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Norwegian Cruise Ship Changes Itinerary Due to Next Tropical Storm

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Cruise Ship Changes Itinerary Due to Next Tropical Storm

Just days after Tropical Storm Debby finally dissipated after disrupting multiple cruises, a new tropical system is developing.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway is completely changing her itinerary to avoid the inclement weather, shifting from what was planned as an Eastern Caribbean voyage to a Western Caribbean cruise instead.

Guests were notified at embarkation about the necessity for the change, which impacts every port of call during the 7-night sailing.

“To circumvent the developing tropical cyclone and forecasted inclement weather, we have made the decision to take a safer, alternative route,” the letter delivered to guests’ staterooms explained. “While we share your disappointment, these modifications were made with great consideration as your safety, and that of our crew, is always our number one priority.”

The ship was still able to leave Miami on Sunday, August 11 as planned, and will spend Monday, August 12 at sea, the same as the original itinerary. The difference is the vessel is now heading west instead of east, and the calls to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay are all now cancelled.

Instead, Norwegian Breakaway will visit Roatan, Honduras on Tuesday, August 13, followed by Harvest Caye in Belize on Wednesday, Costa Maya on Thursday, and Cozumel on Friday. Saturday, August 17, will now be a day at sea as the ship returns to Miami on Sunday, August 18.

This will keep the 145,655-gross-ton vessel well away from the tropical storm activity, providing smooth sailing and calmer weather for guests to enjoy.

NCL has informed guests that all pre-booked shore tours arranged through the cruise line for the now-cancelled ports of call are being automatically refunded to guests’ onboard accounts. Tours for the new destinations can be booked by visiting the Shore Excursions desk portside on Deck 6 in the ship’s atrium.

If guests have arranged independent tours not through Norwegian Cruise Line, they will need to contact their individual tour operators for cancellations and refunds if possible. Those terms and conditions will be up to individual operators.

Norwegian Breakaway can welcome 3,963 guests and is also home to more than 1,600 international crew members.

Latest Tropical Cyclone Development

Potential Tropical Cyclone Five – forecast to become Hurricane Ernesto by mid-week – is currently located 775 miles east of Barbados, moving west-northwest at 21 miles per hour.

While maximum sustained winds are only at 30 miles per hour, gusts are higher and the system is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression and then a tropical storm by late Monday, August 12.

The storm’s track is expected to be closest to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands on Wednesday, August 14, exactly when Norwegian Breakaway was to have been enjoying that port of call. Instead, the ship will now be in Belize that day, more than 1,500 miles to the west.

While there is great uncertainty for any tropical system when trying to forecast where it may be several days in advance, the eastern Caribbean is at most risk for this developing storm.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Five
Potential Tropical Cyclone Five

At this time, tropical storm watches are already in place for many popular islands, including St. Martin, Antigua, Barbuda, and more. Additional watches and warnings are likely forthcoming.

At this time, no impact is expected on mainland US or US homeports, though ships departing from those homeports may experience route adjustments and itinerary changes.

Read Also: How a Hurricane Could Affect Your Cruise

The storm is expected to turn north well before reaching the Bahamas, which puts it on track to severely impact Bermuda, likely next weekend.

Royal Caribbean International’s Liberty of the Seas as well as Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Gem may have their upcoming Bermuda cruises impacted, and booked guests should stay alert to possible changes.

Likewise, any cruise travelers with Eastern Caribbean itineraries this week may see changes as cruise lines work to avoid the storm system. Sailing during hurricane season is always a risk, but cruise lines take safety very seriously and will make all necessary changes to keep ships well away from rough weather.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Reroutes to Avoid Major Storm System

Lissa Poirot
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World’s Largest Cruise Ship Reroutes to Avoid Major Storm System

Royal Caribbean International has announced changes to the Eastern Caribbean itinerary of Icon of the Seas as it sails on its current voyage today, August 11, through August 17, 2024, citing adverse weather conditions along the originally planned route.

According to the announcement, the cruise line, in consultation with its Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, has decided to modify the ship’s itinerary to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers.

