Guests on a 5-night Carnival Cruise Line Western Caribbean voyage have discovered they may spend more time at sea due to a homeport closure.
The Port of New Orleans closed on September 11 due to Hurricane Francine, which is currently bringing 90 miles per hour winds to Louisiana.
The hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 1 storm today, is bringing life-threatening storm surges and hurricane-force winds to the coastline of Louisiana and Mississippi and is not expected to pass until early morning hours of September 12, as it heads inland.
As a result, the 2,974-passenger Carnival Valor, which had set sail ahead of the storm on September 7, 2024, will not be able to make its 8 a.m. arrival on September 12. The news comes during a sea day after the ship enjoyed calls in Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, posted the news on his Facebook page, stating, “It is now clear that the ship will not be able to return to New Orleans at the scheduled time tomorrow.”
He continued, “At best, we are very tentatively anticipating arriving tomorrow afternoon.” He also said the arrival could be delayed further “depending on the storm’s impact.”
Carnival officials will provide further updates for passengers on the 110,000-gross-ton ship, as well as those scheduled to sail on its next voyage, a 4-night roundtrip cruise to Cozumel, which was scheduled to depart at 5:30 p.m. on September 12.
“As the safety of our guests and crew is our priority, we will continue to monitor the storm, and factor in guidance from the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard, and the local port authorities to provide timely updates as more information becomes available,” said the cruise line.
Carnival Valor, along with its sister 3,756-passenger Carnival Liberty, homeports in Port NOLA. However, Carnival Liberty is currently in Roatan, Honduras, and its itinerary is unaffected by the storm. It will return to NOLA on September 15.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Getaway and Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, also homeport in New Orleans but are currently spending the remains of summer and fall in the Aegean Sea and Alaska, respectively.
The port also services six river vessels that sail along the Mississippi River, including those operated by American Cruise Lines and Viking.
The port’s operations are pending until terminal operators can assess damage after the storm. It is hoping to resume operations at noon on September 12, weather-permitting.
Francine Evokes Memories of Katrina
Francine developed as a tropical storm off the coast of Mexico on September 9, with weather forecasters accurately predicting it would intensify into a hurricane by September 11.
Originally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration initiated a Storm Surge Watch for the Upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines, prompting the Port of Galveston in Texas to warn vessels to make storm preparations.
Hurricane Francine Track (Credit: NOAA)
However, Francine experienced an eastward shift on September 10, sending the storm directly towards New Orleans, which infamously endured the wrath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
That storm, a Category 3 with wind speeds up to 140 miles per hour when it hit the Louisiana coastline, brought intense flooding that destroyed the city’s levees, placing 80 percent of New Orleans underwater.
It took NOLA 18 months to dry out from Katrina, which killed nearly 1,400 people and is one of the deadliest hurricanes in the United States.
As Francine pummels the area, it is expected to intensify into a Category 2 hurricane, with the City of New Orleans closing government offices and more than 130 flights at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport cancelled.
A family vacation meant to celebrate a birthday aboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas turned into a tragedy on September 7, 2024, when a 12-year-old boy fell to his death from the balcony of his family’s cabin during the cruise’s return journey to Galveston, Texas.
The heartbreaking event unfolded during a sea day on the 14th deck of the 226,963-gross-ton ship. The boy fell to the Central Park atrium below on deck 8 around 5 p.m. while playing with friends.
The incident occurred in front of numerous passengers who were sitting in the area’s bars and restaurants.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the guest of one of our guests,” a Royal Caribbean International spokesman told People.“Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time.”
The passenger and his family were sailing a 7-day, roundtrip Western Caribbean cruise that had departed from Galveston on September 1, 2024, aboard the 5,479-passenger vessel. With 18 decks, the ship is divided into seven neighborhoods.
The Oasis-class ship’s Central Park neighborhood, filled with more than 12,000 plants, is flanked by interior cabins with balconies that face the open-air area. It is surrounded by some of the ship’s most popular eateries, Park Café, Jamie’s Italian, Trellis Bar, 150 Central Park, Rising Tide Bar, and Chops Grille.
Witnesses reported that the young boy had been playing with friends he had met on the ship shortly before the fatal fall.
Despite immediate efforts by ship staff to provide medical assistance, the boy succumbed to his injuries before the ship could reach its homeport.
Guests on the ship, which had visited Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras, recounted seeing cops investigating the room, which still had birthday decorations on the door and inside the room, and “a chair pushed against the balcony.”
This is not the first such incident on Harmony of the Seas. A similar tragedy occurred in 2019 when a 16-year-old boy fell to his death, also on Deck 8, while attempting to climb into his stateroom from the balcony after he had forgotten his room key.
Similarly, a 16-year-old boy died after falling from the interior balconies on the 225,282-gross-ton sister Oasis class Allure of the Seas. That voyage, which departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, took place on November 24, 2023.
Harmony of the Seas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Photos from various Oasis class ships have shown guests sitting on and walking along the balconies, despite warnings from the cruise line that specifies, “sitting, standing, jumping, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers is strictly prohibited.”
