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Bail-Out Pact Appears Within Reach for Major Cruise Shipyard

Donna Tunney
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Bail-Out Pact Appears Within Reach for Major Cruise Shipyard

Top-level federal officials in Germany, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, visited the Meyer Werft shipyard headquarters in Papenburg to acknowledge a restructuring deal has been reached, appearing to solve the shipyard’s financial troubles that have made headlines in recent months.

The personal visit by Scholz and Lower Saxony’s Minister President Stephan Weil on August 22, 2024 followed a restructuring report from auditing and consulting firm Deloitte.

A statement from the officials indicate that final details still need clarification, but that work on the “realignment of the company” will proceed at full speed.

The Meyer Werft Group, with two shipyards in Germany and one in Finland, is a key player in the construction of cruise ships.

The shipyard has longtime cruise clients such as Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Silversea Cruises, among others. Its most recent ship deliveries include Silversea’s Silver Ray, in May 2024, and it is putting finishing touches on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure, set to debut in December 2024.

Meyer Werft does not suffer from a shortage of new-build orders, and has a thriving order book with a value of about 11 billion euro ($12 billion USD).

Carnival Cruise Line is among brands that have recently placed orders for mega-ships. In February and March of 2024, the cruise line announced contracts with Meyer Werft for two Excel-class ships. The vessels are slated to enter service in 2027 and 2028.

Meyer Werft also is in the process of building Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure, and has orders for four additional ships for Disney, slated for delivery between 2027 and 2031.

The government officials met with Meyer family members along with CEO Bernd Eikens, who took the helm of the company from family patriarch Bernard Meyer in August 2023, and Ralf Schmitz, a restructuring professional the company tapped for the financial plan.

“We are grateful that such a great partnership of responsibility between the shipyard, the family, politicians, banks and employees has succeeded in ensuring the future viability of the company,” Bernd Eikens and Ralf Schmitz said in a joint statement.

“We now have the opportunity to put the crisis behind us, make the shipyard competitive again and focus on profitable growth,” they added.

The shipyard’s financial struggles are tied to the temporary lull in production during the Covid era and to price increases in shipbuilding materials since the pandemic. 

Financial Process Puts Shipyards at Disadvantage

Further problems stem from the industry’s financing structure, whereby shipyards typically receive just 20% of the cost of an order payable upfront and the remainder when a ship is completed.

The process requires shipyards to finance most of the construction costs. It is unclear how much money Meyer Werft is seeking in government assistance, but some reports put the number at 2.3 billion euros ($2.5 billion USD) in loans and 400 million euros ($445 million USD) in capital.

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship Construction
Photo Credit: Meyer Werft

Read Also: Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships in the World 2024

“The willingness of the federal and state governments as well as our associated commercial banks to support us in the form that has now been agreed also shows that we have achieved a special position in shipbuilding with our company over decades,” said Bernard Meyer, former CEO of Meyer Werft. 

The restructuring agreement appears to have a buy-back provision that could eventually return control of the shipyard to the family, although details have not been forthcoming.

Meyer Werft’s headquarters is in Papenburg. The company has been owned by the Meyer family for seven generations. Other shipyards are located in Rostock, Germany, and Turku, Finland.

Carnival Jubilee Ending Inaugural Season, Adding Dining Fee

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Jubilee Ending Inaugural Season, Adding Dining Fee

More than 200,000 guests have already enjoyed sailing aboard the newest Carnival cruise ship, Carnival Jubilee, and it is time for the vessel to end her inaugural sailing season.

The news has been announced by Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, and means a slight change in dining options for guests onboard the Excel-class vessel. Passengers should be rest assured, however, that the change is minimal and the Texas-sized fun will remain.

“As we did on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration we will end the official inaugural season with one included meal at the fabulous Cucina del Capitano starting from the September 7, 2024, sailing and at the brilliant Chibang starting from the October 12, 2024, sailing,” Heald explained. “Each meal after that will have only an $8 charge.”