“Due to adverse weather, we’ve modified our itinerary to provide you with the most enjoyable sailing experience. We’ll now visit some of our popular Western Caribbean destinations,” Royal Caribbean stated in an email sent to passengers. “We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather.”

The 7-night roundtrip voyage, which departed PortMiami on Saturday, August 10, 2024, was set to call on Basseterre, St. Kitts, on August 13; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on August 14; and the cruise line’s private destination Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas on August 16, before completing in Miami on August 17.

The itinerary, which also featured three at-sea days, will now focus on Western Caribbean destinations. Cozumel, Mexico, will be its first call on August 12, followed by Roatan, Honduras, on August 13, and Costa Maya, Mexico, on August 14.

The cruise ship, the world’s largest, weighing 248,663 gross tons, will only spend two days at sea but will still enjoy at day at CocoCay on August 16. The cruise line has added two additional hours at the destination, now arriving at 7 a.m. and departing at 5 p.m.

Tropical System Development

As the 5,610-passenger Icon of the Seas set off on its August 10 sailing to Eastern Caribbean destinations, weather conditions in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico are drawing increased attention.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Tropical Weather Outlook highlighting the potential formation of a tropical depression near the Lesser and Greater Antilles, which consists of the islands of Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, and Hispaniola.

According to the NHC, showers and thunderstorms are currently showing signs of organization around a broad area of low pressure located approximately 1,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. The conditions lend themselves to a high likelihood that a tropical depression will form in the next few days.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Deutschlandreform)

The NHC warns that the system could potentially move near or over the Leeward Islands, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with a 70 percent chance of the system developing over the next 48 hours and 90 percent by the next seven days.

Setzer tweeted about the conditions, “A large, but not especially well-organized tropical wave continues moving west across the Atlantic Sunday morning. Persistent convection near a singular center would likely be needed before we have a tropical depression/storm.”

He continued, “While it’s still too early to predict exactly when/where the turn takes place, the details will be important as to who gets impacts in Northern Leeward, [Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico], and Hispaniola.”

Read Also: Rough Seas on a Cruise Ship – How They Handle it

Royal Caribbean reassured passengers by saying, “Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because we are faster and can move out of the way of any inclement weather.”

Guests have been provided options for shore excursions in their new destination. All previously booked excursions have been canceled and refunded to guests’ original form of payment.

Any passenger who booked their own itineraries outside of the cruise ship is advised to cancel those excursions and to use the letter from the cruise line for insurance purposes to be refunded.

Disney Cruise Line to Expand Fleet With Four New Ships by 2031

Lissa Poirot
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Disney Cruise Line to Expand Fleet With Four New Ships by 2031

Disney Cruise Line is set to expand its fleet dramatically with the addition of four new ships over the next decade.

The announcement, made by Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase on August 10, 2024, outlines the company’s plan to introduce these ships between 2027 and 2031.

The expansion will increase the total number of Disney Cruise Line vessels from the current five, plus four ships already in the works, to a total of 13.

Although specific details about the new ships, such as names and designs, have not yet been disclosed, D’Amaro encouraged Disney enthusiasts to look forward to future sailings and new adventures at sea.

“Disney Cruise Line is consistently the top-rated cruise line for families because it offers something for everyone. Expanding our fleet gives more people, in more parts of the world, the opportunity to experience a vacation at sea like only Disney can provide,” said D’Amaro.

In addition to the announcement of the four new ships, D’Amaro also provided updates on several other high-profile projects currently in development within Disney Cruise Line.

Disney Destiny, set to begin sailing in November 2025, will feature a new stage production of “Disney Hercules,” bringing beloved characters and music from the animated film to life onboard.

Read Also: Disney Cruise Ships – Newest to Oldest

Additionally, D’Amaro shared more details about the new show, “Disney The Tale of Moana,” aboard Disney Treasure, scheduled to debut December 21, 2024. The production will feature a 15-foot-tall puppet of Te Kā, marking the largest puppet ever created for a Disney Cruise Line show.

During the event, Thomas Mazloun, president of New Experiences Portfolio and Disney Signature Experiences, also revealed Disney Cruise Line achieved a remarkable 97 percent occupancy rate across its five ships in Q2 2024.

