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Hilo Cruise Port Guide: Terminals, Piers and Getting Around

Emrys Thakkar
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Hilo Cruise Port Guide: Terminals, Piers and Getting Around

Hilo Cruise Port is located on Hawaii’s Big Island. Welcoming over 200,000 cruise passengers yearly, it is one of several gateways to the island’s lush greenery, stunning waterfalls, volcanic beaches, and tropical landscapes.

Built in the 1930s, this port has grown from a shipping facility to a modern cruise ship port that plays a vital role in helping the state’s thriving tourism industry flourish. Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Hilo cruise port.

In this Article:

Hilo Cruise Port Location and Address

As the name suggests, Hilo Cruise Port sits just outside the city of Hilo, which is one of the oldest and largest settlements on Hawaii’s Big Island. Like Hilo itself, Hilo Cruise Port is located on the Big Island’s northeastern coast, making it easy for visiting cruise ships to reach.

When they are docked in Hilo Bay, visiting cruise ships also enjoy natural protection from rough ocean waters by the shape of the bay and the man-made, 10,080-foot-long Hilo Breakwater Barrier. 

Not only is the location ideal for cruise ships voyaging from the mainland of the United States, but the fact it is only 2.5 miles away from downtown Hilo means it is perfect for visiting cruise ship passengers hoping to take in some of Hawaii’s famed Aloha culture.

Plus, Hilo is just a short distance from some truly stunning natural attractions, including the Big Island’s breathtaking Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Akaka Falls State Park, which makes it the perfect excursion destination. 

Although it is not as big or busy as Honolulu Cruise Port, Hilo Cruise Port is still a popular docking point for Hawaiian cruises. 

Hilo Cruise Port Address:

Hilo Cruise Port
80 Kuhio Street
Hilo, HI 96720

Hilo Cruise Port Piers and Terminal

Cruise Ship Docked in Hilo
Cruise Ship Docked in Hilo (Photo Credit: Elmar Langle)

Hilo Cruise Port features multiple piers, but only Pier 1 serves large cruise ships. The second pier, Pier 2, is used to dock smaller cruise ships and other small to medium-sized inter-island passenger vessels, and Pier 3 is for smaller inter-island cargo ships.

The port features a relatively small terminal building that is not connected directly to the cruise ship berth with bridges, as is sometimes the case with larger facilities.

Instead, visiting passengers disembark directly onto either pier, where they are greeted with a few open-air kiosks. If they walk to the base of Pier 1, they will find the small terminal building. 

Despite its size, the terminal building features the basic amenities you would expect from a cruise ship terminal, including restrooms, waiting areas, passenger information desks, tourism kiosks, and more.

Terminal Facilities

As previously mentioned, the small cruise terminal building may be somewhat limited in terms of amenities, but it still offers all of the essential services you would expect.

Restrooms

Clean and wheelchair-friendly restrooms are available in the terminal building.

Wi-Fi

Unfortunately, complimentary Wi-Fi is not available at Hilo Cruise Port. While there are no options available in the port itself, Hilo Bay Café is just 1.5 miles away, so passengers needing internet access can walk roughly 30 minutes to connect to free Wi-Fi.

Accessibility

Both piers and the small terminal building are fully accessible, with ramps and ADA-compliant restroom facilities ensuring that all visiting passengers feel welcome.

Cruise Lines that Visit Hilo Cruise Port

Cruise Ship Just off Hilo
Cruise Ship Just off Hilo (Photo Credit: okimo)

Given that Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the busiest tourist destinations in the United States, it is no surprise that a number of major cruise lines make regular stops at the Port of Hilo Cruise Terminal. The following are just a few of the many cruise lines that visit Hilo:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Viking Ocean Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean International

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock?

Almost all cruise lines dock at the larger, east-facing berth on Pier 1. This is not only because the 1,265-foot-long berth can accommodate larger ships, but it is also closer to the terminal building.

During the busy season, some cruise ships will dock at Pier 2, but it can only accommodate small to medium-sized cruise ships, as it has a berthing space of 703 feet.  

Parking at Hilo Cruise Port

View of Hilo, Hawaii
View of Hilo, Hawaii (Photo Credit: Danita Delimont)

While Hilo Cruise Port does not offer a dedicated long-term parking lot for cruise passengers, it is possible to park in the area.

Official Hilo Cruise Port Parking

A short-term parking lot is available on-site but primarily used for pickup and drop-off purposes. It sits at the point where the two piers converge.

Although free parking is available for up to two hours at the lot, it is primarily used for port staff, so you will be told to leave if you stay beyond the two-hour pickup window.

Mokaoku Municipal Parking Lot

If you need long-term or overnight parking, you will need to use one of the nearby unofficial lots. Unfortunately, Hilo Cruise Port is located in an industrial area that primarily services the shipping port, so there are no commercial parking lots within the immediate vicinity of the port.

Located about 1.5 miles away near Coconut Island, this public parking lot offers free daytime parking. Overnight parking is $10 per day. It is a pay-and-display lot, so you must pay ahead of time and clearly display your ticket in your window. Note that this lot is fairly small, and parking is limited.

Kamehameha Ave Parking Lot

Located 2.5 miles from the port at the bus terminal at 329 Kamehameha Avenue, you can find another free parking lot. This one is much larger and offers complimentary overnight parking. Hawaii’s Transit Agency operates it, so it is completely free to use, but keep in mind that it is not a secure lot, so parking is at your own risk.

Traveling to Hilo Cruise Port from Nearby Airports

Another major reason for Hilo Cruise Port’s popularity is its proximity to Hilo International Airport (ITO). Here’s a quick breakdown of how to get to and from the two closest airports:

Hilo International Airport (ITO)

Hilo International Airport
Hilo International Airport (Photo Credit: VisualMediaHub)

Just 3.1 miles from the cruise port, Hilo International Airport is the main airport serving the Hilo area. Some cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, offer free shuttle services from the airport for cruises that list the Port of Hilo as their initial embarkation point.

Several car rental providers are at the airport, so some passengers will rent a vehicle and drive themselves. If you plan on doing so, you can take the following directions:

Take Kekuanaoa Street, then turn right onto Kanoelehua Ave for 0.7 mi. Turn right onto Kamehameha Ave, make a slight left onto Kalanianaole St, and watch for signs for Hilo Cruise Port.