The two specialty restaurants have offered free dining since the ship debuted on December 23, 2023. Now, guests will still enjoy one free meal if they choose, but additional meals will incur the $8 per guest service charge.

Considering that other specialty restaurants onboard have much higher charges, this is still a great deal for cruisers. The elegant Rudi’s Seagrill, for example, is $49 for adults and $15 for children, while the energetic Bonsai Teppanyaki is $44.84 for lunch and $49.56 per person for dinner.

It should be noted that Carnival’s website is slightly unclear, as Cucina del Capitano is listed at $24 per person ($11 for kids) for the first meal and $8 per meal thereafter. Chibang! is still listed as a free first meal and $8 per visit afterward.

Both restaurants are amazingly popular and offer delicious dining options not available elsewhere onboard. Of course, Carnival Jubilee also has a wide variety of other specialty dining options as well as highly popular included venues such as Guy’s Burger Joint, Shaq’s Big Chicken, the BlueIguana Cantina, and much more.

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

The 183,521-gross-ton Carnival Jubilee is the third of the Excel-class ships and the newest vessel in the Carnival fleet. With the Texas Lone Star on her bow, she is homeported year-round from Galveston, welcoming 5,228 guests at double occupancy for every sailing, or up to 6,631 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled.

Carnival Jubilee sails 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries visiting Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan, with multiple days at sea for every guest to thoroughly enjoy all the amazing features, amenities, and venues onboard.

Cruise ship inaugural seasons vary and may last for just a few weeks or could be as much as a year or longer. Factors such as the limited availability of “Inaugural Season” merchandise, strength of bookings, itinerary diversity, or the addition of even newer ships to a fleet can impact exactly when a cruise line declares one ship’s inaugural season complete.

About the Restaurants

Cucina del Capitano is an Italian-themed restaurant, complete with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, exposed brick walls, and a true “neighborhood” feel.

Especially fun is the Carnival-themed artwork on the walls, including both historical photos as well as construction photos of Carnival Jubilee and other vessels.

Chibang on Carnival Jubilee
Chibang on Carnival Jubilee

Chibang! is the cruise line’s new Mexican-Chinese fusion restaurant, offering unique menu pairings that permit guests to customize their meal to both international tastes at once. The bold décor also reflects both cultures and celebrates the vibrant culinary traditions of each one.

While Cucina del Capitano is available on a number of ships in the Carnival fleet, Chibang! is only found on the three Excel-class vessels – Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.

Both restaurants are located on Deck 8. Cucina del Capitano is located portside at midship, across from the Marina Bar and the Pixels gallery, while Chibang! is portside forward of Grand Central, across from the Havana Bar.

Reservations are not required for either restaurant but are highly recommended for peak dinner hours, when wait times could become significant.

Cruise Passenger Confronts Comedian Mid-Performance

Catie Kovelman
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Cruise Passenger Confronts Comedian Mid-Performance

Part of what makes comedy shows funny is that the jokes can get a bit edgy – especially at R-rated performances. But while the jokes are only intended to make people laugh, they may not be for everyone. 

On August 16, 2024, professional comedian Robert L. Hines clearly offended the wrong passenger after a fight broke out during his late-night set onboard MSC Seashore – and a video of the confrontation has gone viral on social media. 

Hines, who is known for the viral “Jones BBQ & Foot Massage” YouTube video that has been viewed more than 27 million times, was performing on the 5,179-passenger ship as a guest performer as part of a 3-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, and MSC Ocean Cay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas. 

“A fight was beginning between two guys during the 11:30 pm comedy show. The comedian and cruise director calmed the situation and the guys sat down. The comedian made jokes about the fight. This lady got mad, then this…,” a witness from the audience wrote on X, above a video of the aforementioned altercation. 