“Disney Cruise Line has produced strong returns on capital investment, thanks to high-quality experiences, generating strong guest satisfaction ratings and consistent demand,” he said.

He added that the expansion of the fleet will further reinforce the cruise line’s position as a leader in family cruising.

Disney Fleet’s Current Expansion

Disney Cruise Line currently operates Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish and is in the process of expanding its fleet with four new ships under construction at Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. 

The first of these ships, Disney Treasure, will have a capacity of 2,500 passengers and a gross tonnage of 140,000. As a sister ship to the first Triton-class Disney Wish, which launched in 2022, the ship will embark on 7-night Caribbean cruises departing from Port Canaveral.

One of the standout features on Disney Treasure will be the Plaza de Coco, the first theatrical dining experience themed to Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.” The ship will also introduce AquaMouse, a new water attraction that plunges guests into a Mickey Mouse animated adventure.

Disney Treasure Cruise Ship
Disney Treasure Cruise Ship

Following Disney Treasure is Disney Destiny, which will share the same specifications as its predecessors in the Triton class. The ship’s theme, “Heroes and Villains,” will bring Disney stories, characters, and attractions to life, and will also showcase new artwork, including a bow design with Minnie Mouse in a heroic pose.

Disney Adventure, also set to launch in 2025, is positioned to be the largest ship in Disney’s fleet. With a capacity of 6,000 passengers and a gross tonnage of 208,000, the ship was originally ordered for the now defunct Genting Hong Kong but will receive all the bells and whistles of a Disney ship. 

It will break new ground by introducing Disney Cruise Line to Southeast Asia, with year-round itineraries departing from Singapore. Disney Adventure will offer 3- and 4-night voyages and will feature seven uniquely themed areas, including Disney Imagination Garden, Disney Discovery Reef, and Marvel Landing, each offering immersive experiences.

The fourth ship, yet to be named, will be delivered in 2028 and represents a significant shift in Disney Cruise Line’s operations. Unlike other ships, the vessel will be operated by Oriental Land Co., the company behind Tokyo Disney Resort.

Once complete, the 2,500-passenger ship, which will also weigh 140,000 gross tons, will be registered in Japan and will begin year-round service in the country by early 2029.

Carnival Cruise Crew Member Presumed Missing at Sea

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Cruise Crew Member Presumed Missing at Sea

There is a famous saying that suggests bad things always come in threes – and now there have been three man overboard incidents within three days from three separate cruise lines. 

The most recent situation unfolded onboard Carnival Dream on August 9, 2024, when an unidentified crew member fell overboard at approximately 2:30 a.m. local time. 

The Dream-class vessel was located about 82 nautical miles northeast of Rio Lagartos, Mexico, at the time the employee entered the water. 

The ship, which holds up to 3,646 guests and 1,367 crew members, was on her way from Cozumel, Mexico, to Galveston, Texas, to conclude a 6-day Western Caribbean sailing, which also called on Costa Maya and Belize City. 

Quick action was taken to notify the relevant authorities to try to rescue the female crew member once it became clear she was not onboard, but she has since been declared missing at sea. 

“Carnival Cruise Line can confirm that a team member on Carnival Dream who did not report to work on Friday is presumed missing at sea. The U.S. and Mexican Coast Guards have been notified and the Carnival Care Team is in contact with her family and supporting colleagues on board,” a Carnival spokesperson told Cruise Hive. 

It’s unclear if anyone saw the crew member go overboard, and if her absence was noticed prior to her failure to report to her onboard job later in the morning. 

Without immediate action, man overboard incidents can become much more dangerous – as the current may change the person’s location, making it like searching for a needle in a haystack, or the person may have critical injuries depending on where and how they fell. 

Carnival Dream Continues Cruising

The U.S. and Mexican Coast Guards were able to assess and manage the situation, while the 130,000-gross ton ship continued to make her way back to her homeport of Galveston for an on-time disembarkation on August 10, 2024. 

“Carnival Dream arrived in Galveston as scheduled Saturday morning and is now on her next cruise. Our thoughts remain with our team member, her family and her friends and colleagues on board,” said the Carnival Spokesperson. 