If you are flying into Hilo International and need to get to the port, you have the following options available to you:

Taxis are the most popular mode of transportation from the airport. While the city does not enforce a flat rate for transportation to the port, fares for this 10-minute drive tend to be around $15 to $20.

Both Uber and Lyft are available on the Big Island, and many drivers are willing to pick up passengers at the airport.

As mentioned, there are several rental agencies directly at the airport, including Hertz and Enterprise. Daily rates for a compact car are usually pretty reasonable, so it can be a somewhat affordable way to explore Hilo and the surrounding area.

Kona International Airport (KOA)

Kona International Airport
Kona International Airport (Photo Credit: Danne_l)

The airport is the second that serves the Big Island. Located on the island’s western side, it is 78 miles away from the port. Although this may not seem practical, some cruise passengers will fly into Kona International Airport to explore more of the island before they board their cruise ship.

Plus, the drive is incredibly scenic, offering tourists an opportunity to view some of the island’s volcanic landscape and coastline from the comfort of their vehicle.

If you choose to do so, you should anticipate the drive to take between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Head west on Keahole Airport Rd and turn left on Kupipi St to Keahole Airport Rd and right only HI-19. Then, follow the signs to HI-190. After about 70 miles, take a left onto W Puainako St for 0.6 mi, then turn left onto W Kawili St for 1.2 mi.

Turn right onto E Kawili St then left onto Kanoelehua Ave. After 1.2 mi, take a slight left onto Kalanianaole St and watch for signs for Hilo Cruise Port.

Unfortunately, getting between Kona Airport and the cruise port can be somewhat tricky given the 78-mile distance separating them, but you still have these options available to you:

Because there are no direct shuttle buses from Kona Airport to the cruise port, most people will opt for a cab. Keep in mind that taxi fares can cost upwards of $250, as most drivers will be hesitant to drive across the entire island.

As mentioned, renting a car and taking a scenic drive is another popular option. With drop-off locations just outside of nearby Hilo Airport, it can be a way to see more of the island before your cruise.

How to Get to Hilo Cruise Port

The Hilo Airport and Cruise Port
The Hilo Airport and Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Shawn Zhang)

Other ways to get around Hilo and make it to Hilo Cruise Port include the following:

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services

Given that the Big Island of Hawaii is a major tourist destination, there are plenty of taxis and rideshare drivers looking to capitalize. Depending on where you are coming from, fares can range from $15 to $35. While you can flag down a taxi, some people prefer an app-based rideshare service for their transparent pricing and the fact that you can easily choose where you will be picked up.

Car Rentals

As mentioned, rental cars are another hugely popular way to get around the island. Daily rates vary but can be pretty affordable if you are visiting during the off-season. Larger 4×4 SUVs tend to be more expensive but can be worthwhile if you have lots of luggage or want to explore some of the island’s more rugged and remote areas.

Public Transportation

The Hele-On Bus Service is the main form of public transportation in Hilo. This public bus service offers routes throughout Hilo and the surrounding area, but they do not have a drop-off point directly at the port. The closest bus stop is about a 13-minute walk away.

That said, it is by far the most affordable form of transportation, with one-way fares costing only $2.20 for 0.1 to 4 miles and $3.50 for anything over 4 miles. The bus service also provides routes to some of the most popular tourist attractions surrounding Hilo.

Beaches Near Hilo Cruise Port

Coconut Island Beach, Hilo
Coconut Island Beach, Hilo (Photo Credit: Joe Belanger)

While the area surrounding Hilo is better known for its rugged volcanic coastline than the sandy beaches you get in the Caribbean, a few of Hawaii’s famous black-sand beaches are relatively close to the port. If you want to enjoy some relaxing downtime while you visit Hawaii, you can go to the following public beaches: 

Coconut Island Beach

Also known as Moku Ola, the beach adjacent to Coconut Island is just 1.5 miles from the cruise port. There is a small beach and park on the main island, and you can cross a small bridge over to Coconut Island, where you will find two sandy beaches. You can also explore tide pools, and the clear waters are a popular spot for snorkeling.   

Richardson Ocean Park Beach

Although 2.9 miles east of the cruise port, Richardson Ocean Park is another great location for a beach day. The volcanic black sand contrasts with the blue water and lush green palm trees, giving this park and its beach a unique appearance.

The waters along the park’s beach are also home to a thriving reef system, where you can sometimes view monk seals and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Whether you want to relax and listen to the waves under a palm tree or you want to take a swim, it’s well worth visiting this island paradise. 

Keaukaha Beach Park

Although not your typical sandy beach, this scenic oceanfront park is the closest beach to the cruise port. Just over half a mile from the port, it’s possible to walk to the park and enjoy its beach. The beach is less than a mile long, but there is a clear gap in the rocky shoreline where locals and tourists enjoy swimming. 

If you do make it out to the park, you will be able to watch cruise ships coming and going from the port and surfers trying to catch a wave. It’s a fun place to spend an afternoon, even if it doesn’t have the type of sandy beachfront that you might be more used to. 

Dining Near Hilo Cruise Port

Ken’s House of Pancakes
Ken’s House of Pancakes (Photo Credit: Chris Allan)

While you will only find vending machines at the cruise port, you don’t have to travel too far to find diners, restaurants, and cafés. Whether you want to try some of the local cuisine or you want some more familiar comfort food, the following options are all fairly easy to get to from the port: 

Hilo Burger Joint

Hilo Burger Joint is a no-fuss, family-owned restaurant and bar that serves up incredible burgers. Everything on their menu is locally grown on the Big Island, and all their burger patties are made with grass-fed, hormone-free beef.

It’s 3 miles away, but with 21 different burgers, including plenty with signature Hawaiian ingredients and flavors, it is an excellent stop for casual eats and well worth visiting. Plus, if you want to cool off, they also have 21 beers on tap, including some local brews. 

The Hawaiian Style Café

Located 2 miles from the port, The Hawaiian Style Café is another family-owned restaurant that is a popular option for tourists and locals alike. Although it opened in 1978 under a different name, it has continued to offer the same huge portions and delicious comfort food that keep people coming back for more.

With plenty of popular Hawaiian dishes on offer, including poke bowls, grilled fish, and Hawaiian-style pork sausages, it is a great place to try some authentic Hawaiian dishes. They also offer plenty of homemade pasta dishes, so if local flavors aren’t your thing, you can try something you’re a bit more used to. 

WSW (Whiskey Steak Wine) Steakhouse

If you are looking for something a little bit more upscale, WSW Steakhouse offers a diverse menu of steaks, seafood dishes, and a full brunch menu.

