When kids are little, spending time with their parents is always exciting. But once kids become teenagers, they inevitably enter that phase where they want to spread their wings and explore their own interests solo or with their friends – not their parents.
This is something that one Redditor has recently encountered – and took to the popular forum for guidance.
The original poster, who has been cruising for the past decade with their family, is the parent to a 15-year-old son. Their teen has officially reached the age where they want to bring a friend on their next voyage – and stay in a separate cabin from his family.
“My son (15) asked if he could bring a friend along with us on our next vacation. I’m completely fine with his friend coming along, I’ll even pay for the fare. The problem is that they want a separate room. I completely understand that,” the parent wrote on Reddit.
“What are the rules regarding this?,”continued the post. “Is it possible to have my son and his friend (both 15) in an inside cabin and me and my wife in another cabin (like a balcony or suite/haven). They are very responsible so I don’t care if they are across the ship from me.”
The majority of Redditors were supportive of the idea, suggesting the separation would even make the parents’ vacation more enjoyable.
“When we’ve cruised w/our boys, (who are actually men, btw) we got a balcony and booked the inside room right across the hall. That worked out great,” commented one Redditor.
“This is the way, no pesky kids interrupting romantic time,” said someone else.
Other commenters advised that the parents might want to think twice about their decision, or at least opt for cabins in close proximity to each other, to keep their children safe and on their best behavior.
“I wouldn’t want them across the ship but definitely adjoining, keeps them from making any impulsive decisions that can be regretted and keeps them safe. Cruises are a happy place but you don’t know who you are cruising with, including staff,”wrote another Redditor.
“I was always the cookie cutter responsible ‘good’ kid…but when I was 16 and had my own cabin on a cruise… I don’t know it just feels like there won’t be consequences bc your parents aren’t hovering and you’ll never see these people again…if you’re not worried that’s fine but just be aware that hormones are a-brewing at that age,”added another.
Giving responsible teens some extra freedom on cruises has clearly worked out for many Redditors. But of course, this also has to be allowed under the cruise line’s policies.
Photo Copyright: Emrys Thakkar
Traveling With Teens: The Cruise Line Perspective
This Redditor’s question was two-fold: Can their teen bring a friend and can they share a separate room? Let’s start with the more straightforward answer first.
The teen’s friend is allowed to travel with the family as long as they have proper, documented permission from their own parent or guardian.
Most cruise lines require a special consent form signed by the parents and the chaperones for the duration of the voyage that gives the minor permission to leave the country with a temporary guardian and participate in all activities onboard.
Many cruise lines, including popular brands like Royal Caribbean, require that this form be notarized.
“When a minor (age 17 and under) travels without their legal guardian, an accompanying adult must present a notarized form signed by the child’s guardian. This ensures the child has the guardian’s consent to leave the country and participate in release-form activities onboard,” reads the Royal Caribbean website.
The non-family member will also need to have their own form of identification,and/or a passport if the sailing will be leaving the country. The trickier question to answer is if the two teens are actually allowed to share a room – which can vary by cruise line.
While the general rule across the board is that all guests under 18 (or 21 depending on the cruise line and sailing) must have an adult in their room, there are some exceptions to this.
Some cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, will allow minors to stay in their own room if they are in close proximity to their parent or legal guardian.
“Under 21s – or under 18s if sailing outside North America – can only sail if they’re in a room with a guest who’s 21 – or 18 if sailing outside North America. The only exception is when they’re next door, or immediately opposite, their parent or legal guardian,”says the Royal Caribbean website.
Young Passengers Enjoying Cruise (Photo Credit: Sergey_Bogomyako)
According to Carnival’s website, Guests 12 and under may have their own room if they are next door to or across from an adult, while guests between the ages of 13 and 17 must be within three doors of a parent or a guardian who is at least 25.
The cruise line also poses a youth curfew, which mandates all guests under 17 to be in their cabins by 1:00 a.m. unless accompanied by someone over 21.
Naturally, some on Reddit found workarounds to allow their children to stay in their own cabins, even when it may not have been allowed.
Since their kids were likely well behaved and often out and about enjoying the ship’s amenities, it’s possible that crew members didn’t notice.
“We usually book two rooms, one for the kids (10 and 7) and one for us. We book adjoining or connecting rooms, one adult and one kid in each, then switch. Nobody cares who is in what room,”commented one Redditor.
“We just cruised RC and our kids (16 and 20yo) each brought a friend. We split the rooms up with my husband and I each in one. After we got checked in and settled into our room, I went to guest services and had a key card made for myself for my husband‘s room and for my son for the room with the other kids,” wrote another.
Of course, honesty is typically the best policy – and the best course of action would be to call the cruise line to ensure the room arrangements are properly planned for and permitted.
This allows the crew on board to create the best possible experience for their guests, and ensures that they know who is staying in each room in the unlikely event of an emergency where passengers need to be accounted for quickly.
Curacao is a popular cruise destination due to its stunning natural beauty, ideal location, and vibrant culture. With pristine beaches and a unique blend of European and Caribbean cultural influences, it is the perfect place for both relaxation and exploration.
We’ll detail the Curacao Cruise Port in Willemstad so you can discover why it is one of the main gateways to the island nation’s various attractions.
Not only will we provide an in-depth guide to navigating the port itself, but we will also highlight some important travel information and nearby amenities so you can enjoy a seamless and memorable visit to this beautiful island paradise.
Curacao is an island nation in the southern Caribbean Sea. This tiny island is considered one of the Dutch Caribbean territories, roughly 40 miles from the coast of Venezuela. The Curacao Cruise Port is located within Willemstad, the island’s capital city, on the southern coast of the island.
Willemstad is built around a harbor called St. Anna Bay, or Sint Annabaai in Dutch, which is where the cruise port is located. This natural harbor splits the city into two distinct areas: Punda and Otrobanda. Both areas are easily accessible from the cruise port’s two terminal locations.
The main cruise terminal for Curacao Cruise Port is the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal, or Mega Cruise Dock, which extends from the coast of Otrobanda into the Caribbean Sea. The second terminal, the Mathey Wharf Cruise Terminal, is located along the St. Anna Bay inlet on the western edge of Otrobanda near the Koningin Julianabrug Bridge, which connects the city’s two sides.
Addresses for the Two Cruise Terminals
Mega Pier Cruise Terminal: 4335 V82, A.H. Maduro Wharf, Otrobanda, West Willemstad, Curacao
Mathey Wharf Cruise Terminal: 4358 H4Q, Otrobanda, West Willemstad, Curacao
Terminal Layouts and Number of Piers
As mentioned, the two terminals that make up the Curacao Cruise Port. They are located in different parts of the city and differ in size. To make things simple, here’s a basic breakdown of the two:
Mega Pier Cruise Terminal
Number of Cruise Ship Berths: Two
As you may have guessed, the terminal takes its name from the enormous pier designed to accommodate larger cruise ships. The pier extends directly into the Caribbean Sea and has a T-shaped design that allows cruise ships to dock with ease. This design also makes it easier for passengers and crew to board and depart from the docked ship and helps with cargo operations.