She embarked the same day on an 8-day Eastern Caribbean sailing to Key West, Florida; Freeport, Bahamas; Nassau, Bahamas; and Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship
Carnival Dream Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ruth Peterkin / Shutterstock)

But despite the recent events of the past few days, Carnival Dream’s next guests shouldn’t worry too much about their safety.

Cruise ships are really quite safe, as modern vessels have railings and other measures in place to keep their guests safely on deck – with only around 20-30 man overboard incidents reported annually out of the millions who cruise each year.

Unfortunately, the majority of these man overboard incidents take place after someone felt the need to jump – meaning guests have to intentionally try to end up in the water. However, it’s unclear how this Carnival employee wound up in the ocean.

Read Also: Carnival Crew Member Falls From Ship During Emergency Drill

In the event someone does end up in the water, the crew members have emergency protocols in place to try to achieve the best possible outcome – and the procedures are practiced through regular drills. 

Most cruise ships also have security cameras – and many have special infrared cameras that capture body heat – that will sound the alarm if a passenger or crew member goes overboard, even if there are no witnesses around when the incident takes place. 

Along with Carnival Dream, crew members onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Spirit and Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas have had to put their training to use during their own man overboard crises over the past few days. 

On August 8, a Taiwanese cruise guest tragically died after falling overboard from Norwegian Spirit while the ship was en route to the port of Keelung (Chilung), Taiwan. 

Despite immediately launching lifeboats and coordinating with the local coast guard, the male passenger was not able to be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

On August 9 – the same day the Carnival crew member went missing – a passenger onboard Explorer of the Seas fell into the Adriatic Sea, east of the Croatian island of Vis. 

The Voyager-class cruise ship turned around to remain at the scene and help with the search, but as of now, the missing guest has not been found. 

Protesters Force Royal Caribbean Ship to Change Homeport

Melissa Mayntz
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Protesters Force Royal Caribbean Ship to Change Homeport

A small group of environmental protestors caused Royal Caribbean International’s Jewel of the Seas to temporarily change her embarkation port on Saturday, August 10, 2024.

The ship had planned to debark one sailing and begin the next from Amsterdam, but seven protestors from the group Extinction Rebellion blocked critical locks and the ship had to debark and embark in IJmuiden.

While the two ports are only 30 kilometers (19 miles) apart, this did mean a slight delay for travelers as well as the use of buses to get guests to the ship.

“Due to a port disruption that made it unsafe to pass the locks to Amsterdam, Jewel of the Seas will now debark its current sailing in IJmuiden. As a result, our check-in and boarding will be delayed,” a notification to embarking guests read.

The drive between the two cruise terminals takes approximately 35-40 minutes, and Royal Caribbean International arranged for free shuttle buses to transport all guests as needed.

The activists reportedly chained and glued themselves to the locks so the ship could not pass through as a protest against the perceived environmental impact of the 90,090-gross-ton, Radiance class ship.

“This action is a direct protest against the scandalous pollution caused by cruise shipping. They deliberately prevented the arrival of the gigantic cruise ship, the Jewel of the Seas,” a statement from the organization read. “Extinction Rebellion demands an immediate and total halt to the destructive cruise industry in the midst of the devastating climate and ecological crisis.”

Is it interesting that the organization describes Jewel of the Seas as “gigantic” consider the ship is now one of the smallest in the Royal Caribbean fleet, dwarfed by the Oasis-class ships and the even bigger Icon of the Seas.

For comparison, Oasis-class ships are approximately three times the size of Jewel of the Seas, while Icon of the Seas is even larger.

While it is true that cruise ships can be energy intensive, even Stefan Gössling, a Linnaeus University professor specifically studying tourism as it relates to the climate crisis, notes that cruise ships play a minor role in global tourism.

Local police did not remove the protestors because the situation was not causing any injuries or any life-threatening circumstances. After a few hours, the protestors reportedly left of their own volition.

Read Also: Icon of the Seas Size Comparison – Facts and Stats

Jewel of the Seas was completing a 12-night Iceland and Ireland itinerary, and her sailing departing August 10 is a 12-night Arctic Circle cruise with six different stops in Norway, including both Tromso and Honningsvag above the Arctic Circle.

