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Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas to Debut Sooner Than Expected

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas to Debut Sooner Than Expected

While there was a seemingly endless wait for Icon of the Seas to debut in January 2024, guests waiting for her sister ship, Star of the Seas, will not have to wait as long as expected.

Royal Caribbean has received word that the ship will be delivered sooner than planned, and as a result, is adding two new sailings ahead of the ship’s planned inaugural sailing.

This follows the announcement made nearly a year ago that the ship would be delayed. At that time, her first two cruises sailing, which were to have departed on August 17 and August 24, respectively, had to be cancelled.

Guests booked on the updated maiden voyage – departing Port Canaveral on August 31, 2025 – were among the first to receive word about the now-earlier debut, as it includes a special offer for them to consider.

“We have an updated timeline for the arrival of Star of the Seas at Port Canaveral!” the announcement read. “Constructing such a large and amazing ship is challenging, and while delivery can sometimes be delayed, there are other times where we get to sail our new ship earlier.”

The cruise line goes on to explain that the ship’s planned August 31, 2025 sailing – a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary – will remain as the official first full sailing with special events, swag, and recognition.

Two new cruises, however, are being added as “showcase sailings” departing August 23 and August 27. The 4-night sailings will include visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island destination in the Bahamas.

Guests already booked on the August 31 inaugural cruise have the exclusive opportunity to book one or both of the new showcase sailings, or else move their original booking to one of the earlier cruises if they prefer. This opportunity will open on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

If travelers have booked suites, their exact same stateroom choice will be held aboard the earlier sailings until Thursday, February 6 as a courtesy in case they do wish to adjust or expand their travel plans.

Guests booked in interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins will be able to choose from the same stateroom categories, though the exact stateroom numbers are not guaranteed.

There will be no additional charge for moving to an earlier sailing date, and the cruise fare rate will be prorated to the shorter 4-night rate if guests aren’t remaining on the first full sailing as well.

What Will Be Special About the New Sailings?

The two new “showcase sailings” for Star of the Seas will not have all the bells and whistles of an official inaugural cruise, but travelers are sure to enjoy some special moments onboard nonetheless.

This will undoubtedly include a celebratory atmosphere from the crew as they welcome their very first guests onboard. Sailor – the ship’s Official Dog Officer – will also likely be on hand (or paw!) for greetings as well.

It is possible, however, that some offerings – such as shows or other onboard entertainment – may not be available for these new, earlier cruises. This can be a common risk travelers take when they book an inaugural cruise.

Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas (Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean)

While the two new sailings are being announced as “4-Night Perfect Day” cruises, the ship could also visit Nassau during each voyage. It is also possible the stays at CocoCay could be longer, or the ship may spend the rest of each sailing at sea instead.

Read Also: Icon of the Seas (Sister Ship to Star of the Seas!) Amenities and Everything You’ll Love Onboard

Regardless of the exact itinerary, guests will have ample time to enjoy everything Star of the Seas has to offer, from phenomenal shows and exquisite eateries to the Thrill Island waterpark, the Crown’s Edge ropes course, the stunning interior promenade, and much more.

Star of the Seas is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in southern Finland.

While construction is proceeding along so well that the ship can be delivered early, she still has to pass her sea trials and undergo final outfitting, as well as make her first transatlantic crossing, before welcoming guests aboard.

The tremendous vessel will be homeported year-round from Port Canaveral, offering alternating Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, all of which will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

New MSC Cruise Ship to Debut Unique Film-to-Concert Experience

Catie Kovelman
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New MSC Cruise Ship to Debut Unique Film-to-Concert Experience

With many modern cruise ships offering Broadway-caliber shows and/or large-scale performances with death defying stunts in the same vein as Cirque du Soleil, the cruise lines are constantly thinking about how to take their entertainment offerings to the next level. 

This is why MSC Cruises has dreamed up an extra special concert to headline the entertainment that will be offered onboard the upcoming MSC World America – which is due to enter service in just a few short months in April 2025. 

The show, called “Dirty Dancing in Concert,” will be the first ever film-to-concert experience to celebrate this classic Lionsgate film at sea. 

The “Dirty Dancing” movie came out in 1987 and was directed by Emile Ardolino. It starred Patrick Swayze (Johnny Castle) and Jennifer Grey (Frances “Baby” Houseman) as the dance instructor and young woman who enter into a forbidden romance. 