Mega Pier Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Studio Barcelona)
While the pier is impressively large for a relatively small island nation, it only has a single berth for full-sized cruise ships. However, its location west of the St. Anna Bay entrance allows ships to come and go much faster.
A secondary C-shaped pier to the immediate west of the Mega Pier also leads to the same terminal facilities. This secondary pier features a passenger pontoon bridge that connects it to the terminal.
The location of the two piers allows ships to dock more easily and allows visiting passengers to access the city’s attractions quickly.
Mathey Wharf Cruise Port
Number of Cruise Ship Berths: Two
Unlike the Mega Pier, the Mathey Wharf does not extend into the sea. Instead, it is designed to allow cruise ships to dock directly along the channel of St. Anna Bay.
Mathey Wharf Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Ievgenii Bakhvalov)
While the terminal is technically smaller than the Mega Pier Terminal, it can still accommodate a full-sized cruise ship because cruise ships can continue north along the St. Anna Bay Channel, then turn around in Schottegat Bay before heading back out to open water.
Terminal Facilities and Services
The Mega Pier Terminal is the larger and more frequently used of the two terminals and is outfitted with better facilities. That said, both terminals offer everything required for a seamless visitor experience.
The Mega Pier’s facilities include a fast-track security and customs desk, several multi-language information booths where passengers can receive complimentary maps and general assistance, a tented area featuring various souvenir stands, and food and drink vendors.
Taxis are available on site from a sheltered taxi stand, and there is also a designated area for tour operator pickups and drop-offs.
Cruise Terminal in Curacao (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
The Mathey Wharf Terminal also has a streamlined security desk for visitors and a single tourist information booth. There is also a basic convenience store where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and a few basic souvenirs.
Both terminals allow visitors to connect for 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi, after which point credit card details are required for further access.
Once you venture beyond the cruise port, there are also some well-marked free public Wi-Fi spots throughout Willemstad. The two terminals also feature well-maintained and accessible washroom facilities.
Curacao Cruise Parking
Unfortunately, neither of the terminal facilities offers long-term parking. However, there are drop-off and pickup areas and designated taxi stands.
View of Willemstad, Curacao (Photo Credit: SJ Brown)
If you have decided to rent a vehicle and need somewhere to park while you explore the city, there is a large outdoor parking lot next to the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort and Mall. It is just a 0.2-mile walk from the Mega Pier and a 0.5-mile journey to Mathey Wharf.
Single-day parking is complimentary, but those not staying at the resort must pay overnight rates, which vary depending on demand. You can expect to pay between $10 and $30 per night.
Cruise Lines that Visit Curacao Cruise Port
Curacao is a busy cruise destination, and its port can handle some of the world’s biggest ships. For these reasons and more, it is visited by some of the most recognizable cruise lines in the world, including the following and more:
Curacao Cruise Port’s two terminals are roughly 7.5 miles away from Curacao’s Hato International Airport (CUR). Driving between the two usually takes about 20 minutes, but this is heavily dependent on traffic conditions when you arrive.
For those arriving in Curacao by air, there are plenty of options for traveling between the airport and the cruise port. Taxis charge approximately $25 to $35 for one-way travel, while complimentary shuttles are available through several cruise lines, hotels, and resorts.
Curacao International Airport (Photo Credit: Z. Jacobs)
If you have rented a vehicle at the airport and plan on driving to the cruise port yourself, directions are fairly simple:
Head east on Franklin D. Rooseveltweg for 7.1 miles
Merge onto Nijlweg and continue until you see the turn for Baden Powellweg
Watch for cruise terminal signs and arrive at your destination on Gouverneur van Slobbeweg
Transportation Available at the Terminals
Visiting cruise passengers have several options for transportation to and from the cruise port.
Shuttle Buses
Private shuttle buses are used as the primary method of transportation for shore excursions, but they can also be booked by groups for pre-arranged transit to various destinations.
Sightseeing tour bus in Willemstad (Photo Credit: Marcel Rommens)
While most excursions include transportation in their booking fee, private shuttle trips tend to run around $20 per person to most destinations in the Willemstad area. These shuttle buses will pick you up directly in front of the terminal where you arrived.
Taxis
A taxi is the most popular way to get around Willemstad and the island. Taxis are also available at both terminals. They operate on a first-come-first-serve basis, and they can be obtained simply by waiting in line at either terminal’s taxi stand.
Not only do taxis provide quick and direct travel, but the metered fares are fairly reasonable, with most trips costing between $10 and $35 to anywhere within the city or to any of the nearby beaches or attractions.
Taxi Sign Near Cruise Port in Curacao (Photo Credit: Jerry Sharp)
If you are hoping to book a taxi from outside the cruise port, the two primary providers on the island are Friendly Taxi Curacao and Dushi Taxi. Both offer flat rates for travel within the four main areas of Willemstad, and they charge fares per taxi rather than per person, which is the case in some of the other Caribbean islands.
None of the rideshare services are available in Curacao as of yet, so you cannot take an Uber or Lyft.
Public Buses
Public transit in Curacao is limited, but the options that exist are based around a system of minibuses called “konvoiis.” These have basic routes around the city and some lines that connect Willemstad to the smaller towns, like Sint Michiel and Tera Kora.
The rate for one-way travel is roughly $2, but you must pay in Curacao’s local currency, the Antillean Guilder (ANG). While there isn’t a bus stop directly outside either terminal, there are well-marked bus stops throughout the city.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Curacao?
Curacao’s tropical climate makes it a year-round travel destination; however, most visitors agree that the dry season is the best time to explore the island. In Curacao, the dry season runs from early January until early April, which is the busiest stretch for tourism.
Cruise Ships Docked in Curacao (Photo Credit: Gail Johnson)
If you want to travel outside of these months, here is a basic breakdown of seasonal weather conditions on the island:
Winter (December to February): Temperatures between 75° and 84°F with relatively dry conditions.
Spring (March to May): The temperatures rise to 80° to 86°F. Relatively low rainfall makes it a good time to enjoy the outdoors.
Summer (June to August): The temperature averages 83° to 86°F, and high humidity levels can make it uncomfortable to be outside. Increased rainfall and a higher risk of storms can also be an issue.
Fall (September to November): Temperature averages drop slightly to the 80° to 85°F range, while rain showers remain fairly common.