Emergency Prompts Delay
Due to the incident, Royal Caribbean had to delay the sailing of its following cruise on Harmony of the Seas, departing September 8. Passengers anticipating their voyage received a special advisory from the cruise line adjusting their arrival plans for the departure.
“Due to an emergency on our previous sailing, our boarding tomorrow will be delayed. As a result, the terminal will be closed until 12 p.m.,” said the message. “To ensure a smooth boarding process, all guests must arrive one hour after their pre-selected arrival time.”
It continued, “Plan on arriving no later than 3 p.m. All guests must be checked in and onboard by 3:30 p.m.”
The ship departed on its 6-day Western Caribbean cruise at 4 p.m. and is currently in Roatan following its first call in Costa Maya on its roundtrip journey.
Grand Cayman Cruise Port, located in George Town, is the busiest in the Cayman Islands. Even though it’s a tendering port, its three terminals handle over 2 million cruise passengers each year. And there’s a $240 million renovation on the horizon! This guide will explain everything you need to know about this efficient port.
As mentioned, Grand Cayman Cruise Port is located in George Town, the capital and most populated city in the Cayman Islands. Like the city itself, the port is located on the southwestern shore of the island, providing convenient access for cruise ships traveling from or on their way to other popular western Caribbean cruise ports, like Cozumel and Montego Bay.
Since the cruise port is purely a tendering port, visitors will arrive at one of three terminals, which all surround Hog Sty Bay and are within walking distance of each other.
While it may sound strange, the main terminal, Royal Walter Cruise Terminal, sits a 3-minute walk north of the North Terminal. The South Terminal is located almost directly beside the south, with just a gap of water big enough for tender boats to enter, separating the two.
No matter which of the three terminals you arrive at, you will walk out of the terminal gates and enter Harbour Drive, a busy road lined with restaurants, bars, and shops that cater to visiting cruise passengers.
If you are looking for the cruise port on a map or plan on driving there from elsewhere on the island, all three tendering terminals that make up the Grand Cayman Cruise Port can be found by searching the following address:
Cruise Port Address:
45A Harbour Drive, George Town, Grand Cayman Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman Cruise Port Terminals
George Town Cruise Port Area (Photo Credit: Simon R B)
As discussed above, the entire cruise port functions as a tendering port, as Grand Cayman does not currently have piers that can extend to the waters deep enough to accommodate full-sized cruise ships.
While there are plans to eventually construct dedicated cruise berths and piers as part of a partnership between the Cayman Islands, Royal Caribbean International, and the Verdant Isle Group, this $240 million project has not yet begun.
Currently, it consists of three dedicated tendering terminals: North Terminal, South Terminal, and Royal Walter Terminal. While all three terminals offer adequate facilities to accommodate the needs of visiting cruise passengers, Royal Walter Terminal is by far the largest, busiest, and most well-outfitted with amenities.
Here’s a basic breakdown of the three terminals:
Royal Watler Terminal
As the busiest of the three terminals, Royal Watler Terminal is where most cruise passengers will arrive. The terminal has a vibrant atmosphere with various amenities not provided at the other two terminals, including the following:
Duty-Free Shop
Souvenir Stalls and Other Vendors
Tour and Excursion Operator Booths
Dedicated Tourist Information Stand
The Green Parrot Bar and Snack Stand
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Public Restroom (fully wheelchair accessible)
North Terminal and South Terminal
North Terminal at Grand Cayman Cruise Port (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)
When more than one cruise ship needs to ferry passengers to or from the cruise port, the North Terminal and South Terminal can be used. As mentioned, these two smaller terminals are basically used for spillover when the port is busy.
Since they are used basically to deliver visitors from cruise ships to the island, both terminals pretty much consist of a single small tender pier leading to a fenced walkway. From there, both walkways have a gate that opens to Harbour Drive.
Beyond passenger-controlling gates and a few shaded benches that act as a waiting area, there is not much more to these two terminals. With that said, all three terminals are within short walking distance of some of George Town’s main attractions.
If you arrive at either the North Terminal or the South Terminal, you can just walk roughly 500 feet between the two terminals and the Royal Watler Terminal.
Since they are so close to each other, you can even wait for your tendering boat to arrive at the North or South Terminals in the nearby Green Parrot Bar or duty-free shop at Royal Walter.
Cruise Lines that Visit Grand Cayman
Cruise Ship in Grand Cayman, Caribbean (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)
Despite the relatively small and simple cruise port, Grand Cayman is a popular stop for numerous major cruise lines. The three terminals receive over 2.1 million cruise passengers per year, which is due to the island’s strategic location for western Caribbean cruise itineraries.
The following are just some of the cruise lines that regularly tender at the Grand Cayman Cruise Port:
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
Holland America Line
Celebrity Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Traveling to Grand Cayman Cruise Port from the Airport
Owen Roberts International Airport (Photo Credit: Blue Sky imagery)
The primary airport serving all of Grand Cayman is Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), which is located roughly 2.2 miles from the cruise port. Given the airport’s close proximity, those arriving by plane can easily make their way to the cruise port.
Taking a taxi is by far the most popular mode of transportation between the two, but some will opt for a rental car, especially if they plan on spending a few days on the island before their cruise.
