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Celebrity Cruise Ships By Size: Biggest to Smallest

Holly Riddle
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Celebrity Cruise Ships By Size: Biggest to Smallest

Thinking of taking a trip with Celebrity Cruises in the near future? Yes, Celebrity Cruises isn’t really known for having some of the biggest cruise ships in the world among its fleet.

However, the newer Celebrity ships can certainly hold their own, and even some of the cruise line’s older ships still offer a lot to love. And we even have a list of all the ships by age too!

Here’s what you need to know about all 17 vessels in the Celebrity fleet, including size, passenger capacity and special features.

In This Article:

Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel Cruise Ship
Celebrity Xcel Cruise Ship

Set to launch in November 2025, as the fifth in the Edge class. As many of Celebrity Cruises’s ships have increased in size over the years, with each new ship, Celebrity Xcel is likewise bigger and better than the last ship to join the fleet, Celebrity Ascent. The vessel brings a new evolution to the class.

Celebrity Cruises promises that the ship will offer an enhanced The Retreat, a new restaurant by renowned Chef Daniel Boulud, an expanded Rooftop Garden and Resort Deck, a redesigned Grand Plaza, and more!

The ship will be able to run off three different types of fuel, including methanol, a first for Celebrity Cruises. The ship is being built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The keel-laying ceremony took place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France in June 2024.

Gross Tonnage: 141,420+ GT
Passenger Capacity: 3,260+

Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent Sea Trials
Celebrity Ascent Sea Trials

Launched in November 2023, Celebrity Ascent took Celebrity Cruises and the Edge class to new heights — literally. The vessel feature 17 decks, nearly 200 more staterooms and suites than past Edge-class ships, and larger special spaces like The Retreat. 

The ships’ Edge Staterooms with Infinite Verandas are 23% larger than Solstice-class veranda staterooms, and the ship’s Iconic suites are the largest suites in the entire fleet. Celebrity Ascent offers more than 30 food and beverage experiences, too.

Celebrity Ascent was built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 141,420 GT
  • Length: 1,073 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 3,260
  • Crew Capacity: 1,400-plus  

Celebrity Beyond

Celebrity Beyond Docked in St. Kitts
Celebrity Beyond Docked in St. Kitts (Photo Credit: SKNIS)

Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond shares many of its features with newer ship Celebrity Ascent, and the two likewise share both a builder (Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France) and the same size.

This Edge-class ship introduced the cruise line’s AquaSky suites and features more than 30 food and beverage options. Celebrity Byond is also well known for having one of the most famous cruise ship captains on social media, Captain Kate McCue!

  • Gross Tonnage: 141,420 GT
  • Length: 1,073 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 3,260
  • Crew Capacity: 1,400-plus  

Celebrity Apex

Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship
Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)

Launched in April 2020 and built by STX France, Celebrity Apex is an Edge-class ship, but it’s slightly smaller than the two newest Edge-class ships, by about 10,000 GT. That said, it still offers big differences in size when comparing the ship to the previous Solstice class of ships. For example, the Edge Staterooms with Infinite Verandas offer bathrooms that are 10% larger than what you’ll find on Solstice-class ships. 

In total, the ship offers just over 1,400 staterooms and suites. It also boasts 17 dining venues, and a tech-heavy theater that introduced all-new production shows and programming exclusive to Celebrity Apex. The ship also introduced the Craft Social pub to the cruise line, as well as a reimagined Eden space.

  • Gross Tonnage: 130,818 GT
  • Length: 1,004 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,910
  • Crew Capacity: 1,320 

Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship
Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock)

When Celebrity Edge entered service in December 2018 as the very first Edge-class ship, it came with some pretty cool features. It introduced The Retreat, aka Celebrity Cruises’ VIP area, for suite guests only.

In cabin categories, it debuted the Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda, an option that creates indoor-outdoor living spaces made possible by state-of-the-art technology, as well as the Iconic Suite and Edge Villas. Other new features included the Rooftop Garden. The ship was built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 130,818 GT
  • Length: 1,004 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,918
  • Crew Capacity: 1,320

Celebrity Reflection

Celebrity Reflection Cruise Ship
Celebrity Reflection Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: NAN728)

Celebrity Reflection, when it debuted in October 2012, was the last ship in the Solstice class. It has recently been renovated, in October 2022. The ship is the largest of the Solstice class, and was built by Meyer Werft. Over 14 decks, the ship offers just over 1,500 staterooms.

While this ship was considered fairly contemporary when it originally launched, with the industry’s growing number of spectacular mega ships from various cruise lines, Celebrity Reflection is now relatively ho-hum. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 125,366 GT
  • Length: 1,041 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 3,480
  • Crew Capacity: 1,293 

Celebrity Silhouette

Celebrity Cruises Silhouette Ship
Celebrity Cruises Silhouette Ship (Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss)

Built by Meyer Werft and debuted in July 2011, Celebrity Silhouette is slightly smaller than Celebrity Reflection, but right on par with Solstice-class sister ships Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox and the class’s lead ship Celebrity Solstice. The ship received renovations in 2020, as part of the Celebrity Revolution modernization initiative. It’s scheduled for more renovations in November 2024.