Curacao is famous for its pristine beaches. Luckily, you won’t have to travel far from the cruise port to enjoy some of the best the island has to offer:
Mambo Beach (3 miles from the port)
Also known as Aquarium Beach due to its proximity to the Curacao Sea Aquarium, Mambo Beach is the closest to the cruise port.
This man-made beach has an entry fee of $3.50 USD, but it is well worth the price of admission. It features public restrooms, volleyball courts, a playground, and other amenities. Covered beach loungers and huts are also available for rental at $4 per day.
Mambo Beach
The turquoise waters are protected by a man-made outcrop of boulders, making it a great family-friendly spot for water sports and swimming. Plus, the beach is lined by the Mambo Beach Boulevard Boardwalk, which features plenty of stores, bars, and restaurants.
Blue Bay Beach (10 miles from the port)
Blue Bay Beach, also known as Blauwbaii, is a popular destination for many shore excursions, as the crystal-clear waters are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. The white sand beach is also shaded by palm trees, and the loungers provide beachgoers with a great view of the Caribbean Sea.
Although the beach is quite far and charges fairly steep $12 entrance fees to those not staying in the nearby resorts, it remains a popular option.
Kokomo Beach (3.5 miles from the port)
Kokomo Beach is one of the most popular options near Willemstad. There is no entrance fee, and daybeds cost $3.50 to rent for the entire afternoon. The beach also features a restaurant, beachside showers, and a dive shop where visitors can rent snorkel equipment and more.
Kokomo Beach (Photo Credit: Norma Coelho)
It can get a little bit crowded because it is nearby and doesn’t charge an entrance fee, but it’s a great spot to spend a few hours. You can also grab a stunning picture on the submerged swing set with a sign that says Kokomo, Curacao above it.
For those in port for a brief port of call visit, there are plenty of attractions that don’t require booking an excursion or traveling far. Here are just a few of the many highlights:
Queen Emma Bridge
Only half a mile from the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal, this large pontoon bridge connects the Otrobanda and Punda sides of the city by stretching across St. Anna Bay.
Queen Emma Bridge (Photo Credit: JMT Photography and Media)
Only a 0.3-mile walk from the port, the historic Rif Fort was built in 1828 to protect the Dutch colony from pirates and rival settlers. Today, the fort functions as a museum, where visitors can learn about the various stages of the famous outpost’s past, including when it was used to protect the island during World War II.
Rif Fort (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
If you decide to visit, you can walk directly from the Mega Pier through part of the Renaissance Mall to get there, making it easy to shop before or after your visit to Rif Fort.
There are even several restaurants and food vendors just outside the fort, including the Royal Dutch Cheesery, where you can try various traditional Dutch dishes.
Kura Hulanda Museum
Another historical site less than a mile from the port is the Kura Hulanda Museum, which features interactive exhibits highlighting the island’s ties to Africa and the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Kura Hulanda Museum (Photo Credit: Serge Yatunin)
Learn about the history of Curacao and its people in one place. Guided tours are available in English, Dutch, French, and several other languages. The museum is located so close to Breedestraat, one of the city’s main dining roads, that you can combine a visit to the museum with a delicious meal.
What Else Can You Do in Curacao?
If you are willing to travel beyond the immediate area surrounding the port’s two cruise terminals, Curacao offers numerous exciting attractions, each providing visitors with an opportunity to see what makes the island’s culture and natural beauty unique. Here are just a few of our recommendations:
Curacao Sea Aquarium
This fun, educational, and interactive aquarium allows visitors to learn about local marine life, including sharks, seals, stingrays, and more. There is even an area where guests can feed flamingos or put on snorkels and pet stingrays.
Not only are there plenty of exhibits to explore, but it is one of the most unique aquariums in the world because it uses an open-water system, meaning that it is connected directly to the Caribbean Sea.
Since it’s only about 3 miles from the port, it’s easy to get there by taxi.
Hato Caves
Although these unique limestone caves are nearly 7 miles away on the airport side of the island, they are still well worth visiting. In fact, they are one of the most populartourist attractions on the entire island, which is due to their natural beauty and the fact that humans inhabited them as long as 1,500 years ago!
Hato Caves (Photo Credit: Gail Johnson)
Take a guided tour of the cave system and view preserved cave drawings, learn about how runaway slaves hid in them, and see stalactites and other natural features formed millions of years ago.
Christoffel National Park (Photo Credit: Gail Johnson)
You can fully explore Christoffel Park on foot by hiking the trails alone or taking a guided walking tour. You can also opt for a safari-style tour, where a local guide will take you around the park in an open-top Jeep!
Dining Near Curacao Cruise Port
Willemstad offers plenty of culinary delights. Like the island itself, the food scene blends several different cultures, allowing visitors to sample European, African, and Caribbean dishes all in one place.
For a unique fusion of Dutch and Caribbean cuisine, we recommend dinner at Gouverneur de Rouville. Located just half a mile from the port, this stunning restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike. It also offers an outdoor dining area with views of St. Anna Bay.
Dining in Willemstad Near the Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
If you want to try some of Curacao’s famed seafood, The Pen is another great option. The relaxed atmosphere and freshly caught seafood dishes are worth the 0.7-mile walk from the port. Open-air, beachside seating makes it an incredibly memorable place to enjoy a meal.
If you want something a little more casual and even closer to port, The Pancake Sensation offers traditional Dutch pannenkoeken, waffles, American-style pancakes, and much more. It’s a fun place for breakfast, but it also serves food throughout the day. Since it takes less than 10 minutes to walk from either terminal, it’s an easy spot to check off your list.
Shopping Near Curacao Cruise Port
While the terminals do not offer the same level of shopping opportunities at most Caribbean cruise ports, Willemstad offers plenty of options for shopping enthusiasts that don’t require you to travel far.
The Renaissance Mall near Rif Fort is less than half a mile away and offers a range of designer stores, souvenir shops, and dining options. Its uniquely historical setting also creates the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of shopping.
Shopping Near Curacao Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Crossing the Queen Emma Bridge will find various stores and duty-free shops on the Punda side of St. Anna Bay. The area is considered to be one of the island’s best areas for premium shopping, and it is only a 0.5-mile walk from either port terminal.
With everything from craft and souvenir vendors to international jewelry and designer goods retailers, this area has something for everyone. For duty-free shopping, visit Penha Duty-Free Curacao, which has existed since 1708!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Curaçao walkable from the cruise port?
Yes, both of the port’s cruise terminals are located on the perimeter of Curacao’s capital city, Willemstad, which is very walkable. There are also plenty of attractions that are easy to walk to from the terminals.
Where do cruise ships stop in Curaçao?
Cruise ships stop at Curacao Cruise Port in the capital city of Willemstad. Ships dock at one of two cruise terminals: Mega Pier Terminal or Mathey Wharf Terminal.
What is the closest beach to the cruise port in Curaçao?