The ship can welcome 2,112 guests at double occupancy or up to 2,502 travelers when fully booked. Her August 10 sailing is her last roundtrip cruise from Amsterdam, and will be followed by a 16-night transatlantic sailing to Boston.

From her Massachusetts homeport, she will offer Canada and Greenland itineraries for the autumn season before moving to Galveston for a winter of Caribbean sailings.

Other Environmental Protests

This is not the first time environmental protesters have impacted a cruise ship. In July 2022, five different ports in Norway had coordinated protests against cruise ships due to their environmental impact.

Cruise Ship Protest
Cruise Ship Protest (Credit: Extinction Rebellion)

Just one month ago, another climate activism group joined with Extinction Rebellion in protest against Seven Seas Voyager, preventing the luxury ship from calling on Concarneau in northwestern France.

While these protests have been strongly focused on environmental impact, other protests and movements against cruise travel focus on the overwhelming numbers of tourists larger ships may bring to small port communities or even the noise ships may make as they enter and leave a port of call.

Cruise lines are working toward more sustainable operations with a variety of initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, improve fuel efficiency, safeguard marine wildlife, reduce food waste, and more. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has the aim for the entire industry to be carbon-neutral by 2050 and is well on the way toward that goal.

Engine Issues Force Itinerary Change for Carnival Cruise Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Engine Issues Force Itinerary Change for Carnival Cruise Ship

Cruise guests boarding Carnival Vista for an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary learned as they embarked the ship on Saturday, August 10, 2024 that they will not, in fact, be visiting the planned ports of call.

Text messages were sent to guests in the early afternoon – even as some passengers were already onboard – about the change of plans.

Carnival Vista is due to depart Port Canaveral on a Southern Caribbean cruise with visits scheduled for Aruba, Curacao, and Grand Turk. Due to mechanical problems, however, the planned itinerary is no longer possible.

“The ship is experiencing an issue that is affecting its maximum cruising speed. Our engineers are working on a repair plan,” the text notification read. “While we will be able to sail, it is necessary for us to revise our itinerary.”

Instead of her Southern Caribbean destinations, the 133,596-gross-ton Carnival Vista will instead enjoy a Bahamas itinerary with stops to Nassau, Princess Cays, Freeport, and Half Moon Cay. The exact times of those visits are still being determined.

By visiting the Bahamas instead of the Southern Caribbean, Carnival Vista can travel at a much slower speed. This will allow onboard engineers to work on the ship’s propulsion system while the vessel is still moving, as individual engines can be taken out of service for repair work. Furthermore, longer time in port may permit additional technical work during the cruise.

Guests are being provided with options and compensation. All travelers who choose to remain on Carnival Vista to enjoy the modified cruise will receive a $400 (USD) onboard credit per stateroom.

Carnival Cruise Line stated to Cruise Hive: “Due to a technical issue affecting the ship’s cruising speed, Carnival Vista has revised the itinerary for its eight-day Southern Caribbean cruise departing Saturday from Port Canaveral.

“The ship will sail a revised itinerary visiting Nassau; Princess Cays; Freeport; and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.  We have communicated directly with guests on board regarding their options for the sailing.  We appreciate their understanding and sincerely apologize for the necessary change,” Carnival added.

If passengers prefer to disembark instead, they will receive a 100% future cruise credit of their cruise fare, along with a full refund for pre-purchased items such as prepaid gratuities, drink packages, or internet access.

As a matter of course, all guests will receive a full refund of any pre-paid shore excursions booked through Carnival Cruise Line for the now-cancelled calls to Aruba, Curacao, and Grand Turk.

Guests who do set sail on the Bahamas cruise will be able to book appropriate tours through the Carnival Hub app or at the Carnival Adventures desk portside on Deck 3 in the Vista Lobby.

Details of the technical problem impacting the ship’s cruising speed have not been announced, but guests on the previous sailing have noted on social media that the ship seemed to arrive at Port Canaveral later than expected.

While Carnival Vista was to have departed Port Canaveral at 4 p.m. on Saturday to head for Aruba, satellite tracking data shows the ship still docked more than two hours after that departure time.