As you can probably guess from the name, they also have an incredible wine and whiskey menu. The restaurant also offers stunning ocean views, so it is worth the 1.4-mile journey from the cruise port.

Miyo’s Japanese Restaurant & Izakaya Bar

Hawaii has an enormous Japanese-American population, which explains why so many Japanese dishes are adored by the locals. Established in 1987, Miyo’s Japanese Restaurant has been one of Hilo’s most successful. This cozy restaurant uses local ingredients and seafood to prepare delicious Japanese dishes.

They also have a wide range of small appetizer dishes, imported sakes, and Japanese beers. If you want to eat like a local, consider making the 2-mile journey from the cruise port. 

Ken’s House of Pancakes

Just one mile away from the cruise port, Ken’s House of Pancakes is one of the closest options. While it may seem like an unassuming diner, this famous pancake house has been around since 1971 and is one of the most popular spots in Hilo.

This award-winning local favorite has also been visited by countless Hollywood stars, musicians, and professional athletes, as evidenced by the signed photographs that cover the dining room walls. If you have a big appetite, Sumo Size your dish! 

Shopping Near Hilo Cruise Port

Farmers Market in Hilo
Farmers Market in Hilo (Photo Credit: Tada Images)

Unlike some of the bigger cruise ports you will find in the Caribbean, Hilo Cruise Port has no on-site duty-free shopping or designer stores, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave Hilo empty-handed. There are plenty of options for shopping enthusiasts if you travel to Hilo’s downtown, including the following: 

Hilo Farmers Market

This historic market is incredibly popular amongst locals for its fresh market items. With over 150 vendors setting up every Wednesday and Saturday (and regular market offerings every other day from 7 am to 3 pm), it is a great location to purchase handmade craft items and souvenirs.

Plus, there are plenty of food vendors selling everything from sliced tropical fruit to fresh-made poke bowls. It is one of the biggest markets in the State of Hawaii and something every visiting tourist should experience if they can. 

Waiakea Kai Shopping Plaza

If you just need to pick up a few essentials for your cruise, this shopping plaza is only 1.1 miles from the cruise port. Not only is it home to a grocery store, pharmacy, Walmart, and other stores that are perfect for buying cruise supplies, but it also houses several restaurants and cafés, so it’s an easy place to grab a quick bite and a coffee. 

Shopping Along Kamehameha Avenue

If you are willing to hop in a cab, there are plenty of stores, shops, and boutiques along Kamehameha Avenue. Located about 2.5 miles from the port, this popular shopping district is home to plenty of clothing stores where you can purchase swimwear and iconic Hawaiian items, like the classic button-up Hawaiian shirt.

The aptly named Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and Naupaka Island Designs are both popular options in this well-known shopping area.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Hilo? 

Like the rest of Hawaii, Hilo enjoys pleasant weather year-round, with average temperatures rarely straying from the low 70° to high 80° F range.

With that said, the stretch between November and March can be very wet. In fact, the rainfall is so regular during these months that Hilo is one of the rainiest cities in the entire country.

Read Also: Los Angeles Cruise Port – Terminals, Getting Around, What’s Nearby

Since most visitors try to avoid these rainy months, the dry season, which runs from April to October, tends to be the busiest. These months are also considered the best time to explore the area, so you will discover that plenty of excursions and sightseeing tours are available during these months.

If you decide to visit outside of the busy season, you can make time to take in the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival in February. The world-famous Merrie Monarch Festival also occurs in early April, and this week-long celebration of Hawaiian island culture is definitely worth going out of your way to experience.

Carnival Shows What It’s Like Behind the Scenes With Lost-and-Found

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Shows What It’s Like Behind the Scenes With Lost-and-Found

Packing up at the end of a cruise vacation can be hectic, especially as passengers may rush to get their bags out for security collection on the last night of the cruise.

Or you may be like me, carrying your own bags off the ship but not packing until the early hours of debarkation morning when you’re barely awake.

Either way, it’s easy to accidentally leave something onboard tucked in the back of the stateroom safe, in a nightstand drawer, or forgotten in the closet. But what happens to those items?

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has offered a rare look behind-the-scenes at the “Mother Ship” – the cruise line’s Miami headquarters where lost items are gathered as shoreside staff works to return them to their rightful owners.

“I’m in a very special place and I want to say a massive thank you,” Heald said, referring to the lost-and-found-team. “They are all very, very, very, very hard-working people.”

“These are people never in the spotlight and that’s not right, so I wanted to put them in the spotlight now and say thank you.”

The 4-minute video Heald shared on his Facebook page not only recognized the shoreside crew members responsible for sorting, cataloging, and working to get items back to travelers, but also showed deeper insights into the entire process.

“Every single week, people leave things onboard. It’s found, or recovered, and sent back to the Guest Services desk,” Heald explained. “A week later, or the end of the next cruise – not straightaway on the same day that it’s lost – it’s sent back to Miami. It has to clear through customs and all the other things.”

You can watch the full video below:

Lost items are delivered to Carnival Cruise Line headquarters in green bags marked with the ship name and sailing date so they can be processed to be returned to their owners.

A surprising variety of items are left onboard Carnival ships, including purses, shoes, cell phones, tablets, charging cables, eyeglasses, jewelry, clothing, cpap machines, hats, books, and much more.

Heald has previously noted that approximately 1,000 items are lost each week across the Carnival fleet of 27 ships.

“All this is gathered up,” Heald explained, showing plastic bins with ship names where items are collected. “Then it’s sorted.”

The next step in the process is that all items are examined and attempted to be matched with lost item reports from individual ships. These are forms that travelers fill out to alert crew members that they have left an item behind.

Worth Reading: ‘This Is Just One Cruise’: Carnival Unveils the Lost-and-Found Pileup

If the item is located, it will then be returned to the guest. Travelers should be aware, however, that the process can take time – even up to two weeks or longer after a sailing has ended.

Why Does It Take So Long to Return Items?

It can be frustrating for travelers to wait so long to recover items they may have accidentally left behind on their cruise. The return process, however, can vary greatly depending on each ship’s individual schedules.

If the ship is sailing longer itineraries, it may be quite some time before lost items can be located as they are not taken to headquarters until after the end of the next sailing.