Mambo Beach is the closest beach to the port, approximately 3 miles away.
Venice, Italy, officials have announced the possibility of doubling its daily tourist tax to €10 after a successful summer trial. The trial, which charged day-trippers €5 during peak periods, generated approximately €2.4 million ($2.61 million).
Launched April 25, 2024, the Venice Access Fee charged visitors for visits from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 29 specified days through mid-July, the peak of the city’s tourist season.
Venice has implemented an access fee for day visitors (Photo Credit: Oleg Senkov)
The dates included those between April 25 and May 5 and every weekend from May 11 through July 14, and they applied only to visitors arriving for just one day.
The tax did not apply to hotel guests, who already pay a lodging tax in their hotel prices, and also excluded children under 14, residents, and workers. It did, however, impact cruise passengers disembarking to enjoy excursions in Venice, requiring them to register online and obtain a QR code for payment.
During the trial, the city reported that the tax was paid 485,062 times over the 29 days, amounting to around €2.4 million. An average of 75,000 visitors per day were recorded, 10,000 more than the same period in 2023.
The introduction of the fee was met with mixed reactions as the city fights to control an influx of tourists and preserve Venice’s cultural heritage. Some argued the tax was not enough to deter visitors, as evidenced by the increase in peak tourism in 2024.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro told local news channels, “We listened to citizens, associations, and thousands of people, but in the end, there were no alternative solutions to ours.”
The city said the revenue is intended for essential services like rubbish removal and maintenance. After such success, it will consider increasing the tax after examining the data fully. A decision will be made by fall.
Venice Struggles with Over-tourism
Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, has been grappling with the challenges of over-tourism for years, with over 5.5 million visitors recorded before the pandemic in 2019. Of those visitors, 1.6 million were cruise passengers, and the city witnessed crowd surges surpassing 60,000 daily visitors during peak periods, more than doubling the population of the lagoon city.
The influx has led to significant environmental and infrastructural challenges. In August 2021, Venice implemented a ban on large cruise ships to address some of the issues. Ships exceeding 25,000 gross tons, 180 meters in length, and 35 meters in height were prohibited from docking in the historical city center.
Access fee and cruise regulations aim to control over-tourism in Venice (Photo Credit: Jaro68)
Instead, large ships have been redirected to the nearby port of Porto Marghera, five miles from Venice’s historical center.
The decision came years after pressure from environmentalists wanting to reduce the damage caused by the vessels to the city’s foundations and environment, as well as UNESCO, which had threatened to delist Venice from the World Heritage Sites if actions were not taken to mitigate the impact of over-tourism.
Despite the measures, the city’s struggle continues. Venice still experiences surges of 30,000 to 40,000 visitors daily during peak seasons. If Venice moves ahead with the tax, it could generate nearly $5 million for the city in less than three months in 2025.
Barcelona’s Mayor Jaume Collboni announced plans to increase the tourist tax for cruise passengers who spend less than 12 hours in the city. This decision comes as a response to the city’s growing concerns about tourism overcrowding.
In 2023, Barcelona welcomed 803 cruise ships, which brought nearly 3.5 million passengers to the city. This number set a new record, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 13.7 percent.
This year, Barcelona is poised to beat that number. In the first half of 2024, Barcelona received a record 530 ship calls, marking a 15 percent increase compared to last year.
Cruise Ships at Barcelona North Pier (Photo Credit: terekhov igor / Shutterstock)
As a result of increased tourism, the city’s streets have recently been the scene of anti-tourism protests, with locals spraying visitors with water and throwing debris and trash at them.
In response, Collboni told Spanish news outlet El País in an interview about combatting tourism, “We want to increase the tourist tax for cruise passengers who spend less than 12 hours in Barcelona. This is about protecting the quality of life for our residents and ensuring that visitors contribute fairly to the city’s economy.”
Currently, cruise passengers pay €7 per day. While the exact amount of the increase has not been disclosed, Collboni’s increase would be significantly higher in an attempt to discourage short-term visits.
In addition, Collboni’s administration is proposing several other measures to manage tourism effectively, including reducing the number of tourist apartments. The goal is to eliminate 10,000 apartments by 2028, freeing up housing for residents and addressing the city’s housing crisis, exacerbated by the proliferation of short-term rentals catering to tourists.
The city’s approach also includes limiting the number of cruise ships and passengers to control the influx of tourists. The proposal includes partial bans on certain days and at specific times to distribute the tourism load more evenly and prevent overcrowding in popular areas.
“I would like Barcelona to be an example of a city that has managed to have tourism and that this tourism does not go to the detriment of the right of the city,” said Collbini. “We have scheduled visits from cities throughout Europe and the rest of Spain who come to see that it is possible to do so.”
Barcelona Plans to Tighten Restrictions as Cruise Industry Flourishes
While Spain’s national authorities have been hesitant to implement outright bans on cruise ships, citing the cruise industry’s significant contribution to the national economy, Barcelona is pushing more and more against cruise lines.
In October 2023, it implemented a partial ban on cruise ships docking at its northern docks, specifically the World Trade Center area and the Muelle Barcelona Norte. Instead, cruise ships must dock at the Moll d’Adossat pier, which is farther from central tourist areas.
The ban was designed to shift cruise ship traffic to more suitable areas and alleviate the pressure on popular tourist spots.
Cruise Ships Docked in Barcelona, Spain (Photo Credit: Fernando M. Elkspera)
Collboni and his administration expressed support for further limitations on the number of cruise ships and passengers. The team has proposed reducing the number of cruise ships allowed to dock daily from 10 to 7 ships.
The city is also exploring removing a terminal to further control the number of cruise passengers, although it also recently opened a new terminal capable of hosting 10 ships at once earlier in 2024.
As tensions continue to rise, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has threatened cruise lines may boycott Barcelona and other Spanish cities for the safety of passengers.
Warning cities like Barcelona that they are ruining their reputation and putting off travelers, CLIA suggests cruise lines will increase visits to more tourism-friendly destinations. As it anticipates cruise capacity will increase 10 percent in the next five years, this could significantly boost economies eager to welcome cruise guests without limitations and taxes.
Norwegian Jade has finally departed on her next cruise, which is now dramatically altered following a full day’s delay as the ship developed propulsion difficulties at the end of her last sailing.
The ship was originally scheduled to return to Port Canaveral on Saturday, July 20, but her reduced speed meant she did not arrive until Sunday, July 21.
This has subsequently had a knock-on effect on the next sailing, which has been significantly revised with cancelled ports but is now underway. The ship did remain in port until after 10 p.m. on Sunday as repairs were made, though she had originally been scheduled to leave at 5 p.m.
Furthermore, the next itinerary – now a 6-night cruise rather than the originally planned 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing – has now been adjusted with only one port of all remaining the same.