The ship offers 1,451 staterooms, 14 dining venues and features that were originally introduced on Edge-class ships, but then were later added to older ships, such as The Retreat and Craft Social. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 122,210 GT
  • Length: 1,041 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,902
  • Crew Capacity: 1,285 

Celebrity Eclipse

Celebrity Cruises Ship
Celebrity Eclipse Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Paul Brady Photography / Shutterstock)

The middle Solstice-class ship, Celebrity Eclipse debuted in April 2010 and, like Celebrity Silhouette, was also refurbished in 2020. Before that, the ship, which was built by Meyer Werft, received another refurbishment in 2015. 

Despite being the same size as Celebrity Silhouette by gross tonnage, the ship can hold fewer overall guests (at double occupancy) and has one less deck, for a total of 13. It has fewer staterooms, too, for a total of 1,426. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 121,878 GT
  • Length: 1,041 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,852
  • Crew Capacity: 1,286 

Celebrity Equinox

Celebrity Equinox Cruise Ship
Celebrity Equinox cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Brookgardener / Shutterstock)

Built by Meyer Werft and introduced in August 2009, Celebrity Equinox has been updated with renovations and dry docks occurring in 2014, 2019 and 2024. As such, if you’re looking to sail on a Celebrity Solstice class ship soon, opt for either Celebrity Equinox or Celebrity Silhouette, both of which are the most recently updated. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 121,878 GT
  • Length: 1,041 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,852
  • Crew Capacity: 1,290 

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Ian Dewar Photography / Shutterstock

The lead Solstice-class ship, Celebrity Solstice debuted in November 2008 after delivery from Meyer Werft. The ship introduced quite a few features to the Celebrity Cruises cruise line, including the line’s first Lawn Club and hot glass show.

Other ship highlights included the Celebrity iLounge, with an Apple retail area, and the Cellar Masters wine bar. Refurbishments took place in 2016 and 2021. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 121,878 GT
  • Length: 1,041 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,852
  • Crew Capacity: 1,250

Celebrity Millennium

Celebrity Millennium Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises

When Celebrity Cruises ordered both Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Infinity from builder Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the ships were intended to be smaller than they actually ended up being. 

When the aptly named Celebrity Millennium debuted in July 2000, it was the very first Celebrity Cruises ship following Celebrity Cruises’ merger with Royal Caribbean Group.

Celebrity Millennium distinctively featured a special electric COGES power plant (the first cruise ship in the world to do so). It also debuted with a unique restaurant that featured elements taken from the RMS Olympic, the Titanic’s sister ship. Today, Celebrity Millennium is the oldest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 91,011 GT
  • Length: 965 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,158
  • Crew Capacity: 999

Celebrity Constellation

Celebrity Constellation Cruise Ship
Celebrity Constellation Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: ImagineStock)

Celebrity Constellation is the newest ship in Celebrity Cruises’ oldest class, the Millennium class. Launched in May 2002, the ship was renovated most recently in April 2024, but also received refurbishments in 2020 and 2017.

Built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, some of the ship’s newly added features include the Rooftop Terrace, Qsine restaurant and a newly revamped shopping area. The 2017 renovations also updated staterooms with automatic door locks and new bathrooms. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 90,940 GT
  • Length: 965 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,559
  • Crew Capacity: 999  

Celebrity Infinity

Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: RoxTravels / Shutterstock

Celebrity Cruises introduced two ships to the cruising industry in 2001. Before the Celebrity Summit, there was also Celebrity Infinity. 

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the ship is the same size and capacity as sister ship Celebrity Summit. Like this sister ship, it also received renovations that brought it up to Solstice-class standards, with renovations taking place in 2011, 2015, 2018 and, most recently, January 2024. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 90,940 GT
  • Length: 965 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,170
  • Crew Capacity: 999 

Celebrity Summit

Celebrity Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Carlos Yudica / Shutterstock.com

Launched in October 2001, Celebrity Summit was the third of the Millennium class ships. 

Originally built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire and refurbished in 2012, 2016 and 2019, the ship’s staterooms and public venues were upgraded to match those of the newer Solstice class, as closely as possible.

During the 2012 renovations, the ship’s overall gross tonnage and occupancy were increased to what you see today. Occupancy was also increased during the 2019 renovations, with new cabins added. 

The ship made a distinction as one of the first cruise ships to be powered by environmentally friendly gas turbines.  

  • Gross Tonnage: 90,003 GT
  • Length: 965 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,158
  • Crew Capacity: 999  

Celebrity Flora

Celebrity Flora Cruise Ship
Celebrity Flora Cruise Ship (Credit: Celebrity Cruises)

Celebrity Flora is not your average cruise ship. Instead, this small expedition ship, debuted in June 2019, is one-of-a-kind. 

Celebrity Cruises claims that Celebrity Flora was the first ship of its kind built specifically for a certain destination: the Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador. The ship, built by De Hoop Shipyard in the Netherlands, offers six passenger decks and a capacity for 100 guests over 50 suites. 