Driving Directions
If you do plan on driving from the airport to the Grand Cayman Cruise Port, you can follow these simple driving directions:
Exit the airport onto Roberts Drive
After 1 mile, enter the roundabout and take the 2nd exit onto Elgin Ave
After 0.7 miles, turn left onto Shedden Road
At the end of Shedden Road, turn right onto Harbour Drive
Look for signs for Grand Cayman Cruise Terminal and turn left into the parking lot
Getting Around Grand Cayman
Transportation in Grand Cayman (Photo Credit: Angela N Perryman)
While George Town is very walkable, you can also take the following transportation options to explore the city and beyond:
Taking a Taxi
If you prefer to take a taxi, taxis are readily available outside the arrivals gate at GCM. You will find them waiting at a designated taxi line, so there is no need to call or flag one down.
To regulate taxi rates on the island, the Grand Cayman Tourism and Transport Board introduced an updated fare schedule. From the airport to anywhere in the city of George Town, there is a flat rate of $25, which includes two pieces of luggage. Since this covers the cruise port, you can expect to pay exactly $25 to get there via taxi.
For even greater convenience, the move to regulate fares also aimed to encourage fare transparency, so the CI:GO taxi fare calculator and tracker were introduced.
Much like the Uber App, this user-friendly mobile app allows visitors to book pickup and drop-off locations, calculate costs ahead of time, and even digitally fare split. It’s a convenient app that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
We recommend downloading theCI:GO Taxi Fare App before you go! It makes getting around Grand Cayman incredibly easy.
Booking a Rental Vehicle
If you’ll be on the island for a while and prefer the flexibility of driving yourself, rental vehicles are readily available at the airport and throughout the city.
Rodney’s Car Rental is just a 10-minute walk from the cruise port, but the island is also home to most of the major car rental providers, including Budget and Avis, which both have offices at the airport and other locations throughout George Town.
By Shuttle Bus
Since relatively few cruise ships list Grand Cayman Cruise Port as a homeport, there are few shuttle options from the airport to the cruise port. That said, some hotels offer complimentary airport pickups via shuttle bus.
You can also pre-book an airport shuttle if you have a larger group. We recommend Prime Time Shuttle, which has reasonable rates and can be booked and paid for beforehand.
You can also book shuttle services to any destination on the island so that they can be a practical option for groups looking for more organized transportation.
Beaches Near Grand Cayman Cruise Port
Grand Cayman is renowned for its white sand beaches scattered along the island’s entire coastline. Lucky for visiting cruise passengers, many are easily accessible from the port:
Seven Mile Beach
Cruise Visitors on Seven Mile Beach (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)
Located 2.8 miles north of the port, it’s possible to walk to Seven Mile Beach along restaurant and store-lined West Bay Road in about an hour, but most people opt for a taxi. Tripadvisor named the award-winning beach the 4th best beach in all of the Caribbean, and we can’t disagree.
The turquoise waters and powdery sands make this highly popular public beach one of the most popular destinations on the island. As the name implies, the beach is seven miles long, so it’s easy to find a quiet spot to relax. The beach is also lined with palm trees, beachside restaurants, bars, lounge chairs, and more.
You can also book about any type of water activity imaginable or even take a horseback ride along the shoreline. Visiting the beach is a must-do activity when visiting Grand Cayman.
Smith’s Barcadere Beach
Smith Cove (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)
If you go 1.5 miles south of the cruise terminals, you will find Smith’s Barcadere. Also known as Smith Cove, it’s a wonderful beach for relaxing and swimming. The beach is bookended by two large limestone formations, making it great for photographs.
The turquoise waters feature a child-friendly sandbar, but they lead to a steep, deep drop-off that makes the area perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
With local souvenir stalls and a few nearby bars, there’s also plenty to do if you get tired of relaxing on the sand. Free public restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic benches make it an excellent option for those looking to escape the crowds of Seven Mile Beach.
South Sound Public Beach
If you want to go further south, you can find South Sound Public Beach, one of the quietest beaches near George Town. Located on the island’s southwestern tip, the beach is a bit of a hidden gem.
It’s fairly bare bones in terms of facilities, but it offers stunning views and plenty of shady palm trees. We think the two-mile journey is well worth it if you want to escape the crowds.
Rules for Fishing and Collecting Shells
Fishing in Grand Cayman (Photo Credit: Brandt Geer)
The government of the Cayman Islands is stringent when it comes to protecting the country’s natural environment with regulations. Even if you’re just visiting, make sure you adhere to the following rules:
Visitors are allowed to line fish from the shore or a boat without a license, but catch-and-release rules are enforced for non-residents. Spearfishing of any kind is strictly prohibited without a specialized permit.
Certain fishing charters you can book have a certification allowing their guests to remove fish they catch over eight inches, so check with your booking group if you have decided to take one of these excursions.
Coral, marine plants, and sea turtle eggs cannot be removed under any circumstances. Removing a conch is not allowed without a permit, and even then, conch season only runs between May and October. In fact, you’re not even allowed to purchase more than five conch shells or take them out of the country.
While you are allowed to take shells you find on the beach, they could be confiscated if they are found to be in prohibited quantities.