@k.daniellelifestyle

Do not tell me about Carnival and how it’s the Walmart of the seas. It is never the brand of ship. It is always its clientele. Every brand has something unique and distinctive to offer their customers but you will always have one who shows up and behave like this. All of this while I was aboard MSC Seashore. These are the new adults. Doesn’t matter who you sail with. #kdaniellelifestyle #traveltiktok #cruisetok #mscseashore #msc #lookatthis #travelagentlife

♬ original sound – K.D | The Travel Girl

The video shows an unidentified woman, who was likely intoxicated, go on stage to confront the comedian. She was then escorted out while Hines made some off-color jokes about the woman and the situation.

The audience laughed and applauded as the hostile woman, who only paused to argue with some unidentified guests in the crowd and the cruise director, was officially removed.

K. Danielle, a lifestyle and travel influencer on TikTok (@k.daniellelifestyle) was also in the audience during the incident, and detailed what she witnessed in her own words in a video on TikTok.

@k.daniellelifestyle

Replying to @HailtotheQueen #greenscreen #kdaniellelifestyle #traveltiktok #cruisetok #mscseashore #msc NOTE: Play this at 2x speed 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

♬ original sound – K.D | The Travel Girl

Per the influencer’s account, the woman threw her drink on Hines, which is legally considered assault. She also alleges that the hostile passenger removed her shoe to throw at the comedian, but was stopped. 

“She was grabbing for their drinks to try to throw at the comedian…she finally did get her hands on one of their drinks, and as you can see in the clip, she threw that drink. She took her shoe off and she was going to throw that, too,” K. Danielle says in her TikTok, which has received over 131,000 views in just about 48 hours. 

What ultimately became of the comedian and the unruly cruiser remains unconfirmed – although some sources say the woman was met with authorities at the next port of call and the comedian was suspended for his response to the conflict. 

Comedy Isn’t Always Meant for Everyone

If someone isn’t enjoying a comedian’s performance, there is no reason they have to stay and watch – and the fact that this woman was offended enough to confront the artist is making her the butt of the jokes on social media. 

“I’ve seen heckling but coming up on stage is next level,” one TikToker commented.

“She just wanted to be seen and she was seen,” someone else added in jest. 

No official statement about the incident has been released from MSC Cruises, and the woman in question has remained anonymous. 

Hines posted the TikTok from K. Danielle on his Instagram, but remained neutral in his caption – and likely kept telling jokes in the moment (albeit with some colorful language and insults) to keep the atmosphere light for the non-heckling guests.

Carnival's Punchliner Comedy Club
Carnival’s Punchliner Comedy Club (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

“@robert_l_hines was on a cruise and went to somebody else’s house this weekend and this happened. Apparently this was viral on the other app, and we had to let y’all know,” the comedian shared on his House of Hines Comedy instagram page.

Read Also: Why Are MSC Cruises So Cheap?

Interestingly, this event went viral shortly after Carnival Cruise Line made headlines for causing controversy with the R-rated shows offered by the Punchliner Comedy Club – which can be found onboard all 27 ships in the fleet. 

After being hounded with hundreds of complaints about some of the content in these performances on a weekly basis, Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, couldn’t stay silent any longer.

He made an official request on his public Facebook page for guests who don’t think they will like the shows to not attend them – or at least not to take prime seating away from guests who are sure they want to be there. 

In general, it’s also good etiquette for guests who arrive late or aren’t sure if they will stay for the duration of the performance to sit toward the back of the theater or on an aisle off to the side to avoid disturbing other people.

Disney Cruise Line Cancels Two Sailings Due to Operational Needs

Melissa Mayntz
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Disney Cruise Line Cancels Two Sailings Due to Operational Needs

Guests booked onboard two upcoming sailings of Disney Dream have been notified that their cruises have been cancelled. The impacted cruises are the November 8 and November 13 departures, both in 2025.

This gives travelers roughly 15 months to adjust their travel plans and choose an alternative Disney cruise if they wish.

Disney Dream is sailing from Fort Lauderdale at that time. The November 8, 2025 departure was to have been a 5-night Western Caribbean sailing to Castaway Cay and Cozumel.