The beloved movie will be brought to life in the The World Theatre with live singers, dancers, and musicians who will perform alongside a screening of the film. 

In the grand finale, guests of MSC’s fourth World-class cruise ship will be encouraged to join in the show by dancing and singing from their seats and the aisles. 

“Delivering a diverse entertainment lineup for every type of holidaymaker is central to creating an unforgettable cruise experience. MSC World America provides an incredible platform to push the boundaries of entertainment at sea, and we’re introducing some exciting new concepts and productions,” said Steve Leatham, Vice President of Entertainment at MSC Cruises. 

Each sailing will include multiple opportunities for guests to take in the 90-minute production, with at least one matinee hosted on sea days. The World Theatre will be able to accommodate 1,153 of the mega ship’s up to 6,762 guests at each performance. 

This show and more will be available when the 205,700-gross ton vessel officially sets sail on her maiden voyage on April 12, 2025 – which will be a simultaneous 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing and 14-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailing. 

She is currently undergoing the final stages of construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, but she will soon start preparing for her Transatlantic voyage to her first homeport: Florida’s PortMiami. 

More New Entertainment Onboard MSC World America 

MSC’s newest and largest ship will launch with several different types of entertainment onboard to appeal to every type of cruiser – including musical performances, concerts (i.e. the aforementioned “Dirty Dancing in Concert”), magic shows, circus-style shows, and interactive game shows. 

In addition to the “Dirty Dancing” headlining concert, five other new shows and performances will be debuting onboard between the World Theatre and the Panorama Lounge, which seats approximately 462 passengers. 

“Our headline entertainment experiences, “Dirty Dancing in Concert” in the World Theatre and Queen Symphonic in the Panorama Lounge, will be unlike anything previously seen on our ships, resonating with both American and international audiences,” said Leatham.

Dirty Dancing in Concert
Dirty Dancing in Concert (Credit: MSC Cruises)

Read Also: I Took a Sneak Peek at the Huge MSC World America While Under Construction

Joining “Dirty Dancing” in the World Theatre will be “Odyssey,” which is an acrobatic spectacle; “Momentous,” which will be one of the largest illusion shows at sea; and “Hall of Fame,” which is a live concert that pays homage to pop music icons. 

The Panorama Lounge will host two more intimate, but equally exciting theatrical music concerts. 

These will include “Queen Symphonic,” which is an updated version of the international concert “Queen Rock Symphonic” that celebrates Queen’s greatest hits; and “Cinesonic,” which brings iconic movie songs and cinematic scores to life.

“These are just the beginning of our extensive entertainment options, which include an adults-only Comedy Club, authentic Dueling Pianos, and interactive family game shows. The onboard entertainment truly must be seen to be believed,” continued Leatham. 

Many of these interactive experiences will be found onboard in the Loft – which is one of the ship’s newest venues that can be found in the Terraces District – as well as at the Street Theatre and in Luna Park.

Carnival Reminds Dressing Guests to Close Their Curtains

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Reminds Dressing Guests to Close Their Curtains

There are some things that should simply be common sense – such as closing your cabin door or pulling the curtains closed while in various states of undress. 

However, my 14-year-old self learned that this is not the case the hard way while sailing onboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas many years ago. 

I entered my interior stateroom, which overlooked the promenade, only to make eye contact with an elderly cruiser in the cabin window directly across from me, who was standing there stark naked. 

More than a decade later, with that image forever burned into my brain, the topic of closing one’s curtains, while undressed, is once again up for debate in the cruise community – this time on Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald’s Facebook page.

Heald received a complaint from a recent guest of Carnival Liberty, who didn’t realize that the Conquest-class ship would be docking close enough to another ship while in Cozumel, Mexico, for other cruisers to see into her stateroom.

“She had not drawn the balcony cabin curtains before going to bed and both her and her partner, woke up, stood up and started to potter about the cabin ‘ au natural” as they say in Cleveland, Ohio before realizing that guests on the Carnival Legend were enjoying the show,” Heald relayed in a Facebook post. 

Understandably embarrassed, the passenger told Heald that an announcement should have been made to remind guests to close their curtains before arriving in the port. 

“Her plea was to have the captain or cruise director announce if the ship was docking next to another ship to inform the guests to close their curtains. I am not sure we need to do this but it is perhaps a warning to close the curtains if you have a balcony or ocean view cabin,” Heald continued. 

