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Florida Port Sets New Record With Facial Recognition

Melissa Mayntz
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Florida Port Sets New Record With Facial Recognition

The Port of Palm Beach is yet another cruise homeport that has added facial recognition technology to speed up passenger processing, with phenomenal results.

On January 3, 2025, the first day the technology was fully in place, more than 1,400 cruise passengers were processed before 10 a.m. – a record for the cruise port.

This is a historic event for the port, which while it isn’t as popular as PortMiami (70 miles to the south) or Port Canaveral (120 miles to the north), still offers unique sailings for guests.

Margaritaville at Sea’s smaller vessel, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise – formerly Costa Classica – offers a year-round selection of 2-, 3-, and 4-night sailings to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas, ideal for quick getaways and available exclusively from the Port of Palm Beach.

With the implementation of the facial recognition technology, which is already in use at many other major cruise homeports, guests are able to leave their ship and process through customs in a fraction of the time as former, one-on-one agent processing required.

Furthermore, when guests are able to debark a ship more quickly, incoming guests can begin embarkation that much sooner to get their cruise vacations underway.

The cruise line is fully committed to the Port of Palm Beach and ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience for every guest.

“We are excited about the partnership with both the Port of Palm Beach and U.S. Customs & Border Protection to help significantly improve the experience for cruise guests.” said Anthony Stice, Margaritaville at Sea Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations. “We look forward to continuing to find ways to elevate the experience for our guests to make their sailings as easy-breezy as possible.”

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise can welcome 1,308 guests at double occupancy, or up to 1,680 travelers if the ship is fully booked with all berths filled.

In total, the cruise port processes roughly 400,000 cruise passengers each year, along with cargo and commodities traffic as well as private marine operations.

Paradise Cruise Ship
Paradise Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Port of West Palm Beach)

Parking Improvements Also Implemented

In addition to the new facial recognition technology, the port has also begun offering self-parking to permit guests more options and to maximize passenger flow while minimizing congestion and traffic.

“We’ve worked closely with Palm Beach Parking to ensure our parking operations are as smooth and safe as possible,” said Michael Meekins, Port of Palm Beach Executive Director. “With their team of attendants on hand to direct passengers, we eliminate any confusion on entering and exiting the premises, and provide a safer, faster, and more organized environment for everyone.”

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

The cruise port offers limited valet parking on a first come, first served basis, and a specific area is designated for ride-share services adjacent to the cruise terminal for maximum convenience. A walkway connects vehicle areas with the cruise ship, ensuring easy directions for both arriving and departing guests.

A new, permanent walkway structure is planned, which will include an overhead canopy for weather protection and greater comfort.

“Additionally, we have even more improvements planned, including the installation of sidewalks, signage, pavement resurfacing, striping, minor landscaping, and new fencing,” confirmed Meekins.

With both Port Canaveral and PortMiami growing busier than ever – even running out of cruise terminal space at times – cruise travelers interested in a calmer, peaceful sailing that still offers all the vibrancy of a visit to the Bahamas will definitely want to keep Port of Palm Beach in mind.

Carnival Cruise Line Confirms Homeport Not Impacted by Fires

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Confirms Homeport Not Impacted by Fires

With multiple massive wildfires raging out of control in the Los Angeles area, it is understandable that cruise travelers with sailings booked from Long Beach would be concerned about whether or not their departures will be impacted. Guests have reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, for details.

Fortunately, Heald has confirmed that at this time, no Carnival cruises are impacted and the Port of Long Beach is operating as normal.

“I wondered about Long Beach and sailings from there in the next couple weeks,” one guest asked. “Will we be notified by text or email if anything changes?”

The concerned guest is setting sail on Carnival Panorama‘s January 25, 2025 departure, a 7-night Mexican Riviera itinerary visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas.

For now, however, there are no operational changes expected at Long Beach, though Carnival Cruise Line is monitoring the situation and will make adjustments if they become necessary.

“We do not anticipate any impact to Carnival’s homeport schedule in Long Beach but will, of course, follow the direction of local law enforcement,” Heald explained. “Safety is always a priority, and we urge our guests to do the same.”

The raging wildfires are tearing through multiple Los Angeles neighborhoods. As of Thursday, January 9, 2025, The Palisades fire has burned approximately 17,200 acres, including many homes and historic buildings. The Eaton fire has burned 10,600 acres, and the Sunset fire has burned more than 40 acres.