Norwegian Jade was scheduled for visits the Puerto Plata, Tortola, and San Juan, as well as Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. Because of the delayed departure and shortened sailing overall, the ship is unable to keep that schedule.
Instead, Norwegian Jade will visit Puerto Plata on Tuesday, July 23, instead of Monday, July 22. Fortunately, the time in port is being extended and the ship will be docked from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. instead of 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., giving guests more time to enjoy the vibrant destination.
The ship will then visit Nassau from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jul 25, followed by Great Stirrup Cay on Friday, July 26 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
While Nassau was not part of the original cruise schedule, Great Stirrup Cay was always planned for Friday. The ship will be arriving three hours earlier, however, for a longer day in port for guests to enjoy.
Guests onboard have been offered compensation for the shortened cruise and dramatic itinerary change.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout the course of these updates as we know how disappointing itinerary changes can be,”the notification email acknowledged.
A $100 non-refundable credit is being given to every stateroom, and all guests are receiving a prorated refund for the shortened cruise.
The amount of the refund is based on the original fare paid, and will include any prepaid gratuities, beverage packages, and port taxes for the now-cancelled calls to Tortola and San Juan.
All guests are also receiving a 20% discount as a future cruise credit for another NCL sailing, for any published cruises through December 31, 2025.
Will the Next Cruise Be Impacted?
Norwegian Jade‘s return to Port Canaveral at the end of the cruise is still on schedule for early Saturday morning, July 27.
At this time, there is no indication that any additional itineraries may be impacted, but guests booked on upcoming sailings should stay in close contact with Norwegian Cruise Line in case of further updates or adjustments.
Photo Credit: David Fowler / Shutterstock
The exact technical nature of the problem has not been disclosed, but Norwegian Jade was traveling very slowly on her return to Port Canaveral at the end of her last sailing. Engineers worked on the ship while docked at her homeport, and now she is sailing at full speed en route to Puerto Plata.
At no time have any safety or navigation systems been impacted on the vessel, and likewise, the ship’s hotel and entertainment activities are fully operational.
The 93,558-gross-ton, Jewel-class Norwegian Jade can welcome 2,402 guests aboard at double occupancy, or up to 3,590 travelers when fully booked. Also onboard are approximately 1,000 international crew members.
As a matter of interest, the ship was originally Pride of Hawaii, but was renamed in 2008 when her service area was changed.
A proposed 88% increase in border processing fees targeted at cruise passengers may make cruising to New Zealand more expensive and more difficult for travelers later this year.
The new fee would take effect from December 1, 2024, and is drawing heavy criticism from tourism groups as well as Cruise Lines International Association Australasia and the New Zealand Cruise Association.
With the proposed fee increase set to be implemented in less than five months, cruise lines would be hard-pressed to sail profitably in the region. Because of environmental regulations, fees, and other factors, New Zealand is already one of the most expensive markets for cruise lines to operate in, with very thin profitability margins.
Cruise and Ferry in Auckland, New Zealand (Photo Credit: trabantos)
“Cruise lines meticulously plan and budget their operations two to three seasons ahead, leaving no room to pass unexpected cost increases to passengers who have already booked and paid for their trips,”explained Jacqui Lloyd, New Zealand Cruise Association CEO.
Lloyd estimates the increase in fees would amount to an additional $2 million (NZ – approximately $1.2 million USD) for the 2024-2025 cruise season.
“These financial burdens will fall squarely on the cruise lines, threatening to devastate an industry already operating on razor-thin margins,”she said.
Cruise lines typically estimate port fees and taxes which are added to passengers’ fares at the time of booking. When the cruise sets sail and those final fees are calculated at the time the ship actually visits a port of call, guests may receive a small refund to their onboard accounts for any overestimation of those fees.
If the fees have been underestimated, however, cruise lines cannot then add to guests’ charges after the cruise is fully paid and instead would simply cover the excess fees from their profits. Cruise lines have become very adept at estimating fees, but the significant increase New Zealand is seeking is far beyond the scope of any estimation error.
This can add up to $20,000 or more in extra fees for each cruise ship visit, depending on the number of passengers and crew members aboard.
The cruise industry is attempting to work with the New Zealand government to come to an agreement on fees, regulation, and restrictions as part of regular consultations, but it is unclear whether any changes may be possible before the new fees could be implemented.
Cruising Down in New Zealand
It should be noted that New Zealand cruise tourism has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, unlike many areas that have already surpassed those numbers.
While the nation is on track for continued recovery, the proposed fee increase could suppress cruise tourism in the region due to unsustainable costs. Some projections indicate up to a 22% decline in cruise ship visitors for the 2024-2025 season.
Many cruise travelers are nervous about visiting New Zealand, for while the area is gorgeous and has many fantastic features to attract tourists, the strict regulations make it difficult to ensure port visits.
Biosecurity measures for the country occasionally force ships to skip port visits or change itineraries in order to clean the hull or otherwise decontaminate a vessel before visiting. This could mean a dream cruise itinerary ends up not visiting the ports a traveler had hoped for, making the vacation less ideal.
New Zealand cruise itineraries may depart from homeports in New Zealand or Australia, and often include ports in both countries as well as other South Pacific destinations, depending on the cruise length. The typical cruise season stretches from October through April, the summer season in the region.
Top New Zealand ports include Wellington, Lyttleton (Christchurch), Napier Port, and Auckland. A variety of cruises lines offer itineraries to these destinations, including Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, and more.
In 2024, Royal Caribbean introduced two big ships that have garnered a lot of media buzz — and as they should. Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas are some of the largest ships in the world, with some of the most impressive and ground-breaking features in the cruise industry.
So, how do you pick which one to sail on for your upcoming cruise? Here’s everything you need to know when deciding between Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas.
Icon of the Seas was originally ordered in 2016, as the first ship of the Icon class, and construction began in 2021. Built at Meyer Turku in Turku, Finland, Icon of the Seas gained status as one of the most expensive ships to be built, ever. Just how expensive was it? Royal Caribbean paid about $2 billion!
Utopia of the Seas, meanwhile, was announced in 2019, and construction began at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, in 2022.
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas Under Construction
Originally, Royal Caribbean intended to debut the ship in late 2023. However, the ship was not delivered until 2024, resulting in its maiden voyage taking place on July 19, 2024. This ship cost quite a bit less to build, at around $1.35 billion.
Both ships can be powered via LNG (liquified natural gas), and Icon of the Seas was the first Royal Caribbean ship to feature this capability. Utopia of the Seas is currently the only Oasis-class ship to feature this capability.
Ship Sizes and Capacity
So how do Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas measure up, in terms of size? Here’s how the two compare.
However, if you’re looking at passenger capacity at double occupancy, you’ll notice that, despite its smaller size, Utopia of the Seas can actually hold more cruisers. This is because the vessel has more overall staterooms and suites than Icon of the Seas.