Furthermore, her destination is now listed as Nassau, arriving at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 12, indicating a full day at sea before she will arrive at the capital of the Bahamas, just 310 miles from Port Canaveral.

Read Also: What Is Wrong With Carnival’s Vista Class Ships?

It should be noted that only the ship’s propulsion is impacted at this time. All onboard services are functioning properly, including hotel, restaurant, and entertainment operations, including all the ship’s amenities.

This is not the first time the lead ship of the troubled Vista class has had propulsion difficulties. The ship has had engine trouble several times over the years, including in 2016, 2019, and 2022.

Guest Reactions

Passengers onboard Carnival Vista are obviously distressed at such a dramatic itinerary change, especially as Southern Caribbean itineraries are quite rare and sought after as bucket-list sailings. Many guests booked this specific sailing for the opportunity to visit Aruba.

Furthermore, Southern Caribbean cruises are often much higher priced than Bahamas sailings. The onboard credit compensation does not necessarily make up for the price difference, especially for families.

Some guests are most upset at the timing, believing that Carnival Cruise Line should have provided notification sooner, before travelers made their way to the homeport. It is unclear, however, how recently these propulsion problems may have developed.

Carnival Vista
Carnival Vista (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock)

Another strong complaint is the idea that Carnival must have “known” about the change earlier, but chose to purposefully wait until guests had embarked before making the change announcement.

What is more likely, however, is that the cruise line waited to make the announcement until new port plans were in place, in order to provide guests with as much information as possible.

Not all reactions are negative, however. Some travelers note that there is no “bad” day on a cruise, and with at least some passengers debarking, the ship will be less crowded and will have shorter lines.

The opportunity to visit two private islands – Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays – is also exciting to some travelers, and certainly creates a unique cruise experience.

If you were onboard this sailing, would you happily set sail for the Bahamas or would you leave the ship? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

Disney Unveils Costumes for Special Spaces Onboard New Ship

Catie Kovelman
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Disney Unveils Costumes for Special Spaces Onboard New Ship

Whether on land or at sea, Disney’s staff members aren’t just employees. They are ‘cast members’ who strive to create positive experiences for their guests while helping to immerse them in the magic and storytelling. 

This immersion comes not just from how the cast members act and respond, but also from what they wear – and some of the 1,555 crew members working onboard the new Disney Treasure will get to don some pretty cool outfits for the themed spaces onboard. 

As part of the D23 Disney fan club convention, which is currently taking place in Anaheim, California, through Sunday, August 11, 2024, Disney Cruise Line unveiled concept art showing the crew uniforms for the Haunted Mansion Parlor and the Periscope Pub. 

The costumes are being designed by Josh Winchester, the senior costume designer with Disney Live Entertainment who is responsible for the fun attire worn by the approximately 1,555 crew members working and living aboard Disney Wish. 

“In my role, I have the opportunity to shape how our crew members will fold into the story and energize the worlds Imagineers have built,” said Winchester. 

Indeed, the design of the costumes is meant to pay homage to the theme park attractions that inspired these venues – both of which are new additions to the lounge and dining options typically offered by Disney’s fleet. 

The attire for the Haunted Mansion Parlor is reminiscent of the outfits worn by the “ghost hosts” who operate the ride – with the look unveiled just in time to coincide with the 55th anniversary of the original version of the Haunted Mansion attraction in Disneyland on August 9, 2024. 

“A striking green pincord vest will be stylishly layered atop a striped purple shirt, reminiscent of the wallpaper from the famous stretching room, which has been featured in Haunted Mansion attractions across the globe,” reads a description from Disney Cruise Line.

“True to the nostalgic aesthetic of the Haunted Mansion franchise, the costumes will combine a moody color scheme with Easter Egg-riddled accessories, including a mysterious set of keys,” continued the description.

Meanwhile, the Periscope Pub is inspired by Walt Disney’s “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea” film, which was released in 1954, as well as the subsequent 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage attraction, which operated in Florida’s Magic Kingdom from 1971 through 1994. 