While these rules may seem strict, they were put in place to protect marine life and the natural ecosystem of the Cayman Islands from the damage of overtourism.
If you want to play it safe, we recommend purchasing shells and other natural souvenirs from reputable vendors, as they will have all of the required permits.
Currency and Tipping Expectations in Grand Cayman
Cruise Passengers in George Town, Cayman Islands (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
Although the Cayman Islands is classified as a British Overseas Territory, its official currency is the Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD). With that said, the US Dollar is widely accepted throughout Grand Cayman and the other islands.
Remember that the US Dollar is worth a bit more, but some vendors will only offer you a 1:1 conversion, so it can be worth using the local currency if you are going to be in Grand Cayman for a while.
Most retailers and just about every restaurant and bar will also accept the major credit cards, so that is another way to avoid overpaying on conversion rates. However, if you plan to shop locally-made souvenirs at some market stalls, you will likely need cash.
Like most places in the Caribbean, tipping is also customary in the Cayman Islands. For sit-down restaurants, a tip between 15% to 20% of the bill is standard.
For larger groups, the tip is sometimes included in the bill, so you’ll want to check ahead of time. Tipping your taxi driver is also considered relatively standard, with tips between 10% and 15% being seen as polite.
You can also tip a few dollars to hotel staff, tour operators, and other service people, but this is more at your own discretion than tipping in restaurants and bars.
Dining Near the Cruise Port
Casanova Restaurant (Photo Credit: Angela N Perryman)
The three tender piers that make up the Grand Cayman Cruise Port sit right within George Town, far from various restaurants and bars. For a mix of local and international cuisine, we recommend the following:
Sandbar Daiquiri Bar & Grill Grand Cayman
Located just steps from the Royal Watler Terminal, this small but lively bar and restaurant serves various delicious skewers seasoned to local tastes. They also served grilled seafood that is about as fresh as you will find anywhere.
As the name implies, no visit is complete without ordering a daiquiri or other frozen cocktail. They have a huge selection of flavors, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, so you’re sure to find something that will cool you off. Plus, this waterside restaurant and bar offers amazing views of the port.
Lobster Pot
For a more formal dining experience, head north along North Church Street for half a mile. Here, you’ll find the Lobster Pot, one of George Town’s most iconic restaurants. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious seafood right on the waters of the Caribbean Sea for over 50 years.
The upscale menu features a wide range of gourmet seafood dishes, and the wine list is tailored to pair with just about every dish perfectly. If you’re planning to go for dinner, we highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time!
The Brasserie
Another more formal option, The Brasserie is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Grand Cayman. The menu mostly features seafood dishes served in Caribbean style, but the upscale venue and carefully selected ingredients give the restaurant a very upscale atmosphere. There is a significant focus on local, seasonal ingredients, both for the dinner and drinks menus.
It’s only 0.7 miles from the cruise port, so you can easily walk there and enjoy exploring the streets of George Town on your way. Keep in mind that it is fairly expensive, especially by Caribbean standards, but it can be a memorable experience that is well worth shelling out a bit extra for.
Casanova Restaurant
If you’re not sold on seafood, Casanova Restaurant serves up classic Italian dishes with a bit of a Caribbean twist. The food is delicious and allows picky eaters to still get a taste for local flavors without having to commit to an unfamiliar dish fully.
It’s only a 5-minute walk north of the George Town Cruise Port along North Church Street. You can even watch the tender boats come and go from the port as you enjoy dining outside on one of the three decks of outdoor seating.
Shopping Near the Cruise Port
Shopping in Grand Cayman (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Since Grand Cayman has become a premier destination for cruise ships, it offers many shopping options, including luxury boutiques, duty-free shops, and plenty of local vendors. Here are just a few of the options in and around the port:
Shopping at Royal Watler Terminal
If you don’t want to travel far, a fairly large, air-conditioned duty-free shop is in front of the Royal Watler Terminal. Here, you can buy jewelry, designer watches, perfume, imported alcohol, sunglasses, and more.
If you’re looking for something more unique to the island, you’ll also find a variety of local vendor stalls selling locally-made souvenirs and snacks.
Kirk Freeport
Just a few steps south of the South Terminal, you’ll find Kirk Freeport, a well-known duty-free shopping store specializing in imported luxury items and cosmetics. It’s a great place to score a deal.
With cruise passengers spending an average of $585 on watches, jewelry, perfumes, and other luxury items when they visit, it’s no wonder Grand Cayman is such a popular destination for shopping enthusiasts!
Cayman Craft Market
If you’re willing to walk half a mile north of the cruise port, you can find your way to the Cayman Craft Market, where you’ll find the widest selection of uniquely made Cayman Island souvenirs.
Not only is this a great place to find a gift or souvenir, but it’s also a fun shopping experience that really gives you a feel for the island’s unique culture. Find anything from handmade beachwear to hot sauces made using old family recipes. It’s definitely worth visiting!
The Best Time to Visit Grand Cayman
Photo Credit: Angela N Perryman / Shutterstock.com
Like the other Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman enjoys a year-round tropical climate, making it an enjoyable place to visit throughout the year. However, most people tend to visit between November and April, which is considered to be the most pleasant stretch for weather.