Together, the fires have devastated an area equivalent to more than 43 square miles. All three fires are zero percent contained at the time of this writing.

For cruise guests, however, it is important to note that the Los Angeles area is extensive, and the worst of the fires are 30 miles north of the cruise port.

Nevertheless, travelers with upcoming cruises will still want to keep in close contact with Carnival in case of any delays or disruptions. Furthermore, air travel is likely to be impacted, and guests should be in touch with their airline to ensure they will be able to reach the cruise homeport as planned.

Carnival Cruise Line currently has three vessels homeported from Long Beach: Carnival Firenze, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Radiance.

In addition, ships from Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises are also homeported from the nearby Los Angeles Cruise Port. No cruise lines have made any sailing adjustments at this time.

Many Natural Disasters Impact Cruises

It is not unusual for different natural disasters to impact cruise operations, either by closing homeports or forcing itinerary changes for ports of call.

Hurricanes and coastal storms are the most familiar incidents that affect cruises, but other disasters can certainly cause disruptions depending on where, when, and how they occur.

For example, Carnival Cruise Line and other cruise lines diverted sailings away from Port Vila, Vanuatu, following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck on December 17, 2024.

In August 2023, extensive wildfires on Maui destroyed much of the popular port of Lahaina, and cruise lines likewise changed ship itineraries to alternative ports of call or days at sea.

Landslide in Port Vila following 7.3-magnitude earthquake.
Landslide in Port Vila following 7.3-magnitude earthquake. (Photo Credit: Dan McGarry)

While it may seem that shifting cruise ship visits would cause even more difficulty for ports that depend on tourist income, doing so permits emergency services to work effectively without attending to visitors as well.

Furthermore, when different disasters strike, port communities may be unable to offer services to travelers until recovery efforts are underway.

Cruise lines are not without compassion, however, and often offer assistance to devastated port communities.

Carnival Cruise Line’s President, Christine Duffy, recently held a skydiving fundraiser to support Tampa Bay and other communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The cruise line has also donated $60,000 to paramedic services in Vanuatu.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with everyone impacted by the California wildfires and other incidents, with hopes that communities can rebuild and regain their strength over what will be a long recovery period in the years ahead.

Two Cruise Lines Merge to Create New European Brand

Donna Tunney
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Two Cruise Lines Merge to Create New European Brand

Two cruise lines, one catering to the UK market and the other to the French market, are merging to form a new European brand with a three-ship fleet of mid-size vessels.

The UK-based Ambassador Cruise Line, with two ships, and Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC), headquartered in Marseille, France, and operating one ship, are known for their no-fly cruises. Both sail from multiple UK and European ports and appeal to guests who wish to avoid flying to an embarkation port.

However, the merged company, to be called Ambassador Group, will launch a Caribbean cruise program in October 2025. Using source markets from the UK, France, and the Netherlands, the Caribbean series will be operated in partnership with Corendon, a travel operator based in the Netherlands.

Corendon also operates Corendon Airlines, a company unit that likely will form the core of the cruise brand’s fly-cruise packages. Few details of Ambassador Group’s Caribbean plans have been revealed, but the brand intends to have multiple embarkations ports, including Barbados, Martinique, and Curaçao.

The new Ambassador Group will include Ambassador Cruise Line ships Ambience and Ambition, and CFC’s Renaissance.

“CFC is a new and growing French brand, and this merger with Ambassador, a successful, ambitious British brand that wants to grow markets and destinations, is extremely positive for both businesses, maximising synergies to create a formidable force in the cruise industry,” said Maëlysse Pierrot-Guibourt, CEO of Compagnie Française de Croisières.

The 1,200-guest Renaissance was recently refurbished, but will enter dry dock in January 2025 to complete the installation of IMO Tier III environmental technologies, the companies said in their January 9, 2025 merger announcement.

IMO Tier III refers to the International Maritime Organization’s emission standards for nitrogen oxides. The two Ambassador ships already are IMO compliant.

With the merger of the two cruise lines, the new brand sees an opportunity to tap into the growing European cruise market, which is expected to increase about 12% in the coming five years.

“The combination of Ambassador and CFC is a bold step towards our shared vision for the cruise industry. By uniting our strengths, we are creating an organisation that delivers exceptional experiences to our guests while upholding sustainable practices,” said Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line.