Meanwhile, the November 13 departure was to have been a 4-night Bahamian cruise visiting Nassau as well as Disney Cruise Line’s newest private destination, Lighthouse Point, which just welcomed its first guests in June 2024.

Guests and their associated travel agents are receiving further details about compensation, including their full refund returned to the original form of payment. The time to process refunds will vary based on individual banking institutions.

Impacted travelers will also receive a 20% discount on a future Disney Cruise Line getaway that departs on or before September 3, 2026.

Further terms and conditions may apply to the discount offer, such as the types of sailings available for rebooking. Typically, holiday cruises are not eligible for such offers, but it can vary between different cruise lines and different circumstances.

Worth Reading: Unexpected Port Cancellation for Disney Fantasy

The 129,690-gross-ton Disney Dream can welcome 4,000 guests per sailing. She is currently sailing a northern European season from Southampton, visiting top ports in Norway, Iceland, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany, and other Western European countries.

The ship will enjoy a 13-night transatlantic cruise departing October 20, 2024 that will bring her to Fort Lauderdale, where she will remain homeported at least through April 2026 offering shorter itineraries to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean.

Why Two Cancellations?

Very little information was provided about the reasoning behind the cancellations, other than for “operational needs.” This may mean the sailings have been privately chartered, or the cruise line may be adjusting itinerary lengths to different options at that time.

Speculation has been high that perhaps the ship will be entering dry dock during that time period, but it should be noted that Disney Dream is already scheduled for an extended dry dock from mid-September through mid-October this year, 2024.

This will be undertaken at the Damen Shiprepair Brest yard in western France and will include significant upgrades and refreshment.

Disney Cruise Line Ship
Disney Dream Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: J Erick Brazzan / Shutterstock)

It is unlikely that another dry dock would be planned just a year later, particularly for just a few days. Typically, smaller dry docks are emergency repair situations and would not be scheduled more than a year in advance.

Another option may be that Disney Dream is being rescheduled due to the arrival of Disney Destiny, the upcoming sister ship to Disney Wish due to homeport from Fort Lauderdale beginning in November 2025.

To give Disney Destiny appropriate fanfare, the cruise line will want to use the dedicated cruise terminal and not have another ship needing attention or distracting from the welcoming celebration, christening, media previews, and other activities.

At this time, however, this is pure speculation, as the maiden sailings for Disney Destiny have not been released, nor have official announcements been made for any inaugural celebrations. Such information should be forthcoming in the next few weeks and months.

More From Cruise Hive

The 144,000-gross-ton Disney Destiny will likewise be able welcome the same number of passengers as Disney Dream – 4,000 per sailing – but the larger ship will have more amenities and extra features to make each voyage truly filled with extraordinary experiences.

Disney Destiny is currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. She floated into the main construction hall earlier this month after Disney Treasure – the second Wish-class ship – floated out to begin finishing and outfitting work.

Virgin Voyages Ship Set to Begin Inaugural Season from Portsmouth

Lissa Poirot
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Virgin Voyages Ship Set to Begin Inaugural Season from Portsmouth

Virgin Voyages is gearing up for Resilient Lady to arrive in Portsmouth, U.K., on August 23, 2024. It will be the ship’s inaugural U.K. season, and the third time the cruise line has brought a ship to the port along the English Channel.

Following a summer of sailing through the Greek Isles, Resilient Lady’s U.K. season, running from August to October 2024, will feature a range of cruise options, from 3-night getaways to 12-night adventures.

The 110,000-gross-ton ship will now embark on a series of European voyages, including destinations such as Amsterdam, Bruges, Lisbon, and beyond. 

“We’re back in British waters once again, this time with a variety of short cultural stints and sunny adventure sailings to help Sailors escape the British weather,” said Shane Riley, vice president of U.K. and international sales at Virgin Voyages. 

“We first set sail from Portsmouth on our maiden voyage back in 2021 [aboard Scarlet Lady], so we’re delighted to return this September and October,” he continued.