While the temperature tends to sit between 70° and 85°F throughout the year, the rainy season runs from May until October, with the summer months particularly wet.
While Grand Cayman rarely deals directly with hurricanes, stormy weather, and heavy rainfall can increase drastically if a hurricane occurs elsewhere in the Caribbean. For this reason, we would avoid visiting in July and August, or at least check the forecast for delays before you go.
With cooler and drier months between November and April increasing demand, many cruise lines relocate ships from Europe to the Caribbean, increasing the number of itineraries that include stops in Grand Cayman.
This means you can expect bigger crowds in George Town and throughout the rest of the island, but it also means that finding tickets for a cruise that visits Grand Cayman will be easier.
If you want to experience the island’s culture, you can also enhance your visit by visiting the Cayman Islands’ only national carnival, the Cayman Carnival Batabano, which runs in early May. You can also check out the Pirates Week Festival in mid-November!
The launch of Villa Vie Odyssey, the residential world cruise ship that was supposed to start sailing in May 2024, is again delayed, leaving an unknown number of disappointed guests stranded in Belfast, where the ship is docked.
Two of those guests are Angela and Steve, American travelers who chronicle their cruise adventures on their YouTube channel Midlife Cruising. The couple booked a stateroom onboard the ship, which is slated to operate continuing world cruises, each 3.5 years long.
Like others, the couple has been waiting in Belfast for the ship to launch, but more bad news arrived from the ship’s owner, Villa Vie Residences, on September 10, 2024.
“We just got some devastating news. We received an email from the CEO, I think it was released around midnight, so you wake up this morning and find out there are still some problems. The sea trials weren’t that great, and they still have to get through some final certifications,” Midlife Cruising’s Angela says in the latest video.
Moreover, Villa Vie Residences informed guests it will no longer pay the living expenses of guests who have been waiting for the ship to launch in Belfast.
Starting in late May 2024, the company accommodated guests in Belfast hotels and provided food, excursions, and other services while work on Villa Vie Odyssey proceeded.
The Midlife Cruising couple will now return to the US rather than remain any longer in Belfast, since air travel back to the States is cheaper than staying in Northern Ireland and paying their own living expenses. Villa Vie Residences told the cruisers it would be at least another seven days until the ship can launch.
In his notice to guests, CEO Mikael Petterson explained that the company has already spent about $500,000 on supporting guests in Belfast. While Villa Vie Residences has revealed the ship’s latest problems to guests, it has made no official public statement, and no firm launch date has been set.
The latest challenges involve sea trials, which are a series of evaluations that test the ship’s major components, including propulsion and speed, equipment, and safety.
Following successful sea trials, ships receive needed certifications, allowing them to operate. Villa Vie Odyssey set off on her sea trials on September 4.
Operational Problems Discovered in Dry Dock
During the last few months in dry dock at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, the ship has had a series of operational problems with, among other things, her gray water tanks, which hold water from kitchens, showers, and laundry facilities. Repairs were needed to meet environmental standards for water treatment.
Also problematic were her rudder stocks, which enable the ship’s steering gear and are essential for maneuvering a vessel. Parts needed to be ordered from Denmark in July, pushing back the ship’s debut even further.
In their newest video, the Midlife Cruising couple said they have left and returned to Belfast four times previously, as new launch dates were announced.
“This is the hardest blow yet, but it’s our dream and we’re going to hang in there, and stay positive,” said Angela, of Midlife Cruising.
Villa Vie Residences in December 2023 announced it had purchased Braemar, a 32-year-old vessel that formerly sailed in Fred Olsen Cruise Lines fleet. The 924-guest ship was rechristened Villa Vie Odyssey, and was set to undergo a major refit.
Guest waiting to embark Villa Vie Odyssey paid cabin rates that start at $99,999 (USD) for an inside stateroom, rising to $299,999 for a balcony stateroom, and to $349,999 for a balcony suite.
The 23,344-gross ton ship is scheduled to visit some 145 countries on seven continents, and call at a total of 425 individual ports every 3.5 years.
With Carnival Vista currently out of service for propulsion-related repairs, guests booked on her next voyage are understandably concerned about whether or not their cruise will set sail as planned.
In fact, hundreds of guests have asked Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, about the upcoming cruise, planned to depart from Port Canaveral on Sunday, September 15.
“Answering the hundred plus people who wrote to me yesterday here is a note from our Chief Communications Officer Chris and his team,”Heald responded to the multiple inquiries.
“Our engineers are now hard at work to resolve the issue that is limiting Carnival Vista’s cruising speed. The team is making good progress with the work and I have no reason to think that the ship will not be back in service for its September 15 voyage.”
While this is not necessarily a firm confirmation that the ship will set sail as planned, all is looking good for the repairs to be complete and Carnival Vista to enjoy her planned 6-night Eastern Caribbean cruise to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove.
Guest reactions are mixed, with some travelers eager to set sail while others are more pessimistic that the repairs will either be completed on time or will be effective enough to deter any future difficulties.
“Hopefully the latest repair to one our favorite ships, Vista, will fix it for good! Poor ship has been plagued with propulsion issues.”