Ship Classes
Icon of the Seas kicked off Royal Caribbean’s new Icon class. The class includes the largest cruise ships ever constructed, and Icon of the Seas has not disappointed as far as size is concerned.
Three total Icon-class ships are planned, with Star of the Seas scheduled to launch in 2025 and an unnamed ship scheduled to launch in 2026. Steel cutting began for Star of the Seas in February 2023, while steel cutting began for the unnamed ship in January 2024.
Oasis-Class Cruise Ships
In contrast, Utopia of the Seas is part of a long-standing class in the Royal Caribbean family: the Oasis class. Utopia of the Seas is the sixth Oasis-class vessel, and a final, seventh Oasis-class vessel is expected to debut in 2028.
The Oasis class originally launched in 2009, with the namesake Oasis of the Seas. Other ships in the class include Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas. Utopia of the Seas stands out from the pack as the largest Oasis-class ship to date.
Up until Icon of the Seas debuted, the Oasis class featured the largest cruise ships in the industry and brought numerous changes to the industry, including the neighborhood concept that’s become expected on Royal Caribbean ships overall.
Neighborhoods
Speaking of neighborhoods, which of these themed areas of the ship can you expect aboard Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas?
Icon of the Seas features eight neighborhoods, including:
AquaDome
Central Park
Chill Island
Royal Promenade
Surfside
Suite Neighborhood
Thrill Island
The Hideaway
Utopia of the Seas also features eight neighborhoods, but they differ slightly. They include:
Royal Promenade
Central Park
Boardwalk
Entertainment Zone
Pool & Sports Zone
Youth Zone
Vitality Spa & Fitness
Suite Neighborhood
The two share Royal Caribbean’s classic Central Park and Royal Promenade neighborhoods. If you’ve never sailed with Royal Caribbean before, the former is truly a park-like atmosphere, with plant walls and access to lots of entertainment and dining venues.
The Royal Promenade is also a center spot for lots of action, with venues, restaurants, and retail areas along a central walkway. Likewise, both ships have a Suite Neighborhood. However, things differ from here.
Aerial View of Utopia of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas’ other neighborhoods are pretty in line with what you can expect to see on other Oasis-class ships and all neighborhoods are named in such a way that they’re pretty self-explanatory.
For example, the boardwalk offers a family-friendly boardwalk-like atmosphere. The pool and sports zone houses the pool and sports zones. The youth zone is where you’ll find kids clubs. The entertainment zone is home to theaters, and the Vitality Spa area is where you’ll find wellness amenities, including the spa.
Aerial View of Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas’ five distinct neighborhoods, in contrast, are a little more uniquely named and a little more interesting. AquaDome is home to the AquaTheater and nightlife.
Chill Island offers four pools and a handful of bars. Thrill Island offers waterslides and Surfside likewise has a kiddy pool, as well as other kid-focused amenities, like the kids’ clubs. The Hideaway is a quiet spot with its own pool and a bar.
Central Park on Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas
While both ships are home to Central Park neighborhoods, there are slight differences when you look at these spaces on Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas — and the Central Park neighborhood on Icon of the Seas has been hailed as overall better in comparison.
Central Park Neighborhood on Icon of the Seas
On Utopia of the Seas, the Central Park neighborhood on Deck 8 is also home to retail shops, Izumi, Izumi in the Park, Park Café, the Trellis Bar, Rising Tide Bar, 150 Central Park and Chops Grille.
At each end of the neighborhood, there are elevator banks, and suites and staterooms along the perimeter of the ship, surrounding the neighborhood.
On Icon of the Seas, the Central Park neighborhood on Deck 8 likewise features Chops Grille, Izumi, Izumi in the Par, the Trellis Bar, Park Café and retail space, but it also includes Lou’s Jazz ‘N Blues and The Pearl, a unique art feature. One end of this deck, beyond Central Park, also houses the Empire Supper Club.
The Royal Promenade
Similarly, there are slight differences between the Royal Promenade on Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas.
On the former, the Royal Promenade is on Deck 5, and you’ll find lots of retail here, as well as Boleros, Sorrentos, Café Promenade, Starbucks, a few bars, and guest services.
Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas
On the latter, the Royal Promenade stretches across Deck 5 and 6 and includes all of the above, plus Point & Feather, the Crown & Anchor Society, 1400 Lobby Bar, Pearl Café and Schooner Bar. You can also see The Pearl art installation throughout the Promenade (yes, it’s really that big!).
Do note that, on both of these ships, at the ends of the Royal Promenade, you’ll find further venues, such as the ships’ theaters and main dining rooms (even though these aren’t technically directly on the promenade itself.
Staterooms and Suites
You’ll have no shortage of stateroom and suite options while you’re aboard either of these ships. However, there are a few differences in what they offer. As the lead ship in a new class,Icon of the Seas introduced a few new stateroom options.
Icon of the Seas
Inside Plus staterooms
Panoramic Ocean View staterooms
Family Infinity Balcony staterooms
Surfside Family View interior cabins
Infinite Ocean View balcony cabins
Infinite Central Park View balcony cabins
An Inside Plus stateroom is basically a better, more luxurious interior stateroom. Panoramic Ocean View staterooms offer panoramic ocean views, of course, but only within the AquaDome neighborhood.
Standard Ocean View Cabin
Infinite Ocean View balcony cabins are the first of their kind for the cruise line. A glass wall separates the cabin’s balcony from the rest of the cabin, but then that glass wall can be moved out of the way entirely.
Family Infinity balcony rooms are the family version of this, but you get more space and, if you’re in the Surfside neighborhood, you’ll be right in all of the family-friendly action, close to kid-favorite amenities.
Panoramic Ocean View Cabin
Beyond the new options aboard Icon of the Seas, other staterooms on this ship include:
Standard interior cabins
Spacious interior cabins
Central Park View interior cabins
Ocean view cabins
Ocean view balcony cabins
Ocean view large balcony cabins
Central Park balcony cabins
Then, though, there are also the suites. Suite options aboard Icon of the Seas include:
The Ultimate Family Townhouse
Surfside Family suites
Junior suites
Sunset Junior suites
Sky Junior suites
Sunset suites
Panoramic suites
Infinite Grand suites
Owner’s suites
Grand suites
The Royal Loft
Icon Loft Suites
Some of these are brand-new additions to the Royal Caribbean lineup.
For example, the Surfside Family suites are located in the Surfside neighborhood and are outfitted with everything a traveling family could need. The Ultimate Family Townhouse is also new, and a new take on Royal Caribbean’s current Ultimate Family suite.
The Ultimate Family Townhouse
Icon Loft suites are two-floor suites with lots of luxury, and Infinite Grand suites feature the aforementioned infinite balcony. Panoramic suites are likewise new, and only available in the AquaDome.