The 2,770-guest Resilient Lady will sail on various itineraries, including short cultural trips and longer adventures. The ship’s visit to Portsmouth marks the third time a Virgin Voyages vessel has made port in the city.

“We’re so pleased Virgin Voyages is coming back for a third time with the incredible Resilient Lady,” said Councilor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council. “We’re also proud to be the first – and only – port in the world to have welcomed all three Virgin Voyage ships.”

He continued to highlight the significance by adding, “As a council-owned port, this has huge economic significance for the city, and with our aim to be the first port of call for luxury, boutique and expedition cruise lines in the U.K., we look forward to welcoming the award-winning cruise ship to her new home.”

Virgin Voyages Expands UK Offerings

Currently in Le Verdon, France, as it sails to its new homeport from Barcelona on a 10-night repositioning cruise, Resilient Lady’s U.K.-based itineraries include a 4-night roundtrip to Amsterdam, where passengers will have the opportunity to explore the city’s canals, gardens, and nightlife during an overnight stay.

Another option is a 3-night voyage to Zeebrugge, Belgium, allowing passengers to visit the historic city of Bruges and its iconic belfry.

Resilient Lady Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Virgin Voyages

One of the standout itineraries is a 6-night cruise that includes stops in La Coruña and Bilbao, Spain, and Bordeaux, France, offering passengers the chance to experience the cultural and culinary highlights of the region.

Additionally, Resilient Lady will feature a special 12-night voyage to Spain and Morocco, with stops in Lisbon, Portugal; Casablanca, Morocco; and Ibiza, Malaga, and Barcelona, Spain. These voyages are not roundtrip and will require passengers to return via Spain.

Read Also: Virgin Voyages Launches Solar Eclipse Cruises and New Ports

Virgin Voyages is also introducing its first-ever Comedy Festival at sea, headlined by comedian Russell Howard. The 5-night event will include performances by other notable comedians, such as Ria Lina and Simon Brodkin. The voyage sets sail September 14, 2024.

Moreover, Virgin Voyages will be bringing back its Virgin Celebration Voyage, a special sailing departing September 3, 2024, that includes exclusive events featuring Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson and singer Boy George.

Although the 2024 sailings are sold out, the cruise line has announced plans to continue the experience in 2025, with dates to be confirmed. Due to its popularity, the Comedy Festival is also already planning to return in 2025.

Carnival Cruise Ship Ditches Bimini from 10 Sailings

Lissa Poirot
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Carnival Cruise Ship Ditches Bimini from 10 Sailings

Carnival Cruise Line notified guests of itinerary adjustments affecting the 2025 to 2026 sailings on Carnival Spirit. The changes indicate the cruise line has removed the port of Bimini in the Bahamas from 10 sailings between November 2025 and March 2026.

The 88,500-gross-ton, 2,214-passenger ship is currently sailing out of Seattle for its Alaska cruises but will reposition to Mobile, Alabama, in October 2024, where it will offer various Bahamian cruises.

In an email to a passenger dated August 15, 2024, Carnival Cruise Line stated, “We have made adjustment to the itineraries for the following cruises, which includes yours. The voyages will now be visiting the ports of call as indicated below. The changes will be reflected on your booking within 24 hours.”

The altered sail dates include November 8, November 22, December 6, December 20, and December 28, 2025. Additional sailings on January 31, February 14, February 28, March 14, and March 28, 2026, are also impacted. 

The company did not reveal the reason behind the removal of the port from its lineup. However, the port, which first opened in 2021, is owned and operated by Resorts World Bimini. It serves as a connection to a large beachfront complex that includes a hotel, casino, marina, and shopping district.

Carnival Corporation, which owns Carnival Cruise Line, is slated to open its own private resort, Celebration Key, in July 2025, ahead of the voyages. This port, located on Grand Bahama, will feature an expansive beach, an adults-only venue, family-friendly zones, and numerous dining and drinking options.