According to Cruise Lines International Association Europe, in 2023 8.2 million Europeans cruised, reflecting a 6.5% jump from pre-pandemic 2019. The biggest source market was Germany, providing about 31% of the total number, followed by the UK and Ireland, with a 28% share of the market.

Three-Ship Fleet to Offer Mid-Size Experience

Both CFC and Ambassador Cruise Line are fairly new companies, having launched just two years ago. CFC began operations with its solo vessel, Renaissance.

The ship was built by Holland America Line and entered service in 1993, sailing under the name Maasdam. The ship underwent a substantial renovation before launching as Renaissance under the CFC brand.

RENAISSANCE Cruise Ship
RENAISSANCE Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Alexandre Prevot)

Ambassador Cruise Line launched operations with its first ship, Ambience, in 2022, christening the vessel in April of that year. Ambience was built in 1991 and accommodates 1,400 passengers.

The ship formerly sailed for P&O Cruises Australia before being sold to Ocean Builders, an outfit that eventually sold her to Ambassador.

More From Cruise Hive

Ambassador purchased the 1,248-guest Ambition from AIDA Cruises in 2022 and the ship began sailing under the Ambassador brand in 2023. Formerly named AIDAmira, the vessel had entered service in 1999 as Mistral for Festival Cruises, and operated as Grand Mistral with Ibero Cruises, and as Costa neoRiviera for Costa Cruises.

Each of the three ships offers a traditional French or British product and onboard experience, and their unique features will be retained following the merger, which is expected to close by the end of January 2025.

Royal Caribbean Takes Precautionary Measures Due to Recent Guests

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Takes Precautionary Measures Due to Recent Guests

Royal Caribbean has reached out to guests booked onboard Symphony of the Seas within the last few months with details about possible exposure to Legionella. Two guests on recent sailings of the ship have been diagnosed with the disease, prompting the notification.

“Your health and safety are always our top priority and in an abundance of caution, we are reaching out for your awareness,” the notification read.

“The CDC [US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] has advised that while they are unsure where exposed, two guests who sailed on Symphony of the Seas (one in October and one in December) were later diagnosed with Legionella.”

The exact sailing dates of the infected passengers were not disclosed, just October 2024 and December 2024. The Oasis-class ship was sailing from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey in October, and from PortMiami, Florida in December.

“While this does not imply or confirm that the contracted this onboard our ship, as a precautionary measure, we implemented heightened sanitation protocols and followed all CDC guidance,” the cruise line explained.

Symphony of the Seas is still homeported from Miami offering 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, all of which call on Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The 228,081-gross-ton ship can welcome up to 6,680 guests onboard, and is also home to 2,200 international crew members.

To put the number of reported cases in perspective, two passengers out of two sailings means just two guests from roughly 12,000 travelers, or roughly two hundredths of one percent (.016%).

According to the CDC, legionella is not spread from person-to-person, but rather through contaminated water, such as in hot tubs or shared water sources. This is the most common way for the infection to spread on a cruise ship, as has happened previously onboard different vessels and different cruise lines.

Celebrity Cruises notified guests of a similar situation aboard Celebrity Ascent in January 2024, while hot tubs were linked to an outbreak onboard two undisclosed cruise ships from late 2022 to early 2024.

In each case, impacted ships increased cleaning and sanitizing of hot tubs, public water fountains, and other potential areas of contagion, as well as inspecting water sources onboard for any contamination.

Passengers on Symphony of the Seas have also reported that the cruise line provided a letter to each cabin regarding the exposure.

Why So Long for the Notification?

It can be disconcerting for travelers to receive this notification months after returning home from their weeklong cruise. This timeline is fairly standard for a Legionella diagnosis, however, as it can take some time for the disease to be identified and properly diagnosed.

Most people exposed to Legionella do not get sick, but the disease can be of concern to those who may have previous breathing difficulties or who may be immunocompromised. Symptoms may be mild or could advance to severe pneumonia.

Royal Caribbean is urging anyone concerned about the illness or possible infection to reach out to their doctor or contact their local or state health department for more information.

Symphony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas (Photo Credit: EWY Media)

To be clear, it is not known where or when the affected individuals who sailed aboard Symphony of the Seas may have contracted the infection. It is possible they were infected prior to sailing or equally likely they did not contract the disease until after their respective cruises.

Furthermore, there has never been an outbreak of any confirmed disease aboard Symphony of the Seas that has been reported to the CDC.