“Thank you for the update on the Vista! We sail on her Sept 21 so have our fingers crossed that she is all good then!”
At this time, there are no expected itinerary changes for the next cruise, and the ship should be able to make all the ports of call as scheduled.
The repair work to Carnival Vista is being completed at Port Canaveral, and the ship is visible on the port’s live webcam as it pans across the full port area. The ship is docked at Cruise Terminal 6 at the north end of the port in the west turning basin as the work is underway.
A History of Propulsion Problems With Carnival Vista
The 133,596-gross-ton Carnival Vista first developed her current propulsion difficulties in early August. While different adjustments appeared to fix the problem, continued disruptions were noted as the ship was not able to maintain her top speed as planned through several cruises.
In fact, her very first propulsion difficulties surfaced just months after the ship’s maiden voyage in November 2016. In June 2019, this was followed with more extensive propulsion problems that led to three cancelled cruises and an unscheduled dry dock repair.
In May 2022, Carnival Vista once again experienced propulsion problems, resulting in several altered itineraries.
Carnival Cruise Line has not elaborated whether or not the recurrent problems are the same issue or different technical difficulties each time, though the result is often the same – altered itineraries with shortened or cancelled ports of call, and some cancelled cruises.
Hopefully, the reassurance about the upcoming September 15, 2024 departure will ease guests’ minds and prove accurate for the ship’s return to service sailing full speed ahead.
Throughout the beginning of September, Carnival has been rolling out waves of itinerary changes to future sailings – and the cruise line has just announced more revisions for two additional ships: Carnival Vista and Carnival Sunrise.
While cruise lines make tweaks all the time to account for reasons like scheduling, maintenance needs across the fleet, and port congestion, it’s interesting that a lot of the newly released changes eliminate visits to Half Moon Cay, the cruise line’s private island destination in the Bahamas.
However, this may be due to construction going on at the island to add a new pier that will be capable of accommodating thecruise line’s mega-ships, such as Carnival Jubilee, which launched in 2023 with a capacity of 6,630 passengers.
It’s unclear when the new pier will be completed, but it’s expected to be done in time for Carnival’s massive Excel-Class ships – including Carnival Jubilee, Mardi Gras, and Carnival Celebration – to begin sailing to the exclusive island paradise in 2026 and 2027.
Currently, Carnival and its sister brands can only access the port using smaller tender ships, which ferry guests from their cruise ship to the shore in around 20 minutes, because the water isn’t deep enough for cruise ships.
Carnival’s Latest Itinerary Changes
The earliest sailing to be impacted will be operated by Carnival Vista and is due to set sail from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida,on January 5, 2025.
The 6-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary called for stops at Half Moon Cay, Puerto Plata / Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos. However, the visit to Half Moon Cay has been swapped out with a day in Nassau, Bahamas.
The Vista-class vessel will also see changes to its itineraries to sailings embarking on February 16, 2025, March 30, 2025, and February 7, 2026. The first two are 6-night Eastern Caribbean sailings, while the final of the three is an 8-night voyage to the same region.
But, while the cruise length might vary, all three itineraries are replacing their scheduled call on Half Moon Cay with a visit to Princess Cays, the private island destination that is operated by Princess Cruises.
But since Princess is a Carnival-owned brand, Carnival cruise ships can still visit the exclusive destination. Carnival Sunrise will also be skipping some of her planned calls on Half Moon Cay.
Carnival Cruise Ship at Half Moon Cay (Photo Credit: Eric Glenn)
The 2,754-guest vessel is supposed to embark on a round trip sailing to Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key, the cruise line’s second private islanddestination, on January 15, 2025. However, the 4-night voyage will see Half Moon Cay be replaced by Princess Cays.
On a similar note, an earlier (but identical) 4-night sailing, which will embark from Miami, Florida,on January 15, 2025, will still call on Half Moon Cay, but on a different day than initially planned.
Conversely, completely going against the pattern, the Sunshine-class ship will be replacing a call on Princess Cays with a visit to Half Moon Cay.
This change impacts a 5-night Eastern Caribbean sailing – which will also call on Grand Turk and Celebration Key – that will set sail from Miami on September 1, 2025.
The final two changes to Carnival Sunrise’s itineraries aren’t specifically related to replacing private island experiences – deviating from the other changes in this round of revisions.
The 101,509-gross ton vessel’s 5-night Eastern Caribbean sailing, which embarks on February 8, 2025, will actually replace Nassau, the intended first port call of the voyage, with Freeport, Bahamas.
Later in the year, the 5-night sailing embarking on September 29, 2025, will still call on all the ports on the itinerary, but in the reverse order. The ports in question include Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Grand Turk.
Popular Carnival Cruise Director Lee Mason is being promoted to Fleet Cruise Director, where he will bring his years of experience, incomparable energy, and bright personality to the next level of leadership for Carnival Cruise Line.
Now, Lee Mason has surprised his more than 65,000 social media followers with the news.
“It’s official! I can finally announce that I will be joining the team of Fleet Cruise Directors,”he said, sharing a new short biography for his promotion.
It is not uncommon for Carnival cruise directors to share their cruise-related news – what ships they will serve on, special itineraries, new events onboard, etc. – via social media, as they can have tremendous followings of fans who have enjoyed sailing with them over the years.