Read Also: New Private Carnival Destination Already Planning Expansion

Additionally, the cruise line has replaced Bimini with visits to the private Half Moon Cay island, also owned by Carnival Corporation. The Bahamian resort features a 2.5-mile-long beach with watersports, a kids’ water park, shopping, dining, and adventures.

Carnival Spirit Itinerary Changes

Carnival Spirit will begin its 2025-2026 winter season in Mobile with a 5-night western Caribbean cruise departing on October 28, 2025.

Its 8-night voyages were originally scheduled to call on Bimini after a day at sea, and then travel to Celebration Key, the also Carnival Corporation-owned private Princess Cays, and Nassau, Bahamas, before a sea day and a return to homeport.

Princess Cays, often utilized by Princess Cruise Lines, is located on Eleuthera Island, and features a wide beach, an adults-only area, kids’ play areas, shopping, and island adventures.

Carnival Spirit Cruise Ship
Carnival Spirit Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Carmen K. Sisson / Shutterstock)

The adjusted 8-night schedules have eliminated Bimini and replaced it with calls in Half Moon Cay for the November 22 and December 20, 2025, and March 14, 2026, sailings. The remaining cancellations replace the call with an additional sea day.

For passengers on the affected 8-night cruises, pre-purchased shore excursions will automatically be refunded to guests’ original form of payment. Any excursions booked privately are at the passenger’s discretion to cancel and receive a refund.

At this time, 6-night cruises aboard Carnival Spirit will still call in Bimini, departing on November 2, November 16, November 30, and December 14, 2025, as well as January 5 and 11, February 8 and 22, March 8 and 22, and April 5, 2026.

These itineraries call on Bimini after a day at sea, then visit Celebration Key before two additional sea days.

Port Canaveral Reverses Decision to Build New Cruise Terminal

Donna Tunney
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Port Canaveral Reverses Decision to Build New Cruise Terminal

By a 4-1 vote, members of the Port Canaveral Commission reversed their decision to construct a new cruise terminal on the north side of the facility.

The August 21, 2024 decision followed concerns raised by officials at the Florida Department of Commerce and Department of Transportation, who had issued a letter to the port commissioners on August 2, 2024.

The challenge from the state officials centered on whether the addition of a terminal in the proposed location, at North Cargo Berth 8, would affect the planned expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities that support Space Florida, the state’s aerospace division.

While Port Canaveral is a major hub for the cruise industry and provides LNG to cruise ships, it also supports the space industry with LNG. The fuel lowers emissions and is a key environmental component for the cruise industry, which is now routinely constructing ships that are powered by LNG.

In their letter to the Port Canaveral Commission, Florida Department of Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly and Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue suggested that by building another cruise terminal on the north side of Port Canaveral, the port would essentially be “supporting one sector to the direct detriment of the other.”

The two high-level officials told the commission that their decision to build the terminal must be reversed, although it was not clear why they believed the new cruise facilities would impact any space industry infrastructure.

The state Department of Commerce also questioned the commission’s actions regarding an $8 million grant for a road project that would lead to the new cruise terminal, saying it would review the port’s compliance with the grant’s criteria.

Commission Chairman Micah Loyd noted that the letter from the state officials indicated there was some confusion on their part about the process to establish the location of the proposed terminal.

“The letter addressed the state’s disappointment in the location, and it reinforced that we are to support space and cargo in that location. We’ve been asked to put that location on hold,” said Micah Loyd, chairman of the Port Canaveral Commission.

Plan for New Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal
Plan for New Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal

Some commission members appeared disappointed with the state’s position and the outcome of the terminal proposal. After commenting on the state’s challenges, a majority of commissioners voted to nix the cruise terminal plan.

“The port has not identified another place for a cruise terminal. Reversing the decision is not easy, but I would make a motion to do so,” said Jerry Allender, secretary and treasurer of Port Canaveral Commission.