The CDC notes that the incubation period for Legionella is typically 2-14 days, but can be longer. Antibiotics can successfully treat the disease.

Guests can take many precautions to stay healthy while enjoying a cruise vacation. Washing one’s hands frequently as well as using hand sanitizer can help safeguard against more common outbreaks, such as norovirus.

Getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and minimizing overindulgences are other steps that can help all cruisers enjoy their vacation without inadvertently contracting an illness while onboard.

Disney Cruise Line Revises Repositioning Itinerary to Avoid Port

Lissa Poirot
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Disney Cruise Line Revises Repositioning Itinerary to Avoid Port

Less than a year after civil unrest that erupted in May 2024, some cruise lines are still wary of bringing passengers to New Caledonia’s capital city of Nouméa. 

This includes Disney Cruise Line, which just announced its 84,130-gross-ton Disney Wonder will skip its intended February 13, 2025, call to the island.

The 2,713-passenger vessel has been in Sydney and Melbourne for 3- and 4-night sailing to Hobart, Tasmania, and New Plymouth, New Zealand.

As it embarks on 16-night repositioning voyage, it will bypass the island and instead spend an additional day at sea.

Unfortunately for guests, this now forces the cruise to spend 11 days at sea with just three calls, including Suva, Fiji; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and Nawiliwili on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, before arriving in Honolulu in Oahu on February 25.

Disney Cruise Line explained the decision is a result of the unrest in the nation.

“Due to the limited availability of experiences as a result of the prior unrest in Nouméa, New Caledonia, and for the comfort of guests and crew, we have made the decision to bypass Nouméa to spend the day at sea,” it said.

While disappointing, the cruise line added more time at port in Suva, arriving at 7 a.m. and not departing until 7 p.m., and is leaving the remaining itinerary largely unchanged.

Read Also: Disney Cruise Ships: Newest to Oldest

In a gesture of goodwill, Disney Wonder is offering a per-stateroom onboard credit of $250. The non-refundable credit is applicable only during the cruise and can be used toward shipboard services, merchandise, food and beverages.

Additionally, guests with pre-booked excursions in Nouméa will see these automatically removed from their plans. The cruise line did not say if the cancellations will be automatically refunded or left as credits in guest accounts. 

Passengers who booked independent excursions are advised to cancel those.

Safety Concerns Shape Cruise Line Decisions

Nouméa, known for its blend of French and Melanesian culture, has long been a favorite among South Pacific cruise itineraries for its turquoise lagoons, vibrant markets, and rich history.

In May 2024, protests and demonstrations broke out in Nouméa due to debates surrounding the independence of New Caledonia from France, with fear a civil war was imminent. 

The unrest led to disruptions in several areas, including the Nouméa Cruise Ship Terminal, with previous reports of blockades and protests affecting passenger disembarkation and local tour operations.

Although 10 people died and dozens more were injured, the violence has since subsided following an accord reached between France and New Caledonia in June.

Cruise Ship Visiting Noumea, New Caledonia
Cruise Ship Visiting Noumea, New Caledonia (Photo Credit: EA Given)

Still, the US Department of State and other foreign nations have a remaining travel advisory for New Caledonia.

“US citizens should reconsider travel to New Caledonia or consider departing by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges following riots related to electoral reform in May 2024,” says the Level 3 advisory.

Despite Disney Cruise Line’s concerns, other cruise lines have returned to New Caledonia. 

Since January 1, 2025, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, Carnival Cruise Line’s Splendor and Luminosa, P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure, and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge have all called on Nouméa.

Disney Wonder also cancelled calls in Nouméa during a New Year’s Eve voyage, instead visiting Eden, Australia, and Hobart, along with its scheduled January 16 visit, which will travel to New Plymouth instead.

Princess Cruises Offering Flexible Cancellations Due to Wildfires

Lissa Poirot
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Princess Cruises Offering Flexible Cancellations Due to Wildfires

Following the devastating wildfires that have ravaged – and continue to burn – in the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and other neighborhoods of Los Angeles, the City of Angels’ hometown cruise line has announced measures to support its community.

Princess Cruises, headquartered in northern Los Angeles’ Santa Clarita, California, is the Hollywood star of the iconic television show, “The Love Boat” and just celebrated its 60th anniversary in LA on January 4, 2025.