At the time of debut, the ship offered the largest suites sailing to the Galapagos, the first glamping experiences in the Galapagos, and the first yacht tenders in the Galapagos. The ship also featured Celebrity Cruises’ very first marina, a public sea-level space, as well as Celebrity Cruises’ very first stargazing platform.  

  • Gross Tonnage: 5,739 GT
  • Length: 333 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 100
  • Crew Capacity: 80 

Celebrity Xpedition

Celebrity Xpedition
Celebrity Xpedition (Photo Credit: Diego Delso)

The first of Celebrity Cruises’ expedition ships, Celebrity Xpedition entered service in June 2004 (though the small ship has since been updated, in September 2018), kicking off the Xpedition class. 

The ship offers 24 staterooms, two restaurants and more inclusions than what you might get on a standard cruise (think alcoholic beverages and daily shore excursions). Overall, the Xpedition class offers a more intimate sailing experience, with a greater level of care and crew attention, during all itineraries.

In January 2024, the cruise line announced that the ship would be sold to National Geographic, and the sale would be completed in 2025.

  • Gross Tonnage: 2,842 GT
  • Length: 296 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 48
  • Crew Capacity: 58 

Celebrity Xploration

Celebrity Xploration
Celebrity Xploration

The smallest Celebrity Cruises ship of them all, Celebrity Xploration is likewise an expedition ship, this time only holding a mere 16 people and a crew of 12. There are three guest decks, and only eight staterooms, half with verandas and half without.

There are two dining areas, a sun deck and a lounge bar, and, as is the case with Celebrity Cruises’ other expedition experiences, you’ll enjoy more fare inclusions and a more intimate atmosphere on this small ship.

The small vessel is being sold to National Geographic along with Celebrity Xpedition and will leave the fleet in 2025.

  • Gross Tonnage: 319.5 GT
  • Length: 98 ft.
  • Passenger Capacity: 16
  • Crew Capacity: 12

What’s the Largest Celebrity Cruises Ship?

When just looking at Celebrity Cruises’ current sailing ships, the cruise line’s two most recent ships, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent, are its largest. Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent, the most recent members of the Edge class, are both 140,600 GT and both hold 3,849 passengers.

When comparing Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond to past Celebrity Cruises cruise ships, the ships are longer and sleeker, with one additional deck, and nearly 200 more suites and staterooms. The ships’ Retreat areas are also 40% larger and the Sunset Bar is 180% larger, and there are overall more restaurants, bars and lounges to enjoy.

What’s the Smallest Celebrity Cruises Ship?

The smallest Celebrity Cruises ship is Celebrity Xploration. However, this smallest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet isn’t really a cruise ship in the traditional sense. 

Instead, it’s a member of the cruise line’s expedition class. The small ship only carries 16 guests at a time, with a gross tonnage of 320 and a length of under 100 feet!

Are Any Larger Celebrity Cruise Ships Coming in the Future?

Yes, Celebrity expects to welcome Celebrity Xcel in 2025. While not much has been revealed regarding this future ship’s size, it’s safe to assume that it will be at least as large as sister Edge-class ships Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent, or very likely larger. 

As such, that would mean that Celebrity Xcel will weigh in at greater than 140,600 GT and likely be capable of holding more than 3,849 passengers.

Carnival Defends Against Claims of Cheapening the Dining Experience

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Defends Against Claims of Cheapening the Dining Experience

When brand ambassador John Heald responded to a complaint about the lack of tablecloths in the main dining rooms on Carnival ships, he had no idea the debate that he would start. 

“Not having tablecloths is an example of a cruise line with no class. Having a “brand ambassador “ making lurid statements shows that he is the perfect match. Both have zero class,” reads the initial complaint, which Heald shared on his Facebook page.

But not only did this start an internet war in the comments of the post – to which more than 1,000 people have responded to in less than 12 hours – but it caught the attention of Professor Melissa, a university professor who has gained a following sharing cruise tips on social media. 

“So, in case you hadn’t noticed, Carnival this year has stopped using real tablecloths, and some cruisers are up in arms about it. Carnival ambassador John Heald posted about it today and I find this topic so interesting…that I plan to make a video about it,” Melissa shared on Facebook.

“Specifically it’s going to be about the “cheapening” of the cruise experience, and how small luxuries have been taken away slowly but steadily,” continued the travel influencer.

Before Melissa could return with a video, Heald defended Carnival’s decision to do away with the tablecloths – which the 27-ship cruise line opted for in order to be more environmentally friendly. 

“Professor Melissa – respectfully I hope you will also mention the main reason that we do not have them. And that is washing approximately 3,000 tablecloths every day on every ship and the incredibly negative impact it has on the environment,” Heald clapped back in the comments of Melissa’s post.

On average, a standard washing machine uses around 20 gallons of water per load, which becomes quite substantial when thousands of tablecloths need to be cleaned daily – not just in terms of the environmental impact, but also with the manpower it takes to do that much laundry.