For example, let’s say a guest enjoys the 4-night, November 28, 2024 departure of Carnival Sunshine from Charleston, South Carolina, but accidentally leaves their cell phone onboard in their stateroom safe. They only realize this after debarking the ship, but do fill out the online form to recover their phone.

Carnival's Lost-and-Found Department
Carnival’s Lost-and-Found Department

The ship, however, has already departed on its next cruise – a 10-night Eastern Caribbean sailing that left just hours later. Even if the phone is found by the cabin attendant, it will be 10 days before the ship returns to the US.

Then, the phone (along with any other items found onboard after that 4-night cruise) must be shipped to Carnival Cruise Line’s headquarters in Miami, which could take another 3-4 days.

Read Also: 15 Mistakes to Avoid on a Carnival Cruise

Once arriving in Miami, the items must then go through the sorting process, be carefully identified, and connected to their respective owners. Only at that time would the lost phone be able to be sent back to its owner.

Throughout the process, Carnival Cruise Line does attempt to email travelers about the status of their item, including whether it was located or not and what the next steps may be.

Have you ever lost an item on a Carnival cruise? Did you get it back, and if so, how long did the process take? Share your experiences on the Cruise Hive boards!

New Orleans on Course to Welcome Record Cruise Arrivals

Donna Tunney
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New Orleans on Course to Welcome Record Cruise Arrivals

For the first time since the end of the pandemic-era, the Port of New Orleans will set a new record number of annual cruise passengers. By the close of 2024, the port will have seen 1.3 million cruise passenger movements through the facility, including guests on ocean-going and river ships.

The passenger total will easily exceed 2023’s 1.2 million transits, which signaled the port’s return to the 2019 level. That year was a record-breaker, surpassing the 1.1 million recorded in 2018. 

With the increase to 1.3 million in 2024, the cruise sector accounts for more than 15% of the port’s annual revenue.

The increase in cruise tourism helps not only the port but also the city of New Orleans. With about 90% of cruise arrivals traveling to the port from other states, roughly 70% of them will book pre- or post-cruise stays in the Big Easy.

That translates into some 300,000 hotel room night bookings and about $125 million in revenue for local businesses.

Cruise lines embrace New Orleans as a convenient departure port for Western Caribbean cruises and, to a lesser degree, Eastern Caribbean sailings. All three major lines, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, have ships operating from the port.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Liberty and Carnival Valor, both Conquest-class ships that entered service in 2004, are based at the port year-round. 

The 2,980-guest Carnival Valor operates 3- and 4-night Western Caribbean cruises. The shorter option calls at Cozumel, Mexico, while the longer itinerary visits Cozumel and Costa Maya.

Carnival Liberty, accommodating 2,974 guests, offers 6-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Western Caribbean sailings visit destinations such as Roatan, Honduras; Belize; Cozumel; and Jamaica, depending on departure date, while Eastern Caribbean itineraries call at Key West, and Freeport and Nassau, Bahamas.

Norwegian Cruise Line homeports the mega-ship Norwegian Getaway at New Orleans. The 4,000-guest Breakaway-class ship that debuted in 2014 introduced her seasonal Western Caribbean cruise series in October 2024.

Port calls feature Harvest Caye, a private destination in Belize; Roatan, Honduras; and Costa Maya and Cozumel. The ship will remain in New Orleans through April 2025 before deploying to New York for a Bermuda cruise series.

Read Also: How to Get to the New Orleans Cruise Port

Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, a Radiance-class ship that launched in 2001, began her seasonal New Orleans deployment in October 2024, sailing 6-night cruises.

Cruise Ships Docked in New Orleans
Cruise Ships Docked in New Orleans (Photo Credit: Aleksandr Dyskin)

The 2,140-guest ship offers itineraries calling at Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Perfect Day at Coco Cay, the line’s private island; Grand Cayman; Progresso; and Jamaica.

Brilliance of the Seas will homeport at New Orleans until early April. The ship will then reposition to Athens for her summer series of 6-night Eastern Mediterranean voyages.

Port Official Predicts Another Cruise Record in 2025

Taken together, the cruise ship schedules in 2025 indicate that the Port of New Orleans could continue its record-breaking streak.

“With a record number of cruise passengers anticipated across the industry in 2025, New Orleans remains a leading destination for two vacations in one as cruise passengers typically stay to experience our city before or after their voyage,” said Ronald Wendel, Jr., acting president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans.

”Our long-standing partnerships have been key to this success, and we’re grateful to our cruise line and hospitality partners for their continued support,” added Wendel.

The port accommodates cruise ships at two terminals. Carnival Cruise Line ships use the port’s Erato Street Cruise Terminal while Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line use the Julia Street Cruise Terminal.

New Orleans also welcomes river cruises that ply the Mississippi River, including Viking and American Cruise Lines. The vessels carry from 150 to nearly 400 guests each, and operate roundtrip from the Big Easy to historic destinations such as Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee, and places farther north, including destinations in Missouri and Minnesota, among others.

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC and Norwegian Win Major Cuba Cruise Case

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC and Norwegian Win Major Cuba Cruise Case

Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have won a major appeals victory with respect to cruises to Cuba several years ago, following a lawsuit that alleged “trafficking” claims against the cruise lines.

The US 11th Circuit Court of Appeals released its 42-page conclusion on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, bringing to a likely end the years-long suit and vacating the initial judgement that would have required the lines to pay nearly $440 million in damages.

The initial suit was against the cruise lines’ use of Havana Docks for guest operations with voyages that visited Cuba from 2015-2019, when the Obama presidential administration lifted restrictions that prohibited travel to the island nation.

During those years, cruise lines earned at least $1.1 billion in revenue and paid $138 million to Cuban government entities as part of the travel arrangements. That travel was supposed to create “people-to-people” travel rather than “tourism” travel, which cruise lines interpreted based on the tour opportunities and experiences they offered.

The Havana Docks Corporation, under a limited property operational agreement, alleged that the cruise lines failed to pay them for the use of the property, which then was considered “trafficking activities” instead of legitimate operations.

Initially, the cruise lines were found liable and Havana Docks was awarded $439.2 million in damages, along with more than $11 million in expenses and legal fees.

Naturally, the cruise lines appealed that substantial ruling, and today’s judgement determined that the original case was not, in fact, appropriate.

Why Was The Original Decision Overturned?

What became the central issue for the appeals decision is not the amount of the initial damages award or indeed whether or not the cruise lines were actually in violation of the Helms-Burton Act (Title III) governing commercial activities between the US and Cuba.