So it’s only fitting that the cruise line is offering aid and flexible cancellation options, providing at least one reprieve from the fast-burning fires that began in the Hollywood Hills on January 8, 2025, spurred by the Santa Ana winds.

“Princess Cruises, Los Angeles’ hometown cruise line, is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Our hearts go out to all those affected during this challenging time,” said the cruise line in a statement to Cruise Hive.

Los Angeles World Cruise Center, 35 miles from the fires, along with Los Angeles International Airport, are still open and operational.

However, Princess Cruises understands cruising from LA is not a high priority during the emergency and is offering passengers the opportunity to cancel upcoming cruises in January.

Guests who live in evacuation areas or whose homes have been significantly damaged by the fires may cancel any cruise scheduled between January 11 and January 30, 2025, and receive a Future Cruise Credit. The credit will be equal to the value of the booking.

In addition, passengers will also receive full refunds on any Princess Packages, shore excursions, or additional purchases made through Princess Cruises.

Future Cruise Credits will be valid on any Princess Cruises sailing departing from the Los Angeles World Cruise Center in 2025.

“We are committed to ensuring these guests have the opportunity to rebook their cruise when the time is right for them,” said the cruise line. 

It added, “At Princess Cruises, we are proud to be part of the Los Angeles community, and we remain committed to supporting our neighbors as we face these challenges together.” 

Flexibility Offered for 5 Upcoming Cruises

Currently, Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess is sailing a 7-night roundtrip itinerary along the Baja Peninsula of Mexico and was in Puerto Vallarta when the fires broke out. 

The vessel is scheduled to return home on January 11, 2025, and hopefully, passengers aboard the 3,660-guest ship still have homes to go to.

The ship is expected to make the same journey to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta on January 11, January 18, and January 25.

Royal Princess Cruise Ship in LA
Royal Princess Cruise Ship in LA (Photo Credit: Iryna Makukha)

The cruise line’s Grand Princess, carrying up to 2,600 passengers, had departed from LA on a 10-night cruise to the Baja Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez on January 4, before the fires. 

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

The vessel is returning to its homeport on January 14, and then is slated to spend 16 nights sailing to Hawaii through January 30.

The 2,200-passenger Island Princess is also departing from Los Angeles on January 20, 2025, to embark on a 26-night transpacific crossing. The ship, repositioning to Sydney, Australia, will be sailing to Hawaii, the South Pacific Islands, and New Zealand.

Anyone affected by the LA fires has the opportunity to cancel their cruises and sail later in the year, with no penalty or fees.

Meanwhile, Princess Cruises’ sister cruise line, Carnival Cruise Line, which is also owned by Carnival Corporation, operates out of nearby Long Beach, California, which is not impacted by the fires.

Although the cruise line is keeping a close eye on the situation, it has not offered a similar flexible cancellation option for affected passengers at this time. Cruise Hive has also reached out to Royal Caribbean, but has not received a response.

Carnival Package Spotted and It Offers Significant Savings

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Package Spotted and It Offers Significant Savings

Not all cruisers spend time in the arcade, but those that do know the costs of playing games can add up quickly. Carnival Cruise Line is now offering a great package deal for arcade tokens that can mean significant savings for interested gamers.

Guests cannot use quarters or tokens in the arcade; all games are cashless, and players must scan their Sail & Sign cards to pay for each game. Games are priced in digital “chips” with most games requiring 2, 3, or even 4 chips to play.

Now, guests can buy those chips at kiosks, and different packages offer great savings, especially for buying higher numbers of chips.

For example, $10 package offers 50 chips, but a $20 package offers 110 chips – 10 more than if a guest bought two $10 packages. Different package denominations are available to suit any guest’s budget and gaming needs: $30 (175 chips), $40 (250 chips), $60 (400 chips), and $80 (575 chips).

The best price is the $100 package for 800 chips – 300 chips, which is more than purchasing 10 of the $10 packages for the same price.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has confirmed that these package deals are authentic and not yet another social media rumor.

“This is something that we do now and it is available to book online and also when you are on the ship,” he said. “For those who love the arcade it certainly sounds great.”

Guests should be aware that package pricing and chip totals are subject to change.

While Carnival Cruise Line has been offering the chip packages for several months, it hasn’t been widely advertised. Now, more guests are aware of the deal and able to take advantage of it.

Introducing the chip package may be a result of guest interest, as Heald has addressed the issue in the past. In January 2023, a guest suggested package offerings through Heald’s popular Facebook page.