Do Tablecloths Really Matter?

According to a subsequent poll posted by Heald, the majority of cruisers don’t care one way or the other about tablecloths in the dining room. 

14,244 voted for “tablecloths really make little or no difference to my dining pleasure and the fun,” while only 2,095 chose “tablecloths make every difference to the experience I have in the dining room.” 

While clearly some do care about tablecloths – as votes reaching into the 2,000s isn’t unsubstantial – the majority didn’t mind going without them. 

Carnival Cruise Line Pajamagate
Carnival Cruise Line Pajamagate (Photo Credit Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

“I always found white table cloths to be a waste of resources, water, energy, labor. They stain easily and require a lot of bleaching and washing. It gives the crew a small break and less to worry about,” wrote one commenter. 

“I don’t mind tables without a cloth, more than 1/2 the time people are shifting them and they end up more on one side than the other, kids spill and drip and wipe their hands on them,” added another.

Read Also: Free Carnival Cruise Dining Options You’ll Want to Know (With Menus!)

While some may see the omission of tablecloths as a downgrade, rest assured that Carnival has been working to improve the onboard experience in other ways. 

Perhaps most notable, the cruise line rolled out high-speed Starlink internet service fleet wide earlier in 2024 and introduced a new premium WI-FI plan that can be used on multiple devices earlier in September.

At the end of 2023, the family-friendly brand also announced a revamped chef’s table experience for this year and debuted a new master cooking class inspired by chef Emeril Lagasse on Carnival Jubilee. 

Carnival also added the ability to book the beloved “Behind The Fun” ship tours in advance of setting sail, and made disembarkation easier with new features on the HUB App that allow guests to plan their departure through the app.

Major Strike Planned Across US Ports, How it Could Impact Cruises

Melissa Mayntz
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Major Strike Planned Across US Ports, How it Could Impact Cruises

A looming strike in an ongoing labor dispute with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and various employers from Maine to Texas could have dire impacts on cruise travel.

While a new Master Contract Agreement is being negotiated, sticking points with wages as compared to profits from the companies that employ union members may lead to the strike at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

With high inflation making every employee’s wages seem less profitable than in years past, and many cruise lines and other companies now having recovered from pandemic losses, it seems a good time for such a wage increase negotiation.

“Inflation has completely eaten into any raises and wages. Everything is more expensive, even compared to six-years ago,” said the ILA. “Our members are struggling to pay their mortgages and rent, car payments, groceries, utility bills, taxes, and in some cases, their children’s education.”

Unfortunately, the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) – representing the employers of the union members – is being accused of propaganda to discredit longshoremen and their demands. Leaked details of confidential talks over the past two years, as well as ill preparation for negotiations, make USMX seem less than willing to agree to wage increases.

“A sleeping giant is ready to roar on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, if a new Master Contract Agreement is not in place,” said ILA President Harold J. Daggett. “My members have been preparing for over a year for that possibility of a strike.”

If that strike moves forward, top US cruise ship homeports could be heavily impacted, including Boston, New York, Baltimore, Miami, Tampa, Mobile, and New Orleans.

At cruise ports, longshoremen are responsible for moving supplies on and off ships, as well as checking supply manifests to ensure vessels have the materials they need. This must be done within just a few hours as cruise ships are docked and passengers disembark from one sailing and embark for another.

If longshoremen do strike, ships may be unable to properly resupply and port and docking schedules could be dramatically impacted. This could lead to departure delays with itinerary changes as a knock-on effect, or even cancelled sailings if a strike were to become extended.

It is possible that even if a full new contract is not agreed upon by the end of September, a more limited agreement may be reached to keep workers servicing cruise ships while cargo vessels are unattended. This could still create delays for cruise ships, but may not be as noticeable.

It should be noted that longshoremen are not porters who handle guests’ individual bags at the cruise terminal, but they may be part of the workforce that loads stacked pallets of luggage onto cruise ships.

What Are the Union Demands?

Small annual wage increases, lack of salary work contracts, and loss of other income streams when compared to record profits have led to the call for higher wages.

In addition to higher wages, the ILA is seeking additional protections against automation that could dissolve union members’ jobs and put hundreds of longshoremen out of work in the long term.

Longshoremen at Miami Port
Longshoremen at Miami Port (Photo Credit: Drew Rawcliffe)

“The companies that employ ILA pay their executives billion-dollar bonus while our longshore workers work all year, around the clock, in brutal conditions of freezing cold and scorching heat. Why shouldn’t we ask for a $10 an hour increase?” Daggett said. “The ILA longshore worker deserves it, and the companies have the money to pay it.”

Read Also: Florida Cruise Ports – Your Full Overview and Guide

It should be noted that typical raises for longshoremen over the years have often been $1 per hour or less, and in some years, no raises at all.

Individual ports are preparing for the potential work stoppage in different ways, including extending their operational hours for cargo to be collected while work continues.

At this time, there are no confirmed impacts to any cruise ship schedules, but such impacts may yet be forthcoming depending on whether or not a strike moves forward and if any limited agreement is reached beforehand.