Instead, actual ownership of the dock facilities is what was called into question. This impacted the property rights and who could claim such damages, which the appeals court determined would have expired in 2004 – more than a decade before the cruise lines used the dock facilities in any way.

“After a review of the record, and with the benefit of oral argument, we hold that Havana Docks’ limited property interest had
expired, for purposes of Title III, at the time of the alleged trafficking by the cruise lines,” the 2-1 majority ruling read. “We therefore set aside the judgments in favor of Havana Docks.”

Havana Harbor in Cuba
Havana Harbor in Cuba (Photo Credit: Tonya Aleks)

The judges did note that had the dock facilities been owned outright rather that being operated through a concession of property interest, the outcome of their ruling may have been different. This is not the case, however, and it is an appeals court’s job to ensure the letter of the law remains upheld.

This is similar to smaller lawsuits that only involved Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises that were similarly dismissed because the property rights were not considered intact.

Havana Docks could further appeal this decision for additional, higher review, but has not confirmed whether or not they will challenge the appeal that has overturned their previous victory.

Do you want to visit Havana on a cruise today? While US-based cruises are no longer sailing to Havana, select sailings from German line Plantours as well as the UK-based Ambassador Cruise Line are available with very limited calls to Cuba.

Coast Guard Launches Urgent Search for Woman Overboard Allure of the Seas

Melissa Mayntz
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Coast Guard Launches Urgent Search for Woman Overboard Allure of the Seas

Search operations are currently underway for a passenger reported overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. The “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” call was made onboard the ship at approximately 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

The “Oscar” emergency code signifies an overboard situation, and the ship immediately stopped to begin searching for the guest. Furthermore, Allure of the Seas‘ sister ship, Utopia of the Seas, was also nearby and changed course to assist in search and rescue operations.

At the time of the incident, Allure of the Seas was approximately 17 miles north of Nassau, where the Oasis-class vessel had enjoyed a day in port on Tuesday.

Both ships used searchlights in the suspected vicinity of the overboard, and small pilot watercraft were launched for more detail searching. The Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the US Coast Guard (USCG) were both alerted and joined in the search as well with both watercraft and aircraft.

“Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort and is working with local authorities. We are also providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement. “To respect the privacy of our guest’s family, we have no additional details to share.”

The Royal Bahamas Defense Force is the lead agency for the search operation, but the USCG is offering support and assistance. The USCG deployed an HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane crew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Miami for the operation.

The overboard guest is identified as a 66-year-old female, but neither her name nor any further details have been released in order to preserve her privacy as well as that of any traveling companions, family members, or friends.

Read Also: What Happens During a Cruise Ship Overboard Alarm?

No information about the circumstances of the overboard have been released. A full investigation will likely be made to ensure all proper procedures were followed, which is always done after such an incident.

While search efforts continue as of Wednesday morning, both Royal Caribbean ships were released from the search to continue on their planned itineraries, as is standard practice once local authorities have mobilized.

Allure of the Seas departed on a 4-night Bahamas itinerary on Monday, October 21, 2024. After Tuesday in Nassau, Wednesday is a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Thursday will be a day at sea before the ship returns to Miami on Friday, October 25.

This particular voyage is a Taylor Swift-themed cruise, but not a full ship charter event. The timing coincides with the pop star’s final visit to Miami on the popular Eras Tour, which offered three concerts at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens October 18-20.

There is no confirmation whether or not the overboard passenger is part of the group theme.

@countrymusicalley

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♬ original sound – CountryMusicAlley

Similarly, Utopia of the Seas departed Port Canaveral on Monday, October 21 for a 4-night Bahamas sailing, with the same ports of call. The ship was in Nassau on Tuesday the same as Allure of the Seas, but will spend Wednesday at sea and will enjoy CocoCay on Thursday, before returning to Port Canaveral on Friday.

Neither ship’s overall itinerary should be impacted by the search operations, and satellite tracking data Wednesday morning does confirm that Allure of the Seas is docked at CocoCay.

Other Recent Cruise Ship Overboards

Unfortunately, while rare, overboard incidents do happen. In every case, full search efforts are initiated as soon as possible, and will continue until the individual is found or it is determined that their likelihood of survival has long since passed.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas
Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas (Photo Credit: Sterling Images / Shutterstock)

For example, a passenger was reported overboard from MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia in early June while the ship was cruising in the Norwegian fjords. Similarly, an overboard situation happened from Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Magic in late May during a Bahamas sailing.

While it may seem these incidents are frequent, it is important to remember that tens of thousands of passengers sail aboard cruise ships every week without such emergencies.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the family members and friends of the individual, as well as the passengers and crew members aboard Allure of the Seas at this troubling time, hoping for a positive outcome.

What Are the Different Royal Caribbean Ship Classes?

Holly Riddle
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What Are the Different Royal Caribbean Ship Classes?

If you’re talking about ground-breaking, record-shattering cruise ships, there’s a high chance you’re talking about Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

The cruise line has become known for churning out ship after ship that’s bigger than the last, setting records for the largest cruise ship in the world again and again while introducing first-at-sea features, like the first skydiving experience or the largest water park at sea.

However, while most of Royal Caribbean’s ships are impressive, they’re not all the same. Here’s what you can expect across the 28+ ship-strong fleet, divided into the seven Royal Caribbean ship classes.

In This Article:

The Vision-Class

Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas (Photo Credit: EWY Media)

The Vision-class features Royal Caribbean’s oldest ships in operation, as well as its smallest ships in operation. 

Built by Kvaerner Masa Yards and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, at the time of their debut in the 1990s, the ships did, like so many other Royal Caribbean ships, set a few records in the industry.

They featured more glass windows than any other cruise ship at sea. They also were the fastest ships built in more than two decades, thanks to propulsion systems that are more or less commonplace in modern cruising.

The class currently includes four ships, but originally included two more — Legend of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas — but these were sold off to TUI in the 2010s. Today, Royal Caribbean’s Vision-class contains:

  • Grandeur of the Seas
  • Rhapsody of the Seas
  • Enchantment of the Seas
  • Vision of the Seas

The oldest of these is Grandeur of the Seas, taking her maiden voyage in December 1996. Grandeur of the Seas is also the smallest of the class, with a guest capacity of 2,440 people.

While these ships are admittedly old, they have been revitalized, as recently as April 2016 for Enchantment of the Seas. This has added some more modern features that you see on Royal Caribbean’s newer ships, such as the rock-climbing wall.