Read Also: Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal: Your One-Stop Guide

“In general I’m a proponent of home rule, there are certainly exceptions, but when you have an asset that is as valuable as the port is, and the importance extends beyond regional to encompass state and federal concerns, and desires and wishes, where it’s really that much of an important asset, it requires flexibility,” said Fritz VanVolkenburgh, member of Port Canaveral Commission.

Port Canaveral Is the World’s Second-Busiest Cruise Port

Port Canaveral currently has six cruise terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 3, Terminal 5, Terminal 6, Terminal 8, and Terminal 10.

It is the second-busiest port in the world in terms of cruise arrivals, welcoming 6.9 million cruise guests in 2023. Only PortMiami is busier, with 7.3 million cruise arrivals.

All of the major cruise lines have a presence at Port Canaveral. Lines that homeport ships at the facility for a wide variety of Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries include Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line.

Appeal Denied for Time Extension for America’s Flagship

Melissa Mayntz
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Appeal Denied for Time Extension for America’s Flagship

A federal judge has denied the appeal of the SS United States Conservancy requesting additional time to seek out a new berth and arrange transportation for the decaying ocean liner.

Now, the September 12, 2024 deadline is the firm finale for the ship’s days in Philadelphia, and the vessel’s future remains uncertain.

The motion to appeal the 90-day eviction deadline was filed in July, but has not gone in favor of the Conservancy. Instead, Judge Anita Brody of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania agreed that the ship must vacate Pier 82 no later than September 12.

There is hope, however, as a further extension may be made if the Conservancy has a valid contract for the ship’s relocation by the deadline.

“While our three-month extension to handle logistical, safety, environmental, and regulatory challenges associated with moving the vessel was not granted, we appreciate Judge Brody’s openness to the ship staying at her current pier beyond September 12 should we secure a contract to remove the vessel by that time,” a statement from the Conservancy read.

“We also appreciated her expectation that a good faith negotiation between the Conservancy and Penn Warehousing, the pier operator, for a reasonable extension be undertaken, should that scenario come to pass.”

According to CBS News Philadelphia, the attorney for the plaintiff, Penn Warehousing, noted that there are different options for the ship, including several Florida counties that have expressed interest in using the SS United States hull as part of an artificial reef.

The Conservancy launched a $500,000 fundraising campaign in early July to help fund the ship’s transportation and relocation to a new destination. No confirmation of how much money has been raised is available, but neither have any firm plans been made of where the ship could go.

While the ship is languishing at Pier 82 Penn Warehousing is losing business, particularly since other shipping clients have already expressed interest in using the dock space.

“Even while it solicits half a million dollars from the general public to fund a voyage to nowhere, the Conservancy has studiously ignored offers from at least two entities that stand ready to take charge of the SSUS and remove it from Pier 82 on a timely basis and at no cost to the Conservancy — and in fact to its economic benefit,” Penn Warehousing attorneys noted in a court filing.

The SS United States Conservancy has previously sited difficulties in relocating the ship on such a short deadline, including the forecasted active Atlantic hurricane season. Technical concerns with safely relocating the ship have also been a consideration, but the relocation efforts are continuing at an accelerated pace.

Unfortunately, time has now run out and in just over three weeks, the SS United States must vacate the pier that has been its home since 1996. During that time, various conservation and restorations efforts have been attempted, but the ship has been unable to be fully restored or turned into a usable museum or other historical site.

Will America’s Flagship Be Lost?

It is unclear whether there can be any further emergency appeals or extensions to the eviction deadline, nor what may happen to the ship if it is unable to be moved by September 12 or does not have a contract for relocation by that time.

It is possible the SS United States may be seized by Penn Warehousing, or else the Conservancy could be assessed heavy fines – even millions of dollars – if the ship is not removed by the deadline.

SS United States Docked in Philadelphia
SS United States Docked in Philadelphia (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)

Read Also: Cruise Ship Scrapping – Everything You Need to Know

The 53,392-gross-ton ocean liner was built in the early 1950s and officially entered service in 1952. During her years of active service, she set speed records – unbroken to this day – for transatlantic crossings, and became a symbol of American ingenuity and shipbuilding.