While this is a largely impractical request, let this woman’s story serve as a cautionary tale to close your curtains if you don’t want to put on an accidental show while in port. 

Carnival Cruise Community Supports Modesty

While your cruise cabin should feel like you’re home away from home, it never hurts to take a beat to consider what your fellow passengers might be able to see – even in interior cabins that look into common spaces within the ship. 

Of course, docking near another ship may make your cabin visible – but certain lighting conditions can make the view clearer for both interior and exterior accommodations, such as when it’s dark outside but the lights in your stateroom are turned on. 

Among Heald’s Facebook followers, maintaining privacy was seen as something that should have been common sense and not something that would warrant a reminder.

Carnival Cruise Line Balcony Stateroom
Carnival Cruise Line Balcony Stateroom

“Folks with windows in their cabins could close their curtains at night and then open them up after they have clothes on. No need for the captain or cruise director to be involved. On Port day, they are busy,” one person commented.

“Apparently common sense is seriously lacking these days,” another added.

Read Also: 15 Mistakes to Avoid on a Carnival Cruise

That said, it’s not the first time passengers have accidentally provided the cruise community with a show while docked in port – and likely won’t be the last. 

During the christening ceremony for Explora Journeys Explora II on September 16, 2024, a couple was caught on camera becoming intimate on their (not so) private balcony.

This likely was even worse than just waking up exposed on a normal port day, as this unidentified duo, who were guests of the smaller ship’s maiden voyage, were caught in the buff during a formal event. 

At the end of 2024, Heald also had to reaffirm that topless sunbathing was not allowed on Carnival cruise ships and hadn’t been for many years.

Carnival Makes It Clear About Boarding Name Requirement

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Makes It Clear About Boarding Name Requirement

Ensuring that the correct paperwork and documentation is in order to set sail can be nerve-wracking for cruise passengers, especially since missing just one piece of paperwork might mean being denied boarding.

Unfortunately, social media rumors often spread quickly about supposed documentation requirements, which can increase travelers’ anxiety if they aren’t sure what the truth may be.

The most recent such rumor is the idea that a traveler’s middle name is required on documentation or they will not be permitted onboard their ship. A concerned guest reached out to Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, to check on this rumor.

“John, according to some people on [social media], a new requirement is that your middle name is now required on the cruise documents or else you cannot sail,” the guest explained. “People confirmed the call center is saying this is true. Why have you not told anyone? Many say like me they have not received the e-mail!”

First of all, guests should not trust rumors from social media threads, groups, or pages without verifying the information for themselves. Even posts that claim others have “confirmed” information with the authorities should be treated cautiously and verified individually.

Heald, who often helps upcoming Carnival cruise passengers understand what documentation is required for sailing, has gotten this question multiple times and took the opportunity to dispel the rumor completely.

“As you are one of 11 people who have asked this in the last 24 hours please let me say that there has been no recent correspondence from Carnival regarding this and therefore no changes,” Heald noted. “I thought it best I mention this even though I really do not understand how, if this was correct, that we would implement this as some do not have a middle name.”

Many frequent Carnival guests chimed in discussing other middle name problems, such as having more than one middle name or having just an initial rather than a full middle name – none of which have ever been a problem, as it’s not required.

It is important to note that how one fills out booking information should match official, government-issued documents so there is no confusion or delay when checking in at the cruise terminal.

For example, cruise reservations should not be made with nicknames – “Betsy” instead of “Elizabeth” or “Bob” instead of “Robert” – as legal names must be listed on the ship’s official manifest.

Middle names, however, are not required. If a guest uses their middle name rather than their first name, they will need to remember to make reservations and bookings with their legal first name.

Barcelona Carnival Cruise Terminal

This is not a new policy but rather has been Carnival Cruise Line’s travel documentation policy for many years, which specifically discusses first and last names.

“It is important that the guest’s full name (first name and last name) on the cruise and airline tickets be the same as the guest’s unexpired, government-issued photo ID that will be used for travel identification,” the policy reads.

More Documentation Confusion

This confusion about whether or not middle names are required on cruise documentation (again, they aren’t!) comes as the Real ID deadline approaches for US travelers. Similarly, there have recently been updates to documentation requirements for visiting the UK and Europe.

All of these different paperwork requirements can be confusing to cruise travelers, on top of just understanding whether or not a passport is required to take a cruise.