However, otherwise, the ships are missing some of the big features that you may have become accustomed to seeing on Royal Caribbean ships (like ice skating rinks or waterslides).

If you take a cruise on a Vision-class ship, expect a smaller, more intimate experience, and a laid-back vacation that, while not inclusive of any flashy on-board activities, still delivers a classic cruising vibe perfect for those who just want to kick back and relax. 

You’ll also find that, on smaller ships like these, you may get the opportunity to visit ports of call that are inaccessible to some of the mega ships within the Royal Caribbean fleet. 

The Voyager-Class

Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas Cruise Ship
Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager-class technically comes next, although both ships in the class and the Radiance-class were being built and sent out on their maiden voyages around the same time. Still, with its lead ship debuting in 1999, the Voyager-class comes first.

The Voyager class is much larger than the preceding Vision-class, as well as the yet-to-come Radiance-class, nearly doubling guest capacity and holding somewhere around 4,000 guests per ship. Ships debuted over a four-year period, 1999 to 2003, and this class has been revamped as recently as 2019. 

The Voyager-class ships include:

  • Voyager of the Seas
  • Explorer of the Seas
  • Adventure of the Seas
  • Navigator of the Seas
  • Mariner of the Seas

Built by Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Finland, these ships really set the stage for a whole new life for Royal Caribbean, establishing the cruise line’s current identity. The ships were the very first to feature the iconic Royal Promenade, and first-at-sea features included the first rock climbing wall on a cruise ship and the first ice skating rink on a cruise ship. 

Additionally, since the ships have been refurbished relatively recently, they’ve received additional attractions that you’ll see on newer cruise ships, such as the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, laser tag, the Sky Pad, FlowRider surf simulators and virtual balcony staterooms. 

These ships are a nice fit for cruisers who want some of these newer features, and plenty to do while on the ship, but who don’t want to pay for the high price tag that comes with cruising on some of the biggest-of-the-big, newest cruise ships, like those in the Oasis-class or new Icon class. 

The Radiance-Class

Radiance of the Seas
Radiance of the Seas (Photo Credit: andreev-studio / Shutterstock)

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class was built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and, as mentioned, the Radiance class was being introduced around the same time that Royal Caribbean was rolling out its Voyager-class ships.

Additionally, the Radiance-class ships are about half the size of the Voyager-class ships, just like the Vision class. Guest capacity hovers around 2,500 people.

Read Also: What to Expect on a Small Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

The ships’ size means there aren’t quite as many onboard amenities and features as what you’ll find on the Voyager-class ships, but the ships still have been revitalized as recently as the mid-2010s. 

The Radiance-class includes:

  • Radiance of the Seas
  • Brilliance of the Seas
  • Serenade of the Seas
  • Jewel of the Seas

Like the Vision-class ships, the Radiance-class ships feature quite a large amount of glass (over three acres across the windows, glass roofs and glass elevators), and also offer industry-first, self-leveling billiard tables.

Since the Radiance-class ships are smaller and have fewer amenities, they’re a good fit for those cruisers who want that intimate, low-crowd cruising experience and who want to visit smaller ports of call during their cruise itineraries.

The Freedom-Class

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship in the US Virgin Islands
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship in the US Virgin Islands (Photo Credit: GagliardiPhotography / Shutterstock)

The Freedom-class is much more in line with the Voyager-class, in terms of both size and features, though the Freedom-class is a few years newer, with ships debuting from 2006 to 2008, and refurbished as recently as 2020.

However, the Freedom-class had the distinction of being, at one point, the largest cruise ships in the world. Of course, by now, other Royal Caribbean ships have displaced them as the largest in the world.

Worth Reading: Royal Caribbean Amenities You Should Pre-Book

Still, these ships offer many of the big ship features you may know and love if you cruise with Royal Caribbean regularly, such as rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, laser tag, The Perfect Storm, Sky Pad and all the classic Royal Caribbean dining options.

Notably, these ships were the first to feature the FlowRider Surfing Simulator (the simulators were added to older ships later).   

 The Freedom class ships were built by Aker Finnyards in Finland. The class includes:

  • Freedom of the Seas
  • Liberty of the Seas
  • Independence of the Seas

Guest capacity ranges from 4,515 people (Freedom of the Seas) to 4,960 people (Liberty of the Seas). Much like the Voyager class, the Freedom class is ideal for those who want to stay on a ship that’s received some updates, but who don’t want to pay the higher cost charged on an Oasis-class or Icon-class cruise. 

The Oasis-Class

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas in Port Canaveral
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Santiago Castillo Chomel)

Just like the Voyager-class helped to bring the Royal Caribbean cruise line into a new era, so did the Oasis-class. Launched in 2009 with Oasis of the Seas, this class introduced the neighborhood concept to the cruise line, dividing the ship up into themed neighborhoods such as a neighborhood for entertainment, for the spa, for kids programming, for the boardwalk, etc.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Oasis-class is still going strong. The most recent Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, debuted just in 2024. As such, these ships are still very impressive, with lots of new venues and features. In fact, until Icon of the Seas debuted in 2024, the Oasis class still held status as the largest cruising vessels in the world (the aforementioned Utopia of the Seas now sits in the second-place spot). 

Built by both Meyer Turku and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the ships all hold more than 6,000 people. Since many of them are still relatively new, most have not been updated since debuting, except for the lead ship, Oasis of the Seas, which was revamped in 2019. 

Ships in the class include:

  • Oasis of the Seas
  • Allure of the Seas
  • Harmony of the Seas
  • Symphony of the Seas
  • Wonder of the Seas
  • Utopia of the Seas

A seventh Oasis-class ship is expected to join the fleet in 2028. Book a cruise on any of these ships to experience some of the best in the cruising industry.

The Quantum-Class

The Quantum class ships can be basically broken down into two classes beneath the same umbrella: the Quantum class and the Quantum Ultra class. While the ships are not as large as the Oasis class, they still have a lot to love, and the ships are pretty new, debuting over a seven-year period, 2014 to 2021.

The ships include: 

  • Quantum of the Seas
  • Anthem of the Seas
  • Ovation of the Seas
  • Spectrum of the Seas 
  • Odyssey of the Seas

The ships brought a lot of new features to Royal Caribbean, such as the North Star ride, which features a glass capsule that takes you out over the side of the ship to hover above the sea.