Utopia of the Seas
When comparing staterooms and suites on Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas, you’ll find there’s quite a lot of overlap. However, do remember that, even though Utopia of the Seas is smaller than Icon of the Seas, it does have more staterooms.
Here are the options for staterooms on Utopia of the Seas:
Studio single cabins
Virtual balcony interior cabins
Spacious interior family cabins
Promenade view interior cabins
Boardwalk and Central Park-view interior cabins
Boardwalk and Central Park balcony cabins
Oceanview cabins
Family oceanview cabins
Spacious balcony cabins
Ultra-spacious family balcony cabins
luxe Royal Loft
And here are the options for suites on Utopia of the Seas:
Junior suites
Grand suites
AquaTheater suites
Owners suites
Crown loft suites
Royal loft suites
Solarium suites
The Ultimate Family suite
As you can see, Utopia of the Seas really offers a lot of those same Oasis-class stateroom and suite options you can find on all of its sister ships.
So, if you really want a stateroom or suite that offers something fresh, new and exciting, consider booking Icon of the Seas for your cruise, and book one of its brand-new options, like the Inside Plus staterooms or one of the several new family-focused staterooms or suites.
Dining Venues
There are some cruise ship dining venues that are just classics, and that you’ll find on every single Royal Caribbean ship. However, many have unique-to-them restaurants, especially if you’re comparing two ships from different classes, as is the case when looking at Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas.
Here are the restaurants you can expect to find on each ship.
Restaurant/Dining Option
Icon of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas
150 Central Park
No
Yes
AquaDome Market
Yes
No
Basecamp
Yes
No
Café Promenade
No
Yes
Celebration Table
Yes
No
Chef’s Table
No
Yes
Chops Grille
Yes
Yes
Coastal Kitchen
Yes
Yes
Dog House
No
Yes
El Loco Fresh
Yes
Yes
Empire Supper Club
Yes
No
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
Yes
Yes
Hooked Seafood
Yes
Yes
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
Yes
Yes
Izumi in the Park
Yes
Yes
Johnny Rockets
No
Yes
Main Dining Rooms
Yes
Yes
Park Café
Yes
Yes
Pearl Café
Yes
No
Pier 7
Yes
No
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
Yes
Yes
Solarium Bistro
No
Yes
Sorrento’s Pizza
Yes
Yes
The Spare Tire
No
Yes
Starbucks
Yes
Yes
Sugar Beach
Yes
Yes
Surfside Bites
Yes
No
Surfside Eatery
Yes
No
The Grove
Yes
No
The Mason Jar
No
Yes
Windjammer Café
Yes
Yes
As you can see, you definitely won’t be left wanting for options on either ship. However, as you check out those Royal Caribbean classics like Windjammer Café and Sorrento’s, don’t forget to also be sure to try the newest offerings on either ship.
Utopia of the Seas Royal Railway
The Spare Tire is a brand-new option on Utopia of the Seas, offering quick bites via a food truck by the pool. Another newcomer just on this ship is Royal Railway: Utopia Station. This specialty dining option brings luxury rail travel to the cruise industry, as diners take their seats in a train dining car and watch a digital landscape roll past the windows.
One of Icon of the Seas’ standout new restaurants is the Empire Supper Club, for a high-end dining experience in an Art Deco-style setting. Icon of the Seas also boasts a secondary buffet, Surfside Eatery.
Bars and Lounges
You’ll likewise have no shortage of places to grab a drink on either of these ships. Here’s how the options break down.
Bar/Lounge Option
Icon of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas
Bell & Barley
No
Yes
Boleros
Yes
Yes
Cantina Fresca
Yes
Yes
Diamond Club
Yes
No
English Pub
Yes
No
Playmakers Bar & Arcade
Yes
Yes
Pool Bar
Yes
No
Rising Tide Bar
No
Yes
Schooner Bar
Yes
Yes
Solarium Bar
No
Yes
Swim & Tonic Pool Bar
Yes
No
The Attic
Yes
Yes
The Hideaway Bar
Yes
No
The Lime & Coconut
Yes
Yes
Trellis Bar
Yes
Yes
Wipeout Bar
No
Yes
Vue Bar
No
Yes
1400 Lobby Bar
Yes
No
Basecamp Bar
Yes
No
Bubbles
Yes
No
Casino Bar
Yes
Yes
Dueling Pianos
Yes
No
Giovanni’s Wine Bar
Yes
Yes
Lou’s Jazz n’ Blues
Yes
No
Rye & Bean
Yes
No
The Grove Bar
Yes
No
The Lemon Post
Yes
No
The Overlook
Yes
No
Music Hall
Yes
No
The Pesky Parrot
No
Yes
Icon of the Seas’ standout new bar is Lou’s Jazz n’ Blues, a lounge where you can enjoy live jazz along with your libations. The Pesky Parrot, meanwhile, is the standout new watering hole on Utopia of the Seas, and is a tiki bar with modern flair.
Pools and WaterSlides
If you’re all about the water fun during a cruise, you may want to set your sights on Icon of the Seas. Icon of the Seas has six waterslides, while Utopia of the Seas only has three (plus five pools).
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Docked in Miami (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
In fact, Icon of the Seas can claim the largest waterpark at sea, with not just those six waterslides, but also seven pools and nine hot tubs. Plus, for the adults, there’s the world’s longest swim-up bar at sea, in the adults-only area.
The waterslides are record-breakers, too, and include Pressure Drop, the first open free-fall slide at sea; Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop waterslide at sea; Storm Chasers, the first mat-racing slide at sea; and Storm Surge & Hurricane Hunter, the first family-friendly raft ride at sea. However, despite having all these unique waterslides, there is something missing on Icon of the Seas.
Entertainment and Activities
Beyond pools and waterslides, both Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas offer amazing entertainment and activity options for every kind of cruiser. On both ships, you’ll find:
Casinos
Carousels
Miniature golf courses
Sports courts
Rock-climbing walls
Comedy clubs
Escape rooms
Laser tag
Ice skating
Utopia of the Seas Music Hall
Icon of the Seas also has a ropes course. Meanwhile, Utopia of the Seas offers a zip line. Also found on Utopia of the Seas is the popular Ultimate Abyss dry slide feature, located on the ship aft and 10 stories high. This feature is well known across the Oasis-class, but it is not featured on Icon of the Seas.
Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas: Which is Best?
When comparing two huge, stellar ships like this, you have a lot to consider. As you compare and contrast staterooms and suites, restaurants and waterslides, though, don’t forget to also consider these ships’ itineraries.
While both ships sail from Florida, Icon of the Seas is sailing its inaugural season out of Miami, while Utopia of the Seas’ inaugural season sails from Orlando. Royal Caribbean has branded Utopia of the Seas as a weekend getaway ship, with shorter sailings, while Icon of the Seas is offering longer sailings all across the Caribbean, from the Eastern Caribbean and on over to Mexico.