Mason has been with Carnival Cruise Line since November 2016, and in those years has served on a number of ships in the fleet, including Carnival Valor, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Glory, and Mardi Gras.
He was the inaugural flagship cruise director when Carnival Celebration first debuted, and has since become the cruise director “Italian Style” for Carnival Venezia.
While Mason does not share exactly when he will assume his new duties as Fleet Cruise Director, he is still listed as Carnival Venezia‘s cruise director for the duration of his current onboard contract, from August 31, 2024 through January 26, 2025.
It is possible those contract dates will change as Carnival Cruise Line shifts vessel assignments among other cruise directors, and new cruise directors join the roster to lead different ships. Such changes are not uncommon at all levels and positions of cruise ship employment.
Mason’s news has been met with great enthusiasm from Carnival cruisers who have had the privilege of sailing with him and enjoying his energy and ebullience.
“I’ve been on many cruises but only one on Carnival cruise line on the Celebration and [Lee Mason] certainly made the trip. Congratulations Lee well deserved!”
“Congratulations [Lee]. You are certainly deserving of this. We really enjoyed having you as our CD and now you can help/mentor others to reach the high level you established.”
“It was just a matter of time! Huge congrats!”
Similarly, other Carnival Cruise Line cruise directors and entertainment staff have chimed in with their own congratulations and well wishes for Mason in his new role.
“Congratulations mate! Makes me so happy after all our conversations and so glad to see it happening! You will be amazing and so deserved!”said Marty Pitts, currently the cruise director aboard Carnival Luminosa.
Other entertainers and onboard performers have also offered a wide range of congratulations for the newly-minted Fleet Cruise Director.
During his years with Carnival Cruise Line, Mason has been recognized several times for his spectacular performance and commitment to being the very best cruise director.
Melissa Mayntz & Lee Mason on Carnival Celebration (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
In 2023, he was chosen as Carnival Cruise Line’s Cruise Director of the Year as well as Ambassador of the Year for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a long-time charitable partner of the cruise line.
Even Mason’s coworkers have recognized his excellence, as he received the Carnival Cruise Director Peer Choice Award in 2019.
This writer can personally attest to Mason’s fantastic attitude and the sheer joy he brings to every cruise, having had the pleasure to sail with him aboard Carnival Celebration in June 2024. Congratulations, Lee, on a promotion well-deserved!
Carnival Cruise Line has not offered details as to whether or not additional cruise directors will be promoted to the overall fleet position. That does seem likely, however, as the cruise line’s fleet continues to grow with new Excel-class ships, the addition of the P&O Cruises Australia ships, and an even larger class of ships already being planned.
Fleet Cruise Directors help train new cruise directors, develop new onboard programming and events, serve in ceremonial capacities with new ship inaugurations and shoreside events, and complete other duties as needed to promote Carnival Cruise Line.
With so many so-called “influencers” filming clips, interviews, demonstrations, and more in all types of public places, it is inevitable that videos would be made onboard cruise ships.
Not all travelers appreciate such filming, however, and Carnival Cruise Line has addressed the issue and sought feedback from loyal guests.
A passenger recently aboard the 128,251-gross-ton Carnival Dream brought the issue to the attention of John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador.
“I am a Instagram fitness influencer. Last week I was on the Dream making a video on the jogging track,”the guest explained.“I ran past some people who got angry because they were on film. They demanded in a very aggressive way that I delete my video.”
The guest goes on to note that the irate passengers quoted the “Statute of Limitations” as support for their desire to not be filmed. It should be noted, however, that such statutes have nothing to do with filming in public places.
Rather, a statute of limitations determines how long after the commission of a crime it is still legal to pursue charges. That being beside the point, the guest continued to inquire about filming onboard.
“I was not advised or asked to sign a wavier or consent form before I cruised. Who is right here?”they asked.
In our era of doorbell cameras, body cams, security cameras, social media, and more, there is very little expectation of privacy in public spaces. Heald did respond as thoroughly as possible for both sides of the issue, however.
“I think the respectful thing to do would have been for the Miss Influencer to say, OK, I will delete it if you do not want to be in it. However, on the other side of that she was filming in a public place so…”he replied via his Facebook page.
Many guests offered their own opinions on filming on cruise ships and how they would feel about being in an influencer’s video.
“I think the polite thing would be for this person to avoid all people when making their videos.”
“It’s a public place and as long as she wasn’t focusing on the other people or recording them for longer than it takes to run past them, then there’s not much they can do about it. Honestly, we are probably all in the background thousands of photos and we aren’t even aware.”
“As a prior law enforcement/911 dispatcher, we used to get calls about people mad that they were being filmed in public. People were always upset to learn that there isn’t a law against being filmed in public.”
“It does feel like a huge invasion of my privacy but not much I can do about it. I also really hate their entitled attitudes expecting to have right of way simply because they are filming.”
Ultimately, every guest onboard a Carnival cruise ship – whether they consider themselves an influencer or not – is able to take photos and film in public places as much as they wish. It is always best to be respectful of others, but there are no rules against such filming.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Official Media Stance
When any cruise guest books a sailing with Carnival Cruise Line, they agree to the terms and conditions of the Cruise Ticket Contract. This does cover photos, videos, and recordings, both by the cruise line as well as by other guests.