Other features include skydiving simulators, FlowRider surf simulators, bumper cars, loft suites, virtual balcony staterooms, rock climbing walls, virtual adventure zones and more. 

However, there are a few features missing on these ships. There are no ice skating rinks and no water parks. 

The last two ships, Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas, are technically considered the “Quantum Ultra” class, as they differ just slightly from their predecessors, with new venues and tech, and slightly larger sizes. For example, these ships feature the Skypad, whereas the others do not. 

In short, if you want lots of cool features and activities during your trip, but don’t necessarily need the newest of the new, or the biggest of the big, try a Quantum-class cruise ship for your next cruise. 

The Icon-Class

Icon of the Seas in Miami, Florida
Icon of the Seas in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)

The Icon-class is the newest of them all and, as Royal Caribbean is apt to do, also the biggest of them all. This class’s lead ship, Icon of the Seas, debuted in early 2024 and superseded its sister ships as the largest cruise ship in the world.

That said, it wasn’t by all that much; Icon of the Seas holds 7,600 passengers and is just 6% larger than the Oasis-class ships.

Beyond setting a record for size, Icon of the Seas also sets records for its expansive number of venues and attractions. For example, the ship has seven pools (more than any other cruise ship) and six water slides (also more than any other cruise ships) plus the largest ice skating rink for any Royal Caribbean ship. 

There are dozens of dining and drinking venues, and an array of stateroom and suite options. Icon of the Seas is also the first ship in the fleet to use liquefied natural gas (the other Icon-class ships will follow suit).

Read Also: Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas – A Giant Comparison

Plus, the Icon-class has taken the Oasis class’s neighborhood concept and turned it on its head. Neighborhoods are dictated more on vibes and amenities, rather than venues alone. 

As such, you’ll find neighborhoods specifically geared toward families, like for example, the Surfside neighborhood with family-friendly staterooms and suites, entertainment and dining.

Then, you’ll also find neighborhoods geared toward suite guests (the aptly named Suite Neighborhood) or those just looking for quieter surroundings, like what you could find in The Hideaway or The AquaDome neighborhoods. 

So far, this class only includes Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, which was delivered in July 2025, but more Icon-class ships are expected to join her in 2025, 2026 and 2027. The 2026 vessel will be Legend of the Seas, and the final name is forthcoming. 

If you want to cruise on the most exciting and biggest ship possible, in the entire cruising industry right now, there’s no other choice but Icon of the Seas.

Carnival Asks: Would You Recycle a Popular Cruise Souvenir?

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Asks: Would You Recycle a Popular Cruise Souvenir?

Every cruise passenger is given a great souvenir as soon as they board their ship on every single voyage – the credit-card-sized ship card, which serves as their room key, onboard charge card, and security identification.

Twice in recent weeks, however, Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests to ask if there would be interest in recycling the cards, rather than keeping them.

The question comes from John Heald, the cruise line’s official Brand Ambassador, following guest inquiries about such an option. Heald asked the question in his popular daily polls, with choices for both recycling keys as well as keeping them as souvenirs.

The first poll was conducted on Monday, September 30 as part of a round-up of several questions. In total, more than 21,550 votes (25%) agreed that “I do not want the keys to be collected at the gangway as I do keep mine as a souvenir.”

In contrast, just 2,580 votes (3%) were cast for “I agree, the cabin keys should be collected at the gangway and recycled. I do not use it again or keep it as a souvenir.”

To be clear, the percentages do not add up to 100% because the poll includes multiple questions on different topics, and voters can choose multiple selections.

A second poll with similar choices was posted nearly a month later, on Tuesday, October 22. While not as many votes have yet been cast in that more recent poll, the numbers favoring keeping souvenir cards is even higher.

As of this writing, more than 15,100 votes (31%) favor “I always keep my cabin key as a souvenir so I would not dispose of it as I left the ship.”

Just 2,440 votes (5%) would prefer “That there should be a place for people to dispose of their cabin key as they leave the ship so Carnival can recycle all the wasted plastic.”

While Carnival Cruise Line does not currently offer a ship card recycling option, it is an interesting idea. This is particularly true as the cruise line has taken other steps to remove single-use plastics from their ships, such as no longer offering pens in cabins, switching to edible or degradable straws, and not using plastic coffee stirrers.

While most cruise guests certainly seem to prefer keeping their cards as a fun souvenir – I have a whole stack myself – there are obviously thousands of travelers who would appreciate the recycling option, especially if it was voluntary.

“I believe there should be a bin to discard our S & S cards. It doesn’t mean you have to use it. If you want it as a souvenir, then by all means keep it. But having the option to recycle them is a great idea!”

“Some people save their cards and some don’t. Having a place for the latter to dispose of theirs if they see fit does not impede those who wish to keep their cards.”

“It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a receptacle for the sail and sign cards so the ones that people don’t save for keepsakes can be recycled.”

Read Also: Tips to Disembarking a Cruise Ship

It would be very easy for the cruise line to install a “deposit unwanted cards here for recycling” bin on the ship gangway or in the cruise terminal for use during debarkation – after guests have successfully been processed off the vessel, of course.

This would be similar to the photo recycling bins available in the onboard Pixels photo galleries on ships where photos are still printed and not yet digital, giving guests the chance to properly discard photos they do not want to purchase.

Can Ship Cards Even Be Recycled?

Cruise travelers should know that recycling their ship cards once they reach home might not be easy. While the small squares of plastic are recyclable, not all municipal facilities may be able to accept such small plastic waste for effective recycling.

Travel Credit Cards
Travel Credit Cards (Photo Credit: Brocreative)

Carnival Cruise Line, on the other hand, could collect the cards in such massive quantities that it might be more easily possible for the cards to be effectively recycled.

Each week, Carnival Cruise Line welcomes more than 85,000 guests across the fleet – that is a LOT of shipboard cards. With just the numbers above, that would mean roughly 3,400 cards would be recycled each week, or more than 176,000 cards in a single year. Wow!

What do you do with your ship cards after a cruise ends? Mine simply live in a desk drawer, but I would love a better display option that doesn’t take up too much space. Share your display or souvenir ideas on the Cruise Hive boards!

Carnival Confirms “No Public Screening Anywhere” on US Election

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Confirms “No Public Screening Anywhere” on US Election

With early voting now open in multiple states and Election Day just two weeks away for what is already a very contentious US presidential election, many cruise travelers are understandably concerned about following election results while on vacation.