Read Also: Do I Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise? – Full Guide

Ultimately, it is up to guests to understand what documentation is required for their cruise vacation and to ensure they have all the correct paperwork.

When in doubt, social media groups are not the best place to go for such critical information. Instead, contacting the cruise line directly is the best option to ensure accurate, updated information so every guest is properly prepared for their cruise vacation.

Norfolk Moves Ahead With Cruise Terminal Upgrades

Donna Tunney
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Norfolk Moves Ahead With Cruise Terminal Upgrades

Norfolk is sprucing up facilities at the Port of Norfolk cruise terminal in advance of the arrival of a Carnival Cruise Line ship that will soon homeport year-round at the Virginia destination.

The city government on January 28, 2025 approved an amendment to its Cruise Ship Operating Agreement that details a $12 million investment in the Half Moone Cruise Terminal.

The first part of the two-phase project includes adding an enclosed, air-conditioned space to the terminal’s second floor, with seating for up to 600 cruise guests.

Also, a sloped walkway from the second floor to the ground-level luggage area will be built, making debarkation from the ship easier.

The phase one enhancements are scheduled to be finished by the time the 3,000-guest Carnival Sunshine departs on her first cruise from Norfolk in just a few weeks on February 11, 2025. The ship, which sailed as Carnival Destiny until 2013, is currently in dry dock for scheduled maintenance at a French shipyard.

Once based year-round at Norfolk, the ship will sail a series of Bahamas and Caribbean cruises.

Phase two of the Norfolk upgrades, to be completed by May 1, 2026, includes projects focused on the safety of cruise guests. The enhancements feature another walkway from the terminal along with sidewalk and pedestrian areas, a bus loading zone, and a canopy system to protect passengers during inclement weather.

Funding for phase two of the plan is contingent on approval by the Norfolk city council. However, Norfolk is not carrying the full cost burden. According to the operating agreement, Carnival Cruise Line is providing Annual Revenue Guarantees to the city.

From May 2025 to May 2026, for instance, the cruise line will pay about $371,000 to the city, rising each year to $405,000 for the period May 2028 to May 2029, when the operating agreement ends. (There are options for Carnival to remain at the port until 2032.)

But the big money will come from the 300,000-plus cruise passengers who will sail from Norfolk each year.

The port estimates that cruise guests spend about $125 per person while in port, at retail stores, hotels, restaurants, and other local outlets, generating close to $19 million a year in economic activity.

Carnival Sunshine from Norfolk

Carnival Sunshine previously homeported year-round in Charleston, South Carolina, but was redeployed to Norfolk after Charleston declined to renew its agreement with Carnival Cruise Line.

The port is redeveloping its Union Pier Terminal and has temporarily suspended all homeporting of cruise ships. Vessels can still call at the port, however.

Carnival Cruise Line has had a long association with Norfolk, going back more than 20 years. It most recently sailed its Carnival Pride from the port on a temporary basis after the March 26, 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

Carnival Magic, Norfolk, Virginia
Carnival Magic, Norfolk, Virginia (Photo Credit: Nauticus)

Carnival Pride, which was homeporting at Baltimore, was instead deployed to Norfolk, since the bridge collapse prevented ships from entering or leaving Baltimore Harbor.

The decision to move Carnival Sunshine into Norfolk was announced in 2022, but was initially scheduled as a seasonal deployment. The cruise line later decided to homeport the ship there year-round.

Carnival Sunshine will sail 5- and 6-night Bahamas cruises and 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruises from Norfolk. Bahamas itineraries will take guests to Nassau, Freeport, and Bimini. Caribbean voyages will feature calls to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Turks and Caicos.

The ship was built in 1996 and underwent a full renovation in 2013.

Even More ‘Legendary Voyages’ Coming to Holland America Line

Lissa Poirot
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Even More ‘Legendary Voyages’ Coming to Holland America Line

While some cruise lines are targeting quick weekend getaways, growing demand in longer sailings that fully immerse passengers in new destinations has led Holland America Line to introduce another series of “Legendary Voyages” for 2026.

The extended journeys, sailing directly from North American ports, will offer guests itineraries from 27 to 45 days for more in-depth exploration of regions in the Mediterranean, the Arctic Circle, the South Pacific, and along the scenic coasts of Alaska and Hawaii.