Section 16 of the contract discusses Carnival Cruise Line’s use of the guest’s likeness with respect to the cruise line’s use as follows:
“Each Guest grants Carnival … the exclusive right to include photographic, video and other visual portrayals of Guest in any medium of any nature whatsoever for any purpose including without limitation trade, advertising, sales, publicity or otherwise, without compensation to Guest.”
This means that Carnival Cruise Line may use onboard photos and video for commercials, advertisements, press releases, and other materials.
Carnival Cruise Ship Open Deck (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin)
Other guests, however, do not have the same liberties onboard. According to Section 17 of the contract:
“Guest hereby expressly agrees that he/she will not utilize any tape recording, video, or photograph(s) of himself/herself, any other Guest, crew, or third party on board the Vessel, or depicting the Vessel, its design, equipment, or any part thereof whatsoever, for any commercial purpose or in any media broadcast, or for any other non-private use, without the express written consent of Carnival.”
This means that Carnival cruisers should not be recording themselves, the ship, or any other guest on board for any commercial intent, including “influencing” for profit. If travelers get financial compensation for their video work, it could be considered a violation of this contract clause and subject to penalties.
Furthermore, the contract also states:
“For the privacy of our guests and crew, Guest expressly agrees not to record or video interactions with other guests or crew without their express permission.”
This means that no influencer should be deliberately recording others onboard the ship unless those passengers have granted permission to do so.
Still, in this day of so many video recordings and photos absolutely everywhere, such clauses could be difficult to legally interpret and accurately enforce. It is best if every cruise passenger, “influencer” or not, takes care not to include anyone in their videos or photos who prefers to be kept out of the picture.
In classic Virgin Voyages fashion, the Celebration Voyages across the Lady Ships, each weighing 110,000 gross tons, were nothing short of unforgettable.
Sailors aboard Scarlet Lady, which set sail from Barcelona on September 1, 2024, were especially treated to an array of extraordinary experiences, from poolside DJ sets by Boy George, to stargazing with Virgin Galactic astronauts.
Q&A sessions with Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin, added to the allure, but the real surprise was yet to come.
Australian Olympic breakdancer RayGun, invited by Sir Richard himself, electrified the crowd, and even gave Branson a breakdancing lesson poolside, proving that anything can happen on a Virgin Voyage.
Branson gamely attempted RayGun’s signature kangaroo hop, which had been featured in her Olympic performance, only for RayGun to quip, “Richard, that was so three weeks ago” before leading the crowd in a collective dance lesson.
The fun culminated when Branson grabbed RayGun and made a splash by jumping into the pool, drawing cheers from the 4,400 guests aboard the sold-out Mediterranean journey.
Destination Weddings with a Virgin Twist
The surprises didn’t stop with RayGun. Virgin Voyages took their Celebrations sailings to the next level by introducing wedding ceremonies, officiated by none other than Sir Richard.
Branson presided over a series of nuptials spanning from the Caribbean to Europe, beginning with Ben and Emma from the U.K. Married at the secluded sundeck, The Perch, aboard the 2,700-guest Valiant Lady, the duo exchanged vows overlooking the jungle-covered hills of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
The newlyweds and guests enjoyed 5 nights in the Caribbean that included a call at Virgin’s private destination, the Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas after departing from Miami on August 30, 2024.
Its impressive lineup included David Tait of Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Galactic astronauts Jamila Gilbert and Ron Rosano guiding guests through the stars at night.
Branson’s next stop was Amsterdam, where he officiated the wedding of Virgin Voyages’ crew members Alejandra and Matias aboard Resilient Lady. The 2,700-passenger ship had set sail from Portsmouth, U.K. on September 3, with the couple dancing the night away at the ship’s shimmering The Manor nightclub.
Virgin Voyages weddings, Richard Branson officiated the wedding of Danny and Brittany (Photo Courtesy: Virgin Voyages)
Finally, Branson jetted to Spain to oversee a sunset wedding during Scarlet Lady‘s overnight call in Ibiza. There, Danny and Brittany, sailing on the 4,400-passenger ship, celebrated their vows amidst the island’s scenery.
That Mediterranean Celebration Voyage, which sailed from Barcelona on September 1, featured stops in Marseilles and Cannes, France, as well as Palma de Mallorca, with Virgin Galactic astronaut Sirisha Bandla adding a touch of stardust to the occasion.
The marketing stunt introduces the new wedding packages that will debut on Virgin Voyages in April 2025. The packages will allow couples to say “I do” both onboard and at destinations Virgin visits.
The Celebration Voyages highlighted Virgin’s 50th anniversary and although 2025 dates and events have yet to be announced, you can bet Branson will have more tricks up his sleeve.
The cruise line has already announced it will feature 27 new itineraries and 19 new ports next year, and Virgin Sailors are eagerly awaiting the launch of Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, Brilliant Lady.
Expected to set sail on September 5, 2025, the new 2,762-passenger ship will sail the Americas, traveling between New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle, with transitions through the Panama Canal.