The uniforms feature nautical-themed navy vests, fake leather accents, and a custom pin that is reminiscent of the ones worn by the cast members who once worked the ride in Walt Disney World. 

Themed Haunts Onboard New Disney Ship

While there is lots of new entertainment and venues launching when Disney Treasure debuts in December of 2024, the Haunted Mansion Parlor is perhaps the most talked about addition that has materialized thus far. 

The new venue – which is so far exclusive to Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny (coming in 2025) – will offer an immersive ghostly experience for fans of the Haunted Mansion attraction and films. 

While the Haunted Mansion theme park ride is home to 999 happy haunts, some new spirits have boarded Disney Treasure and have a story of their own to tell as guests sip on themed cocktails – such as that of the Mariner and his bride-to-be. 

Odes to the beloved attraction – and the imagineers who created it – will be found throughout the parlor – such as in the hitchhiking ghosts that appear in the mirror behind the bar, an aquarium of ghost fish that was designed by Disney Legend Rolland “Rolly” Crump in the early planning stages for the ride, and a bust memorializing Rolly Crump himself. 

Disney Treasure Crew Costumes
Disney Treasure Crew Costumes

The parlor will be open to families by day, but will convert to a spooky adult-only venue by night. 

Read Also: How Much Is a Disney Cruise?

The countdown to when Disney Treasure enters service is on – meaning immersive experiences like the Haunted Mansion Parlor are getting closer day by day. 

The 4,000 passenger vessel is making good progress as she prepares for her maiden voyage, which is a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing that is expected to embark from Port Canaveral, Florida, on December 21, 2024. 

The 114,000-gross ton vessel recently surpassed a major milestone in her journey to completion when she was floated out from the construction hall at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany on August 3, 2024. 

This point marks the completion of exterior construction. Over the next few months, crews will complete the interior finishing and the Wish-class vessel will undergo her sea trials to prove she is fit to carry guests.

Norwegian Cruise Line Steps Up to Help Flood Relief in Juneau, Alaska

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Cruise Line Steps Up to Help Flood Relief in Juneau, Alaska

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which includes Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has donated $50,000 to the Juneau Community Foundation following the recent catastrophic flooding.

This will provide direct financial assistance to local residents impacted by the flooding, which has been described as the worst in Juneau’s history.

Just before 3 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, an ice dam in Suicide Basin near Mendenhall Glacier burst and sent torrents of water through Mendenhall River Valley neighborhoods, damaging at least 100 homes and hundreds of vehicles. In just minutes, the river’s height crested more than foot above the most previous high flood mark.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries after the flood, and the water receded quickly, but the damage left behind will take much longer to clean up.

Worth Reading: European River Flooding Causing Multiple Cruise Cancellations

“We are deeply connected to the Juneau community, and witnessing the devastation from the recent flood has been heart-wrenching,” said Dan Farkas, executive vice president, general counsel, and chief development officer at NCLH.

“Juneau is not just a destination for us; it’s a community we truly care about. Strengthening Our Communities is a key pillar of our global Sail & Sustain program, and we feel a profound responsibility to stand by the residents of Juneau in their time of need. Our donation is focused on providing direct financial relief to help families rebuild their lives and facilitate a fast return to normalcy.”

Any Juneau-area residents impacted by the flooding will have a one-page application to complete through the Mendenhall Flood Relief Fund to request consideration for financial assistance from the donation. Applications will be reviewed by the end of September, at which time funds will be dispersed.

“We are grateful for NCLH’s generous donation, which will play a crucial role in helping our community recover from this disaster,” said Amy Skilbred, executive director of Juneau Community Foundation. “This fund will allow us to quickly and effectively provide financial support to residents who are struggling to rebuild their homes and lives.”

Donations can still be made to the fund, which will help provide additional financial assistance to even more residents impacted by the flood.

The Juneau Community Foundation is a highly rated, respected nonprofit that addresses critical community needs in Juneau to improve the local quality of life. Different funds and projects related to education, local trails and recreation, the arts, scholarships, hospice programs, and more are all run through the foundation.

Are Cruises Impacted?