“Interest in longer cruises continues to grow,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of revenue planning and deployment at Holland America Line. “These newest Legendary Voyages deliver with unique itineraries that delve deep into popular and harder-to-reach parts of the world.”

Five more Legendary Voyages with various sailing dates will be offered, beginning June 7, 2026, and running through February 2027. Passengers can choose to board in Seattle, Vancouver, New York City, or San Diego.

Guests will be able to sail aboard the cruise line’s Noordam, Volendam, or Koningsdam, the smallest of which will sail with 1,432 passengers while the largest will accommodate 2,650 guests.

“These five voyages, all sailing from North American homeports, build on our commitment to offer cruises that let our guests linger longer and connect with the destination in a more intimate way,” added Grigsby.

Expanding Horizons

The 28-day “Legendary Arctic Circle Solstice” itinerary, which sails from Seattle aboard the 82,318-gross-ton Noordam, is a reimagined itinerary drawing from previously planned voyages that wowed guests. 

Like most Alaskan cruises, the ship will explore the Inside Passage but also cruise through the Seymour Narrows, the Johnstone Strait, and the Greenville Channel and visit the Great Bear Rainforest, home to the rare Kermode Bear. 

The adventure will extend into the Arctic Circle and include 13 port calls in British Columbia and Alaska, including late-night stays in Valdez and Juneau, as well as an overnight in Anchorage.

The entire roundtrip sailing will take place from June 7 to July 5, 2026.

Read Also: What’s the Best Cruise Line for Alaska?

Meanwhile, the “Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” on the 61,396-gross-ton Volendam will be available for a 45-day sailing that crosses the Atlantic Ocean and descends upon the Mediterranean, visiting 21 ports across 12 different countries. 

Prolonged calls on this roundtrip voyage from New York, which departs on October 8 and returns on November 22, 2026, will allow passengers to enjoy more of the spoils of Alexandria, Egypt, and Istanbul, Turkey, during overnight visits.

Holland America Voyage
Holland America Voyage

Holland America is also introducing a 35-day “Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas Legendary Voyage” for two South Pacific visits.

First departing from San Diego on the 61,396-gross-ton Zaandam on October 15, 2026, these voyages will feature extensive stays in iconic locations like Bora Bora and Papeette, as well as an overnight in Honolulu.

The alternative sailing aboard the 99,500-gross-ton Koningsdam, also from San Diego, on February 13, 2027, will include even longer calls in French Polynesia’s Moorea and Raiatea, and provides passengers with over 120 hours in the region.

Additionally, guests can elect to join a combined Alaska and Hawaii itinerary with the “Legendary Glaciers & Volcanoes” cruise. Available from Vancouver or Seattle for 27 or 28 nights, this journey visits six ports in Alaska and British Columbia before continuing to Hawaii, where an overnight in Honolulu awaits.

The sailing will take place on Noordam from September 6 through October 4, 2026.

Holland America Line is offering eight additional Legendary Voyages in 2025 and 2026, all of which include special onboard programming like theme parties.

Additional voyages will be offered aboard Zuiderdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Westerdam visiting Northern Europe, the Amazon, and Australia.

Sky Princess Conducts Comprehensive Ship Wide Disinfection

Lissa Poirot
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Sky Princess Conducts Comprehensive Ship Wide Disinfection

On the heels of Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess experiencing a norovirus outbreak mid-voyage, passengers aboard sister ship, Sky Princess, are sharing an additional outbreak.

Guests sailing a 14-night journey to the Caribbean reported the captain took to the ships’ PA system on January 28, 2025, to announce that a gastrointestinal illness was spreading on the ship. 

During the announcement, the captain asked passengers to be diligent in hand washing measures and isolating if feeling symptoms.

Although not yet reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of January 29, 2025, guest services sent a letter to all passengers confirming the outbreak and announcing a necessary deep clean would be performed.

“To help control the spread of illness, we are conducting a comprehensive ship-wide cleaning and disinfection program on January 29, 2025, while we are in Ocho Rios,” the letter began.

Revealing the deep clean included stripping all linens in each stateroom, Princess Cruises asked guests to either disembark during the call or be prepared to leave their staterooms, when asked.

“We recommend that you disembark the ship and enjoy time ashore during the cleaning operations. If you are unable to leave the ship, please vacate your stateroom when requested and enjoy one of the public areas onboard until staterooms are ready for occupancy again,” the letter continued.