Icon of the Seas in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
Icon of the Seas has also definitely been designed as a family-friendly ship, and it shows. Families will love the family-centric Surfside neighborhood, as well as the wealth of family-friendly fun, plus so many family-friendly stateroom and suite options. In contrast, Utopia of the Seas puts less of a focus on families and gives you more of a classic, Oasis-class experience.
All of the above considered, which ship is best for you will depend on what kind of traveler you are, who you’re traveling with and how long you want to travel.
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas
If you only have a few days to get away, Utopia of the Seas is a no-brainer. If you’re traveling with kiddos and want them to have a stellar time, Icon of the Seas is an easy choice. If you’re traveling as a couple and want fewer family crowds and a classic Royal Caribbean experience, Utopia of the Seas delivers.
At the end of the day, though, neither ship is a poor choice. Both are big, outfitted with all the latest and greatest amenities and ready to offer you a memorable vacation.
The SS United States Conservancy is in a frantic race to protect and preserve the historic ocean liner following months of legal battles and ultimately, an eviction from Pier 82 in Philadelphia.
While the organization is committed to obeying the ruling, they have now filed a motion with the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania asking for their eviction deadline to be extended.
The original deadline requires that the 53,329-gross-ton SS United States be moved by September 12, 2024.
SS United States Docked in Philadelphia (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
While the Conservancy is aggressively seeking a new potential berth for the vessel, they have asked for that deadline to be extended to December 5, 2024 to permit more time to ensure the ship’s safety and integrity for the move, as well as to find the right pier for the relocation of “America’s Flagship.”
“While we are doing everything possible to meet the court’s deadline, some factors are beyond the Conservancy’s control. We respect the court’s attempt to come to an equitable decision, and we appreciate how challenging it is to determine the fate of one of the nation’s most historic and iconic symbols,”said Conservancy President Susan Gibbs.
“However, factors including this year’s intense Atlantic hurricane season forecast and the extensive technical preparations associated with the ship’s tow require some additional time to safely implement.”
The Conservancy is not challenging the ruling or arguing against moving the 990-foot-long vessel, only noting that there are unique considerations for the relocation.
“There are numerous regulatory, environmental, logistical, and engineering challenges that must be overcome to safely (and legally) move a vessel as large as the SS United States that has not operated under her own power in decades,”the Conservancy said.
“We are simply asking for a reasonable extension to ensure the Conservancy can investigate all suitable and available locations and prepare the ship for a move, before being compelled to reef or scrap the historic vessel,”clarified Warren Jones, one of the Conservancy’s board members who was also once a passenger aboard the ship.
The request for an extension follows the Conservancy’s urgent campaign to raise $500,000 to cover not only current expenses, but the costs of the relocation as well. That campaign began just last month but has already raised more than $100,000.
The organization is also appealing to state and federal officials, as well as maritime authorities and the US Navy for assistance in finding a suitable berth for the ship.
Ultimately, the hope is that the ship may be properly preserved to share her history with new generations, including not only the vessel itself, but also an extensive collection of artifacts the Conservancy owns.
“The SS United States is a unique historic achievement, and she continues to serve as a unifying and inspiring force at a time of political division and uncertainty. We remain deeply grateful for our global community of supporters who are helping us meet this monumental challenge of securing a safe harbor for America’s Flagship,”said Gibbs.
Cruising in Philadelphia
While Philadelphia has been the nominal homeport for the SS United States since 1996, the vessel has not been open to the public due to her condition and the need for renovations. A limited number of privately-arranged tours have been available, and are still available with sufficient fundraising contributions.
Ironically, the eviction of the ship from Pier 82 is scheduled even as the City of Brotherly Love has announced a new partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line to return cruising to Philadelphia in April 2026.
A new cruise terminal is being developed just down the Delaware River from where the SS United States remains docked until her new home can be found or other arrangements must be made.
Previously, the free beverage was simply called an “appreciation drink” for Gold cruisers and a “complimentary beverage” for Platinum and Diamond cruisers.
Now, to better describe the benefit and remove confusion, the drink is called the “Welcome Aboard – Welcome Home” beverage. This reflects the end of restrictions that specified exactly where and when the drink could be redeemed, and instead makes it the very first drink loyal guests will enjoy onboard their Carnival cruise.
Carnival Sensation Atrium Bar (Photo Credit: Rob Bixby)
This free drink will be processed automatically for the first drink a guest orders onboard, and will not be charged to their Sail and Sign accounts.
“If you are Gold, Platinum, or Diamond the bartenders and bar waiters will see from your Sail and Sign card (or boarding pass if you haven’t collected [your card] yet from outside your cabin) that you are entitled to your complimentary beverage and so will not charge you anything at all,”confirmed John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador.
Heald also noted that the Welcome Aboard – Welcome Home drink can be redeemed on the first day of the cruise when sailing from both Galveston and New York.
From those homeports, local restrictions are placed on beverage packages and the cruise line’s Cheer’s packages do not start until the second day of the sailing. This does not, however, affect the Welcome Aboard – Welcome Home drink.
Furthermore, the drink does not have to be alcoholic in nature and guests can also choose from other onboard beverages to toast their next sail away.
“The complimentary drink can be used at the Java Blue so if your first drink is a specialty coffee or milk shake then that’s all covered for you,”Heald said.“So please, make that first drink something special and raise a glass to the start of the Fun you deserve so much.”
The revamped benefit begins on all sailings departing from July 20, 2024 and beyond, on all ships in the Carnival fleet. For Gold level VIFP members, the benefit only applies to cruises that are at least 5 nights long. For Platinum and Diamond level members, the drink is available on every cruise.
It should be noted that this change in the drink benefit is only for the complimentary beverage. At this time, there are no changes to the complimentary 1.5-liter bottles of water available for all Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond cruisers. Those bottles of water can be redeemed at any bar, restaurant, or from one’s stateroom.
More Changes Sure to Come
Heald has been hinting for many months that changes are coming to Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP loyalty program. The current program was put in place in late 2012 and fully implemented in 2013, and has not substantially changed since that time.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
In recent weeks, however, small changes have been noticed. The $25 of free play in the casino was quietly removed in early June. That benefit had been in place since the industry restart following the pandemic, and was always intended as just a temporary measure because casino tournaments were not able to be held. No casino benefit has yet replaced the free play, however.
Carnival Cruise Line has also discontinued the one-time donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for VIFP members when they reach the Diamond tier of the program.
No further details have yet been confirmed about changes to the VIFP program, or indeed if the entire program will be retired in favor of a completely new loyalty arrangement. Further announcements about the new program are expected later this year.