Arcade Packasge
Arcade Package (Credit: Shatima Ruffin)

“Y’all need to provide some kind of ultimate arcade package for each child. The arcade is where they want to be for most of the cruise,” the guest commented. “It is too expensive right now. Y’all have a package for booze. Have one for the arcade. Betcha the big kids would love this just as much as the little ones.”

Heald took note of the suggestion and likely passed it along to the “beards” for consideration.

“Thank you and that is a very interesting point, I wonder if we have ever thought of that,” Heald said at the time.

Who Uses the Arcade?

One common misconception about the arcades on Carnival ships is that these are “kids only” spaces. While each Carnival ship does offer dedicated spaces for younger cruisers through their youth programs, the onboard arcades are open to everyone.

Heald posted a poll in November 2024 that included asking about guests using the arcade. Of the more than 78,000 votes cast, just 5% (approximately 3,900) agreed that they always go to the arcade. Meanwhile, 34% (roughly 26,500 votes) said they never use the arcade.

While this would seem to indicate that arcades are not popular, it should be noted that Heald’s followers are largely experienced cruisers in older age brackets, rather than the children and teens who would certainly use the arcade more.

Read Also: What Are the Best Cruise Lines for Families?

Many travelers, however, did admit to being “kids at heart” and would play at least a couple games during their cruises, enjoying the nostalgia. The arcade is also a good place for hiding cruising ducks.

Available games vary from ship to ship, and often include racing games, Skeeball, air hockey, basketball shot games, shooting games, and other options. Many of the games award tickets for guests to win prizes or are direct prize games such as claws or other games of skill.

Propulsion Issue and Strong Winds Force Norwegian Ship to Cancel Port

Lissa Poirot
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Propulsion Issue and Strong Winds Force Norwegian Ship to Cancel Port

When it comes to navigating a ship, speed matters. And, unfortunately, one Norwegian Cruise Line ship is experiencing a technical issue that is impacting its ability to cruise at maximum speeds.

The 145,655-gross-ton Norwegian Breakaway has to adjust its itinerary on its current voyage to make it back to its homeport in Miami on time.

“We are glad you have joined us aboard the beautiful Norwegian Breakaway and hope you have been enjoying the stunning beaches, historic charm, colonial architecture, and tropical beauty of the Southern Caribbean,” said Captain Ashutosh Chandra before delivering the bad news.

Passengers on the vessel were enjoying a sea day during a 9-night sailing in the Caribbean that had departed Miami on January 2, 2025, when they received the news they would be unable to enjoy a full-day call at Norwegian Cruise Line’s private Bahamas destination, Great Stirrup Cay.

However, it’s not just the technical issue that is having an impact. It’s also due to severe weather, including strong winds in the area and around Great Stirrup Cay. As the NCL’s private island can only take guests ashore using a tender boat, rather than a pier, it can have more of an impact on the weather conditions.

“Unfortunately, due to a combination of strong winds, adverse current, and a technical issue that has impacted the speed of our beautiful ship, but does not impact your safety or that of our crew, we are unable to make the speed needed to get to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas,” he continued.

Read Also: How Fast Does a Cruise Ship Propeller Spin?

As a result, the 3,903-guest vessel is sailing directly back to Port Miami, turning its January 10 schedule into a sea day.

All shore excursions booked at Great Stirrup Cay were cancelled, with guests receiving full refunds to their onboard accounts. The ship will return to port, as planned, at 7 a.m. on January 11, 2025.

Norwegian Breakaway has a subsequent 9-night roundtrip cruise scheduled to depart at 4 p.m. on January 11 to the same ports of Puerto Plata/Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic; Bridgetown, Barbados; St. Johns, Antigua; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Great Stirrup Cay.

It is unsure at this time if the technical difficulties it is facing will impact that voyage but one passenger aboard the ship shared on social media that the issue had been fixed as of January 10.

“The thrust problem with one of the pods is resolved. Now we are just enjoying another day at sea. Hopefully the next cruise doesn’t experience any issues,” said the guest.

Propulsion Problems Plague Fleet

Norwegian Breakaway, which debuted in 2013, is powered by four large diesel engines that are connected to advanced propulsion systems that include two Azipod units, which are like giant underwater motors.

Together, the equipment designed by ABB of Finland allows the ship to reach a top cruising speed of 22.5 knots, or about 26 miles per hour.