Princess Cruises also noted some changes to services and facilities would be temporarily unavailable during the cleaning process.

“Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated if any delays are experienced,” said guest services.

Sky Princess arrived in Ocho Rios, its sixth port of call during a cruise that departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 19, 2025, at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, and remained in port until 4 p.m.

The vessel is expected to continue to George Town, Grand Cayman, on January 30, and Cozumel in Mexico, on the 31st, before returning to Port Everglades on February 2.

Managing Outbreaks

While specifics on the gastrointestinal outbreak have not been revealed, they are often attributed to norovirus and can spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces, according to the CDC.

It says the most common symptoms of gastrointestinal illness are vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, often combined with fever, headache, and body aches.

Passengers who fall ill typically recover in one to three days, however, they may continue to spread the virus up to two weeks after they have recovered, which is why Princess Cruise ships is taking action to provide a deep clean mid-voyage.

Sky Princess Cruise Ship
Sly Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Tenreiro / Shutterstock)

It is likely the vessel will perform an additional deep clean once it returns to Fort Lauderdale, ahead of its next departure on February 2. That 7-night Western Caribbean sailing could face delayed embarkation should Sky Princess undergo additional cleaning measures.

Unfortunately, this outbreak is now the seventh onboard an American homeported cruise liner in January 2025, a month that, in recent years, typically sees just two to three cases annually.

Coral Princess, which is also sailing to Fort Lauderdale with a February 5 arrival, spent its January 29 call in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, also conducting a deep clean after 59 passengers and 12 crew members displayed symptoms of gastrointestinal illness.

That case has been reported to the CDC, as required by cruise ships when more than 3 percent of the total number of passengers or crew aboard display symptoms.

This could mean that the 3,660-passenger Sky Princess caught the illness early and is already following CDC guidelines for increased sanitation and disinfection protocols, communicating with passengers to inform them of the spread, and isolating passengers until they are symptom-free. 

Port Cancelled for Upcoming MSC Seaside Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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Port Cancelled for Upcoming MSC Seaside Cruise

Experienced cruise travelers are well aware that itineraries can and do change at any time due to poor weather, mechanical problems, pier damage, and other factors.

Some changes, however, can be more frustrating to guests, especially when it seems the change could have been announced much sooner.

Guests setting sail on MSC Cruises’ MSC Seaside on Sunday, February 2, 2025 have just learned – three days before embarkation – that their planned visit to Roatan has been cancelled.

In addition, their call to Costa Maya has been delayed by two hours and a substitute visit to Nassau has been added to their itinerary.

“We are writing to inform you of a change to your upcoming cruise, departing from Miami on February 2nd,” the email said. “Due to operational reasons affecting the ship’s deployment, we have had to adjust our ports of call.”

The ship’s February 2 departure is a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing, and only two ports of call have been unaffected by the change.

While the ship will still leave PortMiami at approximately 5 p.m. as planned on Sunday and Monday will be a day at sea, MSC Seaside will now arrive to Costa Maya at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4 instead of 8 a.m. as originally scheduled.

The next day will be spent in Cozumel, Mexico from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. as planned.

Thursday, February 6 will now be a day at sea instead of the visit to Roatan, followed by a visit to Nassau from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, which was originally to have been the day at sea.

MSC Seaside will still visit MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas, on Saturday, February 8, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. – a lovely long day for guests to enjoy that award-winning destination.

Guests who had booked pre-paid shore tours through MSC Cruises for Roatan will have those tours automatically cancelled and refunded as a credit to their onboard accounts.

MSC Seaside can welcome 4,132 guests at double occupancy or up to 5,119 travelers when fully booked. Also onboard are approximately 1,400 international crew members who work very hard to ensure every guest has a wonderful cruise vacation.

Why the Last-Minute Change?

No details other than “operational reasons affecting the ship’s deployment” have been given for the port cancellation for the 153,516-gross-ton MSC Seaside.

It is possible, however, that port congestion might play a part in the decision. While only two other ships are scheduled for Roatan on February 6, those vessels happen to be among the largest in the world – Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, and Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess.

Both ships are the largest in their respective fleets. Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world at 248,663 gross tons and with a passenger capacity of 5,610 at double occupancy and 7,600 when all berths are filled.