Crews Extinguish Massive Container Fire at Cruise Capital of the World

Catie Kovelman
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Crews Extinguish Massive Container Fire at Cruise Capital of the World

It’s been an extra chaotic Friday afternoon at the busiest cruise port in the world. 

At approximately 5:45 p.m. local time on the evening of September 20, 2024, a container within the Port of Miami burst into flames for unknown reasons. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

Cellphone videos of the blaze, many of which were captured by guests onboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas as the Oasis-class ship embarked from the port, show black smoke and the container fully engulfed in flames. 

Thankfully, first responders arrived on the scene quickly and were able to put the fire out quickly. Cruise operations were not impacted – including for MSC Magnifica and Carnival Conquest, which were also in the port – and no one was hurt. 

The busy port, which is located on Dodge Island in Biscayne Bay, will likely still have some damage to address. However, it appears the docks and cruise terminals were not touched by the flames – even if things did get a bit close for comfort.

As of the time of publication, PortMiami has not released any official statement about the incident or the potential damage.

In the videos taken by onlookers, the fire seemed to be particularly close to MSC Cruises’ new terminal – which is the tenth for the busy port.

MSC Group has already invested around $350 million in the creation of what will be the largest cruise terminal in North America once completed.

The massive facilities have been under construction since 2022 and are nearly complete, with the terminal expected to open before the end of 2024. Fire damage this close to completion would have been devastating, and fortunately, didn’t occur.

It Could Have Been Worse

Thankfully, the fire was put out nearly as quickly as it began – with minimal damage reported to the surrounding areas within the cruise port. But as the busiest cruise port in the world, the consequences of the situation could have been dire. 

More than 22 cruise lines currently call on PortMiami with 55 ships – including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises, among others. 

The port welcomes over seven million cruise guests each year across its soon-to-be-ten state-of-the-art cruise terminals – with a record-breaking 7,299,294 cruisers passing through the port in 2023. 

Interestingly, this also wasn’t the first incident this year to threaten the Florida-based port’s operations. On February 23, 2024, a seaplane actually crashed in PortMiami.

PortMiami in Florida
PortMiami in Florida

A single-engine Cessna 208 seaplane overturned while attempting to land at the Miami Seaplane Base on Watson Island at the west end of the cruise port’s main channel – with the partially submerged plane coming to a halt near the cruise ship terminals at around 1:40 p.m. 

Thankfully, first responders from the Miami-Dade Police Harbor Patrol were able to intervene quickly and successfully evacuated all seven passengers aboard. Miraculously, no injuries were reported. 

Read Also: Miami Cruise Port Guide: Terminals, Transportation and More

This was another close call where no cruise ships were impacted, aside from dealing with a bit more port traffic surrounding the crash site. 

All five ships in the port that day, which included Freedom of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Norwegian Pearl, MSC Magnifica, and Carnival Conquest, were able to embark on their scheduled sailings without delay.

Carnival Confiscates Passenger’s Starlink Mini, Adjusts Banned List

Lissa Poirot
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Carnival Confiscates Passenger’s Starlink Mini, Adjusts Banned List

Just when a passenger may have found a way to navigate the seven seas without utilizing cruise line WiFi packages during a Carnival Cruise Line voyage, the cruise line swooped in and confiscated his portable satellite dish, he said.

YouTuber Richard Shillington, creator of the “No Pants Profits” channel, is currently sailing a 15-night roundtrip voyage aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle from San Francisco to Hawaii, with nine sea days.

Wanting to film for his channel and worried about connectivity while deep in the Pacific, he brought a Starlink Mini to provide Internet at sea, which he says cost $599 to purchase and $250 a month to use over the ocean.

Showing the ship’s position midway between San Francisco and Hawaii, Shillington created an episode for his channel about traveling with his portable satellite dish.

Filming initially from the pool deck, he tested the ship’s WiFi speed through the ship’s Premium Wi-Fi package and found download rates of less than 4 Mbps.

Shillington then showed users how to work the portable satellite dish, retesting his download speed from the same location at 123 Mbps, drastically outperforming Carnival’s for-purchase package.

But his triumph was short-lived. After posting a video to his YouTube channel, he was called to the hotel director’s office, where his satellite dish was confiscated due to a violation of Carnival’s policy.

Shillington shared in his follow-up post that Carnival’s “prohibited” list was vague as it specifically said no “satellite discs.” However, Carnival Cruise Line has corrected its typo, which now correctly states that “satellite dishes” are not allowed onboard.

Wi-Fi Pricing and Connectivity Challenges

Shillington isn’t wrong to complain that WiFi onboard cruise ships can be pricey and unreliable.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Premium WiFi Plan starts at $21.25 per person per day, which equates to $318.75 aboard Shillington’s cruise. Although, if pre-purchased, he would have saved 15 percent (about $48).

The cruise line’s cheapest WiFi package, the Social Plan, starts at $15.30 per person daily. This package allows users to access social websites like Instagram and Facebook but excludes streaming services like Netflix and music streaming accessible in the Premium option.