The ship was removed from service in 1969 and for more than 50 years has changed ownership multiple times, and was even briefly owned by Norwegian Cruise Line but without sailing. The SS United States Conservancy purchased the ship in February 2011 and has been continually raising funds and seeking restoration options.

Unfortunately, such plans have not been successful, and after docking fee increases in 2021, finances have dwindled to care for the ship. Her fate yet remains uncertain, but what is certain is that her time is most definitely running out.

Another City Seeking to Move Cruise Ships Away From Downtown

Melissa Mayntz
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Another City Seeking to Move Cruise Ships Away From Downtown

Yet another European city is considering a plan to move cruise ship docking facilities away from the popular downtown area and force vessels to dock more distant from the city center.

This time, the port in question is Bordeaux in southwestern France, a top destination for many European and Canary Island itineraries.

The initiative to ban cruise ships from Bordeaux’s center is being led by the city’s mayor, Pierre Hurmic, following complaints from citizens about the ships’ appearance and pollution.

According to The Local, the number of cruise ships permitted to dock in Bordeaux is already limited to roughly 40 per year, but the new ban would remove them from the city center altogether.

Bordeaux is a richly historic city, and docking right in the downtown area is a unique and amazing experience for visitors. Such a prime docking location at Port de La Lune is also very convenient for local tours and exploring the city.

The current cruise port is approximately 60 miles from the Atlantic Ocean up the river Gironde via a large estuary that permits vessels to move right into the city center. Now, however, local officials have proposed that ships instead dock on the right bank of the Garonne, roughly 2 miles downstream from the city center.

While this may not seem like a significant relocation for cruise ships, it can make a tremendous difference for visitors in terms of walking off their ship to explore the port.

Furthermore, changing which bank ships are able to dock at also means needing to cross bridges or use other means to cross the river to enjoy all the sites of the city.

The reasoning behind the change is both aesthetic and environmental. With a history spanning centuries, the center of Bordeaux is filled with distinct architecture and historic sites. In fact, Port de la Lune is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Modern cruise ships, however, dwarf some of the local architecture and clash with the overall historic presence of the city.

“More and more people in Bordeaux are being disturbed by the arrival of cruise ships in the city centre, and it’s becoming increasingly unpleasant,” said Hurmic.

Local residents are split on the proposition, with some favoring the relocation of cruise ships for environmental reasons. Furthermore, it would be easier to construct new, more environmentally-sound facilities in a new location that could better support visiting cruise ships.

Other residents, however, note that the move could be harmful to local businesses. One local study has noted that cruise guests spend an average of €150 (approximately $167 USD) per visit on tours, retail purchases, and most critical for the region, its famous wine.

Oceania Cruise Ship Docked in Bordeaux, France
Oceania Cruise Ship Docked in Bordeaux, France (Photo Credit: Eo naya)

Some business owners are concerned that if the cruise ship dock is moved, travelers may not be as motivated to explore the city and the economic impact will fall.

Ships from a variety of cruise lines currently visit Bordeaux, including Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. The destination is also very popular with river cruises, but those voyages are not facing the same limitations or restrictions as ocean cruises.

Other Cities Making Similar Proposals

Bordeaux is only the latest city to be considering such cruise ship bans, size limits, or port relocations. Different destinations in Europe, including Santorini, Greece; Palma, Majorca; and Valencia, Spain have all investigated similar measures.

Similar movements have been noted in top ports of call in Alaska, Maine, and even Key West, Florida, with varying degrees of success.

In some locations, the movement to ban ships is not necessarily an official one, but is being led by environmental protestors and similar activities. This has happened several times recently with ships being blocked in Amsterdam, Netherlands and protests at different ports in Spain.

Other destinations may not be banning vessels directly, but are increasing tourist taxes on cruise passengers, such as in Venice and Barcelona.

But how do cruise passengers feel about such protests, bans, and fees? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

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