MSC Seaside Cruise Ship
MSC Seaside Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: FabioMitidieri / Shutterstock)

The Sphere-class Sun Princess is 177,882 gross tons and can host 4,320 passengers at double occupancy and up to 5,189 when fully booked.

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

Cruise lines do consider port congestion as a factor when planning itineraries. It is possible that when this particular sailing was scheduled for MSC Seaside, no decision had yet been confirmed about other ships that would share the port of Roatan on that day.

When ports are overly crowded, local tour operators may be unable to offer sufficient excursions for all guests to have options. Similarly, crowded retail areas or beaches can be less enjoyable for all travelers.

If cruise lines change ports of call, they are able to provide a better experience for their guests, even if it might not be at the same destination as originally scheduled.

What Will Happen to Disney Cruise Line’s First Cruise Ship?

Catie Kovelman
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What Will Happen to Disney Cruise Line’s First Cruise Ship?

Recently, Disney Cruise Line has been experiencing a wave of growth and expansion – and the new ships, like the recently launched Disney Treasure and the upcoming Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure, owe Disney Magic a thank you for paving the way. 

Indeed, Disney Magic was the very first Disney cruise ship – kicking off nearly 27 years of making magic at sea when she embarked on her maiden voyage on July 30, 1998. 

Her sister ship, Disney Wonder, didn’t enter service until the following year – embarking on her own inaugural sailing on August 15, 1999. 

But as the 2,700-guest ship inches closer to her 30th birthday, some are wondering if that means she is also nearing retirement.

Although the 83,969-gross ton vessel has been well maintained, it’s true that cruise ships usually only remain in service for around 30 years – with actual time in operation usually ranging from 25 to 40 years.

“Will DCL scrap the Magic? The ship is getting very close to its deadline. It is like a new ship and I expect Disney Cruise Lines to keep it for another 10 years…but the ships are evolving and this can be a problem for the Magic Class itself,” one DCL fan noted on Reddit.

Assuming Disney does have plans to phase out its first vessel, this leads to questions of what will be done with her – with former cruise ships usually sold or scrapped for parts. 

“Even if Disney sells the Disney Magic/Wonder…DCL operates them a way no cruise has done, they operate them with care and are made with creativity, but if it were to be taken by Carnival or Norwegian, they’d obviously add promenades and make it look unrecognizable and different and the same as the other ships or it can be ruined by the company,” continued the cruiser. 

As the Disney brand has never retired one of its ships before, it’s not clear what the fate of Disney Magic might be one day. 

No Plans to Retire Disney Magic Yet

Thankfully, those who are concerned about the fate of the beloved cruise ship don’t need to worry just yet as no plans have been announced to retire the Magic-class flagship. 

Instead, DCL is expanding its fleet to include 13 ships by 2031 – with both the original Disney Magic and Disney Wonder included in that number. 

Between 2027 and 2031, a fourth Wish-class ship will join the fleet, as well as three smaller, unnamed ships. 

That said, it didn’t stop the Reddit community from feeling the doom and gloom with their theories that the forthcoming ships will still replace the originals. 

“Disney recently announced it has ordered new ships that are slightly larger than Magic/Wonder and smaller than Fantasy/Dream. It’s widely thought these will ultimately replace the Magic/Wonder in the early 2030’s,” one cruiser stated.

Disney Magic Ship
Disney Magic Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)

Read Also: Disney Cruise Ships – Newest to Oldest

As the newer vessels are of course equipped with the most modern and innovative technology, there was also some sentiment that Disney Magic was a tad underwhelming compared to what the newer ships can offer. 

For example, Disney Magic is equipped with a standard water slide while the Wish-class vessels – Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny – have water coasters (the AquaMouse) that are akin to theme park rides at sea. 

Among those that are convinced her fate is sealed, some assume that Disney Magic will have to eventually be scrapped due to the unique Disney branding and design used throughout her decor. 

“There is absolutely no doubt that when the Magic and Wonder are going to be retired that they will be scrapped. There are too many Disney elements woven into the ships for Disney to ever allow another cruise line to purchase the ships from them,” one person insisted, although Disney has not directly confirmed this.

Others, who were more optimistic, hoped that the ships could be repurposed as Disney museums or experiences that fans could come visit – sort of how the iconic Queen Mary remains permanently docked in Long Beach, California, as a historic hotel and event space. 

Ultimately, only time will reveal what will happen to Disney Magic – and while all good things must come to end, rest assured that she isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

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