The Value Plan, at $19.55 per person per day, provides faster service for social media use, while the new Multi-Device Premium WiFi Plan can connect up to four devices for $75 per day.

Although Shillington found the service lacking during an at-sea day, Carnival Cruise Line and all its sister brand ships under the Carnival Corporation umbrella, including Holland America and Princess Cruises, were upgraded with Starlink Wi-Fi access as of May 2024.

Carnival Passengers Using Starlink
Carnival Passengers Using Starlink

Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation, said of the fleetwide rollout to more than 90 ships, “Starlink has been a game-changer for the onboard connectivity experience our cruise lines deliver to their guests, and we’ve already seen a surge in guest satisfaction and positive feedback from the super-fast and reliable Wi-Fi service we provide onboard.”

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

The satellite service developed by SpaceX uses more than 6,000 low-Earth orbit satellites to provide faster download speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite services.

It is touted as having download speeds of over 100 Mbps, although Shillington’s test video, which also showed the ship’s TVs in its sports bar not connected to the Internet, showed that it is still not 100 percent reliable.

Shillington willingly gave up his satellite and still loves Carnival Cruise Line. He is slated to take two more cruises on Carnival this year.

Captain Kate McCue Claps Back Over Crew Member Tips

Lissa Poirot
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Captain Kate McCue Claps Back Over Crew Member Tips

When sailing the high seas, it’s easy to forget how different the world looks for those who live and work across various countries.

Captain Kate McCue of Celebrity Cruises’ 140,000-gross-ton Celebrity Beyond reminded everyone of this fact after responding to a social media troll in a way that struck a chord with her followers and with her crew.

In a recent Facebook post to her 110,000 followers, Captain McCue, the first American woman to captain a large cruise ship, addressed a comment left on one of her previous videos. 

The initial video showed crew members receiving tips, which led to a negative response from a viewer who remarked on the action of receiving $5, implying that it was an exaggerated response for such a small amount of money.

“The way that he acted, I thought it was a $100 bill. Then to find out it was $5. I feel he acted like that because you are the captain. Kinda sad,” the poster wrote.

Instead of ignoring the criticism, Captain McCue used it as a teaching moment. She posted a follow-up video, sharing a quote from well-known researcher Brené Brown, “What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.”

The captain’s message went deeper by sharing a conversation with one of her 1,450 crew members, Rinku, who works on board the 3,250-passenger ship and hails from India.

In the video, McCue asked Rinku if $5 is considered a good tip in his country and how far that amount of money would go. Rinku explained that in India, $5 could purchase two shirts, three cases of potatoes, or two cases of sugar.

When McCue asked Rinku if he was the primary provider for his family, Rinku said yes, noting that he was the sole breadwinner. What stood out the most, however, was Rinku’s humble response about receiving tips in general.

Read Also: Cruise Gratuities – Guide to Tipping on a Cruise Ship

“Even $1 is a good tip,” he said. “I’m never thinking about the money. I’m thinking that the guest appreciates me for the $5, and I’m really happy for that.“

Captain McCue used the interaction to remind her audience that different parts of the world have varying economic realities.

“When you travel the world, you realize not all is the same in every country,” she said. “I hope you travel more and get to meet people like Rinku.“

Captain Kate McCue Responds to Tipping Comment
Captain Kate McCue Responds to Tipping Comment

Tipping on Celebrity Cruises

The captain’s post resonated with many, including John Heald, brand ambassador for Carnival Cruise Line, who commented, “I think you should be applauded for highlighting the brilliant work of the crew. Where would we both be without them?”

He continued, “Even though we may work for different companies, we both work for an industry we both believe is the best vacation experience in the world. Thank you, Captain.”

Heald, who recently addressed the topic of tipping on his own Facebook page, which has 586,000 followers, is a staunch supporter of tipping and frequently posts about the importance of gratuities for crewmembers.

Celebrity Beyond Cruise Ship in Aruba
Celebrity Beyond Cruise Ship in Aruba (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Celebrity Cruises, like many cruise lines, collects tips that are “distributed to crew members, including dining, bar and culinary staff, stateroom attendants, hotel services teams as well as other onboard who work to enhance the overall cruise experience.“

Worth Reading: How Much Do Cruise Ship Workers Make?

Its gratuity policy applies a per-guest, per-day fee of $18 to Inside, Oceanview, and Veranda staterooms, $19 to all Concierge and AquaClass staterooms, and $23 to The Retreat staterooms.

It also adds a 20 percent gratuity to pre-cruise and onboard purchases of spa and salon services, beverage and beverage packages, specialty dining and specialty dining packages, room service, and mini bar purchases.

Although the gratuities are automatic, the cruise line allows guests to modify the tips at their discretion, including not tipping at all, something Heald recently addressed on his own Facebook page when passengers complained.

Scarlet Lady Set for Major Upgrades, Including New Suites and Dining

Lissa Poirot
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Scarlet Lady Set for Major Upgrades, Including New Suites and Dining

She’s ready for her makeover! Virgin Voyages’ first ship, the Scarlet Lady, is about to get a fresh new look.