However, about a year after its maiden voyage in New York, the ship was forced to be towed back to port after propulsion issues left it stuck in the Hudson River.

Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Ship
Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: G.Evgenij)

Throughout the years, Norwegian Cruise Line ships have faced a number of propulsion issues, including the 145,655-gross-ton Norwegian Getaway, which was delayed returning to port in New York last March due to an inability to reach maximum cruising speeds.

Norwegian Jade, at 93,500 gross tons, also experienced a non-functioning Azipod during a July 2024 sailing that delayed its return to Port Canaveral by a full day.

The cruise line actually sued the makers of its propulsion systems in 2022, and won. It received $159 million in a suit that claimed ABB purposely mispresented the reliability and safety of the Azipods, which caused its ships to experience failures.

Norwegian Cruise Line introduced two new ships following the lawsuit, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, and will debut its Norwegian Aqua later this year.

Cruise Line Has 9,500 Wildlife Sightings in 2024

Donna Tunney
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Cruise Line Has 9,500 Wildlife Sightings in 2024

Marine wildlife sightings add excitement and adventure to cruise vacations around the world. Just ask guests who sail with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

The UK-based line, which caters to the British market, partners with the ORCA Ocean Conservationist program to monitor and count the world’s dolphin and whale populations.

In 2024, conservationists onboard the cruise line’s three ships have documented more than 9,500 marine animals — much to the delight of the ships’ guests.

The data collection and research that the conservationists perform onboard the cruise ships have real life effects on marine animals, such as establishing protected areas for sea creatures at risk.

“It’s a real privilege to work with ORCA, as we know that for our guests, spotting native wildlife is something that makes a cruise truly unforgettable, while also learning more about the wildlife they spot, and playing a part in capturing important data too,” said James Moss, Cruise Product Manager at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Past data collected by the ORCA conservationists have helped to protect important wildlife areas such as the Hebrides and the Bay of Biscay, for example.

In 2024, researchers onboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ships recorded 9,539 sightings across close to 30,000 miles. The common dolphin was the animal most frequently sighted — 4,367 times. 

Other important sightings included 189 humpback whales, 75 beluga whales, 11 orca, and 5 blue whales. Other species sighted were 307 tuna and 16 Cuvier’s beaked whales, which are not often spotted by observers.

The partnership between the cruise line and the conservation group began in 2019. The number of sightings varies. In 2023, close to 3,500 wildlife sightings were recorded, down a bit from 4,400 sightings in 2022.

In 2024, ORCA conservationists were onboard 30 Fred. Olsen voyages.

ORCA Marine Wildlife Sightings From Fred. Olsen Vessels in 2024
ORCA Marine Wildlife Sightings From Fred. Olsen Vessels in 2024

In addition to counting marine wildlife, the onboard conservationists interact with guests, offering an educational component and valuable insights into the world of dolphins, whales, and other marine animals.

Read Also: What Are the Best Rooms on a Cruise Ship?

“Every Fred. Olsen guest who comes and joins our teams out on deck will be helping us in our conservation mission and we can’t wait to work together for another amazing year in 2025,” said Steve Jones, director of fundraising and operations at ORCA.

These 2025 Voyages Will Have ORCA Conservationists Onboard

Cruisers eager to join a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines sailing and experience the conservationist program firsthand have several options on spring and summer sailings. Among the choices:

The 1,230-guest Balmoral will host ORCA volunteers on her 14-night Easter Escape to Portugal’s Unspoilt Islands cruise, setting sail from Southampton on April 10, 2025. Port calls will include Praia Da Vitoria, Horta, and Funchal, Portugal, and La Coruna, Spain.

A 5-night Scenic Scottish Isles cruise onboard the 1,380-guest Bolette departs from Liverpool, England on May 2, 2025 and explores the Hebridean Islands.

Port visits are scheduled in Portree, Isle of Sky, and Stornoway, Scotland. Scenic cruising is featured in the Small Isles, Scotland, and by Dutchman’s Cap and Fingal’s Cave, Scotland.

The 1,400-guest Borealis will welcome the marine volunteers on her 12-night Whales, Waterfalls and Geysers of Iceland cruise, which departs Dover, England, on July 17, 2025. Key ports in Iceland will include Akureyri, Isafjordur, Reykjavik, and Vetmannaeyjar, Iceland.

The voyage also visits the Faroe Islands and features scenic cruising off Scotland.

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