities feature sports courts, the Glow Court sports game with its interactive LED floor, and the Aqua Game Zone, where cruisers can indulge in virtual reality simulations.
Following her call to New York, Norwegian Aqua will sail to PortMiami, where her naming ceremony will be held on April 13, 2025. American actor Eric Stonestreet is to serve as godfather.
The ship will operate two cruises from PortMiami before deploying to her seasonal homeport, Port Canaveral, on April 26, 2025. Norwegian Aqua will sail 7-night Caribbean cruises from the Space Coast until August 2025, when she returns to New York for a short series of Bermuda voyages.
In October 2025, Norwegian Aqua will return to PortMiami for the 2025-26 winter season.