From November 14 to 28, 2024, the 110,000-gross-ton Scarlet Lady will enter dry dock for cosmetic upgrades, the first since she launched the brand in 2021.

The renovations on the 2,770-passenger vessel will include the addition of new suites, expanded dining options, and enhanced lounge spaces. Other updates include new VIP cabanas, an expanded non-smoking casino, and the creation of a couples’ treatment room at the Redemption Spa.

“Since her much-anticipated debut in 2021, Scarlet Lady has sailed the world, welcoming hundreds of thousands of sailors on board while delivering irresistible vacations,” said Nicole Huang, vice president of fleet experience for Virgin Voyages.

“We’re listening and giving travelers more of what they’ve asked for – this includes more suites, luxe new cabanas, and fresh, vibey dining concepts – so sailors can truly live the life of a rockstar,” she continued.

Among the most anticipated changes is adding 24 “Seriously Suite” RockStar Quarters, converting existing Sea Terrace cabins to meet the demand for more suite options.

These suites, measuring 352 square feet, will include features like a European king bed, a peek-a-boo shower, and Virgin’s signature red hammock on the balcony. The suites will also come with a stocked bar and in-room record players.

“We wanted to give our sailors a taste of the rockstar life and worked with Tom Dixon to design the 78 RockStar and Mega RockStar Quarters,” said Huang. 

Mentioning that Scarlet Lady’s Massive Suite is often booked a year or more in advance and that suite space is in high demand, Huang added, “We’re answering in a big way by adding suites so more people can live their best lives.”

A Slew of Cosmetic Upgrades

The OG of the Virgin Voyages fleet will also see several dining venues transform by working double duty. The vegetarian-focused Razzle Dazzle, for example, will still offer bowls and burgers during the day, but at night will become Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle.

This new Chinese restaurant will turn the communal tables into an intimate restaurant with cozy lounges, and serve up a “daring” menu paired with craft cocktails.

Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle Bar
Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle Bar (Rendering Courtesy: Virgin Voyages)

Additionally, the ship’s specialty coffee bar, Ground Club Too, located in the Galley, will continue to serve coffees during the day but will turn up the glam at night by becoming a cocktail bar.

Offering countertop seating and an intimate lounge space with sleek benches and comfortable couches, the breakfast café will look unrecognizable at night as it serves “elevated” cocktails.

The ship’s popular The Wake, located in aft with spectacular views and seafood and steak offerings, will also get a face lift with its raw bar instead turning into a display of the expansion selection of high-end wines.

New VIP cabanas on Scarlet Lady
New VIP cabanas on Scarlet Lady (Rendering Courtesy: Virgin Voyages)

On deck, six new VIP cabanas will overlook the Aquatic Club. Flanked by white curtains and featuring plush day beds, passengers will be able to book the cabanas individually or connect them for larger group events.

Other outdoor upgrades will include expanding lounge spaces and enhancing dining areas, and Scarlet Lady will debut a yet-to-be-revealed brand-new mermaid on its bow.

Read Also: I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise

For fun, the casino will be expanded with more slot machines and new spaces for high-stakes players.

Once the new look is complete, Scarlet Lady will travel a 16-night transatlantic voyage from Rome to Miami. From there, she will spend the winter in the Caribbean, offering 6- and 8-night Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages, respectively.

Couple Caught Getting Steamy During Ceremony for New Cruise Ship

Catie Kovelman
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Couple Caught Getting Steamy During Ceremony for New Cruise Ship

Over the years, cruise passengers have done a lot of crazy things on their cabin balconies. Just to name one example, one cruise guest went viral on social media earlier this year for moving her bed onto her balcony while sailing in Antarctica in freezing temperatures. 

Others have made headlines for climbing on their balconies, which is extremely dangerous – and another duo got banned for life for going fishing from their private balcony.

But an unidentified couple sailing on Explora II’s maiden voyage may have just taken the cake for outlandish balcony behavior. 

During the new luxury vessel’s christening ceremony on September 16, 2024, in Rome, Italy, the fully nude couple could be seen becoming intimate – and the incident was caught on camera. 

The risque guests either didn’t know or didn’t care that onlookers were watching, perhaps not realizing that the barrier on their balcony was transparent. 

The Explora Journeys cruise line, which is owned by MSC Group, has so far issued a diplomatic statement about the incident through its parent company. 

“We are aware of the incident. If necessary, we will take appropriate measures,” reads the brief statement from MSC. 

Making matters worse, the couple’s romantic escapades unfolded right after the ribbon-cutting portion of the ceremony. Not only was the ship full of the 922-guest vessel’s first paying passengers, but the Italian port was much more crowded than normal for the special event. 

Many high profile VIPs were also in attendance for the naming ceremony, including the vessel’s Godmother, Rosalba Giugni, who is the founder and president of Marevivo Foundation. 

Top MSC executives and notable figures like Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani and Italian filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore were also in attendance. 