Carnival Cruise Line has responded to multiple inquiries about whether or not election information or voting results would be broadcast in public areas, such as on the movie screen on many ships’ Lido Decks or in bars and lounges onboard.

“I had so many people asking about the election coverage next week on the ships,” said John Heald, the cruise line’s official Brand Ambassador. “Having spoken to our Chief Communications Officer Chris I can confirm there will be no public screening anywhere on the ship of any election coverage.”

To be clear, Carnival Cruise Line does offer a variety of news stations for viewing on individual televisions in guest staterooms. Those news stations are sure to be filled with election coverage up to and even beyond Election Day – Tuesday, November 5. There are no restrictions on travelers watching the coverage in their own staterooms.

What will not happen, however, is such coverage being broadcast in public areas on the Carnival fleet. Instead, the public screens will continue with sports events, scheduled movies, and other broadcasting.

This may be disappointing to some travelers who are following the election results closely, but many guests agree it is the right decision, particularly when opinions and party affiliations can become so heated.

“Exactly the correct decision. What you don’t need is people starting fights over politics.”

“This is the right decision. There is WAY too much derision regarding this election and having it on where people will be drinking and watching together is just a recipe for disaster.”

“Thank you for not showing anything political. I will be on vacation to get away from all of that for a few days.”

Some travelers, however, are upset that they won’t have the “freedom” to stay tuned to election coverage.

“That is ridiculous! This is America! It is our freedom to watch!” one commenter exclaimed, which encouraged further clarification from Heald.

“It has nothing to do with politics or freedom. You have the freedom to watch it in your cabin. You have the freedom to use the Internet to watch it and sit anywhere on the ship you wish to,” Heald confirmed.

“But we are not going to change out schedule of events, movies, and deck parties to broadcast politics on the big screen or any other bars or lounges where we normally have live music. Cheers.”

A number of commenters also point out that even while Carnival Cruise Line brands itself as “America’s Cruise Line,” not all passengers are Americans. Similarly, not all guests will have an interest in political news, regardless of their personal politics.

Carnival Cruise Ship Open Deck With Large Screen
Carnival Cruise Ship Open Deck With Large Screen (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)

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

Many cruise travelers use the opportunity to completely unplug while on vacation, enjoying their time at sea without worrying about news or problems back at home. Those issues will always be waiting when the ship returns to its homeport.

Contentious TV Broadcasts

It is not surprising that Carnival will not be offering election coverage across public areas onboard. This has been similar to other event coverage that often depends on which networks the cruise line is able to offer as well as whether or not some broadcasts may be troublesome to guests.

For example, Heald often fields questions and requests for sports coverage, such as favorite teams or competitive finals. It isn’t always possible to show every match or meetup, but Carnival Cruise Line does offer the NFL Syndication and Sunday Ticket package for the 2024-2025 season.

When a traveler’s favorite television show or network is not available, the cruise line’s Wi-Fi packages do offer fast enough speeds for individual streaming services if desired.

New Game Venue Will Be Featured on NCL’s New Prima Plus-Class Ships

Lissa Poirot
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New Game Venue Will Be Featured on NCL’s New Prima Plus-Class Ships

Excited about the upcoming Prima Plus Class ships set to debut starting next year? Well, Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest teaser will certainly get you counting down the days until you can set sail.

Beyond the already highly touted, first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide to be called the Aqua Slidecoaster, the cruise line’s upcoming Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna will introduce several more new experiences and expanded spaces, including a first-ever Aqua and Luna Game Zone.

This evolution of NCL’s Galaxy Pavilion will feature a mix of virtual reality and classic arcade games, including retro titles like Ms. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. 

Guests can also try interactive experiences like Space Racing, which puts them in the driver’s seat of a virtual racing game, and Beat Hero, which involves using dual swords to hit targets in time with music.

The revamped Bull’s Eye Bar will complement the gaming venue with a new take on darts, incorporating video game-style graphics and automated scoring into the full-service bar’s offerings.

Read Also: Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know

Additionally, the new Tee Time will offer a super-sized mini-golf course with 12 interactive holes across two decks. Each hole will be themed around the Wonders of the World, and the new courses will be even bigger than those found on the first two Prima-class ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.

Plus, the cruise line is giving guests more recreational spaces by introducing a dedicated pickleball court, which will be removed from The Stadium. The Stadium will continue to offer shuffleboard, sub-soccer, Ping-Pong, foosball, and beer-pong games.

Pickleball Court Aqua and Luna
Pickleball Court Aqua and Luna (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

“We provide our guests with more to do with a variety of fun, exciting, and elevated experiences for every type of traveler,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“The two sister ships will introduce a brand-new venue to the fleet, the Aqua and Luna Game Zone, along with thoughtfully redesigned spaces and bringing back many more of our best-in-class offerings, beloved by our guests and inspired by their feedback,” he continued.

Still, it won’t be all fun and games aboard the new ships, set to debut in April 2025 and 2026, respectively. Wellness options will also be enhanced in the revamped Mandara Spa and Pulse Fitness Center.

Here, the spa will feature new services like a clay sauna, IV drip therapy, and thalassotherapy loungers. At the same time, the fitness center will offer a broader range of classes, including yoga and Pilates, as well as a dedicated spin studio.

The ships will also see twice as many heated loungers in their thermal suites, providing more opportunities for relaxation at sea while bringing back favorites like the charcoal sauna, ice room, salt room, and salt flotation pool.

Mandara Spa heated loungers Aqua and Luna
Mandara Spa heated loungers Aqua and Luna (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

A Bigger and Better Prima Class

Currently undergoing construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard near Venice, Italy, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna will be 10 percent bigger than the first two Prima-class ships.

Successfully floated out in April 2024, the 156,300-gross-ton, 3,571-passenger Norwegian Aqua will initially homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, near Orlando. When it debuts on April 16, 2025, it will offer 7-night Caribbean itineraries.

The vessel will enjoy calls in the Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands, and US Virgin Islands, as well as numerous stops at the cruise line’s private destination, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. 

In August, Norwegian Aqua will reposition to New York City, offering 5- and 7-night voyages to Bermuda through October before returning to Florida where she will homeport in Miami through April 2026 while offering Eastern Caribbean itineraries to guests.

At that time, sister ship Norwegian Luna will complete her construction and join Norwegian Aqua in Miami, featuring Western and Eastern Caribbean routes that also include stops in Great Stirrup Cay, as well as Norwegian’s other private destination, Harvest Caye in Belize.

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