The flooded area is roughly 10 miles northwest of downtown Juneau where cruise ships dock, and at this time no cruise lines are adjusting itineraries to remove visiting the capital of the Last Frontier.

What may be impacted, however, are select shore excursions that may be unable to visit Mendenhall Glacier at this time until the safety of the area can be inspected and confirmed. This will depend on what exact tours each cruise line offers and how such tours may be able to be adjusted to avoid any unsafe or closed areas.

Cruise Ships Docked in Juneau, Alaska
Cruise Ships Docked in Juneau, Alaska (Photo Credit: sreesankar RS)

Over the next few days, ships from Disney Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruise Line, and more are all scheduled to visit Juneau.

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The Alaska cruise season in Juneau will end in October. Only ships from Norwegian Cruise Line are visiting at the end of the season, and the very last vessel will be Norwegian Jewel‘s visit on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Norwegian Bliss will be the first ship to open the 2025 season in Juneau on Wednesday, April 9, at which time hopefully guests will be fully able to visit and enjoy the majesty of Mendenhall Glacier.

Footage Captures Cruise Passenger Falling Overboard Norwegian Spirit

Lissa Poirot
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Footage Captures Cruise Passenger Falling Overboard Norwegian Spirit

A Taiwanese cruise guest tragically died after falling overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Spirit yesterday, August 8, 2024.

The incident, which occurred during a voyage off the coast of Taiwan, has left both passengers and worldwide viewers in shock as disturbing video footage, captured by a fellow passenger, has quickly spread online.

The passenger, identified only as a man in his 30s, was reportedly traveling alone when he fell from the ship’s deck. Despite an immediate search and rescue operation, the man’s body was recovered, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cruise Hive is not showing the moment the overboard was caught on camera out of respect for the man’s family and loved ones.

Norwegian Spirit Overboard Footage
Norwegian Spirit Overboard Footage (Credit: Kenji Lao Wang)

Fellow passenger Kenji Lao Wang was with his wife and son when the incident occurred. After setting up a camera to record his family during a sea day en route to the port of Keelung (Chilung), Taiwan, Wang was taking photos with his family when he noticed someone fall overboard. He immediately called for security.

“Someone just jumped in front of us,” Wang says in a video shared on YouTube after the fall. “Now the crew is clearing the deck and sending everyone inside. I don’t know why but he jumped with something, seems like a handbag.”

Wang reported the ship stopped immediately and the crew responded quickly by clearing the decks. He also added, “This is very shocking to me; never been in a situation like this.”

Another passenger, Vivi Hsu, shared her experience on social media, saying, “We were just enjoying the view when suddenly we heard a commotion. I saw a man struggling to hold onto the railing before he fell. It was terrifying—something I’ll never forget.”

Activating emergency protocols, Norwegian Spirit crew members deployed lifeboats and coordinated with the local coast guard to search for the missing man. The search efforts were hampered by the 75,904-gross-ton ship’s speed before it had stopped and rough sea conditions. 

Other passengers reported seeing maritime personnel and security staff taking photos and sealing off a room near where the man had been staying. 

Norwegian Cruise Line is cooperating with an investigation by the Coast Guard and conducting an internal investigation into the tragedy. It has also offered counseling services to passengers and crew members affected by the incident.

Safety Protocols in Place

While incidents of passengers falling overboard are rare, they are taken seriously by cruise lines.

The International Maritime Organization’s International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requires cruise ships to have specific measures in place. SOLAS also mandates all ships carry out regular drills and training to prepare for emergencies, including man-overboard scenarios.

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

When a passenger goes overboard on a cruise ship, the event triggers a series of highly coordinated protocols to rescue the individual. 

Once crew is altered and the ship’s bridge is notified, the ship is brought to an emergency stop as the crew initiates man-overboard procedures, which include launching lifeboats. The crew may also deploy life rings and other floatation devices.

The 2,032-passenger Norwegian Spirit, made her debut in Asia on May 26, 2024, during a 10-day cruise from Tokyo.

Its current schedule is operating local voyages from homeports in Tokyo, Taipei, and Incheon, Korea. Its international voyages resume in Southeast Asia September 22, 2025, through November 17, 2025.

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