Explora II officially Enters Service

It’s safe to say this new luxury cruise ship’s career at sea has started with a bang – but aside from the unexpected display of public affection, her maiden voyage has thus far gone off without a hitch. 

Shortly after her christening ceremony concluded, the 63,900-gross ton ship embarked on her maiden voyage – a 7-night Mediterranean sailing to Sorrento, the island of Lipari, Trapani, and Siracusa, Italy, and Valletta, Malta.

Her inaugural season is an exciting one – including immersive sailings between Rome and Barcelona, Spain, to themed European voyages, such a 9-night itinerary throughout Spain that was inspired by the classic “Casablanca” movie that came out in 1943.

EXPLORA II Naming Ceremony
EXPLORA II Naming Ceremony

After a couple months in Europe, Explora II will join Explora I in the Caribbean for the winter. 

Read Also: MSC’s Luxury Line Celebrates First Anniversary of its First Cruise Ship

But what Explora II’s launch really represents is a new era of growth for MSC’s high end brand. She is the second ship to join the small but mighty fleet, but the brand is working to grow from two to six luxury vessels by 2028. 

The second addition has already innovated upon the offerings onboard Explora I, which launched the brand last year in 2023, so it will be exciting to see how the cruise line continues to innovate as the fleet keeps growing. 

Some of the new features onboard Explora II include a reimagined Ocean Wellness Spa, unique custom designed furniture at the Helios Pool & Bar, and an underwater noise management system that is designed to protect marine life while also creating a more pleasant onboard experience. 

The young ship also features the first ever Buccellati jewelry boutique at sea. Not only will the high end store feature exclusive pieces from the renowned Italian jeweler it’s named for, but there will also be a curated selection of collaborations and limited edition items from other luxury brands.

Embarkation Terminal Change for Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas

Melissa Mayntz
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Embarkation Terminal Change for Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas

Embarkation day can be chaotic and confusing for any cruise ship, but what about if travelers arrive to their cruise terminal and their ship isn’t there?

Guests setting sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas on Friday, September 20, 2024 might have just that problem if they don’t take notice of what appears to be a last-minute change.

The ship is scheduled to depart from Southampton and guests have received an update that Anthem of the Seas will be docked at the Horizon Cruise Terminal (berth 102).

Originally, the ship was scheduled to dock at the City Cruise Terminal (berth 101), and while the two are adjacent to one another at the cruise port, the two terminals are served by different buildings and security facilities.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming you onboard for our Anthem of the Seas, September 20, 2024, sailing! Before you arrive to the cruise terminal on boarding day, we have an important update to share,” the email notification read. “To ensure a smooth and seamless boarding experience, guests are required to embark at the Horizon Terminal.”

The Horizon Cruise Terminal is located at Berth 102, West Bay Road, Southampton, and guests should direct any ride share services, taxis, or other drivers to that address. If guests have arranged parking with ABParking, they will get a separate notification about any changes.

Friday, September 20 will be a busy day in Southampton, with four ships in port. Fred Olsen’s Borealis, P&O Cruises’ Britannia, and Silversea’s Silver Spirit are all also docked that day.

Anthem of the Seas‘ passengers are also urged to arrive on schedule to the terminal to avoid overcrowding.

“It’s extremely important to arrive during your pre-selected arrival time on boarding day, as space in the terminal can only accommodate a specific number of guests,” the email explained. “Those who arrive sooner will be turned away to avoid an overcrowding of guests at the terminal and asked to return during their scheduled time.”

Guests choose their arrival time when they check-in for their sailing online in the days leading up to their cruise departure date.

While no explanation has been given for the change of terminals, such shuffling is not uncommon when cruise ports have multiple ships planned. Last-minute changes may also be driven by port construction, staffing, and other factors.

Sailing Aboard Anthem of the Seas

The 168,666-gross-ton, Quantum class Anthem of the Seas will be sailing a 12-night “Discover the Canaries” itinerary from September 20, visiting La Coruna, Spain and Funchal, Portugal en route to the Canary Islands. After three ports in the popular islands, the ship will also visit Lisbon before returning to Southampton on Wednesday, October 2.

Read Also: A Simple Guide on Royal Caribbean Ships by Size

Anthem of the Seas in the UK
Photo Credit: Matt Alexander/PA Wi

The ship is homeported from Southampton for the fall, but will be repositioning to Singapore in early November. From there, Anthem of the Seas will offer a diverse selection of itineraries to ports in Malaysia, Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam, ranging from 3-10 days depending on departure date.

In the spring, the ship will move to Alaska for the 2025 summer season, homeporting from Seattle to offer sailings visiting Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria, depending on the sailing date and what scenic glacier cruising is planned.

In late 2025, Anthem of the Seas will move to Australia to homeport from Sydney for New Zealand and South Pacific itineraries.

Regardless of where she is sailing or what cruise terminals she departs from, Anthem of the Seas can welcome 4,180 guests at double occupancy, or up to 4,905 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled.

She is also home to 1,500 international crew members who will ensure everyone aboard has an amazing time, no matter where the ship travels.

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